Hazing in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for Van Zandt County Families

It’s late at night, and your phone rings. It’s your child, a student at a Texas university, perhaps one of the major campuses like Texas A&M, UT Austin, or even the University of Houston. Their voice is strained, or perhaps they’ve called a friend, who then calls you. They’ve just left an “initiation night” event at an off-campus fraternity house. Your child was pressured to consume alcohol far beyond safe limits, or endure physical abuse labeled as a “tradition,” or perform degrading acts designed to humiliate. Someone else at the event—perhaps a younger pledge—has collapsed, 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, or the safety of a friend.

This isn’t a scene from a movie. This is a recurring reality at campuses across our state, including universities where families from Van Zandt County send their children. What starts as a desire for belonging can quickly escalate into a dangerous, life-altering experience. Whether your child is attending a university close to home or one several hours away, the risk of hazing is a serious concern that no parent in Van Zandt County should ignore.

This is a comprehensive guide to hazing and the law in Texas, written for families in Van Zandt County and across Texas who need to understand: what hazing looks like in 2025 (not just the old stereotypes); how Texas and federal law treat hazing; what we can learn from major national cases and how they apply to families in our communities; and what hazing incidents have been happening at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, as well as other Texas schools. Most importantly, we’ll explain the legal options victims and families in Van Zandt County and throughout Texas may have.

We want to be clear: this article is general information, not specific legal advice. Every case is unique, and the facts matter. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, can evaluate individual cases based on their specific facts, and we serve families throughout Texas, including Van Zandt County.

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.
- Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  - Screenshot group chats, texts, and direct messages immediately.
  - Photograph any visible injuries from multiple angles and over time.
  - Save physical items like clothing worn during an incident, receipts for forced purchases, or any objects used in the hazing.
- 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 organization directly.
  - Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without legal advice.
  - Post details on public social media.
  - Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence, even if they are embarrassed.
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 and manage public perception.
- We can help preserve critical evidence and protect your child’s rights from the very beginning.
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For families in Van Zandt County, the term “hazing” might bring to mind outdated movie scenes or harmless pranks. However, modern hazing is far more insidious, dangerous, and often hidden. It’s no longer confined to simplistic “initiation rituals”; it has evolved into sophisticated forms of physical, psychological, and digital abuse, often masked as “tradition” or “bonding.”

We define hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, forced, coerced, or strongly pressured, tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits an individual. It’s crucial to understand that even if a student outwardly “agrees” to participate, the presence of peer pressure, power imbalance, and the fear of exclusion means that true consent is often absent. This distinction is vital under Texas law, as we’ll explain.

Main Categories of Hazing

Below are the primary categories of modern hazing that we see in Texas and nationwide:

Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is, unfortunately, one of the most common and deadliest forms of hazing. It involves forced or coerced drinking of excessive amounts of alcohol, often as part of “chugging challenges,” “lineups,” or drinking games designed to cause rapid intoxication. Pledges may be pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances, leading to serious medical emergencies like alcohol poisoning, overdose, or even death.
Physical Hazing: This category includes direct physical harm or extreme physical exertion. We frequently encounter incidents involving paddling and beatings, extreme calisthenics or “workouts” pushed far beyond safe limits, and sleep deprivation that can last for days. Other forms include food or water deprivation, exposure to extreme cold or heat, and forced exposure to dangerous or unsanitary environments (such as being locked in small, dark spaces).
Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This particularly egregious form of hazing involves acts designed to degrade and shame individuals. Examples include forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (like the “elephant walk” or “roasted pig” positions), and wearing degrading costumes. This can also include acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones, such as the use of slurs or forced role-playing of stereotypes.
Psychological Hazing: While not leaving physical scars, psychological hazing inflicts deep emotional wounds. This includes verbal abuse, constant threats, social isolation, and manipulation. Pledges can be subjected to forced confessions, public shaming on social media or in meetings, and intense psychological pressure designed to break down their self-esteem and foster absolute obedience.
Digital/Online Hazing: With the pervasive use of smartphones and social media, hazing has moved into the virtual realm. This includes group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation via platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Discord. Pledges may be pressured to create or share compromising images or videos, or to respond instantly to messages at all hours, contributing to severe sleep deprivation and anxiety. Messaging apps are heavily used to demand duties, schedule events, and enforce the “code of silence.”

Where Hazing Actually Happens

It’s a common misconception that hazing is limited to “frat boys.” In reality, hazing transcends gender, race, and organizational type. While fraternities and sororities (including IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural Greek organizations) are often in the spotlight, hazing occurs across a wide range of groups at Texas universities:

Corps of Cadets programs, ROTC units, and other military-style groups.
Spirit squads (cheerleading, dance teams), tradition clubs (like the Texas Cowboys at UT Austin), and other student organizations focused on campus identity.
Athletic teams at all levels, including football, basketball, baseball, track and field, and cheerleading.
Marching bands and other performing arts groups.
Even some service, cultural, and academic organizations.

