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It’s “initiation night” at an off-campus house near a Texas university. The air is thick with the smell of cheap beer and fear. Fresh-faced pledges, barely out of high school, stand in a line, blindfolded. Older members, some barely a year older, shout demands: chug this foul concoction, hold this agonizing pose, answer personal questions that degrade and humiliate, all while a phone casually records the scene. The chants echo, growing louder with every swallow, every stumble. One student, desperate to belong, feels a sudden, sharp pain in their chest. They try to speak, but their voice is lost in the din. They stumble, collapse, and the room goes silent for a moment, before nervous laughter and frantic whispers begin. Nobody wants to call 911, afraid of “wrecking the chapter” or “getting in trouble.” For a family in Motley County, whose child may have just left home for this very experience, such a scenario is a parent’s worst nightmare.

This isn’t a fictional drama; it’s a scene that plays out with tragic frequency in Texas and across the United States. It’s the culmination of dangerous traditions, peer pressure, and a culture of secrecy. When someone gets hurt, or worse, dies, the lines between tradition, fun, and criminal negligence become painfully clear.

This comprehensive guide aims to shed light on hazing and the law in Texas, specifically tailored for families in Motley County and across our great state. We understand that parents in small, close-knit communities like Motley County often send their children to universities across Texas with pride and trust. When that trust is broken by hazing, it can shatter families and futures. This guide will help you understand:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, moving beyond outdated stereotypes.
• How Texas and federal law address hazing, both criminally and civilly.
• Crucial lessons from major national hazing cases and how they impact victims in Texas.
• Documented incidents and responses from prominent Texas universities including the University of Houston (UH), Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin (UT), Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Baylor University.
• The legal options and avenues for accountability available to victims and families in Motley County and throughout the state.

We want to be clear: this article provides general information and is not specific legal advice for your unique situation. However, The Manginello Law Firm is here to evaluate individual cases based on their specific facts. We proudly serve families throughout Texas, including those in Motley County, who are seeking justice and accountability.

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.” This is paramount for their health and for documenting injuries.
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, and direct messages immediately across all platforms.
  • Photograph any visible injuries from multiple angles, dating each photo.
  • Save physical items, such as damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or any objects used in the hazing.
• Write down everything while your memory is fresh: who was involved, what happened, when and where it took place.
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity/sorority or anyone involved directly; this can lead to further harm or destruction of evidence.
  • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without legal counsel.
  • Post details on public social media, as this could compromise your case later.
  • Let your child delete messages or attempt to “clean up” any evidence.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

• Evidence disappears fast, from deleted group chats and social media posts to destroyed physical evidence like paddles. Witnesses can be coached to alter their stories.
• Universities often move quickly to control the narrative internally, sometimes to the detriment of victims.
• Our team can help ensure crucial evidence is preserved and your child’s rights are protected from the outset.
• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

HAZING IN 2025: WHAT IT REALLY LOOKS LIKE

For Motley County families and others across Texas, understanding hazing means moving beyond outdated perceptions. Hazing is no longer just “harmless pranks” or “boys being boys.” In 2025, it encompasses a wide, often insidious range of behaviors designed to assert power, enforce conformity, and demand absolute loyalty, frequently under the guise of “tradition” or “bonding.”

In plain English, hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, whether executed by one person or a group, that is directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization, and that substantially endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student. The phrase “I agreed to it” does not automatically validate or legalize these acts, especially when there’s an inherent power imbalance, intense peer pressure, and a deep desire to belong fueling that “agreement.”

Main categories of modern hazing

Modern hazing manifests in several damaging forms:

• Alcohol and substance hazing: This is often the most dangerous and common type, leading to severe injuries and deaths. It involves forced or coerced drinking of excessive amounts of alcohol, often in rapid succession. Examples include chugging challenges, “lineups” where pledges consume various alcoholic drinks, or drinking games designed to induce intoxication. There’s also the pressure to consume unknown or mixed substances, putting students at extreme risk.

• Physical hazing: This category includes direct physical abuse and strenuous activities designed to break down individuals. Examples range from paddling and beatings to extreme calisthenics, often called “workouts” or “smokings,” which push students far beyond safe physical limits. Sleep deprivation, forced starvation or water restriction, and exposure to extreme environmental conditions like severe cold or heat and dangerous environments are also common tactics.

• Sexualized and humiliating hazing: This particularly degrading form of hazing involves acts intended to shame and demoralize. It can include forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts, demeaning positions such as the “roasted pig” pose, and being forced to wear degrading costumes. Acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones, including the use of slurs or forced prejudicial role-play, also fall into this category.

• Psychological hazing: Often less visible but equally damaging, psychological hazing targets a student’s mental well-being. This can involve verbal abuse, constant threats, isolating new members from their friends and family, and manipulative tactics designed to extract confessions or undermine self-esteem. Public shaming, whether face-to-face or on social media, only adds to the severe mental anguish.

• Digital/online hazing: A growing and increasingly sophisticated form of hazing in the digital age, this involves using technology to control, coerce, or humiliate students. Examples include demanding participation in group chat dares or “challenges,” forcing students to post humiliating content on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok, or engaging in coordinated online harassment. The pressure to create or share compromising images or videos is also a serious concern. This modern approach often makes it harder for parents to identify warning signs.

Where hazing actually happens

It’s critical for Motley County families to understand that hazing is not confined to stereotypes of “frat boys” at large universities. While fraternities and sororities (across all councils like IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural groups) are frequent sites of hazing, the problem extends far beyond Greek life. Hazing is documented in:

• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / military-style groups: Often characterized by intense traditions and a hierarchical structure, these groups can create environments ripe for hazing.
• Spirit squads, tradition clubs, and honor societies: Groups that value tradition and exclusivity can sometimes blur the line between initiation and hazing.
• Athletic teams: This includes major sports like football, basketball, baseball, as well as cheerleading and other competitive teams, where “building toughness” can cross into abuse.
• Marching bands and performance groups: Even these creative and academic groups can harbor hazing rituals.
• Some service, cultural, and academic organizations: The desire for belonging and maintaining “selective” status can lead to hazing in unexpected places.

The pervasive nature of hazing throughout various student organizations highlights a troubling truth: deeply ingrained social status dynamics, unquestioned traditions, and a persistent culture of secrecy often allow these harmful practices to persist, even when everyone involved “knows” that hazing is illegal and dangerous. For families in Motley County sending their children away to college, recognizing this broad spectrum of risk across all student groups is essential.

LAW & LIABILITY FRAMEWORK (TEXAS + FEDERAL)

For families in Motley County whose children attend colleges throughout Texas, understanding the legal landscape of hazing is crucial. Texas has specific laws designed to combat hazing, and federal regulations also play a role. These frameworks aim to protect students and hold individuals and institutions accountable.

