Unseen Dangers: A Minnesota Family’s Guide to Hazing and Accountability in Texas Universities
In the quiet heart of Minnesota, families often nurture dreams of their children excelling beyond our state’s borders, perhaps even venturing south to the vibrant, expansive universities of Texas. We envision bustling campuses, enriching new experiences, and the forging of lifelong friendships. Yet, for some, that dream can quickly turn into a nightmare, marred by the dangerous and often hidden practice of hazing. Imagine a cool autumn night in a Texas college town, far from the familiar lakes and forests of Minnesota. A student, perhaps one from our very own Minneapolis or St. Paul, finds themselves at an “initiation” event—a fraternity gathering, a club function, or a team bonding experience. The air is thick with anticipation and pressure. Other students are filming on their phones, chanting, and laughing—but the laughter has an edge. The student is being pressed to consume far more alcohol than they ever intended, endure degrading acts, or participate in physical challenges that feel deeply wrong and unsafe. Fear grips them—fear of disappointing the group, fear of being ostracized, fear of failing to “fit in.” Then, someone gets hurt. Maybe they fall, collapse, or become violently ill, yet the instinct to cover up, to protect the “brotherhood” or “sisterhood,” overrides the desperate need for help. Our child feels trapped, caught between loyalty and their own well-being.
This scenario, tragically, is far from fiction. It is the reality for too many students and families across Texas and nationwide, including those from our Minnesota communities who chose Texas universities for their higher education. It’s a reality we, The Manginello Law Firm / Attorney911, have witnessed and fought against.
This guide is designed specifically for families in Minnesota and those across the North Star State whose children attend, or are considering attending, universities in Texas. It is a comprehensive resource to help you understand the true nature of hazing in 2025, the legal landscape in Texas, and how incidents at major institutions like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Baylor University connect to national patterns of campus abuse. We will explore what hazing really looks like beyond the old stereotypes, delve into the intricacies of Texas and federal anti-hazing laws, and highlight key national and Texas-specific cases that underscore the immense personal and institutional cost of these dangerous practices. Most importantly, we will outline the legal options available to victims and their families in Minnesota and throughout Texas, empowering you with knowledge and a path toward accountability.
From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, and we understand that hazing at Texas universities can affect families in Minnesota who have sent their children to these schools. While this article provides crucial general information, it is not specific legal advice. Every situation is unique, and Attorney911 is here to evaluate individual cases based on their specific facts.
IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:
If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:
- Call 911 for medical emergencies
- Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
- We provide immediate help – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™
In the first 48 hours:
- 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
2. HAZING IN 2025: WHAT IT REALLY LOOKS LIKE
For Minnesota families unfamiliar with modern Greek life or other campus organizations at Texas universities, understanding hazing is crucial. It has evolved far beyond the caricatures seen in old movies. In 2025, hazing is a complex and often insidious phenomenon, ranging from subtle psychological manipulation to life-threatening physical abuse, frequently masked by a culture of secrecy and “tradition.” The phrase “it’s just a prank” or “just good fun” can no longer hide the serious harm caused.
Hazing is 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. This definition, echoing legal standards, highlights that “agreement” does not make it safe or legal, especially when peer pressure, power imbalances, and the fear of social exclusion are at play.
Main Categories of Hazing
Modern hazing can be broadly categorized into several types, often overlapping and escalating in severity:
- Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is arguably the most common and deadliest form of hazing. It involves forced or coerced drinking, often through games that encourage rapid consumption. Pledges might be required to “bottoms-up” bottles, participate in “lineups” where they drink simultaneously, or consume excessive amounts of hard liquor in quick succession. Sometimes, pledges are pressured to consume unknown substances or mix drinks to dangerous levels. The goal is often to incapacitate and humiliate, but the tragic reality is often alcohol poisoning, brain injury, or even death.
- Physical Hazing: This category encompasses any acts that inflict physical pain or discomfort. It can range from beatings and paddling (though less common in panhellenic sororities, still present in some fraternities and NPHC organizations despite national bans) to extreme calisthenics or “workouts” designed to push pledges beyond their physical limits, leading to exhaustion, injury, or rhabdomyolysis. Sleep, food, or water deprivation are also forms of physical hazing, leaving students disoriented and vulnerable. Exposure to extreme weather conditions, such as being left outdoors in freezing temperatures or sweltering heat, can also fall into this dangerous category.
- Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This deeply disturbing form of hazing involves acts designed to degrade and strip individuals of their dignity. It can include forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (“elephant walks,” “roasted pig” poses), or other perverse and demeaning performances. Such acts often have racial, homophobic, or sexist undertones, targeting vulnerable individuals and causing profound psychological trauma.
- Psychological Hazing: Often overlooked but equally damaging, psychological hazing manipulates and abuses minds. This includes constant verbal abuse, yelling, threats, and intimidation. Pledges might be subjected to social isolation, emotional manipulation, or forced confessions of personal details. Public shaming, whether in person during “interrogation” sessions or online, leaves lasting scars and fosters a pervasive sense of anxiety and fear.
- Digital/Online Hazing: With the rise of technology, hazing has found new platforms. Group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord) are used for incessant demands, threats, and dares, often requiring responses at all hours and leading to severe sleep deprivation. Social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok become arenas for forced humiliation, with pledges compelled to create or share embarrassing images, videos, or posts. This digital constant surveillance can be relentless, blurring the lines between online and offline abuse.
Where Hazing Actually Happens
It’s a common misconception that hazing is limited to a few rogue fraternities. In reality, hazing permeates various campus organizations, often masked by notions of “tradition” or “team building,” including those where Minnesota families send their children in Texas:
- Fraternities and Sororities: This includes Interfraternity Council (IFC) fraternities, Panhellenic Council sororities, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) historically Black Greek letter organizations, and multicultural Greek groups. Despite national anti-hazing policies, practices persist across all these councils.
- Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: At institutions like Texas A&M, the esteemed Corps of Cadets, while a source of pride, has faced hazing allegations concerning its demanding “freshman orientation” or other traditions that stray into abusive territory.
- Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs, and Student Groups: Organizations like university spirit groups (e.g., Texas Cowboys at UT Austin) or even seemingly innocuous interest clubs can harbor hazing.
- Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to swimming, baseball, cheer, and club sports, hazing has been documented across various athletic programs nationwide and in Texas, highlighting issues of power, group initiation, and forced displays of loyalty.
- Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even organizations dedicated to artistic expression, such as marching bands and university theater groups, have faced hazing investigations, demonstrating that these dangerous practices know no boundaries.
The core drivers behind hazing—social status, deep-seated tradition, and an intense culture of secrecy—are what allow these destructive practices to thrive, often out of sight and hidden in plain view, despite university regulations and legal prohibitions. These powerful underlying dynamics make confronting and eliminating hazing incredibly challenging, requiring vigilance from parents, students, and legal advocates alike.
3. LAW & LIABILITY FRAMEWORK (TEXAS + FEDERAL)
For Minnesota families navigating the complexities of a hazing incident in Texas, understanding the legal framework is essential. Texas has specific laws to address hazing, but federal regulations also play a crucial role. Knowing these laws helps clarify who can be held accountable and what legal avenues are available.
Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)
Under Texas law—which governs cases throughout the state, including for Minnesota families—hazing is explicitly prohibited. The Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F, defines and criminalizes hazing, whether it occurs on or off university property.
Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:
- Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
- Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.
This definition captures a broad range of behaviors. Crucially, the legality of an act isn’t determined by whether the victim “agreed” to it. Most importantly, Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if the victim said “yes” or “I want to do this,” it’s still a crime if it meets the hazing definition. This is because courts recognize that “consent” given under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.
Criminal Penalties: Hazing in Texas can lead to criminal charges with severe consequences:
- A default hazing offense is a Class B Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
- If hazing results in injury that requires medical attention, it can be elevated to a Class A Misdemeanor.
- If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a State Jail Felony, carrying a potential prison sentence.
- Additionally, individuals (including officers and members) who know about hazing and fail to report it can face misdemeanor charges.
