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Amidst the rolling fields and vibrant communities of Iowa, a disturbing shadow sometimes falls across our college campuses: hazing. Whether your child dreams of attending Iowa State in Ames, the University of Iowa in Iowa City, or perhaps Drake University in Des Moines, the reality of hazing and its devastating consequences is a concern for every family. We’ve all heard the stories, distant echoes of tragic incidents, but sometimes those stories hit closer to home, impacting students from our very own Iowa communities.

Imagine this scenario: It’s bid night at an off-campus house near a major Texas university. Eager new members are celebrating, but the celebration quickly devolves into a forced drinking ritual. One student, desperate to fit in, consumes far beyond their limit, collapsing unnoticed amid the revelry. Others are filming on phones, chanting, laughing, creating a chilling record of a night that turns tragic. No one wants to call for help, fearing “getting the chapter shut down” or “getting in trouble.” The student feels utterly trapped between loyalty to the group and their own safety, a sentiment that resonates with countless young people striving for acceptance. This could happen at any university across the country—including schools where Iowa families send their children, or right here in our own community if such groups exist.

This comprehensive guide is designed for Iowa families and students, aiming to illuminate the often-hidden world of hazing and its legal ramifications in Texas. We will explore what hazing truly looks like in 2025, venturing beyond outdated stereotypes to reveal its modern, insidious forms. We’ll delve into the specifics of Texas and federal hazing laws, outlining the legal protections and avenues for accountability available to victims. Most importantly, we will connect major national hazing cases to specific incidents and patterns at prominent Texas universities like the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University—institutions where many Iowa students may find themselves. This guide will clarify how fraternity and sorority national histories, coupled with local chapter conduct, can fuel liability and risk, empowering families to make informed decisions.

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”
  • 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, what, when, where)
  • Do NOT:
    • Confront the fraternity/sorority
    • Sign anything from the university or insurance company
    • Post details on public social media
    • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

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

  • Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
  • Universities move quickly to control the narrative
  • We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For Iowa families, the concept of hazing might conjure images from movies, far removed from the safe environments they envision for their college-bound children. However, hazing in 2025 is far more pervasive and insidious than old stereotypes suggest, evolving to exploit peer pressure and digital technology. It’s not just about silly pranks; it’s about control, coercion, and dangerous rituals that can leave lasting physical and psychological scars, or even lead to death.

Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing, in its modern context, refers to 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, and occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

It’s critical to understand that even if a student says they agreed to an activity, it does not automatically render it safe or legal. When subjected to intense peer pressure, a desire for acceptance, and significant power imbalances within a group, genuine consent is often impossible. The law recognizes that “consent” extracted under such duress is not true voluntary agreement.

Main Categories of Hazing

Hazing tactics have broadened significantly. They can be subtle, creating psychological harm, or violently dangerous. Recognizing these categories is the first step toward prevention and accountability.

• Alcohol and substance hazing: This is, tragically, the most common factor in hazing deaths. It involves forced or coerced drinking of excessive amounts of alcohol, often to the point of incapacitation. This can manifest as:

  • Chugging challenges, “lineups,” or drinking games: Where new members are expected to consume a certain number of drinks or entire bottles of liquor in a short period.
  • Being pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances: Or using drugs as part of the initiation rite.
  • Big/Little reveal nights: Where new members are forced to “bond” with their mentor by consuming a lethal amount of alcohol. This repeated pattern of hazing has led to numerous deaths and multi-million dollar settlements.

• Physical hazing: These acts often escalate quickly and carry a high risk of injury. Physical hazing behaviors include:

  • Paddling and beatings: Deliberate striking with objects or hands, often targeting specific body parts.
  • Extreme calisthenics, “workouts,” or “smokings”: Forced physical exertion far beyond safe limits, leading to exhaustion, injury, or severe muscle breakdown like rhabdomyolysis.
  • Sleep deprivation: Requiring pledges to stay awake for extended periods, disrupting academic performance and physical health.
  • Food/water deprivation: Limiting access to basic necessities, risking dehydration or malnutrition.
  • Exposure to extreme cold/heat or dangerous environments: Forcing students into harsh conditions without adequate protection. Activities like being forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass or hosed with cold water, similar to “waterboarding,” show the degrading nature of these acts.

• Sexualized and humiliating hazing: These forms of abuse strip individuals of their dignity and can inflict profound emotional and psychological trauma. Examples include:

  • Forced nudity or partial nudity: Requiring students to undress against their will.
  • Simulated sexual acts, “roasted pig” positions, or degrading costumes: Forcing participation in sexually explicit or humiliating acts or poses.
  • Acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones: Using slurs, stereotypes, or forcing students to perform degrading acts based on their identity.

• Psychological hazing: While not always leaving visible marks, psychological hazing can be just as damaging, eroding self-esteem and creating deep-seated trauma. This includes:

  • Verbal abuse, threats, and isolation: Constant yelling, insults, and systematic exclusion from social circles.
  • Manipulation or forced confessions: Coercing students to admit to wrongdoing or reveal personal information.
  • Public shaming: Forcing students to endure ridicule or embarrassment in front of peers or online.
  • Dehumanization: Stripping new members of their identity, making them feel worthless. This includes forcing pledges to wear humiliating items, like a “pledge fanny pack” containing degrading objects, as seen in the Bermudez case.

• Digital/online hazing: The rise of social media and communication apps has opened new avenues for hazing, making it 24/7 and inescapable.

  • Group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation: Using platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Discord, or GroupMe to force participation in embarrassing acts or share compromising content.
  • Pressure to create or share compromising images/videos: With threats of social exclusion if refused.
  • Constant digital surveillance and demands: Requiring immediate responses to messages at all hours, monitoring location via tracking apps.
  • Forced “study/work” sessions or late-night driving duties: Under threat of punishment or expulsion from the group, disrupting sleep and academics.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Hazing is not confined to any single type of organization. Iowa families should be aware that it can occur in a wide range of collegiate and even some high school groups where social status, tradition, or secrecy are valued.

• Fraternities and sororities: This includes Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural Greek-letter organizations. Hazing within these groups often involves strict hierarchies and “traditions” passed down through pledge classes.
• Corps of Cadets/ROTC/military-style groups: These organizations, often found at schools like Texas A&M, can have an ingrained culture of “rites of passage” that cross into hazing, relying on physical and psychological endurance tests.
• Spirit squads and tradition clubs: Groups like cheerleading teams, dance teams, and university spirit organizations (e.g., the Texas Cowboys at UT Austin) can engage in hazing under the guise of “building unity” or “upholding tradition.”
• Athletic teams: From football and basketball to baseball, soccer, and even e-sports teams, hazing can occur across all levels of collegiate athletics, sometimes disguised as “team building” or “toughening up” new recruits.
• Marching bands and performance groups: Even seemingly wholesome organizations like marching bands, theater groups, or a cappella ensembles have been known to engage in hazing, proving its diverse reach.
• Some service, cultural, and academic organizations: While less common, any group with a hierarchical structure or a strong emphasis on “tradition” can develop hazing practices.

The common threads running through all these environments are the pressure to conform, the desire for acceptance, and the culture of secrecy that protects hazing from being exposed. These powerful social dynamics make it difficult for new members to resist and for outsiders to detect what is happening.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For Iowa families grappling with the specter of hazing, understanding the legal landscape is crucial. Texas has clear laws prohibiting hazing, and these state-level protections are supplemented by federal regulations that add layers of accountability. Here, we break down the key legal components, from criminal penalties to civil liability, and who can be held responsible.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has specific, robust anti-hazing provisions outlined in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. This legislation defines hazing broadly and emphasizes its illegality, regardless of whether a student “consented.”

Hazing is broadly defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, committed by a student acting alone or with others, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization. The act must:

• Endanger the mental or physical health or safety of a student (this includes forced consumption of alcohol or drugs, physical mistreatment, extreme exercise, sleep deprivation, or severe humiliation).
• Occur on or off campus.

This broad definition means that many activities often dismissed as “harmless tradition” or “just part of being in the group” can, and indeed do, qualify as illegal hazing under Texas law. The focus is on the impact on the individual’s mental or physical well-being, not just visible injuries.