Texas hazing law basics (Education Code)

In Texas, hazing is addressed under the Texas Education Code, specifically Chapter 37, Subchapter F. Texas defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off campus, by one person 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 clarifies several key aspects of hazing under Texas law:

• Location doesn’t matter: Hazing can occur anywhere—on university property, at an off-campus house, or even away on a retreat.
• Harm can be physical or mental: The law recognizes both bodily injury (e.g., beatings, forced exercise, coerced alcohol consumption) and severe psychological distress (e.g., extreme humiliation, intimidation) as endangerment.
• Intent: While a person must act intentionally or knowingly, merely acting “recklessly” is enough to constitute hazing. This means if someone knew there was a risk of harm and disregarded it, they could be liable.
• “Consent” is irrelevant: A critical point in Texas law is that the victim’s “agreement” or “consent” to the hazing activity is not a legal defense. This acknowledges the inherent power imbalances and extreme pressure placed on students in these situations.

The Texas Education Code also outlines Reporter Protections:
Individuals who, in good faith, report a hazing incident to the university or law enforcement are generally immune from civil or criminal liability stemming from that report. This protection aims to encourage reporting without fear of reprisal. In medical emergencies, Texas law and university policies often provide limited amnesty for students who call 911 for a hazing-related incident, even if underage drinking or drug use was involved, prioritizing health and safety.

This is a summary to provide context for Motley County residents; the actual statute contains more technical and specific legal language.

Criminal vs civil cases

When hazing occurs, there are often two distinct legal paths that can be pursued: criminal cases and civil cases. While both seek justice, they have different goals and processes:

• Criminal cases:

  • These are brought by the state (through a local prosecutor’s office) against individuals or even organizations.
  • The primary goal is punishment, which can include incarceration, fines, probation, or a combination thereof.
  • In hazing situations, criminal charges can range from basic hazing offenses to more severe charges. For instance, furnishing alcohol to minors is a common related charge. If physical harm occurs, charges like assault or battery may apply. In tragic cases involving death, charges such as manslaughter or negligent homicide can be brought.

• Civil cases:

  • These lawsuits are initiated by the victims or their surviving family members (plaintiffs) against those responsible for the harm (defendants).
  • The main goal of a civil case is to obtain monetary compensation for the damages suffered by the victim.
  • Civil lawsuits often focus on legal theories such as:
    • Negligence and Gross Negligence: Arguing that individuals or institutions failed to exercise reasonable care, and that this failure led to harm. Gross negligence implies a reckless disregard for the safety of others.
    • Wrongful Death: In cases where hazing results in a fatality, families can file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for their losses.
    • Negligent Hiring/Supervision: Alleging that an organization or university was negligent in hiring staff or supervising student groups, leading to the hazing.
    • Premises Liability: If the hazing occurred on property owned or controlled by a defendant, there may be claims related to unsafe premises.
    • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For the severe emotional and psychological trauma caused by hazing.

It’s important to remember that criminal and civil cases can proceed simultaneously. A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil lawsuit, as the burden of proof is different in each type of case.

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

Beyond Texas state law, federal regulations also impact how hazing is addressed, particularly at institutions that receive federal funding.

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This significant federal legislation, set to be fully implemented by 2026, aims to increase transparency and strengthen hazing prevention efforts across the nation. Colleges and universities receiving federal financial assistance will be required to:

  • Publicly report all hazing incidents, making data more accessible to students and families.
  • Implement comprehensive hazing education and prevention programs.
  • Maintain and disclose public hazing data, which will provide a clearer picture of the prevalence and nature of hazing at campuses throughout Texas and beyond.

• Title IX / Clery Act: These federal laws, while not exclusively about hazing, can become highly relevant in hazing cases:

  • Title IX: This law prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based hostility, or targeted discrimination based on sex, Title IX obligations are triggered. Universities have a duty to investigate and respond promptly and effectively to such allegations.
  • 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 assaults, alcohol or drug violations, or other criminal acts, often overlap with Clery reporting requirements, mandating that institutions report these incidents in their annual security reports.

These federal layers mean that Texas universities—including those attended by students from Motley County—have a broad set of responsibilities when it comes to preventing and responding to hazing.

Who can be liable in a civil hazing lawsuit

Determining who can be held responsible in a civil hazing lawsuit is often complex, involving multiple parties. An experienced hazing attorney understands how to identify all potentially liable parties to ensure comprehensive accountability and compensation for victims and their families.

• Individual students: This includes those who actively planned, participated in, or carried out the hazing acts. It can also extend to students who furnished alcohol to minors or failed to seek help during an emergency.
• Local chapter / organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or student group that engaged in the hazing can be held liable. This includes officers or “pledge educators” who directly supervised or encouraged the harmful activities.
• National fraternity/sorority: Most local chapters are affiliated with a national organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon). These national bodies often have detailed anti-hazing policies, collect dues, and exercise some level of oversight. Liability can be established if the national organization knew or should have known about a pattern of hazing (either within that specific chapter or across multiple chapters nationally) and failed to take adequate preventive or responsive measures.
• University or governing board: The educational institution itself can be sued under various legal theories, including negligence, gross negligence, premises liability, or violations of federal laws like Title IX. Key factors in determining university liability often include their awareness of prior hazing incidents, their enforcement (or lack thereof) of anti-hazing policies, and their overall commitment to student safety. Public universities, like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, and UT Austin, may assert sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist, especially in cases of gross negligence or when individual employees are sued in their personal capacity. Private universities, such as SMU and Baylor, generally have fewer immunity protections.
• Third parties: Other entities can sometimes be drawn into hazing lawsuits, depending on the specific circumstances:
  • Landlords or property owners: If the hazing occurred at an off-campus house or venue, and the landlord knew or should have known about dangerous activities, they might bear some responsibility.
  • Bars or alcohol providers: Under Texas dram shop laws, establishments that negligently serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals or minors who then cause harm can be held liable.
  • Security companies or event organizers: If outside contractors were responsible for event safety and failed in their duties.

Every hazing case is unique, and the specific parties held liable will depend on a thorough investigation of the facts. For Motley County families, understanding this broad scope of potential defendants is crucial for pursuing justice effectively.

NATIONAL HAZING CASE PATTERNS (ANCHOR STORIES)

The tragic narratives of national hazing incidents serve as crucial anchor stories, illustrating the devastating patterns that reverberate through civil litigation and legislative reform. These cases, often featured in national headlines, establish precedents and highlight the foreseeable risks that institutions and organizations across the country, including those attended by students from Motley County, should be aware of.