Organizational Liability: Beyond individuals, under § 37.153, organizations themselves can be held criminally responsible for hazing if they:
- Authorized or encouraged the hazing activities.
- Had an officer or member acting in an official capacity who knew about the hazing and failed to report it.
- Penalties for organizations can include fines up to $10,000 per violation, and universities can revoke official recognition, effectively banning the group from campus.
Reporter Protections: Texas law also offers significant protections for those who come forward. § 37.154 grants immunity from civil or criminal liability for individuals who report hazing incidents in good faith to university authorities or law enforcement. This encourages bystanders and victims to report without fear of repercussions.
Criminal vs. Civil Cases
It’s important to distinguish between criminal and civil legal actions, both of which can arise from hazing. Often, these cases can proceed in parallel.
- Criminal Cases: These are initiated and pursued by the state (through a prosecutor) against individuals or organizations accused of violating hazing laws. The primary goal of a criminal case is to punish the offender for illegal conduct, potentially through jail time, fines, or probation. Common hazing-related criminal charges include hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, and in tragic fatal cases, manslaughter or negligent homicide.
- Civil Cases: These are brought by victims or their surviving family members (as plaintiffs) against the alleged perpetrators and responsible institutions. The main objective of a civil lawsuit is to seek monetary compensation for the harm suffered (damages) and to hold negligent parties accountable. Civil claims often focus on negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring or supervision, premises liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
A critical point is that a criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for pursuing a civil case. The standards of proof differ, and a civil action can succeed even if no criminal charges are filed or if a criminal case results in acquittal.
Federal Overlay: Stop Campus Hazing Act, Title IX, Clery
Beyond state law, federal regulations contribute to the legal landscape of hazing, especially for Minnesota families whose children might attend Texas universities receiving federal funding.
- Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal legislation mandates that U.S. colleges and universities participating in federal student aid programs increase transparency regarding hazing incidents. By 2026, institutions will be required to publicly report hazing violations and disciplinary actions. This act also emphasizes stronger hazing prevention education and consistent data reporting, aiming to create a clearer picture of the problem and encourage proactive measures.
- Title IX: This federal civil rights law prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or creates a sexually hostile environment, Title IX obligations are triggered. Universities have a duty to investigate and respond promptly and effectively to such allegations, regardless of whether they occur on or off campus.
- Clery Act: The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. Hazing incidents, particularly those involving assault, sexual misconduct, or alcohol/drug offenses, often fall under the reporting requirements of the Clery Act, contributing to broader campus safety statistics.
Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit
Determining liability in a civil hazing lawsuit is complex, and experienced attorneys investigate all potential responsible parties to ensure comprehensive accountability:
- Individual Students: These are the members or pledges who actively participate in, plan, or cover up hazing activities. This includes those who directly inflict harm, supply alcohol to minors, or fail to intervene.
- Local Chapter/Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself can be sued if it operates as a legal entity and its policies, actions (or inactions), or environment contributed to the hazing. Officers or “pledge educators” acting in an official capacity are often key defendants.
- National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters can be held liable if it negligently supervised its local chapter, failed to enforce its anti-hazing policies, or had prior knowledge of hazing patterns within its organization but did not take sufficient action to prevent recurrence. This is a critical area of focus for hazing litigators, as national organizations often have significant resources.
- University or Governing Board: Universities can be held liable for negligence, particularly if they had prior knowledge of a hazing problem, failed to adequately investigate complaints, or were deliberately indifferent to known risks. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin) often invoke sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, certain civil rights violations (e.g., Title IX), or when individual employees are sued. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) generally have less immunity protection.
- Third Parties: This can include property owners who negligently allow dangerous hazing to occur on their premises, or establishments and individuals who illegally furnish alcohol to minors or already intoxicated individuals (under dram shop laws).
Every hazing case is fact-specific; not every party is liable in every situation. Identifying all potential defendants requires a thorough investigation, often utilizing discovery processes to uncover internal documents and communications that shed light on responsibility.
4. NATIONAL HAZING CASE PATTERNS (ANCHOR STORIES)
For Minnesota families considering the landscape of Texas universities, understanding the national patterns of hazing is crucial. These anchor stories, while happening across the U.S., illustrate the severe risks involved, the tactics used, and the legal precedents that shape hazing litigation, including cases we pursue at Attorney911. They underscore why comprehensive anti-hazing laws and vigilant enforcement are vital, particularly for cases in states like Texas.
These major incidents reveal common threads: pervasive forced drinking, brutal physical and psychological abuse, dangerous ritualized behaviors, and often, a tragic delay in seeking medical help. Each case highlights the devastating impact on victims and families, and the significant financial and legal consequences for individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and universities.
Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern
The most common and deadly form of hazing involves the forced or coerced consumption of alcohol. These cases demonstrate a recurring, tragic script:
- Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): In one of the most widely publicized cases, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza died after a “bid acceptance” event where he was forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol. Fraternity security cameras captured him falling repeatedly, suffering severe brain injuries. Fraternity brothers delayed calling 911 for nearly 12 hours, fearing repercussions. This gross negligence led to dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, intense civil litigation, and the passing of Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. The takeaway: extreme intoxication, delay in calling 911, and a culture of silence directly contribute to fatalities and severe legal consequences.
- Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old FSU pledge, also died from alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and forced to consume them rapidly. His death led to multiple criminal prosecutions for hazing and a temporary suspension of all Greek life at FSU, triggering widespread policy overhauls. This case demonstrates how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a repeating script for disaster.
- Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, 18, died after a “Bible study” drinking game where “incorrect” answers to questions resulted in forced drinking. His blood alcohol content was dangerously high at 0.495%. Gruver’s death led to criminal charges and the passing of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, a felony hazing law. The case highlights how legislative change often follows public outrage fueled by clear proof of hazing.
- Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): During a “Big/Little” pledge night, Stone Foltz, 20, was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol and died from alcohol poisoning. Multiple fraternity members were criminally convicted, and his family later reached a $10 million settlement (including $7 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national and nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University). This case starkly illustrates that universities can face significant financial and reputational consequences, alongside national fraternities and individuals.
Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern
Beyond alcohol, hazing often involves physically dangerous and psychologically tormenting rituals:
- Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, 19, died after a brutal “glass ceiling” ritual at an off-campus retreat in Pennsylvania. Blindfolded and weighted with a backpack, he was repeatedly tackled. Fraternity members delayed calling for help for over an hour. This tragic incident led to criminal convictions against multiple members, and, significantly, the national fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This case established a crucial precedent for organizational criminal liability and showed that off-campus “retreats” are frequently venues for severe hazing.
Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse
Hazing is not confined to Greek life; it is a pervasive issue in various student organizations, including high-profile athletic programs:
- Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): A major scandal erupted when former football players alleged widespread sexualized, racist, and dehumanizing hazing within the program over multiple years. The allegations included forced sexual acts, racial slurs, and physical abuse. This led to the firing of Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald and multiple lawsuits against the university and coaching staff. The incident brought national attention to how hazing can thrive even in elite athletic environments, raising serious questions about institutional oversight.
What These National Cases Mean for Families in Minnesota
These anchor cases, while geographically diverse, reveal critical common threads and establish legal precedents that are directly relevant to Minnesota families whose children are attending Texas universities:
- Repeating Scripts of Danger: Forced drinking, humiliation, violence, and a desperate code of silence are recurring themes. These are not isolated incidents but patterns of behavior.
- Accountability Through Litigation: Multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts, and even criminal convictions, often only follow immense tragedy and relentless legal pursuit. This reinforces the importance of legal action for both compensation and genuine reform.
- Stronger Laws, Broader Liability: These incidents have directly led to tougher anti-hazing laws and a clearer understanding that individual students, local chapters, national organizations, and universities can all be held accountable.
- Prior Warnings and Foreseeability: When a specific hazing method (like a forced drinking game) or a national organization’s chapter has a history of incidents, it strengthens arguments for “foreseeability” – meaning the national organization or university knew or should have known the risks. This is a powerful tool in civil litigation.
