Navigating the Shadows of Hazing in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for Madison County Families

The phone rings late. Your child, a student at a Texas university, sounds shaken. They’ve been at an “initiation” event, and something went terribly wrong. Perhaps they were forced to drink far beyond their limits, enduring humiliating acts, or pushed into dangerous challenges. Others stood by, chanting, laughing, some filming on their phones. Now, someone is hurt, or perhaps your child is just deeply traumatized and doesn’t know who to trust. The group’s immediate concern isn’t calling for medical help, but rather fear of “getting the chapter shut down” or, worse, “getting in trouble.” Your child feels trapped between a fierce desire to belong and a gnawing sense of fear for their safety and future.

This terrifying scenario, unfortunately, is not uncommon. It could happen at any Texas university where Madison County families send their children—whether it’s the bustling campus of the University of Houston, the traditions at Texas A&M, the competitive environment of UT Austin, the vibrant community at SMU, or the faith-based campus of Baylor. The pressure to conform, the secrecy, and the dangerous rituals known as hazing continue to cast long shadows over college life.

This guide is designed specifically for families in Madison County and across Texas who are navigating this complex and often heartbreaking issue. We at The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, are committed to informing and empowering you. This guide will help you understand:

What hazing truly looks like in 2025, extending far beyond outdated stereotypes.
How Texas and federal law address hazing, outlining the legal framework designed to protect your child.
What we can learn from major national hazing cases and how their precedents impact families right here in Texas.
Specific insights into hazing dynamics at prominent Texas institutions like the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, UT Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University.
The legal options available to victims and their families from Madison County and throughout Texas seeking justice and accountability.

Please remember that while this article provides comprehensive, general information, it is not specific legal advice. Every circumstance is unique. However, it will equip you with vital knowledge. Our firm is dedicated to evaluating individual cases based on their specific facts, and we serve families throughout Texas, including Madison County.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:
- Call 911 for medical emergencies
- Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
- We provide immediate help – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™
In the first 48 hours:
- Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine.” Prioritize their health and safety above all else.
- Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  - Immediately screenshot group chats, texts, and DMs from your child’s phone.
  - Photograph any visible injuries from multiple angles, and continue to do so over several days as bruises or marks may change.
  - Save any physical items that may be evidence, such as damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or unusual objects used in hazing activities.
- Write down everything while memory is fresh: who was involved, what happened, when and where it took place, and any specific details your child shares.
- Do NOT:
  - Confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization directly. This can lead to evidence destruction or retaliation.
  - Sign anything from the university or insurance company without legal advice.
  - Post details about the incident on public social media. Such posts can compromise a future legal case.
  - Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence. This can be viewed as an obstruction and severely damage a claim.
Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:
- Evidence disappears incredibly fast. Group chats are deleted, physical evidence vanishes, and witnesses may be coached or intimidated.
- Universities and organizations often move quickly to control the narrative and conduct their own internal investigations, which may not prioritize your child’s best interests.
- We can help preserve critical evidence, guide you through the initial confusing steps, and protect your child’s rights.
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate, confidential consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For Madison County families, understanding hazing means looking beyond the outdated caricatures of “harmless pranks” or “boys will be boys.” Modern hazing is an insidious and evolving practice, often hidden in plain sight, that can inflict severe physical and psychological harm. It’s a complex issue rooted in power dynamics and group pressure, designed to enforce loyalty and compliance through abusive means.

At its core, hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, whether on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of joining, initiating into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization. The key factor is that these acts endanger the mental or physical health or safety of the student. It is crucial to understand that a student’s “agreement” to participate does not automatically make the activity safe or legal, especially when peer pressure, power imbalance, and a strong desire to belong are at play.

Main Categories of Hazing: Beyond the Obvious

Hazing tactics have evolved, but they can generally be broken down into escalating categories:

Subtle Hazing: These behaviors, often dismissed as “tradition,” establish a power imbalance. Examples include requiring new members to perform duties for older members (designated driving at all hours, cleaning rooms, constant errands), social isolation, deprivation of certain privileges, or requiring attendance at mandatory events that interfere with academics. Digital subtle hazing includes constant group chat monitoring, demanding immediate responses, or using geo-tracking apps. While seemingly minor, these acts can cause psychological harm and set the stage for more severe abuse.
Harassment Hazing: This category involves behaviors that cause emotional or physical discomfort, often creating a hostile and abusive environment. Victims may experience verbal abuse (yelling, insults, threats), sleep deprivation (late-night meetings, wake-up calls designed to exhaust), food or water restriction (limiting meals, forcing consumption of unpleasant substances), or forced physical activity far beyond safe limits (extreme calisthenics, punitive “workouts”). Public humiliation, such as being forced to perform embarrassing acts or wear degrading costumes, also falls into this category. Digitally, this can involve demanding embarrassing social media posts or using online channels for group shaming.
Violent Hazing: These are activities with a high potential for severe physical injury, sexual assault, or death. This includes forced or coerced alcohol consumption (“lineups,” drinking games with handles of hard liquor, “Bible study” games where wrong answers mean excessive drinking). It also encompasses physical beatings and paddling, often involving punches, kicks, or slaps, as well as dangerous physical “tests” like blindfolded tackle rituals or forced fights. Sexualized hazing involving forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, or sexually degrading acts is a serious crime. Racist, homophobic, or sexist hazing involving slurs or role-playing stereotypes also causes profound harm. Modern violent hazing can be moved off-campus to avoid detection, with examples including chemical hazing (industrial-strength cleaner) and fire hazing.

