Texas Hazing Epidemic: A Comprehensive Guide for Travis County Families

The phone rings late, a parent’s worst nightmare. Your child, a student at one of Texas’s proud universities, is at an off-campus fraternity house. What started as a night of “initiation” or “bonding” has spiraled. They’re being pressured to drink far beyond safe limits, or endure physical abuse, or perform degrading acts. Other students are filming on their phones, chanting, laughing. Someone gets hurt – falls, vomits, collapses – but nobody wants to call 911 because they’re afraid of “getting the chapter shut down” or “getting in trouble.” Your child feels trapped between loyalty to the group and their own safety.

This scenario isn’t a distant possibility; it’s a tragic reality playing out too frequently across Texas campuses. For families in Travis County, from Austin to Round Rock, and across Central Texas, the worry is real whether their child attends the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M, the University of Houston, SMU, or Baylor. Our children go to these schools seeking education, community, and personal growth, not trauma or tragedy.

This comprehensive guide is designed for families in Travis County and across Central Texas who need to understand the dark side of campus culture. We will reveal:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, far beyond mere pranks.
• How Texas and federal laws address hazing.
• The critical lessons from major national hazing cases and how they directly apply to Texas families.
• The documented patterns of hazing at our leading state universities: UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor.
• The specific legal options available to victims and their families in Travis County and throughout Texas.

This article provides general information. It is not specific legal advice. The Manginello Law Firm serves families across Texas, including Travis County, and can evaluate individual cases based on their unique facts.

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, these steps are critical:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine.” Prioritizing their health is paramount.
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately.
  • Photograph injuries from multiple angles.
  • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects).
• Write down everything while memory is fresh: who was involved, what happened, when, and where.
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity/sorority.
  • Sign anything from the university or insurance company without legal advice.
  • Post details on public social media, as this could compromise your case or invite negative attention.
  • Allow your child to delete messages or “clean up” any evidence.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

• Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses).
• Universities often move quickly to control the narrative.
• 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 Travis County families, understanding hazing today requires looking beyond exaggerated movie scenes or nostalgic “pranks.” Modern hazing is often covert, psychologically coercive, and far more dangerous, making it difficult for parents and even students to recognize until it’s too late. It’s not just a rite of passage; it’s a violation of trust and safety that can have lifelong consequences.

Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

In plain English, hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group. This behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. It’s not just about what a student is told to do directly; it can be about powerful implicit pressure. The phrase “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal, particularly when there’s a clear power imbalance, group pressure, and psychological manipulation at play.

Main Categories of Hazing

Modern hazing takes many forms, often escalating from subtle psychological manipulation to overt physical violence.

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is the most common and often deadliest form of hazing. It includes forced or coerced drinking of large quantities of alcohol, often during specific “games” or “lineups” tied to initiation. This can involve chugging challenges, mixed drinks, or being pressured to consume unknown substances. The goal is often rapid intoxication, leading to alcohol poisoning, blackouts, and loss of control.
• Physical Hazing: Beyond the traditional paddling, physical hazing today involves extreme calisthenics, forced “workouts” or “smokings” far beyond normal conditioning, leading to injuries like rhabdomyolysis. It also includes sleep deprivation, food/water deprivation, and exposure to extreme environmental conditions (e.g., being left outside in the cold or heat without proper attire). Physical contact can range from slaps to full-blown beatings, often disguised as “roughhousing” or “bonding.”
• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This particularly egregious category includes forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (often degrading and non-consensual), and being made to wear humiliating costumes. Some acts carry significant racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones, further traumatizing victims and reinforcing harmful stereotypes within the group.
• Psychological Hazing: Often overlooked but deeply damaging, psychological hazing involves verbal abuse, threats, and purposeful social isolation. This can manifest as constant intimidation, manipulation, forced confessions, or public shaming through “grilling” sessions or social media posts designed to break down a new member’s self-esteem and enforce absolute loyalty.
• Digital/Online Hazing: With the ubiquity of smartphones, hazing has evolved to include the digital realm. This ranges from constant group chat demands, dares, and “challenges” to public humiliation via social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. Pledges might be pressured to create or share compromising images or videos, or have their location tracked 24/7, blurring the lines between social interaction and constant surveillance.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Hazing is not confined to one type of organization or a single campus dynamic. While fraternities and sororities (including Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural groups) are often in the spotlight, hazing occurs across a surprising breadth of college life:

• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / military-style groups: These organizations, particularly prominent at Texas A&M, often have long-standing traditions that, while sometimes framed as building discipline, can cross the line into hazing.
• Spirit squads, tradition clubs: At schools like UT Austin, groups such as the Texas Cowboys have faced disciplinary action for hazing.
• Athletic teams: Football, basketball, baseball, cheer, swim, and other collegiate sports teams have been involved in hazing scandals, highlighting that physical culture can be a cover for abusive practices.
• Marching bands and performance groups: Even seemingly innocuous groups can engage in hazing rituals, as seen in national cases involving marching bands.
• Some service, cultural, and academic organizations: Any group with a hierarchical structure and a desire for “exclusivity” can foster a hazing environment.

In a paragraph or two, the insidious aspect of hazing is how social status, tradition, and fervent loyalty to the group keep these practices alive. Even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal, the pressure to conform, to “earn” one’s place, and to maintain secrecy is immense, making it incredibly difficult for individuals to speak out or recognize themselves as victims.

Law & Liability Framework in Texas and Federally

For Travis County families navigating the aftermath of hazing, understanding the legal landscape is crucial. Texas has specific laws designed to combat hazing, and federal regulations add another layer of protection. Knowing these frameworks helps us pursue accountability for victims.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions outlined in the Texas Education Code, and it’s important for Travis County residents to understand these protections. In plain terms, hazing is defined as an intentional, knowing, or reckless act, committed by one person or with others, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in any student organization. This act must either:

• Endanger the physical health or safety of a student (e.g., beatings, forced exercise, forced consumption of alcohol or drugs).
• Or substantially affect the mental health or safety of a student (e.g., extreme humiliation, psychological intimidation, sustained verbal abuse).

Summary of key aspects:

• Criminal penalties: Hazing is a crime in Texas. While basic hazing without serious injury is typically a Class B misdemeanor, the penalties escalate significantly if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. In such severe circumstances, it can become a state jail felony. Individuals, particularly those who fail to report hazing when they have a duty to do so, or retaliate against someone who reports, can also face misdemeanor charges.
• Reporter protections: Texas law encourages reporting by providing limited immunity from civil or criminal liability for individuals who report hazing in good faith to university or law enforcement authorities. This protection is vital for bystanders or participants who wish to come forward without fear of self-incrimination.
• Consent is not a defense: This is a critical point. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that it is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed “consented” to the activity. Our legal system recognizes that in environments with extreme peer pressure and power imbalances, true voluntary consent is often impossible.