Alcohol poisoning & death pattern

The most common and lethal form of hazing involves forced or coerced alcohol consumption, which tragically results in alcohol poisoning and death far too often.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): In one of the most widely publicized cases, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza died after a “bid acceptance” night at a Beta Theta Pi fraternity that involved extreme alcohol consumption and a fall down a flight of stairs. Despite suffering severe injuries, fraternity members delayed calling for help for nearly 12 hours. The incident, captured on internal security cameras, led to dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, extensive civil litigation, and the enactment of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. Piazza’s death underscored the dangerous combination of extreme intoxication, the critical delay in seeking medical aid, and a pervasive culture of silence and cover-up that can be legally devastating for organizations.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old FSU pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and pressured to consume them quickly. This tragedy led to numerous criminal prosecutions of fraternity members and a temporary suspension of all Greek life at FSU. It starkly revealed how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights, presented as bonding experiences, are a common script for disaster within Greek organizations.

• Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, 18, died after a “Bible study” drinking game at a Phi Delta Theta fraternity house where he was forced to consume alcohol if he answered questions incorrectly. His blood alcohol content was 0.495%. Gruver’s death spurred Louisiana to pass the Max Gruver Act, a felony hazing statute, demonstrating how public outrage fueled by clear evidence of hazing can lead to significant legislative change and stronger penalties.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): During a pledge night ritual, 20-year-old Stone Foltz was allegedly forced to drink an entire bottle of whiskey and died of alcohol poisoning. This incident resulted in multiple criminal convictions for fraternity members. Ultimately, BGSU, a public university, agreed to a nearly $3 million settlement with Stone’s family, and additional confidential settlements were reached with the fraternity and individuals involved. This case highlights that universities themselves can face significant financial and reputational consequences, alongside the fraternities, when hazing claims are proven.

Physical & ritualized hazing pattern

Hazing is not limited to alcohol. Violent and ritualized physical hazing also has a long and tragic history.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): At an off-campus retreat in the Pocono Mountains, 19-year-old Michael Deng, a Pi Delta Psi pledge, was blindfolded, forced to wear a heavy backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual. He sustained a fatal traumatic brain injury. Fraternity members delayed calling 911 for hours as they reportedly attempted to cover up the incident. The aftermath led to the criminal conviction of multiple members and the national fraternity itself, which was banned from operating in Pennsylvania for a decade. This case tragically demonstrates that off-campus retreats, often seen as a way to avoid detection, can be even more dangerous, and national organizations can face severe criminal and civil sanctions for their role.

Athletic program hazing & abuse

Hazing is pervasive and extends beyond Greek life into other student organizations, including high-profile athletic programs.

• Northwestern University football (2023–2025): A major scandal erupted when former Northwestern football players came forward alleging widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the highly successful football program, occurring over multiple years. This led to numerous lawsuits against the university and its coaching staff. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired and later settled his wrongful-termination suit confidentially. This series of events underscores that hazing is not exclusive to fraternities and sororities; even major, well-funded athletic programs can harbor systemic abuse, raising critical questions about institutional oversight and accountability.

What these cases mean for Texas families

The threads connecting these national tragedies are clear: forced drinking, extreme humiliation, physical violence, inexcusable delays or denials of medical care, and concerted efforts to cover up the events. These cases collectively demonstrate that meaningful reforms and substantial multi-million-dollar settlements or jury verdicts often only follow after a tragedy has occurred, and only as a result of persistent legal action. For families in Motley County whose children attend the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, these national lessons are critically important. They reveal a landscape where powerful institutions are often forced to confront their roles in perpetuating hazing only after victims and their families courageously pursue justice.

TEXAS FOCUS: UH, TEXAS A&M, UT, SMU, BAYLOR

For families across Texas, including those in Motley County, understanding the specific environments at our state’s major universities is vital. While Motley County, located in the Rolling Plains region of Northwest Texas, is not home to one of these large universities, its families send students to each of them. We want to ensure that parents and students from Motley County are aware of the unique dynamics and hazing histories at the institutions shaping the future for Texas students. We will focus particularly on Texas A&M University, due to its regional prominence and strong ties within the broader Texas community, before covering the other key institutions.

5.1 Texas A&M University

5.1.1 Campus & culture snapshot

Texas A&M University, located in College Station, is deeply rooted in tradition, embodying a strong sense of community and loyalty often referred to as the “Aggie Spirit.” It is known for its large and active Greek life, a highly prominent Corps of Cadets, and a wide array of student organizations with deeply embedded traditions. The university’s culture emphasizes unity, respect, and a distinct identity. Students from Motley County are drawn to A&M for its renowned academic programs and its unique collegiate experience. Many families in Motley County and the surrounding counties of Dickens, Cottle, Floyd, and Crosby have a history of sending their children to Texas A&M, often traveling to College Station for sporting events or campus visits.

5.1.2 Official hazing policy & reporting channels

Texas A&M has a clear, comprehensive anti-hazing policy that applies to all student organizations, including Greek life and the Corps of Cadets. It explicitly defines hazing and outlines prohibitions against forced or coerced acts that endanger physical or mental health. The policy applies both on and off campus. Students and families can report hazing incidents through the Student Conduct Office, the Texas A&M University Police Department (TAMU-PD), or via the university’s anonymous reporting options, including ethics point. The university emphasizes education and prevention, but also mandates strict disciplinary action for violations.

5.1.3 Selected documented incidents & responses

Texas A&M’s rich tradition sometimes collides with the harsh realities of hazing. Some notable incidents include:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Lawsuit (around 2021): Two pledges of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity alleged they were subjected to severe hazing that involved being covered in various substances, including an industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit. This resulted in severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The fraternity chapter was suspended by the university for two years, and the pledges filed a lawsuit seeking substantial damages. This case underscores the dangerous creativity of hazing and the extreme physical harm it can cause.
• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading hazing within the Corps of Cadets. The alleged acts included forced participation in simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a humiliating “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million in damages, highlighting the deep psychological and physical trauma such rituals can inflict. Texas A&M stated it handled the matter under its internal conduct rules and processes.

These incidents demonstrate that despite A&M’s policies and strong traditions, hazing remains a persistent challenge affecting both Greek life and the highly regarded Corps of Cadets.

5.1.4 How a Texas A&M hazing case might proceed

For Motley County families whose children might attend Texas A&M, understanding legal jurisdiction is key. If hazing occurs on campus, TAMU-PD would have primary jurisdiction. Off-campus incidents would involve the College Station Police Department or the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office. Civil lawsuits against individuals, chapters, or the national organization would likely be filed in Brazos County district courts. Claims against Texas A&M University itself, being a public institution, would need to navigate the complexities of sovereign immunity, often requiring proof of gross negligence or a specific waiver of immunity. Our firm is adept at these nuances, having experience in similar complex litigation against large entities; we serve clients from Motley County and throughout Texas.