Where Hazing Actually Happens: It’s Not Just Fraternities

While discussions of hazing often focus on Greek life, the reality is that these dangerous practices permeate many types of student organizations across Texas campuses:

Fraternities and Sororities: This includes those under the Interfraternity Council (IFC), Collegiate Panhellenic Council (CPC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural Greek councils (MGC).
Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: Organizations focused on military preparation or leadership can sometimes use “tradition” to justify dangerous or degrading “initiation” tactics.
Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs, and Social Organizations: Groups like “Texas Cowboys” at UT or various “spirit” groups at other universities can also become environments for dangerous hazing.
Athletic Teams: From football to basketball, baseball to cheer and dance, hazing can occur within team dynamics, often disguised as “team building” or “bonding.”
Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous groups can develop dangerous hazing traditions.
Academic, Service, and Cultural Organizations: The pressure to join and prove loyalty can extend to these groups as well, surprising some parents.

These practices persist because of a potent blend of social status, tradition, and secrecy. Students often feel immense pressure to “earn” their place, endure what “everyone else went through,” and maintain a code of silence to protect their organization, even when they know the activities are illegal or dangerous. For Madison County families, it’s vital to recognize that your child’s chosen path—no matter how positive its public image—can carry hidden risks if hazing is allowed to flourish.

Law & Liability Framework: Texas and Federal Protections Against Hazing

Understanding the legal landscape surrounding hazing in Texas is crucial for Madison County families seeking accountability. While the emotional and physical toll of hazing is profound, the law provides a framework for addressing both criminal acts and civil remedies.

Texas Hazing Law Basics: Education Code Chapter 37, Subchapter F

Texas has explicit anti-hazing provisions primarily outlined in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. This legislation provides a clear definition and sets the stage for legal action:

Definition of Hazing: Hazing is broadly defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, and occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.
- Key Takeaways: This definition is expansive. It applies whether the hazing happens on or off campus, and it covers harm to mental or physical health. Critically, the intent doesn’t have to be malicious; “reckless” behavior (meaning the person knew the risk and did it anyway) is sufficient.
Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a criminal offense in Texas.
- If hazing doesn’t cause serious injury, it’s typically a Class B Misdemeanor. This can mean up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000.
- If the hazing causes injury requiring medical treatment, it can be a Class A Misdemeanor.
- Most severely, if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it is a State Jail Felony, carrying a potential sentence of 180 days to two years in state jail, along with fines.
- Furthermore, individuals (especially officers or members) who know about hazing and fail to report it can also face misdemeanor charges. Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor offense.
Organizational Liability: The law extends criminal liability to organizations themselves. Organizations (fraternities, sororities, clubs, teams) can be prosecuted if they authorized or encouraged the hazing, or if an officer or member acting in an official capacity knew about the hazing and failed to report it. Penalties for organizations can include fines up to $10,000 per violation, and universities can revoke recognition, banning the organization from campus.
Consent is Not a Defense: This is a critical point. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that it is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity. The law recognizes that true consent is often absent in scenarios of intense peer pressure, power imbalances, and fear of social exclusion.
Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting: To encourage reporting, Texas law provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for individuals who in good faith report a hazing incident to university or law enforcement authorities. This is coupled with “medical amnesty” policies at most universities, which protect students who call 911 in a medical emergency, even if underage drinking or hazing was involved.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Pathways to Justice

When hazing occurs, there are typically two distinct legal pathways:

Criminal Cases: These are initiated by the state (through a district attorney or prosecutor) and aim to punish illegal conduct. Hazing-related criminal charges in Texas can include the hazing offenses themselves, charges for furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, or even manslaughter or negligent homicide in cases leading to death. The standard of proof is “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Civil Cases: These are brought by victims or their surviving families, with the goal of obtaining monetary compensation and holding responsible parties accountable. In such cases, the focus is on legal claims like negligence (failure to exercise reasonable care, leading to harm), gross negligence (extreme disregard for safety), wrongful death (when negligence leads to a fatality), negligent hiring or supervision (of advisors, faculty, or staff), premises liability (for property owners where hazing occurred), and emotional distress. The standard of proof is a lower “preponderance of the evidence.”

It’s important for Madison County families to understand that a criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for pursuing a civil case. A civil lawsuit can proceed even if no criminal charges are filed or if criminal charges do not result in a conviction. Both types of cases can also run concurrently.

Federal Overlay: Preventing Hazing and Protecting Students

Beyond state law, federal regulations also influence how universities must address hazing:

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This significant federal legislation mandates that colleges and universities receiving federal funding must enhance their transparency regarding hazing incidents. By approximately 2026, institutions will be required to publicly report hazing violations and associated disciplinary actions, and to strengthen their hazing education and prevention efforts. This law aims to shed more light on the problem and compel institutions to act.
Title IX and Clery Act: When hazing involves elements of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations are triggered, requiring universities to investigate and address such misconduct. The Clery Act mandates that colleges and universities disclose campus crime statistics and security policies. Hazing incidents involving assaults, alcohol-related offenses, or other crimes often fall under Clery reporting requirements, providing another layer of institutional accountability.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

A civil hazing lawsuit in Texas can target multiple parties, reflecting the complex web of responsibility that allows hazing to occur:

Individual Students: Those who actively planned, executed, provided substances for, or participated in the hazing acts, or who engaged in cover-ups.
Local Chapters/Organizations: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself, as a legal entity, can be sued. Officers or “pledge educators” who organized or oversaw the hazing activities are often key defendants.
National Fraternities/Sororities: These national headquarters maintain policies, collect dues, and often have a level of oversight over their local chapters. Their liability can stem from what they knew (or should have known) about a chapter’s hazing history, their failure to enforce anti-hazing policies, or a pattern of similar incidents across their organization.
Universities or Governing Boards: The educational institution itself can be held liable under theories of negligence, negligent supervision, or for failing to adequately protect students, especially if they had prior knowledge of potential hazing risks or failed to enforce their own policies. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT) may invoke sovereign immunity, but significant exceptions exist, particularly in cases of gross negligence or Title IX violations. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) typically have fewer immunity protections.
Third Parties: This can include landlords or property owners of off-campus houses where hazing occurred, bars or other establishments that illegally served alcohol to minors (under Texas dram shop laws), and even event organizers or security companies if their negligence contributed to the incident.