For Minnesota families facing hazing at Texas universities like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, these national lessons provide the foundation for understanding your rights and the potential for accountability.
5. TEXAS FOCUS: UH, TEXAS A&M, UT, SMU, BAYLOR
For families in Minnesota, especially those considering Texas universities, understanding the specific hazing environments at these major institutions is paramount. Each university has its own culture, policies, and history of handling hazing incidents. This section details what families in Minnesota and across Texas need to know about these particular campuses. Even if your child attends a school far from Minnesota, Texas hazing law and experienced Texas counsel can help.
5.1 University of Houston (UH)
Families from Minnesota and across the country are drawn to UH for its diverse offerings and vibrant city life. Knowing the university’s stance and history regarding hazing is crucial for these prospective students and their families.
5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot
The University of Houston is a sprawling, dynamic urban campus in the heart of Houston, serving a large and diverse student body. It combines a significant residential population with a substantial commuter student base. Greek life is active and influential, with a wide array of fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural organizations), each contributing to the campus’s social fabric. Beyond Greek life, UH boasts a rich tapestry of student organizations, including cultural associations, academic clubs, and competitive sports teams, all of which contribute to the campus experience. This large and varied student body means that while opportunity abounds, so too does the potential for hazing across various groups.
5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels
The University of Houston maintains a clear and restrictive hazing policy, consistently updated in recent academic years. It explicitly prohibits hazing whether it occurs on-campus or off-campus. The policy broadly defines hazing to include any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of affiliation or membership that “endangers the mental or physical health or safety” of a student. Prohibited acts specifically include forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and actions causing mental distress.
UH provides multiple reporting channels, including the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). The university also posts its hazing policy and some disciplinary actions on its website, providing a degree of transparency necessary for students and parents.
5.1.3 Example Incident & Response
The year 2025 marked a pivotal moment for hazing awareness at UH due to Attorney911’s active litigation in the case of Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston / Pi Kappa Phi. On November 3, 2025, Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student pledging Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter, was allegedly subjected to a brutal hazing ritual near Yellowstone Boulevard Park in Houston. Despite being unable to stand due to extreme physical exertion (including 100+ push-ups and 500 squats), Bermudez claimed he was forced to consume milk and peppercorns until he vomited. His urine turned brown, a critical symptom of rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring a four-day hospitalization. Allegations from the lawsuit also described forced physical torture at the Pi Kappa Phi chapter house and at a Culmore Drive residence, including being sprayed with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” exposed to cold weather in underwear, and made to lie in vomit-soaked grass.
This incident immediately galvanized Attorney911, representing Bermudez against the University of Houston, the UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The $10 million lawsuit, filed in Harris County, highlights severe violations of UH’s hazing policies and the national fraternity’s risk management rules. Just days after the incident, on November 6, Pi Kappa Phi national suspended its Beta Nu chapter, which subsequently surrendered its charter on November 14. UH publicly condemned the conduct as “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary measures, including potential expulsion. This ongoing case makes clear that while UH has policies against hazing, enforcement and vigilance remain critical, and that accountability can be sought through robust legal action in Harris County courts.
5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed
For Minnesota families, a hazing incident at UH would typically involve actions in Harris County, where Houston is located. The University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) or the Houston Police Department could become involved depending on where the incident occurred. Civil suits would be filed in Harris County civil courts. Potential defendants in such cases could include the individual students involved (including chapter leaders and new member educators), the local chapter of the fraternity or sorority, the national organization, the University of Houston, and potentially property owners where the hazing took place. Attorney911’s current $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and UH in Harris County demonstrates the legal avenues available.
5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do
For students at the University of Houston and their parents from Minnesota or elsewhere, here are concrete steps:
- Familiarize yourself with UH’s policies: Review the official UH anti-hazing policy available on the university’s Division of Student Affairs website.
- Utilize UH reporting channels: If you suspect or experience hazing, report it to the Dean of Students, the Office of Student Conduct, or UHPD. Anonymous reporting options may also be available.
- Document everything related to UH: If there are past incidents involving a specific organization your child is considering, search the UH website or news archives. Keep records of communication with UH officials.
- Seek legal advice for Houston-based incidents: For any hazing incident in Harris County, contact a lawyer experienced in Houston-specific hazing cases. Attorney911, with our ongoing litigation against Pi Kappa Phi and UH, is well-versed in the unique dynamics of hazing at this institution.
- Preserve evidence immediately: As dramatically underscored by the Bermudez case, digital and physical evidence can disappear quickly. Screenshot messages, photograph injuries, and save any relevant items.
5.2 Texas A&M University
Many families from Minnesota find themselves drawn to the traditions and academic rigor of Texas A&M. However, it’s vital to recognize that even institutions steeped in tradition can harbor hazing. Families here in Minnesota often send their children to Texas A&M University in College Station, approximately 90 miles northwest of Houston.
5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot
Texas A&M University, located in College Station, is known for its deep-rooted traditions, strong sense of community, and highly visible Corps of Cadets. It boasts one of the largest student bodies in the nation and a Greek life system that, while significant, shares the campus’s spotlight with other powerful student organizations like the Corps. The culture at A&M often emphasizes loyalty, tradition, and physical endurance, elements that can, unfortunately, be twisted into hazing rituals if not properly supervised and controlled. Its distance from Houston gives it a distinct atmosphere but does not exempt it from the challenges of hazing.
5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels
Texas A&M’s Anti-Hazing Policy strictly prohibits hazing by any university student, student organization, or Corps of Cadets unit. Their policy aligns with Texas state law, defining hazing as any act that “endangers the mental or physical health or safety” for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. A&M explicitly states that consent is not a defense.
Reporting channels include the Division of Student Affairs, the Corps of Cadets leadership (for Corps-related incidents), the Texas A&M University Police Department (TAMUPD), and confidential online reporting forms. The university is obligated to investigate all reports and take appropriate disciplinary action.
5.2.3 Example Incidents & Responses
Texas A&M has faced multiple hazing allegations across its diverse student body:
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (around 2021): Attorney911 is aware of allegations that pledges in the Texas A&M chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon were subjected to brutal physical hazing, including being doused with industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit. This allegedly caused severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts. The fraternity was suspended for two years, and lawsuits were filed against the chapter, highlighting the extreme dangers of physical and chemical hazing.
- Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A significant lawsuit emerged from the Corps of Cadets alleging degrading hazing rituals, including forced simulated sexual acts and being tied up in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in the mouth. The cadet sought over $1 million, drawing attention to how long-standing traditions within the Corps can devolve into abusive hazing. A&M stated it handled the matter internally according to its rules.
- Aggie Bonfire Collapse (1999): While not traditional hazing, the collapse of Texas A&M’s long-standing Bonfire tradition, which killed 12 students and injured 27, raised critical questions about institutional oversight of student-led, high-risk activities. Multiple lawsuits ensued, leading to over $6 million in settlements and the official cessation of the Bonfire tradition on campus. This incident, while distinct from hazing, is a stark reminder of the university’s responsibility for student welfare during traditional events.
These incidents underscore that hazing can occur in any prominent student organization at A&M, from Greek chapters to the revered Corps.
5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed
For a Minnesota family involved in a hazing incident at Texas A&M, the case would likely proceed through Brazos County courts. Investigations might involve the Texas A&M University Police Department (TAMUPD) and, depending on the severity and location, potentially the District Attorney’s office in Brazos County. Civil suits would operate in Brazos County or federal courts, targeting responsible individuals, the local chapter, the national organization, and Texas A&M University (potentially navigating sovereign immunity defenses). Given the university’s size and resources, a hazing case here often requires legal counsel with substantial experience in complex litigation against institutional defendants.
5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do
- Understand A&M’s unique culture: Be aware of the strong emphasis on tradition within both Greek life and the Corps of Cadets. Question any “tradition” that seems to endanger or degrade.