5.1.5 What Texas A&M students and parents should do

If you’re a parent from Motley County, or a student at Texas A&M, and you suspect or encounter hazing:

• Document everything: For families in Motley County, this starts as soon as you notice something amiss. Screenshot any relevant text messages, group chats on GroupMe or Discord, or social media posts that suggest hazing.
• Report immediately: Utilize Texas A&M’s reporting channels (Student Conduct, TAMU-PD, or anonymous hotlines). If criminal activity is involved, contact the College Station Police Department.
• Seek medical attention: If there are any injuries, no matter how minor they seem, ensure your child receives immediate medical assessment. This creates vital medical records.
• Understand A&M’s policies: Familiarize yourself with the university’s official anti-hazing policy and disciplinary processes.
• Do not be swayed by “tradition”: Any activity that endangers mental or physical health for initiation is hazing, regardless of how long it’s been practiced.
• Consult a hazing attorney: For Motley County families, a lawyer experienced in Texas hazing cases can help you navigate university and law enforcement processes, identify potential legal claims, and ensure your rights are protected. Evidence can vanish quickly, and our firm can help you act strategically.

5.2 University of Houston (UH)

5.2.1 Campus & culture snapshot

The University of Houston, a vibrant urban campus in the heart of the nation’s fourth-largest city, draws a diverse student body from all over Texas, including Motley County. As a major research institution, UH offers a dynamic mix of academic and extracurricular opportunities. Its active Greek life, comprising fraternities and sororities from various councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural), is a significant part of campus social life. UH students are also involved in numerous other organizations, from sports clubs to academic and cultural groups. Many families from Motley County may have relatives attending UH or may visit Houston for its rich cultural scene.

5.2.2 Official hazing policy & reporting channels

The University of Houston maintains a strict, comprehensive anti-hazing policy applicable to all registered student organizations, whether events occur on or off campus. The policy unequivocally prohibits any act that endangers the mental or physical health and safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. UH provides multiple reporting channels, including the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Student Conduct, the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD), and an anonymous online reporting system. The university emphasizes prevention education and actively outlines disciplinary processes for violations.

5.2.3 Selected documented incidents & responses

UH has had its share of hazing incidents, demonstrating the ongoing challenge faced even by institutions with clear anti-hazing stances:

• Pi Kappa Alpha Case (2016): Pledges of the Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) fraternity reportedly endured food, water, and sleep deprivation during a multi-day event. One student suffered a lacerated spleen after being violently slammed onto a table or similar surface during the alleged hazing. This resulted in misdemeanor hazing charges and a significant university suspension for the chapter.
• Multiple Disciplinary Actions: Over the years, UH has disciplined various fraternities and sororities for behaviors described as “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” including excessive alcohol consumption, forced exercises, and other policy violations. While these often lead to chapter suspensions or probationary periods, the public details of eachincident may be limited.

These incidents highlight the severe physical dangers and institutional responses that hazing can provoke at UH.

5.2.4 How a UH hazing case might proceed

If hazing occurs at UH, the involved agencies might include UHPD for on-campus incidents or the Houston Police Department for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits against individuals, chapters, national organizations, property owners, and potentially the university itself would likely be filed in the Harris County district courts. Claims against UH, as a public university, would involve confronting sovereign immunity, a legal protection that can complicate litigation but is not insurmountable, particularly in cases of gross negligence. Our firm has deep experience in the Harris County court system and handling complex cases in Houston, making us well-equipped to assist Motley County families with UH-related hazing claims.

5.2.5 What UH students & parents should do

For students at the University of Houston or their parents in Motley County concerned about hazing:

• Utilize official reporting channels: Connect with the Dean of Students Office, UHPD, or access the anonymous online reporting system on the UH website.
• Document prior concerns: If you know of any prior complaints or incidents involving the chapter, gather that information, as it can be crucial evidence.
• Consult legal counsel: Contact an experienced attorney specializing in Houston-based hazing cases. Our firm knows how to navigate the local legal landscape, leverage discovery to uncover prior discipline and internal university files, and build a strong case.
• Prioritize safety: If there is immediate danger, always call 911. Your child’s well-being is the absolute priority.
• Preserve evidence: Immediately screenshot all digital communications and photograph any injuries.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

5.3.1 Campus & culture snapshot

The University of Texas at Austin is a flagship institution known for its academic rigor, vibrant campus life, and deep-seated traditions. Students from across Texas, including many from Motley County and its surrounding areas, aspire to attend UT. The university boasts an extensive Greek system, including strong IFC, Panhellenic, and NPHC chapters, along with numerous influential spirit groups, athletic teams, and prestigious academic organizations. Campus culture is often tied to school pride, athletic events, and a strong sense of identity, elements that can sometimes complicate the issue of hazing.

5.3.2 Official hazing policy & reporting channels

UT Austin has a strict anti-hazing policy that aligns with Texas state law, prohibiting any conduct that endangers mental or physical health for initiation or membership. The policy applies regardless of where the activity takes place. A key feature of UT’s approach is its public Hazing Violations page (https://hazing.utexas.edu), which lists organizations, the nature of their violations, and the sanctions imposed. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students, Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD), and anonymous online forms.

5.3.3 Selected documented incidents & responses

UT Austin’s public hazing log offers a level of transparency not always seen at other institutions. It shows recurring issues across various types of student organizations:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): The Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) fraternity was sanctioned after new members were reportedly instructed to consume large quantities of milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, actions that were deemed hazing. The chapter was placed on probation and required to implement enhanced hazing-prevention education.
• Texas Wranglers (Spirit Group): This highly visible spirit organization has faced multiple sanctions over the years for hazing violations, often involving forced physical exertion, alcohol misuse, and other dangerous or demeaning activities designed to “test” new members.
• Other Incidents: UT’s public log includes numerous other fraternities, sororities, and non-Greek organizations disciplined for hazing, with violations ranging from forced alcohol consumption and sleep deprivation to public humiliation and coercive “scavenger hunts.”

While this public transparency is commendable, the consistent appearance of various groups on the list indicates that hazing remains an ongoing challenge even at institutions actively documenting it.

5.3.4 How a UT hazing case might proceed

In hazing cases at UT Austin, on-campus incidents would fall under UTPD’s jurisdiction, while off-campus incidents would involve the Austin Police Department or the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. Civil cases would typically be filed in Travis County district courts. Like UH and A&M, UT Austin is a public university, and claims against it must contend with sovereign immunity, though exceptions for gross negligence or Title IX violations may apply. Crucially, the public record of prior violations on UT’s website can serve as powerful evidence in civil suits, demonstrating a pattern of hazardous conduct and prior notice to the university, which can support arguments for foreseeability and institutional negligence. From our Houston offices, we serve families in Motley County and across Texas who need legal guidance regarding incidents at UT.