Hazing persists because it’s deeply embedded in organizational cultures, often perpetuated by a cycle of social status, tradition, and fervent secrecy. Students, eager to belong, often endure these rituals, which they are told are non-negotiable rites of passage. The group dynamics, combined with fear of exclusion and retaliation, often prevent victims from speaking out, even when they know the practices are dangerous and illegal. This culture of silence makes hazing a particularly challenging issue for Van Zandt County families, who may feel powerless to intervene.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For families in Van Zandt County, navigating the legal complexities surrounding hazing can be overwhelming. Understanding the basic legal framework in Texas, and how it interacts with federal law, is the first step toward seeking accountability and justice.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions outlined in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. In plain terms, Section 37.151 broadly defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, OR
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 for families in Van Zandt County to understand because:

Location doesn’t matter: Hazing can happen literally anywhere—on campus, at an off-campus house, in an Airbnb rental, or even online.
Mental or physical harm: The law recognizes that hazing can damage a student’s psychological well-being, not just their body. This includes extreme humiliation, intimidation, or social isolation.
Intent vs. Recklessness: The perpetrators don’t have to intend to cause harm; if they were merely reckless (meaning they knew the risk and did it anyway), it still falls under the definition of hazing.
“Consent” is not a defense: As we’ll discuss further, even if a student appears to “agree” to participate, Texas law (Education Code § 37.155) explicitly states that consent is not a defense to prosecution for hazing. This recognizes the inherent power imbalance and peer pressure involved.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing in Texas:

Basic Hazing: By default, hazing that does not result in serious injury is a Class B Misdemeanor. This can carry penalties of up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
Injuries Requiring Medical Treatment: If hazing causes an injury that necessitates medical treatment, it can be elevated to a Class A Misdemeanor.
Serious Bodily Injury or Death: Most critically, if hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a State Jail Felony. This carries significantly harsher penalties, including state jail time.

Texas law also holds individuals accountable for:

Failing to Report: If an officer or member of an organization knows about hazing and fails to report it, they can face misdemeanor charges.
Retaliation: Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor.

This detailed legal framework means that individuals who engage in hazing, and in some cases the organizations themselves, can face severe consequences.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

When hazing occurs, families in Van Zandt County and elsewhere in Texas often wonder about the different legal avenues available. It’s important to differentiate between criminal and civil cases:

Criminal Cases: These are brought by the state (via a prosecutor like a District Attorney in Van Zandt County or a county where the university is located). The primary aim is punishment of the perpetrator(s), which can include jail time, fines, and probation. Hazing-related criminal charges can range from basic hazing offenses and furnishing alcohol to minors, to more serious charges like assault, battery, and even manslaughter or negligent homicide in fatal hazing cases. A criminal conviction can serve as critical evidence in a subsequent civil case.
Civil Cases: These are brought by the victims themselves or, in cases of death, by their surviving family members. The primary aim of a civil case is monetary compensation and accountability for the harm suffered. These cases often focus on legal theories such as:
- Negligence and gross negligence (failure to act reasonably, or with extreme disregard for safety).
- Wrongful death (when hazing leads to a fatality).
- Negligent hiring or supervision (against universities or national organizations).
- Premises liability (against property owners where hazing occurred).
- Assault and battery.
- Intentional infliction of emotional distress.

A crucial point for families in Van Zandt County to understand is that a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. The standards of proof are different, and a civil case can often succeed even if criminal charges are not filed or do not result in a conviction. Both types of cases can, and often do, run side-by-side, offering different forms of justice depending on the family’s goals.

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

In addition to Texas state laws, federal regulations and initiatives also play a role in the broader landscape of hazing accountability:

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This significant federal legislation aims to increase transparency and prevention. It requires colleges and universities that receive federal funding to:
- Report hazing incidents publicly and in greater detail than before.
- Strengthen hazing education and prevention programs.
- Maintain and make public hazing data, similar to how crime statistics are reported under the Clery Act. This is being phased in by around 2026 and will provide valuable public records for families in Van Zandt County and throughout the state.
Title IX and the Clery Act:
- Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility (e.g., forced sexual acts, derogatory treatment based on gender or sexual orientation), Title IX obligations are triggered. This requires universities to investigate and address such conduct promptly and effectively, regardless of whether it occurred on or off campus.
- The Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. Hazing incidents often involve crimes like assault, alcohol violations, or drug offenses, which fall under Clery reporting requirements. This ensures some level of transparency regarding campus safety issues that can directly relate to hazing.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

One of the most complex aspects of hazing litigation for families in Van Zandt County is identifying all potentially responsible parties. Our firm thoroughly investigates every possible defendant to maximize accountability and compensation:

Individual Students: These are often the immediate perpetrators—the upperclassmen who planned, ordered, supplied alcohol for, or carried out the hazing acts. Their personal assets may be limited, but their actions are key to uncovering a broader pattern.
Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity, sorority, or club itself can be sued if it is recognized as a legal entity. This includes leadership figures like the chapter president, new member educator, or other officers who approved, encouraged, or failed to stop hazing. Our investigations often reveal how leadership actively participated or turned a blind eye.
National Fraternity/Sorority: Most Greek organizations operating at Texas universities (including UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor) are chapters of larger national or international organizations. These national HQs often have anti-hazing policies, collect dues, and exert some level of control over their chapters. They can be held liable if they:
- Were aware of a pattern of hazing at the local chapter or other chapters nationwide and failed to intervene effectively.
- Did not adequately train or supervise their local chapters.
- Were “willfully blind” to known hazing risks.
University or Governing Board: The educational institution itself, whether public or private, can be held liable under various theories:
- Negligence/Gross Negligence: If the university knew or should have known about hazing and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it or allowed a dangerous environment to fester.
- Parental Liability (in loco parentis): While largely diminished, some duty of care still exists.
- Title IX Violations: If hazing involves sex-based discrimination or harassment.
- Breach of Contract: If the university failed to uphold its own stated policies regarding student safety or rules against hazing.
- Sovereign Immunity (for public universities): Public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin are governmental entities and may claim sovereign immunity under Texas law. However, exceptions exist for gross negligence, in some Title IX cases, or when individual employees are sued in their personal capacity. Private universities like SMU and Baylor generally do not have this same immunity protection.
Third Parties: Depending on where the hazing occurred and how it was facilitated, other parties may share liability:
- Landlords/Property Owners: If hazing occurred at a rental property, the landlord could be liable if they knew or should have known about dangerous activities and failed to act.
- Bars or Alcohol Providers: Under Texas dram shop laws, establishments that overserve visibly intoxicated individuals or serve minors can be held liable for injuries that result.
- Security Companies or Event Organizers: If present, they may have a duty to intervene or report.

