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If you’re a family in Maryland, the thought of your child enduring hazing at college is a terrifying prospect. Unfortunately, across universities in Texas and beyond, these dangerous and often illegal practices continue to endanger students’ mental and physical health. Imagine this scenario:

It’s a chilly evening in College Park. Your son, a bright-eyed freshman from Frederick, beaming with the pride of starting his journey at the University of Maryland, is at an off-campus fraternity house. What started as “new member education” has devolved into something far darker. He’s pushed to drink far beyond his limit in a forced “brotherhood ritual,” while older members chant and record on their phones. Someone gets hurt—a pledge collapses, but fear of “getting the chapter shut down” silences any calls for help. Your son feels trapped, torn between loyalty to the group and his escalating fear for his own safety and that of his friends.

This isn’t just a hypothetical. This could happen at any university, including the University of Maryland, Morgan State, or Salisbury University, where Maryland families send their children.

This comprehensive guide to hazing and the law in Texas is written for families in Maryland and across Texas who need to understand:

• What hazing looks like in 2025 (not just the old stereotypes).
• How Texas and federal law treat hazing.
• What we can learn from major national cases and how they apply to Texas families.
• What has been happening at major Texas universities including the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, as well as campuses closer to home.
• What legal options victims and families in Maryland and throughout Texas may have.

While The Manginello Law Firm is based in Texas, we understand that hazing at Texas universities can deeply affect families in Maryland and that patterns of hazing seen across the country resonate here. This article is general information, not specific legal advice. The Manginello Law Firm can evaluate individual cases based on their specific facts. We serve families throughout Texas, and when a case involves an institutional defendant in Texas, we assist families like yours, regardless of where they reside.

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 Maryland families unfamiliar with modern Greek life or campus culture, hazing may still conjure images of innocent pranks or light-hearted initiation rituals. However, hazing in 2025 goes far beyond harmless fun, encompassing dangerous, demeaning, and often illegal activities that can have lifelong consequences or even be fatal. It’s any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits.

It’s crucial to understand that simply “agreeing” to participate doesn’t make it legal or safe. When there’s a significant power imbalance, intense peer pressure, and a deep-seated fear of exclusion, consent is often rendered meaningless in the eyes of the law.

Main Categories of Hazing

Hazing manifests in various disturbing forms:

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is one of the most dangerous and unfortunately, common, forms of hazing. It involves forced or coerced consumption of alcohol, often in rapid succession or to extreme levels. This can include chugging challenges, “lineups” where multiple drinks are consumed, drinking games designed to induce intoxication, or being pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances. This type of hazing is frequently associated with severe injury and death.

• Physical Hazing: This category covers any act that causes physical pain, injury, or extreme discomfort. Examples include paddling and beatings, often with homemade implements. It can also involve extreme calisthenics, “workouts,” or “smokings” (punitive exercises) that go far beyond normal athletic conditioning, leading to exhaustion and rhabdomyolysis. Sleep deprivation, enforced food or water deprivation, and exposure to extreme cold or heat, or dangerous environments, also fall under this category.

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This deeply degrading form of hazing includes forced nudity or partial nudity, often in public or humiliating contexts. It can involve simulated sexual acts, demeaning poses like the “roasted pig,” or forcing individuals to wear degrading costumes. Hazing with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones, including the use of slurs or role-playing stereotypes, also constitutes deeply damaging and often illegal behavior.

• Psychological Hazing: While not physically violent, psychological hazing inflicts severe mental and emotional distress. This includes verbal abuse, threats, and social isolation designed to break down an individual’s self-esteem and independence. It also encompass manipulation, forced confessions, and public shaming, whether face-to-face or on social media.

• Digital/Online Hazing: With the pervasive use of technology, hazing has moved into the digital realm. This involves group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation orchestrated via platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Discord, and others. Pledges might be pressured to create or share compromising images or videos, or participate in online acts that are embarrassing or dangerous.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

It’s a common misconception that hazing is limited to a few rogue fraternities. The reality is far broader. Hazing occurs in a wide variety of campus organizations, often perpetuated under the guise of “tradition” or “team building”:

• Fraternities and Sororities: This includes Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Panhellenic Greek-letter organizations, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) historically Black Greek-letter organizations, and various multicultural Greek organizations.
• Student Groups: This can range from highly visible groups like spirit squads and tradition clubs (like the Texas Cowboys at UT) to cultural associations and academic honor societies.
• Athletic Teams: Hazing is unfortunately prevalent across many sports, including football, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, and cheerleading squads.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous groups like marching bands, choirs, dance teams, and theatrical organizations have documented histories of hazing.
• Military-style Organizations: The Corps of Cadets at schools like Texas A&M, ROTC programs, or other paramilitary groups can also foster hazing cultures.

In these environments, deeply ingrained traditions, a strong desire for social status, and a strict code of secrecy often combine to keep hazing practices alive, even when everyone involved “knows” that hazing is illegal and explicitly prohibited.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

Understanding the legal landscape surrounding hazing in Texas is crucial for Maryland families. Hazing is not just a campus policy violation; it’s a crime, and it can expose individuals, organizations, and even universities to significant civil liability.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has specific, robust anti-hazing provisions outlined in its Education Code. In plain terms, hazing is broadly defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, committed by one person 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 whose members include students. This act must either endanger the mental or physical health or safety of a student.

This means:

• On or off campus: The location of the hazing does not matter. Acts occurring at an off-campus house, a remote ranch, or on university grounds are equally subject to the law.
• Mental or physical harm: Hazing isn’t limited to physical abuse. Acts causing severe emotional distress, extreme humiliation, degradation, or mental anguish also fall under the legal definition.
• Intent: Criminal liability can arise from acts that are intentional, knowing, or reckless. Even if the hazers didn’t intend to cause severe injury, performing an act while knowing there’s a substantial risk it could cause harm is sufficient.
• “Consent” is not a defense: A critical aspect of Texas law is that a student’s “consent” to the hazing activity is explicitly not a defense to prosecution. This acknowledges the inherent power imbalance and peer pressure involved, recognizing that true consent cannot exist in a coercive environment.

Criminal Penalties:

• By default, hazing is a Class B Misdemeanor, carrying potential fines and jail time.
• If the hazing causes bodily injury, it escalates to a Class A Misdemeanor.
• Crucially, if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it can be prosecuted as a State Jail Felony in Texas, carrying substantial prison sentences.
• Texas law also makes it a misdemeanor for individuals who are aware of hazing and fail to report it, or for those who retaliate against someone who reports hazing.

Organizational Liability: Beyond individuals, organizations themselves can be criminally prosecuted and fined. If a fraternity, sorority, club, or team authorized, encouraged, or knew about hazing and failed to report it, they can face fines up to $10,000 per violation, and the university can revoke their recognition and ban them from campus.

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting: Texas law provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for individuals who, in good faith, report a hazing incident to university authorities or law enforcement. This provision aims to encourage reporting by protecting those who speak up. Furthermore, medical amnesty laws on many campuses and within Texas law encourage students to call 911 in alcohol-related emergencies without fear of legal repercussions for underage drinking.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

It’s important to differentiate between criminal and civil hazing cases, though they can often proceed simultaneously:

• Criminal Cases: These are brought by the state (prosecutors) against individuals or organizations. Their primary aim is punishment, which can include incarceration, fines, and probation. Typical hazing-related criminal charges might range from the hazing offense itself to furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, or even manslaughter in the tragic event of a death.
• Civil Cases: These are initiated by victims or their surviving family members (plaintiffs) against those responsible. The goal here is monetary compensation for damages suffered and to hold parties accountable. Civil claims often involve theories of negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. A key point is that a criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for filing or winning a civil lawsuit; the burden of proof is lower in civil cases.

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

Beyond state laws, federal regulations also impact how hazing is addressed on college campuses:

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

  • Publicly report hazing incidents, increasing transparency.
  • Strengthen hazing education and prevention programs.
  • Maintain publicly accessible data on hazing violations (to be phased in by around 2026). This act empowers families by providing more data to assess campus safety records.