5.3.5 What UT students and parents should do

For parents in Motley County with a child at UT Austin, or current UT students:

• Review UT’s Hazing Violations page: Regularly check https://hazing.utexas.edu for information on organizations and their history of hazing. This is a vital resource for making informed decisions and understanding potential risks.
• Report all incidents: Use the university’s provided reporting channels, including the Dean of Students, UTPD, or anonymous online forms.
• Document evidence: As with any hazing incident, immediate and thorough documentation of digital communications, injuries, and witness accounts is paramount. Attorney911’s video on using your phone to document evidence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains best practices for preserving screenshots and photos.
• Consult with an attorney early: An attorney experienced in Texas hazing law can help you interpret UT’s records, navigate the university’s disciplinary processes, and pursue civil claims effectively.
• Know your rights: Remember that “consent” is not a defense to hazing in Texas, and you have rights protected by state and federal law.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

5.4.1 Campus & culture snapshot

Southern Methodist University (SMU), a private university nestled in Highland Park, Dallas, is renowned for its beautiful campus, academic prestige, and prominent Greek life. Families from Motley County and across Texas are attracted to SMU for its strong programs and vibrant social scene. The university’s culture is shaped by its Methodist heritage, strong alumni network, and a particular emphasis on community and tradition. Its Greek organizations, including both Panhellenic sororities and IFC fraternities, often play a central role in campus social dynamics, making an understanding of hazing practices especially critical for those associated with the institution.

5.4.2 Official hazing policy & reporting channels

SMU maintains clear anti-hazing policies that prohibit any acts that endanger the mental or physical health of a student in the context of initiation or affiliation. These policies apply to all student organizations, whether on or off campus, and regardless of a student’s perceived “consent.” SMU encourages reporting through its Dean of Students office, Student Affairs, and the SMU Police Department (SMU PD). The university also promotes anonymous reporting systems, including its Real Response platform, to encourage students to come forward without fear.

5.4.3 Selected documented incidents & responses

Despite its policies, SMU has faced hazing challenges within its student organizations:

• Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): The Kappa Alpha Order fraternity chapter at SMU faced significant disciplinary action following allegations of severe hazing. Reports indicated that new members were subjected to paddling, forced alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation. The chapter was suspended by the university for several years, facing restrictions on recruitment and operations until around 2021.
• Ongoing Vigilance: While SMU, as a private institution, may not publicize hazing violations with the same granularity as public universities like UT Austin, it consistently emphasizes its commitment to hazing prevention and takes disciplinary action when violations are confirmed.

These instances highlight that even at private universities with robust student life and strong community ties, hazing remains a threat that requires constant vigilance and strong enforcement.

5.4.4 How a SMU hazing case might proceed

For Motley County families navigating a hazing incident at SMU, the legal process would have some distinctions due to SMU’s private status. On-campus incidents would be investigated by SMU PD, while off-campus events would fall under the jurisdiction of the Dallas Police Department or the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Dallas County district courts. Unlike public universities, SMU does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it potentially more directly liable in civil claims for negligence or other institutional failings. While SMU’s internal reporting may not be as publicly transparent as UT’s, robust discovery processes in a civil lawsuit can compel the university to disclose relevant internal records, including prior internal investigations. From our Houston and Austin offices, we serve clients from Motley County facing such challenges.

5.4.5 What SMU students & parents should do

If hazing is a concern for SMU students or their parents in Motley County:

• Understand private university dynamics: While SMU is private, it has a clear anti-hazing stance, and students still have significant legal rights under Texas law.
• Utilize all reporting channels: Report any suspicions or incidents to the Dean of Students, SMU PD, or through anonymous systems like Real Response.
• Document aggressively: Given the speed at which evidence can disappear, it’s crucial to immediately save screenshots of digital communications, photograph injuries, and meticulously record incident details.
• Seek medical assistance: Ensure any injuries, physical or psychological, are promptly evaluated and documented by medical professionals.
• Consult with legal counsel: An experienced hazing attorney can help Motley County families understand their rights, navigate SMU’s internal processes, and determine the best course for demanding justice and accountability.

5.5 Baylor University

5.5.1 Campus & culture snapshot

Baylor University, located in Waco, is a private Christian institution with a strong sense of tradition and community, attracting students from Motley County and across Texas seeking a faith-based educational environment. Its deep-rooted religious identity influences all aspects of campus life, including its substantial Greek system, athletic programs, and numerous student organizations. Baylor’s culture often emphasizes moral conduct and a strong ethical framework, which can lead to heightened scrutiny when incidents like hazing contradict these stated values. Many families in Motley County connect with Baylor through its academic reputation or its widely followed athletic programs.

5.5.2 Official hazing policy & reporting channels

Baylor University has a “zero tolerance” policy for hazing, explicitly stating that it is illegal and violates university policy. The policy prohibits any action that could endanger mental or physical health for membership in any student organization and applies to both on-campus and off-campus activities. Baylor encourages reporting of hazing through its Department of Student Activities, the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD), and its confidential reporting systems. The university aims to address instances of hazing with disciplinary action and educational interventions.

5.5.3 Selected documented incidents & responses

Baylor University has faced significant institutional challenges over the years, which also provide context for its approach to hazing:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): Following an internal investigation into hazing allegations within the baseball program, 14 Baylor baseball players were suspended. The suspensions were staggered over the early season to mitigate the impact on team performance, but confirmed that hazing was present in a prominent athletic program, despite Baylor’s stated ethical commitments.
• Broader Oversight Challenges: Baylor has previously faced intense scrutiny and scandal related to its handling of sexual assault cases and Title IX compliance within its athletic programs during the 2010s. While not directly hazing, these events highlight a broader history of oversight challenges and the tension between a strong institutional brand and sometimes troubling student conduct.

These incidents demonstrate that even religious institutions with strong ethical codes and declared “zero tolerance” policies are not immune to hazing and can face significant challenges in upholding their values.

5.5.4 How a Baylor hazing case might proceed

For Motley County families dealing with a hazing incident at Baylor, the judicial process would involve BUPD for on-campus occurrences or the Waco Police Department/McLennan County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in McLennan County district courts. As a private university, Baylor does not have sovereign immunity, which could make claims for negligence or institutional liability more straightforward compared to public universities, though proving causation and damages still requires a thorough legal strategy. Baylor’s past institutional issues, while not directly hazing-related, can inform arguments about its pattern of oversight and response to student misconduct.

5.5.5 What Baylor students & parents should do

If you are a student at Baylor or a parent in Motley County concerned about hazing:

• Leverage ethical frameworks: Baylor’s emphasis on ethics and conduct can be used to underscore the severity of hazing violations within its own institutional context.
• Report to appropriate authorities: Use Baylor’s official reporting channels, including the Department of Student Activities or BUPD.
• Document thoroughly: Immediate and comprehensive collection of digital evidence, photographs of injuries, and detailed written accounts are essential, especially given the potential for internal investigations to be less transparent than with public institutions.
• Seek medical care: Prioritize your child’s health by ensuring any injuries or psychological distress are professionally medically documented.
• Engage experienced legal counsel: An attorney specializing in Texas hazing cases can help Motley County families navigate Baylor’s internal processes, understand the interplay of university policy and state law, and pursue effective legal action against all responsible parties.