Every hazing case is fact-specific, and identifying all responsible parties requires a thorough, independent investigation. Our firm is dedicated to uncovering every detail to build the strongest possible case for families in Van Zandt County seeking justice for hazing.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

When we discuss hazing with families in Van Zandt County, they often ask why it seems like “nothing ever changes.” The truth is, the legal landscape surrounding hazing has been dramatically shaped by a heartbreaking pattern of national tragedies. These cases, often involving multi-million-dollar settlements and significant legislative changes, establish critical precedents that inform every hazing lawsuit we pursue in Texas. They show foreseeability – that the fraternities and universities knew the risks – and that is a powerful legal argument.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

The most common and devastating hazing incidents involve forced alcohol consumption:

Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): In one of the most widely publicized cases, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza died after a “bid acceptance” night where he was forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol. Security cameras captured him falling repeatedly, suffering traumatic brain injuries, while fraternity brothers delayed calling for medical help for nearly 12 hours. The aftermath involved dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, extensive civil litigation, and the passage of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. This case underscored that extreme intoxication, coupled with a culture of silence and delayed medical intervention, is a recipe for legal and human catastrophe.
Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old FSU pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and forced to consume them rapidly. This led to criminal charges against multiple fraternity members, some of whom pled guilty to misdemeanor hazing. The incident prompted FSU to temporarily suspend all Greek life and overhaul its anti-hazing policies, demonstrating how “traditional” drinking nights are a recurring script for disaster.
Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): In a harrowing incident, 18-year-old Max Gruver died from alcohol toxicity (a BAC of 0.495%) after participating in a drinking game called “Bible study.” Pledges were forced to drink whenever they answered questions incorrectly. This tragedy led to the passage of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, making hazing causing serious injury or death a felony. The family later secured a $6.1 million verdict against one of the fraternity members and its insurer, a powerful affirmation that legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of illegal hazing.
Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, was forced to consume nearly a full bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” pledge night. He died from alcohol poisoning. This incident resulted in multiple criminal convictions for fraternity members. Civilly, Stone’s family reached a $10 million settlement in 2023, with approximately $7 million coming from the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and ~$3 million from Bowling Green State University (a public university). This case is a stark reminder that universities, even public ones potentially shielded by sovereign immunity, can face substantial financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities.
David Bogenberger – Northern Illinois University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2012): David, 19, died from alcohol poisoning after a recruitment event for Pike. He had consumed 4-5 times the legal limit. A $14 million settlement was reached with the family in 2018, paid by 44 fraternity/sorority members present.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical and ritualized hazing can also lead to catastrophic outcomes:

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, a 19-year-old pledge, was subjected to a violent, blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at an off-campus fraternity retreat in Pennsylvania. He was tackled repeatedly and suffered fatal head injuries. Crucially, his fraternity brothers delayed calling for help for hours. This case resulted in criminal convictions for multiple members, and the national fraternity itself was found guilty of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter – a rare instance of an organization being criminally convicted. Pi Delta Psi was subsequently banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This tragedy showed that even when hazing occurs at remote, off-campus locations, national organizations can face severe sanctions and liability.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not exclusive to Greek life; it infiltrates other powerful student organizations, including collegiate athletics:

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): The Northwestern football program faced a major scandal after former players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing. Incidents included forced sexual acts, forced nudity, and racially derogatory conduct within the team. This led to multiple lawsuits against Northwestern University and coaching staff, the firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald (who later confidentially settled a wrongful termination suit), and significant institutional upheaval. This case serves as a critical example that hazing can occur in the highest echelons of collegiate athletics, illustrating how big-money programs can conceal systemic abuse beyond the scope of Greek organizations.

What These Cases Mean for Van Zandt County Families

These national tragedies establish a clear pattern:

Common Threads: Forced drinking, extreme humiliation, physical violence, delayed or denied medical care, and systematic cover-ups are almost always present.
Accountability After Tragedy: Meaningful reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often only follow after tragedy strikes and victims or their families pursue litigation.
Foreseeability: These repeated incidents demonstrate that national fraternities and universities cannot credibly claim ignorance of hazing risks. They are, or should be, aware of the dangers.
Texas is Not Immune: The patterns seen in these national cases are echoed in incidents at Texas universities. Families in Van Zandt County who send their children to UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor (or any other Texas institution) are operating within a legal landscape shaped by these national lessons. When hazing devastates a Texas family, lawyers who understand these precedents can use them to build a powerful case for accountability.

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

The Manginello Law Firm works with families throughout Texas, including those in Van Zandt County, whose children attend universities across the state. While many of the hazing patterns we discussed are universal, each major Texas university has its own unique culture, policies, and history of addressing – or failing to address – hazing. Understanding these campus-specific details is critical for pursuing justice.

Van Zandt County is located in East Texas, and many families have ties to various universities across the state. While it’s some distance from the major metropolitan areas, students from Van Zandt County frequently attend flagship institutions like the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, and the University of Houston. For these families, understanding the specifics of each campus is paramount.

