Hazing in North Dakota: A Comprehensive Guide for Families

It’s a crisp autumn evening in North Dakota, and your child, a bright, hopeful student, is away at college. Perhaps they’ve joined a fraternity, a sorority, an athletic team, or even a spirit organization, eager to find their community and make lasting memories. You get a late-night call, or perhaps they come home for a weekend looking exhausted, evasive, or bearing an unexplained injury. They won’t meet your gaze. “It’s just tradition,” they might mumble. “Everyone does it.” But a cold dread creeps into your heart. Is this what belonging looks like? Or is it something far more dangerous, something illegal, something that could change their life forever?

This unsettling scenario, sadly, is not uncommon for families across North Dakota and throughout the United States. While the picturesque landscapes of North Dakota may seem far removed from the headlines of hazing tragedies, the truth is that such incidents can occur at any college campus, in any student group, and impact families from any community. Whether your child attends one of North Dakota’s respected institutions like the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks or North Dakota State University in Fargo, or if they’ve ventured out-of-state to a larger university, the risks of hazing are real, and the consequences can be devastating.

This comprehensive guide is designed specifically for families in North Dakota and across the region who need to understand the complex, often hidden, world of modern hazing. We delve into:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, far beyond outdated stereotypes.
• The critical legal frameworks, both in Texas and federally, designed to combat hazing.
• Lessons learned from major hazing tragedies nationwide, and how these inform cases in North Dakota.
• The specific landscapes of selected major universities across Texas, such as the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, as these are often destination schools for students nationwide, and present patterns of hazing seen across the country.
• The national histories of fraternities and sororities and how those histories can impact your child’s experience.
• Concrete strategies for building a legal case, including crucial evidence gathering and understanding damages.
• Practical advice and essential FAQs for parents, students, and witnesses navigating a hazing crisis.

We understand that you may feel overwhelmed, angry, or scared. This guide provides clarity and actionable information, empowering you with the knowledge to protect your child and seek justice if hazing has already occurred. The Manginello Law Firm is committed to shedding light on these dark practices and ensuring 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”
  • Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
    • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
    • Photograph injuries from multiple angles
    • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
  • Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
  • Do NOT:
    • Confront the fraternity/sorority
    • Sign anything from the university or insurance company
    • Post details on public social media
    • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

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

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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

Hazing is often misunderstood, frequently dismissed as “harmless fun” or “just a prank.” Yet, its insidious nature makes it one of the most dangerous and damaging practices on college campuses today. In 2025, hazing has evolved, becoming more subtle, more psychologically damaging, and in some cases, terrifyingly violent. If you’re a parent in North Dakota, it’s crucial to understand that hazing isn’t a relic of the past; it’s a dynamic, evolving threat that can impact your child’s physical safety and mental well-being.

At its core, hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action taken against a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in a group. These actions are inherently designed to humiliate, degrade, or endanger. The key element is coercion, regardless of whether a student “voluntarily” participates. The desire to belong, fear of exclusion, and implicit threats of punishment create a coercive environment where true consent is impossible.

Main Categories of Hazing: A Modern View

Modern hazing takes many forms, often blending different tactics to achieve a twisted sense of “bonding” or “earned” membership.

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This remains the leading cause of hazing fatalities and severe injuries. It involves forced or coerced drinking, often far beyond safe limits. This includes “lineups” where pledges are forced to consume multiple shots, drinking games designed for rapid intoxication, or “bottle exchanges” where pledges are given handles of hard liquor and pressured to finish them. Worse still is the pressure to consume unknown or illicit substances. The goal is often to break down new members through extreme intoxication, creating a vulnerability that can lead to injury, sexual assault, or even death.

• Physical Hazing: This category covers activities that inflict physical pain or extreme discomfort. Classic examples include paddling, which remains a prevalent and dangerous practice, particularly in some organizations. Beyond direct violence, physical hazing includes extreme calisthenics or “workouts” that push individuals past their physical limits, leading to conditions like rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown that can cause kidney failure. Sleep deprivation, food and water deprivation, and exposure to extreme temperatures (e.g., being left outside in freezing cold) also fall under this category, often designed to create disorientation and subservience.

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: Perhaps the most degrading forms of hazing, these activities strip individuals of their dignity and can have lasting psychological scars. They often involve forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (sometimes escalating to actual sexual assault), and degrading costumes or behaviors. These acts can carry severe racial, sexist, or homophobic undertones, exploiting identities and vulnerabilities.

• Psychological Hazing: This type of hazing aims to break down an individual’s mental and emotional resilience. It involves constant verbal abuse, threats, and intimidation. Pledges might be subjected to isolation from friends and family, constant surveillance, or forced confessions of personal secrets. Public shaming, whether in a meeting or increasingly, through online platforms, is a powerful tool to control and humiliate new members.

• Digital/Online Hazing: This is the newest frontier of hazing, leveraging technology to enforce control and inflict abuse 24/7. Group chats (via GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord, or iMessage) become tools for constant demands, sleep deprivation (with messages pinging throughout the night), and psychological torment. Pledges may be forced to participate in online dares, social media “challenges,” or create and share compromising photos or videos. Digital communication leaves a clear trail, making it a critical source of evidence in legal cases.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

It’s a common misconception that hazing is exclusively a “fraternity problem.” While Greek life does see a significant number of hazing incidents, the reality is far broader. Hazing is a power dynamic, and it can occur in any group where there’s a hierarchical structure and an initiation process.

• Fraternities and Sororities: This includes all Greek letter organizations—Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural Greek groups. Despite national anti-hazing policies, local chapters often perpetuate dangerous traditions.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: Organizations with a paramilitary structure, like the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M, often have long-standing, often dangerous, initiation rituals that can escalate to hazing.
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to wrestling, swimming, and cheerleading, hazing is unfortunately prevalent in college sports. “Traditions” in these groups can include forced drinking, physical abuse labeled as “conditioning,” or sexualized rituals.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous groups are not immune. Hazing in these settings can involve forced consumption, physical challenges, or elaborate, humiliating rituals. The tragic death of Robert Champion at Florida A&M’s marching band highlighted this broader risk.
• Other Student Organizations: Some service clubs, cultural associations, and academic honor societies can also harbor hazing practices, particularly if they prioritize “tradition” and secrecy.