FRATERNITIES & SORORITIES: CAMPUS-SPECIFIC + NATIONAL HISTORIES

When a student from Motley County joins a fraternity or sorority at one of Texas’s major universities, they’re not just becoming part of a local chapter; they’re joining a complex national organization with its own history, rules, and sometimes, a troubling pattern of hazing. Understanding this larger context is critical for families seeking accountability.

Why national histories matter

Many fraternities and sororities with chapters at institutions like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor—such as Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Phi, and Kappa Alpha Order—are part of larger national organizations. These national headquarters often:

• Maintain extensive anti-hazing manuals and sophisticated risk management policies. These exist precisely because they have a documented history of severe injuries, deaths, and multi-million-dollar lawsuits from past hazing incidents at various chapters across the country.
• Possess institutional knowledge of hazardous patterns. They are fully aware of common hazing rituals, such as forced drinking nights, paddling traditions, and degrading initiations, due to prior investigations and legal actions against their own chapters.

This means that when a Texas chapter repeats a dangerous practice that has led to a death or serious injury at another chapter in a different state, it can serve as powerful evidence of foreseeability. It suggests the national organization had prior notice of the risk and, arguably, failed to prevent it. This “pattern evidence” can be crucial in proving negligence or supporting claims for punitive damages against national entities.

Organization mapping (synthesized)

Below, we connect some prominent fraternities and sororities found at Texas universities to their known national hazing histories. This is not an exhaustive list of all organizations or incidents but focuses on those that have frequently appeared in national headlines for hazing.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): This fraternity has a presence at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, and UT Austin. Nationally, it has been linked to numerous severe alcohol-related hazing incidents. The most prominent is the Stone Foltz case at Bowling Green State University (2021), where a pledge died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol. Pi Kappa Alpha national was part of a $10 million settlement in that case. Another tragic case involved David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University (2012), also an alcohol-related death, resulting in a $14 million settlement. These incidents particularly highlight the immense risk during “Big/Little” pledge nights involving extreme alcohol consumption.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): SAE chapters are found at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and SMU. Historically, SAE has faced multiple hazing-related deaths and lawsuits, prompting the national organization to (unsuccessfully) attempt to ban pledging activities altogether in 2014. Key incidents include:

  • University of Alabama (2023): A lawsuit filed alleges a pledge suffered a traumatic brain injury during a hazing ritual.
  • Texas A&M University (2021): Two pledges sued the chapter after allegedly being covered with industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts. This incident was explored in our Texas A&M section.
  • University of Texas at Austin (2024): A student alleged assault by fraternity members, leading to significant injuries and a lawsuit seeking over $1 million.
    These incidents demonstrate a disturbing pattern of physical and chemical hazing alongside alcohol-related activities.

• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor. This fraternity was at the center of the tragic Max Gruver case at Louisiana State University (2017), where a pledge died from extreme alcohol poisoning during a forced drinking game. Gruver’s death led to Louisiana’s strong anti-hazing legislation, the Max Gruver Act. This case is a stark reminder of the lethal consequences of forced drinking games disguised as “tradition.”

• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin. The tragic death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University (2017) after a “Big Brother Night” involving excessive alcohol consumption heavily impacted this organization nationally, leading to criminal prosecutions and a temporary ban on Greek life at FSU.

• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin. The Timothy Piazza case at Penn State University (2017) remains one of the most infamous hazing incidents, where a pledge died after extreme alcohol consumption and falls, with fraternity members delaying aid for hours. This led to significant criminal and civil actions and solidified Beta Theta Pi’s national history of severe hazing.

• Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ): With chapters at Texas A&M and SMU, Kappa Alpha Order has also faced hazing allegations. At SMU in 2017, a chapter was suspended due to allegations of paddling, forced alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation, demonstrating local manifestations of broader national issues.

Tie back to legal strategy

The recurring nature of these incidents across states and within the same national organizations indicates that these entities had repeated warnings about the dangers of their chapters’ ritualistic practices. In a civil lawsuit, this pattern evidence allows experienced attorneys from our firm to argue that national organizations and universities:

• Failed to meaningfully enforce their anti-hazing policies, allowing them to become mere “paper policies.”
• Did not respond to prior incidents with sufficient aggression or structural change, thereby enabling future harm.
• Possessed foreseeability—they knew or should have known these types of hazing activities were dangerous and pervasive within their system.

This type of evidence is crucial for:

• Enhancing settlement leverage, as defendants are less likely to risk a trial when their history of negligence is clear.
• Navigating complex insurance coverage disputes, as insurers often try to avoid paying for “intentional” acts, but patterns of institutional negligence can shift that dynamic.
• Strengthening arguments for punitive damages, which aim to punish egregious conduct and deter future hazing.

For families in Motley County navigating the aftermath of hazing, understanding these national patterns and how they apply to claims against powerful institutions is fundamental to securing justice and accountability.

BUILDING A CASE: EVIDENCE, DAMAGES, STRATEGY

Building a compelling hazing case requires a meticulous and sophisticated approach, blending traditional legal strategies with modern investigative techniques. At The Manginello Law Firm, we understand that uncovering the truth and securing accountability means going deep, anticipating defenses, and leveraging every piece of available evidence.

Evidence

Modern hazing leaves a digital footprint, making digital communications the most critical evidence. We leverage a wide array of evidence types:

• Digital communications: These are often the cornerstone of a hazing case.

  • GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, and fraternity-specific apps: We seek to preserve and analyze messages across all these platforms. These communications can reveal planning, intent, knowledge, who was involved, what was ordered, and what happened before, during, and after the hazing incident. Critically, we know how to secure not just live messages but also how to work with digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages.
  • Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok comments, and even posts can reveal critical details. This includes content filmed by members during hazing events, footage shared privately, or publicly available posts that, while seemingly innocuous, provide context or show participation.

• Photos & videos: Beyond typical social media, this includes:

  • Content filmed by members: Often captured by participants themselves, these recordings provide direct, undeniable proof of hazing.
  • Footage shared in group chats: These are invaluable, as they show direct transmission and knowledge among members.
  • Security camera or Ring/doorbell footage: Footage from campus buildings, fraternity houses, or private residences can capture activity leading up to or during hazing.
  • Victim’s injuries: Immediately after an incident, photographing injuries from multiple angles, with dates and timestamps, is crucial for documenting physical harm. We also advise photographing the injuries again over several days to show the full progression of bruising or healing. Attorney911’s video on using your phone to document evidence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains best practices for preserving screenshots and photos.

• Internal organization documents: These shed light on the organization’s rules, culture, and knowledge.

  • Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” lists: These documents often inadvertently reveal the structured nature of hazing.
  • Emails/texts from officers: Communications instructing members on new member activities or how to handle situations provide direct evidence of organizational involvement.
  • National policies and training materials: These show what the national organization knew and what guidelines it supposedly issued.