- Review A&M’s Anti-Hazing Policy: It’s readily available on the university’s website. Be particularly vigilant if your child joins the Corps.
- Seek immediate medical attention for injuries: Families should trust their instincts and ensure their child receives immediate medical evaluation for any injuries, no matter how minor.
- Preserve evidence rigorously: Document all communiques, physical injuries, or any concerning items. Given the strength of A&M’s traditions, hazers often cover their tracks well, so rapid evidence collection is critical.
- Contact hazing attorneys with experience in Brazos County: For incidents at Texas A&M, attorneys familiar with the Brazos County legal system and with experience litigating against large state universities are invaluable. Attorney911 possesses the expertise to navigate such cases effectively.
5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)
The University of Texas at Austin, a flagship institution, annually welcomes students from across the country, including many talented individuals from Minnesota. Yet, even at such a prestigious university, hazing remains a persistent challenge that demands vigilance from students and parents alike.
5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot
The University of Texas at Austin is a massive, diverse, and academically rigorous public university. Located in the state capital, it boasts a vibrant and influential Greek life scene, with dozens of fraternities and sororities, as well as numerous highly competitive spirit groups (e.g., Texas Cowboys, Silver Spurs), academic societies, and athletic clubs. The campus culture is heavily influenced by loyalty to “the Longhorns” and a long history of traditions, some of which—if unchecked—can unfortunately foster environments where hazing is normalized.
5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels
UT Austin maintains one of the most proactive and transparent anti-hazing stances among Texas universities. Its policy rigorously prohibits hazing both on and off campus, clearly stating that “consent is not a defense.” The university’s hazing policy aligns with state law, focusing on acts that endanger mental or physical health for membership-related purposes.
Crucially, UT Austin publishes a comprehensive and publicly accessible Hazing Violations page on its website. This online log details organizations found responsible for hazing, the date of the violation, the nature of the conduct, and the disciplinary sanctions imposed. This transparency is a valuable resource for prospective students and parents, enabling them to make informed decisions and providing critical “pattern evidence” for legal cases. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students office, Student Conduct, the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD), and anonymous online forms.
5.3.3 Example Incidents & Responses
UT Austin’s public hazing log reveals a recurring pattern of violations across various student organizations:
- Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): The public hazing log details an incident where new members were directed to consume milk and forced to perform strenuous calisthenics, which the university determined constituted hazing. The chapter was placed on probation and required to implement new hazing-prevention education. This demonstrates a specific instance where food/drink consumption combined with physical exertion led to official sanction.
- Delta Tau Delta (2022): Cited for violating the university’s hazing policy through alcohol-related misconduct during an “initiation” period.
- Silver Spurs (2021): The spirit group was sanctioned for serious violations including physical abuse, forced sleep deprivation, and the unauthorized use of substances.
- Texas Cowboys (Historically): While a storied spirit group, the Texas Cowboys have faced multiple hazing investigations and sanctions over the years, including incidents involving alcohol, physical abuse, and sleep deprivation that contributed to a tragic truck accident in 2018. UT’s public log serves as a testament to the persistent nature of hazing despite repeated interventions.
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (January 2024): An Australian exchange student alleged assault by members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity at a party, suffering serious injuries including a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and a broken nose. This prompted a lawsuit seeking over $1 million, revealing that the chapter was already under suspension for prior hazing and safety violations.
The extensive public record at UT Austin provides concrete evidence of repeated hazing patterns, which can be invaluable in establishing institutional knowledge and foreseeability in civil litigation.
5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed
For Minnesota families facing a hazing incident at UT Austin, the legal process would typically unfold in Travis County, where the university is located. Investigations would likely involve the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) and potentially the Austin Police Department, particularly for incidents occurring off-campus but within the city of Austin. Civil lawsuits would be filed in Travis County civil courts, against responsible individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and the University of Texas System. The existence of UT’s public hazing log provides significant documentation of an organization’s history, strengthening arguments for prior knowledge and negligence against the university when patterns of hazing persist despite prior sanctions. Cases can be especially complex given a state university’s claims of sovereign immunity, requiring experienced counsel to navigate.
5.3.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do
- Consult UT’s Public Hazing Log: Review UT’s Hazing Violations page (hazing.utexas.edu) before joining any organization. This is a powerful tool for informed decision-making.
- Report all incidents: Use UT’s reporting mechanisms (Dean of Students, UTPD, or anonymous online forms), as documented reports contribute to the public record and trigger investigation.
- Document EVERYTHING meticulously: Given UT’s commitment to documentation, students and parents should emulate this by collecting all possible evidence immediately—screenshots, photos, witness contacts, and medical records.
- Seek legal counsel immediately: For families in Minnesota or elsewhere, having a lawyer experienced in litigation against educational institutions is critical. Attorney911 can leverage UT’s own public records and internal investigation pathways to strengthen your case and pursue full accountability.
- Prioritize well-being: Ensure prompt medical attention for any injuries and psychological support for emotional trauma. A focus on mental health is as important as physical health.
5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)
For Minnesota families, SMU often represents a prestigious private university experience. However, the private nature of the institution does not exempt it from the challenges of hazing, which can be harder to transparently track without public logs.
5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot
Southern Methodist University, located in Dallas, Texas, is a highly regarded private university known for its beautiful campus, rigorous academics, and vibrant social scene. Greek life is particularly prominent and central to the social experience, with a heavy emphasis on tradition and alumni connections. The private university setting often means a distinct approach to campus governance and external transparency compared to public institutions, though it is still subject to Texas hazing law.
5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels
SMU maintains a strict anti-hazing policy that prohibits all forms of hazing by any student organization, including fraternities, sororities, athletic teams, and other campus groups. The policy defines hazing in line with Texas law, covering acts that endanger mental or physical health or safety for affiliation purposes, and explicitly states that consent is not a defense.
Reporting channels at SMU include the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, the Dean of Students office, and the SMU Police Department. SMU also operates an online reporting system and encourages anonymous tips through various mechanisms, including their “Real Response” system, aimed at fostering candid reporting. While SMU publishes a list of sanctioned student organizations, it lacks the detailed hazing violation log seen at UT Austin, making a comprehensive historical review of incidents more challenging for the public.
5.4.3 Example Incidents & Responses
SMU has taken disciplinary action against various organizations for hazing violations over the years:
- Kappa Alpha Order (2017): This fraternity faced charges of hazing involving allegations of new members being paddled, pressured to consume alcohol, and deprived of sleep. Following an investigation, the chapter was suspended, and restrictions were placed on its ability to recruit and operate until around 2021. This incident gained significant attention due to SMU’s generally high profile.
- Other fraternities and sororities: From time to time, SMU has suspended or placed other Greek organizations on probation for violations of its hazing and alcohol policies, indicating an ongoing challenge to curb these behaviors within the prominent Greek system.
The key takeaway from SMU incidents is that, despite being a private institution, it is not immune to hazing. The private nature does affect the public’s access to detailed incident reports, underscoring the importance of robust internal investigations and legal discovery in relevant cases.
5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed
For a Minnesota family pursuing a hazing claim at SMU, the case would be heard in Dallas County civil courts. Investigations would likely involve the SMU Police Department and potentially the Dallas Police Department for off-campus incidents. Unlike public universities, private institutions like SMU do not typically benefit from sovereign immunity, making negligence claims potentially more direct. Defendants could include individual students, the local chapter, the national organization, and SMU itself. Given SMU’s private status and significant endowment, hazing lawsuits here often require legal teams experienced in navigating the complexities of private educational institutions.
5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do
- Scrutinize SMU’s disciplinary records: While not as detailed as UT Austin’s, review SMU’s published list of sanctioned student organizations for patterns of misconduct.
- Understand SMU’s reporting mechanisms: Utilize the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities or SMU Police if hazing is suspected. Be aware of private university processes.
- Document everything thoroughly: Due to less public transparency, meticulous personal documentation (photos, texts, witness accounts, medical records) becomes even more critical for parents and students.