Understanding these diverse contexts helps parents in North Dakota recognize the signs of hazing, regardless of the type of organization their child might join. The common threads are always about social status, the pressure to conform, hidden practices, and a twisted sense of tradition that overrides safety and dignity.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

When hazing occurs, it’s not simply a failure of judgment; it’s a violation of law, a breach of institutional responsibility, and a basis for both criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits. For North Dakota families whose children attend college in Texas or any other state, understanding this legal landscape is critical.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has clear laws designed to combat hazing, primarily outlined in the Texas Education Code. These laws define what hazing is, establish criminal penalties, and specify the responsibilities of institutions and individuals.

Under Texas Education Code § 37.151, hazing is broadly defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, committed by an individual or group, on or off campus, 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 is crucial:

• On or off campus: The physical location of the hazing does not matter. Incidents occurring in private homes, Airbnbs, or remote locations are still covered.
• Mental or physical health: Hazing isn’t just about physical injury; severe psychological trauma is also recognized as harm.
• Intent: It doesn’t require malicious intent. If the act was done “recklessly”—meaning the person knew or should have known the risks and proceeded anyway—it falls under the definition.

Criminal Penalties: Texas Education Code § 37.152 outlines penalties that vary with the severity of harm:

• Class B Misdemeanor: For hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury. This can carry up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes an injury requiring medical treatment.
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. This is a significant escalation and can carry severe prison sentences.

Organizational Liability: Texas law also holds organizations accountable. Under § 37.153, a local chapter or organization can be criminally prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 if it authorized or encouraged hazing, or if an officer or member acting in an official capacity knew about the hazing and failed to report it. Universities can also revoke recognition and ban the organization from campus.

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting: Texas Education Code § 37.154 provides crucial protection: individuals who report hazing incidents in good faith to authorities are immune from civil or criminal liability stemming from that report. This encourages bystanders or even participants to come forward without fear of reprisal. Additionally, many university policies and state laws offer amnesty for students who call 911 for a medical emergency caused by alcohol or drugs, preventing them from being penalized for underage drinking.

Crucially, Consent Not a Defense: Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that it is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the activity. This makes it clear that power imbalances invalidate any supposed “consent.”

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

When hazing occurs, there are often two distinct legal tracks:

• Criminal Cases: These are initiated by the state (prosecutors) and aim to punish individuals or organizations for breaking the law. Typical hazing-related criminal charges beyond the specific hazing statutes can include:

  • Furnishing alcohol to minors.
  • Assault or aggravated assault.
  • Sexual assault.
  • Manslaughter or negligent homicide in fatal cases.
    Criminal cases focus on guilt and punishment.

• Civil Cases: These are initiated by the victims or their families. The goal is to obtain monetary compensation for the harm suffered and to ensure accountability from all responsible parties. Civil lawsuits can target individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and even universities, focusing on claims such as:

  • Negligence or gross negligence (failure to act reasonably to prevent harm).
  • Wrongful death (when a life is lost due to hazing).
  • Negligent supervision or hiring.
  • Premises liability (if hazing occurred on unsafe property).
  • Intentional infliction of emotional distress.
    Civil and criminal cases often run concurrently, but a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil claim.

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

Beyond state laws, federal regulations also play a significant role in addressing hazing, particularly for colleges and universities that receive federal funding.

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal legislation, set to be fully implemented by 2026, mandates that institutions of higher education:

  • Publicly report all hazing violations and disciplinary actions taken against organizations.
  • Implement robust hazing education and prevention programs.
  • Maintain and make available a public database of hazing incidents, aiming for greater transparency and accountability.

• Title IX: This federal law prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. When hazing involves sexual assault, sexual harassment, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations are triggered. Universities failing to adequately respond to such incidents can face severe penalties and civil liability.

• 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 that involve assault, sexual offenses, or alcohol/drug violations often fall under Clery reporting requirements, providing another layer of institutional accountability.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Identifying all potentially liable parties is critical in serious hazing cases. An experienced attorney will meticulously investigate to pinpoint every individual and entity that contributed to the harm:

• Individual Students: Those who directly planned, carried out, or even passively participated in the hazing can be held personally responsible. This includes junior members coerced into hazing, as well as senior leaders.
• Local Chapter/Organization: The direct student group (fraternity, sorority, club) can be held liable as a collective entity, especially if the hazing was endorsed as a “tradition” or sanctioned by its leadership.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters of Greek organizations often face significant liability if they failed to adequately supervise their local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, or respond to prior warnings. Their extensive resources make them a primary target for civil litigation.
• University or Governing Board: Colleges and universities can be held liable if they showed deliberate indifference to hazing, failed to enforce their own policies, or had prior knowledge of hazang activities but did nothing. Public universities in Texas, like the University of North Dakota or North Dakota State University, generally have some sovereign immunity protection, but exceptions for gross negligence or Title IX violations can be significant. Private institutions have fewer immunity shields.
• Third Parties: Other entities such as property owners (e.g., landlords of off-campus houses), event organizers, or even alcohol vendors who negligently furnished alcohol to minors can sometimes be named as defendants.

The goal of a civil hazing lawsuit is not just to secure financial compensation, but to force systemic change, making campuses safer for all students, including those from North Dakota.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

Hazing deaths and severe injuries are tragically not new, but modern legal strategies and media attention have magnified their impact, illustrating clear patterns of negligence and accountability. For North Dakota families, understanding these national cases is critical because they establish precedents for civil lawsuits and underscore the foreseeability of hazing tragedies when institutions and organizations fail to act.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

The overwhelming majority of hazing-related deaths are due to forced or coerced alcohol consumption. These cases highlight a recurring script: extreme intoxication, followed by delayed medical attention, often fueled by a culture of secrecy and fear.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): In one of the most widely publicized hazing cases, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza died after plummeting down a flight of stairs, suffering severe brain injuries and internal bleeding during a “bid acceptance” event. Fraternity brothers forced pledges to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol, then delayed calling 911 for nearly 12 hours while Piazza suffered. The aftermath led to dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, civil litigation resulting in significant settlements, and the enactment of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. Piazza’s parents became powerful advocates, pushing for stricter laws and greater transparency. This case starkly showcased how extreme intoxication, delayed medical care, and a culture of silence amplify culpability.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Just months after Piazza’s death, 20-year-old Andrew Coffey died of acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and pressured to consume them rapidly. His death led to criminal charges against multiple fraternity members and a temporary suspension of all Greek life at FSU, forcing a re-evaluation of campus culture. This tragedy, among others, proved that seemingly established “traditions” involving alcohol are lethal formulas for disaster.

• Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): 18-year-old Maxwell Gruver died with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.495% after a perverse “Bible study” drinking game. Pledges were forced to drink whenever they answered questions incorrectly. His death spurred Louisiana to pass the Max Gruver Act, a felony hazing statute, making hazing causing serious injury or death a much more serious criminal offense. The criminal convictions that followed demonstrated a legal willingness to hold individuals accountable for such acts.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Another tragic “Big-Little” night claimed the life of 20-year-old Stone Foltz, who was forced to consume an entire bottle of whiskey. He died from alcohol poisoning. In the aftermath, multiple fraternity members faced criminal convictions, and Foltz’s family reached a $10 million settlement split between the Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and Bowling Green State University. This case underscored that local chapters, national organizations, and even universities can face massive financial liability for their roles in hazing. The personal liability aspect was further emphasized when the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million to the Foltz family.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical and ritualized hazing, often involving grotesque forms of physical abuse or dangerous stunts, continues to cause severe harm.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng died from a traumatic brain injury during a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains. Pledges were blindfolded, forced to wear heavy backpacks, and repeatedly tackled in a ritual called “the glass ceiling.” His attackers delayed calling 911 for hours, hoping he would recover. In a landmark ruling, the Pi Delta Psi national fraternity was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, and BANNED from operating in Pennsylvania for 10 years. This case demonstrated that off-campus “retreats” are not safe havens from liability, and entire organizations can face criminal sanctions.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing isn’t confined to Greek letter organizations; it’s a pervasive problem within college athletics and other student groups.

• Northwestern University Football Scandal (2023–2025): This case rocked the collegiate sports world when former football players alleged a pattern of widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the program over many years. Allegations included forced naked “dry-humping” rituals, often referred to as “running,” and other degrading acts. The scandal led to the firing of long-time head coach Pat Fitzgerald, numerous lawsuits against the university and coaching staff, and confidential settlements. This incident powerfully illustrated that hazing can flourish in prominent athletic programs and that universities can face significant legal and reputational damage for failing to address it.

What These Cases Mean for North Dakota Families

These national tragedies, while removed geographically, cast a long shadow over every college campus, including those in North Dakota. They reveal critical, recurring patterns:

• Foreseeability: Many forms of hazing, especially alcohol-related, have predictable and tragic outcomes. National organizations and universities often have prior knowledge of these risks.
• Institutional Indifference: Repeated incidents highlight systemic failures to enforce policies, supervise student groups, and respond effectively to red flags.
• Culture of Secrecy: Victims and witnesses often fear retaliation, leading to delayed reporting and cover-ups that exacerbate harm and complicate investigations.
• Multi-Million Dollar Liability: Courts and juries increasingly hold organizations, universities, and individuals accountable with substantial settlements and verdicts.

For students from North Dakota attending schools anywhere in the country, or for families grappling with these issues closer to home, these national cases are not distant statistics. They are blueprints for understanding liability, building a legal case, and demanding justice. They prove that accountability is possible, and that systemic change, often spearheaded by courageous families, eventually follows.

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

While North Dakota has its own institutions and unique communities, many families across the nation, and certainly from North Dakota, send their children to prominent universities across Texas. These institutions, with their large student bodies, vibrant Greek life, and deep traditions, illustrate the universal challenges of hazing and provide important examples of legal precedent. Attorney911 operates directly within this landscape, representing families in Texas against these very institutions.

Let’s explore five significant Texas universities, outlining their cultures, hazing policies, documented incidents, and potential legal pathways, giving insights valuable to families in North Dakota monitoring higher education nationwide.

University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a vibrant urban campus right in the heart of Houston, serves a diverse student body that includes many from outside the immediate area, including North Dakota families looking for a large, dynamic university experience. UH balances its commuter population with a growing residential presence and a bustling Greek life.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

UH is a Carnegie Tier One research university known for its robust academic programs and strong ties to Gulf Coast industries. Its campus culture is a mix of urban energy and traditional collegiate activities. Greek life at UH is active, comprising numerous fraternities and sororifications across different councils, including IFC, Panhellenic, and NPHC. Students are drawn to UH for its diverse opportunities, making it a melting pot where strong, often exclusive, social groups thrive.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston maintains a strict anti-hazing policy, clearly stating its prohibition on any form of hazing, whether on or off campus, as illegal under Texas law and university regulations. The policy explicitly forbids forced consumption of alcohol or drugs, physical mistreatment, sleep deprivation, and any activity that could endanger mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. Students are encouraged to report hazing through the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, or the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). An anonymous reporting option is also available online.

Documented Incidents & Responses

UH has faced hazing incidents leading to disciplinary action against student organizations. A notable event, though not a fatality, was around a 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) hazing incident. Pledges were reportedly subjected to extreme physical and mental duress, including sleep deprivation and forced strenuous exercises. One student allegedly suffered a lacerated spleen after being forced into degrading physical activities. The local chapter faced criminal misdemeanor hazing charges and was suspended by the university for a significant period. Other instances have involved various fraternities being sanctioned for “behavior likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” including alcohol misuse and policy violations leading to suspensions or probation. This history demonstrates UH’s challenge in curbing deep-seated hazing practices, despite its clear policies.

How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For students and families in North Dakota contemplating legal action at UH, the case would likely proceed through the Texas court system, typically in Harris County. Legal action could involve a unique investigation due to the potential for different law enforcement agencies. Depending on the alleged incident, agencies like UHPD and/or the Houston Police Department could be involved in a criminal investigation. If Attorney911 represents the family, civil litigation would seek to hold all responsible parties accountable, including individual students, the local chapter, the national organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Alpha’s national headquarters), and potentially the University of Houston through its Board of Regents. Our firm’s direct experience litigating against major institutions like UH in Houston gives us specific insights into their defense strategies and a deep understanding of local court procedures.

What UH Students & Parents Should Do

If you suspect hazing at the University of Houston, prioritize safety and legal guidance.