• Title IX & Clery Act: These federal laws can come into play when hazing involves specific types of misconduct:

  • Title IX: If hazing includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, or creates a gender-biased hostile environment, Title IX obligations are triggered. This requires universities to investigate and address such misconduct.
  • Clery Act: This act mandates that universities collect and report data on certain crimes, maintain emergency response plans, and issue timely warnings. Hazing incidents, particularly those involving assaults, sexual misconduct, or serious alcohol/drug violations, often fall under Clery’s reporting requirements.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Civil hazing lawsuits can involve multiple defendants, reflecting the layers of responsibility in these complex cases:

• Individual Students: Those directly involved in planning or carrying out the hazing acts, including those who failed to intervene or call for help.
• Local Chapter/Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or team as a recognized entity. This can also include individuals holding leadership roles within the chapter, such as chapter presidents or “pledgemasters.”
• National Fraternity/Sorority: The broader national headquarters that charters and oversees local chapters. Liability can arise if they knew or should have known about a pattern of hazing (at that chapter or others), failed to adequately train and supervise their chapters, or didn’t enforce their own anti-hazing policies effectively.
• University or Governing Board: The educational institution itself, including its board of regents, can be sued under theories of negligence, gross negligence, or even Title IX violations if they showed deliberate indifference to hazing, particularly after receiving prior warnings or if their policies were inadequate or unenforced.
• Third Parties:
  • Property Owners/Landlords: If the hazing occurred on property owned by individuals or entities other than the university or fraternity, they might face liability if they knew or should have known about dangerous activities.
  • Bars or Alcohol Providers: Under “dram shop laws,” establishments that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals or minors who then cause injury can be held liable.
  • Security Companies or Event Organizers: If their negligence contributed to the unsafe environment where hazing occurred.

Every hazing case is fact-specific, and the potential defendants can vary. An experienced hazing attorney can identify all potentially liable parties and determine the strongest legal strategies.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

When we see tragedies unfold on campuses in Texas, it’s rarely an isolated incident. The legal precedents and patterns of liability are often forged in similar cases from across the country. These national anchor stories illustrate both the devastating impact of hazing and the legal and institutional responses that shape today’s litigation landscape.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Forced alcohol consumption remains the leading cause of hazing-related deaths, and these cases highlight a recurring pattern of dangerous rituals, negligence, and cover-ups.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Tim Piazza, a 19-year-old pledging Beta Theta Pi, died after a “bid acceptance” night fueled by extreme alcohol consumption. Security cameras captured him falling repeatedly, suffering a traumatic brain injury. Despite his obvious distress, fraternity brothers delayed calling 911 for nearly 12 hours, attempting to cover up the incident. Dozens of criminal charges were filed against members, and the family pursued extensive civil litigation. This tragic case led to Pennsylvania enacting the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law, one of the toughest in the nation, and resulted in Penn State permanently banning Beta Theta Pi. The extreme delay in seeking help, coupled with clear evidence of the incident, solidified the principle of reckless disregard for life.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and pressured to consume them quickly. This tragedy led to criminal hazing charges against multiple fraternity members and prompted Florida State University to temporarily suspend all Greek life. Coffey’s death, similar to Piazza’s, revealed a culture of dangerous “tradition” drinking nights that repeatedly prove fatal. His family’s subsequent wrongful death lawsuit sought accountability and justice.

• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, an 18-year-old pledge, died with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.495% (nearly six times the legal driving limit) after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game. Pledges were forced to chug liquor if they answered questions incorrectly. Max’s death led to the enactment of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, making hazing a felony offense. Multiple members were prosecuted, with one convicted of negligent homicide. The Gruver case starkly demonstrated how seemingly innocuous “games” escalate into potentially lethal situations.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, died after being forced to consume an entire handle (1.75 liters) of liquor during a “Big/Little” event. This heinous act resulted in numerous criminal charges and convictions against fraternity members. His family pursued civil lawsuits, reaching a significant $10 million settlement, with approximately $7 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national and ~$3 million from Bowling Green State University—a public institution. Foltz’s death strengthened anti-hazing laws in Ohio and exposed the severe financial liability that both national fraternities and universities face.

These grim statistics and legal outcomes send a clear message: forced drinking is not a rite of passage; it is reckless behavior with deadly consequences, and those responsible will be held accountable.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical and psychologically damaging rituals also form a core pattern in hazing.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, a 19-year-old pledge, died during a fraternity retreat in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. He was blindfolded, weighted down with a heavy backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a brutal ritual called “glass ceiling.” His severe injuries were exacerbated by a horrifying delay – nearly an hour – before members called 911, and only after attempting a Google search for his symptoms. Multiple individuals were criminally convicted, and, groundbreakingly, the national Pi Delta Psi fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter – a rare instance of an organization facing criminal liability. This outcome led to Pi Delta Psi being banned from Pennsylvania for a decade, proving that off-campus locations offer no immunity from legal consequences and showing that national organizations bear direct responsibility.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse Pattern

Hazing is not confined to Greek life; it is a pervasive issue in athletic programs, spirit squads, and other university-recognized groups, as tragically shown by:

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): Former football players came forward with disturbing allegations of widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the highly respected Northwestern football program, spanning multiple years. These allegations triggered multiple lawsuits against the university and coaching staff, leading to the termination of the head coach, Pat Fitzgerald, who subsequently reached a confidential wrongful-termination settlement with the university. This scandal highlighted how hazing can thrive even in elite athletic environments, raising critical questions about institutional oversight and a university’s duty to protect its student-athletes.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national cases share crucial common threads: forced intoxication, physical assault, mental abuse, a culture of secrecy, a delay or outright refusal to seek medical help, and attempts to cover up the incidents. Time and again, serious injuries and deaths lead to multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts, criminal prosecutions, and significant legislative changes.

For Maryland families whose children attend or plan to attend Texas universities like UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor, these patterns are directly relevant. These cases establish legal precedents, demonstrate foreseeability, and expose the tactics used by institutions to evade responsibility. When an incident occurs in Texas, the courts, juries, and attorneys here will look to these national lessons to advocate for victims and ensure accountability. You are not facing an unprecedented crisis; you are part of a national conversation on campus safety, and there are legal avenues shaped by these prior fights.

Texas Focus: University Campuses

For Maryland families, understanding the lay of the land at Texas universities is key. Hazing practices, policies, and local responses vary, but the critical issues of campus safety and institutional accountability remain universal. While The Manginello Law Firm is proudly Texas-based, we understand the concerns of families like yours in Maryland as they send their children to schools throughout the state. Given Maryland’s geographic location, we recognize that families there often send their children to universities within Maryland or nearby states like Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., and Delaware. However, for those choosing Texas, here’s a close look at some prominent institutions.

University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a vibrant urban campus, is often considered a gateway institution, including for students from other states like Maryland. For those Maryland families whose children choose UH, it’s wise to understand its unique environment.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Houston is a sprawling, diverse institution located in the heart of the nation’s fourth-largest city. It serves a dynamic population of both residential and commuter students, reflecting Houston’s multicultural fabric. UH boasts an active Greek life with a variety of fraternities and sororities, encompassing Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural organizations. Beyond Greek life, the campus supports a wide array of student organizations, including cultural groups, sports clubs, and spirit organizations, all contributing to a rich, often bustling campus experience.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston maintains a clear, explicit anti-hazing policy, prohibiting any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of affiliation or membership in an organization. The policy covers acts taking place both on and off campus. It specifically enumerates prohibited actions such as forced consumption of alcohol, drugs, food, physical mistreatment, sleep deprivation, and any activity causing mental distress. UH provides multiple reporting channels accessible through the Dean of Students’ office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). While the university aims for transparency, the level of publicly available detailed disciplinary information can sometimes be limited, which can be an area of concern for parents.

Example Incident & Response

The University of Houston has faced hazing incidents that highlight the persistent dangers. In a notable case around 2016, a Pi Kappa Alpha pledge allegedly suffered a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table during a multiday event that involved severe deprivation of food, water, and sleep. This tragic outcome led to misdemeanor hazing charges and a university suspension for the chapter. Attorney911 is also actively litigating serious hazing cases, including the high-profile Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston / Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit. This $10 million lawsuit, filed in late 2025, alleges severe hazing that resulted in former UH freshman Leonel Bermudez suffering acute kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis following forced physical exertion and humiliating rituals. The hazing reportedly occurred at the Pi Kappa Phi chapter house, a former member’s residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park in Houston. Specifics include forced consumption until vomiting, being sprayed with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and extreme physical workouts causing his urine to turn brown. This case, representing a deeply disturbing incident, is a testament to Attorney911’s commitment to holding institutions and individuals accountable.

