When Hazing Turns Deadly: A Definitive Guide for City of Richardson Families

The phone rings late, a call from the Dean of Students. Your child, a bright student from City of Richardson, is in the emergency room after an “initiation event” with their fraternity at a Texas university. The details are fuzzy, but words like “excessive drinking,” “physical exhaustion,” and “unresponsive” pierce the night. As you process the immediate fear, a chilling question forms: Was this hazing? What happens next?

This scenario, tragically, is playing out with increasing frequency on university campuses across Texas and nationwide. Many families in City of Richardson, and the wider Dallas County area, send their children to prominent Texas universities like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University in Dallas, or Baylor University in Waco. These institutions promise academic excellence and a vibrant student life, but beneath the surface, a dangerous culture of hazing can sometimes fester, turning dreams into nightmares.

This comprehensive guide is designed for City of Richardson families who need to understand the realities of hazing in 2025. We will explore what modern hazing truly looks like, how Texas and federal law address it, and what we can learn from major national and Texas-specific cases. We will also delve into the specific hazing incidents and policies at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, as these are the institutions where many students from our community may encounter such challenges. Finally, we will provide practical guidance on what legal options victims and families in City of Richardson and throughout Texas may have.

This article offers general information, not specific legal advice. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, can evaluate individual cases based on their unique facts. We serve families throughout Texas, including City of Richardson, Garland, Plano, Frisco, and the broader DFW Metroplex, bringing our expertise to those facing the profound challenges presented by hazing incidents.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

• Call 911 for medical emergencies
• Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• We provide immediate help – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

In the first 48 hours:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine.” Prioritize their health and safety above all else.
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, and direct messages immediately.
  • Photograph injuries from multiple angles and over multiple days.
  • Save physical items like clothing worn during the incident, receipts for forced purchases, or potentially even objects used in hazing (if safely obtainable).
• Write down everything while memory is fresh: who was involved, what happened, when it occurred, and where.
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity/sorority or other individuals involved directly.
  • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without legal counsel.
  • Post details on public social media.
  • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” any evidence.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

• Evidence can disappear swiftly as organizations try to control the narrative (deleted group chats, destroyed assets, coached witnesses).
• Universities often move quickly to address incidents internally.
• We can help preserve critical evidence and protect your child’s rights.
• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For City of Richardson families, the image of hazing might be outdated – a scene from a 1980s movie or a mischievous prank. In reality, hazing in 2025 is far more insidious, sophisticated, and dangerous. It’s often disguised as “tradition,” “team building,” or “bonding,” but at its core, it remains an abusive practice designed to create power imbalances through coercion, humiliation, and even physical or psychological harm. It’s crucial to understand that simply saying “I agreed to it” does not make the behavior safe or legal, especially when peer pressure, fear of exclusion, and a strong desire to belong are at play.

Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, whether performed alone or with others, that is directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, maintaining membership, or holding office in any organization whose members include students. This act must endanger the mental or physical health or safety of a student. This definition, broadly reflected in Texas law, covers a wide range of behaviors that extend far beyond mere pranks.

Main Categories of Modern Hazing

Hazing tactics have evolved, but they can generally be categorized as follows:

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This remains one of the most common and deadly forms of hazing. It involves forced or coerced drinking, often through “lineups,” chugging challenges, “games” that require rapid consumption of large quantities of alcohol, or excessive drinking during “Big/Little” reveal nights. Pledges may be pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances, leading to severe intoxication, alcohol poisoning, or other medical emergencies.
• Physical Hazing: This category includes behaviors intended to cause physical discomfort or injury. Examples range from paddling and beatings to extreme calisthenics, forced “workouts,” or “smokings” (strenuous exercises for extended periods) that go far beyond healthy conditioning. Other tactics include sleep deprivation, food or water deprivation, or exposure to extreme hot or cold environments that endanger well-being. The consequences can be severe, from rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown from extreme exertion) to serious internal injuries.
• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: These acts are designed to degrade and embarrass. They can involve forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (such as the “roasted pig” pose), wearing degrading costumes, or performing sexually suggestive tasks. Such hazing often has racial, homophobic, or sexist undertones, exploiting vulnerabilities and creating deep psychological scars.
• Psychological Hazing: Often overlooked but profoundly damaging, psychological hazing involves verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, and isolation. It can include intense verbal interrogations, manipulation, forced confessions, or public shaming, sometimes even on social media or during group meetings. This type of hazing erodes a student’s self-esteem and can lead to severe anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
• 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 public humiliation via platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Discord, or GroupMe. Pledges might be pressured to create or share compromising images or videos, spread misinformation, or participate in online bullying, creating a permanent digital footprint of their humiliation. Some organizations also implement 24/7 digital control, monitoring group chats and demanding instant responses, creating perpetual psychological pressure.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

While fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural) are frequently associated with hazing incidents, these dangerous practices are not confined to Greek life. Hazing occurs across a wide spectrum of student organizations:

• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / military-style groups: These programs, often emphasizing discipline and tradition, can sometimes foster environments where hazing is mistaken for character building.
• Spirit squads, tradition clubs, and honor societies: Groups focused on school spirit, long-standing traditions (like some at the University of Texas at Austin or Texas A&M), or even academic achievement can fall prey to hazing if unchecked.
• Athletic teams: From football and basketball to baseball, cheerleading, and swimming, team hazing can involve physical abuse, forced alcohol consumption, or humiliating rituals disguised as “team bonding.”
• Marching bands and performance groups: Even seemingly innocuous groups can experience hazing, often involving physical exhaustion, public humiliation, or psychological torment.
• Other service, cultural, and academic organizations: Any group with a hierarchical structure and initiation process can become an environment for hazing.

These practices persist due to a complex interplay of factors: the desire for belonging, the perceived “tradition” of the group, and a pervasive culture of secrecy and fear of retaliation from older members or leadership. For City of Richardson families, understanding this broader context is key to protecting our students wherever they choose to engage on campus.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For families in City of Richardson grappling with a hazing incident, understanding the relevant legal frameworks in Texas and at the federal level is paramount. While some people dismiss hazing as a “student issue,” the law treats it far more seriously, recognizing the profound harm it causes.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has specific, robust anti-hazing provisions outlined in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. These laws are designed to protect students and hold individuals and organizations accountable.

• Definition of Hazing: Under Texas law, hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, committed by one person or with others, on or off campus, 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 is crucial: it means that an act doesn’t have to be physically violent to be hazing; actions that severely impact mental health, such as extreme humiliation, psychological torment, or intimidation, also fall under the statute. Furthermore, the act does not have to occur on university property; off-campus events are fully covered.

• Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a criminal offense in Texas, with penalties varying based on the severity of the act:

  • Class B Misdemeanor: The default classification for hazing that does not cause serious injury (punishable by up to 180 days in county jail and/or a fine up to $2,000).
  • Class A Misdemeanor: If the hazing causes bodily injury requiring medical attention.
  • State Jail Felony: If the hazing causes serious bodily injury or, tragically, death.
  • Failure to Report: Officers or members of an organization who have knowledge of a hazing incident and fail to report it can also face misdemeanor charges.
  • Retaliation: Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor.

• Organizational Liability: Beyond individual students, organizations themselves can be held criminally responsible for hazing. If an organization authorized or encouraged the hazing, or if an officer or member acting in an official capacity knew about the hazing and failed to intervene or report it, the organization can be prosecuted. Penalties for organizations can include fines up to $10,000 per violation, and universities can revoke official recognition, effectively banning the group from campus.

• Consent Not a Defense: One of the most critical aspects of Texas hazing law is specified in Education Code § 37.155: it is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity. This provision directly addresses the common defense that victims “voluntarily participated” and acknowledges the inherent coercion in hazing environments.