This is a summary of the law, not the complete statute itself, and the actual code contains more technical details.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Distinct Paths to Justice

When hazing occurs, there are generally two separate legal avenues for justice: criminal cases and civil cases. Understanding the difference is crucial for Travis County families considering their options.

• Criminal cases: These are brought by the state (prosecutors, district attorneys) against individuals or organizations accused of violating criminal hazing statutes or related laws. The primary aim of a criminal case is punishment – fines, jail time, probation, or community service. In hazing incidents, prosecutors may pursue various charges:

  • Hazing offenses (misdemeanor or felony, depending on severity).
  • Furnishing alcohol to minors.
  • Assault, battery, or even manslaughter or negligent homicide in cases involving serious injury or death.
    A criminal conviction sends a strong message to the community and can act as a deterrent, but it does not directly compensate victims or their families for their suffering.

• Civil cases: These are initiated by the victims or their surviving families against the individuals and organizations responsible for the hazing. The central aim of a civil case is monetary compensation and holding the responsible parties accountable for the harm caused. In civil hazing lawsuits, our firm might pursue claims based on:

  • Negligence (failure to act reasonably to prevent harm).
  • Gross negligence (conscious indifference to the safety of others).
  • Wrongful death (when hazing leads to a fatality).
  • Negligent hiring, supervision, or retention (against universities or national organizations).
  • Premises liability (against property owners where hazing occurred).
  • Intentional infliction of emotional distress.
    It’s crucial to understand that a criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for a civil case. A civil lawsuit can proceed independently, even if no criminal charges are filed or if a criminal case results in acquittal. Both types of cases can be pursued simultaneously, offering different forms of justice for victims.

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

Beyond state laws, federal regulations also impact how hazing is reported and addressed, adding important layers of oversight for Travis County students attending, or considering, federally funded universities.

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

  • Transparently report hazing incidents on their campuses.
  • Strengthen hazing education and prevention programs.
  • Maintain publicly accessible data on hazing violations and disciplinary actions, with full implementation expected by late 2026.
    This act aims to provide families with more information about hazing incidents at potential schools and push institutions toward greater accountability.

• Title IX / Clery Act: These two federal laws can also intersect with hazing incidents:

  • Title IX: If hazing involves elements of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of discrimination based on sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), it falls under Title IX. This triggers specific obligations for universities to investigate, provide interim measures for safety, and address gender-based hostility.
  • Clery Act: This federal law requires colleges to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. Hazing incidents, particularly those involving assaults, alcohol-related offenses, or property damage, often overlap with Clery reporting categories, ensuring they are part of a university’s broader safety statistics.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Determining who is legally responsible for hazing injuries and deaths is complex, but crucial for securing justice. Several parties can be named as defendants in a civil hazing lawsuit, a framework applied whether the incident impacts a Travis County family at UT Austin or a family from elsewhere in Texas.

• Individual Students: Those who actively planned, carried out, supplied alcohol, or directly participated in the hazing acts can be held personally liable. This includes “pledge educators,” “big brothers/sisters,” or any members who directly caused or contributed to the harm.
• Local Chapter / Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or athletic team itself (if it’s recognized as a legal entity) can be sued. This organizational liability often extends to the officers or leaders who authorized or oversaw the hazing activities.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters or governing body often sets policies, collects dues, and provides oversight to local chapters. Our firm will investigate what the national organization knew or should have known about hazing patterns within its chapters, leveraging evidence from past incidents at other campuses to establish a pattern of negligence or deliberate indifference.
• University or Governing Board: Colleges and universities, both public and private, can be held liable under certain legal theories. This often depends on factors like:
  • Whether the university had prior knowledge of hazing within the organization.
  • Its failure to properly supervise or enforce its own anti-hazing policies.
  • Its capacity to prevent foreseeable harm.
  • For public universities, elements of sovereign immunity can apply, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, ministerial acts, and Title IX violations.
• Third Parties: Depending on the circumstances, others might also bear responsibility:
  • Property Owners/Landlords: If the hazing occurred at an off-campus house, event space, or a member’s private residence, the owners could be liable for premises liability if they knew or should have known about dangerous activities.
  • Bars or Alcohol Providers: Under “dram shop” laws in Texas, establishments that over-serve visibly intoxicated patrons who then cause harm can be held accountable.
  • Security Companies or Event Organizers: If their negligence contributed to the incident or failure to intervene.

Every hazing case is fact-specific; not every party listed here is liable in every situation. A thorough investigation is required to identify all responsible parties and build a strong case.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

While hazing incidents across Texas universities are uniquely painful for our community, they often echo tragic patterns seen nationwide. These national anchor stories are not just news headlines; they are critical precedents that shape how we pursue justice for Travis County families today. They reveal common threads in hazing practices, institutional failures, and the legal pathways to accountability.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern: A Recurring Tragedy

The most devastating pattern in hazing involves alcohol and substance abuse, frequently leading to preventable deaths. These cases highlight the extreme dangers of forced consumption and the systemic failures to prevent it.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died after a bid-acceptance event involving extreme drinking. Captured on chapter surveillance cameras, Piazza suffered multiple falls and injuries, but brothers delayed calling 911 for nearly 12 hours. His tragic death led to dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, extensive civil litigation with confidential settlements, and the creation of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. This case underscores how a culture of secrecy, peer pressure, and delayed medical care can turn a social event into a death trap.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, a freshman, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event where pledges were given handles of liquor. Multiple fraternity members were prosecuted, and Florida State University temporarily suspended all Greek life and overhauled its policies. This incident illustrates the deadly predictability of forced drinking rituals disguised as “tradition.”
• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, a pledge at LSU, died from alcohol toxicity after being forced to participate in a “Bible study” drinking game. Pledges were made to drink large amounts of 190-proof alcohol for answering questions incorrectly. His death directly led to the enactment of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, making felony hazing a crime with serious prison time. Max’s case shows that legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of lethal hazing.
• 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 during a “Big/Little” night and died from alcohol poisoning. This case resulted in multiple criminal convictions for fraternity members. More significantly, the Foltz family reached a $10 million settlement in 2023, with $7 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national and nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University. This landmark settlement demonstrates that both national fraternities and universities can face massive financial and reputational consequences for hazing.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern: Beyond Alcohol

Hazing isn’t solely about alcohol; physical and ritualized abuse also causes severe injury and death, often in attempts to “prove worthiness.”