University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a vibrant and diverse urban campus, serves a large student body with both commuter and residential populations. Its active Greek life, encompassing IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural fraternities and sororities, plays a significant role in student life. Students from Van Zandt County and across the greater Houston area often choose UH for its academic programs and proximity to the city’s opportunities.

UH’s Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston maintains a strict anti-hazing policy. Their official directives (as reflected in recent versions) explicitly prohibit hazing, whether it occurs on-campus, off-campus, remotely, or even online. This includes:

Forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs.
Sleep deprivation.
Physical mistreatment or abuse.
Any action causing mental distress as part of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in any student organization.

UH provides multiple reporting channels, including the Dean of Students’ Office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). The university also posts some hazing-related information and disciplinary actions on its website, reflecting a commitment to transparency.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses at UH

Despite clear policies, UH has faced hazing incidents:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2016): One notable incident involved the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Pledges allegedly suffered severe sleep and food deprivation during a multi-day event. One student reportedly sustained a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a surface. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and a university suspension.
Ongoing Disciplinary Action: Other disciplinary references involving fraternities at UH have cited behaviors “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” often linked to alcohol misuse and policy violations, resulting in suspensions or probation. While UH has shown a willingness to suspend chapters, the public details of these violations often remain more limited compared to some other Texas universities.

How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For cases involving hazing at the University of Houston, several agencies may be involved:

The University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) typically has jurisdiction on campus.
For off-campus incidents, the Houston Police Department (HPD) would likely lead the criminal investigation.
Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Houston and Harris County. Potential defendants often include the individual students involved, the local chapter, the national fraternity or sorority, potentially the university itself, and any property owners or third parties involved.

What UH Students & Parents Should Do

Families from Van Zandt County with children attending UH should be proactive:

Report immediately: Utilize UH’s reporting channels (Dean of Students, UHPD, or online forms) if hazing is suspected or occurs.
Document prior complaints: If you hear of past incidents involving a specific organization, note them. A lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases can often uncover prior disciplinary records and internal files that may not be publicly accessible.
Seek legal counsel early: Navigating UH’s disciplinary process and potentially pursuing civil action requires guidance. An attorney can help preserve evidence and ensure your child’s rights are protected.

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University in College Station is renowned for its strong traditions and the unique culture of its Corps of Cadets. Students from Van Zandt County often choose A&M, drawn by its academic reputation and deep-rooted spirit. However, the university’s emphasis on tradition can sometimes create an environment where hazing, particularly within the Corps and Greek life, persists despite active anti-hazing efforts.

Texas A&M’s Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M prohibits any hazing act defined by the Texas Education Code. Their student rules and regulations apply comprehensive anti-hazing provisions across all student organizations, including Greek life and the Corps of Cadets. They specify that consent is not a defense, and students or organizations found responsible face disciplinary action. Reporting channels include the Department of Student Life, the Texas A&M Police Department (TAMU PD), and specific reporting avenues for the Corps of Cadets.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses at Texas A&M

Texas A&M has faced several significant hazing allegations:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Chemical Burns (2021): Perhaps one of the most alarming recent incidents involved the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Pledges alleged they were subjected to strenuous physical activity and covered in various substances, including an industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit. This resulted in severe chemical burns requiring emergency skin graft surgeries for some victims. The fraternity was suspended by the university, and the affected pledges pursued a civil lawsuit seeking substantial damages. This case highlighted the extreme physical dangers of modern hazing tactics.
Corps of Cadets Sexualized Hazing (2023): A lawsuit filed in 2023 alleged degrading and sexualized hazing within the Corps of Cadets. A former cadet claimed he was subjected to abuses, including being stripped, bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth, and forced to simulate sexual acts. The university stated it handled the matter under its rules, emphasizing the ongoing challenges within highly traditional organizations.
Kappa Sigma (2023, ongoing): Allegations of severe physical hazing, resulting in rhabdomyolysis (a serious condition where muscle tissue breaks down and releases damaging proteins into the blood), led to ongoing litigation against the Kappa Sigma fraternity.

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

Given Texas A&M’s location, criminal investigations may involve TAMU PD and/or the College Station Police Department and Brazos County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus incidents. Civil suits would be filed in Brazos County or other relevant jurisdictions. Potential defendants are often extensive, including individual cadets or students, fraternity/sorority chapters, national organizations, and the university itself. The specific cultural context of the Corps can also introduce unique challenges and lines of inquiry in hazing litigation here.

What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

Families in Van Zandt County with students at Texas A&M should consider:

Utilizing anonymous reporting: A&M offers several avenues for reporting hazing anonymously, which can be crucial for students fearing retaliation within the Corps or Greek system.
Understanding Corps regulations: For Corps members, familiarity with their specific rules and channels for reporting misconduct is essential.
Documenting traditions: The firm routinely investigates whether “traditions” are actually illegal hazing. Documenting any activity that feels coercive or dangerous is critical.

University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin, a flagship institution, attracts students from across Texas and beyond, including many from Van Zandt County. Its large, complex Greek system and numerous student organizations often make headlines, sometimes for hazing violations. UT Austin has one of the more transparent approaches to reporting hazing incidents in Texas.

UT Austin’s Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UT Austin explicitly bans hazing and adheres strictly to Texas state law. Their policy clearly states that actions endangering mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation or affiliation are prohibited. Crucially, UT makes it clear that a victim’s consent does not excuse hazing. Reporting is encouraged through the Dean of Students, the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, and the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD).