• Reporter Protections: Texas law provides some immunity for individuals who, in good faith, report a hazing incident to university authorities or law enforcement. Additionally, Texas (like many states) has medical amnesty laws that protect individuals who call for help in an alcohol-related emergency, encouraging bystanders to prioritize safety over fear of legal consequences.

This summary provides a foundational understanding of Texas hazing law. The actual code contains more technical details, and its application depends on the specific facts of each case.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

When hazing occurs, there are often two distinct legal paths that can be pursued:

• Criminal Cases: These are initiated by the state (through a local district attorney or prosecutor) against individuals or organizations accused of violating criminal hazing statutes or other related laws (like assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, or even manslaughter in fatal cases). The goal of a criminal case is to punish the offender through incarceration, fines, or probation and to deter future criminal behavior. A criminal conviction requires proof “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

• Civil Cases: These are brought by victims or their surviving families against the individuals, organizations, and institutions (like universities) responsible for the harm caused by hazing. The goal of a civil case is to obtain monetary compensation to cover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages, and to hold responsible parties accountable. Civil cases require a lower standard of proof, typically “a preponderance of the evidence.”

It is important for City of Richardson families to understand that a criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for filing a civil lawsuit. A person or organization can be found liable in civil court even if they are not convicted or even charged criminally. These two types of actions can (and often do) run concurrently.

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

Beyond state law, federal regulations also impact how hazing is addressed on campus:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This significant federal legislation mandates that colleges and universities receiving federal funding must:

  • Maintain a publicly available report of all hazing violations and disciplinary actions taken.
  • Provide comprehensive hazing prevention education for students.
  • Establish uniform definitions of hazing and reporting standards.
    This act aims to increase transparency and accountability, ensuring that families have access to information about hazing incidents at institutions their children attend. These provisions will be phased in by 2026.

• Title IX: This federal law prohibits sex-based discrimination in education. When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based humiliation, or perpetuates a hostile environment based on sex, Title IX obligations are triggered. This can compel universities to investigate and respond to such incidents, regardless of whether they occurred on or off campus.

• 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, particularly those involving assaults, alcohol or drug offenses, or sexual misconduct, often fall under Clery reporting requirements, providing another layer of institutional accountability and transparency.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Determining who is legally responsible for a hazing incident is a complex but crucial step in pursuing accountability. Potential defendants in a civil hazing lawsuit can include:

• Individual Students: Those who planned, orchestrated, participated in, or directly carried out the hazing acts, or who failed to intervene or seek help when required.
• Local Chapter / Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or athletic team itself can be sued as an entity. This often includes current and former officers or “pledge educators” who were in positions of authority.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters, which sets policies, charters local chapters, collects dues, and often has a duty to supervise and regulate their chapters’ conduct, can be held liable. Their liability often hinges on whether they knew or should have known about a pattern of hazing (either within the specific chapter or other chapters nationwide) and failed to take adequate preventative measures.
• University or Governing Board: The institution itself can be a defendant, particularly under theories of negligence, gross negligence, negligent supervision, or for failing to enforce their own anti-hazing policies. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT) may have some protections under sovereign immunity in Texas, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, certain constitutional violations, or when claims involve Title IX. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) generally have less protection from lawsuits.
• Third Parties: This can include landlords or owners of properties (such as off-campus houses or event venues) where hazing occurred, if they knew or should have known of dangerous activities. Bars or alcohol distributors may also be liable under “dram shop” laws if they knowingly served alcohol to minors or obviously intoxicated individuals who then engaged in hazing.

Each case is unique, and the specific parties held liable will depend heavily on the individual facts, the extent of their knowledge, and the level of control they exercised over the perpetrators and the environment.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

When City of Richardson families consider the possibility of a hazing lawsuit, it’s important to understand that these cases do not occur in a vacuum. A pattern of tragic incidents across the country has shaped legal precedents, highlighted institutional failures, and consistently led to multi-million-dollar settlements or verdicts. These “anchor stories” illustrate the devastating consequences of hazing and underscore why accountability is so critical.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Forced alcohol consumption remains the single greatest killer in hazing incidents, a tragic recurring theme across fraternities nationwide.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died from severe brain injuries and a ruptured spleen after a brutal “bid acceptance” event involving extreme alcohol consumption. Fraternity members, many of whom were charged criminally, delayed calling for medical help for hours while Piazza suffered. His death led to civil litigation against the fraternity and individuals, and prompted Pennsylvania to enact the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law, one of the toughest in the nation. This case starkly highlighted the deadly combination of extreme intoxication, a callous delay in calling 911, and a pervasive culture of cover-up.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, also 20, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and forced to consume them rapidly. Multiple members were prosecuted, and FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life, leading to a statewide anti-hazing movement in Florida. Coffey’s case shows how “traditional” drinking rituals, despite national anti-hazing policies, continue to be a recipe for disaster.
• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died with a blood alcohol content of 0.495% after a “Bible study” drinking game where pledges were forced to drink whenever they answered questions incorrectly. His death directly led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, which made hazing a felony offense. The Gruver family later received a $6.1 million verdict against an individual member’s insurer, highlighting the legal and financial consequences for those involved.
• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, was forced to consume an entire bottle of whiskey in 18 minutes during a “Big/Little” hazing event. He died three days later from alcohol poisoning. Multiple fraternity members were convicted of hazing-related charges. His family reached a $10 million settlement in 2023, with $7 million from the Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University. This case not only yielded significant criminal convictions but also demonstrated that universities can face substantial financial liability alongside national fraternities.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical and ritualized hazing, often intended to “break down” pledges, can be equally deadly or debilitating.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng died after being subjected to a violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual during a fraternity retreat in Pennsylvania. He was repeatedly tackled and struck while carrying a heavy backpack. Fraternity members significantly delayed calling for help, moving his body and trying to cover up the incident. In a landmark ruling, the national fraternity itself was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, and individual members received jail sentences. This case underscores the dangers of ritualized physical hazing and how off-campus locations do not insulate organizations from liability.
• Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021): Danny Santulli, 18, suffered severe, permanent brain damage, rendering him unable to walk, talk, or see, after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a “pledge dad reveal” night. His family settled lawsuits with 22 defendants, including the fraternity, in a multi-million-dollar confidential agreement. Santulli’s case serves as a stark reminder that even if hazing doesn’t kill, it can leave victims with life-altering catastrophic injuries and require lifelong care.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not exclusive to Greek life. Major athletic programs, which often command significant resources and prestige, have also been implicated in severe hazing scandals.

• Northwestern University Athletic Hazing Scandal (2023–2025): Former football players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the Northwestern football program over many years. This included forced sexual acts, racial discrimination, and physical abuse. Multiple players have sued Northwestern and its coaching staff, leading to the firing of a long-standing head coach. This scandal brought national attention to the fact that hazing can occur in high-profile sports and demonstrated how institutions can face liability for failing to address systemic abuse within their non-Greek programs.

What These Cases Mean for City of Richardson Families

These national cases share crucial common threads:

• Forced drinking, humiliation, and violence are central to modern hazing.
• Delayed or denied medical care and subsequent cover-ups dramatically worsen outcomes and escalate criminal and civil liability.
• Multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts are increasingly common, reflecting the severe damages caused and the culpability of powerful institutions.
• Legislative changes often follow these tragedies, signaling a growing societal intolerance for hazing.

For City of Richardson families, these lessons provide a critical framework. Whether your child attends the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any other institution in Texas, the patterns of behavior and the legal precedents established in these national cases directly influence how hazing incidents in our state are investigated and litigated. These examples demonstrate that through determined legal action, it is possible to hold powerful organizations accountable when hazing causes injury or death.