How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

In a hazing case originating at the University of Houston, several agencies and legal jurisdictions might be involved. Depending on the exact location of the hazing, investigations could be conducted by the UHPD or the larger Houston Police Department. Civil lawsuits would likely be filed in courts within Harris County, given UH’s location. Potential defendants in such a case could include the individual students directly involved, the local chapter itself (if it’s a legal entity), the national fraternity or sorority headquarters, and potentially the University of Houston and its Board of Regents. Property owners of off-campus residences where hazing occurred might also face liability.

What UH Students & Parents Should Do

For Maryland families sending students to UH, proactive measures are key:

• Understand Reporting: Familiarize yourself with UH’s official reporting channels, including the Dean of Students’ office and UHPD.
• Document Everything: Encourage your student to document anything that feels like hazing – screenshots of group chats, photos of injuries or degrading conditions, and detailed notes.
• Pre-existing Complaints: If you have concerns, inquire whether the specific organization has a history of prior complaints or discipline with the university.
• Legal Consultation: If hazing occurs, contacting Attorney911 can help uncover records of prior discipline and internal university files crucial for building a strong case.

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, particularly with its proud Corps of Cadets, draws students from across the nation, including Maryland.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M, located in College Station, is deeply rooted in tradition, fostering a unique blend of Southern charm and military honor. Its most distinctive feature is the Corps of Cadets, a large, uniformed student organization with a strong emphasis on leadership and discipline, alongside a robust Greek life. Students at A&M are often characterized by a strong sense of loyalty and camaraderie, which, unfortunately, sometimes contributes to hazing practices. The culture often reveres tradition, making it difficult for students to differentiate between legitimate custom and harmful hazing.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M unequivocally prohibits hazing, articulating clear policies against any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed at a student for affiliation purposes that endangers mental, physical health, or safety. The university’s hazing policy covers both on-campus and off-campus acts. Reporting channels include the Office of Student Conduct, the University Police Department, and an online reporting system. Texas A&M also publishes a list of organizations with hazing violations, though the level of detail can vary.

Example Incident & Response

Texas A&M has faced multiple high-profile hazing allegations, both within its Greek system and the Corps of Cadets.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Lawsuit (around 2021): This civil lawsuit alleged severe chemical burns and other injuries to pledges who were forced to endure strenuous physical activity before having industrial-strength cleaner, eggs, and spit poured on them. The incident, resulting in graphic chemical burns requiring multiple skin graft surgeries, highlighted the extreme physical dangers some pledges face. The chapter was suspended, and the pledges sought damages, revealing a pattern of escalating physical abuse.
• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A lawsuit by a former cadet alleged degrading hazing practices within the Corps. This included claims of 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, drawing attention to hazing within the Corps’ tradition-bound environment. While Texas A&M stated it addressed the matter through its internal processes, the lawsuit underscored the unique challenges of addressing hazing within military-style organizations. Our firm’s Leonel Bermudez case at UH, for instance, alleged degrading fanny pack rituals and “waterboarding” simulations, showing commonalities in the psychological and physical torment involved across different incident locations.

How an A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases at Texas A&M would involve the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) or College Station Police Department. Civil actions would typically proceed in state courts within Brazos County. Because Texas A&M is a public university, claims against the institution itself may face arguments of sovereign immunity under Texas law. However, exceptions for gross negligence or Title IX violations, as well as claims against individual actors, can still allow cases to move forward. Maryland families should note that A&M’s emphasis on tradition can make hazing incidents particularly challenging to unpack.

What A&M Students & Parents Should Do

• Corps Culture Awareness: Parents of future Corps members should be acutely aware of hazing within traditional military-style organizations and scrutinize “traditions” closely.
• Report Internally: Utilize A&M’s anonymous reporting systems or contact the Office of Student Conduct if hazing is suspected.
• Distinguishing “Tradition” from Hazing: Educate students that behavior causing mental or physical harm, regardless of how long it’s been practiced, is hazing.
• Contact Attorney911: An experienced attorney can provide guidance on navigating the university’s internal processes and advise on legal actions, especially when facing an institution that may invoke sovereign immunity.

University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin is another flagship institution that attracts a diverse student body, including many from out-of-state.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin is a sprawling, highly competitive public university known for its vibrant academic life, passionate sports culture, and a large, influential Greek system. The university offers a dynamic environment, from numerous academic departments to a thriving student organization scene, including spirit groups like the Texas Cowboys. The sheer size and decentralized nature of student life can sometimes make it challenging to monitor all activities, meaning hazing may occur further from direct university oversight.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UT Austin’s hazing policy explicitly prohibits any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation that endangers mental or physical health or safety. UT has one of the more transparent approaches nationwide, maintaining a publicly accessible Hazing Violations page (hazing.utexas.edu) that details organizations found responsible for hazing, the specific conduct, and the resulting sanctions. Reporting can be made through the Dean of Students’ office, UTPD, or the online reporting form.

Example Incident & Response

The UT Hazing Violations page frequently lists various fraternities, sororities, and other student groups found responsible for hazing.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): The UT page noted that new members were directed to consume milk and endure strenuous calisthenics. This was deemed hazing, leading to the chapter being placed on probation and mandated to implement new hazing-prevention education. The university’s transparency here is a critical tool for families.
• Texas Cowboys (Spirit Group): This highly traditional spirit organization has also faced sanctions for hazing violations, including sleep deprivation and forced physical activity, highlighting that hazing is not exclusive to Greek life. Its presence on the university’s public list indicates UT’s efforts to hold all organizations accountable.

The presence of a publicly accessible hazing violations log means that for Maryland families, researching an organization’s history at UT is straightforward, offering valuable insight into recurring issues despite university actions. This transparency can be invaluable in demonstrating patterns of misconduct in a civil lawsuit.

How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

Cases involving UT Austin might engage the UTPD or the Austin Police Department. Civil litigation would proceed in state courts within Travis County. Like Texas A&M, UT Austin is a public university, and claims against the institution may encounter arguments of sovereign immunity. However, the university’s public hazing records can be powerful evidence to show prior knowledge and failure to prevent, potentially countering immunity arguments in civil suits, especially those alleging gross negligence or Title IX violations. Attorney911 extensively uses such public records in building cases of institutional liability.

What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

• Utilize Public Resources: Regularly check UT’s Hazing Violations page to understand the track record of any organization your student is considering. This type of transparency is a major asset for Maryland families.
• Understand UT Policy: Review the detailed hazing policies and understand the full scope of prohibited activities.
• Report Early: Use UT’s robust reporting mechanisms immediately if you suspect hazing, noting that strong documentation and a clear report can quickly trigger investigation.
• Consider Legal Options: If hazing leads to injury, consulting with Attorney911 can help you leverage UT’s public records and state-specific hazing laws to seek accountability.

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University is a private institution.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU, located in the prestigious University Park area of Dallas, is a private university known for its rigorous academics and a vibrant, often prominent, Greek life. The campus attracts students from affluent backgrounds, and its Greek system often plays a central role in social life. The pressure to conform and uphold certain social statuses can, unfortunately, create environments where hazing is perceived as a “necessary evil” for belonging.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU maintains explicit policies prohibiting hazing, defining it broadly and covering both on- and off-campus acts. As a private institution, SMU has more autonomy in its disciplinary processes than public universities and is not subject to the same public records laws. Reporting channels include the Office of the Dean of Students, SMU Police, and a bias reporting system. SMU also utilizes a platform called Real Response, which allows for anonymous reporting.

Example Incident & Response

SMU’s Greek system has experienced hazing incidents that have led to significant disciplinary actions.

• Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): The SMU chapter of Kappa Alpha Order was suspended after an investigation found new members were allegedly subjected to paddling, forced alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation. The chapter faced a several-year ban on recruiting, fundamentally altering its on-campus presence for a period.
• Other Greek Life Sanctions: Various other SMU fraternities and sororities have faced sanctions ranging from probation to removal for alcohol violations, harassment, and other policy breaches related to new member activities.

While private universities like SMU are not required to publicize detailed hazing violation records in the same way as public institutions, legal discovery in a civil lawsuit can compel the release of these internal reports and investigations.

How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases at SMU would involve the SMU Police Department and potentially the University Park Police Department. Civil lawsuits would likely be filed in Dallas County. As a private university, SMU does not have sovereign immunity, which can simplify some legal hurdles when suing the institution. However, private universities often have extensive legal resources, making it critical to have experienced counsel to navigate these cases.