Each case is highly fact-specific, and not every party will be liable in every hazing incident. Identifying all potentially liable parties and building a strong case requires experienced legal counsel.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Anchor Stories & Lessons for Texas

While a hazing incident involving a Madison County student at a Texas university feels uniquely personal, it is part of a tragic and recurring national pattern. Major hazing cases from across the country serve as powerful anchors, demonstrating common hazing scripts, the devastating costs, and the legal precedents that inform hazing litigation in Texas. These stories highlight how organizations, and sometimes universities, are held accountable when they fail to prevent known dangers.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death: A Recurring Tragedy

The most common and deadly form of hazing involves forced alcohol consumption. The pattern is tragically familiar: intense pressure, excessive drinking, and a dangerous delay in seeking medical help.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): 19-year-old Timothy Piazza died after a “bid acceptance” night filled with extreme alcohol consumption. Security camera footage captured him falling multiple times, sustaining severe head injuries, while fraternity members delayed calling 911 for hours, attempting to cover up the incident. This case led to over 1,000 criminal charges against fraternity members and significant civil litigation, ultimately prompting Pennsylvania to enact the robust Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. The key takeaway for Texas families: extreme intoxication, coupled with a deliberate delay in calling for help and efforts to conceal the truth, dramatically escalates legal liability.
Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, an FSU pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event where pledges were given handles of hard liquor. Multiple fraternity members were prosecuted, and Florida State University temporarily suspended all Greek life, leading to sweeping anti-hazing reforms across the state. This case underscores that “traditional” drinking nights, presented as bonding events, are often premeditated hazing rituals designed to force dangerous levels of alcohol consumption.
Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver died with a blood alcohol content of 0.495% after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game where pledges were forced to drink whenever they answered questions incorrectly. His death directly led to the enactment of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, making felony hazing a reality. For Texas families, this case is a stark reminder that legislative change is often a direct response to preventable tragedies and public outcry for accountability.
Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): 20-year-old Stone Foltz was coerced into drinking an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” night and died from alcohol poisoning. The incident resulted in multiple criminal convictions of fraternity members and a significant $10 million settlement for his family, with nearly $3 million paid by Bowling Green State University and $7 million from Pi Kappa Alpha’s national organization. This landmark settlement demonstrates that universities, alongside fraternities, face substantial financial and reputational consequences when they fail to prevent foreseeable hazing.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: The Brutal Underbelly

Hazing is not always about alcohol. Physical and psychologically brutal rituals also comprise a significant pattern of abuse.

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng died after being subjected to a violent, blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains. Members repeatedly tackled him while he was weighted down with a backpack. The delay in seeking medical care proved fatal. Multiple members were convicted, and the national fraternity was criminally convicted and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This case highlights that hazing often moves to off-campus, secluded locations to avoid detection, and that national organizations can be held directly liable for rituals that migrate between chapters.

Hazing Beyond Greek Life: Athletics and Other Organizations

Hazing is not confined to fraternities and sororities; it can infect other student groups, especially those with strong hierarchies or traditions.

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): A major scandal erupted when former football players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the program over multiple years. This led to multiple lawsuits against Northwestern University and coaching staff, the firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald (who later settled a wrongful-termination lawsuit), and a national reckoning for accountability in college athletics. The key lesson: hazing deeply embedded in high-profile athletic programs can affect any student, regardless of Greek affiliation, demonstrating institutional oversight failures.

What These Cases Mean for Madison County Families in Texas

The common threads running through these national cases are undeniable: forced consumption, humiliation, deliberate delay in seeking medical help, and systemic cover-ups. While criminal charges may target individual perpetrators, the civil lawsuits that follow often result in multi-million-dollar settlements or verdicts, forcing accountability from national organizations and universities alike.

These national lessons are directly applicable to Texas. When a Madison County student is hazed at a Texas university, experienced legal counsel can draw upon these precedents to argue foreseeability, pattern, and negligence against powerful defendants. Knowing the history of these organizations and institutions forms a critical part of our strategy to ensure that another family’s tragedy can, perhaps, lead to meaningful change and justice.

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

For parents in Madison County, understanding the specific hazing landscape at prominent Texas universities is vital. While the core issues of hazing remain consistent, each campus brings its own culture, history, and disciplinary approaches. Whether your child attends nationally recognized institutions like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, knowing how hazing manifests and is addressed at these schools can make a critical difference.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

Families in Madison County who have students attending UH know it as a large, dynamic urban campus with a diverse student body. Its active Greek life, comprising fraternities and sororities from various councils (IFC, HPC, MGC, NPHC), contributes significantly to campus culture, as do numerous other student organizations. Houston’s proximity to Madison County makes UH a natural choice for many families in the region.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting at UH

The University of Houston maintains a strict anti-hazing policy, prohibiting any act, on or off campus, that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. This includes a ban on forced consumption of alcohol, drugs, or food, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and activities causing mental distress. UH provides clear reporting channels through the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). The university also posts its hazing statement and some disciplinary information on its website.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses at UH

Despite robust policies, UH has faced its share of hazing incidents. A notable case involved Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) in 2016. Pledges allegedly experienced severe sleep and food deprivation during a multi-day event, with one student reportedly suffering a lacerated spleen after a physical altercation or being slammed onto a table as part of the hazing. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and was suspended by the university. Other disciplinary actions have seen fraternities disciplined for behavior “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” often involving alcohol misuse and policy violations, leading to suspensions and probations. These incidents highlight UH’s willingness to enforce its policies through suspensions, although public details on all hazing violations can sometimes be limited compared to other institutions.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