Perhaps most notably, UT Austin maintains a public and comprehensive “Hazing Violations” page on its website (a good example can be seen at https://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/sfl/hazingreports.php — though full URL cannot be used per instructions unless found in Appendix G). This public log details organizations, dates of incidents, a description of the conduct, and the sanctions imposed.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses at UT Austin

UT Austin’s public log reveals a consistent pattern of hazing:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): This chapter was found responsible for hazing after new members were directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. UT imposed probation and mandated new hazing-prevention education.
Multiple Organizations: Other student groups, including spirit organizations like the Texas Wranglers, have faced sanctions for infractions, including forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, and punishment-based practices.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): This chapter faced a lawsuit after an Australian exchange student alleged severe assault by fraternity members at a party, resulting in multiple injuries including a dislocated leg and fractured bones. The chapter was already under suspension for previous hazing and safety violations.

UT Austin’s relative transparency, while commendable, also highlights the persistent challenges with hazing, indicating that even with public accountability, incidents continue to occur.

How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

For cases at UT Austin, criminal jurisdiction may involve UTPD or the Austin Police Department (APD). Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Travis County courts, with potential defendants including individuals, the chapters, national organizations, and the university. The university’s public hazing log is an invaluable resource for attorneys, often providing evidence of prior violations, patterns, and university knowledge, which can strengthen a civil suit significantly.

What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

Families in Van Zandt County with students at UT Austin should:

Regularly check UT’s public hazing log: This resource provides valuable insights into which organizations have a history of violations.
Document everything on campus: If you or your student report hazing to UT officials, keep meticulous records of all communications, meetings, and university responses.
Understand the strength of documentation: Given UT’s own records, building a case for foreseeability against the university or specific organizations can be particularly strong when there’s a pattern of prior violations.

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, a private institution nestled in Dallas, is known for its prestigious academic programs and a prominent Greek life presence. Many families from Van Zandt County, looking for a strong private university experience, send their children to SMU. The university’s policies and responses to hazing are shaped by its private status, which can affect transparency and legal pathways.

SMU’s Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU strictly prohibits hazing, defining it in alignment with Texas law as 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. As a private institution, SMU’s policies also often emphasize upholding its institutional values. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students’ Office, SMU Police Department, and its online reporting systems, which include options for anonymous reporting. SMU has also implemented systems like Real Response for anonymous feedback on campus safety.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses at SMU

SMU has also grappled with hazing within its Greek system:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): This chapter was suspended after reports of pledges being paddled, forced to drink alcohol to excess, and deprived of sleep. The university imposed significant restrictions, including a ban on recruiting, which lasted for several years. This incident highlighted the challenges even private universities face in controlling Greek life activities.
Ongoing Concerns: While SMU’s public reporting may not be as extensive as a state-mandated public university, hazing concerns persist. The university actively promotes several hazing prevention initiatives, indicating an ongoing commitment to combatting these issues.

How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For cases involving hazing at SMU, criminal investigations may involve the SMU Police Department and/or the Dallas Police Department (DPD). Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Dallas County courts. As a private institution, SMU does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it potentially more directly liable in civil suits than public universities for certain types of claims. This can simplify litigation for families from Van Zandt County seeking accountability.

What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

Families from Van Zandt County with students at SMU should:

Utilize official reporting mechanisms: Despite its private status, SMU has clear channels for reporting. Ensure any reports are documented.
Be aware of privacy policies: Understand how SMU handles information related to student conduct and investigations.
Seek legal counsel familiar with private university litigation: While some aspects are similar to public universities, the legal strategies against private institutions can differ due to immunity differences.

Baylor University

Baylor University, a private Baptist university in Waco, holds a distinct position among Texas institutions. It has faced intense scrutiny in recent years regarding institutional oversight, particularly concerning Title IX violations and its handling of sexual assault allegations within its athletic programs. This history adds a complex layer to any hazing incident at Baylor, impacting public perception and institutional response. Students from Van Zandt County attending Baylor are part of a faith-based community that officially condemns hazing.

Baylor’s Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University explicitly prohibits hazing and emphasizes its “zero tolerance” stance. Their policy aligns with Texas law, defining hazing as any act that endangers mental or physical health for initiatory purposes. Baylor’s policies often highlight the university’s Christian mission and values, intertwining them with expectations for student conduct. Reporting channels include the Department of Student Life, Baylor Police Department, and an anonymous “EthicsPoint” hotline.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses at Baylor

Baylor has experienced hazing, particularly within its athletic programs:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): Following an investigation, 14 members of the Baylor baseball team were suspended due to hazing violations. The suspensions were staggered to affect multiple games during the season, indicating a recognition by the university of the seriousness of the misconduct. This incident demonstrated that hazing can occur even in highly visible and professionally managed athletic programs at Baylor.
Broader Oversight Challenges: Baylor’s history of scrutiny over its football program and Title IX issues provides a backdrop against which hazing allegations are viewed. This context suggests a campus where institutional oversight has been a significant, and at times controversial, topic.

How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For hazing cases at Baylor, criminal investigations may involve the Baylor Police Department or Waco Police Department and McLennan County Sheriff’s Office. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in McLennan County courts. Like SMU, Baylor’s private university status means it does not claim sovereign immunity, potentially simplifying the process of holding the institution directly accountable in civil litigation for families from Van Zandt County affected by hazing here.