What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

• Scrutinize Culture: Be aware of the strong influence of Greek life at SMU and the social pressures that can exist.
• Utilize Reporting Tools: If hazing is suspected, use SMU’s reporting channels, including the anonymous Real Response system.
• Privacy vs. Transparency: Understand that while internal investigations may be less transparent than at public universities, a civil lawsuit can compel disclosure of critical evidence.
• Immediate Legal Counsel: Contact Attorney911 immediately if hazing occurs, especially at a private institution, to ensure all avenues for accountability are explored.

Baylor University

Baylor, a private Baptist university, presents a unique context when considering hazing.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University, located in Waco, is the largest Baptist university in the world, emphasizing a values-based education and community. It has a strong Greek life, various student organizations, and a passionate athletic program. Baylor’s culture is deeply influenced by its religious identity, which often leads to explicit stances against hazing and other forms of misconduct. However, even with strong ethical guidelines, hazing can occur, driven by peer pressure and campus traditions. Baylor has also faced significant public scrutiny in recent years regarding its handling of sexual assault cases, which highlights the complexities of institutional oversight and accountability.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor’s anti-hazing policy is stringent, explicitly prohibiting any activity that causes or is likely to cause mental or physical discomfort, intimidation, or ridicule for the purpose of initiation or membership. Its religious foundation typically means zero-tolerance policies are publicly stated for hazing and alcohol/drug misuse. Reporting channels include the Baylor Police Department, the Office of Student Conduct, and an online reporting tool.

Example Incident & Response

Despite its values-based mission, Baylor has had to address hazing incidents.

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): An investigation into hazing within the Baylor baseball program led to the suspension of 14 players. The suspensions were staggered to allow the team to compete, but the incident drew attention to hazing in athletics even within a religiously affiliated university context.
• Context of Institutional Oversight: Baylor’s past challenges with oversight in other areas, such as sexual assault allegations, underscore the need for vigilance and thorough investigations into any form of student misconduct, including hazing.

These incidents demonstrate that no institution, regardless of its mission or strong policies, is entirely immune to hazing, especially when it is deeply embedded in group dynamics or “tradition.”

How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases at Baylor University would typically involve the Baylor Police Department and potentially the Waco Police Department. Civil actions would proceed in McLennan County courts. As a private university, Baylor does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it a more direct target for institutional liability claims compared to public universities. However, Baylor is known for its strong legal defense, so experienced legal representation for victims is vital.

What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

• Scrutinize “Traditions”: Encourage students to critically evaluate any “traditions” that seem to cross the line into hazing, regardless of how they are framed.
• Uphold Values: Remind students of Baylor’s stated values and policies, using them as a shield against inappropriate behavior.
• Understand Reporting: Be aware of Baylor’s reporting mechanisms and the process for investigation and adjudication.
• Seek Experienced Legal Help: If hazing results in harm, contacting Attorney911 is essential to navigate the complexities of a private university’s legal defense and ensure your child’s rights are protected.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

For families in Maryland, choosing a university in Texas often involves considering the social environment, including Greek life. Many fraternities and sororities at institutions like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor are chapters of large national organizations. Understanding the deep connections between local chapter behavior and national hazing histories is crucial for appreciating the potential for accountability.

Why National Histories Matter

When a student joins a fraternity or sorority, they are not just joining a local chapter; they are becoming part of a national organization with a vast network of chapters across the country and a long, sometimes troubled, history. National headquarters for these organizations often publish extensive anti-hazing manuals and risk management policies. These policies are not arbitrary; they are the direct result of decades of tragic incidents, including deaths and catastrophic injuries, that have occurred at various chapters nationwide.

National organizations are aware of specific hazing patterns—from forced alcohol consumption and paddling traditions to humiliating rituals—because these are recurring issues across their system. When a Texas chapter engages in a form of hazing that has led to injury or death at another chapter of the same national organization in a different state, it strengthens the argument of foreseeability in a civil lawsuit. This means the national organization “knew or should have known” that such hazing was a substantial risk, and their failure to prevent it can be a critical factor in establishing negligence or even gross negligence leading to punitive damages.

Organization Mapping (Synthesized)

Let’s look at some of the major fraternities and sororities often found on Texas campuses like UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor, and how their national histories connect to the risks students face.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): Present at several Texas universities, including active chapters involved in past incidents at UH and UT Austin. Nationally, Pi Kappa Alpha has a particularly concerning history with alcohol-related hazing. The tragic death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University in 2021 from forced alcohol consumption is a grim reminder. Similarly, the death of David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University in 2012 also stemmed from alcohol poisoning during a pledging event. These patterns demonstrate a national issue within Pike related to alcohol, making claims of “local rogue chapter” harder to defend.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): Known for its strong presence across major Texas campuses, SAE has been dubbed “America’s deadliest fraternity” by some media outlets due to a recurring pattern of hazing-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide. Examples include lawsuits like the traumatic brain injury (TBI) case at the University of Alabama, where a pledge allegedly suffered lasting harm during a hazing ritual. In Texas, lawsuits against SAE chapters at Texas A&M have alleged “chemical burns” from foreign substances poured on pledges, and claims at UT Austin have involved severe assaults. This national and local pattern underscores the foreseeability of harm within SAE.

• Phi Delta Theta: With chapters at numerous Texas universities, Phi Delta Theta has faced significant national scrutiny. The most prominent case is the alcohol-related hazing death of Maxwell “Max” Gruver at Louisiana State University in 2017. Gruver’s death during a “Bible study” drinking game led to criminal prosecutions and a landmark anti-hazing law in Louisiana. This history means that any similar alcohol-related hazing by a Phi Delta Theta chapter in Texas immediately connects to a national pattern of dangerous behavior.

• Pi Kappa Phi: This fraternity has chapters at many Texas schools, including the University of Houston, which is currently a defendant in Attorney911’s high-profile Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston / Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit. Nationally, Pi Kappa Phi is associated with the alcohol-related hazing death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University in 2017. Coffey tragically died during a “Big Brother Night” event that involved massive forced alcohol consumption. These severe national incidents show a clear pattern of dangerous traditions that can contribute to the foreseeability argument in cases like Bermudez’s.

• Kappa Alpha Order: With a presence at schools like SMU and Texas A&M, Kappa Alpha Order has also had chapters suspended for hazing, including one at SMU. Nationally, incidents like the death of Chad Meredith (though he was pledging Kappa Sigma, his death highlights patterns of forced consumption on campuses) in Florida led to legislative changes illustrating the risks associated with certain initiation practices. When similar behaviors are alleged in Texas chapters, these national events serve as powerful evidence of a foreseeable risk.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

The documented history of hazing incidents across these and other national fraternities and sororities forms a critical component of hazing litigation. These patterns are not mere statistics; they represent clear warnings that national organizations and, by extension, their local chapters, should have heeded.

In a civil lawsuit, Attorney911 will meticulously investigate whether:

• National headquarters had enforceable anti-hazing policies but failed to adequately communicate and enforce them within local chapters.
• Prior incidents (even from decades ago or in other states) provided clear notice of dangerous rituals that were subsequently repeated.
• The national organization’s response to prior violations was weak, allowing risky behaviors to persist or merely go “underground.”

Such evidence, uncovered through robust discovery processes, significantly impacts the strength of a plaintiff’s case. It can influence settlement leverage, inform insurance coverage disputes (arguing that the harm was foreseeable, therefore not an “unexpected” one an insurer would deny covering), and create a strong basis for seeking punitive damages against national entities who show a reckless disregard for student safety. For Maryland families whose children attend Texas universities, this means that even if a local chapter claims “this never happened here before,” its national history often proves otherwise, directly affecting accountability and potential recovery.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

For Maryland families dealing with the aftermath of hazing, understanding how a legal case is built is crucial. Hazing litigation requires a unique blend of sensitive client advocacy, sophisticated evidence collection, and aggressive legal strategy. Attorney911 approaches these cases with the thoroughness of major institutional lawsuits, because that’s exactly what hazing often is.

Evidence

The cornerstone of any successful hazing case is compelling evidence that meticulously reconstructs the events, proves negligence, and links the harm to the hazing. In the digital age, much of this evidence comes from unexpected sources. Attorney911 employs cutting-edge techniques to gather and preserve it. Our video on using your phone to document a legal case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains best practices for preserving screenshots and photos, a critical first step for families.