If a Madison County student is hazed at the University of Houston, involved agencies could include UHPD for campus-related incidents or the Houston Police Department for off-campus events within city limits. Civil lawsuits might be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Houston/Harris County, whether in state or federal court. Potential defendants would include the individual students involved, the local chapter, the national fraternity or sorority, and potentially the university and property owners where the hazing took place. Each layer of accountability requires meticulous investigation.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

For Madison County students and parents connected to UH, here are concrete steps if hazing is suspected:

Report promptly: Use UH’s official channels (Dean of Students, UHPD, online reporting forms) to initiate an investigation.
Document everything: Record dates, times, details, and names. If your child has knowledge of prior complaints or past incidents within the organization, document that information.
Seek legal counsel: A lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases can help you navigate the university’s internal processes, which can be complex and adversarial. We can also help uncover prior disciplinary actions and internal files that may not be publicly accessible.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M is renowned for its traditions, fierce school spirit, and the prominence of its Corps of Cadets. Families in Madison County with Aggie ties understand the deeply rooted culture of collectivism and tradition that permeates the campus. While the Corps embodies discipline and leadership, both Greek life and Corps traditions have faced scrutiny regarding hazing. Madison County is only a short drive away from College Station, making A&M a local institution for many families in the area.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting at Texas A&M

Texas A&M unequivocally prohibits hazing, adhering to state law. Their policies, managed by Student Conduct and the Corps of Cadets, define hazing broadly and outline severe consequences for violations. The university emphasizes prevention education and provides various reporting mechanisms, including confidential options.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses at Texas A&M

Texas A&M’s history includes hazing incidents within both its Greek system and the Corps. In 2021, two pledges of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) filed a lawsuit alleging they were forced to engage in strenuous activity and then covered in substances including an industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit. This resulted in severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries, and the pledges filed a $1 million lawsuit, leading to the fraternity’s two-year suspension by the university.

A more recent 2023 lawsuit involved a Corps of Cadets member who alleged highly degrading hazing, including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The cadet sought over $1 million, asserting that the university’s handling of the matter was insufficient. These cases highlight the dual nature of hazing at A&M, affecting both Greek life and its celebrated Corps of Cadets.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases at Texas A&M can involve the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) for campus incidents, or local police departments in Bryan or College Station for off-campus events. Civil suits against the university, fraternities, individuals, or the Corps leadership would likely be filed in Brazos County or other relevant jurisdictions. Given Madison County’s proximity, families in our area will find that the local legal frameworks are well-understood by experienced Texas attorneys familiar with these types of cases.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

For families right here in Madison County, guidance for A&M students should include:

Document everything: Collect evidence of any concerning activities, whether within Greek life or the Corps. This includes photos, videos, and especially group chat messages.
Understand your rights: Be aware of A&M’s specific policies and reporting channels, including those for the Corps.
Seek confidential advice: If hazing is suspected, contact a lawyer experienced with hazing at major Texas institutions. Our firm understands the unique cultural aspects of A&M and how they may play into legal strategies.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin is a flagship institution known for its academic rigor, vibrant campus life, and large Greek system. For Madison County families, UT represents a top-tier educational destination, attracting students from across the state and beyond.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting at UT Austin

UT Austin maintains one of the most transparent approaches to hazing among Texas universities. Its policy strictly prohibits hazing both on and off campus, and the university provides robust reporting mechanisms through the Dean of Students, Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, and UTPD. UT is notable for its commitment to publicly disclosing hazing violations.

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses at UT Austin

UT Austin’s Hazing Violations page is a valuable public resource, detailing organizations, dates, specific conduct, and disciplinary sanctions. This level of transparency offers a clear look into ongoing issues. For example, Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) was sanctioned in 2023 for directing new members to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, which was deemed hazing. The chapter was placed on probation and required to implement enhanced hazing-prevention education. Other organizations, including unique UT spirit groups like the Texas Wranglers, have also faced disciplinary action for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, and punishment-based practices. While UT’s transparency in reporting these incidents is commendable, the recurrence of violations underscores the university’s ongoing challenge in eradicating hazing.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases originating from UT Austin could involve the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) for incidents happening on campus, or the Austin Police Department for off-campus locations. Civil lawsuits would likely be filed in Travis County, or potentially federal court. The publicly available records of prior violations on UT’s website can provide strong support for civil suits, demonstrating a pattern of issues and the university’s historical knowledge of particular organizations’ conduct.

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

For Madison County families with students at UT Austin:

Review UT’s public records: Utilize the university’s online hazing database to research any organization your child is considering joining.
Document with precision: Given the transparency of UT, meticulously documenting every aspect of potential hazing, especially any evidence that can be compared to past listed violations, is crucial.
Consult legal experts: Lawyers experienced with UT hazing cases understand how to leverage the university’s public records for legal strategy and accountability.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, nestled in Dallas, is a private university recognized for its strong Greek life and traditions. Many Madison County families consider SMU a prestigious option, though its private status means a different approach to transparency regarding hazing incidents.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting at SMU

SMU strictly prohibits hazing, articulating clear policies against any activity that endangers mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation. The university provides various reporting channels, including its Student Affairs office and anonymous reporting systems like “Real Response,” designed to encourage students to come forward without fear of retribution.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses at SMU

SMU has also faced disciplinary actions related to hazing. In 2017, the Kappa Alpha Order chapter was suspended after reports emerged of pledges being paddled, forced to drink excessive alcohol, and experiencing sleep deprivation. The chapter faced restrictions on recruitment and operations for several years. While SMU emphasizes prevention, the private nature of the institution means that internal investigations and disciplinary actions may not always be as publicly detailed as those at state universities.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