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

For City of Richardson families, these five prominent Texas universities represent key educational destinations. Many students from Dallas County and the DFW Metroplex attend these schools. While each campus has its unique culture, understanding their specific hazing policies and documented incidents is vital. We examine each university through a consistent lens to provide comprehensive insight.

5.1 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

For families in City of Richardson, SMU is a major local university, located right in Dallas. Many students from our community either attend SMU or are considering it, and understanding the campus culture and hazing policies here is directly relevant. The prestige of SMU and its active Greek life make it a focal point for discussions about student safety in our immediate area.

5.1.1 Campus & culture snapshot

Southern Methodist University is a private university located in Dallas, known for its strong academic programs, beautiful campus, and affluent student body. Greek life is a prominent social component at SMU, with a significant percentage of students participating in fraternities and sororities, contributing to a vibrant, often tradition-heavy, campus environment. Athletics, clubs, and numerous student organizations also play a large role in student life.

5.1.2 Official hazing policy & reporting channels

SMU maintains a strict anti-hazing policy outlined in its Student Code of Conduct. The policy broadly defines hazing, prohibiting any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for purposes of initiation or membership in an organization. This includes forced alcohol consumption, physical activities, psychological abuse, and humiliation. SMU’s policy explicitly states that “consent is not a defense.”

Reporting channels at SMU include:

• The Office of the Dean of Students
• Student Conduct & Community Standards
• SMU Police Department (SMU PD)
• Anonymous reporting forms, often linked through the university’s Greek Life or Student Affairs websites. SMU utilizes platforms like Real Response for anonymous reporting.

5.1.3 Selected documented incidents & responses

Despite robust policies, SMU has faced hazing incidents over the years, often related to its active Greek community:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): The SMU chapter of Kappa Alpha Order was suspended for four years following allegations of severe hazing. Reports indicated that new members were allegedly subjected to physical abuse, including paddling, forced excessive alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation. The chapter faced university discipline, and its national organization imposed sanctions. This incident highlighted the challenges of enforcing anti-hazing policies even on private campuses with strong oversight.
• Ongoing Scrutiny: SMU periodically places various fraternities and sororities on disciplinary probation or suspension for violations of its hazing policy, often involving alcohol misconduct, physical intimidation, and inappropriate new member activities. These actions demonstrate the university’s efforts to address violations but also underscore the persistent nature of hazing within certain campus organizations. The private nature of SMU means that the full details of all disciplinary actions are not always as publicly transparent as at state universities, though the effects on the chapters are clear.

5.1.4 How an SMU hazing case might proceed

Given SMU’s location in Dallas, a hazing case involving students from the university would typically involve:

• Dallas Police Department (DPD): If the hazing involved criminal acts (assault, physical injury, alcohol poisoning), DPD might be involved, especially if the incident occurred off-campus within Dallas city limits or Dallas County.
• SMU Police Department: For incidents on campus, SMU PD would be the primary law enforcement agency.
• Dallas County Courts: Any civil lawsuits would likely be filed in Dallas County district courts.
• Potential Defendants: Individual students, the local chapter, the national fraternity/sorority, and SMU itself could all be targets of litigation. SMU, as a private university, faces civil liability risks similar to any other corporation, without the same sovereign immunity protections as public universities in Texas. This means that a civil lawsuit can more directly target the institution for its alleged negligence or failures in oversight.

For City of Richardson families seeking legal recourse for hazing at SMU, navigating both university protocols and the broader Dallas County legal system requires specialized knowledge. Our firm, from our Houston offices (and Austin and Beaumont locations), frequently handles cases throughout Texas, including the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

5.1.5 What SMU students and parents should do

For students attending or considering SMU, and their City of Richardson families, proactive steps and clear responses are essential:

• Familiarize Yourself with SMU’s Hazing Policy: Understand what constitutes hazing and the university’s official stance. This information is typically found on the Dean of Students or Student Affairs websites.
• Utilize SMU Reporting Channels: If you suspect or experience hazing, report it to the Dean of Students Office, Student Conduct, or SMU PD. Anonymous reporting options through platforms like Real Response are also available.
• Document Everything: As soon as an incident occurs or suspicions arise, begin meticulously documenting all details. This includes screenshots of group chats, photos of injuries or locations, notes on conversations, and contact information for witnesses.
• Prioritize Safety First: If a student is in immediate danger or suffering medical distress, call 911 immediately. SMU has policies to encourage reporting medical emergencies without fear of disciplinary action for alcohol or drug use.
• Seek Legal Counsel Promptly: If hazing results in significant physical or psychological harm, or if the university’s response seems inadequate, contact an attorney experienced in hazing cases. A lawyer can help City of Richardson families:
  • Navigate SMU’s internal reporting and disciplinary processes.
  • Preserve crucial evidence unique to a private university setting.
  • Evaluate potential claims against individual students, the local chapter, the national organization, and SMU itself.
  • Protect the student from potential retaliation.
• Be Wary of Early Settlements: Do not sign any waivers or agreements with SMU or any fraternity/sorority organization without first consulting an independent attorney. Early offers often undervalue the full extent of damages and may waive your legal rights.

5.2 University of Houston (UH)

5.2.1 Campus & culture snapshot

The University of Houston, a vibrant urban campus in the heart of the nation’s fourth-largest city, is home to a diverse student body, including many from City of Richardson and the DFW area who choose the proximity and opportunities of Houston. UH boasts a large and active Greek life, encompassing traditional fraternities and sororities, as well as multicultural and historically Black Greek letter organizations. Beyond Greek life, numerous academic, social, cultural, and athletic clubs contribute to student involvement.

5.2.2 Hazing policy & reporting channels

The University of Houston maintains a definitive anti-hazing policy, strictly prohibiting hazing whether it occurs on or off campus. UH’s policy, aligned with Texas state law, defines hazing broadly to include any intentional or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership. This explicitly bans forced alcohol consumption, physical mistreatment, psychological duress, and humiliation.

Reporting channels at UH include:

• The Dean of Students Office
• Student Conduct
• The University of Houston Police Department (UHPD)
• Dedicated online hazing reporting forms available through the university’s website.

5.2.3 Selected documented incidents & responses

UH has engaged in disciplinary actions against organizations found responsible for hazing, demonstrating its commitment to enforcing anti-hazing policies:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2016): The UH chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) faced significant scrutiny following allegations of severe hazing. Pledges were reportedly subjected to intense physical activity, sleep deprivation, and a lack of adequate food and water during a multi-day event. One student allegedly suffered a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table or a similar hard surface, highlighting the physical dangers. The chapter faced both university suspension and misdemeanor hazing charges against some of its members.
• Ongoing Disciplinary Actions: Public records indicate that various UH fraternities and sororities have faced suspensions or probationary periods for hazing-related offenses, often involving alcohol misuse, physical challenges, and activities deemed “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort, degradation, or disgrace.”

While UH does take disciplinary action, the level of detail publicly available regarding specific hazing incidents and their resolutions can be less comprehensive compared to some other Texas universities. This can make it challenging for City of Richardson families to fully assess an organization’s history without deeper investigation.

5.2.4 How a UH hazing case might proceed

Hazing incidents involving the University of Houston students or organizations could involve:

• University of Houston Police Department (UHPD): If the incident occurs on campus or involves students, UHPD would typically lead the initial law enforcement response.
• Houston Police Department (HPD): For incidents occurring off-campus within the city of Houston, HPD would have jurisdiction for criminal investigations.
• Harris County Courts: Civil lawsuits arising from hazing at UH would be filed in the appropriate district courts within Harris County, where Houston is located. This requires navigating a large and complex legal system.
• Potential Defendants: Litigation might target individual students, the local UH chapter, the national fraternity/sorority, and potentially the University of Houston and any property owners involved. As a public institution, UH benefits from some sovereign immunity protections under Texas law. However, claims can still be pursued successfully through exceptions to immunity, such as those involving gross negligence or when individual employees are sued in their personal capacity.