Criminal Penalties:

• Class B Misdemeanor: By default, hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, carrying potential fines and jail time up to 180 days.
• State Jail Felony: Hazing can escalate to a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. This means individuals involved could face felony charges, with more severe penalties including state jail time.
• Failure to Report: Officers or members who know about hazing and fail to report it can also face misdemeanor charges.
• Retaliation: Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor.

These criminal provisions send a strong message: hazing is a serious offense in Texas, and those who perpetrate it, or fail to stop it, can face significant legal consequences.

Criminal vs Civil Cases

Understanding the distinction between criminal and civil cases is important for Iowa families seeking justice. Both avenues can be pursued simultaneously, but they have different goals and processes.

• Criminal cases: These are initiated by the state. In Texas, a prosecutor (District Attorney or County Attorney) brings charges against individuals who have violated hazing laws.

  • Aim: To punish individuals for breaking state law. Penalties can include fines, probation, or incarceration.
  • Hazing-related criminal charges: Beyond the specific hazing offense itself, related charges can include furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, kidnapping, or in the most tragic cases, manslaughter or negligent homicide.
  • Burden of Proof: The state must prove guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

• Civil cases: These are brought by the victims or their surviving family members (plaintiffs) against the individuals and organizations responsible for the harm (defendants).

  • Aim: To recover monetary compensation (damages) for the injuries, losses, and suffering caused by the hazing, and to hold responsible parties accountable.
  • Legal Theories: Civil hazing lawsuits often rely on theories of:
    • Negligence: The failure of an individual or organization to act with reasonable care, leading to harm. This is often applied to institutions and national organizations for failing to supervise, train, or enforce anti-hazing policies appropriately.
    • Gross Negligence: A severe form of negligence, involving an extreme degree of indifference or recklessness, often leading to punitive damages.
    • Wrongful Death: When hazing results in a fatality, family members can sue for a range of losses.
    • Premises Liability: If hazing occurred on property where the owner or occupier failed to maintain a safe environment.
    • Intentional Torts: Such as assault, battery, or defamation.
  • Burden of Proof: The standard is typically “preponderance of the evidence,” meaning it’s more likely than not that the defendants are responsible. This is a lower standard than “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

It’s crucial to understand that a criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for a civil case. Even if criminal charges are not filed or do not result in a conviction, victims and their families can still pursue a civil lawsuit to seek justice and compensation. Often, the evidence uncovered during a civil discovery process can be far more extensive than what’s presented in a criminal trial.

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

Beyond Texas state law, federal regulations also play a significant role in shaping accountability for hazing, especially within institutions receiving federal funding.

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal legislation mandates greater transparency and accountability from colleges and universities. Once fully implemented (around 2026), institutions must:

  • Publicly report hazing incidents: This includes the type of organization involved, location, severity, and resulting disciplinary actions. This will create a public record that Iowa families can access when researching schools or investigating incidents.
  • Mandate hazing education and prevention programs: Aimed at both students and staff.
  • Establish better reporting mechanisms: And ensure timely responses to hazing allegations.

• Title IX: This federal law prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. If hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based humiliation, or creates a hostile environment based on sex, Title IX obligations are triggered.

  • Universities are required to investigate such claims promptly and equitably.
  • Failure to do so can result in serious federal sanctions or civil lawsuits.

• Clery Act: The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses.

  • While hazing itself is not a specific Clery Act crime, many hazing incidents involve underlying behaviors that are. For example, hazing that includes assault, property damage, alcohol/drug violations, or sexual offenses will fall under Clery reporting requirements, even if it occurred during a hazing event.
  • This provides another layer of transparency and accountability, as Iowa families can review these crime statistics when considering a school.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

The devastating impact of hazing often involves multiple parties, and a comprehensive civil lawsuit can seek to hold each responsible for their role. This multi-party liability is critical for ensuring victims receive adequate compensation and for driving systemic change.

• Individual students:

  • Those who directly engaged in the hazing acts, supplied illegal substances, planned the events, or encouraged the dangerous behaviors can be held personally liable. This includes officers and senior members who direct new member activities. For example, in the Bermudez case, 13 individual fraternity leaders and members were named as defendants.

• Local chapter/organization:

  • The actual fraternity, sorority, club, or athletic team may be sued as a distinct legal entity. This includes unrecognized or “underground” chapters if they function as an organized group.

• National fraternity/sorority:

  • The national (inter)organization that charters and oversees local chapters can be held liable. This is particularly true if the national organization:
    • Had prior knowledge of hazing within the chapter or similar patterns across its other chapters nationwide.
    • Failed to adequately train, supervise, or enforce its own anti-hazing policies.
    • Continued to collect dues or benefit from the chapter despite known violations.
  • Many national organizations have deep pockets and are a primary target in significant hazing lawsuits.

• University or governing board:

  • The educational institution itself, including its Board of Regents (for public universities like the University of Houston, A&M, UT) can face legal challenges. Liability can arise from:
    • Negligent supervision: Failure to adequately monitor student organizations or prevent known dangerous activities.
    • Deliberate indifference: Ignoring repeated warnings or a documented history of hazing.
    • Failure to enforce policies: When the university has anti-hazing policies but consistently fails to enforce them.
    • Premises liability: If hazing occurred on university property where the administration failed to maintain a safe environment.
    • Title IX violations: If hazing involved sex-based discrimination or harassment.

• Third parties:

  • Property owners: Landlords of off-campus houses, Airbnb hosts, or event venue owners might be liable if they knew or should have known about illegal activity occurring on their property and failed to prevent it.
  • Alcohol/Drug suppliers: Individuals who illegally supplied alcohol to minors or provided drugs that contributed to the hazing. If alcohol was purchased from a commercial entity, dram shop laws might apply if it was served to obviously intoxicated individuals or minors.
  • Advisors: Faculty, alumni, or community advisors to student organizations can be held liable if they oversaw, condoned, or were negligent in preventing hazing.

Each hazing case is unique, and the specific parties held liable will depend on the facts and evidence. An experienced hazing attorney understands how to identify all potential defendants and build a comprehensive case to secure maximum accountability and compensation.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

Hazing is a problem that transcends state lines, affecting campuses across the nation. The devastating consequences, often involving severe injury or death, frequently drive calls for reform and lead to significant legal battles. For Iowa families, understanding these national patterns and the resulting legal precedents can shed light on the serious nature of hazing here in Texas and the potential for accountability.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

The most common and dangerous form of hazing involves forced alcohol consumption. Many of the most publicized and tragic cases in recent history exemplify this deadly pattern.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
  The death of 19-year-old Timothy Piazza shocked the nation. On a “bid acceptance” night, Piazza was reportedly forced to consume a dangerous amount of alcohol. Over many hours, he suffered multiple falls, captured on the fraternity’s security cameras, that led to severe head injuries. Medical help was delayed for hours by fraternity brothers fearful of consequences. The ensuing legal fallout included dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, as well as extensive civil litigation. This tragic case led to the enactment of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania, a landmark piece of legislation. The case highlighted not only the dangers of extreme intoxication but also the lethal consequences of delaying 911 calls and maintaining a culture of silence.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
  Just months after the Piazza tragedy, Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and pressured to consume them. This formulaic drinking ritual, repeated across campuses, underscores the foreseeable danger. Following Coffey’s death, criminal hazing charges were brought against multiple members, and Florida State University temporarily suspended all Greek life activities, initiating broad policy overhauls. The incident also sparked a statewide anti-hazing movement in Florida.

• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
  Max Gruver, an 18-year-old pledge at LSU, died from alcohol intoxication (with a blood alcohol content of 0.495%) after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game. Pledges were allegedly forced to answer trivia questions, and incorrect answers resulted in coerced drinking. Gruver’s death led to the passing of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, a felony hazing law that increased penalties for hazing-related injuries and deaths. This case is a stark reminder that legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing, driven by families seeking justice.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
  In another harrowing “Big/Little” pledge night event, 20-year-old Stone Foltz was allegedly forced to consume an entire handle of whiskey. He later died from alcohol poisoning. The aftermath included criminal convictions for multiple fraternity members on various hazing-related charges. In a significant civil outcome, Bowling Green State University, a public institution, agreed to nearly $3 million in a settlement with the Foltz family in 2023. This case demonstrates that universities, even public ones, can face substantial financial and reputational consequences alongside the fraternities involved, underscoring the legal imperative for institutional oversight.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, hazing rituals often involve grueling physical abuse and degrading acts, sometimes in remote locations to avoid detection.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
  Michael Deng, a 19-year-old pledge, died from traumatic brain injuries suffered during a brutal “glass ceiling” hazing ritual at an off-campus retreat in the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. Blindfolded and weighted down with a heavy backpack, Deng was repeatedly tackled. Fraternity members delayed calling 911 for over an hour. This landmark case resulted in multiple criminal convictions, and, notably, the national fraternity itself was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter—a rare instance of organizational criminal liability. The Pi Delta Psi national fraternity was banned from operating in Pennsylvania for 10 years and fined over $110,000. This case vividly illustrates that off-campus retreats can be as dangerous or even more so than campus-based events and that national organizations can face severe sanctions for their chapters’ conduct.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing isn’t exclusive to Greek life; it plagues athletic programs too, fueled by traditions of team “bonding” and coaches who look the other way.

• Northwestern University Football Hazing Scandal (2023–2025)
  In a shocking series of revelations, former Northwestern football players came forward with allegations of widespread sexualized, racist, and physically abusive hazing within the program spanning multiple years. The claims included forced naked “dry-humping” drills. These allegations triggered multiple lawsuits against Northwestern University and various coaching staff members. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired and later confidentially settled a wrongful-termination suit with the university. This scandal made it clear that hazing thrives even in elite athletic programs, highlighting the need for vigilance and accountability in all student organizations.

What These Cases Mean for Iowa Families in Texas

The stories of Timothy Piazza, Andrew Coffey, Max Gruver, Stone Foltz, Michael Deng, and the Northwestern athletes are more than just headlines; they represent powerful precedents. They share common threads: forced intoxication, humiliation, physical violence, delayed or denied medical care, and concerted efforts to cover up misconduct.

These anchor cases demonstrate that:

• Hazing is a foreseeable problem: Universities and national organizations cannot claim ignorance when similar incidents occur repeatedly across the country within their own systems.
• Accountability is multi-faceted: Individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and even universities can be held liable.
• The cost of inaction is enormous: Beyond the incalculable human cost, there are multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts that punish negligence and deter future misconduct.

For Iowa families whose children attend or plan to attend Texas universities—including the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor—these national lessons are critical. They highlight that the same dangerous patterns can emerge locally, but also that a strong foundation of legal precedent exists to fight for justice. When tragedy strikes, litigation often becomes the most effective pathway to seek accountability, secure compensation, and drive meaningful, life-saving reforms across the state.

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

For Iowa families, the decision of where to send a child for higher education is monumental. Texas boasts some of the nation’s largest and most prestigious universities, drawing students from across the country. Yet, these very institutions, revered for their academics and traditions, have also been sites of significant hazing incidents and ongoing legal scrutiny. Understanding the specific hazing landscape at the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University is crucial for parents and students in Iowa.

Since Iowa is not home to any of these universities, many Iowa families send their children to these prominent institutions, making an understanding of their specific environments essential. We will delve into how hazing policies, past incidents, and legal processes typically unfold at each campus, providing key insights for concerned parents.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a vibrant and diverse urban campus, plays a central role in our firm’s experience with hazing litigation. Our firm, Attorney911, proudly represents Leonel Bermudez in a significant $10 million lawsuit against the university and the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity following severe hazing allegations in late 2025. This case highlights the persistent issues of hazing even at institutions committed to student safety.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot (with Iowa Connection)

The University of Houston is a sprawling public research university located in the heart of Houston, serving a diverse student body exceeding 47,000. It features a bustling urban campus environment, catering to both residential and commuter students. UH has an active Greek life scene, with numerous fraternities and sororities operating under Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, and National Pan-Hellenic Council. Beyond Greek life, the campus is rich with student organizations, sports clubs, and cultural groups. Many families from across the Midwest, including Iowa, choose UH for its strong academic programs and unique urban setting, making the issue of campus safety and hazing highly relevant to those in Iowa.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston maintains a strict anti-hazing policy, explicitly prohibiting any activity that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for initiation or affiliation with an organization. This policy applies to conduct both on and off campus. UH outlines clear prohibitions against forced alcohol/food/drug consumption, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and activities causing mental distress. The university promotes reporting through various channels, including the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). Details regarding hazing statements and any disciplinary actions are typically posted on the university’s website.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

The University of Houston has a history of hazing incidents that demonstrate the persistent challenges universities face in eradicating these dangerous practices.

• 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha Incident: In a notable case around 2016, pledges of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity at UH allegedly endured deprivation of adequate food, water, and sleep during a multi-day event. One student reportedly suffered a lacerated spleen after being subjected to a violent act, possibly slammed onto a table or a similar surface. This incident led to misdemeanor hazing charges against individuals and a university suspension for the chapter.
• Ongoing Disciplinary Actions: UH’s records, though less transparent than some other public universities, frequently make reference to fraternities and other student organizations facing discipline for behaviors “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” including alcohol misuse and policy violations. These often result in suspensions or probationary periods for the involved organizations.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed (with Iowa Jurisdiction/Logistics)

For Iowa families, understanding the procedural aspects of a hazing case in Houston is key. A civil hazing lawsuit stemming from an incident at the University of Houston would typically be filed in the appropriate court within Harris County, Texas.

• Involved Agencies: Depending on where the incident occurred, the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) and/or the Houston Police Department (HPD) would likely lead any criminal investigations.
• Potential Defendants: A civil suit could name individual students involved, the local chapter of the fraternity or sorority, the national organization, and potentially the University of Houston and/or its Board of Regents. If the hazing occurred at an off-campus property, the property owner might also be included.
• Jurisdiction for Iowa Families: While the incident occurs in Texas, Iowa families benefit from the fact that Texas courts will have jurisdiction over Texas-based defendants and incidents. An attorney licensed in Texas, like Attorney911, would represent the family throughout the legal process without requiring them to travel frequently, though clear channels of communication would be established.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

For students from Iowa attending UH, and their parents, proactive measures and swift action can make a critical difference.

• Know the reporting channels: Familiarize yourself with the UH Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, and UHPD contacts. Understand how to utilize their anonymous reporting options.
• Document everything: If you suspect hazing, begin documenting immediately. This includes texts, photos, names, dates, and what was said. These can be crucial. Our firm’s Bermudez case exemplifies this importance, with detailed allegations including a “pledge fanny pack” rule, forced consumption of milk/hot dogs/peppercorns, and grueling physical “workouts” at Yellowstone Boulevard Park. The evidence of brown urine and acute kidney failure leading to a four-day hospitalization directly stems from these documented activities.
• Prioritize medical care: If your child is injured or ill, seek immediate medical attention. Be explicit with medical staff about the circumstances (e.g., “my child was forced to drink/exercise excessively”), ensuring hazing is noted in medical records.
• Contact local-area hazing attorneys: An attorney with experience in Houston-based hazing cases, particularly those involving public universities and national fraternities, can help uncover prior disciplinary actions and internal university files. Attorney911 is actively litigating cases like the Bermudez lawsuit in Houston, demonstrating our on-the-ground understanding of the local legal landscape.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, a cornerstone of Texas tradition and academic excellence, also presents unique challenges when it comes to hazing, particularly within its highly regarded Corps of Cadets.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M University, located in College Station, boasts a rich history steeped in tradition, military roots, and a fiercely loyal alumni network. With a student body well over 70,000, it’s one of the largest universities in the nation. Distinctive features include a robust Greek life, and the globally renowned Corps of Cadets, which fosters a military-style environment and has a strong influence on campus culture. Many Iowa families are drawn to A&M for its strong engineering, agriculture, and business programs, along with its unique and spirited traditions. The town of College Station, often synonymous with the university, serves as a hub for both the academic and Greek communities.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M maintains a stringent anti-hazing policy that is clearly communicated to students and organizations. The university prohibits any hazing activity both on or off campus, aligning with state law. This includes physical abuse, forced consumption of substances, mental distress, and any activity that creates a hostile environment for new members. Reporting channels are managed through the university’s Student Conduct Office, the Texas A&M University Police Department (TAMUPD), and confidential reporting hotlines accessible via their website. A&M’s commitment to reporting applies across all student groups, including fraternities, sororities, and the Corps of Cadets.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Hazing incidents at Texas A&M, cutting across Greek life and the Corps, highlight the enduring challenges even within highly structured environments.