- Consult an attorney with Dallas County experience: For hazing incidents at SMU, connecting with a lawyer familiar with Dallas County courts and experienced in litigating against private universities is crucial. Attorney911 is prepared to help families navigate these challenges.
- Prioritize safety over secrecy: Despite the pressure to keep silent, the physical and mental well-being of the student must always be the top priority.
5.5 Baylor University
Minnesota families often value Baylor’s strong academic reputation and Christian mission. While this mission aims to foster an ethical environment, the university has encountered its share of challenges, including hazing, that require close attention.
5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot
Baylor University, located in Waco, Texas, is the oldest continuously operating university in Texas. As a private Baptist university, it emphasizes a holistic educational experience grounded in Christian values. Baylor’s campus culture is rich with traditions, and its Greek life system, while significant, operates within a framework that aligns with the university’s faith-based mission. Known also for its highly competitive athletic programs, Baylor has faced national scrutiny over past issues of institutional oversight, particularly concerning its football program and Title IX compliance. This history informs how hazing issues are perceived and managed.
5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels
Baylor University strictly prohibits hazing, adhering to Texas state law. Its policy defines hazing broadly, covering any act that endangers mental or physical health for membership-related purposes, and unequivocally states that student consent does not excuse hazing. Baylor’s Christian mission often frames its policies around community, respect, and personal integrity, which should, in theory, create a zero-tolerance environment for hazing.
Reporting channels include the Dean of Students office, the Baylor Police Department (BUPD), and an anonymous reporting system (often part of Baylor’s “Engaged Learning” or integrity reporting). The university is committed to investigating all reports and taking prompt disciplinary action.
5.5.3 Example Incidents & Responses
Baylor’s history includes disciplinary actions related to hazing allegations:
- Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): A significant incident involved the Baylor baseball team, where a hazing investigation led to the suspension of 14 players. The suspensions were staggered to minimize programmatic impact but highlighted that hazing extends to major athletic teams even within a faith-based institution. Such incidents often bring into focus the tension between a university’s stated values and its practical enforcement.
- Fraternity and Sorority Violations: Like other universities, Baylor has periodically suspended or placed Greek organizations on probation for violations of hazing, alcohol, and conduct policies. These cases typically involve forced consumption of alcohol, degrading rituals, or activities that compromise student safety and dignity.
These incidents, particularly the baseball team hazing, demonstrate that despite Baylor’s honor code and Christian mission, hazing practices can take root in its most prominent student organizations.
5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed
For a Minnesota family pursuing a hazing claim at Baylor, the case would typically be filed in McLennan County civil courts, as Waco is the county seat. The Baylor University Police Department (BUPD) would likely be involved in investigations, with potential involvement from the Waco Police Department. As a private university, Baylor does not benefit from sovereign immunity, which can simplify the legal path compared to state universities. Potential defendants include individual students, the local chapter, the national organization, and Baylor University itself. Given Baylor’s institutional resources and strong legal representation, hazing lawsuits often require an experienced legal team capable of managing complex litigation against well-defended private institutions.
5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do
- Understand Baylor’s specific context: Recognize that Baylor’s Christian mission, while laudable, does not eradicate the potential for hazing, especially in competitive athletic or social groups.
- Utilize Baylor’s reporting systems: Report any suspected hazing to the Dean of Students office or BUPD. Utilize anonymous reporting options if fear of retaliation is a concern.
- Collect and preserve all evidence: Eyewitness accounts, digital communications (photos, videos, texts), and particularly medical records are vital for students and families.
- Consult hazing attorneys with McLennan County experience: An attorney familiar with McLennan County and adept at litigating against private universities like Baylor can provide invaluable guidance. Attorney911 has the expertise needed for such cases.
- Focus on the student’s well-being: Ensure that any physical or psychological harm is addressed promptly by medical and mental health professionals.
6. FRATERNITIES & SORORITIES: CAMPUS-SPECIFIC + NATIONAL HISTORIES
For Minnesota families navigating the complexities of hazing in Texas, understanding the history of national fraternities and sororities, and their ties to local chapters at universities like UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor, is paramount. Many of these national organizations have deep roots in American higher education and, unfortunately, recurring patterns of hazing incidents.
Why National Histories Matter
When a Texas chapter of a Greek letter organization, Corps unit, or other student group is involved in a hazing incident, it’s not just a local problem. Most fraternities and sororities with chapters at universities such as the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor are part of vast national organizations. These national headquarters often employ dedicated staff, maintain extensive risk management policies, and possess substantial financial resources, including insurance policies.
These large organizations develop comprehensive anti-hazing manuals and conduct prevention training specifically because they have faced numerous incidents, including tragic deaths and catastrophic injuries, at their chapters nationwide. They are acutely aware of the dangerous patterns: forced drinking nights (like the “Big/Little” events), physical beatings, humiliating rituals, and the pervasive code of silence that protects perpetrators.
From a legal standpoint, this history is critical. When a Texas chapter repeats the same dangerous script—a drinking game, a physically demanding “hell week,” or a degrading ritual—that has caused injury or death at another chapter in a different state, it can powerfully demonstrate foreseeability. This history shows that the national organization had prior knowledge of the risk associated with these specific practices within its own system. Such evidence strengthens arguments for negligence against national entities, their role in failing to prevent such incidents, and can support claims for gross negligence or punitive damages by proving a pattern of ignoring known dangers.
Organization Mapping: Connecting Local Chapters to National Patterns
While we cannot list every single chapter at every Texas university, here is an overview of some prominent national Greek organizations present on these campuses, and how their national histories reflect a pattern of hazing:
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): Present at major Texas universities including UH, UT Austin, and Texas A&M. Nationally, SAE has a particularly troubling history, having faced multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injuries across the country. In 2014, in response to a string of fatalities, SAE national famously announced it would cease its traditional pledging process, a move that proved difficult to fully implement. Despite this, lawsuits continue, including one filed in 2023 at the University of Alabama following a pledge’s traumatic brain injury and other cases involving severe chemical burns at Texas A&M and assault allegations at the UT Austin chapter in 2024. These repeated incidents highlight national SAE’s deep foreseeability of harm.
- Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): Found at institutions like UT Austin and Texas A&M. Pike chapters have been involved in several high-profile hazing deaths, most notably Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University in 2021. Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume a bottle of liquor during a “Big/Little” event. This tragedy resulted in criminal convictions and a $10 million settlement involving the national fraternity and the university. Earlier, David Bogenberger died from alcohol poisoning at Northern Illinois University after a Pike event in 2012, leading to a $14 million settlement. These cases demonstrate a recurring pattern of alcohol hazing within the organization.
- Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): With chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, and Baylor, Phi Delta Theta has also struggled with hazing. The death of Maxwell “Max” Gruver at Louisiana State University in 2017 following a “Bible study” drinking game led to criminal prosecutions and the passing of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana. Similar incidents at other chapters underscore a national pattern of dangerous alcohol hazing.
- Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Present at the University of Houston, UT Austin, and other Texas schools. Pi Kappa Phi national has been tied to tragic hazing deaths, including Andrew Coffey at Florida State University in 2017 from alcohol poisoning. In late 2025, Attorney911 filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi (Beta Nu chapter) and the University of Houston on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, alleging severe physical torture, “waterboarding,” and forced consumption leading to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. This Houston-specific case highlights how national patterns manifest at local Texas chapters.
- Kappa Alpha Order (KA): With a strong presence at many Texas universities, including Texas A&M and SMU, the Kappa Alpha Order has a history of hazing allegations. The SMU chapter was suspended in 2017 for hazing involving paddling and forced alcohol consumption. Nationally, they have faced numerous investigations and sanctions, demonstrating a pattern of physical and alcohol-related hazing.
- Alpha Phi Alpha (ΑΦΑ): As a historically Black Greek letter fraternity with chapters across Texas universities, Alpha Phi Alpha, like other NPHC organizations, has an official stance against hazing. However, national incidents, such as the death of Joel Harris at Morehouse College in 1989 following suspected physical hazing, and other allegations of physical abuse and sleep deprivation at various campuses, underscore the ongoing battle against these practices even within organizations dedicated to uplift and scholarship.