Our firm’s primary office is in Houston, giving us an intimate understanding of the local legal landscape, which is invaluble for City of Richardson families dealing with a UH hazing incident.

5.2.5 What UH students and parents should do

For students at UH and their City of Richardson families, specific actions can help ensure safety and seek justice:

• Understand UH’s Policies: Review the UH Student Code of Conduct and hazing policies, particularly those related to recognized student organizations and Greek life.
• Utilize Reporting Options: Report any suspected or actual hazing to the Dean of Students Office, UHPD, or online reporting systems. If it’s a medical emergency, call 911 first.
• Compile Evidence: Immediately preserve all digital communications (GroupMe, WhatsApp, text messages), photos, and videos. Document any physical injuries or emotional changes.
• Seek Legal Advice Early: If your child has been significantly harmed, contact an attorney as soon as possible. An experienced Houston-based hazing attorney, like our team at Attorney911, can:
  • Guide you through UH’s administrative processes.
  • Help uncover prior disciplinary actions against specific UH organizations, even if not widely publicized.
  • Navigate the complexities of lawsuits against public universities, individuals, and national fraternities in Harris County courts.
  • Protect your child’s rights and personal information.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

5.3.1 Campus & culture snapshot

The University of Texas at Austin, a flagship institution for many City of Richardson and Texas students, is widely known for its academic rigor, vibrant campus life, and deep-seated traditions. UT’s campus culture is heavily influenced by its extensive Greek system, a variety of spirited student organizations, and nationally recognized athletic programs. The high profile of the university often brings hazing incidents into the public spotlight.

5.3.2 Official hazing policy & reporting channels

UT Austin has a clear and strict anti-hazing policy, emphasizing that hazing is illegal under Texas state law and a violation of university policy, both on and off campus. The university’s policy prohibits any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student that endangers mental or physical health or safety for the purpose of initiation or membership. UT’s policy, like state law, explicitly states that “consent is not a defense.”

The university is notably transparent with its reporting and disciplinary actions, maintaining a publicly accessible “Hazing Violations” page on its website. Reporting channels include:

• The Dean of Students Office
• The Institutional Compliance Services (ICS)
• University of Texas Police Department (UTPD)
• An anonymous online reporting form.

5.3.3 Selected documented incidents & responses

UT Austin’s commitment to transparency means that a significant number of hazing incidents and disciplinary actions are publicly listed:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) (2023): The UT chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha faced sanctions after new members were reportedly directed to consume large quantities of milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, which the university found to be hazing. The chapter was placed on probation and required to implement new hazing-prevention education.
• “Absolute Texxas” Spirit Group (2022): This spirit organization was disciplined for hazing violations, which included alcohol and drug misconduct, blindfolding, kidnapping, and degrading new members. This incident highlighted that hazing extends beyond Greek life to other campus-based organizations.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) (January 2024): A lawsuit was filed against the UT SAE chapter after an Australian exchange student alleged severe assault by fraternity members at a party, resulting in extensive injuries including a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, and a fractured tibia. The chapter was already under suspension for prior hazing and safety violations at the time of the alleged assault, underscoring a pattern of misconduct.
• Prior Violations: UT’s public hazing log frequently shows various fraternities, sororities, and other organizations facing suspensions, probations, and educational mandates for alcohol misuse, physical challenges, coerced activities, and creating hostile environments for new members.

UT’s public reporting offers an important resource for City of Richardson families, allowing them to examine an organization’s history before a student joins.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin hazing case might proceed

Hazing cases involving the University of Texas at Austin are complex and can involve multiple jurisdictions:

• University of Texas Police Department (UTPD): UTPD is the primary law enforcement agency for incidents occurring on campus.
• Austin Police Department (APD): If the hazing occurred off-campus within Austin city limits, APD would have jurisdiction for criminal investigations.
• Travis County Courts: Civil lawsuits against individuals, organizations, or the university would typically be filed in the district courts of Travis County (where Austin is located).
• Impact of Public Record: The existence of UT’s public hazing log can be a powerful tool in civil litigation, demonstrating a pattern of prior misconduct and showing that the university had knowledge of an organization’s hazing history, which can support claims of negligence or negligent supervision.
• Potential Defendants: As a public institution, UT Austin, like UH, has some sovereign immunity protections. However, claims of gross negligence, Title IX violations, or lawsuits against individual employees in their personal capacity can overcome this. Private fraternities/sororities, their national organizations, and individual members are also primary targets.

For City of Richardson families, pursuing a hazing claim originating from UT Austin requires navigating a sophisticated legal landscape where public transparency and institutional defenses are both at play.

5.3.5 What UT Austin students and parents should do

For students and their City of Richardson families connected to UT Austin, immediate and informed action is crucial:

• Review UT’s Hazing Violations Log: Before joining any organization, proactively check the university’s public “Hazing Violations” page for disciplinary history.
• Understand UT’s Policies: Familiarize yourself with the comprehensive anti-hazing policies in the Student Code of Conduct.
• Report Suspected Hazing: Use UT’s reporting channels (Dean of Students, ICS, UTPD, anonymous online forms). Emphasize that UT encourages reporting.
• Document Evidence Methodically: Promptly screenshot all digital communications, including GroupMe, texts, and social media. Photograph any injuries or evidence of hazing. UT’s transparent environment makes gathering specific evidence, such as prior university disciplinary actions, potentially more accessible than at less transparent institutions.
• Prioritize Medical Care and Safety: If a student is injured or in danger, call 911. UT’s good Samaritan policies aim to protect students who seek help in an emergency.
• Contact a Specialized Hazing Attorney Immediately: If significant harm occurs, legal counsel is critical. An attorney experienced in Texas hazing litigation can:
  • Leverage UT’s public records to build a strong case.
  • Navigate the complexities of suing a public university in Travis County courts.
  • Work with UTPD or APD if criminal investigations are warranted.
  • Protect the student from potential university or organizational retaliation.

5.4 Texas A&M University

5.4.1 Campus & culture snapshot

Texas A&M University, located in College Station, holds a unique place in the hearts of many Texans, including families from City of Richardson who share in its traditions. It’s renowned for its strong community, unwavering spirit, and the iconic Corps of Cadets, which underpins much of its culture. Along with a thriving Greek life, A&M’s campus environment is rich in tradition, camaraderie, and often, high expectations, which can sometimes be exploited in hazing scenarios within various organizations. While College Station is a distance from City of Richardson, many Aggie families reside in the DFW Metroplex, making hazing at A&M a significant concern for our community.

5.4.2 Official hazing policy & reporting channels

Texas A&M University (TAMU) strictly prohibits hazing, adhering to Texas state law and its own Student Conduct Code. The university’s policy broadly defines hazing to include any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership. This prohibition applies to all student organizations, including Greek life and the Corps of Cadets, and extends to activities both on and off campus. TAMU’s policy explicitly states that “consent is not a defense.”

Reporting channels at Texas A&M include:

• The Dean of Student Life
• Student Conduct Office
• Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD)
• Dedicated online hazing reporting forms (often linked via Student Activities or Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life pages).