• Report: Immediately use UH’s official reporting channels (Dean of Students, UHPD).
• Document: Photograph any injuries, screenshot all digital communications, and make detailed notes.
• Seek Counsel: Contact an attorney experienced in Houston-based hazing cases like Attorney911 to understand how to preserve evidence and uncover any prior disciplinary actions against the organization, which can be critical for building a strong case.

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University in College Station holds a special place in the hearts of many Texans, and its reach extends far beyond state borders, attracting students from North Dakota and across the country. It is renowned for its deep-rooted traditions, fiercely loyal alumni network, and, uniquely, its Corps of Cadets, a military-style program that fosters a very distinct campus culture alongside a vibrant Greek life.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M is one of the largest universities in the nation, known for its engineering, agriculture, and military traditions. The Corps of Cadets is a prominent feature, influencing a disciplined, honor-bound ethos that permeates parts of campus life. Alongside the Corps, A&M boasts a substantial Greek system with numerous fraternities and sororities, each with its own traditions and community. This combination of traditional student organizations and military-style formations creates a complex environment where hazing, often cloaked in the guise of “tradition” or “discipline,” can unfortunately thrive.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M’s anti-hazing policy strictly prohibits hazing across all student organizations, both on and off campus. It aligns with Texas state law, defining hazing broadly to include any act that endangers physical or mental health intended for initiation or membership. The university has a multi-pronged reporting system, including the Student Conduct Office, the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD), and specific reporting channels within the Corps of Cadets. They also comply with the state’s requirement to publish hazing violations and disciplinary actions on their website.

Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced multiple high-profile hazing allegations and incidents. A significant case involved Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) around 2021, where two pledges alleged being subjected to extreme physical and degrading activities. This included being covered in foul substances like industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, resulting in severe chemical burns that required skin graft surgeries. The pledges filed a $1 million lawsuit against the fraternity, which was subsequently suspended by the university.

Separately, the Corps of Cadets faced a major lawsuit in 2023. A former cadet alleged brutal hazing, including being forced into degrading sexualized positions (e.g., the “roasted pig” pose with an apple in the mouth), physical abuse, and sleep deprivation. While A&M stated it handled the matter according to its regulations, the lawsuit brought to light the dark underside of some Corps traditions. These incidents highlight that hazing at A&M can stem from both Greek life and the highly structured, tradition-rich Corps environment.

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For North Dakota families whose children have experienced hazing at Texas A&M, a civil case would typically be filed in Brazos County. It would involve a deep dive into the specific traditions of the alleged organization, whether a fraternity or a Corps unit. Potential defendants would include individual perpetrators, the local chapter itself, the respective national organization (e.g., SAE national), and potentially Texas A&M University or the Texas A&M University System. Our firm specifically investigates how A&M’s rich history of tradition might have influenced hazing culture and whether a failure to supervise or intervene adequately contributed to the harm. Due to A&M’s public university status, sovereign immunity would be a considerable defense for the university itself, but exceptions often exist for gross negligence or constitutional violations.

What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

If you suspect hazing at Texas A&M:

• Report: Contact A&M’s Student Conduct Office or UPD immediately. For Corps-related incidents, use their internal reporting system.
• Document: Secure any evidence related to the hazing, including photos of injuries or forced acts, and digital communications from GroupMe or other platforms used by the organization.
• Legal Review: Consult with an attorney like Attorney911 who understands the unique legal landscape of public universities in Texas, including sovereign immunity considerations, and who has experience with hazing cases at institutions with strong traditions like A&M.

University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin, a flagship institution in the heart of the state capital, is a sought-after destination for students from North Dakota and across the globe. It combines academic excellence with a vibrant social scene, making it another hub of Greek activity and student organizations that can sometimes tragically involve hazing.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin is a sprawling public university known for its top-tier academic programs and its “Longhorn” pride. Its campus bustles with diverse student organizations, championship athletic teams, and a large, active Greek life that is central to many students’ social experience. The city of Austin also provides a lively backdrop, with numerous off-campus residences and venues where student events take place, sometimes out of direct university oversight.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UT Austin strictly prohibits hazing, adhering to Texas law and its own institutional regulations. Its policy unequivocally states that hazing, whether on or off campus, involving any student organization, is illegal and will not be tolerated. UT is recognized for its commitment to transparency, maintaining a publicly accessible Hazing Violations webpage that lists organizations, dates of incidents, a description of the conduct, and the sanctions imposed. Reporting channels include the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD), and the “Stop Hazing” anonymous reporting form.

Documented Incidents & Responses

UT Austin’s public Hazing Violations page is a critical resource, revealing a consistent pattern of incidents across various organizations. For example:

• In 2023, Pi Kappa Alpha was sanctioned for hazing that included forcing pledges to consume milk and engaging in strenuous calisthenics, culminating in members passing out and requiring medical attention. The chapter faced probation and mandatory hazing-prevention education.
• Other student groups, such as the Texas Wranglers (a spirit organization), have faced disciplinary action for hazing involving degrading activities, forced workouts, and alcohol misuse.
• The Texas Cowboys (another spirit group) faced severe sanctions and multiple lawsuits following the 2018 death of a “new man” during an alleged sleep-deprived driving incident, echoing a tragic 1995 incident where a pledge drowned during a hazing event for the same organization. UT’s transparent data underscores that hazing is not an isolated problem but a recurring challenge even among respected university groups.

How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

If a North Dakota family needs to pursue a hazing case related to UT Austin, litigation would take place in Texas courts, typically in Travis County. Due to UT’s status as a public institution, specific strategies are required to navigate potential sovereign immunity defenses against the university itself, often by focusing on gross negligence claims, Title IX violations, or by holding individual employees accountable. However, the university’s public reporting of past violations can be invaluable in demonstrating a pattern of behavior and the university’s knowledge of the risks. Potential defendants can include individual students, the local chapter, the national organization (if Greek-affiliated), and potentially the university in specific circumstances.

What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

For UT Austin-affiliated individuals and families in North Dakota:

• Leverage Transparency: Review UT’s public Hazing Violations webpage (hazing.utexas.edu) for any history of the organization in question.
• Report: Utilize the Office of Student Conduct, UTPD, or the anonymous “Stop Hazing” form.
• Legal Strategy: Engage legal counsel with specific experience in hazing cases against public Texas universities to understand the nuances of sovereign immunity and leverage the available public record effectively.