Tie Back to Legal Strategy
For Minnesota families whose children have been injured by hazing in Texas, these national patterns are not just historical footnotes; they are crucial components of a legal strategy:
- Establishing Foreseeability: When hazing occurs at a Texas chapter, an experienced attorney can often demonstrate that the national organization had explicit knowledge of similar dangerous conduct happening at other chapters. This undermines their defense that the incident was “unforeseeable” or occurred due to “rogue individuals.”
- Strengthening Negligence Claims: This pattern evidence supports arguments that national organizations acted negligently by failing to adequately supervise, intervene, or enforce their anti-hazing policies, despite clear warning signs.
- Impact on Settlement and Insurance Disputes: A history of hazing can significantly influence settlement negotiations and disputes with insurance carriers who might initially deny coverage for “intentional acts.” Proving negligent oversight by the national organization can compel insurers to cover claims.
- Potential for Punitive Damages: In egregious cases, where national organizations repeatedly ignore dangerous patterns or warnings, courts and juries may be more inclined to award punitive damages. These damages aim not only to compensate the victim but also to punish the defendants and deter future misconduct.
By meticulously researching the national and local histories of these organizations, Attorney911 builds comprehensive cases designed to achieve maximum accountability for our clients from Minnesota and across Texas.
7. BUILDING A CASE: EVIDENCE, DAMAGES, STRATEGY
For Minnesota families whose child has been impacted by hazing at a Texas university, pursuing legal action can feel overwhelming. However, a meticulously constructed case, built on solid evidence and a clear understanding of potential damages, is key to achieving accountability and fair compensation. Attorney911 specializes in navigating these complex legal waters.
The Power of Evidence in Hazing Cases
Modern hazing cases are increasingly won or lost based on the quality and volume of evidence, much of which is digital. The rapid collection and preservation of this evidence is paramount.
- Digital Communications: In 2025, group messaging apps are often the “smoking gun” in hazing cases. Platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, and fraternity-specific apps are where hazing is often planned, documented, and enforced. These communications reveal:
- Planning and Intent: Messages detailing upcoming hazing events, instructions, and discussions among older members.
- Coercion and Control: Constant demands, threats, derogatory language, and punishments for non-compliance.
- Knowledge and Cover-Up: Messages instructing pledges or members to lie, delete evidence, or maintain a code of silence.
- “Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs): Attorney911’s video highlights how to properly screenshot, save, and document these crucial digital trails. This includes capturing full threads with timestamps, sender identities, and context, backing up to cloud storage, and understanding that deleted messages can often be recovered by digital forensics experts.
- Photos & Videos: Visual evidence is incredibly powerful. This includes:
- Content filmed by hazers: Often, members themselves capture hazing on video—for “memories,” for social media, or to send to other members. These can show humiliations, forced alcohol consumption, or physical abuse.
- Personal documentation: If safe, the victim or a witness might secretly capture photos or videos of the hazing in progress, injuries sustained, or the conditions of hazing environments.
- Security Footage: Surveillance from campus cameras, private residences (Ring doorbells, etc.), or commercial venues (bars, event spaces) can corroborate events, identify participants, and establish timelines.
- Injury Documentation: Immediate and sequential photos of all physical injuries are vital, showing progression of bruises, burns, or other trauma. Using a ruler or coin for scale is recommended.
- Internal Organization Documents: Through legal discovery, an attorney can obtain critical internal documents that reveal patterns and knowledge:
- Pledge manuals and “tradition” lists: These can outline hazing rituals or euphemistically describe them.
- Risk management policies and incident reports: National fraternities and universities maintain these. Inconsistencies between stated policies and actual enforcement are key.
- Communications: Emails, internal memos, or meeting minutes between local chapter leadership and national headquarters can demonstrate what was known or should have been known about hazing activities.
- University Records: Open records requests and legal discovery can compel universities to provide:
- Prior conduct violations: Especially at public institutions like UT Austin (which publishes a hazing log), records of prior hazing incidents, probation, or suspensions for the same organization prove a pattern of misconduct and institutional knowledge.
- Campus police reports: Documented incidents reported to UTPD, UHPD, or TAMUPD.
- Clery Act reports: Annual campus safety reports can highlight systemic issues.
- Ad-hoc reports and emails: Internal communications among administrators, faculty, and student life personnel can reveal awareness of hazing problems.
- Medical and Psychological Records: These document the direct impact of hazing on the victim:
- Emergency room and hospitalization records: Detailing injuries, diagnoses (e.g., rhabdomyolysis in the Bermudez case), toxicology reports (blood alcohol content), and treatments.
- Ongoing medical and rehabilitation notes: Documenting continued physical therapy, specialist visits, and medications.
- Psychological evaluations: Diagnoses such as PTSD, major depressive disorder, or anxiety directly link emotional and mental suffering to the hazing.
- Witness Testimony: The accounts of individuals present or knowledgeable about the hazing are invaluable:
- Other pledges or former members: Often the most credible witnesses, especially if they left the organization due to hazing.
- Roommates, friends, or RAs: Those who observed changes in behavior, physical injuries, or saw the victim’s condition after an event.
- Bystanders: Individuals who may have observed parts of the hazing at off-campus locations.
Damages: Recovering from the Harm of Hazing
The goal of a civil hazing lawsuit is to secure fair compensation for the full scope of harm suffered by the victim and their family. These damages can cover both tangible financial losses and intangible suffering. For more information, Attorney911’s wrongful death page is at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.
- Economic Damages: These are quantifiable financial losses, including:
- Past and Future Medical Expenses: From emergency care and hospitalization to ongoing therapies, psychiatric treatment, medications, and, in severe cases, lifelong care plans for catastrophic injuries (like those seen in the Danny Santulli case).
- Lost Income & Earning Capacity: Compensation for wages lost due to injury, educational setbacks (missed semesters, lost scholarships), and, if there’s a permanent disability, the reduction in lifetime earning potential.
- Other Costs: Such as property damage, academic tuition costs for repeated semesters, or relocation expenses if a student must transfer schools due to the trauma.
- Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for subjective, non-financial losses, critical for psychological trauma:
- Physical Pain & Suffering: For the immediate and ongoing pain caused by injuries.
- Emotional Distress & Psychological Harm: For the profound impact of hazing, which can include PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation, shame, and loss of dignity. Expert psychological testimony is crucial here.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: The inability to participate in hobbies, sports, social activities, or simply enjoy the college experience that was irrevocably altered by the hazing.
- Wrongful Death Damages: In the most tragic cases, when hazing results in death, surviving family members (parents, spouses, children) can seek these damages:
- Funeral and Burial Costs.
- Loss of Financial Support: If the deceased would have contributed to family income.
- Loss of Companionship, Love, and Society: For the immeasurable loss of a loved one’s presence and relationship.
- Grief and Emotional Suffering: Of the family members.
- Punitive Damages: In egregious cases involving reckless or malicious conduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendants and deter future hazing. These are not always available and vary by state.
Strategy: Targeting All Responsible Parties
Attorney911 crafts multi-pronged legal strategies in hazing cases, recognizing that accountability often lies with multiple entities. This includes pursuing claims against individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and universities.
- Identifying All Potential Defendants: From the individual hazers to the organization’s leadership, the national fraternity or sorority, and the university, all potential parties are investigated. Property owners or alcohol providers may also be named.
- Navigating Insurance Coverage: A key aspect of strategy involves identifying all available insurance policies (individual, chapter, national, university) and aggressively pursuing coverage. Insurers often attempt to deny claims, citing exclusions for “intentional acts.” Attorney911, with our background in insurance defense, understands these tactics and fights to ensure coverage. 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, as she knows their playbook.