• 2021 Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit: In a disturbing case, two pledges of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity alleged severe physical hazing. They claimed they were forced into strenuous physical activity and then drenched with a mixture containing substances like industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit. This led to severe chemical burns that necessitated extensive medical treatment and skin graft surgeries. A lawsuit reportedly seeking over $1 million was filed against the fraternity, which was subsequently suspended by the university for two years. This incident underlines the dangerous evolution of hazing into chemical abuse.

• 2023 Corps of Cadets Lawsuit: A former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading and physically abusive hazing within the Corps of Cadets. The allegations included being subjected to simulated sexual acts and being bound in a humiliating “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth, reminiscent of historical hazing tactics. While A&M stated it handled the matter under its internal regulations, the lawsuit sought significant damages, pushing for greater accountability within the Corps’ traditional environment.

• Phi Gamma Delta Tragedy (2018): This case underscores the recurring nature of hazing within specific organizations. In 2018, Joseph Little, an 18-year-old freshman, died after collapsing during reported pledging activities of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, which were later found by administrators to be hazing acts. Tragically, this was the same fraternity chapter where another student, Trey Walker, had died under hazing-related circumstances in 1997. The repeated incidents within the same organization raise serious questions about pattern and foreseeability.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Iowa families whose children attend Texas A&M, any legal action concerning hazing would typically navigate through the local College Station and Brazos County legal systems in Texas.

• Criminal Investigations: Local law enforcement, including TAMUPD or the College Station Police Department, would conduct any criminal investigations, with cases potentially prosecuted by the Brazos County District Attorney.
• Civil Lawsuits: Civil suits would be heard in Brazos County courts. Potential defendants could include the individual students involved, the local chapter, the national organization (e.g., Sigma Alpha Epsilon National Fraternity), and potentially Texas A&M University and its Board of Regents.
• Jurisdictional Relevance: While a direct connection to Iowa justice systems is unlikely, an Iowa family’s case would be managed by a Texas-licensed attorney, ensuring representation within the proper Texas courts. Travel for families from Iowa would be managed by the legal team, simplifying logistics.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

For Iowa students at Texas A&M and their families, knowledge and swift action are paramount.

• Understand Corps and Greek regulations: Familiarize yourself with both the university’s general anti-hazing policy and any specific regulations within the Corps of Cadets or Greek life.
• Report immediately: Use the university’s official reporting channels, including the Student Conduct Office and TAMUPD. Emphasize their policy of prompt investigation.
• Document evidence thoroughly: The Sigma Alpha Epsilon cases involving chemical burns and the Corps of Cadets lawsuit highlight the importance of detailed evidence. Keep records of all communications, injuries, and demands.
• Seek legal counsel for College Station incidents: An attorney experienced in hazing cases at Texas A&M can provide crucial guidance, especially in navigating cases with the Board of Regents or national Greek organizations. Attorney911 is prepared to assist with such cases, bringing our deep understanding of the Texas legal framework.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin, a flagship institution for many Iowa students aspiring to a top-tier education, has also been at the forefront of attempting to combat and expose hazing.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Texas at Austin is the flagship institution of the University of Texas System, renowned for its academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and iconic “Longhorn” spirit. Situated in the bustling capital city of Austin, UT has a massive student body of over 50,000. Its Greek life is extensive and deeply embedded in the social fabric, alongside numerous other student organizations, spirit groups, and athletic teams. Many Iowa families, seeking a premier public university experience, look to UT Austin. The cultural landscape of Austin, known for its live music and progressive atmosphere, adds another layer to the student experience, though hazing remains a concern within campus groups.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UT Austin maintains a robust anti-hazing policy, strictly prohibiting any form of hazing by student organizations or individuals, on or off campus. The university is notably proactive in its transparency, publishing a Hazing Violations page on its website. This public log details organizations found responsible for hazing, the nature of their violations, and the sanctions imposed. Reporting can be done through the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD), or anonymous online forms. This commitment to public disclosure provides valuable information, not just for UT students and families, but for everyone concerned about campus safety.

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT Austin’s transparency in reporting hazing violations provides a clear, albeit troubling, record of recurring issues.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): The university’s public records show an incident where members of Pi Kappa Alpha allegedly directed new members to consume milk until vomiting and perform strenuous calisthenics. Following an investigation, the chapter was found responsible for hazing, resulting in probation and mandatory hazing-prevention education. This typifies the “forced consumption” and “extreme physical activity” patterns seen nationwide.
• Texas Cowboys (2018): This spirit organization, known for its long-standing traditions, was cited for hazing violations in 2018. The conduct included elements of sleep deprivation and forced endurance, highlighting that hazing is not exclusive to Greek life but penetrates established campus spirit organizations.
• Texas Wranglers (Various Incidents): Other non-Greek groups like the Texas Wranglers have faced sanctions for practices involving forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, and punishment-based activities as part of new member processes. The recurrence of such incidents, visible on UT’s public log, underscores the ongoing battle against hazing.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Iowa families involved in a hazing incident at UT Austin, legal proceedings would typically occur within the Travis County, Texas, court system.

• Law Enforcement: UTPD would typically handle on-campus criminal investigations, while the Austin Police Department (APD) would address off-campus incidents involving hazing crimes, with potential prosecution by the Travis County District Attorney.
• Civil Lawsuits: Civil suits would be filed in Travis County courts. Potential defendants may include the individual students, the local chapter, the national organization (if applicable), and The University of Texas at Austin and/or its Board of Regents.
• Transparency as an Advantage: UT’s public hazing violation log can be a significant asset in civil litigation. A documented history of prior violations establishes a pattern, demonstrates the university’s or organization’s knowledge of preceding issues, and can strengthen arguments for negligence or deliberate indifference, helping Iowa families build a stronger case.

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

Given UT’s proactive approach to reporting, Iowa students and their parents have specific steps they can take.

• Review UT’s Hazing Violations page: Before or during college, regularly check hazing.utexas.edu to see if specific organizations have a disciplinary history. This transparency is rare and highly valuable.
• Utilize reporting channels: Use the Dean of Students, UTPD, or the anonymous online reporting forms if hazing is suspected or occurs.
• Prioritize evidence collection: Knowing that a public log exists, it’s even more crucial to gather your own detailed evidence (screenshots, photos, witness accounts) to supplement university investigations and to protect your legal options.
• Seek skilled legal representation for Austin cases: An attorney experienced with UT Austin hazing cases can navigate the specifics of the university’s policies and legal procedures, especially when utilizing public records to build a case. Attorney911 understands how to leverage these public records effectively.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, known for its beautiful campus and prominent social scene, is another institution where Iowa families might encounter the challenges of hazing, often occurring within its active Greek community.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a prestigious private university located in a beautiful, historic neighborhood of Dallas, Texas. It attracts a highly selective student body, including many from affluent backgrounds and states like Iowa, drawn to its strong academic programs, particularly in business, law, and the arts. SMU is known for its vibrant and highly influential Greek life, which plays a significant role in the university’s social scene. The campus often projects an image of tradition and exclusivity, but beneath the surface, opportunities for hazing can arise within various student organizations.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against hazing, applicable to all student organizations, active members, and potential new members both on and off campus. The university outlines clear definitions of hazing, mirroring state law, and prohibits any activity that could cause physical harm, mental distress, or humiliation. SMU encourages reporting through its Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, the SMU Police Department (SMUPD), and anonymous reporting systems like “Real Response” which allow individuals to submit concerns without revealing their identity. The university’s official website provides details on policies and reporting mechanisms.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

SMU has faced its share of hazing incidents, often concerning its Greek organizations, illustrating that active social scenes can sometimes mask problematic underlying behaviors.

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): In a widely reported incident, members of the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity were found responsible for hazing. Allegations included new members being paddled, pressured to consume excessive amounts of alcohol, and deprived of sleep. This led to the chapter’s suspension for an extended period, significantly restricting its on-campus activities and recruitment until around 2021.
• Ongoing Disciplinary Actions: While SMU, as a private institution, does not publicly maintain a detailed hazing log like UT Austin, it regularly investigates allegations and imposes sanctions. These can range from probationary periods and educational requirements to full suspension or removal of an organization’s recognition. The nature of these policies and disciplinary actions influences how hazing cases at SMU are approached.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Iowa families dealing with a hazing incident at SMU, legal proceedings would typically occur in the Dallas County, Texas, court system.