5.4.3 Selected documented incidents & responses

Texas A&M has faced a number of hazing incidents, particularly within its Corps of Cadets and Greek system:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit (around 2021): This case drew national attention when two pledges alleged they were subjected to severe hazing that included being covered in various substances, including an industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit. This resulted in severe chemical burns requiring emergency skin graft surgeries. The pledges sued the fraternity for over $1 million. The SAE chapter was suspended by the university, highlighting the dangers of extreme physical and chemical hazing.
• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading and abusive hazing within the Corps of Cadets. The allegations included simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million, drawing scrutiny to the cultural traditions within the Corps. While A&M stated it handled the matter under its rules, the case underscored the potential for hazing in military-style organizations.
• Kappa Sigma (2023, ongoing): Allegations of hazing within the Kappa Sigma chapter resulted in severe injuries, including rhabdomyolysis—a serious condition involving muscle breakdown from extreme physical exertion. This ongoing litigation emphasizes the long-term, debilitating effects that physical hazing can have, requiring specialized legal representation focused on such complex injury recovery.
• Aggie Bonfire Collapse (1999): While not traditional hazing, the collapse of the student-built Aggie Bonfire killed 12 and injured 27. This tragedy raised fundamental questions about high-risk student-led activities and institutional oversight at A&M, leading to multiple lawsuits and a complete overhaul of how student activities are managed, effectively ending the tradition on campus.

These incidents illustrate the diverse forms hazing can take at A&M, from Greek fraternities to deeply embedded campus traditions.

5.4.4 How a Texas A&M hazing case might proceed

Hazing incidents at Texas A&M involve a distinct legal environment:

• Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD): UPD is the primary law enforcement agency for campus incidents.
• Brazos County Law Enforcement: For incidents off-campus within College Station or Bryan, local police or the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office would have jurisdiction.
• Brazos County Courts: Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in the district courts of Brazos County.
• Potential Defendants: As a public institution, Texas A&M, like UH and UT, benefits from certain sovereign immunity protections. However, claims of gross negligence, Title IX violations, or lawsuits against individual employees can overcome this. The local chapter, the national organization, and individual students are also targets. Cases involving the Corps of Cadets add another layer of complexity due to its unique structure and administrative oversight within the university.

For City of Richardson families, pursuing a hazing claim at Texas A&M means navigating the unique legal and cultural landscape of a strongly traditional public university.

5.4.5 What Texas A&M students and parents should do

For students attending or considering Texas A&M, and their City of Richardson families, specific knowledge and actions are essential:

• Understand A&M’s Policies: Review the university’s Student Conduct Code and anti-hazing policies, paying particular attention to regulations for both Greek life and the Corps of Cadets.
• Utilize Reporting Options: Report any suspected or actual hazing to the Dean of Student Life, Student Conduct, or TAMU UPD. Anonymous reporting forms are available. For medical emergencies due to hazing, call 911 immediately.
• Document Evidence Thoroughly: Immediately gather and preserve all digital evidence, including group chats (GroupMe is very common at A&M), social media posts, and text messages. Photograph injuries, physical evidence, and specific locations relevant to the hazing.
• Seek Prompt Medical and Psychological Help: Document any physical injuries with medical professionals and consider psychological counseling for emotional trauma, which is also a compensable damage.
• Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney: If serious harm occurs, legal counsel from a firm like Attorney911 is crucial. We can:
  • Guide families through the unique reporting and investigative processes at Texas A&M.
  • Help uncover systemic hazing issues within high-profile organizations like the Corps of Cadets or prominent fraternities.
  • Navigate lawsuits against public university systems and national organizations in Brazos County.
  • Protect students from social isolation, academic jeopardy, or retaliation.

5.5 Baylor University

5.5.1 Campus & culture snapshot

Baylor University, located in Waco, is a private Christian institution with a distinctive culture that attracts many City of Richardson families seeking a values-based education. Baylor’s campus life revolves around strong academics, vibrant spiritual programs, and competitive athletics. Greek life is active but generally less dominant than at some other Texas universities. Baylor’s history includes significant scrutiny over athletic programs and Title IX issues, which provides a broader context for how the university addresses student misconduct, including hazing. While geographically further from City of Richardson than SMU, Baylor is a frequent choice for DFW students.

5.5.2 Official hazing policy & reporting channels

Baylor University strictly prohibits hazing, articulating a zero-tolerance policy against any acts that endanger students for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or continued membership in an organization. Their policy aligns with Texas state law, broadly defining hazing to cover physical, mental, and psychological harm, and specifically stating that “consent is not a defense.” This policy applies to all student organizations, including Greek organizations, athletic teams, and other campus groups.

Reporting channels at Baylor include:

• The Dean of Students Office
• Baylor Police Department (BUPD)
• Department of Student Activities
• An anonymous “Baylor Alerts” reporting system.

5.5.3 Selected documented incidents & responses

Baylor’s history of addressing institutional misconduct provides a backdrop for its hazing incidents:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players from Baylor’s baseball team were suspended following an internal investigation into hazing allegations. The university confirmed hazing occurred within the program, leading to disciplinary actions against the players, which were staggered to impact the team over the early season. This incident underscored that hazing can occur even within highly visible and competitive athletic teams at religiously affiliated institutions.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Baylor, like other universities, periodically places fraternities, soror and other student organizations on probation or suspension for violations of its anti-hazing policy, often involving unauthorized new member activities, alcohol misuse, and violations of ethical conduct.

Baylor’s overarching cultural and oversight challenges, particularly revealed in past investigations into sexual assault allegations, influence how critically hazing reports should be evaluated.

5.5.4 How a Baylor hazing case might proceed

Hazing cases at Baylor University involve the legal infrastructure of Waco, Texas:

• Baylor Police Department (BUPD): For incidents on campus, BUPD is the primary law enforcement agency.
• Waco Police Department / McLennan County Sheriff: For incidents off-campus within Waco or McLennan County, these agencies would have jurisdiction for criminal investigations.
• McLennan County Courts: Civil lawsuits would generally be filed in the district courts of McLennan County.
• Private University Status: As a private university, Baylor does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it more directly vulnerable to civil claims of negligence, gross negligence, or institutional failures related to hazing. This is a critical distinction for City of Richardson families considering legal action.
• Potential Defendants: Individual students, the local chapter, their national organization, and Baylor University itself could all be involved in a hazing lawsuit.

5.5.5 What Baylor students and parents should do

For City of Richardson students and families connected to Baylor University, specific guidelines are important:

• Review Baylor’s Policies: Understand the university’s strict anti-hazing policies outlined in the Student Conduct Code and other Student Affairs documents.
• Utilize Reporting Channels: Promptly report any suspected or actual hazing to the Dean of Students, Department of Student Activities, or through the Baylor Alerts system. For medical emergencies caused by hazing, always call 911 first.
• Document Evidence Immediately: Secure all digital communications, including GroupMe, texts, and social media posts. Photograph injuries and any physical evidence related to hazing.
• Seek Legal Consultation: If hazing results in significant physical or psychological harm, contact an experienced attorney specializing in hazing cases. A legal team like Attorney911 can:
  • Guide you through Baylor’s robust internal disciplinary processes.
  • Investigate prior incidents and patterns at Baylor to strengthen a case.
  • Pursue claims against a private institution, local and national organizations, and individuals in McLennan County courts.
  • Protect the student’s academic future and emotional well-being while seeking full accountability.
  • Navigate issues where Baylor’s institutional response might be constrained by its history of prior misconduct.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

For City of Richardson families, understanding the role of fraternities and sororities in hazing requires looking beyond individual campus incidents to the broader histories of their national organizations. Many of the Greek organizations at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor are chapters of larger national bodies. These national entities, despite robust anti-hazing policies, often carry a legacy of misconduct that can be pivotal in hazing litigation.

Why National Histories Matter

When a student from City of Richardson is harmed by hazing at a Texas university, the liability often extends far beyond the individual students involved or even the local chapter itself. Many fraternities and sororities, including dominant chapters at major Texas campuses, are part of well-established national organizations. These national headquarters:

• Develop and disseminate policies, including often strict anti-hazing rules.
• Provide training and resources to local chapters.
• Collect dues and maintain administrative oversight.
• Crucially, they have often been aware of, or involved in, numerous hazing incidents at chapters across the country for decades.