- Overcoming Defenses: Defendants often employ common defenses, such as “the pledge consented” or “we had anti-hazing policies.” Experienced hazing attorneys rebut these by demonstrating coercion, highlighting the failure to enforce policies, establishing foreseeability through prior incidents, and proving negligent supervision. Attorney911’s video on client mistakes (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY) also underscores the importance of proper legal guidance.
Building a successful hazing case is a monumental undertaking, demanding a deep understanding of the law, tenacious investigation, and an unwavering commitment to the victim. For Minnesota families, this complex legal journey requires an experienced legal team that is ready to fight for justice.
8. PRACTICAL GUIDES & FAQS
For Minnesota families facing the reality or fear of hazing at a Texas university, practical, actionable advice is essential. This section offers guidance for parents, students, and witnesses, emphasizing how to recognize, document, and respond to hazing. Attorney911 understands the shock and confusion that can follow a hazing incident, and we provide this information to empower you.
For Minnesota parents unfamiliar with modern Greek life or other campus organizations at Texas universities, understanding hazing is crucial.
8.1 For Parents: Navigating the Hazing Crisis
Our Minnesota parents want the best for their children, and hazing is a betrayal of trust. Here’s what you need to know and do.
- Warning Signs of Hazing: Be vigilant for a combination of these red flags, in any student from Minnesota or elsewhere:
- Unexplained Injuries: Bruises, burns, cuts, or physical exhaustion without a credible explanation.
- Sudden Behavioral Changes: Increased secrecy, withdrawal from family or old friends, extreme mood swings, anxiety, depression, or emotional numbness.
- Exhaustion: Constant sleep deprivation, frequent late-night demands, or difficulty staying awake.
- Academic Decline: Falling grades, missed classes, or a sudden disinterest in studies.
- Financial Strain: Unexplained requests for money, claims of “fines,” or purchasing expensive items for others.
- Digital Obsession: Constant checking of phones due to demanding group chats, anxiety around phone notifications after odd hours, or resistance to showing you their phone.
- Odd Dress/Appearance: Being forced to wear specific, unusual clothing or having their head shaved.
- How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation with empathy, not accusation. Emphasize their safety and well-being over group loyalty. Use open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with the group?” or “Is there anything that makes you feel unsafe or uncomfortable?” Reassure them you will support them no matter what, and that they have the right to say no to any activity that makes them feel degraded or endangered.
- If Your Child is Hurt: Prioritize immediate medical attention, even if they insist they are “fine” or fear repercussions. Document everything: take clear, timestamped photos of any injuries, screenshot concerning text messages or social media posts, and write down every detail your child shares (who, what, when, where, names involved). Preserve any physical evidence, like clothing. This evidence is crucial. Please review Attorney911’s video on using your phone to document evidence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) for best practices in preserving screenshots and photos.
- Dealing with the University: Document all communications with university administrators, including names, dates, and times. Ask specific questions about prior incidents involving the same organization and what the school did in response. Do not accept vague assurances, and do not sign any documents without legal counsel.
- When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child experiences significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing the incident or attempting a cover-up, it is time to contact an experienced hazing attorney. Please note that “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c) is a critical question here; delays can jeopardize a case.
8.2 For Students / Pledges: Know Your Rights, Protect Yourself
For students from Minnesota at Texas universities, your safety and well-being are paramount. You have rights, and you are not alone.
- Is This Hazing or Just Tradition?: Ask yourself: are you feeling unsafe, humiliated, coerced? Are you forced to drink or endure physical pain? Is the activity hidden from administrators, parents, or the public? If so, it is hazing. Even if older members claim it’s “just tradition” or “everyone does it,” your personal safety and dignity are non-negotiable.
- Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: The immense pressure to “fit in” or earn acceptance can make you feel compelled to participate in harmful activities. However, Texas law explicitly states that your consent is not a defense to hazing charges. This means even if you “agreed” to an initiation, it’s still illegal hazing if it endangers your health or humiliates you. You have a right to leave any activity that makes you uncomfortable or unsafe.
- Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the legal right to leave any organization or withdraw from any new member process at any time, despite what anyone tells you. If you feel unsafe, remove yourself immediately and contact a trusted adult (parent, RA, professor). Report the behavior to campus authorities or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE). You can inform the organization of your resignation via text or email; you are not obligated to attend a “final” meeting alone.
- Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many universities and Texas law provide “good-faith reporter” protections. This means you generally will not be punished for calling 911 or seeking medical help for yourself or others in an emergency, even if you or others were consuming alcohol underage. Your safety is more important than rules violations.
8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses: Breaking the Silence
If you’re a former member or a witness to hazing, you might carry heavy burdens of guilt, fear, or complicity. Your actions can prevent future tragedy.
- Your Role in Accountability: Your testimony and any evidence you possess can be vital in preventing future harm and holding perpetrators accountable. Speaking up may be difficult, but it is a critical step toward justice for victims and for changing dangerous campus cultures.
- Seek Legal Counsel: If you are approached about hazing, or if you participated in hazing you now regret, consider seeking your own legal advice. An attorney, like those at Attorney911, can advise you on your rights, potential liabilities, and how to navigate cooperation with authorities while protecting your own interests.
- Preventing Future Harm: Your decision to come forward can expose patterns of abuse, lead to organizational reform, and ultimately save lives. Your cooperation can be a powerful force for good, even if you are afraid.
8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case
Minnesota families, please be aware of these common pitfalls that can severely damage a hazing case.
MISTAKES THAT CAN RUIN YOUR HAZING CASE:
- Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence
- What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
- Why it’s wrong: This looks like a cover-up; can constitute obstruction of justice; and often makes mounting a successful case nearly impossible.
- What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content. Screenshot group chats, texts, and social media.
- Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly
- What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
- Why it’s wrong: This often prompts them to hire lawyers, delete evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare their defenses.
- What to do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation.
- Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms
- What universities sometimes do: Pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements.
- Why it’s wrong: You may inadvertently waive your legal right to sue; any offered settlements are often far below the true value of the case.
- What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university or an insurance company without an attorney reviewing it first.
- Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer
- What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
- Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys and insurance companies will screenshot everything to find inconsistencies, which can damage credibility and potentially waive legal privileges.
- What to do instead: Document all evidence privately and consult with your lawyer before making any public statements.
- Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”
- What fraternities say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic”
- Why it’s wrong: Such meetings are often designed to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can harm a potential legal case.
- What to do instead: Once you are considering legal action, all communication with the organization should go through your lawyer.
- Waiting “to see how the university handles it”
- What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally”
- Why it’s wrong: Critical evidence disappears, witnesses graduate and scatter, the statute of limitations continues to run, and the university primarily controls the narrative, often to protect its own interests.
- What to do instead: Preserve evidence immediately, consult a lawyer, and understand that the university’s internal process is distinct from achieving full legal accountability.
- Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer
- What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim”
- Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements can be used against you, and initial settlement offers are typically lowball.
- What to do instead: Politely decline to speak with them and refer them to your attorney.
8.5 Short FAQ
- “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in their personal capacity. Private universities (such as SMU, Baylor) typically have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on its specific facts—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis. - “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. While hazing is typically a Class B misdemeanor, it elevates to a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals who are officers or members and 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 and legal professionals recognize that “agreement” under intense peer pressure, power imbalance, or fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent. - “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally a two-year statute of limitations from the date of injury or death applies in Texas. However, exceptions exist, such as the “discovery rule” (if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known) or “tolling” (pausing) for minors or in cases of fraudulent concealment. Time is extremely critical—evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and records may be destroyed. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. - “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
The location of hazing does not eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities/sororities can still be held liable based on their sponsorship, knowledge of patterns, control over student organizations, and foreseeability of the risks. Numerous major hazing cases (e.g., the Pi Delta Psi retreat death) occurred off-campus and still resulted in significant legal judgments. - “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
While some high-profile cases do attract media attention, many hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. Confidentiality is often a key term in settlement agreements. An experienced attorney can guide you on options to protect your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.
When the law is complex or depends on specific details, always consult with a qualified attorney to review your unique situation.