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, an 18-year-old pledge, died after being subjected to a violent, blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual during a fraternity retreat in Pennsylvania. He suffered a traumatic brain injury after being repeatedly tackled. Help was significantly delayed. Several fraternity members were convicted of crimes, and chillingly, the national fraternity was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter—a landmark case for organizational criminal liability. This case highlights that hazing relocated to off-campus “retreats” is often an attempt to hide more extreme, dangerous practices.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse: Not Just Greek Life

Hazing is not confined to Greek organizations. Competitive teams in high-profile athletic programs can also foster environments where hazing occurs, often disguised as “team building” or “mental toughness.”

• Northwestern University football (2023–2025): Multiple former football players alleged widespread sexualized, racist, and physically abusive hazing within the program over many years. This scandal led to the firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who later reached a confidential settlement in his wrongful-termination lawsuit against the university. Multiple players filed lawsuits against Northwestern and staff. This case is a stark reminder that hazing can occur in major athletic programs, transcending the traditionally perceived boundaries of Greek life and raising serious questions about institutional oversight.

What These Cases Mean for Travis County Families

These national tragedies share common threads: forced drinking, degradation, violence, systemic failures to intervene, and often, deliberate attempts to delay medical care and cover up the incidents. Time and again, institutions and national organizations are found to have had prior notice of dangerous activities but failed to take meaningful action.

For Travis County families dealing with hazing at UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, SMU, Baylor, or other Texas schools, these national precedents are immensely important. They demonstrate that:

• Foreseeability is a key legal argument: If similar incidents have occurred previously within an organization (local or national), the current incident may have been foreseeable and preventable.
• Reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often only follow after tragedy, public exposure, and aggressive civil litigation.
• You are not alone. The legal strategies developed in these national cases inform and strengthen our approach to pursuing justice for victims in Texas.

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

The Manginello Law Firm is proud to serve families across Texas, including those in Travis County and the surrounding Central Texas region. When hazing impacts a family from Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, or Georgetown, their concerns often center on institutions within a few hours’ drive. Though our firm is based in Houston, with offices also in Austin and Beaumont, our reach extends statewide, including diligent legal support for hazing victims at any Texas university.

The University of Texas at Austin holds particular significance for Travis County families, given its location. Many students from our community attend UT, and many parents here may have concerns specific to its culture and Greek life. Therefore, we will lead with UT Austin’s context, then cover other major Texas universities that serve students from across our state, including many from Central Texas.

5.1 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot (Travis County Connection)

The University of Texas at Austin, located in the heart of Travis County, is one of the nation’s largest and most prestigious public universities. Known for its vibrant campus life, fiercely proud alumni network, and a distinct Austin culture, UT attracts students from across Texas, including a significant number from Travis County. Its Greek life is extensive, involving dozens of fraternities and sororities, alongside numerous spirit organizations and campus traditions. Students’ experiences range from academic excellence to a rich social scene, but this large, dynamic environment also presents challenges regarding student safety and oversight.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels at UT

The University of Texas at Austin maintains stringent anti-hazing policies, clearly prohibiting hazing whether it occurs on or off campus, and regardless of a student’s “consent.” UT defines hazing broadly to include any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation.
UT provides clear reporting channels through the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD). Crucially, UT Austin publishes a comprehensive public list of hazing violations and disciplinary actions taken against student organizations, making it one of the more transparent institutions in Texas regarding hazing enforcement. This public log serves as a vital resource for families and future legal action, signaling patterns and institutional knowledge.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses at UT Austin

The UT Austin hazing violations page, a public record, shows a consistent pattern of incidents over the years involving various student organizations, including some of the largest fraternities. These documented cases are invaluable for understanding the ongoing challenges at UT.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): This fraternity faced disciplinary action after new members were directed to consume excessive amounts of milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, actions found to constitute hazing. The chapter was placed on probation and mandated to implement new hazing-prevention education. This incident illustrates a common physical hazing tactic within Greek life.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) (January 2024): This chapter, already under suspension for prior hazing/safety violations, faced a federal lawsuit after an Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members at an off-campus party. The student sustained a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, a fractured tibia, and a broken nose. The lawsuit sought over $1 million against the SAE chapter. This incident highlights the recurrence of severe incidents despite previous sanctions and the serious physical harm that can occur.
• Texas Wranglers (Spirit Organization): While not a traditional Greek fraternity, the Texas Wranglers, a prominent spirit organization, has faced sanctions for hazing several times, including for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, and punishment-based practices. This demonstrates that hazing is not exclusive to Greek life but can permeate other highly traditional student groups at UT.
• “Absolute Texxas” Spirit Group (2022): This spirit organization was disciplined for hazing violations that included alcohol/drug misconduct, blindfolding, forced “kidnapping” scenarios, and degrading new members. This reinforces that non-Greek organizations with strong traditions can also engage in dangerous hazing.

The university’s disciplinary actions, ranging from probation to multi-year suspensions, show a response, but the persistence of these incidents underscores the deeply entrenched nature of hazing within certain organizations.

5.1.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed (Travis County Jurisdiction)

For Travis County families, a hazing lawsuit involving a UT Austin student would typically involve agencies with jurisdiction in our local area. Campus incidents might first involve the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD), but if the hazing involves serious criminal behavior, the Austin Police Department (APD) and the Travis County Sheriff’s Office could also be involved, especially for off-campus incidents.

Civil lawsuits against individuals, the chapter, or the national organization would likely be filed in Travis County District Courts. This means a more localized process for families living in Austin, Cedar Park, or Round Rock. Our firm, with an office in Austin, is well-positioned to navigate these local systems. Evidence of prior violations from UT’s public log can be instrumental in demonstrating a pattern of misconduct and the university’s prior knowledge, strengthening the legal claim for negligence.

5.1.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

For students at the University of Texas at Austin and their families in Travis County, taking proactive steps is crucial:

• Familiarize yourself with UT’s hazing policies and the publicly available hazing violations report at hazing.utexas.edu. This can help identify organizations with a history of misconduct.
• If you suspect hazing, report it to the UT Austin Dean of Students Office or UTPD. Anonymous reporting is available through various channels.
• Document everything: If you’re witnessing or experiencing hazing, immediately screenshot group chats, photograph injuries, and record dates and times. UT’s transparent reporting creates a paper trail, and your personal documentation further strengthens any future case.
• Seek legal counsel early: Even if you are unsure whether what happened constitutes hazing, contact a lawyer experienced in Texas hazing cases to understand your rights. Legal counsel can help preserve evidence before it disappears and advise on interacting with university officials or law enforcement.