In an SMU hazing case, the SMU Police Department (SMUPD) would handle on-campus matters, while the Dallas Police Department would be involved in off-campus incidents within the city. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Dallas County. As a private institution, SMU’s internal records are not subject to public information laws. However, a civil lawsuit allows experienced attorneys from The Manginello Law Firm to compel the discovery of internal documents, emails, and disciplinary files, which can be critical for building a comprehensive case against the university and the fraternities or sororities involved.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

For Madison County families with students at SMU:

Understand private university dynamics: Be aware that information on hazing incidents might be less public. This makes direct communication with your child and diligent documentation even more vital.
Utilize anonymous reporting: Encourage your child to use SMU’s anonymous reporting systems if they are hesitant to come forward formally.
Consult legal counsel early: An attorney can explain how civil discovery works for private institutions and help uncover crucial evidence that SMU, or the fraternities and sororities, might otherwise keep private.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University, a private Baptist institution in Waco, maintains a strong emphasis on community and values. While known for its academic and athletic programs, Baylor has faced significant scrutiny in recent years over institutional oversight, particularly concerning Title IX and student safety, which extends to hazing concerns. Families in Madison County recognize Baylor’s commitment to faith-based education, yet all universities, regardless of affiliation, must grapple with hazing.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting at Baylor

Baylor explicitly prohibits hazing through its Student Handbook and Code of Conduct, defining it broadly and imposing strict penalties. The university maintains a “zero-tolerance” stance on hazing and encourages reporting through various channels, including the Dean of Students Office, Baylor Police Department (BUPD), and an ethics point hotline.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses at Baylor

Baylor has encountered hazing issues across its student organizations, including within its athletic programs. A significant incident in 2020 involved the Baylor baseball team, where 14 players were suspended following a hazing investigation. These suspensions were staggered to minimize the impact on the team’s season, which sparked debate about the university’s commitment to a “zero-tolerance” policy versus balancing athletic interests. This incident highlights that Baylor, despite its religious affiliation and public declarations, is not immune to hazing and faces its own set of challenges in institutional oversight, especially in high-profile areas like athletics. This occurs within a broader context of past controversies that have brought the university’s student safety practices under intense national scrutiny.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases at Baylor University would involve the Baylor Police Department (BUPD) for on-campus incidents or the Waco Police Department for off-campus events. Civil actions would typically be brought in McLennan County. Given Baylor’s history of public scrutiny over student safety, claims against the university often involve detailed examinations of institutional policies, their enforcement, and the university’s overall culture regarding student welfare. For Madison County families, it’s important to recognize that a university’s past challenges can sometimes form a basis for proving systemic failures in current hazing cases.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

For Madison County families connected to Baylor:

Be aware of past issues: Understand Baylor’s history of student safety controversies and how these may inform the current context of hazing prevention.
Report vigorously: Use all available Baylor reporting channels, emphasizing the university’s stated “zero-tolerance” policy.
Consider legal strategy: Given Baylor’s private status, a lawyer experienced in compelling discovery from private institutions can be crucial to access records that might otherwise remain confidential.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

For Madison County parents, it’s critical to understand that the local fraternity or sorority chapter your child joins at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor is not an isolated entity. These chapters are part of larger national organizations, each with its own history, brand, and often, a tragic record of hazing incidents that spans decades and states. This national context plays a significant role in every hazing lawsuit.

6.1 Why National Histories Matter in Texas Hazing Cases

National fraternities and sororities, such as Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Phi, and Kappa Alpha Order (all with chapters on one or more of the Texas campuses we’ve discussed), typically operate under specific charters granted by their national headquarters. These national bodies set policies, offer training, collect dues, and technically supervise their local chapters.

National organizations inevitably have extensive anti-hazing manuals and risk management policies. Why? Because they have repeatedly faced multi-million-dollar lawsuits and endured public condemnation stemming from hazing deaths and catastrophic injuries that occurred at their chapters across the country. They are intimately familiar with the patterns: forced drinking, physical abuse (such as paddling), humiliating rituals, and dangerous “traditions.”

When a Texas chapter repeats a hazing script that has caused injury or death at another chapter in a different state, it builds a compelling case for foreseeability. It argues that the national organization knew or should have known about the dangers inherent in these practices and failed to adequately prevent them. This “pattern evidence” is a powerful tool in civil litigation, demonstrating negligence and supporting claims for substantial damages.

6.2 Organization Mapping: A Look at Groups with National Histories of Hazing

While we cannot list every chapter and every incident, a clear pattern emerges for certain national organizations:

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and Baylor, Pike’s national organization has been linked to numerous severe hazing incidents. The tragic death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University in 2021, where he died from alcohol poisoning during a “Big/Little” night, resulted in a $10 million settlement involving the national fraternity. Another case involved David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University, dying from alcohol poisoning in 2012, leading to a $14 million settlement. These pattern of alcohol-related hazing, particularly involving ritualistic or forced drinking, demonstrates a consistent failure by the national organization to curb dangerous practices.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): With chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU, SAE has a particularly troubling national history of hazing, including multiple fatalities. This led to the national organization controversially announcing the elimination of the “pledge” process in 2014, although hazing incidents have continued. Recent cases include allegations of a traumatic brain injury suffered by a pledge at the University of Alabama (2023), and locally, the severe chemical burns case at Texas A&M (2021), where pledges were allegedly doused in industrial cleaner. In January 2024, a student alleged assault by members of UT Austin’s SAE chapter. These incidents show a persistent pattern of extreme physical and chemical hazing despite national policy changes.
Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor, Phi Delta Theta was at the center of the Max Gruver tragedy at LSU in 2017, where a pledging ritual involving forced drinking led to his alcohol poisoning death. This incident directly led to Louisiana’s felony hazing statute, the Max Gruver Act.
Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): With chapters at UH, Texas A&M, and UT, Pi Kappa Phi was involved in the Andrew Coffey death at Florida State University in 2017, where he died from alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” hazing event.
Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): At UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor, Beta Theta Pi was central to the catastrophic Timothy Piazza death at Penn State in 2017. Piazza died from injuries sustained during an alcohol-fueled hazing event where members delayed calling for medical help. This case resulted in widespread criminal charges and inspired the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania.
Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI): Present at Texas A&M, FIJI was the fraternity involved in the Danny Santulli case at the University of Missouri in 2021. Santulli suffered severe, permanent brain damage after being forced to consume excessive alcohol, requiring 24/7 care for the rest of his life. This case, settled for multi-million-dollar amounts with 22 defendants, highlights the catastrophic non-fatal injuries hazing can inflict.
Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): With chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and Baylor, Kappa Sigma was involved in the Chad Meredith drowning death at the University of Miami in 2001, resulting in a $12.6 million jury verdict based on hazing that led him to swim across a lake while intoxicated. More recently, allegations of hazing at Texas A&M in 2023 led to severe injuries consistent with rhabdomyolysis, a severe muscle breakdown from extreme physical hazing.

6.3 Tying National Histories to Legal Strategy for Madison County Families

The long and visible history of hazing within these national organizations provides crucial insights for building a legal case. When a Madison County student is harmed by hazing, our legal strategy often examines:

Pattern Evidence: By showing a history of similar hazing incidents within the national organization, we can demonstrate that the leaders knew certain practices were dangerous and likely to recur. This establishes foreseeability—the idea that the harm was predictable and preventable.
Policy and Enforcement Gaps: National organizations frequently point to their anti-hazing policies. However, if those policies were mere “paper policies” and not meaningfully enforced (e.g., prior violations resulted in minor penalties, training was superficial, or warnings were ignored), it strengthens a case for negligent supervision against the national entity.
Insurance Coverage Disputes: Prior incidents inform how national fraternity and university insurance carriers respond. Our firm, with Lupe Peña’s background as an insurance defense attorney, understands how to navigate these disputes and challenge attempts to deny coverage, often leveraging the clear pattern of prior hazing to compel payment.
Potential for Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme recklessness or deliberate indifference, and especially where national organizations ignored repeated warnings, punitive damages may be sought. These damages are designed not just to compensate the victim but to punish the defendant and deter future misconduct.

By meticulously linking local incidents to these national patterns, we can hold powerful institutions accountable and work towards preventing future tragedies for Madison County families and beyond.

7. Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy in Hazing Lawsuits

For Madison County families facing the aftermath of hazing, understanding the legal process can seem daunting. At The Manginello Law Firm, we specialize in building comprehensive hazing cases, meticulously gathering evidence, pursuing appropriate damages, and employing strategies designed to hold institutions accountable.

7.1 The Power of Evidence in Hazing Cases

Modern hazing cases are often won or lost based on the quality and volume of evidence collected, especially digital evidence. The window for collecting this evidence is often narrow, underscoring the need for immediate action.

Digital Communications: These are often the most critical pieces of evidence. Group chat platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, and even fraternity/sorority apps are fertile ground. Text messages, direct messages, and private social media conversations can reveal everything from the planning of hazing events to explicit instructions, threats, acknowledgments of injuries, and discussions of cover-ups. We work to secure screenshots of these messages, and in cases where messages have been deleted, digital forensics experts can sometimes recover them. Our firm understands the critical importance of documenting these interactions. Attorney911’s video on using your phone to document evidence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains best practices for preserving screenshots and photos.
Photos & Videos: In today’s highly digital world, members often film hazing activities for their own amusement or to document pledges’ progress. This content, whether shared in private group chats, posted on social media (even if quickly deleted), or recovered from members’ phones, can be invaluable. Security camera footage from houses or venues, as well as doorbell cameras, can also provide crucial context.
Internal Organization Documents: During discovery in a lawsuit, we can subpoena internal documents from the local chapter and national organization. This includes pledge manuals, initiation scripts, lists of “traditions,” emails or texts from officers planning events, and national anti-hazing policies and training materials. These documents help reveal intent, historical patterns, and policy-vs-practice discrepancies.
University Records: A comprehensive investigation often involves obtaining the university’s records regarding the specific chapter or organization. This can include prior conduct files (showing previous probations or suspensions for hazing or other violations), incident reports filed with campus police or student conduct offices, and even Clery reports or similar disclosures that reveal patterns of misconduct.
Medical and Psychological Records: These records are essential for documenting the full extent of harm. Emergency room visit reports, hospitalization records, surgery and rehabilitation notes, toxicology reports (if alcohol or drugs were involved), and psychological evaluations (diagnosing PTSD, depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation) all contribute to proving damages.
Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts are powerful. This includes testimony from other pledges, current members, former members who quit, roommates, Resident Advisors (RAs), coaches, trainers, and any bystanders who observed the hazing activities or their aftermath.