• Local Law Enforcement: The SMU Police Department (SMUPD) would investigate on-campus criminal complaints, while the Dallas Police Department (DPD) would handle incidents occurring off-campus. Possible criminal charges could be brought by the Dallas County District Attorney.
• Civil Lawsuits: Civil actions would be filed in Dallas County courts. Defendants could include individual students, the local chapter, the national organization (like Kappa Alpha Order National), and Southern Methodist University itself.
• Private Institution Nuances: As a private university, SMU can often manage investigations and disciplinary actions with less public transparency than state schools. However, this does not shield them from civil liability. Iowa families would need a legal team capable of compelling discovery to uncover internal reports and communications that might not be publicly available.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

Iowa students attending SMU and their families should be particularly vigilant given the university’s social environment and the less public nature of its disciplinary records.

• Familiarize with reporting options: Understand how to use SMU’s Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards and its anonymous “Real Response” system.
• Document and secure evidence: Because SMU doesn’t publicize a comprehensive hazing log, meticulously documenting any potential hazing incidents with screenshots of communications, photos, and precise timelines becomes even more crucial for Iowa families.
• Prioritize medical care and legal consultation: If any harm occurs, get immediate medical attention. Then, seek legal advice from an attorney experienced in hazing cases at private institutions in Texas. An attorney can help navigate the nuances and compel the necessary information from the university. Attorney911 has the expertise to demand transparency and uncover critical evidence needed for a case.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University, with its Baptist heritage and strong emphasis on community, presents a distinct environment where hazing, though strictly prohibited, can still be a risk, especially within its athletic programs and student organizations. Many Iowa families considering faith-based institutions look to Baylor.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University is a private Baptist research university located in Waco, Texas. It is the oldest continuously operating university in Texas and is known for its rigorous academics, strong religious affiliation, and vibrant campus traditions. With a significant student population, including many from states like Iowa drawn to its values-driven education, Baylor fosters a unique culture that blends academic rigor with spiritual development. While Greek life is present, student organizations and athletic programs also play a prominent role in campus social dynamics, making them relevant contexts for hazing.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University maintains a clear and unequivocal anti-hazing policy, emphasizing its commitment to student safety and adherence to Christian principles. The policy strictly prohibits any form of hazing, defining it as any act that harms or risks harming a student for initiation, affiliation, or membership in a group. This prohibition extends to on- and off-campus activities related to all student organizations, athletic teams, and fraternities/sororities. Baylor encourages reporting through its Vice President for Student Life, the Baylor Police Department (BUPD), and an online reporting form. The university’s website provides detailed information regarding its policies and reporting procedures, highlighting a commitment to a safe campus environment.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor University has, like other major institutions, faced challenges with hazing, particularly within its athletic programs, which have at times been under scrutiny for broader issues of oversight and accountability.

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): A significant incident involved the Baylor baseball team where, following an investigation into hazing allegations, 14 players were suspended. These suspensions were staggered over the early season to address the misconduct without completely derailing the team’s competitiveness. This case highlighted that hazing extends beyond Greek life, even into high-profile, competitive sports programs within a faith-based university context.
• “Zero Tolerance” vs. Recurring Misconduct: Baylor’s official stance is often one of “zero tolerance” for hazing and other forms of misconduct. However, incidents like the baseball hazing, and prior broader scandals involving the football program and Title IX issues demonstrate the persistent challenge in fully eradicating problematic cultures within large institutions, even those with strong ethical foundations. These instances underscore the gap that can sometimes exist between stated policy and actual enforcement or cultural norms.

5.4.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Iowa families dealing with a hazing incident at Baylor University, any legal proceedings would typically occur in McLennan County, Texas, where Waco is located.

• Law Enforcement: Baylor Police Department (BUPD) would handle on-campus criminal investigations, while the Waco Police Department would address off-campus incidents involving hazing crimes, with possible prosecution by the McLennan County District Attorney.
• Civil Lawsuits: Civil actions would be filed in McLennan County courts. Potential defendants could include individual students, the local chapter of an organization, the national organization (if applicable), and Baylor University itself.
• Private Institution Nuances: Similar to SMU, as a private university, Baylor has some discretion in how it manages internal investigations and public disclosures compared to state universities. However, this does not grant them immunity from civil liability. Iowa families would need a legal team adept at navigating private university processes and compelling the disclosure of relevant information through legal discovery.

5.4.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

Iowa students at Baylor and their families should be aware of the university’s specific context and policies.

• Understand Baylor’s specific policies: Familiarize yourself with the anti-hazing guidelines set forth by the university, emphasizing its Christian values and behavioral expectations.
• Report through official channels: Use the Vice President for Student Life, BUPD, or the online reporting form if hazing is suspected or occurs.
• Document everything thoroughly: Given that Baylor’s disciplinary actions are not always publicly listed in detail, comprehensive personal documentation of hazing incidents (screenshots of communications, photos, detailed notes) is vital for Iowa families to protect their legal options.
• Seek experienced legal counsel for Waco incidents: An attorney familiar with hazing cases at faith-based private institutions in Texas can provide critical guidance, helping to navigate the unique challenges of such cases. Attorney911 is equipped to handle these complexities, ensuring accountability for all responsible parties.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

When we talk about hazing at Baylor, SMU, UT, Texas A&M, or UH, it’s not just about local students making bad choices. It’s often about chapters connected to powerful national organizations, each with its own history, judicial process, and, tragically, its own pattern of hazing incidents repeated across the country. For Iowa families, understanding that your child might be pledging a local chapter with a national history of hazing is key to recognizing the broader risks and the path to accountability.

Why National Histories Matter

The local chapters at Texas universities, whether in Iowa City or elsewhere, are not isolated entities. They are branches of much larger national fraternities and sororities. These national headquarters typically:

• Establish thick anti-hazing manuals and risk policies: These policies exist not out of an abundance of caution, but because their organizations have experienced deaths, catastrophic injuries, and multi-million dollar lawsuits in the past.
• Are acutely aware of common hazing patterns: They know the scripts – the forced drinking nights, the paddling “traditions,” the humiliating rituals – because these have been reported and litigated repeatedly across their vast networks of chapters.

When a local Texas chapter repeats a hazing script that has already led to injury, death, or massive lawsuits at another chapter in another state, it creates a crucial legal argument: foreseeability. The national organization knew or should have known the risks, and their failure to prevent a similar outcome locally can strengthen claims of negligence or gross negligence, potentially leading to significant punitive damages.

Organization Mapping (Synthesized)

Let’s look at some prominent national organizations with chapters at Texas universities and their documented national hazing histories. This is not an exhaustive list but highlights patterns of concern.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike):

  • National History: Pi Kappa Alpha has a deeply troubling national hazing history, perhaps most notably involved in the 2021 death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University. Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume an entire handle of liquor during a “Big/Little” pledge night. This resulted in criminal convictions for multiple members and a $2.9 million settlement with the Foltz family. This pattern of alcohol-fueled “Big/Little” hazing is a recurring issue for the national organization.
  • Texas Relevance: Pike chapters exist at multiple Texas universities, including the University of Houston and Texas Tech. These local chapters operate under the shadow of these severe national incidents.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE):

  • National History: Often dubbed “America’s deadliest fraternity” by some media outlets, SAE has an extensive history of hazing-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide involving alcohol poisoning, physical abuse, and even chemical burns. Lawsuits include a traumatic brain injury suit at the University of Alabama (filed 2023). In 2014, the national organization famously (and temporarily) banned pledging entirely in response to its repeated hazing tragedies.
  • Texas Relevance: SAE chapters are present at Texas A&M, UT Austin, and other Texas schools. A 2021 incident at Texas A&M involved two pledges alleging they suffered severe chemical burns from industrial-strength cleaner poured on them during hazing, leading to a multi-million dollar lawsuit and the chapter’s suspension. Another 2024 lawsuit at UT Austin involves an exchange student alleging assault during a fraternity party, with the chapter already suspended for prior hazing.

• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):

  • National History: Phi Delta Theta is linked to the 2017 alcohol poisoning death of Maxwell “Max” Gruver at Louisiana State University. Max died from extreme alcohol intoxication after a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant more drinking. This led to criminal convictions and the Max Gruver Act being passed in Louisiana.
  • Texas Relevance: Phi Delta Theta chapters have been present at UT Austin, Baylor, and other Texas campuses, operating under the same national policies that were clearly insufficient to prevent Gruver’s death.

• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):

  • National History: Pi Kappa Phi is tragically associated with the 2017 alcohol poisoning death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University. Coffey died after being forced to consume a handle of hard liquor during a “Big Brother Night.” This led to multiple criminal prosecutions and a statewide anti-hazing movement in Florida.
  • Texas Relevance: Our firm, Attorney911, is actively involved in litigation against the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at the University of Houston. Our $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez alleges severe hazing causing acute kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis. This case directly connects the national organization’s known pattern of dangerous “Big Brother” alcohol-related hazing to incidents right here in Texas.

• Kappa Alpha Order (KA):

  • National History: Kappa Alpha Order has faced numerous hazing suspensions and documented incidents across its chapters involving alcohol, physical abuse, and humiliation.
  • Texas Relevance: Kappa Alpha Order chapters are active at SMU, UT Austin, and other Texas schools. The 2017 incident at SMU involving paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation led to the chapter’s suspension, illustrating a recurring pattern within the organization.

• Sigma Chi (ΣΧ):

  • National History: Sigma Chi has encountered significant hazing litigation. For example, a 2024 case at the College of Charleston resulted in a multi-million dollar settlement (reportedly over $10 million) for a pledge who alleged physical beatings, forced drug/alcohol consumption, and psychological torment. Sigma Chi at the University of Texas at Arlington also settled a lawsuit in 2020 after a pledge was hospitalized with alcohol poisoning.
  • Texas Relevance: Sigma Chi chapters are present at UT Austin, Texas A&M, and other Texas institutions. The criminal hazing charges filed against Sigma Chi members in 2024 at UT Austin following the suicide of Sawyer Updike underscore the ongoing and severe nature of the problem.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

The cumulative weight of these national and campus-specific hazing histories forms a powerful basis for legal strategy on behalf of Iowa families.

• Foreseeability and Pattern Evidence: When a national organization’s chapter in Texas engages in hazing tactics that have resulted in injuries or deaths at other chapters, it strongly suggests that the national organization had prior knowledge of the risk. They cannot claim ignorance or that the events were “unforeseeable.”
• Organizational Negligence: This pattern evidence allows courts to consider whether national organizations:
  • Meaningfully enforced their supposedly strict anti-hazing policies, or if these were merely “paper policies.”
  • Responded aggressively enough to prior incidents, or if their disciplinary actions were weak and failed to deter future hazing.
• Impact on Litigation: Understanding these histories directly affects:
  • Settlement leverage: With a strong record of prior incidents, a national organization or university faces significant pressure to settle to avoid a potentially damaging public trial and large jury verdict.
  • Insurance coverage disputes: Attorneys can counter claims that hazing was “unforeseeable” or “not covered” by demonstrating a pattern of similar issues known to the insurer.
  • Potential for punitive damages: In cases of severe recklessness or deliberate indifference, evidence of a national pattern of ignored warnings can support arguments for punitive damages, designed to punish wrongdoers and deter others.

For Iowa parents, it’s not enough to simply ask if a local chapter has a “clean record.” It’s imperative to consider the full national history of the organization and how that history impacts its accountability in a Texas court of law.

7. Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

For Iowa families confronted with the aftermath of hazing, understanding how an attorney builds a legal case is paramount. A successful hazing lawsuit is meticulously constructed, relying on a diverse array of evidence, a clear understanding of compensable damages, and a strategic approach to identifying and pursuing all responsible parties.

7.1 Evidence

In the digital age, evidence in hazing cases is more abundant than ever, but it also disappears rapidly. Prompt and comprehensive collection is critical.

• Digital Communications: These are often the most critical pieces of evidence, providing real-time insights into the planning, execution, and cover-up of hazing.

  • Group Messaging Apps: Platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, and even fraternity/sorority-specific apps are goldmines. They show instructions, demands, threats, and discussions among members before, during, and after hazing events. These records can reveal who planned what, who was present, and how members were coerced.
  • Social Media Evidence: Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok videos, and Facebook posts can expose degrading activities, forced participation, or attempts at public humiliation. Location tags and timestamps can corroborate events.
  • Screenshot and Preserve: It is vital to screenshot entire conversations with sender names, timestamps, and full context, backing them up immediately. This is explicitly demonstrated in our firm’s video on using your cellphone to document a legal case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs.

• Photos & Videos: Personal phones and security cameras can serve as irrefutable proof.

  • Member-generated Content: Photos or videos taken by hazers themselves, often shared in private group chats or on social media, become powerful evidence.
  • Surveillance Footage: Security cameras at fraternity houses, university buildings, or nearby businesses (e.g., Ring doorbell cameras) can capture entries, exits, or even hazing activities.
  • Injury Documentation: Immediate, high-quality photos of any physical injuries from multiple angles, with consistent lighting and objects for scale, are essential. Re-photographing injuries over several days documents their progression.

• Internal Organization Documents: These records illuminate an organization’s policies, culture, and awareness of risk.

  • Pledge Manuals/Initiation Scripts: These can reveal official (or unofficial) processes, “traditions,” and expected activities for new members.
  • Communications: Emails or texts among officers can detail plans for new member activities, showing intent and knowledge.
  • National Policies: Anti-hazing policies and risk management guidelines from national organizations can be compared against local chapter conduct to highlight compliance failures.

• University Records: Institutions generate a wealth of documents related to student conduct.

  • Prior Conduct Files: Records of past hazing violations, probations, or suspensions involving the same organization can establish a pattern and show the university’s knowledge of problematic history.
  • Incident Reports: Reports filed with campus police or student conduct offices related to the incident or prior issues.
  • Clery Reports/Disclosures: Information required by federal law concerning campus crimes, which may include hazing-related offenses.

• Medical and Psychological Records: These document the precise nature and extent of the harm suffered.

  • ER/Hospital Records: Detailed accounts of injuries, treatments, and toxicology results (e.g., blood alcohol levels, drug screens). For instance, in the Bermudez case, the presence of brown urine and critically high creatine kinase levels confirmed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, which was crucial medical evidence.
  • Treatment Notes: Records from ongoing physical therapy, rehabilitation, or psychiatric care.
  • Expert Evaluations: Assessments by medical specialists (e.g., neurologists for brain injuries) and psychologists (for PTSD, anxiety, depression) quantify the long-term impact.

• Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts are invaluable.

  • Pledges/Members: Other new members or fraternity/sorority members present. While they may be reluctant due to fear of retaliation, their testimony can be compelling.
  • Bystanders: Roommates, RAs, coaches, or faculty who observed unusual behavior, injuries, or overheard conversations.
  • Former Members: Students who quit or were expelled, often due to disapproval of hazing, can provide crucial inside information about the organization’s culture.

7.2 Damages

In Texas, victims of hazing or their families can pursue a wide range of damages to compensate for the profound harm suffered. These are broadly categorized into economic and non-economic losses.

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers all costs associated with the physical, and often mental, injuries sustained.

  • Past Medical Expenses: Ambulance, emergency room visits, hospital stays (including ICU), surgeries, doctor’s visits, prescription medications, and rehabilitation costs.
  • Future Medical Expenses: Estimation of lifelong care needs for catastrophic injuries such as brain damage (like Danny Santulli’s case), ongoing physical therapy, psychiatric treatment, and adaptive equipment. This can require complex life care plans developed by specialists.

• Lost Earnings/Educational Impact: Hazing can derail a student’s academic and professional future.

  • Lost Wages: Income lost if the victim, or a parent caring for them, is unable to work.
  • Lost Educational Opportunities: Costs of missed semesters, lost scholarships (academic, athletic, Greek-specific), delayed graduation, and reduced earning potential due to a postponed career start.
  • Diminished Earning Capacity: If injuries result in a permanent disability that affects the victim’s ability to work, an economist can calculate the financial impact over their lifetime.