This history is significant because it can demonstrate foreseeability. If a national organization has been repeatedly warned about specific hazing tactics—such as dangerous “Big/Little” drinking nights, forced physical abuse, or humiliating rituals that lead to injury—then when those same tactics appear at a UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor chapter, the national organization can be argued to have had prior notice of the risk. Even if their anti-hazing policies are on paper, a pattern of failures to enforce those policies effectively can undermine their defense and strengthen a plaintiff’s case for negligence or gross negligence. This can significantly increase the chances of securing substantial compensation and holding the appropriate parties accountable.

Organization Mapping: National Hazing Patter

While it’s impossible to list every single fraternity and sorority and its full history, we can highlight some of the major national organizations with a documented pattern of hazing incidents that may operate at the universities popular with City of Richardson students. This demonstrates how recurring themes appear across different campuses under the same national banner.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and Baylor.
  • National Incidents: Has a consistent history of severe alcohol-related hazing. The most widely known recent case involved Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University in 2021, where a pledge died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire handle of whiskey. This led to a $10 million settlement and multiple criminal convictions. Another incident involved David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University in 2012, dying from alcohol poisoning.
  • Pattern: Often implicated in “Big/Little” types of events involving forced heavy drinking.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): Present at UH, Texas A&M, and UT.
  • National Incidents: SAE has a deeply concerning national history, eliminating its traditional pledge process in 2014 due to numerous hazing-related deaths and injuries. Incidents include the Carson Starkey alcohol poisoning death at Cal Poly in 2008. More recently, allegations of a traumatic brain injury at the University of Alabama (2023) and lawsuits at Texas A&M University (2021) for severe chemical burns from industrial cleaner, as well as an assault case at UT Austin (2024).
  • Pattern: Historically linked to excessive alcohol consumption, physical abuse, and later, attempts to cover up incidents.
• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor.
  • National Incidents: Central to the tragic death of Maxwell “Max” Gruver at Louisiana State University in 2017, where hazing involved a forced drinking game leading to fatal alcohol poisoning, resulting in the Max Gruver Act.
  • Pattern: Known for coerced drinking games and rituals.
• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, and UT.
  • National Incidents: Involved in the death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University in 2017, also due to alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event.
  • Pattern: Recurring issues with forced excessive alcohol consumption.
• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU.
  • National Incidents: Most prominently linked to the death of Timothy Piazza at Penn State University in 2017, a case that galvanized national attention on hazing and led to a landmark anti-hazing law in Pennsylvania.
  • Pattern: Extreme physical and alcohol hazing, often compounded by delays in seeking medical help and attempts to cover up.
• Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI): Present at Texas A&M.
  • National Incidents: Tragically, Danny Santulli suffered severe, permanent brain damage at the University of Missouri (2021) due to forced alcohol consumption during a “pledge dad reveal” night. His family secured multi-million-dollar settlements from numerous defendants.
  • Pattern: Dangerous alcohol hazing rituals leading to catastrophic injury.
• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and Baylor.
  • National Incidents: Involved in the Chad Meredith drowning death at the University of Miami in 2001, where a pledge drowned after being coerced into swimming while intoxicated, leading to a $12.6 million verdict based on hazing. More recently, allegations of severe rhabdomyolysis from physical hazing at Texas A&M (2023).
  • Pattern: Physical and alcohol-related challenges, with a history of severe-injury incidents even decades apart.
• Omega Psi Phi (ΩΨΦ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor (NPHC).
  • National Incidents: Has a history of physical hazing. In a significant case, Joseph Snell received a $375,000 verdict against the fraternity in 1997 for severe beatings during hazing at Bowie State University, establishing a precedent for organizational liability. A 2023 federal lawsuit alleged severe beatings (“Hell Night”) at the University of Southern Mississippi.
  • Pattern: Historically linked to physical hazing, including paddling and beatings.

This list is not exhaustive, but these examples highlight that hazing is not unique to one “bad apple” chapter. Instead, some national organizations have recurring patterns of behavior that re-emerge at different campuses, including those where City of Richardson students attend.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

For City of Richardson families, this knowledge is critical for legal strategy:

• Foreseeability: A national organization’s documented history of hazing at other chapters demonstrates that they had an objective basis to foresee that the same type of dangerous activity could occur again at any chapter, including those at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor. This directly combats the defense that an incident was an “unforeseeable accident.”
• Notice: Repeated incidents across states can show that the national organization had “actual” or “constructive” notice of specific harmful hazing practices but failed to take adequate preventative or corrective measures.
• Policy Enforcement: Many national fraternities will point to their anti-hazing policies as a defense. However, if their history shows a pattern of ignoring or minimally punishing violations, a plaintiff can argue that these policies were mere “paper policies”—window dressing rather than genuinely enforced prevention.
• Settlement Leverage and Punitive Damages: A strong pattern of prior incidents and a failure to act can significantly increase settlement leverage against national organizations and may support claims for punitive damages, which are designed to punish egregious conduct and deter future harm.

Understanding these interconnected histories is a cornerstone of building a compelling hazing negligence case for City of Richardson families. It allows our legal team to demonstrate that the harm was not an isolated event but often part of a predictable, systemic problem that could have been prevented.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

For City of Richardson families confronting hazing, the path to justice requires meticulous attention to detail, a deep understanding of what constitutes admissible evidence, and a strategic approach to compensation and accountability. Our firm, the Manginello Law Firm, excels at navigating this complex process, ensuring no stone is left unturned.

7.1 Evidence

In modern hazing cases, evidence is paramount, and its preservation is often a race against the clock. The nature of hazing means much of the critical evidence is digital, ephemeral, and deliberately hidden.

• Digital Communications: These are often the most crucial pieces of evidence. Group chats on platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, Signal, Discord, Slack, iMessage, and Snapchat are where hazing is planned, executed, and discussed in real-time. This includes:

  • Text messages, both individual and group, containing instructions, threats, derogatory comments, or discussions of hazing activities.
  • Photos and videos shared within these chats, depicting hazing in progress, injuries, or humiliating acts.
  • Recovery of Deleted Messages: Even if messages are deleted, digital forensics experts can often recover them from phones, cloud backups, or server data during the discovery process in a lawsuit.
  • Preservation is Key: As outlined in Appendix D, immediate screenshots with timestamps and participant names are vital, as are instructions to your child NOT to delete anything. Our specialized video “Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) provides practical guidance on how to do this correctly.

• Photos & Videos: Beyond group chats, other visual evidence is invaluable:

  • Content filmed by participants: Many hazing activities are filmed by members for their own amusement, which can later become irrefutable evidence.
  • Surveillance footage: Security cameras, Ring doorbells, or institutional CCTV at houses, dorms, or event venues can capture arrivals, departures, or specific incidents.
  • Photos of Injuries: Immediate and sequential photographs of injuries (bruises, burns, lacerations) with accurate dates assist medical and legal experts in assessing the severity and progression of harm.

• Internal Organization Documents: These can reveal a culture of hazing and leadership knowledge:

  • Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, or “secret” tradition documents: These often reveal formal or informal hazing practices.
  • Emails or texts from officers: Communications discussing “what we’ll do to pledges,” rules for new members, or warnings about potential hazing.
  • National policies and training materials: While these usually condemn hazing, their contrast with actual chapter behavior can be powerful, showing a failure to enforce.

• University Records: Open records requests or legal discovery can uncover university awareness and inaction:

  • Prior conduct files for the organization: Warnings, probation, or suspensions for previous hazing or related violations (such as those publicly listed by UT Austin).
  • Incident reports: To campus police, student conduct offices, or counseling services.
  • Clery Act reports: Annual crime statistics can show patterns of alcohol offenses, assaults, or sex-related incidents that may be related to hazing.
  • Red Flag Data: Complaints from RAs, parents, or other students that university administrators failed to act upon.