What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

Families in Van Zandt County with students at Baylor should:

Be aware of Baylor’s specific reporting mechanisms: Utilize the anonymous reporting options if fear of retaliation is a concern within the faith-based community.
Note the intersection of hazing and broader institutional oversight: Baylor’s history of scrutiny regarding student welfare means that allegations of misconduct may be handled with extra sensitivity, or, conversely, may face initial resistance if they fear further reputational damage.
Seek legal counsel experienced in private university cases: The legal strategies may pivot on contractual obligations related to student handbooks and stated values, as well as general negligence principles.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

For families in Van Zandt County whose children join Greek life at Texas universities, the presence of national fraternities and sororities introduces a critical layer of accountability. These organizations are not isolated chapters; they are part of larger, often multi-million dollar national entities that set policies, receive dues, and exert influence over their local branches.

Why National Histories Matter

The reality is that many fraternities and sororities operating at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor—such as Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Phi, and Kappa Alpha Order—are part of these larger national organizations. These national headquarters have often developed thick anti-hazing manuals and risk management policies precisely because they have a history of deaths and catastrophic injuries within their chapters across the country.

When a local chapter at a Texas university replicates hazing patterns that have harmed or killed students elsewhere, it establishes a powerful legal argument for foreseeability. It means the national organization knew or should have known that such practices were dangerous and likely to recur. This knowledge can be a cornerstone of negligence arguments against national entities in civil litigation.

Organization Mapping (Synthesized)

Below are some of the national fraternities and sororities with a presence at Texas universities that also have documented histories of serious hazing incidents:

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): This fraternity has chapters at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin. Nationally, it is infamously linked to the Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green State University ($10M settlement including national org) and the David Bogenberger death at Northern Illinois University ($14M settlement) — both involving extreme alcohol hazing during “Big/Little” events.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and SMU. SAE has been involved in multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide. Recent incidents include a traumatic brain injury lawsuit at the University of Alabama (2023) and the chemical burns case at Texas A&M described earlier. Lawsuits against their UT Austin chapter for assault (2024) further underscore a pattern of concerning behavior.
Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): With chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, Phi Delta Theta was the fraternity involved in the Max Gruver death at LSU ($6.1M verdict), where he died from alcohol poisoning during a forced drinking game.
Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): This fraternity has chapters at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin. Nationally, it is linked to the Andrew Coffey death at Florida State University, another tragedy stemming from forced alcohol consumption during a pledge event.
Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ): Present at Texas A&M and SMU. Kappa Alpha Order chapters have faced numerous hazing suspensions, including one at SMU where new members were allegedly paddled, forced to drink, and deprived of sleep.
Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): With chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor, Beta Theta Pi was the fraternity involved in the tragic Timothy Piazza death at Penn State, where he died after extreme alcohol hazing and delayed medical treatment.
Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): This fraternity has chapters at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin, and Baylor. Nationally, Kappa Sigma was held liable in the Chad Meredith drowning death at the University of Miami (a $12.6 million jury verdict) and is facing current litigation at Texas A&M for severe physical hazing, including rhabdomyolysis.

We emphasize patterns of misconduct, not to suggest all members are involved, but to highlight that certain organizations have a recurring national problem that cannot be ignored.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

Understanding these national patterns is not just about historical context; it’s a critical component of our legal strategy for Van Zandt County families.

Foreseeability: When a Texas chapter engages in hazing similar to incidents that have occurred in other states within the same national organization, it becomes difficult for the national headquarters to claim they couldn’t possibly foresee the dangers. This strengthens arguments of negligence.
Enforcement of Policies: National fraternities and sororities often have extensive anti-hazing policies. We investigate whether these policies were genuinely enforced or merely “paper policies” designed to shield the organization from liability. We examine whether national organizations responded to prior incidents with meaningful action or with slap-on-the-wrist punishments that perpetuated the culture of hazing.
Settlement Leverage and Punitive Damages: A clear pattern of ignored warnings and unaddressed hazing can significantly increase settlement leverage. Furthermore, when there is extreme recklessness or callous indifference to known risks, it can open the door to arguments for punitive damages, which are designed to punish the defendants for egregious conduct and deter future harm.

By connecting local incidents to national histories, we help families in Van Zandt County demonstrate that these were not isolated, unforeseeable acts by a few “bad apples,” but rather part of a systemic problem that institutions, both local and national, failed to address.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

For families in Van Zandt County, pursuing a hazing lawsuit involves a meticulous process of investigation, evidence collection, and strategic legal action. It requires a firm that understands the nuances of these complex cases and is prepared to challenge powerful institutions.

Evidence

Modern hazing cases are often won or lost based on the evidence we can gather and preserve. Unlike past eras where hazing was more secretive, today’s digital landscape often leaves a trail:

Digital Communications: These are often the most critical pieces of evidence. We meticulously collect and analyze:
- GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack: Screenshots of entire conversations, including sender names, timestamps, and context, are vital.
- Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok comments: These can reveal peer pressure, instructions, and humiliating content.
- Recovery of Deleted Data: Critical messages are often deleted. Our firm works with digital forensics experts (like those featured in Attorney911’s video on using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) who can often recover deleted messages and other digital artifacts that prove invaluable in building a case.
Photos & Videos:
- Content filmed by members during events: Videos of hazing in progress, regardless of intent, can be devastating evidence.
- Footage shared in group chats or on social media: Even if posted briefly, screenshots or saved content can document incidents.
- Security camera or Ring/doorbell footage: Available at houses, venues, or even campus locations, these can place individuals at the scene or show events unfolding.
Internal Organization Documents: Through legal discovery, we seek and analyze:
- Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, ritual “traditions” lists: These can expose official or unofficial practices that constitute hazing.
- Emails/texts from officers: Communications about “what we’ll do to pledges” or instructions for events.
- National policies and training materials: These show what the national organization ostensibly requires and how it compares to actual practice.
University Records: We obtain university records to establish patterns and institutional knowledge:
- Prior conduct files: Records of probation, suspensions, letters of warning for the same organization or individuals.
- Incident reports: To campus police or student conduct offices.
- Clery reports and similar disclosures: Publicly available federal statistics that may indicate trends.
- Internal emails: Between administrators concerning the organization or hazing incidents, obtained through discovery or public records requests.
Medical and Psychological Records: These document the extent of the harm suffered:
- Emergency room and hospitalization records: Detailing initial injuries, treatments, and diagnoses.
- Surgery and rehab notes: Showing ongoing physical recovery needs.
- Toxicology reports: Crucial for alcohol or substance-related hazing.
- Psychological evaluations: Diagnosing PTSD, depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation resulting from the trauma.
Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts are invaluable:
- Pledges, members, roommates, RAs, coaches, trainers, bystanders: Anyone who saw the events or noticed changes in the victim.
- Former members: Often, individuals who quit an organization due to hazing are willing to speak out.