• University records: Critical for establishing institutional knowledge and prior warnings.

  • Prior conduct files: Records of past probation, suspensions, and warning letters against the specific chapter involved or other chapters.
  • Incident reports: Filings with campus police or student conduct offices related to the organization.
  • Clery reports and other public disclosures: These can reveal patterns of crime and misconduct on campus.

• Medical and psychological records: Essential for documenting the extent of harm.

  • Emergency room and hospitalization records: Crucial for detailing immediate injuries, treatments, and toxicology reports (e.g., blood alcohol levels).
  • Surgery and rehabilitation notes: Document ongoing physical recovery.
  • Psychological evaluations: Establishing PTSD, depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation directly linked to the hazing is vital for documenting emotional damages.

• Witness testimony: Eyewitness accounts are invaluable.

  • Pledges, active members, roommates, RAs, coaches, trainers, and bystanders: Anyone who observed the hazing or its aftermath.
  • Former members: Often, individuals who have left the organization due to hazing are willing to provide crucial testimony, as they have direct experience and less fear of reprisal.

Damages

When hazing cases in Texas proceed to civil litigation, victims and their families can seek compensation for a wide range of damages, both economic and non-economic. These damages aim to cover losses and pain suffered due to the hazing.

• Economic damages: These are quantifiable financial losses.

  • Medical bills & future care: This includes immediate costs like emergency room visits and ambulance transport, as well as long-term expenses for surgeries, ongoing treatment, physical therapy, prescription medications, and, in severe cases, specialized life care plans for catastrophic injuries.
  • Lost earnings / educational impact: This covers income lost due to missed work (for the victim or a parent caring for them) and the financial impact of delayed graduation, lost scholarships, or a permanent reduction in earning capacity if injuries prevent the victim from pursuing their chosen career.

• Non-economic damages: These account for subjective, non-financial harms.

  • Physical pain and suffering: Compensation for the discomfort, chronic pain, and physical limitations caused by injuries.
  • Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation: This includes diagnosed conditions like PTSD, severe depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation resulting from the hazing. It also covers the profound sense of humiliation, loss of dignity, fear, and nightmares.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: This recognizes the victim’s inability to participate in activities they once enjoyed, withdrawal from social life, and the loss of the expected college experience.

• Wrongful death damages (for families): In the tragic event that hazing leads to a student’s death, surviving family members (parents, spouses, children) can seek compensation for:

  • Funeral and burial costs.
  • Loss of financial support: If the deceased would have contributed financially to the family.
  • Loss of companionship, love, and support: This recognizes the profound emotional void left by the deceased.
  • Grief and mental anguish: For the intense emotional suffering experienced by the family.

We describe these as types of damages, not promises or predictions of specific monetary amounts. Each case is unique, and the value depends heavily on the specific facts and injuries. Attorney911’s video “How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?” provides a general overview at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onBzdkIWadY.

Role of different defendants and insurance coverage

Hazing litigation often involves powerful institutional defendants—national fraternities, sororities, and universities—which typically carry substantial insurance policies. These policies are designed to cover liability but their insurers frequently attempt to avoid payouts.

Insurers may argue that:

• Hazing acts are “intentional” and thus excluded from coverage.
• The policy wording doesn’t cover a specific defendant or situation.

However, experienced hazing lawyers, like Lupe Peña who has a background as an insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), understand how to:

• Identify all potential sources of insurance coverage, including chapter policies, national policies, university umbrella policies, and even individual homeowner’s policies.
• Navigate complex disputes over policy exclusions by focusing on the defendants’ negligent supervision or failure to prevent foreseeable harm, rather than solely on the intentional acts of individuals.
• Force insurers to fulfill their duty to defend and indemnify.

This specialized knowledge is crucial for overcoming resistance from powerful insurance companies and ensuring that victims can receive the compensation they deserve.

PRACTICAL GUIDES & FAQS

For Motley County families and students, knowing exactly what to do when hazing is suspected or occurs can significantly impact the outcome. Our goal is to empower you with actionable advice.

8.1 For parents

If you are a parent and suspect your child is being hazed, remember these critical steps:

• Warning signs of hazing: Look for unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts, burns), extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation (constant late nights, calls at 3 AM), drastic changes in mood (anxiety, depression, irritability) or withdrawal from family and friends. Also be wary of sudden secrecy about organization activities, constant phone use for group chats, and fear of “getting in trouble” if they don’t comply.
• How to talk to your child: Approach the conversation with empathy, not judgment. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with the fraternity/sorority?” Emphasize that their safety and well-being are your top priorities, and you will support them regardless of their choices about the group.
• If your child is hurt: Immediately get them medical attention. Do not delay. Then, meticulously document everything: take clear photos of injuries, screenshot any relevant texts or digital messages they show you, and write down every detail your child shares (who, what, when, where).
• Dealing with the university: Document every communication you have with university administrators. Ask specific questions about their knowledge of prior incidents involving the same organization and what actions were taken. University processes can be opaque, so keep your own detailed records.
• 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 or actively concealing what happened, contact an experienced hazing attorney. We can help you navigate these complex situations.

8.2 For students / pledges

If you are a student or pledge, this advice is for you:

• Is this hazing or just tradition?: Ask yourself: Do I feel unsafe, humiliated, or coerced? Am I being forced to drink or endure pain? Is this activity hidden from the public or administrators? If the answer is yes to any of these, it’s likely hazing. Your “consent” is often not true consent when there’s an imbalance of power and intense pressure to conform.
• Why “consent” isn’t the end of the story: Understand that the law acknowledges the power dynamics and fear of exclusion inherent in initiation rituals. Even if you “agreed” to participate, the law often views these scenarios as coerced. You have legal protections.
• Exiting and reporting safely: You have the right to leave any organization at any time. If you feel unsafe, remove yourself from the situation and seek help. You can report hazing confidentially through campus channels (Dean of Students, Title IX Coordinator, campus police) or anonymous tip lines (e.g., the National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE).
• Good-faith reporting and amnesty: Many universities and state laws (including Texas) provide amnesty for students who call for help in an emergency, prioritizing saving lives over minor policy violations (like underage drinking).

8.3 For former members / witnesses

If you are a former member or a witness to hazing, your role can be crucial in preventing future tragedies:

• Acknowledge guilt and fear: It’s natural to feel conflicted, guilty, or scared of retaliation. However, your testimony can be instrumental in preventing further harm and helping victims achieve justice.
• Prevent future harm: Your insider knowledge can expose patterns of abuse and hold powerful institutions accountable. This can contribute to saving lives and reforming dangerous practices.
• Seek advice: You may want to seek your own legal counsel to understand your rights, potential liabilities, and how to navigate cooperation. Lawyers can help manage your role as a witness or even as a co-defendant, if applicable, making the process less daunting.