• Digital Communications: This is often the most critical category of evidence in modern hazing cases. GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, and even fraternity-specific apps are primary communication channels for hazing activities. Attorney911 works to obtain and preserve:

  • Messages showing the planning, coordination, and enforcement of hazing.
  • Directives from older members to pledges.
  • Shared photos or videos of hazing events.
  • Conversations revealing knowledge of, or attempts to cover up, incidents by leadership.
    We understand that messages can be deleted. Digital forensics experts can often recover deleted communications, making it vital to contact us before cell phones are wiped or factory reset.

• Photos & Videos: Beyond group chats, these might include:

  • Content filmed by members during hazing events, often captured for “entertainment” or “proof” of obedience.
  • Footage shared on social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok.
  • Security camera footage from chapter houses, private residences (e.g., Ring doorbell cameras), or local businesses (bars, restaurants).

• Internal Organization Documents: Through discovery, Attorney911 seeks:

  • Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, or any written “traditions” that might detail hazing activities.
  • Emails or texts between chapter officers, national representatives, or university advisors discussing the conduct of new members.
  • National fraternity/sorority policies, training materials, and risk management files, to show what they knew or should have known.

• University Records: These are essential to establishing institutional knowledge and response (or lack thereof):

  • Prior conduct files related to the specific chapter, including any probation, suspensions, or warning letters.
  • Incident reports filed with campus police or student conduct offices.
  • Clery Act reports and similar disclosures that indicate patterns of certain incidents.
  • Internal emails among university administrators regarding the organization (obtained via discovery or public records requests, where applicable).

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

  • Emergency room reports and hospitalization records, including any ICU stays, surgeries, or ongoing treatments.
  • Toxicology reports (for alcohol or drug-related hazing).
  • Physical therapy notes for orthopedic or physical injuries.
  • Comprehensive psychological evaluations to diagnose PTSD, depression, anxiety, or other mental health impacts.

• Witness Testimony: Critical accounts from individuals who saw or experienced the hazing:

  • Other pledges or new members (though often hesitant, their testimony can be vital).
  • Active members, including those who participated or witnessed.
  • Roommates, friends, Resident Advisors (RAs), coaches, or other bystanders who noticed changes or saw incidents.
  • Former members who may have left the organization due to hazing, providing historical context.

Damages

In hazing cases, victims and families can claim various types of damages to compensate for the spectrum of harm suffered. These are often categorized as economic (quantifiable monetary losses) and non-economic (subjective losses like pain and suffering).

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This includes immediate costs like ambulance transport, emergency room visits, and intensive care. It also covers ongoing treatments, medications, physical therapy, and crucially, a life care plan for catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries or organ damage, outlining all future medical needs.

• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: This can include compensation for missed work (by the victim or a parent caring for them) and the long-term impact on earning capacity if the injuries result in permanent disability. It also covers tuition fees for missed semesters, lost scholarships, and general academic setbacks leading to delayed graduation or reduced career opportunities.

• Non-Economic Damages: These address the profound, non-monetary losses:

  • Physical Pain and Suffering: From the initial trauma through any long-term chronic pain.
  • Emotional Distress and Psychological Harm: Including severe psychological trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and the deep humiliation suffered.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: The inability to participate in activities, hobbies, or social life that the victim once valued.

• Wrongful Death Damages (for Families): In the most tragic cases, families can claim:

  • Funeral and burial costs.
  • Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided.
  • Loss of companionship, love, and support for parents, siblings, or spouses.
  • The profound 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, including cases similar to the tragic outcomes of hazing.

• Punitive Damages: These are sought in cases where the defendants’ conduct was particularly reckless, intentional, or malicious. They are designed to punish the wrongdoers and deter similar behavior in the future. Jurors consider factors like prior warnings, attempts at cover-up, and callous indifference to known risks.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants, each carrying different levels of responsibility, and navigating insurance coverage is a critical strategic component.

• Insurance Policies: National fraternities, universities, and individuals typically carry various insurance policies (commercial general liability, directors & officers, homeowners, etc.) that may cover hazing-related claims. However, insurers frequently try to deny coverage by arguing that hazing constitutes an “intentional act” or “criminal conduct,” which are often excluded from policies.
• Experienced Hazing Lawyers: Attorney911, with Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), understands these tactics firsthand. We meticulously identify all potential insurance policies, challenge wrongful denials of coverage, and strategically navigate complex disputes about exclusions and policy language to ensure maximum recovery for our clients. This insurance insider advantage is critical to unlocking justice for hazing victims.

Practical Guides & FAQs

When hazing impacts a family, immediate, clear guidance is essential. We understand the confusion, fear, and anger that can arise. For Maryland families, these practical guides offer a roadmap for action.

For Parents

No parent wants to confront the reality of their child being hazed. Knowing the warning signs and how to respond can make all the difference.

• Warning Signs of Hazing: Be alert for:
  • Physical signs: Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or “accidents” that don’t add up. Extreme fatigue, exhaustion, and sleep deprivation. Significant weight loss or gain.
  • Behavioral & Emotional Changes: Sudden secrecy about organizational activities (“I can’t talk about it”). Withdrawal from friends and family. Increased anxiety, depression, irritability, or anger. Defensiveness when asked about the group.
  • Academic Red Flags: Unexpected drops in grades, missing classes, or skipping assignments due to “mandatory” events.
  • Digital Markers: Constant screen time for group chats, anxiety around phone pings, or demanding “immediate response” to messages.
• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach conversations with empathy, not judgment. Emphasize that their safety and well-being are paramount, far outweighing any group affiliation. Reassure them you will support them regardless of their choices and that they won’t be “in trouble” for speaking up.
• If Your Child Is Hurt: Prioritize their health. Seek medical care immediately. Document everything: photograph injuries (take multiple angles and show progression over days), screenshot all texts or group chats, and write down every detail your child shares (dates, times, names, locations).
• Dealing with the University: Keep a detailed log of all communications with administrators. Ask direct questions about prior incidents involving the organization and the school’s response. Be aware that university investigations are internal processes and may not fully align with your child’s legal interests.
• When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child has sustained significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing the incident, immediate legal consultation is essential. Early intervention helps preserve critical evidence.

For Students / Pledges

If you’re a student or pledge wondering if what you’re experiencing is hazing, listen to your gut. Your safety and well-being come first.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition?: Ask yourself: Am I being coerced or pressured to do something I genuinely don’t want to do? Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal? Would the university or my parents approve if they knew? If older members are making new members do things they didn’t have to do, or you’re told to keep secrets, it’s very likely hazing.
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: You might feel like you “agreed” to it or “signed up for this.” However, under the law, “consent” given under duress, intense peer pressure, or the threat of social exclusion (e.g., being “cut” or “dropped”) is not true, voluntary consent. You have the right to feel safe, respected, and treated with dignity.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely: If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you wish to leave the organization, inform a trusted individual outside the group (parent, RA, friend). Send a brief, clear message to the chapter president/new member educator stating your resignation. Avoid “one last meeting” where you might be pressured.
• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many schools and state laws, including Texas, offer medical amnesty or good-faith reporter protections. This means you generally won’t be punished for underage drinking or minor infractions if you call for help in an emergency. Your safety is paramount.

For Former Members / Witnesses

If you’ve witnessed hazing or participated in it and now regret your involvement, your actions can be vital in preventing future harm.

• Your Role in Accountability: Acknowledge that while you might fear repercussions, your testimony and evidence can be crucial to holding wrongdoers accountable and preventing another student from being harmed. Your cooperation can prevent future tragedies.
• Navigating Legal Exposure: Depending on your level of involvement, you might face some legal exposure. It’s smart to seek your own independent legal advice. An attorney can help you understand your rights and obligations, and how to cooperate with investigators while protecting your interests.
• Bystander Power: Studies show hazing often stops when just one or two members refuse to participate or speak up. Your decision to come forward demonstrates courage and a commitment to a safer campus culture.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Maryland families facing hazing situations often make well-intentioned mistakes that can severely jeopardize a legal case. Being aware of these pitfalls is critical:

1. Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence: Parents often want to protect their child from further trouble, but destroying evidence – even embarrassing content – looks like a cover-up and makes proving the hazing exponentially harder. Preserve everything immediately.
2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly: While understandable, direct confrontation typically leads to the organization quickly destroying evidence, coaching witnesses, and preparing their defense, shutting down your avenues for information. Document everything silently, then call a lawyer.
3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms: Universities may pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements. These can waive your right to sue or result in settlements far below what your child deserves. Never sign anything without an attorney’s review.
4. Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer: Emotional responses are natural, but public posts can be used against you by defense attorneys, creating inconsistencies or harming credibility. Document privately with your lawyer.
5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”: Once legal action is considered, any further communication with the organization should cease, or be managed by your legal counsel. “Meetings” are often used to pressure or extract statements that can harm your case.
6. Waiting “to see how the university handles it”: While university processes are important, they are fundamentally internal and prioritize the institution’s interests. Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and statutes of limitations can expire. Act immediately to preserve your legal options.
7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer: Insurers are trained to minimize payouts. Any statement you give can be used against you. Always refer adjusters to your attorney.

Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations (if applicable), and when suing individuals in their personal capacity. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it escalates to a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals who fail to report hazing can also face misdemeanor charges.

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

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but 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, witnesses graduate, and organizations destroy records. Learn about Texas statute of limitations in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on factors like sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases (e.g., the Pi Delta Psi retreat death, the Sigma Pi unofficial house death) occurred off-campus and still resulted in significant judgments or settlements.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. While some headlines may occur at filing, we can often pursue agreements that include sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. For Maryland families dealing with hazing occurring across our Texas campuses, The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, stands ready to navigate these complex legal waters with you.

Attorney911 is uniquely qualified to handle hazing cases due to our specific expertise and experience:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, is a former insurance defense attorney for a national firm. She deeply understands the strategies fraternity and university insurance companies use to deny or devalue hazing claims, including delay tactics and coverage exclusion arguments. “We know their playbook because we used to run it.” Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/) is crucial for navigating fraternity and university insurance coverage disputes.
• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has a proven track record in complex litigation, including his involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation. This experience means we are not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their well-funded legal teams. Our firm operates confidently in federal courts, including the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, which is often crucial in cases involving interstate fraternities or federal claims like Title IX. “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants.” Ralph Manginello’s complete credentials and case history are detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.
• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have a strong track record of securing significant results in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. This includes expertise in collaborating with economists to accurately value lifelong care needs for victims of brain injury or permanent disability. Attorney911 has extensive wrongful death experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/), having recovered millions for families in catastrophic cases. “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”
• Dual Criminal and Civil Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides a unique advantage. When hazing involves criminal charges, we understand how these proceedings interact with civil litigation, allowing us to advise clients on both tracks and protect their interests comprehensively. When hazing results in criminal charges, Attorney911’s criminal defense experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) means we understand both the criminal and civil tracks.
• Investigative Depth: We employ a network of experts, including digital forensics specialists, medical professionals, economists, and psychologists. Our experience allows us to uncover hidden evidence—from deleted group chats and chapter records to internal university files—that other firms might miss. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas. We understand that hazing at Texas universities deeply affects families in Maryland and across the entire nation. Our deep understanding of Greek culture, university dynamics, and the specific nuances of Texas hazing law allows us to effectively advocate for your child. We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face, which is why our approach is built on empathy and victim advocacy. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family.

Call to Action

If your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus, Attorney911 is here to guide your family. Families in Maryland 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 without judgment, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward. Expect a thorough review of your case, including an explanation of potential timelines and what to expect regarding costs (we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case). Watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc. There’s no pressure to hire us on the spot—take the time to decide. Everything you tell us is confidential.

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

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

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

COMPLETE TEXAS UNIVERSITY DIRECTORY

Attorney911 tracks every higher education institution in Texas. For reference:

• Abilene Christian University | Abilene, Taylor County | Private Non-Profit
• Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online | Addison, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Sul Ross State University | Alpine, Brewster County | Public University
• Arlington Baptist University | Arlington, Tarrant County | Private Non-Profit
• The University of Texas at Arlington | Arlington, Tarrant County | Public University
• Trinity Valley Community College | Athens, Henderson County | Public University
• AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine | Austin, Travis County | Private For-Profit
• Austin Community College District | Austin, Travis County | Public University
• Austin Graduate School of Theology | Austin, Travis County | Private Non-Profit
• Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary | Austin, Travis County | Private Non-Profit
• Concordia University Texas | Austin, Travis County | Private Non-Profit
• Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest | Austin, Travis County | Private Non-Profit
• Galen Health Institutes-Austin Campus | Austin, Williamson County | Private For-Profit
• Gemini School of Visual Arts & Communication | Austin, Williamson County | Private For-Profit
• Huston-Tillotson University | Austin, Travis County | Private Non-Profit
• Saint Edward’s University | Austin, Travis County | Private Non-Profit
• Texas Health and Science University | Austin, Travis County | Private For-Profit
• The University of Texas at Austin | Austin, Travis County | Public University
• The University of Texas System Office | Austin, Travis County | Public University
• The Art Institute of Austin | Bastrop, Bastrop County | Private For-Profit
• Lamar University | Beaumont, Jefferson County | Public University
• Messenger College | Bedford, Tarrant County | Private Non-Profit
• University of Mary Hardin-Baylor | Belton, Bell County | Private Non-Profit
• Howard Payne University | Brownwood, Brown County | Private Non-Profit
• West Texas A & M University | Canyon, Randall County | Public University
• Texas A & M University-College Station | College Station, Brazos County | Public University
• Texas A & M University-System Office | College Station, Brazos County | Public University
• Texas A & M University-Commerce | Commerce, Hunt County | Public University
• Grace School of Theology | Conroe, Montgomery County | Private Non-Profit
• Del Mar College | Corpus Christi, Nueces County | Public University
• Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi | Corpus Christi, Nueces County | Public University
• Arizona College of Nursing-Dallas | Dallas, Dallas County | Private For-Profit
• Bakke Graduate University | Dallas, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Criswell College | Dallas, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Dallas Baptist University | Dallas, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Dallas Christian College | Dallas, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Dallas College | Dallas, Dallas County | Public University
• Dallas Theological Seminary | Dallas, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Miami International University of Art & Design-Art Institute Dallas | Dallas, Dallas County | Private For-Profit
• Parker University | Dallas, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Paul Quinn College | Dallas, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Remington College-Dallas Campus | Dallas, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Southern Methodist University | Dallas, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• University of North Texas at Dallas | Dallas, Dallas County | Public University
• University of North Texas System | Dallas, Dallas County | Public University
• University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center | Dallas, Dallas County | Public University
• Wade College | Dallas, Dallas County | Private For-Profit