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

  • Emergency room, hospital, or ambulance records, explicitly stating the cause of injury upon admission (e.g., “alcohol poisoning from forced drinking”).
  • Results of toxicology reports, blood alcohol content (BAC), or specific injury diagnoses (e.g., rhabdomyolysis, traumatic brain injury).
  • Ongoing therapy, rehabilitation notes, and expert psychological evaluations diagnosing PTSD, depression, anxiety, or other trauma-related conditions.

• Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts are crucial:

  • Other pledges or members: While often fearful, their testimony can be vital (and sometimes compelled).
  • Roommates, RAs, coaches, trainers, or other students: Anyone who observed changes in the victim or heard about the hazing.
  • Former members: Often willing to come forward after leaving the organization, providing insider accounts of prior hazing.

7.2 Damages

When hazing causes injury or death, victims and their families can pursue compensation for a wide array of damages, both measurable and subjective, as detailed in Appendix E. Our role is to ensure that every aspect of the harm is quantified and presented effectively.

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This category covers all documented expenses:

  • Immediate costs: ambulance transport, emergency room visits, hospital stays (including ICU), medications, and diagnostic tests.
  • Long-term costs: surgeries, physical and occupational therapy, ongoing medication, psychological counseling, and potentially lifelong care plans for catastrophic injuries (such as brain damage or organ failure).

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

  • Lost wages if the victim or a parent (acting as caregiver) misses work.
  • Lost educational opportunities: tuition and fees for semesters missed, lost scholarships, and delays in graduation, which in turn impact entry into the workforce.
  • Diminished future earning capacity: if physical or psychological injuries result in permanent disability affecting their ability to work, economist experts will project these lifetime earnings losses.

• Non-Economic Damages: These address the profound but less tangible suffering:

  • Physical pain and suffering: From injuries themselves, recovery, and any chronic pain.
  • Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation: Including diagnoses like PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, a sense of betrayal, loss of dignity, and the profound psychological scars from abuse.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: The inability to participate in activities, hobbies, or social life as they once did, or the complete loss of the normal college experience.

• Wrongful Death Damages (for families): In tragic fatalities arising from hazing, surviving eligible family members (spouse, children, parents) can claim:

  • Funeral and burial costs.
  • Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided.
  • Loss of companionship, love, guidance, and society.
  • The profound grief and emotional suffering unique to losing a loved one under such preventable circumstances.

It is crucial to understand that we meticulously detail these types of damages, but we do not promise or predict specific dollar amounts without a full case evaluation. As explained in our video “How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onBzdkIWadY), assessment is complex and fact-specific.

7.3 Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Holding responsible parties accountable often involves facing powerful defendants, each with their own legal counsel and often significant insurance policies.

• Insurance Coverage: National fraternities, universities, and sometimes individual members often carry liability insurance. However, insurers frequently argue that hazing or intentional acts fall under exclusions in their policies, attempting to deny coverage or a duty to defend. Our firm, with Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), has an insider’s understanding of how these companies operate. We know how to:

  • Identify all potential sources of insurance coverage, including umbrella policies.
  • Challenge claims of policy exclusions by arguing that the underlying cause was negligence (e.g., negligent supervision) rather than purely intentional acts.
  • Force insurers to defend their policyholders and negotiate fair settlements, or pursue bad faith claims if they wrongfully deny coverage.

• Navigating Defenses: Powerful defendants will employ various tactics to escape liability, such as arguing “consent,” “rogue chapter behavior,” or “unforeseeable accident.” As outlined in Appendix B, our firm is adept at dismantling these common defenses through:

  • Presenting evidence of systemic patterns and prior incidents (from the National Hazing Incident Reference Database).
  • Highlighting expert testimony on coerced consent and organizational dynamics.
  • Exposing “paper policies” that were not actually enforced.

Building a compelling hazing case for City of Richardson families requires more than just legal knowledge; it demands investigative rigor, a compassionate understanding of the victim’s journey, and an aggressive strategy tailored to counter institutional defenses and secure full and fair compensation.

Practical Guides & FAQs

For City of Richardson families and students, knowing what to do immediately, how to gather information, and who to trust is vital. This section provides actionable advice to help navigate the confusing and often frightening aftermath of a hazing incident.

8.1 For Parents: A Guide for City of Richardson Families

If you’re a parent in City of Richardson or Dallas County and you suspect your child is being hazed at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any other Texas campus, here’s what you need to know:

• Warning Signs of Hazing: Be attuned to changes in your child’s behavior. Look for unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts, burns), extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation, significant changes in mood (increased anxiety, depression, withdrawal), a sudden desire for secrecy about their organization’s activities, or constantly checking their phone for group chat demands. Financial irregularities, academic decline, or a sudden fear of “getting in trouble” are also red flags.
• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation with empathy, not judgment. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with the fraternity/sorority?” or “Is there anything happening that makes you uncomfortable?” Emphasize that their safety and well-being are your top priorities, and that you will support them regardless of any social consequences they fear.
• If Your Child is Hurt: Prioritize medical care immediately. Do not delay if there’s any sign of injury or extreme intoxication; call 911. While your child is receiving care, begin to document everything: take photos of injuries, screenshot any text messages or group chats they show you, and write down every detail they share. Save receipts for any expenditures related to hazing.
• Dealing with the University: Document all communications you have with university administrators. Ask specific questions about their hazing policies, what prior incidents have occurred with the organization in question, and what steps the university has actually taken in response. Universities sometimes prioritize reputation over a swift, just resolution.
• When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child sustains significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing or hiding what happened, contact an experienced attorney specializing in hazing cases. A lawyer can help preserve evidence, navigate complex university procedures, and advise on legal recourse.

8.2 For Students / Pledges: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

If you’re a student from City of Richardson involved in Greek life, an athletic team, or any student organization, and you’re questioning whether what you’re experiencing is hazing:

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? Ask yourself: Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do? Would I do this if my parents or a university official were watching? Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal? If the answer to any of these is yes, it is likely hazing, regardless of what it’s called. As explained in Appendix C’s “Is This Hazing? Decision Guide,” even seemingly “subtle” acts like constant servitude or psychological manipulation are hazing.
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: Despite what older members might say, your “agreement” to participate under duress, peer pressure, or fear of exclusion is not true consent in the eyes of the law. Texas law explicitly states that consent is no defense to hazing. You have a right to be safe and treated with respect.
• 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 (your dorm, a friend’s apartment, a public area). You can report anonymously through national hotlines (e.g., 1-888-NOT-HAZE) or your university’s anonymous reporting options. If you are in immediate medical danger, call 911 – most schools and Texas law have good-faith reporter protections, meaning you generally won’t get in trouble for seeking help.
• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Texas hazing laws and many university policies encourage reporting and seeking help in emergencies. “Good Samaritan” or medical amnesty policies mean students who call for aid in an alcohol or drug emergency often receive protection from disciplinary action. Don’t let fear of “getting in trouble” prevent you from saving a life.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses: A Path to Accountability

If you were once part of a hazing incident, witnessed it, or even participated and now have regrets, your role can be crucial in preventing future harm.