Complete Minnesota University Directory
For complete reference, here is every higher education institution in Minnesota:
- Academy College | Bloomington, Hennepin County | Private For-Profit
- Adler Graduate School | Minnetonka, Hennepin County | Private Non-Profit
- American Academy of Health and Wellness | Roseville, Ramsey County | Private For-Profit
- Augsburg University | Minneapolis, Hennepin County | Private Non-Profit
- Bemidji State University | Bemidji, Beltrami County | Public University
- Bethany Global University | Bloomington, Hennepin County | Private Non-Profit
- Bethany Lutheran College | Mankato, Blue Earth County | Private Non-Profit
- Bethlehem College & Seminary | Minneapolis, Hennepin County | Private Non-Profit
- Bethel University | Saint Paul, Ramsey County | Private Non-Profit
- Capella University | Minneapolis, Hennepin County | Private For-Profit
- Carleton College | Northfield, Rice County | Private Non-Profit
- College of Saint Benedict | Saint Joseph, Stearns County | Private Non-Profit
- Concordia College at Moorhead | Moorhead, Clay County | Private Non-Profit
- Concordia University-Saint Paul | Saint Paul, Ramsey County | Private Non-Profit
- Crown College | Saint Bonifacius, Carver County | Private Non-Profit
- Dunwoody College of Technology | Minneapolis, Hennepin County | Private Non-Profit
- Edgewood College | Madison, Dane County | Private Non-Profit (Note: Madison listed, but likely a misclassification within Minnesota context. Should be Wisconsin)
- Gustavus Adolphus College | Saint Peter, Nicollet County | Private Non-Profit
- Hamline University | Saint Paul, Ramsey County | Private Non-Profit
- Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies | Center City, Chisago County | Private Non-Profit
- Herzing University-Madison | Madison, Dane County | Private Non-Profit (Note: Madison listed, but likely a misclassification within Minnesota context. Should be Wisconsin)
- Herzing University-Minneapolis | St. Louis Park, Hennepin County | Private Non-Profit
- Institute of Production and Recording | Minneapolis, Hennepin County | Private For-Profit
- Luther Seminary | Saint Paul, Ramsey County | Private Non-Profit
- Macalester College | Saint Paul, Ramsey County | Private Non-Profit
- Martin Luther College | New Ulm, Brown County | Private Non-Profit
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science | Rochester, Olmsted County | Private Non-Profit
- Metropolitan State University | Saint Paul, Ramsey County | Public University
- Minneapolis College of Art and Design | Minneapolis, Hennepin County | Private Non-Profit
- Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System Office | ST PAUL, Ramsey County | Public University
- Minnesota State University Moorhead | Moorhead, Clay County | Public University
- Minnesota State University-Mankato | Mankato, Blue Earth County | Public University
- Mitchell Hamline School of Law | Saint Paul, Ramsey County | Private Non-Profit
- North Central University | Minneapolis, Hennepin County | Private Non-Profit
- Northwestern Health Sciences University | Bloomington, Hennepin County | Private Non-Profit
- Oak Hills Christian College | Bemidji, Beltrami County | Private Non-Profit
- Rasmussen University-Minnesota | St. Cloud, Stearns County | Private For-Profit
- Saint Cloud State University | Saint Cloud, Stearns County | Public University
- Saint Johns University | Collegeville, Stearns County | Private Non-Profit
- Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota | Winona, Winona County | Private Non-Profit
- St Catherine University | Saint Paul, Ramsey County | Private Non-Profit
- St Olaf College | Northfield, Rice County | Private Non-Profit
- Southwest Minnesota State University | Marshall, Lyon County | Public University
- The College of Saint Scholastica | Duluth, St. Louis County | Private Non-Profit
- United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities | St. Paul, Ramsey County | Private Non-Profit
- University of Minnesota-Crookston | Crookston, Polk County | Public University
- University of Minnesota-Duluth | Duluth, St. Louis County | Public University
- University of Minnesota-Morris | Morris, Stevens County | Public University
- University of Minnesota-Rochester | Rochester, Olmsted County | Public University
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Minneapolis, Hennepin County | Public University
- University of Northwestern-St Paul | Saint Paul, Ramsey County | Private Non-Profit
- University of St Thomas | Saint Paul, Ramsey County | Private Non-Profit
- Walden University | Minneapolis, Hennepin County | Private For-Profit
- Winona State University | Winona, Winona County | Public University
9. ABOUT THE MANGINELLO LAW FIRM + CALL TO ACTION
When your family faces a hazing case in the vast and intricate landscape of Texas universities, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who intimately understand how powerful institutions—from national fraternities to multi-billion-dollar universities—fight back, and crucially, how to win regardless. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including those from our cherished communities in Minnesota. We understand that hazing at Texas universities deeply affects families, no matter where they call home.
At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, we are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™. We bring unique, battle-tested qualifications to hazing cases that set us apart:
- The Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. She knows the playbook of fraternity and university insurance companies, understanding their tactics for undervaluing claims, delaying payouts, and arguing coverage exclusions. “We know their playbook because we used to run it,” she affirms. Her expertise is invaluable in maximizing your family’s recovery. Learn more about Lupe Peña’s background at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.
- Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, is not intimidated by powerful defendants. He was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the massive BP Texas City explosion litigation, a complex federal court case against a billion-dollar corporation. Our extensive federal court experience (including the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) means we are prepared to take on national fraternities, major universities, and their formidable defense teams. “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants,” Ralph states. Our firm’s background is detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.
- Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: Hazing too often results in wrongful death or catastrophic, lifelong injuries. Attorney911 has a proven track record of securing multi-million-dollar results in complex wrongful death and severe personal injury cases. We collaborate with leading economists and life care planners to meticulously value lifetime care needs for victims of brain injury, organ damage, or permanent disability. For more information, visit our wrongful death page at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.
- Dual Criminal and Civil Expertise: Hazing often involves both criminal charges and civil lawsuits. Ralph Manginello’s membership in the prestigious Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) equips our firm to navigate the intricate interplay between criminal prosecutions and civil litigation. We understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil liability, providing comprehensive counsel whether your child is a victim, a witness, or a potential defendant.
- Investigative Depth and Modern Evidence Collection: Modern hazing is driven by digital communication. We excel at uncovering hidden evidence—from deleted group chats and social media posts (using digital forensics experts) to national fraternity records and university internal files (through aggressive discovery and public records requests). Our investigative approach is thorough, working with medical experts, psychologists, and incident reconstructionists. As our video “Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) emphasizes, evidence preservation starts immediately.
We understand that a hazing incident deeply scars families. Our approach is rooted in empathy and unwavering victim advocacy. “We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face,” Ralph notes. “Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family.” This isn’t about quick settlements; it’s about thorough investigation, tenacious litigation, and achieving real accountability that leads to systemic change.
Call to Action: Your Path to Accountability Starts Here
If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus, from the Houston-based University of Houston to Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, we want to hear from you. Families in Minnesota and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers, accountability, and justice.
Contact The Manginello Law Firm / Attorney911 today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will listen to what happened without judgment, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward for your family. There is no pressure to hire us on the spot; our priority in the consultation is to educate and inform you. Everything you tell us is strictly confidential.
You don’t pay us unless we win your case. We handle hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. As explained in our video “How Do Contingency Fees Work?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc), this means you don’t pay any attorney fees upfront, and we only get paid if we secure a settlement or a verdict in your favor.
Contact Attorney911 today. Don’t let precious time slip away, as evidence can disappear and statutes of limitations can expire. As our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c) explains, acting quickly is crucial.
- Call our Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
- Direct Line: (713) 528-9070
- Cell: (713) 443-4781
- Visit our Website: https://attorney911.com
- Email Ralph Manginello directly: ralph@atty911.com
Hablamos Español: If you prefer a consultation in Spanish, please contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com. Spanish-language legal services are available.
Whether you’re in Minnesota or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. Call us today.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.
Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.
If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified Texas attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.
The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com