• Non-Economic Damages: These address the intangible, yet very real, suffering.

  • Physical Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the actual physical pain endured from injuries.
  • Emotional Distress, Trauma, and Humiliation: This can include severe anxiety, depression, PTSD, chronic fear, loss of self-esteem, and the profound humiliation experienced during hazing. The psychological impact can be as devastating as physical injuries.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: When injuries prevent a victim from pursuing hobbies, social activities, or experiencing life’s normal joys. This relates directly to the academic and social experience they lose.

• Wrongful Death Damages (for families): In the most tragic cases, when hazing leads to a fatality, surviving family members have specific claims.

  • Funeral and Burial Costs: Direct expenses for the funeral and burial.
  • Loss of Companionship and Support: Compensation for the emotional void left by the deceased, including the loss of love, comfort, and society.
  • Loss of Financial Support: If the deceased would have contributed to family income or supported parents/siblings in the future.
  • Emotional Harm to Parents and Siblings: Compensation for the profound grief and suffering endured by close family members.

7.3 Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Understanding liability and insurance is crucial. Powerful national fraternities and universities often carry substantial insurance policies designed to protect them from such lawsuits.

• Identifying All Potential Coverage Sources: An experienced hazing attorney will thoroughly investigate all potential insurance policies, which can include:

  • National Organization’s General Liability Policy: This is often the primary target, covering the national fraternity or sorority and, often, its local chapters.
  • University’s General Liability/Excess/Umbrella Policies: These might cover the institution itself, as well as its employees (administrators, advisors) for negligence.
  • Local Chapter’s Policies: Sometimes local chapters have their own insurance.
  • Homeowner’s/Renter’s Policies of Individuals: Individual students involved in hazing might have personal liability coverage through their family’s policies.
  • Third-Party Policies: If hazing occurred at a rented venue, the venue’s insurance might apply.

• Navigating Insurance Disputes: Insurers frequently attempt to deny coverage for hazing claims, arguing:

  • “Intentional Acts” Exclusions: Many policies exclude coverage for intentional acts of harm, which insurers may argue hazing falls under.
  • “Criminal Acts” Exclusions: If hazing leads to criminal charges, insurers may cite exclusions for criminal conduct.
  • “Hazing” Exclusions: Some policies now explicitly exclude hazing, making it harder to obtain coverage.

• Attorney911’s Advantage in Insurance Fights: Our firm brings a unique advantage to these often-complex insurance battles. Lupe Peña, one of our leading attorneys, previously worked as an insurance defense attorney for a national firm. She possesses direct, insider knowledge of how these companies operate, how they value (and undervalue) claims, and their common tactics for denying or delaying payments. This expertise allows us to:

  • Anticipate their arguments: We know the precise language and loopholes insurers use.
  • Challenge wrongful denials: We argue that even if hazing involved intentional acts, the central claims against the national organization or university involve negligent supervision or failure to enforce policies, which are typically covered by insurance.
  • Maximize recovery: By understanding their playbook, we are better positioned to force insurers to fulfill their obligations, either through aggressive negotiation or litigation.

The combined strategy of meticulous evidence collection, comprehensive damage assessment, and an intricate understanding of insurance coverage creates a powerful legal framework designed to hold all responsible parties accountable.

8. Practical Guides & FAQs

For Iowa families, navigating the aftermath of a hazing incident can feel overwhelming and isolating. Knowing what to do, what to look for, and who to trust is vital. This section offers practical guidance and answers frequently asked questions directly relevant to parents, students, and witnesses, regardless of whether the hazing occurs at an Iowa university or a major Texas institution.

8.1 For Parents

Parents in Iowa are often the first to notice subtle changes in their child that may indicate hazing. Trust your instincts and act decisively if you have concerns.

• Warning signs of hazing: Be vigilant for a sudden constellation of symptoms, not just one isolated incident.

  • Unexplained injuries or repeated “accidents”: Bruises, cuts, burns, or limping without a clear, consistent explanation. Pay attention if your child seems evasive about how they got hurt.
  • Extreme exhaustion and sleep deprivation: Your child is constantly tired, falling asleep at odd times, or complaining about being woken up at all hours for “mandatory” activities.
  • Drastic changes in mood or personality: Increased anxiety, irritability, depression, withdrawal from former friends or family, or sudden secrecy about their organization’s activities.
  • Constant phone use for group chats: Appearing anxious or jumpy when their phone buzzes, especially late at night, often indicates constant demands from a hazing group.
  • Degrading or humiliating items: Encountering bizarre items (like the “pledge fanny pack” from the Bermudez case) that your child is forced to carry or use implies coercive rituals.
  • Sudden financial strain: Unexplained expenses, requests for money for “fines,” or purchasing items for older members.

• How to talk to your child: Approach the conversation with empathy and a non-judgmental attitude.

  • Start with open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with the fraternity/sorority?” or “Is there anything about the new member process that feels uncomfortable or unsafe?”
  • Emphasize their safety and well-being over membership status or loyalty to a group. Reinforce that you will support them regardless of their choices.
  • Reassure them that they will not get in trouble for telling you the truth.

• If your child is hurt or discloses hazing: Act immediately to ensure their safety and preserve evidence.

  • Get them medical care: Your child’s health is the absolute priority. If injured or ill, take them to the emergency room or a doctor. Be explicit with medical staff about the suspected hazing and how the injuries or illness occurred.
  • Document everything: Write down everything your child tells you, including dates, times, locations, names, and specific acts. Take photos of any injuries. If they show you group chats or social media posts, screenshot them immediately. Preserve any physical items. This step is crucial for any potential legal action.

• Dealing with the university: Document every interaction and be persistent.

  • Keep a log of all communications with university administrators, including dates, times, names, and a summary of what was discussed.
  • Ask direct questions about: the university’s anti-hazing policy, prior hazing incidents involving the organization, and what specific steps the university has taken or will take.

• When to talk to a lawyer: Early legal consultation is vital.

  • If your child has suffered significant physical or psychological harm.
  • If you feel the university or the organization is minimizing, delaying, or attempting to cover up what happened.
  • An experienced hazing attorney can help you understand your rights, navigate complex university processes, preserve critical evidence, and protect your child from retaliation.

8.2 For Students/Pledges

For students from Iowa, or anywhere, entering a new university environment, the desire to belong is powerful. Understanding the difference between genuine camaraderie and harmful hazing is crucial for your safety and well-being.

• Is this hazing or just tradition? Decision Guide:

  • Ask yourself: Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do—even implicitly through social pressure?
  • Would I do this if I had a real choice without fear of social repercussions or being “cut” from the group?
  • Is this activity dangerous, degrading, humiliating, or illegal? Would the university or my parents approve if they knew every detail?
  • Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from university officials, parents, or legal authorities?
  • If you answered YES to any of these questions, it is likely hazing. Your gut feeling is your most important tool.

• Why “consent” isn’t the end of the story: You might feel like you’ve consented by showing up or participating, but genuine consent cannot be given under duress, coercion, or extreme peer pressure. The law recognizes that power imbalances inherent in hazing scenarios invalidate “consent.” You are not to blame.

• Exiting and reporting safely: You have the legal right to leave any organization if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

  • If in immediate danger: Call 911 or campus police. Get to a safe location—your dorm, a trusted friend’s place, or any public area. Most schools and Texas law offer amnesty for good-faith reporters in medical emergencies, so prioritize your safety above all else.
  • Documentation: Collect all possible evidence—screenshots of group chats, photos/videos of activities, names of members involved, specific demands. These are crucial if you decide to take action later.
  • Report a trusted adult: Speak to a parent, resident advisor (RA), professor, college counselor, or legal counsel. You can also report anonymously via campus hotlines or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE).

• Good-faith reporting and amnesty: Texas law, like many university policies, aims to protect students who come forward. If you report a hazing incident in good faith, you are typically immune from civil or criminal liability related to that report. This is designed to encourage reporting and seeking help without fear of personal repercussions.

8.3 For Former Members/Witnesses

For individuals in Iowa, or anywhere in Texas, who were once involved in hazing—either as participants or witnesses—coming forward can be challenging but profoundly impactful.