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, located in Dallas, is a distinguished private institution that attracts students from across the country, including those from North Dakota seeking a high-caliber education and a vibrant social experience. Its strong Greek system and exclusive social scene can sometimes obscure underlying hazing risks.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is known for its beautiful campus, prominent business and law schools, and a highly competitive student body. Greek life plays a significant role in the social fabric of the university, with a large percentage of students participating in fraternities and sororities. The culture is often perceived as affluent and tradition-bound, characteristics that can, unfortunately, make hazing practices particularly entrenched and difficult to uncover.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU has a comprehensive anti-hazing policy that mirrors Texas law, strictly prohibiting any activity that causes physical or mental harm for purposes of initiation or membership. Its policy extends to all student organizations, on or off campus. SMU encourages reporting through the Office of Student Conduct, SMU Police Department (SMUPD), and anonymous reporting systems like “Real Response,” emphasizing a commitment to a hazing-free campus.

Documented Incidents & Responses

SMU has also navigated its share of hazing incidents. In 2017, the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity was sanctioned after allegations emerged of systematic hazing that included physical abuse (paddling), forced alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation. The chapter faced a significant suspension and was barred from recruiting new members for several years, severely disrupting its campus presence. The incident sparked a broader conversation at SMU about accountability in Greek life. While private universities often have less public reporting than state-mandated public universities, SMU has demonstrated a willingness to impose strict sanctions.

How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For North Dakota families pursuing a hazing case against an SMU-affiliated organization, litigation would likely occur in Dallas County. As a private university, SMU typically does not enjoy the same sovereign immunity protections as public institutions, potentially making it easier to directly name the university as a defendant alongside individual perpetrators, the local chapter, and national organizations. A lawyer experienced in private university litigation can effectively use the discovery process to obtain internal reports, prior disciplinary actions, and communications that might not be publicly disclosed.

What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

If you suspect hazing at SMU:

• Report through Official Channels: Utilize SMU’s Student Conduct Office, SMUPD, or anonymous reporting systems.
• Document Thoroughly: Keep meticulous records of all communications, injuries, and observations.
• Consider Private University Expertise: Due to SMU’s private status, engaging a legal team like Attorney911 with experience navigating the specific legal and cultural dynamics of private universities is crucial for effective advocacy.

Baylor University

Baylor University, a private Baptist university in Waco, holds a unique position among Texas institutions. While primarily drawing from Texas’s strong Christian communities, it also attracts students from North Dakota and beyond who seek a faith-based educational environment. Baylor’s strong institutional identity influences how it addresses student conduct, including hazing.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor is characterized by its distinct Christian mission, which shapes its campus policies, student life, and emphasis on community. Despite its religious foundation, Baylor has a significant Greek life presence and numerous other student organizations, including athletic teams, that contribute to a vibrant social scene. The university’s commitment to its values can lead to a strict stance against prohibited behaviors like hazing, but its internal processes might also be complex for affected families to navigate. Baylor has also faced national scrutiny over its handling of past institutional failures, particularly concerning sexual assault, which has heightened its sensitivity to issues of student safety and oversight.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University explicitly prohibits hazing, articulating a zero-tolerance policy in line with state law. Its Code of Conduct outlines severe penalties for individuals and organizations involved in hazing, including suspension or permanent expulsion. Baylor’s reporting mechanisms include the Office of Student Conduct, the Baylor Police Department, and an anonymous reporting hotline “EthicsPoint.” The university’s history underscores the importance of transparent and responsive reporting channels.

Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor, like other large universities, has had hazing incidents, though its approach to public disclosure can differ from public institutions. A notable example involved the Baylor baseball team in 2020, where an internal investigation led to the suspension of 14 players. While specific hazing behaviors were not fully detailed publicly, the sheer number of suspensions indicated a serious breach of policy. This incident highlights that hazing is not confined to Greek life even within faith-based institutions; it can permeate athletic programs and other student groups. Baylor’s prior high-profile scandals, particularly those related to systemic issues of oversight (such as the sexual assault scandal involving its football program), have intensified public and internal pressure on the university to rigorously investigate and address all forms of student misconduct, including hazing.

How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For North Dakota families involved in a hazing incident at Baylor, a civil case would typically be filed in McLennan County. As a private university, Baylor does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it potentially more straightforward to bring direct claims against the university itself, alongside individual perpetrators, local organizations, and national affiliates. However, its private nature also means less public disclosure of internal disciplinary records, often requiring an attorney to leverage discovery tools to uncover relevant information about the university’s knowledge and response to previous hazing behaviors.

What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

If you suspect hazing at Baylor:

• Utilize Baylor’s Reporting Options: Contact the Office of Student Conduct or Baylor Police, and consider using the anonymous EthicsPoint system.
• Acknowledge Institutional Context: Be aware that Baylor’s unique institutional history and emphasis on internal processes may require a nuanced approach.
• Seek Experienced Legal Counsel: Work with a legal team that understands the dynamics of private university litigation, particularly regarding internal investigations and the discovery process, as Attorney911 does.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

Understanding the landscape of Greek life, both at specific campuses and across national organizations, is crucial for any North Dakota family whose child is considering joining a fraternity or sorority. These organizations, while often touting camaraderie and leadership, carry significant risks due to entrenched hazing traditions.

Why National Histories Matter

When a student joins a Greek organization at the University of North Dakota, North Dakota State, or any other institution, they are not just joining a local chapter; they are becoming part of a national organization. These national entities, with their vast networks of chapters across the country, often have extensive histories of hazing incidents, injuries, and tragic deaths.

Here’s why these national histories are so important in hazing cases:

• Foreseeability: National headquarters frequently have thick anti-hazing policies and sophisticated risk management departments precisely because they have faced deaths and catastrophic injuries in the past. When a local chapter repeats a hazing behavior (e.g., a forced drinking night or a physically abusive ritual) that has caused harm in other chapters, the national organization can argue that it was foreseeable. This strengthens claims of negligence against the national.
• Pattern Evidence: If multiple chapters of the same national organization have been involved in similar hazing incidents over the years, it creates a powerful “pattern evidence” argument. This demonstrates that the national organization had ongoing knowledge of the inherent dangers within its member chapters and, often, failed to implement effective preventative measures.
• Failure to Supervise/Enforce: A national organization’s printed policies are meaningless if they are not genuinely enforced. By examining a national’s history, we can often show that they ignored prior complaints, issued minimal punishments for serious violations, or failed to provide proper supervision and education to their local chapters.