• Grayson College | Denison, Grayson County | Public University
• Texas Woman’s University | Denton, Denton County | Public University
• University of North Texas | Denton, Denton County | Public University
• The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg, Hidalgo County | Public University
• Southwest University at El Paso | El Paso, El Paso County | Private For-Profit
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center-El Paso | El Paso, El Paso County | Public University
• The University of Texas at El Paso | El Paso, El Paso County | Public University
• Western Technical College | El Paso, El Paso County | Private For-Profit
• Western Technical College | El Paso, El Paso County | Private For-Profit
• Strayer University-Texas | Farmers Branch, Dallas County | Private For-Profit
• Brite Divinity School | Fort Worth, Tarrant County | Private Non-Profit
• Remington College-Fort Worth Campus | Fort Worth, Tarrant County | Private Non-Profit
• Texas Christian University | Fort Worth, Tarrant County | Private Non-Profit
• Texas Wesleyan University | Fort Worth, Tarrant County | Private Non-Profit
• The Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary | Fort Worth, Tarrant County | Private Non-Profit
• University of North Texas Health Science Center | Fort Worth, Tarrant County | Public University
• Galveston College | Galveston, Galveston County | Public University
• The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston | Galveston, Galveston County | Public University
• Amberton University | Garland, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Southwestern University | Georgetown, Williamson County | Private Non-Profit
• RCCGNA Seminary | Greenville, Hunt County | Private Non-Profit
• Jarvis Christian University | Hawkins, Wood County | Private Non-Profit
• American College of Acupuncture and Oriental Med | Houston, Harris County | Private For-Profit
• American InterContinental University-Houston | Houston, Harris County | Private For-Profit
• Baylor College of Medicine | Houston, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• Chamberlain University-Texas | Houston, Harris County | Private For-Profit
• College of Biblical Studies-Houston | Houston, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• Galen Health Institutes-Houston | Houston, Harris County | Private For-Profit
• Houston Baptist University | Houston, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• Houston Graduate School of Theology | Houston, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• Remington College-North Houston Campus | Houston, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• Rice University | Houston, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• South Texas College of Law Houston | Houston, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• Texas Southern University | Houston, Harris County | Public University
• The Art Institute of Houston | Houston, Harris County | Private For-Profit
• The College of Health Care Professions-Northwest | Houston, Harris County | Private For-Profit
• The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston | Houston, Harris County | Public University
• The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center | Houston, Harris County | Public University
• University of Houston | Houston, Harris County | Public University
• University of Houston-Clear Lake | Houston, Harris County | Public University
• University of Houston-Downtown | Houston, Harris County | Public University
• University of Houston-System Administration | Houston, Harris County | Public University
• University of Phoenix-Texas | Houston, Harris County | Private For-Profit
• University of St Thomas | Houston, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• Sam Houston State University | Huntsville, Walker County | Public University
• DeVry University-Texas | Irving, Dallas County | Private For-Profit
• University of Dallas | Irving, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary | Jacksonville, Cherokee County | Private Non-Profit
• Southwestern Adventist University | Keene, Johnson County | Private Non-Profit
• Schreiner University | Kerrville, Kerr County | Private Non-Profit
• Texas A&M University-Central Texas | Killeen, Bell County | Public University
• Texas A & M University-Kingsville | Kingsville, Kleberg County | Public University
• Brazosport College | Lake Jackson, Brazoria County | Public University
• Laredo College | Laredo, Webb County | Public University
• Texas A & M International University | Laredo, Webb County | Public University
• LeTourneau University | Longview, Gregg County | Private Non-Profit
• Lubbock Christian University | Lubbock, Lubbock County | Private Non-Profit
• Texas Tech University | Lubbock, Lubbock County | Public University
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center | Lubbock, Lubbock County | Public University
• Texas Tech University System Administration | Lubbock, Lubbock County | Public University
• East Texas Baptist University | Marshall, Harrison County | Private Non-Profit
• Wiley College | Marshall, Harrison County | Private Non-Profit
• South Texas College | McAllen, Hidalgo County | Public University
• Collin County Community College District | McKinney, Collin County | Public University
• Midland College | Midland, Midland County | Public University
• Stephen F Austin State University | Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches County | Public University
• Odessa College | Odessa, Ector County | Public University
• The University of Texas Permian Basin | Odessa, Ector County | Public University
• San Jacinto Community College | Pasadena, Harris County | Public University
• Texas Chiropractic College Foundation Inc | Pasadena, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• Wayland Baptist University | Plainview, Hale County | Private Non-Profit
• Prairie View A & M University | Prairie View, Waller County | Public University
• Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Dallas | Richardson, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• The University of Texas at Dallas | Richardson, Dallas County | Public University
• West Coast University-Dallas | Richardson, Dallas County | Private For-Profit
• South University-Austin | Round Rock, Williamson County | Private For-Profit
• Angelo State University | San Angelo, Tom Green County | Public University
• Baptist Health System School of Health Professions | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private For-Profit
• Baptist University of the Americas | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private Non-Profit
• Christ Mission College | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private Non-Profit
• Galen College of Nursing-San Antonio | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private For-Profit
• Hallmark University | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private Non-Profit
• Oblate School of Theology | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private Non-Profit
• Our Lady of the Lake University | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private Non-Profit
• San Antonio College | San Antonio, Bexar County | Public University
• St. Mary’s University | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private Non-Profit
• Texas A&M University-San Antonio | San Antonio, Bexar County | Public University
• The Art Institute of San Antonio | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private For-Profit
• The University of Texas at San Antonio | San Antonio, Bexar County | Public University
• The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio | San Antonio, Bexar County | Public University
• Trinity University | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private Non-Profit
• University of the Incarnate Word | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private Non-Profit
• Texas State University | San Marcos, Hays County | Public University
• Texas Lutheran University | Seguin, Guadalupe County | Private Non-Profit
• Austin College | Sherman, Grayson County | Private Non-Profit
• The King’s University | Southlake, Tarrant County | Private Non-Profit
• North American University | Stafford, Fort Bend County | Private Non-Profit
• Tarleton State University | Stephenville, Erath County | Public University
• Southwestern Christian College | Terrell, Kaufman County | Private Non-Profit
• Texas A&M University-Texarkana | Texarkana, Bowie County | Public University
• College of the Mainland | Texas City, Galveston County | Public University
• Lone Star College System | The Woodlands, Montgomery County | Public University
• Texas College | Tyler, Smith County | Private Non-Profit
• The University of Texas at Tyler | Tyler, Smith County | Public University
• Tyler Junior College | Tyler, Smith County | Public University
• University of Houston-Victoria | Victoria, Victoria County | Public University
• Baylor University | Waco, McLennan County | Private Non-Profit
• Southwestern Assemblies of God University | Waxahachie, Ellis County | Private Non-Profit
• Weatherford College | Weatherford, Parker County | Public University
• Midwestern State University | Wichita Falls, Wichita County | Public University