5.2 Texas A&M University

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M University, located in College Station, is deeply rooted in tradition, military influence through its Corps of Cadets, and a strong sense of community. Its Greek life is robust, and the university places a high value on its various student organizations and spirit groups. The blend of military culture, intense traditions, and expansive student life means that while many experiences are positive, the risk of hazing, often cloaked in the guise of “tradition” or “earning your Aggie Ring,” is a persistent concern for families in Travis County and statewide who send their children to College Station.

5.2.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting at Texas A&M

Texas A&M explicitly prohibits hazing, defining it as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. Reporting methods include the Student Conduct Office, the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD), and specific channels within the Corps of Cadets. Like other major universities, A&M states its commitment to a hazing-free environment, but internal and external reports indicate that enforcement remains an ongoing challenge.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses at Texas A&M

Texas A&M has faced several high-profile hazing allegations, often within its Greek life and, significantly, within the esteemed Corps of Cadets.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) (2021): This highly concerning incident involved allegations from two pledges who claimed they were subjected to strenuous physical activity and then had substances, including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, poured on them. This resulted in severe chemical burns requiring multiple skin graft surgeries. The pledges subsequently sued the fraternity for $1 million, and the chapter was suspended for two years by the university. This case is a stark example of violent, non-alcohol-related hazing that caused catastrophic physical injury.
• Corps of Cadets (2023): A cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading and abusive hazing, including simulated sexual acts and being bound in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit against the university sought over $1 million. While Texas A&M stated it handled the matter under its internal regulations, the case highlighted that hazing extends to tradition-heavy institutions beyond Greek life.
• Kappa Sigma (2023, ongoing): Allegations of hazing within the Kappa Sigma chapter led to severe injuries, including rhabdomyolysis – a dangerous muscle breakdown caused by extreme physical exertion, often associated with forced workouts in hazing. This incident highlights the ongoing physical dangers, and specialized legal representation has been sought to address the specific medical and legal complexities of rhabdomyolysis injury recovery.

These incidents demonstrate that the “tradition” aspect at A&M, whether in Greek life or the Corps, can be a breeding ground for dangerous hazing, sometimes with life-altering consequences.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case might Proceed

For a Texas A&M hazing case, local law enforcement would primarily be the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD), working alongside the College Station Police Department and the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus incidents in the Bryan-College Station area. Civil lawsuits would generally be filed in Brazos County District Courts. Our firm, with its statewide reach, can manage these cases, bringing particular expertise in navigating the complexities of university policy and the unique dynamics of institutions like the Corps of Cadets.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

Families from Travis County whose students attend Texas A&M should be highly vigilant:

• Understand that A&M’s strong “traditions” can sometimes mask hazing. Educate yourself on the difference between legitimate tradition and abusive practices.
• If hazing within the Corps of Cadets is suspected, report it through the Corps’ command structure and simultaneously to Student Conduct or UPD. Do not rely solely on internal reporting if serious harm is involved.
• Preserve all evidence: “Aggie Ring” pride should not come at the cost of safety. Screenshots, photos, and witness accounts are crucial.
• Contact a lawyer experienced in Texas hazing cases, particularly those who have handled cases involving powerful institutions like Texas A&M and its Corps of Cadets.

5.3 University of Houston (UH)

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Houston, a large urban public research university, serves a diverse student body that includes many students from the Houston metropolitan area and beyond. Its campus culture reflects its city, combining academic rigor with a vibrant social scene, including a robust and growing Greek life, athletic programs, and numerous student organizations. For Travis County families with students attending UH, the urban environment presents unique opportunities but also the need for specific vigilance regarding campus safety and organizational conduct.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels at UH

The University of Houston maintains a strict anti-hazing policy that applies to all student organizations, whether their activities occur on or off campus. UH’s policy broadly prohibits 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 maintaining membership. Reporting channels are provided through the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). While UH provides information on hazing prevention, detailed public lists of specific hazing violations are less frequently updated compared to some other Texas universities.

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses at UH

While specific detailed public records of every hazing incident at UH can be less accessible than at UT, the university has dealt with significant cases involving Greek organizations.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2016): This significant case involved allegations that pledges were deprived of sufficient food, water, and sleep during a multi-day event. Disturbingly, one student allegedly suffered a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table or similar surface. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and was formally suspended by the university, highlighting the dangers of physical hazing and deprivation.
• Other disciplinary actions: Over the years, other Greek organizations at UH have faced disciplinary actions for behaviors deemed to be hazing, often involving alcohol misuse, physical challenges, or conduct “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort.” These responses have included probation and temporary suspensions, reflecting the university’s efforts to address ongoing issues.

These cases suggest that despite policies, the pressures within certain Greek organizations at UH can lead to dangerous and harmful hazing activities.

5.3.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a hazing incident at the University of Houston, law enforcement involvement would likely include the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD), and for off-campus events, the Houston Police Department (HPD). Civil lawsuits could be filed in the Harris County District Courts, which are familiar grounds for our Houston-based firm. Our deep roots in Houston and extensive experience in complex litigation mean we are uniquely positioned to manage these cases, uncovering prior discipline and navigating the relevant legal and institutional frameworks effectively.

5.3.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

For Travis County families with students at the University of Houston, vigilance and informed action are key:

• Familiarize yourselves with UH’s official anti-hazing policies and reporting mechanisms, readily available through the university’s official websites.
• If you suspect or witness hazing, report it to the UH Dean of Students or UHPD. Do not hesitate to use anonymous reporting options if fear of retaliation is a concern.
• Document everything immediately: Any text messages, group chats, photos, or videos related to hazing should be preserved without delay. Detailed notes on what happened, when, and where are also critical.
• Given the urban setting and the complex nature of university investigations, seeking early legal advice from a Houston-based hazing lawyer like Attorney911 is highly recommended. We can provide guidance on evidence preservation and interacting with university authorities.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Southern Methodist University (SMU), a private university located in Dallas, is well-known for its affluent student body and a highly active Greek life that plays a significant role in campus social dynamics. Its reputation for strong traditions and an emphasis on undergraduate experience means that, like other universities, SMU must contend with the potential for hazing, often deeply embedded in social hierarchies. For Travis County families considering SMU for their children, it’s crucial to understand how this environment interacts with hazing risks.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels at SMU