7.2 Damages: Compensating for Profound Loss

When hazing causes injury or death, the law provides for various types of damages, aimed at compensating victims and their families for their profound losses. While specific outcomes can vary greatly, the categories of damages often include:

Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers all costs associated with diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, from emergency room visits and hospitalization to surgeries, ongoing physical therapy, medications, and specialized care. For catastrophic injuries (like severe brain damage from alcohol poisoning in cases similar to Danny Santulli), this can include lifetime care plans for 24/7 support.
Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: Hazing can disrupt a student’s education, leading to missed semesters, delayed graduation, and lost scholarships. If injuries are permanent or disabling, it can significantly reduce a victim’s future earning capacity, impacting their entire career trajectory.
Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for intangible, yet deeply impactful, suffering. This includes physical pain and suffering, emotional distress (such as trauma, humiliation, acute anxiety, and depression), and loss of enjoyment of life (the inability to participate in hobbies, social activities, or career aspirations that defined their life before the hazing).
Wrongful Death Damages: In the most tragic cases, when hazing results in a student’s death, surviving family members (typically parents, spouses, and children) can pursue wrongful death claims. This includes compensation for funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, and profound loss of companionship, love, and society. It also accounts for the intense grief and emotional suffering endured by the family. Attorney911 has extensive wrongful death experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/), having recovered millions for families in catastrophic cases.
Punitive Damages: In egregious cases involving particularly reckless, malicious, or willful misconduct, especially where defendants ignored repeated warnings, punitive damages may be awarded. These are intended to punish the wrongdoers and deter similar behavior in the future. In Texas, punitive damages are available but often capped.

7.3 Navigating Insurance Coverage and Challenging Defenses

Hazing lawsuits often involve powerful institutional defendants—national fraternities, wealthy universities, and individuals—all protected by insurance. Insurers are adept at minimizing payouts and will often argue that hazing (as an “intentional act”) is excluded from coverage, or that the event happened “off-campus” and therefore isn’t their responsibility.

At The Manginello Law Firm, with Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), we understand these tactics. We actively:

Identify all potential sources of coverage, including national fraternity policies, local chapter policies, university general liability policies, and even homeowner’s policies of individual members.
Challenge coverage exclusions by framing the claim not just as an “intentional act” but as a negligent failure to supervise, train, or enforce policies. Many policies cover negligence, even if the underlying hazing act was intentional.
Dismantle common defenses, such as claims that the pledge “consented” to the hazing (which Texas law explicitly rejects), or that the national organization was unaware of the local chapter’s conduct (often disproven through prior incident reports we uncover).
Force accountability by rigorously pursuing all available avenues, even if it means preparing for trial when insurers refuse a fair settlement.

Building a strong hazing case requires not only a deep understanding of the law and evidence but also the strategic acumen to anticipate and counter the defenses mounted by well-resourced institutions. For Madison County families, this means having legal representation that is not intimidated by large entities and knows how to fight for truth and justice.

8. Practical Guides & FAQs: Empowering Madison County Families

The shock and confusion after a hazing incident can be overwhelming for families in Madison County. This section provides immediate, actionable guidance for parents, students, and witnesses, helping you navigate the immediate aftermath and understand your rights.

8.1 For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

As parents, you are often the first line of defense. Knowing the warning signs and how to respond is crucial.

Warning Signs of Hazing to Watch For:

Unexplained Injuries: Look for bruises, cuts, or burns your child can’t (or won’t) explain, or that come with evasive, inconsistent stories.
Extreme Fatigue & Sleep Deprivation: Your child may be constantly exhausted, miss classes, or appear unusually run-down due to late-night activities and forced wake-ups.
Dramatic Mood Shifts: Observe sudden onset of anxiety, depression, irritability, withdrawal from friends or family, or a general loss of enthusiasm for activities they once enjoyed.
Increased Secrecy: Phrases like “I can’t talk about it,” “it’s a secret,” or “you wouldn’t understand” are major red flags. Your child might become defensive when asked about the organization.
Obsessive Phone Use: Constant checking of group chats, anxiety when their phone pings, or requiring rapid responses to messages at all hours.
Academic Decline: A sudden drop in grades, missed assignments, or falling asleep in class are common indicators that mandatory organization activities are taking precedence over academics.
Financial Strain: Unexpected requests for significant amounts of money for “fines,” “dues,” or to purchase items for older members without clear explanation.

How to Talk to Your Child:

If you suspect hazing, approach your child with empathy, not accusation. Ask open-ended questions like: “How are you really doing?” “Is anything making you uncomfortable?” “Do you feel safe?” Emphasize their safety and well-being over loyalty to the group. Reassure them that you will support them, no matter what, and that their health is your top priority.

If Your Child is Hurt or Actively Hazed:

Prioritize Medical Care: If there are injuries, signs of extreme intoxication, or any physical distress, get your child medical attention immediately. Do not worry about “getting in trouble” – their health comes first.
Document EVERYTHING: Start a detailed log: dates, times, specific incidents, who was present, and what was said. Take clear photos of any injuries from multiple angles and over several days to show progression. Screenshot all relevant text messages, group chats, and social media posts your child may have. Save any physical evidence.
Contact a Lawyer: If your child has suffered significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing the incident, contact an experienced hazing attorney immediately.

Dealing with the University:

Any communication you have with university officials—Dean of Students, student conduct, campus police—should be meticulously documented. Keep a record of who you spoke to, when, and what was discussed. Ask specifically about prior incidents involving the same organization and what measures were (or weren’t) taken. However, do not sign any waivers or agreements offered by the university without consulting your attorney first.

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

If you are a student in Madison County feeling pressured or unsafe within an organization, your well-being is paramount.

Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? Ask Yourself:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t truly want to do?
Would I be doing this if there were no social consequences or fear of being “cut”?
Does this activity feel dangerous, degrading, embarrassing, or unsafe?
Would my parents or the university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Are older members making me do things they don’t have to do themselves?
Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide these activities from outsiders?

If you answer YES to any of these, it is likely hazing. Remember, consent given under duress is not true consent, and Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.