• Acknowledge Your Role: It’s common to feel guilt, shame, or fear of legal repercussions. However, your testimony and evidence can be instrumental in providing justice for victims and preventing others from suffering.
• Your Evidence Can Save Lives: Even if you participated in aspects of hazing, your inside knowledge—group chats, photos, videos, or direct observations—can be critical. This evidence can hold truly culpable individuals and organizations accountable.
• Seek Your Own Legal Counsel: If you fear criminal or civil exposure due to your past involvement, consider seeking confidential legal advice for yourself. An attorney can help you understand your rights, including potential immunity in exchange for cooperation, and navigate how your testimony might be used. They can also represent you to ensure your interests are protected while helping victims.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

For City of Richardson families seeking justice, avoiding common mistakes is as critical as proactive evidence gathering. These missteps can severely harm a hazing case:

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

   • What Parents Think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble or embarrass themselves.”
   • Why It’s Wrong: Deleting messages or other digital evidence looks like a cover-up, can be considered obstruction of justice, and makes proving your case exponentially harder. Defense attorneys will scrutinize this.
   • What to Do Instead: Preserve everything immediately, even if it’s embarrassing. Our video “Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains how to do this effectively.

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly:

   • What Parents Think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind and demand answers.”
   • Why It’s Wrong: This alerts the organization, prompting them to immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses on what to say (or not say), and prepare their defenses. You lose the element of surprise.
   • What to Do Instead: Document every detail privately. Then, call an experienced hazing lawyer before any direct confrontation.

3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms Without Legal Review:

   • What Universities May Do: Pressure families to sign waivers, non-disclosure agreements, or internal “resolution” documents to resolve the issue quickly and quietly.
   • Why It’s Wrong: You may unknowingly waive your right to pursue a civil lawsuit, and any early settlements are often far below the true value of the case.
   • What to Do Instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university or any organization without an attorney reviewing it thoroughly first.

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

   • What Families Think: “I want people to know what happened to my child and warn others.”
   • Why It’s Wrong: Anything posted online is discoverable by defense attorneys, can be taken out of context, inconsistencies can be used against your child’s credibility, and it can inadvertently disclose strategy or waive legal privileges.
   • What to Do Instead: Keep all details private and documented. Trust your lawyer to manage how and when information is publicly released.

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

   • What Fraternities May Say: “Just come talk to us before you do anything drastic.”
   • Why It’s Wrong: These meetings are often designed to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can be used against the victim in later proceedings. Your child may be coerced into denying hazing or minimizing the incident.
   • What to Do Instead: Once you are considering legal action, all communication from the organization should be directed through your attorney.

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

   • What Universities May Promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally according to our policies.”
   • Why It’s Wrong: While universities conduct internal investigations, these are often aimed at protecting the institution first. Critical evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations continues to run. You lose valuable time.
   • What to Do Instead: Preserve evidence now. Consult an experienced hazing lawyer immediately, even if you still plan to cooperate with the university’s internal process. The university’s process is not the same as full legal accountability.

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer:

   • What Adjusters Say: “We just need your statement to process the claim.”
   • Why It’s Wrong: Insurance adjusters represent the insurance company, not you. Recorded statements can be used against you, and early settlement offers are almost always lowball attempts to resolve the case for minimal cost.
   • What to Do Instead: Politely decline to give a statement and tell them, “My attorney will contact you.”

You can learn more about these potential pitfalls by watching Attorney911’s video on client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY.

8.5 Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, certain constitutional violations, or when claims are brought against individual employees in their personal capacity. Private universities (such as SMU and Baylor) generally have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on its specific facts—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  It can be. While basic hazing is typically a Class B misdemeanor, it becomes a state jail felony under Texas law if it causes serious bodily injury or death. This means jail time and significant fines are possible. Individuals in leadership positions who fail to report hazing 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 charges or a civil lawsuit. Courts recognize that “consent” given under duress, peer pressure, or fear of exclusion within an organization is not truly voluntary.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  In Texas, the general statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases, including those arising from hazing, is two years from the date of injury or death. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this period if the harm or its cause was not immediately apparent. Specific circumstances, such as cover-ups or fraud, can also toll (pause) the statute. Because evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations destroy records, time is critical. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to discuss your specific timeline. For more information, watch our video on the statute of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location of the hazing does not automatically eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities/sororities can still be held liable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge, and whether the hazing was foreseeable. Many major hazing cases (like the Pi Delta Psi retreat death or the Sigma Pi death at an “unofficial” house) occurred off-campus and still resulted in substantial judgments or settlements.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  We understand the profound desire for privacy, especially for young students. While some high-profile cases do attract media attention, most hazing lawsuits settle confidentially before ever reaching a public trial. We can request sealed court records and negotiate confidential settlement terms to protect your family’s privacy while still pursuing full accountability.

For any specific questions or to discuss your situation in detail, always consult with an experienced hazing attorney.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family faces a hazing case, particularly one involving the complex legal landscape of Texas universities, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need a legal team that understands how powerful institutions—national fraternities, private universities, large public systems—fight back, and how to successfully challenge them for accountability.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, brings a unique set of qualifications to hazing litigation. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including City of Richardson, Dallas County, the DFW Metroplex, and every region where Texas students attend college. If you or your child encountered hazing at SMU, UH, UT Austin, Texas A&M, Baylor, or any other Texas campus, our expertise is specifically tailored to these battles.

Our firm’s strengths are directly applicable to the nuances of hazing cases:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings invaluable insight from her career as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm. She knows precisely how fraternity and university insurance companies analyze, value, and often undervalue hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, their arguments for coverage exclusions, and their settlement strategies because she used to run their playbook. This knowledge gives us a critical edge in securing justice for our clients.
• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has extensive federal court experience (including the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas) and was one of the few Texas firms involved in the complex BP Texas City explosion litigation. This background means we are not intimidated by the resources of national fraternities, large university systems, or their defense teams. We have taken on billion-dollar corporations and won, applying the same strategic rigor to hazing cases that force accountability from powerful defendants. Ralph Manginello’s complete credentials and case history are detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.
• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, working with economists and medical experts to fully quantify the devastating impact on victims and their families. We handle cases involving lifetime care needs that arise from brain injuries or permanent disabilities caused by hazing. We don’t just settle cases cheaply; we build comprehensive cases that demand true accountability and fair compensation. Our experience in wrongful death claims is detailed 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 civil litigation. This dual perspective is invaluable when advising witnesses or former members who may face criminal exposure while also needing to aid in a civil case. Our criminal defense experience allows us to navigate these sensitive issues for all involved parties.
• Investigative Depth: We leverage a network of medical experts, digital forensics specialists, economists, and psychologists to uncover and preserve critical evidence. Our firm has experience obtaining hidden evidence, from deleted group chats and social media content to internal chapter records and university files, often through aggressive discovery and public records requests. We investigate every hazing incident with the meticulousness your child’s future deserves.

We understand that hazing incidents are some of the hardest things a family in City of Richardson can face. The emotional toll, the medical bills, the academic disruption, and the deep sense of betrayal can be overwhelming. Our job is not just to provide legal representation; it is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, help prevent this from happening to another family, and provide compassionate support every step of the way. We are not about bravado or quick, undervalued settlements; we are about thorough investigation, tenacious advocacy, and securing real accountability.

Call to Action for City of Richardson Families

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

Contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911 for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will actively listen to what happened, explain your legal options, and help you determine the best path forward for your family.

You can expect us to:

• Listen to your story without judgment, providing a safe space to share.
• Review any evidence you currently have, such as photos, text messages, or medical records.
• Explain the complexities of your legal options, discussing potential criminal reports, civil lawsuits, or both.
• Discuss realistic timelines and what you can expect during the legal process.
• Answer your questions about legal fees; we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case. For more details, watch our video on contingency fees: 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 what is best for your family.
• Everything you discuss with us is strictly confidential.

Contact Us Today:

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

Hablamos Español:
For consultation in Spanish, please contact Lupe Peña directly at lupe@atty911.com. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

Whether you’re in City of Richardson, Dallas, 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