SMU maintains clear anti-hazing policies that prohibit any act of harassment, abuse, or degradation for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. The university provides various reporting channels, including the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, the SMU Police Department, and specific anonymous reporting systems (such as the “Real Response” app for Greek organizations). SMU emphasizes its commitment to student safety and zero tolerance for hazing.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses at SMU

SMU has also faced its share of hazing allegations and disciplinary actions:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): This fraternity chapter faced disciplinary action after reports of severe hazing, including members being paddled, forced to consume alcohol, and subjected to sleep deprivation. The chapter was suspended and placed under significant restrictions, including a ban on recruiting new members for several years, until approximately 2021. This incident highlights the dangers of physical hazing and forced consumption, even at private universities.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Like many private institutions, SMU’s specific records of all hazing incidents are not as publicly accessible as those of state universities like UT Austin. However, the consistent implementation of anonymous reporting systems and regular reviews of Greek life indicate an ongoing effort to combat hazing, often in response to internal reports or local incidents.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a hazing incident at SMU, law enforcement could involve the SMU Police Department and the Dallas Police Department for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Dallas County District Courts. Pursuing a case against a private university like SMU differs from a public institution. Private schools are subject to different immunity considerations, but discovery during litigation can often compel the release of internal reports and communications that might not be publicly posted, helping to build a comprehensive case. Our firm has significant experience with private university litigation statewide.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

For Travis County families with students at SMU:

• Be aware that even in private, seemingly exclusive environments, hazing persists. Understand SMU’s policies and anonymous reporting channels.
• If hazing is suspected or occurs, document it meticulously, preserving all digital evidence and taking detailed notes.
• Given SMU’s private status, parents should understand that direct requests for information about specific incidents may be handled differently than at public universities. Early legal consultation can help navigate these institutional nuances.
• Contact a lawyer experienced in hazing litigation who understands how to effectively address claims involving private universities and their associated organizations.

5.5 Baylor University

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University, a private Baptist university in Waco, is known for its strong faith-based community, rigorous academics, and a vibrant student life that includes a significant Greek presence and competitive athletic programs. For Travis County families, Baylor represents another highly respected educational institution in Central Texas. However, like any university, Baylor has faced scrutiny regarding student safety and misconduct, particularly in the wake of past high-profile scandals involving sexual assault and Title IX compliance. This history underscores the importance of close attention to campus culture and oversight concerning hazing.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels at Baylor

Baylor University has a strict anti-hazing policy, emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach. It prohibits any act that causes or is likely to cause mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. Reporting mechanisms include the Student Conduct Administration, the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD), and dedicated online reporting forms. Baylor’s policies are often framed within its Christian mission, stressing community responsibility and ethical conduct.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses at Baylor

Baylor’s recent history includes scrutiny over its handling of various forms of student misconduct, which provides a relevant backdrop for understanding its response to hazing.

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): Following an investigation into hazing allegations within the baseball program, 14 players were suspended. The suspensions were staggered across the early part of the season to avoid crippling the team, but the incident highlighted that hazing extends beyond Greek life into respected athletic programs at Baylor.
• Ongoing Scrutiny: While specific detailed accounts of Greek hazing incidents are not always publicly disseminated by private universities, Baylor’s broader experience with institutional oversight challenges (particularly related to the football sexual assault scandal) means that any allegations of hazing receive heightened attention. This context influences how future hazing incidents might be investigated and prosecuted.

These incidents, coupled with the university’s prior challenges, emphasize the need for continuous vigilance and robust enforcement against hazing.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

Law enforcement for hazing incidents at Baylor could involve the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD) and the Waco Police Department for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits involving Baylor University would typically be filed in McLennan County District Courts. Given Baylor’s private university status and its complex history with institutional accountability, a hazing lawsuit would require sophisticated legal counsel familiar with navigating private university legal defenses and the particular dynamics of such an institution. Our firm’s experience with demanding accountability from powerful entities is well-suited to this environment.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

For Travis County families with students at Baylor, proactive steps are essential:

• Understand Baylor’s specific policies on hazing and the reporting avenues available. Do not assume that the university’s Christian mission automatically prevents hazing from occurring.
• If hazing is suspected, document every detail accurately and immediately, including digital communications.
• Given Baylor’s history of challenges with institutional accountability, if you or your child experiences hazing, it is crucial to consult with an experienced hazing attorney early. Legal counsel can provide independent advice and help ensure that your concerns are addressed effectively and that the university is held to its stated standards.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

For Travis County families, understanding the role of fraternities and sororities in hazing extends beyond individual chapters to the policies and histories of their national organizations. The Manginello Law Firm recognizes that many fraternities and sororities at Texas universities, including UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, SMU, and Baylor, are part of larger national organizations. These national entities often have a corporate structure, extensive guidelines, and, regrettably, a history of repeated misconduct.

Why National Histories Matter

When a student from Travis County experiences hazing, the individuals directly involved are certainly accountable. However, we also investigate the role of the national organization. Here’s why their history is crucial:

• Prior Knowledge and Foreseeability: National HQs often have thick anti-hazing manuals and risk policies precisely because they have witnessed deaths and catastrophic injuries in the past. They know the common patterns: forced drinking nights, paddling traditions, humiliating rituals. When a Texas chapter repeats a pattern that has led to tragedy at another university, it powerfully demonstrates foreseeability – meaning the national organization knew or should have known that such hazing was likely to occur if they didn’t intervene effectively. This supports strong negligence or gross negligence arguments.
• Systemic Failure: If a national organization has a history of allowing hazing to persist across multiple chapters, it suggests a systemic failure of oversight, enforcement, and cultural change. This can make them directly liable for the actions of their local chapters.
• Resource Allocation: National organizations benefit from membership dues, powerful alumni networks, and brand recognition. With these resources come a responsibility to ensure the safety of their members. Their failure to do so, especially when they have been repeatedly warned, is a critical element in pursuing accountability.