Exiting & Reporting Safely:

Your Right to Leave: You have a legal right to leave any organization at any time. You do not owe anyone an explanation if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
Tell a Trusted Person: Confide in a parent, a trusted professor, a Resident Advisor (RA), or a mentor outside the organization.
Formal Resignation: If you decide to resign, sending a clear email or text to the chapter president or new member educator stating, “I am resigning my pledge/membership effective immediately,” is often sufficient. Do not go to “one last meeting” where you might be pressured or intimidated.
Report Harassment: If you fear retaliation after leaving, report it immediately to the Dean of Students or campus police. Harassment and stalking are illegal in Texas.
Anonymous Reporting: Utilize campus anonymous reporting systems or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE. Texas law and most university policies provide certain immunities for good-faith reporting in medical emergencies.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses: The Path to Accountability

If you are a former member or a witness who participated in hazing, you may be grappling with guilt, fear of legal repercussions, or simply a moral imperative to do what is right. We understand this complexity.

Your Role in Prevention: Your testimony and evidence can be the key to preventing future harm and saving lives. You have the opportunity to break the cycle of abuse.
Seeking Legal Advice: You may want to seek your own confidential legal advice to understand your specific position, especially if you fear criminal or civil liability. However, cooperating with authorities or victims’ attorneys can often lead to a more favorable outcome than maintaining a code of silence.
Witness Protection: Lawyers can help navigate your role as a witness, providing guidance on how to cooperate while also understanding any legal protections available to you.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

For Madison County families, avoiding these common missteps can be as crucial as gathering evidence:

Letting Your Child “Clean Up” Evidence: Urging your child to delete messages or “clean up” social media to avoid “trouble” is a critical error. This can appear as a cover-up, makes a legal case nearly impossible, and could even have criminal implications. Preserve everything immediately. Attorney911’s video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY) strongly advises against this.
Confronting the Organization Directly: While tempting, confronting the fraternity, sorority, or team leadership directly will likely result in them lawyering up, destroying evidence, coaching witnesses, and preparing their defense. Document, then consult an attorney first.
Signing University Waivers or “Resolution” Forms: Universities may pressure families to sign agreements or “internal resolution” forms. Do not sign anything without an attorney reviewing it. You may unknowingly waive your legal rights to pursue a lawsuit, often for settlements far below the actual value of the case.
Posting Details on Social Media: Posting about the incident on public social media can jeopardize your case. Defense attorneys will review all posts, looking for inconsistencies to undermine credibility, and potentially waive privacy protections. Document privately and let your lawyer manage public communication.
Letting Your Child Go to “One Last Meeting”: If an organization leadership asks to meet with your child “to discuss things” after hazing is suspected or reported, it’s often an attempt to pressure them or extract statements that can be used against them. All communication should go through your attorney.
Waiting to “See How the University Handles It”: Universities prioritize their own reputation and may seek internal solutions that don’t satisfy the family’s quest for full accountability. Evidence disappears rapidly, witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations can expire. Do not rely solely on the university’s internal process; preserve evidence and consult legal counsel immediately.
Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Counsel: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Any statement you give, even seemingly innocent ones, can be used against you. Politely decline to speak with them and refer them to your attorney.

8.5 Frequently Asked Questions for Madison County Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT) benefit from some sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, willful misconduct, and Title IX violations. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) generally have fewer immunity protections. Every case is fact-dependent. Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.
“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. While basic hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, it becomes a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals (including officers of an organization) can also face misdemeanor charges for failing to report hazing.
“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “agreement” under peer pressure, power imbalances, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.
“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit in Texas?”
Generally, there’s a 2-year statute of limitations from the date of injury or death. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical; evidence disappears quickly. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Learn more about the Texas statute of limitations in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.
“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
The location of hazing does not eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be held responsible based on their sponsorship, knowledge, control, and the foreseeability of the hazing. Many significant hazing cases resulting in multi-million-dollar judgments occurred at off-campus locations.
“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
While some high-profile cases do receive media attention, most hazing lawsuits settle confidentially before ever reaching trial. We work with families to request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms, prioritizing your family’s privacy while still pursuing accountability.

9. About The Manginello Law Firm + Your Call to Action

When your family faces the profound trauma of hazing, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who intimately understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to overcome them. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, we bring specialized expertise to these complex and sensitive cases.

Our firm is a Houston-based Texas personal injury firm with deep experience in serious injury, wrongful death, and institutional accountability cases. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Madison County and surrounding areas. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families in Madison County and across the region, regardless of where the incident occurred.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Hazing Cases?

Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), previously worked as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. This invaluable experience means we know precisely how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims. We understand their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies because we used to run their playbook.
Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Founding partner Ralph Manginello (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/) has taken on some of the largest corporations. Our firm was one of the few Texas law firms involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, and we possess extensive federal court experience (United States District Court, Southern District of Texas). We are not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their well-funded defense teams. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with billion-dollar corporations and won, and we bring that same tenacity to protecting your family.
Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have a proven track record of achieving multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, working with economists and other experts to fully value the devastating costs, including lifetime care needs for severe injuries like brain damage. We don’t settle cheap; we build cases that force genuine accountability.
Integrating Criminal & Civil Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides a crucial understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. We can advise former members or witnesses navigating dual criminal and civil exposure, ensuring a comprehensive legal strategy. Our criminal defense experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) means we can competently advise families on the intersection of these critical legal areas.
Investigative Depth: We treat every case with the meticulous investigation it deserves. Our network of experts includes digital forensics specialists (to recover deleted group chats and social media evidence), medical experts, and psychologists. We know how to subpoena national fraternity records, uncover university failures through discovery and public records requests, and present a bulletproof case. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

We understand that hazing cases are different. They involve powerful institutional defendants, complex insurance coverage fights, and the delicate balance of victim privacy with public accountability. Our strength lies in our ability to understand how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments really operate, and how to effectively prove coercion even where organizations attempt to create legal loopholes.

We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to get you answers, hold the responsible parties accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. For a better understanding of how we operate, you can learn more about how contingency fees work in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

Contact Attorney911 for a Confidential Consultation

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

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to what happened, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward without any pressure to hire us on the spot. Everything you tell us is confidential.

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

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

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

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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