When a local chapter in North Dakota or Texas repeats a script that led to a lawsuit or suspension in another state, that history becomes a powerful tool for accountability, increasing the likelihood of negligence or punitive damages against the national entity.

Organization Mapping (Selected National Histories)

While it’s impossible to list every local chapter at every university, understanding the national patterns of some prominent Greek organizations can illustrate the general risks involved. We are NOT claiming that any specific North Dakota chapter has engaged in hazing, but providing national context of frequently cited fraternities and sororities.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): This fraternity has a disturbing national history linked to alcohol-related hazing. The tragic death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University in 2021, who died from alcohol poisoning after a forced bottle exchange, is a recent, high-profile example. Earlier, David Bogenberger died from alcohol poisoning at Northern Illinois University in 2012 in a similar pledging incident. These cases, among others, paint a picture of foreseeable risk when alcohol is used in initiation rites.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): Long dubbed “America’s deadliest fraternity” by some media outlets, SAE has a history marred by numerous hazing deaths, particularly involving alcohol. Though the national organization officially banned pledgeship in 2014, incidents continue. Recent lawsuits include a traumatic brain injury case filed in 2023 at the University of Alabama and a chemical burns case at Texas A&M in 2021, where pledges were allegedly doused with industrial-strength cleaner, requiring skin graft surgeries. SAE chapters across the country have faced litigation demonstrating a clear pattern of dangerous activities.
• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): This fraternity is tragically known for the death of Maxwell “Max” Gruver at Louisiana State University in 2017, who died after a brutal “Bible study” drinking game. This incident directly led to the felony Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, a testament to the severe consequences of its hazing culture.
• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): The death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University in 2017 from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” is a stark reminder of Pi Kappa Phi’s national hazing challenges. Such incidents are recurring warnings that local chapters and nationals often fail to heed.
• Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI): The catastrophic injury to Danny Santulli at the University of Missouri in 2021, who suffered permanent brain damage after being forced to consume excessive alcohol, is a harrowing case against Phi Gamma Delta. Santulli’s family has settled with multiple defendants, including the fraternity, in multi-million-dollar agreements, illustrating the severe human and financial cost of hazing.
• Pi Delta Psi (ΠΔΨ): This fraternity achieved notoriety in 2013 with the death of Chun “Michael” Deng from a traumatic brain injury during a hazing ritual in the Pocono Mountains. In a rare move, the national fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, and BANNED from Pennsylvania for 10 years. We are NOT alleging that this specific [State] chapter has engaged in hazing. This case is a crucial precedent for organizational criminal liability.
• Omega Psi Phi (ΩΨΦ): This historically Black fraternity has faced hazing allegations, including a recent federal lawsuit filed in 2023 by a former student at the University of Southern Mississippi alleging severe beatings with a paddle during “Hell Night,” causing extensive injuries and requiring surgery.
• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): The tragic drowning of Chad Meredith at the University of Miami in 2001 following forced alcohol consumption during a hazing event led to a $12.6 million verdict against the fraternity and initiated the Florida law named in his honor. More recently, allegations of rhabdomyolysis from physical hazing have been made against Kappa Sigma at Texas A&M (2023), illustrating continued risks.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

The documented national histories of these organizations are not just cautionary tales; they are crucial components in a legal strategy for accountability. An effective hazing lawsuit will establish:

• Foreseeability: Arguing that the national organization, given its past incidents, knew or should have known of the specific dangers its chapters posed.
• Pattern of Behavior: Demonstrating a systemic failure by the national to genuinely enforce its anti-hazing policies, allowing dangerous conduct to persist across its network.
• Negligent Supervision: Showing that the national failed in its duty to adequately supervise, educate, or sanction local chapters, leading directly to the harm.

This strategy can significantly impact settlement leverage, insurance coverage disputes, and the potential for punitive damages, ensuring that not only the direct perpetrators but also the larger institutional bodies are held accountable. For North Dakota families, this national context means that an incident on a campus anywhere in the country is not an isolated event if it involves an organization with a history of similar abuse.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

The aftermath of hazing is chaos: physical injuries, psychological trauma, confusion, and fear. Building a strong legal case requires methodical precision, deep investigative resources, and a thorough understanding of the law. For North Dakota families seeking justice, knowing what constitutes actionable evidence and what damages can be recovered is extremely important.

Evidence: The Cornerstones of a Hazing Lawsuit

In today’s digital age, evidence in hazing cases is rapidly evolving. The ability to quickly and comprehensively gather and preserve this evidence is paramount, as it can often disappear—or be deleted—within hours. 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.

• Digital Communications: This is often the “smoking gun” in modern hazing cases.

  • Group Chat Messages & DMs: Platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, and Snapchat are rampant with hazing instructions, discussions, and evidence. These messages reveal planning, intent, who was involved, and what happened before, during, and after an incident. IMMEDIATE screenshots are vital, capturing full threads with sender names, timestamps, and context. Even messages designed to disappear (like Snapchat) can often be saved if captured quickly.
  • Social Media: Posts, stories, and DMs on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook can contain photos or videos of hazing, even if framed as “fun.” These can show humiliating acts, forced drinking, and reveal specific locations or participants through tags and captions.
  • Deleted Data: Even deleted messages and files are rarely truly gone. Digital forensics experts can often recover this crucial data from phones, cloud backups, or servers, transforming apparent voids into powerful evidence.

• Photos & Videos: Beyond digital chat, actual imagery of the hazing or its aftermath is compelling.

  • Injuries: Detailed photographs of any physical injuries (bruises, burns, cuts) should be taken from multiple angles, with close-ups, and with an object for scale (like a coin or ruler). These should be taken immediately and then over several days to document progression.
  • Hazing Events: If safely obtained, video footage of hazing in progress, or even audio recordings of instructions and conversations, can be extremely powerful. In Texas, it is legal to record conversations if you are a party to them, or if one party consents.
  • Locations & Objects: Photos of the specific location where hazing occurred (e.g., a fraternity house, an off-campus property) and objects used as props (paddles, bottles, costumes) enhance credibility.