Organization Mapping: Connecting Local Chapters to National Patterns

While we cannot list every chapter and its history, we can highlight major Greek organizations present at Texas universities that have national patterns of hazing, impacting students from Travis County and across the state. This connection can be vital for litigation.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): Present at UT Austin, Texas A&M, and Baylor, this national fraternity has a deeply problematic history. The Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green State University ($10M settlement, $7M from national) and the David Bogenberger death at Northern Illinois University ($14M settlement) directly involved Pi Kappa Alpha. These cases show a pattern of forced alcohol consumption, particularly during “Big/Little” events, that reoccurs nationally.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): Active at UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, and SMU, SAE has been involved in multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide. This includes a serious traumatic brain injury lawsuit at the University of Alabama, a $1 million lawsuit at Texas A&M for chemical burns requiring skin grafts, and a recent assault lawsuit at UT Austin. The national organization famously eliminated its pledge process in 2014 in response to repeated fatalities, underscoring its long-recognized pattern of risk.
• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): Found at UT Austin, Texas A&M, SMU, and Baylor, this fraternity was at the center of the Max Gruver hazing death at LSU, leading to the Max Gruver Act (Louisana’s felony hazing statute). This case established a national precedent for severe penalties related to forced drinking games.
• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Active at UT Austin and Texas A&M, Pi Kappa Phi was involved in the Andrew Coffey hazing death at Florida State University, another tragedy stemming from forced alcohol consumption during a “Big Brother Night.”
• Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ): Present at Texas A&M and SMU, this fraternity has faced hazing allegations and suspensions at various campuses, including SMU itself (2017), illustrating continued issues within the organization.
• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): With chapters at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin, this fraternity was infamously involved in the Timothy Piazza hazing death at Penn State, leading to the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. This case highlighted extreme alcohol hazing, physical injury, and a deliberate delay in seeking medical help.
• Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI): Present at Texas A&M, this fraternity was responsible for the Danny Santulli case at the University of Missouri (multi-million dollar settlements), where a pledge suffered severe, permanent brain damage from forced alcohol consumption.
• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin, this fraternity was involved in the Chad Meredith drowning death ($12.6M verdict) and recent allegations of severe physical hazing causing rhabdomyolysis at Texas A&M.
• Sigma Chi (ΣΧ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, Sigma Chi has faced lawsuits for severe hazing, including a College of Charleston case that resulted in more than $10 million in damages for physical beatings and psychological torment.

These examples underscore that hazing is not isolated to a few “bad apples” but often reflects systemic issues within powerful national organizations.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy for Travis County Families

The patterns seen across states and campuses are highly relevant for any Travis County family pursuing a hazing case in Texas. They allow our firm to:

• Demonstrate Foreseeability: By showing that similar types of hazing have repeatedly occurred within a national organization, we can argue that the organization had prior knowledge of the risks and failed to take adequate preventative measures.
• Establish a Pattern of Negligence: If a national organization’s anti-hazing policies were merely “paper policies” and not meaningfully enforced across its chapters, it can be held liable for negligent supervision or deliberate indifference.
• Navigate Insurance Coverage: National organizations and universities often have complex insurance policies. Our firm, with Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney, understands how to combat arguments that policies exclude intentional acts or hazing, and we know how to identify all potential sources of recovery.
• Seek Punitive Damages: In cases where a national organization or university showed a conscious disregard for the safety of its students despite repeated warnings and prior incidents, courts may consider punitive damages to truly punish the egregious behavior and deter future misconduct.

This sophisticated approach to hazing litigation means we don’t just focus on the actions of a few individuals. We hold the powerful institutions responsible for creating and perpetuating environments where hazing can thrive.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

When a Travis County family decides to pursue justice for a hazing incident, it’s not a simple process. It requires a meticulous, strategic approach that begins with aggressive evidence collection and spans through complex legal arguments to ensure full compensation for all damages suffered. At The Manginello Law Firm, we combine our investigative depth with a deep understanding of the law to build compelling cases.

Evidence: The Foundation of Your Case

In today’s digital age, evidence in hazing cases is more abundant than ever, but it can disappear quickly. Our firm prioritizes immediate and comprehensive evidence collection. Attorney911’s video on using your phone to document evidence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains best practices for preserving critical information.

• Digital Communications: These are often the “smoking gun” in modern hazing cases. We meticulously collect:

  • GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, and other group chat apps: These platforms are used to plan, command, and sometimes, mock hazing victims. Screenshots capturing full threads, names, and timestamps are invaluable. We also leverage digital forensics experts to potentially recover deleted messages.
  • Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok comments/videos: Social media is a pervasive element of college life, and hazing often leaves digital footprints here, from direct messages containing instructions to stories or posts showing humiliating acts.
  • Emails and texts: Official communications between members or with advisors can reveal planning, knowledge, or cover-up attempts.

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

  • Content filmed by participants: Members often record hazing events on their phones, later sharing them in private groups or on social media. These unflinching records can be critical.
  • Surveillance footage: Security cameras, Ring doorbells, or institutional CCTV at houses, common areas, or venues can capture activity leading up to or during hazing.
  • Injury photos: Immediate, high-quality photos of injuries (with scale) are crucial, followed by documentation of their progression over time.

• Internal Organization Documents: We pursue:

  • Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, and “tradition” lists: These can reveal officially sanctioned activities that may cross into hazing or expose a culture that encourages dangerous behavior.
  • Emails/texts from officers/members: Communications discussing “what we’ll do to pledges” or instructions on secrecy are vital.
  • National policies and training materials: These show what the national organization knew about hazing risks and what (if anything) they told chapters to do.

• University Records: Through discovery and public records requests (especially at public universities like UT Austin, Texas A&M, and UH), we seek:

  • Prior conduct files: Records of probation, suspensions, and warnings against the organization.
  • Campus police/student conduct reports: Any past complaints or incidents involving the chapter or its members.
  • Clery reports: Annual safety statistics that can reveal patterns of alcohol abuse, assaults, or other crimes.

• Medical and Psychological Records: These quantify the harm:

  • Emergency room reports, ambulance records, hospitalization notes: Detailing immediate injuries, treatments, and toxicology results.
  • Rehab notes: Documenting ongoing physical or occupational therapy.
  • Psychological evaluations: For diagnosing PTSD, depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation resulting from the trauma. These are crucial for non-economic damages.

• Witness Testimony: We identify and interview:

  • Other pledges, current members, former members who can corroborate events.
  • Roommates, RAs, coaches, or bystanders who noticed changes in behavior or witnessed parts of the hazing.
  • Any emergency responders or medical staff who observed the immediate aftermath.

Damages: Beyond the Physical Injuries

When hazing severely harms a student from Travis County, the law provides for compensation across multiple categories of “damages.” These aim to make the victim whole again, as much as money can.