COMPLETE TEXAS GREEK ORGANIZATION DIRECTORY

Attorney911 tracks every IRS-registered fraternity and sorority in Texas:

• UPSILON ZETA BUILDING ASSOCIATION OF CHI OMEGA | EIN: 75-2290669 | AMARILLO, TX
• IOTA ALPHA CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 51-0225632 | ARLINGTON, TX
• KAPPA EPSILON CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 75-1727080 | ARLINGTON, TX
• LAMBDA ETA CHAPTER CHI ETA PHI SORORITY INCORPORATED | EIN: 75-2273565 | ARLINGTON, TX
• OMICRON GAMMA GAMMA CHAPTER | EIN: 75-2819136 | ARLINGTON, TX
• BUILDING CORPORATION OF DELTA CHAPTER OF ALPHA DELTA PI | EIN: 74-6047117 | AUSTIN, TX
• CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY | EIN: 74-0555581 | AUSTIN, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 46-3831593 | AUSTIN, TX
• LAMBDA CHI ALPHA FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 74-1130606 | AUSTIN, TX
• SIGMA ALPHA OMEGA CHRISTIAN SORORITY INC | EIN: 85-1262394 | AUSTIN, TX
• SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY INC | EIN: 74-6084912 | AUSTIN, TX
• SIGMA LAMBDA ALPHA SORORITY INC | EIN: 90-0956019 | AUSTIN, TX
• TEJAS FOUNDATION | EIN: 74-6062730 | AUSTIN, TX
• ALPHA OMEGA EPSILON | EIN: 56-2652714 | BEAUMONT, TX
• SOUTH TEXAS COTILLON INC | EIN: 26-2378154 | BROWNSVILLE, TX
• FRANK HEFLIN FOUNDATION | EIN: 20-3507402 | CANYON, TX
• NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL NORTH DALLAS SUBURBIA | EIN: 26-4080411 | CARROLLTON, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 81-2525354 | COLLEGE STA, TX
• ETA ALPHA HOUSE CORPORATION OF KAPPA DELTA SORORITY | EIN: 74-2930349 | COLLEGE STA, TX
• GENTLEMEN OF AGGIE TRADITION | EIN: 88-0537463 | COLLEGE STA, TX
• TEXAS NU-PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN: 81-4123811 | COLLEGE STA, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 90-0293166 | COLLEGE STATION, TX
• KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC | EIN: 13-3048786 | COLLEGE STATION, TX
• SIGMA NU CORPORATION OF OKLAHOMA | EIN: 73-6098935 | COLLEYVILLE, TX
• SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY ZETA ETA | EIN: 75-6060974 | COMMERCE, TX
• SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY | EIN: 75-2609909 | COMMERCE, TX
• LAMBDA NU GAMMA FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 93-2103520 | CONROE, TX
• LAMBDA OMEGA EPSILON SORORITY INC | EIN: 86-1854073 | CONROE, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA | EIN: 83-3053639 | CORINTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA ALPHA CHI CHAPTER | EIN: 86-3999517 | CORINTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA ALPHA PSI CHAPTER | EIN: 87-4252223 | CORINTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 82-3971493 | CORINTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 20-2203769 | CORINTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 20-1237505 | CORINTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 81-4575228 | CORINTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 26-0805977 | CORINTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 90-0657756 | CORINTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 32-0217610 | CORINTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 46-0766525 | CORINTH, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 83-1418972 | CORPUS CHRISTI, TX
• AGGIE ADPI FAMILY CLUB | EIN: 93-2357531 | CYPRESS, TX
• CHI EPSILON SIGMA INC | EIN: 45-1677063 | DALLAS, TX
• DELTA ALPHA SIGMA MULTICULTURAL SORORITY | EIN: 36-4806998 | DALLAS, TX
• DELTA PHI CHAPTER OF THETA CHI FRATERNITY ALUMNI HOUSING | EIN: 90-0239693 | DALLAS, TX
• FRIENDSHIP-WEST MIZPAH FOUNDATION | EIN: 27-1863731 | DALLAS, TX
• KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY | EIN: 52-1278573 | DALLAS, TX
• ZETA SIGMA HOUSE CORPORATION OF KAPPA KAPPA GAMMA FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 75-2620706 | DALLAS, TX
• ALPHA EPSILON PI FRATERNITY | EIN: 26-2025321 | DENTON, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 26-3170920 | DENTON, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 87-2222906 | EL PASO, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 38-3742830 | EL PASO, TX
• DENTON-LEWISVILLE GUIDE RIGHT FOUNDATION | EIN: 86-1205340 | FLOWER MOUND, TX
• BETA UPSILON CHI | EIN: 74-2911848 | FORT WORTH, TX
• EPSILON MU CHAPTER OF THE SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY | EIN: 75-6203190 | FORT WORTH, TX
• FIRST COMMAND EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION | EIN: 75-1973894 | FORT WORTH, TX
• FORT WORTH ALUMNI CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INCORPORATED | EIN: 75-2755600 | FORT WORTH, TX
• GAMMA PHI DELTA CHRISTIAN FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 74-2893931 | FORT WORTH, TX
• KAPPA SIGMA FRATERNITY | EIN: 75-6067776 | FORT WORTH, TX
• PSI ZETA CHAPTER OF ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INCORPORATED | EIN: 52-1345182 | FORT WORTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI EPSILON FRATERNITY TEXAS GAMMA CHAPTER | EIN: 91-1981478 | FORT WORTH, TX
• TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC | EIN: 74-1380362 | FORT WORTH, TX
• BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC | EIN: 46-2267515 | FRISCO, TX
• ETA KAPPA CHAPTER OF SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA HOUSE CORPORATION | EIN: 75-2935462 | FRISCO, TX
• FRISCO TX ALUMNI CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI INCORPORATED | EIN: 92-0575785 | FRISCO, TX
• KAPPA THETA PI – MU CHAPTER CORPORATION | EIN: 33-1294470 | FRISCO, TX
• ARLINGTON-GRAND PRAIRIE ALUMNI CHAP OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRAT INC | EIN: 23-2452759 | GRAND PRAIRIE, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 47-5370943 | HOUSTON, TX
• BETA LAMBDA CHAPTER – ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 99-0483761 | HOUSTON, TX
• DELTA PHI UPSILON FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 80-0209640 | HOUSTON, TX
• HELLENIC PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY OF TEXAS | EIN: 74-2020182 | HOUSTON, TX
• LELAND COLLEGE PREP PTO | EIN: 47-2160315 | HOUSTON, TX
• SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER | EIN: 74-6084905 | HOUSTON, TX
• SIGMA PHI EPSILON NEW YORK CHI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION INC | EIN: 26-2710856 | HOUSTON, TX
• SOCIETY OF HISPANIC PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS INC | EIN: 76-0221936 | HOUSTON, TX
• SOUTHWESTERN REGION OF IOTA PHI LAMBDA SORORITY INCORPORATED | EIN: 51-0194762 | HOUSTON, TX
• ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INCORPORATED – SIGMA GAMMA CHAPTER | EIN: 39-2352450 | HOUSTON, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 92-1490845 | HUNTSVILLE, TX
• ONE CHAPTER ONE SHIELD | EIN: 92-1743777 | IOWA COLONY, TX
• OMICRON GAMMA SIGMA ALUMNI CHAPTER OF PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY | EIN: 92-1672050 | IRVING, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 83-1418666 | KINGSVILLE, TX
• ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 61-1562040 | LEWISVILLE, TX
• ALPHA OMEGA EPSILON-BETA ALPHA CHAPTER | EIN: 47-3967233 | LUBBOCK, TX
• EPSILON NU HOUSING CORPORATION | EIN: 23-7359384 | LUBBOCK, TX
• FARM HOUSE FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 75-1565336 | LUBBOCK, TX
• GAMMA PHI HOUSE CORPORATION OF KAPPA ALPHA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN: 75-1283953 | LUBBOCK, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 82-0644459 | LUBBOCK, TX
• TKE OP HOUSING | EIN: 47-5033161 | LUBBOCK, TX
• KAPPA SIGMA – MU GAMMA CHAPTER INC | EIN: 27-3662583 | LUFKIN, TX
• KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 45-3325054 | MANSFIELD, TX
• ALPHA DELTA | EIN: 81-2724215 | MCALLEN, TX
• GULF COAST ALUMNI ET OF OX INC | EIN: 45-2717861 | MEXIA, TX
• PI KAPPA PHI DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER BUILDING CORPORATION | EIN: 37-1768785 | MISSOURI CITY, TX
• ALPHA TAU OMEGA HOUSING CORPORATION OF ETA IOTA CHAPTER | EIN: 30-0517788 | NACOGDOCHES, TX
• CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY | EIN: 75-6041410 | NACOGDOCHES, TX
• EPSILON TAU CHAPTER OF THETA CHI FRATERNITY | EIN: 75-6053083 | NACOGDOCHES, TX
• PHI KAPPA PSI TEXAS EPSILON CHAPTER | EIN: 45-2729519 | NACOGDOCHES, TX
• PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY | EIN: 74-6064445 | NEDERLAND, TX
• TEXAS EPSILON UPSILON CHAPTER | EIN: 76-0366414 | NEEDVILLE, TX
• ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 52-1345951 | NOLANVILLE, TX
• ZETA OMICRON ALUMNI ASSOCIATION INC | EIN: 90-0949447 | PONDER, TX
• KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY | EIN: 23-7279532 | PRAIRIE VIEW, TX
• ZETA BETA CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 23-7098953 | PRAIRIE VIEW, TX
• SIGMA PHI EPSILON TEXAS ETA | EIN: 82-4398421 | RICHMOND, TX
• EPSILON PI PHI EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT HONOR SOCIETY | EIN: 47-4643399 | ROUND ROCK, TX
• 9THD BROTHERS KEEPER | EIN: 93-4008573 | ROWLETT, TX
• ZETA XI PEARLS EDUCATIONAL FUND INC | EIN: 88-3484848 | ROWLETT, TX
• ALPHA EPSILON DELTA | EIN: 52-1850764 | SAN ANTONIO, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 81-5229133 | SAN ANTONIO, TX
• PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN: 90-0927378 | SAN ANTONIO, TX
• PHI UPSILON ZETA OF LAMBDA CHI ALPHA FRATERNITY | EIN: 74-1016658 | SAN ANTONIO, TX
• UTSA SIGMA CHI | EIN: 84-2643090 | SAN ANTONIO, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 47-5381060 | SAN MARCOS, TX
• SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON – TEXAS SIGMA INCORPORATED | EIN: 88-2755427 | SAN MARCOS, TX
• TEXAS BETA PSI CHAPTER OF ALPHA DELTA KAPPA SORORITY INC | EIN: 74-6088185 | SHAVANO PARK, TX
• THE ETHEL HEDGEMON LYLE FOUNDATION OF TEXAS | EIN: 76-0592907 | SPRING, TX
• RHO DELTA CHI NATIONAL BOARD | EIN: 93-4247450 | SUGAR LAND, TX
• GAMMA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 16-1675890 | THE WOODLANDS, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 35-2335400 | TYLER, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 90-0293167 | VICTORIA, TX
• SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY | EIN: 36-4091267 | WACO, TX
• TEXAS RHO CHAPTER OF THE SIGMA PHI EPSILON FRATERNITY | EIN: 74-1942292 | WACO, TX
• ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INCORPORATED NU IOTA CHAPTER BAYLOR UNIVERSITY | EIN: 52-1346485 | WACO, TX
• BETA ALUMNAE CHAPTER OF ALPHA SIGMA KAPPA WOMEN IN TECHNICAL STUDIES | EIN: 73-1568644 | WEATHERFORD, TX
• GAMMA IOTA CHAPTER OF GAMMA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 75-1225585 | WICHITA FALLS, TX
• REDWINE HONORS PROGRAM STUDENT COUNCIL | EIN: 84-5090974 | WICHITA FALLS, TX

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