8.4 Critical mistakes that can destroy your case

When hazing impacts a family, immediate actions—and inactions—can dramatically alter the course of a potential legal claim. Avoiding these common errors is critical:

1. Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence: Parents sometimes instruct their child to delete digital evidence to “protect” them from further trouble. This is a severe mistake. It can be seen as attempting to obstruct justice and makes proving a case nearly impossible. Instead: Preserve everything immediately, even if it seems embarrassing or incriminating.
2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly: While understandable, confronting the individuals or the organization responsible without legal guidance can backfire. They will likely lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare defenses. Instead: Document everything calmly, then contact an attorney before any confrontation.
3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms: Universities may pressure families to sign waivers or internal resolution agreements swiftly. These documents often require you to give up your right to pursue further legal action, and any “settlement” offered by the university is typically far below the actual value of your claim. Instead: Do NOT sign anything without an experienced attorney reviewing it first.
4. Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer: Sharing what happened publicly, no matter how cathartic, can be detrimental. Defense attorneys monitor social media, and inconsistencies in your public statements versus later legal filings can harm credibility or even waive your legal privileges. Instead: Document privately and let your lawyer control public messaging.
5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”: Organizations often request a final meeting to “discuss” things. These are rarely genuine reconciliation efforts. Instead, they are opportunities to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that could harm your case. Instead: Once you are considering legal action, all communication with the organization should be directed through your attorney.
6. Waiting “to see how the university handles it”: Universities often promise thorough internal investigations. However, evidence disappears quickly, witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations can run out. University processes are typically less focused on full victim compensation and more on institutional reputation management and internal discipline. Instead: Preserve evidence NOW and consult a lawyer immediately. University processes and legal accountability are separate tracks.
7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer: Insurance adjusters, whether for the school or the fraternity, are not on your side. Their goal is to minimize payouts. They may ask for recorded statements that can later be used against you. Instead: Politely decline to speak with them and state, “My attorney will contact you.”

8.5 Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities such as the University of Houston, Texas A&M, and UT Austin benefit from sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when individual employees are sued in their personal capacities. Private universities like SMU and Baylor generally 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 classified as a Class B misdemeanor, it escalates to a state jail felony under Texas law if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals who fail to report known hazing as officers of an organization 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 prosecution for hazing. Legal precedent and common sense acknowledge that “consent” given under duress, peer pressure, or fear of exclusion within a coercive environment is not truly voluntary.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  Generally, there is a 2-year statute of limitations from the date of injury or death in Texas for personal injury claims. However, the “discovery rule” can extend this period if the harm or its cause was not immediately apparent. In cases involving cover-ups or deliberate concealment, the statute may be “tolled” (paused). Time is critical—evidence fades or disappears, witnesses can become unavailable, and organizations may destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c for more information on the statute of limitations.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location of hazing does not eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities or sororities can still be held accountable based on their sponsorship, knowledge of off-campus activities, and their general duty to prevent foreseeable harm. Many significant hazing cases, including deaths, have occurred off-campus and still resulted in substantial judgments against universities and national organizations.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  Most hazing cases are resolved through confidential settlements negotiated before trial. While some high-profile cases do attract media attention, it is often possible to request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while aggressively pursuing accountability.

ABOUT THE MANGINELLO LAW FIRM + CALL TO ACTION

When your family faces the aftermath of hazing, you need far more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who intimately understand how powerful institutions—national fraternities, athletic departments, and universities—fight back, and how to effectively challenge them. This is where The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, stands apart.

From our strategically located offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families across the entire state of Texas, including those in Motley County and its surrounding areas. We understand that hazing at Texas universities can profoundly impact families regardless of where they live.

Our firm offers unique qualifications specifically suited for complex hazing cases:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Lupe Peña, one of our key attorneys, previously worked as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. This experience gives us invaluable insight into how fraternity and university insurance companies operate. We understand their tactics for valuing (and often undervaluing) hazing claims, their strategies for delaying proceedings, how they frame coverage exclusion arguments, and their overall settlement playbooks. We know their playbook because we used to run it, giving us a significant edge in navigating these intricate disputes. You can learn more about Lupe Peña’s background at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, brings extensive experience in complex federal court litigation. He was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the historic BP Texas City explosion litigation, showcasing our firm’s capability to take on billion-dollar corporations and their formidable defense teams. This experience means we are not intimidated by powerful national fraternities, universities, or their legal counsel. Our track record demonstrates our ability to fight tenaciously and secure justice against seemingly insurmountable odds. For more on Ralph Manginello’s credentials, visit https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have a proven track record of securing multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We work diligently with economists and other experts to accurately value the profound losses incurred, including the lifetime care needs for victims of severe brain injuries or permanent disabilities. Our commitment is to building cases that are so strong, they compel accountability, even from the most resistant defendants. You can explore our wrongful death experience further at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.

• Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides us with a unique understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. This dual perspective allows us to advise not only victims and their families on civil claims but also witnesses or former members who might face criminal exposure, ensuring a comprehensive legal strategy.

• Investigative Depth: We employ a comprehensive investigative approach, partnering with a network of experts including digital forensics specialists, medical professionals, economists, and psychologists. Our team has extensive experience obtaining hidden evidence, from recovering deleted group chats and social media data to subpoenaing national fraternity records that expose patterns of prior incidents. We meticulously uncover university files through discovery and public records requests. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it often does.

We intimately understand how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments operate behind closed doors. This specific knowledge is critical for understanding organizational structures, traditional “pledge” activities, and internal communication patterns. We know what makes hazing cases different: they involve powerful institutional defendants, complex insurance coverage fights, and the delicate balance of protecting victim privacy while pursuing public accountability.

We approach every case with profound empathy and a fierce commitment to victim advocacy. We know that facing a hazing incident is one of the hardest things a family can endure. Our job is to get you answers, hold the responsible parties accountable, and ensure justice is served, all while working to prevent similar tragedies from happening to another family. We aren’t about bravado or quick, undervalued settlements; we’re about thorough investigation, strategic litigation, and real accountability.

Call to action

If you or your child has experienced hazing at Texas A&M, the University of Houston, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any other Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Motley County and throughout its surrounding regions—including Dickens, Cottle, Floyd, and Crosby counties—have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will carefully listen to your story without judgment, review any evidence you may have, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward for your family.

During your free consultation, you can expect us to:

• Listen to your experience with compassion and without judgment.
• Review any evidence you’ve gathered, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
• Clearly explain your legal options, including possible criminal reports, civil lawsuits, or both.
• Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect throughout the legal process.
• Answer your questions about costs. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case. For more details on how contingency fees work, watch our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.
• There is no pressure to hire us on the spot; we encourage you to take the time you need to make an informed decision.
• Everything you share with us during this consultation is confidential.

Do not delay, as evidence disappears quickly and crucial deadlines, such as the statute of limitations, can pass. For more information on critical mistakes to avoid in personal injury cases, see our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911 today:

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

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

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

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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