• Acknowledging guilt and fear: We understand that you may feel conflicted, scared, or even guilty about your past involvement. We also recognize that many individuals are pressured into hazing, and that fear of social reprisal or even legal trouble can prevent them from speaking up.
• Your testimony can save lives: Your information, even if it feels small, can be crucial in preventing future harm and holding dangerous organizations accountable. Your unique perspective can help lawyers understand the true nature of the hazing and establish patterns of misconduct.
• Seek your own legal advice: If you have concerns about your own legal exposure, it is wise to consult an attorney. An attorney can advise you on your rights, potential protections if you cooperate, and help navigate your role as a witness without self-incrimination. Our criminal defense experience means we can provide comprehensive advice.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For Iowa families and students, the immediate aftermath of a hazing incident is a critical period. Mistakes made during this time can severely compromise any future legal recourse. We emphasize these warnings from our Attorney911 video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

1. Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence:

   • What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble.”
   • Why it’s wrong: This immediately hinders any investigation, looks like a cover-up, and can legally be considered obstruction of justice. Digital forensics can recover some data (which is even more damaging if others deleted it), but original screenshots are always better.
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing or seemingly minor content. Back it up to multiple locations.

2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly:

   • What families think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind.”
   • Why it’s wrong: This immediately puts the organization on high alert. They will likely lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and solidify their defenses, making it much harder to gather unvarnished truth.
   • What to do instead: Document everything in private, then call a lawyer to handle all communications with the organization and university.

3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms without legal review:

   • What universities do: They often push families towards internal resolutions, sometimes presenting forms that may ask you to release your right to sue or settle for minimal compensation.
   • Why it’s wrong: You may inadvertently waive your legal rights to pursue a civil lawsuit, and any early settlement offers are likely far below the true value of your case.
   • What to do instead: NEVER sign any document from the university or the organization without an attorney thoroughly reviewing it first.

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

   • What families think: “I want people to know what happened and get justice.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Anything posted online can be used against you. Defense attorneys will screenshot everything, scrutinize inconsistencies, and use out-of-context posts to undermine credibility. It can also compromise the legal strategy.
   • What to do instead: Confine your documentation to private, secure channels. Let your lawyer control if or when any information is made public, and how it is framed.

5. Letting your child go back for “one last meeting” or to de-pledge in person:

   • What organizations say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic; we want to hear your side.”
   • Why it’s wrong: These meetings are often designed to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can be twisted and used against your child later. It puts your child back into a potentially harmful environment.
   • What to do instead: All communications, especially after a decision to leave or take legal action, should go through your attorney.

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

   • What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally to protect your child.”
   • Why it’s wrong: While university investigations are important, they are often geared towards protecting the institution and may not result in full accountability or transparency. Crucially, evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations continues to run while you wait. University processes are separate from legal justice. You can learn more about statutes of limitations in our video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW. Consult a lawyer immediately to protect your legal options, even if you decide to let the university process unfold.

7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer:

   • What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim and get things moving.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not you. Their goal is to minimize payouts. Your recorded statements can be used against you, and any early settlement offers will be lowball.
   • What to do instead: Politely decline to speak and state, “My attorney will contact you.”

8.5 Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities here in Iowa, similar to those in Texas (like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin), may have sovereign immunity protections, but specific exceptions exist for gross negligence, unlawful discrimination (including Title IX violations), and when pursuing individuals in their personal capacity. Private universities (like SMU and Baylor) generally have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on unique facts—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  It can be. While it’s a Class B misdemeanor by default, Texas law elevates hazing to a state jail felony if it results in serious bodily injury or death. Individuals, including organization officers, can also face misdemeanor charges for failing to report known hazing incidents.

• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  Yes. The Texas Education Code, § 37.155, explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The law recognizes that “agreement” given under duress, peer pressure, or fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent. Your child is a victim, not a willing participant.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  Generally, there is a 2-year statute of limitations from the date of injury or death in Texas. However, certain legal principles, such as the “discovery rule” (if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known) or “tolling for fraudulent concealment” (if hazing was actively hidden), can extend this period. Time is always critical—evidence fades, witnesses disperse, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to discuss your specific timeline.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location of hazing does not eliminate liability. Universities and national organizations can still be held responsible based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge, and the foreseeability of hazing activities. Many major hazing cases nationally (like the Pi Delta Psi retreat death) occurred in off-campus locations and still resulted in successful multi-million-dollar judgments.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  While some high-profile hazing cases attract media attention, many cases, particularly civil lawsuits, are resolved through confidential settlements before going to trial. Our firm prioritizes your family’s privacy and will work to achieve accountability with as much discretion as you prefer.

9. About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your Iowa family faces a hazing case in Texas, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need tenacious attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. At The Manginello Law Firm, operating as Attorney911, we embody the title of Legal Emergency Lawyers™ because we recognize the urgent and complex nature of hazing litigation.

Why Attorney911 for Hazing Cases Affecting Iowa Families in Texas

Our firm brings unique qualifications and an unparalleled depth of experience to hazing cases, particularly those involving major Texas universities like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor.

Our lead attorney, Lupe Peña, provides an insurance insider advantage that few other firms can match. As a former insurance defense attorney for a national firm, Lupe knows precisely how fraternity and university insurance companies operate. She understands their delay tactics, their coverage exclusion arguments, and their strategies for minimizing compensation in hazing claims. “We know their playbook because we used to run it,” she asserts, giving our clients a critical edge when negotiating with formidable institutional defendants and their insurers. For more details on Lupe’s background, visit her profile at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, is a seasoned litigator with a proven track record in complex litigation against massive institutions. He was one of the few Texas firms involved in the intricate BP Texas City explosion litigation, a case against one of the world’s largest corporations. With extensive federal court experience, particularly in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, our firm is 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,” Ralph states, highlighting our capability to secure justice for Iowa families. You can learn more about Ralph’s extensive experience at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

Moreover, our firm has a strong record of multi-million dollar wrongful death and catastrophic injury experience. We have successfully represented families in cases involving severe trauma and fatalities, understanding how to accurately value lifelong care needs for brain injury victims and the economic/non-economic losses in wrongful death claims. Our expertise in collaborating with economists and medical experts ensures we build cases that reflect the true, devastating impact of hazing. You can review our wrongful death expertise here: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.

Hazing cases often involve both criminal charges against individual perpetrators and civil lawsuits for damages. Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) demonstrates our firm’s unique dual expertise in criminal and civil hazing matters. We understand their intersection and can advise families on how criminal proceedings may impact their civil claims, ensuring a holistic legal strategy. Our criminal defense capabilities also mean we can advise witnesses and former members who may face legal exposure. For more on our criminal defense services, visit https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/.

From our Houston offices, we serve families throughout Texas, understanding that hazing at major Texas universities has a profound impact, not only locally but on families from states like Iowa who entrust their children to these institutions. We recognize that hazing is not just a legal issue but a deeply personal, often traumatic, experience. Our team approaches every case with empathy, thoroughly investigating every detail, including obtaining hidden digital evidence (group chats, social media), subpoenaing national fraternity records, and uncovering university files through discovery. We fight for answers, accountability, and to help prevent these tragedies from ever happening to another family.

Call to Action for Iowa Families

If your child, who may be from Iowa, has experienced hazing at any Texas campus—be it the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor—we want to hear from you. Iowa families, and indeed families across the nation whose children attend Texas universities, have the absolute right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will attentively listen to your family’s story, explain your legal options under Texas law, and help you determine the best path forward. During your free consultation, you can expect us to:

• Listen to your experience without judgment.
• Review any evidence you may have collected.
• Clearly explain your legal options, which may include criminal reporting, a civil lawsuit, or both.
• Discuss realistic timelines and what to anticipate during the legal process.
• Address all your questions about our contingency fee structure – you pay nothing unless we win your case. For more details on how contingency fees work, watch our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.
• There is no pressure to hire us on the spot; we want you to make an informed decision that is right for your family. Everything you share with us is held in strict confidence.

You don’t have to face this alone. Whether you’re in Iowa or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, our team at Attorney911 is here to help.

• Call our emergency hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct Line: (713) 528-9070
• Cell: (713) 443-4781
• Visit our website: https://attorney911.com
• Email Ralph Manginello directly: ralph@atty911.com

Hablamos Español: Families seeking consultation in Spanish can contact Lupe Peña directly at lupe@atty911.com. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

Call us today—we are your Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

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