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers all healthcare costs, from emergency room visits, ambulance transport, and surgeries to ongoing physical therapy, medications, and mental health counseling. For catastrophic injuries, like brain damage or organ failure, it includes life care plans that project future medical and personal care needs for the remainder of the victim’s life.
• Lost Income / Educational Impact: If hazing forces a student to withdraw from school, miss semesters, or suffer permanent injury affecting their career, damages can include:
  • Lost earnings from part-time jobs.
  • Tuition and fees for delayed graduation or transfer.
  • Scholarships lost due to academic decline or withdrawal.
  • Diminished future earning capacity if a permanent injury affects their ability to work. Expert economists are often consulted to calculate these long-term financial losses.
• Non-Economic Damages: These address the non-monetary, but equally significant, harms:
  • Physical Pain and Suffering: From the moment of injury through recovery and any ongoing chronic pain.
  • Emotional Distress, Trauma, Humiliation: This includes diagnosed conditions like PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, a sense of shame, and the psychological impact of public humiliation.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: When injuries prevent a student from participating in activities they once loved – sports, hobbies, social events – or fundamentally alter their quality of life.
• Wrongful Death Damages (for Families): In the most tragic cases, when hazing results in death, surviving family members (parents, children, spouse) can seek:
  • Funeral and burial costs.
  • Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided.
  • Loss of companionship, love, guidance, and society.
  • Grief and emotional suffering of the family members.
    These damages, vital for helping families cope with an unimaginable loss, are rigorously pursued by The Manginello Law Firm, which has extensive wrongful death experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/).

It is important to remember that we are describing categories of damages, not promising or predicting specific dollar amounts, as every case’s value is unique and depends on its specific facts.

The Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Holding all responsible parties accountable is a cornerstone of our strategy. Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants, each with their own legal counsel and often, insurance policies.

• National Fraternities and Universities: These powerful entities frequently carry substantial insurance policies designed to cover liability claims. However, insurers will often try to deny coverage or minimize payouts by arguing that:
  • Hazing or intentional acts by individuals are explicitly excluded from their policies.
  • The policy doesn’t cover certain defendants (e.g., local chapters operating “underground”).
  • The incident happened off-campus and thus falls outside their scope of responsibility.
• Our Legal Strategy: Drawing on Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), our firm is exceptionally skilled at:
  • Identifying all potential sources of insurance coverage, including national policies, local chapter policies, general liability, and even individual homeowner’s policies.
  • Aggressively navigating disputes about exclusions and “intentional conduct” clauses, often arguing that the negligent supervision by the organization (which is a covered event) allowed the intentional hazing to occur.
  • Leveraging our knowledge to either force insurers to defend the case or fulfill their coverage obligations, ultimately securing the best possible outcome for our clients.

Identifying all defendants and unraveling their insurance coverage is a critical, complex step that our experienced team handles with precision.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Travis County Families

Facing a hazing incident is overwhelming. Knowing what to do, who to trust, and what mistakes to avoid can make all the difference. This section provides actionable guidance for parents, students, and witnesses in Travis County.

8.1 For Parents: Your Vigilance Can Save Lives

For Travis County parents, recognizing the signs of hazing and responding effectively is crucial.

• Warning Signs of Hazing:

  • Unexplained injuries: Bruises, burns, cuts that don’t add up, or repeated “accidents” with vague explanations.
  • Sudden exhaustion: Extreme fatigue, significant sleep deprivation, or falling asleep at unusual times.
  • Drastic mood changes: Increased anxiety, depression, irritability, withdrawal from friends or family, or unusual secrecy about group activities.
  • Obsessive phone use/fear of missing calls: Constantly checking group chats, anxiety if they miss a “mandatory” message, or receiving calls late at night.
  • Decline in academics: Sudden drop in grades, missed classes, or inability to focus due to lack of sleep or preoccupation.
  • Financial strains: Unexpected demands for money for “fines,” “gifts,” or excessive alcohol purchases.

• 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 anything happening that makes you uncomfortable?” Emphasize that their safety, mental health, and academics are your top priorities, and you will support them no matter what. Reassure them that they can tell you anything without worrying about getting in trouble with you.

• If Your Child Is Hurt: Immediately seek medical attention. Their health comes first. While they are being treated:

  • Document everything: Take clear photos of any injuries, screenshot all relevant texts or group chats on their phone (with their permission), and write down every detail your child shares while it is fresh in your memory.
  • Save essential details: Names, dates, times, specific locations of hazing incidents.
  • Do NOT confront anyone from the organization yourself, as this can lead to evidence destruction or hostile reactions.

• Dealing with the University: Keep a meticulous record of all communications with university administrators. Ask specific questions about:

  • The university’s hazing policies and the disciplinary process.
  • What, if any, prior incidents have occurred with the specific organization involved.
  • What steps the school is taking to investigate and protect your child.

• When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child has experienced significant physical injury, psychological trauma, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing or actively hiding what happened, it is past time to seek legal counsel. An early consultation can protect your child’s rights and preserve crucial evidence.

8.2 For Students / Pledges: Your Rights and Safety Come First

If you are a student in Travis County involved in Greek life, an athletic team, or any student organization, remember your rights.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition?: Ask yourself: Am I being coerced or humiliated? Am I being forced to consume substances or endure pain? Is this activity hidden from the public or administrators? If the answer is yes, it is hazing, regardless of what they call it. Your intuition is powerful; if it feels wrong, it probably is.
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: You may feel immense pressure to “go along” to fit in, gain acceptance, or avoid exclusion. However, Texas law (Texas Education Code § 37.155) explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that true voluntary consent cannot exist when there is a power imbalance, peer pressure, or fear of negative consequences. You are not at fault if you were coerced.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely: You always have the right to leave a group or situation that makes you unsafe or uncomfortable. You can report hazing confidentially or anonymously through campus channels (Dean of Students, Title IX Coordinator, campus police), or to the National Anti-Hazing Hotline at 1-888-NOT-HAZE. If you fear retaliation, report that fear to university officials and consider seeking legal counsel immediately.
• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many schools and Texas law (Texas Education Code § 37.154) offer “good faith” reporter protections. This means if you or another student calls for help in a medical emergency related to hazing or underage drinking, you are often immune from disciplinary action or criminal prosecution for minor offenses related to the incident. Your safety, and the safety of others, is the priority.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses: Your Voice Can Prevent Harm

If you are a former member, or a witness to hazing, you might carry guilt, fear, or a sense of responsibility. Your perspective is incredibly valuable.

• Acknowledge Your Role Without Obligation: We understand that you may have participated in hazing or witnessed it, and that can be a complex situation. However, your testimony could be instrumental in preventing future harm and saving lives.
• Your Evidence Matters: Your account of events, screenshots of group chats, or knowledge of previous incidents can provide critical evidence that holds organizations and individuals accountable.
• Seek Legal Advice: Before coming forward, it is wise to consult with an attorney who can advise you on your rights, potential legal exposure, and how to cooperate constructively. Our firm’s criminal defense experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) means we can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

For Travis County families, avoiding common pitfalls after a hazing incident is as important as taking the right steps. These mistakes can severely undermine a potential legal claim for compensation and accountability.