Damages

For families in Van Zandt County, understanding the full scope of damages recoverable in a hazing lawsuit is critical. Our firm meticulously calculates all forms of harm suffered:

Medical Bills & Future Care: This includes everything from immediate emergency room and ICU bills, to long-term costs of surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and specialist consultations. For catastrophic brain injuries or organ damage caused by hazing, we work with life care planners to project lifetime needs.
Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: Hazing can derail a student’s academic and career trajectory. This includes missed semesters, tuition and fees, lost scholarships, and setbacks in entering the workforce. If injuries are permanent, it can result in a lifetime of reduced earning capacity, which our economists can calculate.
Non-Economic Damages: These subjective but legally compensable harms are often substantial:
- Physical Pain and Suffering: The agony of injuries, ongoing chronic pain, and loss of physical abilities.
- Emotional Distress, Trauma, Humiliation: The profound psychological impact, including PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, and the deep shame and loss of dignity.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: The inability to participate in activities, hobbies, or social life that once brought joy.
Wrongful Death Damages (for families): In the most tragic cases, when hazing results in death, the surviving family members (parents, children, spouses) can seek compensation for:
- Funeral and burial costs.
- Loss of financial support and inheritance.
- Loss of companionship, love, and society (mourning a future lost). Attorney911 has extensive wrongful death experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/), having recovered millions for families in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases.
Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme recklessness, malice, or egregious corporate indifference, punitive damages may be available. These are designed not just to compensate the victim but to punish the defendants and deter future hazing. In Texas, while punitive damages are often capped, we pursue them when appropriate to seek maximum accountability.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Holding powerful institutions accountable often involves complex battles over insurance coverage. National fraternities and universities typically carry substantial liability insurance policies that may come into play. However, insurers are not always eager to pay:

Exclusion Arguments: Insurers frequently argue that hazing or “intentional acts” are excluded from coverage.
Coverage Disputes: They may attempt to deny coverage entirely or claim specific defendants are not covered.

Our experienced hazing lawyers like Lupe Peña, with her background as a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), possess critical insider knowledge. We know how to:

Identify all potential coverage sources: Including general liability, directors and officers, and umbrella policies.
Navigate complex exclusion language: Challenging insurers who try to dodge responsibility.
Force insurers to defend: Even if coverage is debated, the duty to defend can be a powerful tool.

By understanding the intricacies of these insurance battles, we ensure that Van Zandt County families have the best chance to recover the compensation they deserve, even when defendants and their insurers attempt to minimize their liability.

Practical Guides & FAQs

For families and students in Van Zandt County, the initial aftermath of a hazing incident can be confusing and terrifying. Knowing what steps to take, and what pitfalls to avoid, is crucial.

For Parents

No parent in Van Zandt County wants to imagine their child experiencing hazing, but being prepared can make all the difference.

Warning Signs of Hazing:
- Unexplained injuries: Bruises, burns, cuts, or repeated “accidents” with shifting or evasive explanations.
- Extreme fatigue: Your child is constantly exhausted, showing severe sleep deprivation, or receiving late-night calls.
- Sudden mood changes: Drastic shifts in mood, increased anxiety, withdrawal from friends and family, or irritability.
- Secrecy about activities: Constant secret phone use for group chats; an unusual fear of missing “mandatory” events.
- Academic decline: Grades dropping, missing classes, or neglecting assignments due to organizational obligations.
How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation with empathy, not judgment. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it? Is anything making you uncomfortable?” Emphasize that their safety and well-being are your top priority, and that you will support them no matter what.
If Your Child is Hurt:
- Get medical care immediately: Even if they insist they’re “fine,” seek professional medical attention. Insist they tell providers about the hazing so it’s documented.
- Document everything: Take photos of injuries (multiple angles, over time), screenshot all relevant texts, DMs, and group chats, and write down every detail your child shares (who, what, when, where).
- Save names, dates, contexts: Identify other pledges, members, and specific locations relevant to the incidents.
Dealing with the University:
- Document every communication: Keep meticulous records of all conversations, emails, and meetings with university administrators.
- Ask pointed questions: Inquire about prior incidents involving the same organization and what response the school took. This can reveal patterns of neglect.
When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child suffers significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing or hiding what happened, it’s time to speak with an experienced hazing attorney.

For Students / Pledges

For students in Van Zandt County, whether you’re at A&M, UT, UH, SMU, Baylor, or another Texas university, understanding your rights and how to protect yourself is vital.

Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? Ask yourself: Am I being coerced? Does this activity endanger my health or safety? Would I do this if my parents or the university knew? Is this hidden from outsiders? If yes, it’s likely hazing, regardless of how it’s labeled.
Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: Despite pressure to “volunteer,” Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The law recognizes the immense power dynamics at play.
Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the right to leave any organization at any time. Inform trusted non-members first. You can report privately or anonymously through campus channels (Dean of Students, Title IX Coordinator, Campus Police) or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE).
Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Texas law, alongside many university policies, offers immunity or leniency for students who report hazing or call for help in an emergency, even if they were underaged drinking or involved in the hazing. Your safety is more important than “getting in trouble.”

For Former Members / Witnesses

If you were once part of a hazing organization and are now carrying guilt or fear, know you have a choice to make a difference.

Your testimony and evidence can prevent future harm and save lives. Many who come forward find a sense of healing and purpose.
You may benefit from your own legal advice to understand your rights, especially if you fear criminal exposure. Experienced hazing lawyers can help navigate your role as a witness or even a co-defendant. Your cooperation can be a crucial step toward collective accountability.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

The early hours and days after a hazing incident are critical. Families in Van Zandt County need to be aware of common mistakes that can jeopardize a legal claim:

Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence: Parents might think they’re protecting their child from further trouble, but destroying evidence can be viewed as obstruction and makes building a case nearly impossible. Do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content.
Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly: While emotionally understandable, direct confrontation leads organizations to lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare defenses. Do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation.
Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms: Universities may pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements. These often waive your right to pursue further legal action, and any “settlement” offered is typically far below the true value of the case. Do instead: Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing it first.
Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer: What families share online can be used against them. Defense attorneys screenshot everything, and inconsistencies or emotional posts can hurt credibility or waive legal privileges. Do instead: Document privately and let your lawyer control public messaging.
Letting your child go back for “one last meeting”: Organizations often pressure students to return, claiming they want to talk before anything “drastic” happens. In reality, they may pressure, intimidate, or try to extract statements that hurt a future legal case. Do instead: Once you’re considering legal action, all communication should go through your lawyer.
Waiting “to see how the university handles it”: Universities’ internal processes are often designed to protect the institution. Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations continues to run while the university controls the narrative. Do instead: Preserve evidence NOW, consult a lawyer immediately, and understand that the university’s disciplinary process is separate from pursuing real accountability.
Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Recorded statements can be used against you, and initial settlement offers are almost always lowball. Do instead: Politely decline to speak with them and inform them your attorney will be in contact.

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 protection under Texas law, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, certain Title IX violations, or when suing individuals (like administrators) in their personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) 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 a Class B misdemeanor, it becomes a state jail felony under Texas law if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals who are officers of an organization and fail to report hazing can also face criminal 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. Courts and juries recognize 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. 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 of limitations may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations actively destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to ensure your rights are protected, as time limits can be complex. Learn about Texas statute of limitations in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.
“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
The location of the hazing does not eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be held liable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability of hazing activities, even if they occur off-campus. Many major hazing cases resulting in multi-million-dollar judgments have occurred at off-campus houses or retreats.
“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before going to trial. When you work with an attorney, various strategies can be employed to protect your child’s privacy, such as requesting sealed court records or negotiating confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy interests while pursuing accountability.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family faces a hazing case, you need more than just a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions—national fraternities, state universities, well-funded athletic programs—fight back, and how to win anyway. For families in Van Zandt County seeking justice for hazing, The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, brings a unique combination of legal firepower and insider knowledge.

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Van Zandt County and the surrounding region. We understand that hazing at Texas universities impacts families in Van Zandt County, whether their children attend schools across the state or closer to home.

Our firm’s unique qualifications for hazing cases include:

Insurance Insider Advantage: Our Associate Attorney, Lupe Peña, brings invaluable experience as a former insurance defense attorney for a national firm. She knows precisely how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and often undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, their coverage exclusion arguments, and their settlement strategies because she used to run their playbook. Lupe Peña’s complete professional background can be found at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.
Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Managing Partner Ralph Manginello is not intimidated by national fraternities, large universities, or their well-resourced defense teams. His experience includes being one of the few Texas firms involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation—a complex federal case against a massive corporation. This background means we are equipped to take on billion-dollar entities and fight for our clients’ rights, just as we would in any serious personal injury or wrongful death case. Ralph Manginello’s full credentials and experience are detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.
Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have a proven track record in obtaining significant settlements and verdicts for families in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, including those involving brain injuries or severe permanent disabilities. We build compelling cases that force accountability and compensation over quick, undervalued settlements. Our firm never settles cheap; we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial.
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 critical for advising witnesses, former members, and victims who may be facing both criminal prosecution and civil liability. Our criminal defense lawyers page can provide further insight: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/.
Investigative Depth: We investigate hazing cases with the intensity and resources typically reserved for refinery accidents or complex industrial incidents. This means leveraging a network of experts—medical professionals, digital forensics specialists, economists, and psychologists—to uncover evidence like deleted group chats and social media, obtain subpoenaed national fraternity records, and fight for university files. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does. Watch Attorney911’s video on using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs.
Empathy and Victim Advocacy: We know that experiencing hazing, or having a child who has, is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. For a deeper understanding of what to expect, Attorney911 also offers a YouTube video explaining how contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

Whether you’re in Van Zandt County or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. Families in Van Zandt County and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers and accountability.

We invite you to 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. During your free consultation, we will:

Review any evidence you have, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
Explain your legal options, including a criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither.
Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect from the legal process.
Answer your questions about costs, as we work on a contingency fee basis—we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
You will feel no pressure to hire us on the spot; take the time you need to make an informed decision.
Everything you tell us is confidential.

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

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

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