MISTAKES THAT CAN RUIN YOUR 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 “I want to protect their privacy.”
   • Why it’s wrong: This looks like a cover-up, can be obstruction of justice, and makes building a strong case nearly impossible. Critical evidence, once deleted, is often difficult or impossible to recover.
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing or seemingly minor content. Back up digital communications to cloud storage.

2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly.

   • What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind.”
   • Why it’s wrong: They will immediately involve their own lawyers, destroy evidence, coach witnesses on what to say, and start preparing their defense. This gives away your hand and can compromise your case.
   • What to do instead: Document everything privately, then call an experienced hazing lawyer before any confrontation.

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

   • What universities do: They may pressure families to sign waivers, non-disclosure agreements, or “internal resolution” agreements quickly, sometimes offering minimal concessions.
   • Why it’s wrong: You may unknowingly waive your legal right to sue, and any settlement offered at this stage is usually far below the true value of your case.
   • What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university or any organization without an attorney reviewing it first.

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

   • What families think: “I want people to know what happened” or “I want to warn others.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys often meticulously screenshot everything posted. Inconsistencies between social media posts and later legal statements can severely damage credibility. It can also inadvertently waive privacy rights.
   • What to do instead: Document the incident privately. Your lawyer can help you control public messaging strategically when appropriate.

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

   • What fraternities say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic” or “Let’s just clear the air.”
   • Why it’s wrong: This is often an attempt to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements from your child that can be used against them in a civil or criminal context.
   • What to do instead: Once you are considering legal action, all communication with the organization should go through your lawyer.

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

   • What universities promise: “We’re investigating, let us handle this internally.”
   • Why it’s wrong: While universities conduct investigations, evidence disappears rapidly, witnesses graduate and disperse, the statute of limitations can run out, and the university primarily controls its own narrative, not necessarily accountability to your family.
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence immediately and consult a lawyer to understand your rights alongside the university process. University internal processes are not a substitute for legal accountability.

7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer.

   • What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim” or “We want to help.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. Recorded statements can be cherry-picked and used against you, and early settlement offers are almost always lowball.
   • What to do instead: Politely decline to speak with them and state, “My attorney will contact you.”

You can learn more about how to avoid these and other common errors by watching Attorney911’s video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY.

8.5 Short FAQ for Travis County Families

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities like UT Austin, Texas A&M, and UH have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, ministerial acts, and Title IX violations. Private universities like SMU and Baylor have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on 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 if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals who fail to report hazing (if they are a faculty/staff member or an organization officer) or retaliate against a reporter can also face misdemeanor charges.

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

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas. This is known as the statute of limitations. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused) for a period. Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and organizations destroy records. Watch our video about the statute of limitations here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities/sororities can still be liable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge, and whether the hazing was foreseeable. Many major hazing cases (like the Pi Delta Psi retreat death in Pennsylvania or the Sigma Pi death at an “unofficial” house in Ohio) occurred off-campus yet resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments against the organizations.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. Confidentiality can be a key part of settlement agreements, and you can request sealed court records. We prioritize your family’s privacy interests while pursuing maximum accountability.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action for Travis County Families

When your family faces a hazing incident, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions – like national fraternities, universities, and their insurers – fight back relentlessly, and, crucially, how to win against them. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, we bring a unique combination of expertise and empathy to hazing cases across Texas.

Why Attorney911 is the Right Choice for Your Hazing Case

From our Houston office, supplemented by our Austin and Beaumont locations, we serve families throughout Texas, including Travis County and surrounding areas like Cedar Park, Round Rock, and Georgetown. We understand that hazing at Texas universities can impact families right here in Central Texas, and we are committed to providing the same aggressive, informed representation no matter where the hazing occurred or where you live.

Our firm’s qualifications are uniquely suited to the complexities of hazing litigation:

• Insurance Insider Advantage (Lupe Peña): Our Associate Attorney Lupe Peña is a former insurance defense attorney for a national firm. She knows precisely how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, their coverage exclusion arguments, and their settlement strategies because she used to be on the other side. “We know their playbook because we used to run it,” is more than a slogan; it’s a strategic advantage we bring to every case. You can learn more about Lupe Peña’s background at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello): Our Managing Partner, Ralph Manginello, has a proven track record taking on formidable defendants. He was one of the few Texas firms involved in the massive BP Texas City explosion litigation and has extensive federal court experience (United States District Court, Southern District of Texas). We are not intimidated by national fraternities, multi-billion-dollar universities, or their well-funded defense teams. “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants,” is the ethos of our firm. Details of Ralph Manginello’s credentials are available at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We don’t settle cheap. We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases, including collaborating with economists to meticulously value the loss of life. We understand how to value lifetime care needs for catastrophic injuries, such as brain damage or permanent disability. Our firm has extensive wrongful death experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/), having recovered millions for families in these devastating situations.

• Dual Civil & Criminal Hazing Expertise: Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides us with invaluable insight into the criminal aspects of hazing. This means we understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation, and we can expertly advise witnesses and former members who may face dual exposure without compromising the civil case.

• Investigative Depth and Modern Evidence Collection: We know how to investigate modern hazing. This includes obtaining deleted group chats and social media evidence through digital forensics, subpoenaing national fraternity risk management records to show patterns of prior incidents, and uncovering university files through aggressive discovery and public records requests. “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

We understand this is one of the hardest things a family can endure. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We balance thorough investigation and real accountability with a commitment to your family’s privacy and well-being.

Call to Action for Travis County Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M, the University of Houston, SMU, Baylor, or any other Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Travis County, from Austin to Round Rock and across the surrounding Central Texas region, have the right to answers and accountability. You don’t have to face this alone.

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

What to expect in your free consultation:

• We will listen carefully to your story and the specific circumstances of the hazing incident.
• We will review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records) and discuss immediate steps needed to preserve crucial information.
• We will explain your legal options, which could include pursuing a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, or both, and discuss realistic timelines.
• We will answer your questions about legal fees, explaining our contingency fee basis – which means we don’t get paid unless we win your case. Watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.
• There is no pressure to hire us on the spot. You can take the time you need to decide.
• Everything you tell us is strictly confidential.

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:

• Hablamos Español. Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for a consultation in Spanish. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

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

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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