• Medical and Psychological Records: These document the direct impact of hazing on a victim’s health.

  • Emergency & Hospital Records: Detailed reports from ER visits, hospitalizations, ambulance transport, lab results (e.g., toxicology, blood alcohol content, creatine kinase levels for rhabdomyolysis), and imaging (X-rays, MRIs). It is crucial for victims to tell medical providers they were hazed so this is documented.
  • Ongoing Treatment: Records from physical therapy, counseling, psychiatric sessions, and prescriptions demonstrate continuing physical and emotional harm. Diagnoses such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety from trauma are significant for non-economic damages.

• Internal Organization & University Documents: These can reveal a pattern of negligence or deliberate indifference.

  • Pledge Manuals/Ritual Scripts: Documents outlining “traditions” or initiation steps can expose expectations of hazing.
  • Disciplinary Records: Prior hazing violations against the same chapter, individuals, or university organizations can show a pattern of behavior and the institution’s knowledge of the risks. These can often be obtained through public records requests (for public universities) or through legal discovery.
  • Risk Management Plans: The national organization’s anti-hazing policies and training materials, juxtaposed with their failure to enforce them, can demonstrate negligence.

• Witness Testimony: The accounts of individuals who saw or experienced the hazing are invaluable.

  • This includes other pledges, former members (who may be more willing to speak out after leaving the group), roommates who observed behavioral changes, and even event staff if hazing occurred at a third-party venue.

Damages: Recovering What Was Lost

When a hazing incident results in harm, victims and their families can pursue compensation for a wide range of “damages.” Attorney911’s wrongful death experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/), having recovered millions for families in catastrophic cases, exemplifies our ability to pursue the full extent of damages.

• Economic Damages: These are quantifiable financial losses.

  • Medical Expenses: Past and future costs for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and long-term care plans, especially for catastrophic injuries like brain damage.
  • Lost Income & Earning Capacity: Compensation for missed work, lost educational opportunities (due to withdrawal or delayed graduation), lost scholarships, and, most significantly, the projected loss of lifetime earnings if permanent injuries affect career potential.
  • Other Costs: Property damage (e.g., destroyed phone or clothing during hazing), and relocation costs if a student must transfer schools due to trauma.

• Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for subjective, non-financial suffering.

  • Physical Pain & Suffering: Compensation for the actual pain endured from injuries and any ongoing discomfort.
  • Emotional Distress & Psychological Harm: This includes the profound impact of trauma, such as PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, humiliation, loss of dignity, and the inability to trust others. Counseling and psychiatric records are crucial here.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: When injuries or trauma prevent a student from participating in activities they once loved, or diminish their overall quality of life and college experience.

• Wrongful Death Damages: In the tragic event of a hazing fatality, surviving family members can pursue:

  • Funeral and burial costs.
  • Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided.
  • Profound emotional losses, including loss of companionship, love, and society, as well as grief and mental anguish for parents and siblings.

• Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious misconduct, where defendants acted with extreme recklessness, malice, or deliberate indifference, punitive damages may be awarded. These are not to compensate the victim but to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages are often sought when defendants ignored prior warnings, engaged in cover-ups, or acted with conscious disregard for safety.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing litigation often involves multiple defendants, including individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and universities. Each plays a distinct role in the incident and in the legal process.

• Insurance Coverage: Most national fraternities, sororities, and universities carry extensive insurance policies. These policies can be a primary source of recovery for victims. However, insurers often try to avoid coverage, arguing that hazing or “intentional acts” are excluded from their policies. Attorney911’s attorneys, including Lupe Peña, who is a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), possess unique insight into how these insurance companies operate. We know their playbook for claiming exclusions, delaying settlements, and attempting to downplay claims. This “insurance insider advantage” is invaluable for navigating complex coverage disputes and ensuring maximum recovery for our clients. Our team identifies all potential layers of insurance—from local chapter policies to national umbrella policies and university coverages—to ensure no stone is left unturned.
• Sovereign Immunity: Public universities, like the University of North Dakota or North Dakota State University, often invoke sovereign immunity, which can limit their direct liability. However, this immunity is not absolute. Exceptions can apply for gross negligence, unlawful acts, or violations of federal laws like Title IX. An experienced attorney knows how to craft arguments that chip away at these immunity defenses, or pursue individual university employees who may not be protected by it. Private universities typically have fewer immunity protections.

Strategy: From Investigation to Verdict

A hazing lawsuit is a marathon, not a sprint. The strategy involves:

1. Rapid Response & Evidence Preservation: Acting immediately after an incident to secure volatile digital evidence and witness statements.
2. Comprehensive Investigation: A thorough deep dive into the incident, the organization’s history, the university’s policies, and all contributing factors.
3. Expert Witness Collaboration: Working with medical experts, digital forensic analysts, safety consultants, and economists to prove the extent of harm and calculate full damages.
4. Negotiation & Litigation: Aggressively negotiating with defendants and their insurers, while meticulously preparing for trial to secure the best possible outcome.

Attorney911 approaches each hazing case with the understanding that it’s not just about compensation; it’s about holding institutions accountable and driving systemic change to prevent future tragedies. Our experience taking on powerful defendants, including those involved in complex multi-district litigation like the BP Texas City explosion, demonstrates our unique ability to handle high-stakes cases against well-resourced opponents.

Practical Guides & FAQs

When hazing impacts a family, immediate, actionable guidance is paramount. Whether you’re a parent in North Dakota, a student considering joining a group, or a witness to concerning behavior, knowing what to do—and what not to do—can make all the difference.

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

As a parent, your intuition is often your first warning sign. If something feels off, investigate.

• Warning Signs of Hazing: Be vigilant for:

  • Physical: Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or “accidents”; extreme fatigue, exhaustion, or rapid weight changes; signs of sleep or food deprivation; recurring illness.
  • Behavioral/Emotional: Sudden secrecy, withdrawal from family/friends, increased anxiety, irritability, or depression; defensiveness when asked about the group; constantly “on call” for group activities, especially at odd hours.
  • Academic/Financial: Drops in grades, missed classes, sudden need for money or unexplained debts, purchasing excessive items for others.
  • Digital: Obsessive phone use, anxiety around group chats, deleting messages, or new use of location-sharing apps.

• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation with empathy, not accusation. State your observations and concerns, then listen. Reassure them you prioritize their safety and well-being over social status or group affiliation. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things really going?” or “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”

• If Your Child is Hurt: Prioritize medical attention immediately, regardless of what they say. Document everything (photos of injuries, screenshots of relevant texts, detailed notes of conversations). Preserve any physical items. Do NOT confront the organization directly, as this can lead to immediate evidence destruction.

• Dealing with the University: While universities have a duty to investigate, their process may not be transparent or satisfy your desire for full accountability. Document every interaction with university officials, and do not sign anything without legal counsel. Ask detailed questions about prior incidents involving the same group.

• When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child suffers significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing or covering up the incident, contact an experienced attorney immediately.

For Students / Pledges: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

If you’re a student in North Dakota considering Greek life or an organization, or if you’re already experiencing pressure, empower yourself with knowledge.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition?: Ask yourself: Am I being forced or pressured? Would I do this if I had a true choice? Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal? Would my parents or the university officially approve of this activity? Am I being told to keep secrets or lie? If you answer yes to any of these, it’s hazing. Remember, Tier 1 “subtle” hazing is still hazing and often escalates.
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: The desire to belong is powerful, but true consent cannot be given under duress, fear of social exclusion, or power imbalance. The law understands this. Your safety and dignity matter more than any “tradition.”
• Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the legal right to leave any organization at any time. If you feel unsafe, get to a secure place (your dorm, a trusted friend’s home). Inform a trusted adult (parent, RA, professor) that you are withdrawing. Report the hazing to campus authorities or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE).
• Good-Faith Reporting & Amnesty: Be aware that many colleges and state laws offer some form of immunity for students who call for medical help in an emergency, even if underage drinking was involved. Your safety is the priority.

For Former Members / Witnesses: Breaking the Silence

If you were a part of hazing and now regret it, or if you witnessed it, your actions could prevent future harm.

• Your Role in Prevention: Your testimony and evidence are critical. You have the power to stop the cycle of abuse and safeguard future students.
• Seeking Legal Advice: If you are concerned about your own potential liability (criminal or civil), contact an attorney. They can advise you on your rights and how to come forward responsibly.
• Cooperating with Investigations: Whether it’s a university investigation or legal action, your cooperation can be a crucial step towards accountability and healing for victims.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Knowing the common pitfalls can protect your rights and strengthen any future legal action. Attorney911’s video on client mistakes (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY) explains this in detail.

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence: This is a grave error. While the instinct might be to protect your child from further trouble, deleting evidence makes a legal case extremely difficult, can be considered obstruction, and may damage credibility. Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content.
2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly: This typically backfires. They will “lawyer up,” destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare defenses. Document everything first, then call a lawyer.
3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms Without Legal Review: These forms often waive your right to sue or minimize the true scope of damages. Never sign anything from the university or an insurance company without an attorney’s guidance.
4. Posting Details on Social Media: Public social media posts can be used against you by defense attorneys, creating inconsistencies or harming credibility. Document privately; let your lawyer manage public communication.
5. Letting Your Child Go to “One Last Meeting”: If an organization suspects reporting, this meeting will be used to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that hurt your case. Once you’re considering legal action, all communication should go through your lawyer.
6. Waiting to See How the University Handles It: University processes are often slow, lack transparency, and prioritize institutional reputation over victim advocacy. Evidence disappears fast; consult a lawyer immediately.
7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Your statements can be used against you. Politely decline and state your attorney will contact them.

Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (like the University of North Dakota or North Dakota State University) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, unlawful acts, Title IX violations, or by suing individuals in their personal capacity. Private universities have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  It can be. While basic hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, it becomes a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers and members may also face charges for failing to report hazing.

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

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  Generally, you have 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas. However, the “discovery rule” can extend this period if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups, fraud, or where the victim was a minor, the statute of limitations may be tolled (paused). Time is always critical—evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and records are destroyed. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Attorney911’s video on the statute of limitations for personal injury cases (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c) provides additional information.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location does not eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be held accountable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability of off-campus activities. Many major hazing tragedies, such as the Pi Delta Psi retreat death, occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  Most hazing cases are resolved through confidential settlements before going to trial. Our firm prioritizes your family’s privacy while aggressively pursuing accountability and compensation.

Attorney911: North Dakota Hazing Lawyers

When your family in North Dakota faces a hazing crisis, you need more than just any lawyer. You need a legal team that understands the intricate dynamics of hazing, an opponent who matches the cunning of powerful institutions, and an advocate as unwavering as your love for your child. The Manginello Law Firm, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, brings exactly that level of specialized expertise to families across Texas, including those from North Dakota.

We recognize that hazing is not merely a legal battle; it’s a profound violation that impacts every aspect of a victim’s life and a family’s peace of mind. Our mission is to restore that peace through relentless advocacy and to hold every responsible party accountable.

Why Attorney911 for Hazing Cases?

At Attorney911, we are uniquely equipped to tackle the toughest hazing cases. Our qualifications are not just legal; they are strategic, deeply rooted in experience and an understanding of the opposition’s playbook.

• The Insurance Insider Advantage: Lupe Peña: Many hazing cases ultimately involve complex negotiations with insurance companies for fraternities, universities, and individuals. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings an invaluable perspective. As a former insurance defense attorney at a national law firm (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), she understands precisely how these powerful entities value (or undervalue) claims. Lupe knows their strategies for minimizing payouts, denying coverage, and deploying delay tactics because she used to be on their side. This insider knowledge is a critical asset in unraveling complex insurance battles and maximizing your child’s recovery.

• Complex Litigation Against Major Institutions: Ralph Manginello: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, possesses a proven track record of fighting — and winning — against some of the largest, most formidable corporate and institutional defendants. Ralph was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, a multi-district litigation against a billion-dollar corporation. This experience means we are not intimidated by national fraternities, multi-billion-dollar universities, or their aggressive defense teams. We know how to prepare, how to litigate in state and federal courts (including admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas), and how to secure justice even when the odds seem stacked against you. Ralph Manginello’s complete credentials and case history are detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Results: Hazing too often leads to catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. Attorney911 has extensive wrongful death experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/), having recovered millions for families in cases involving traumatic brain injuries, organ damage (like rhabdomyolysis), and fatalities. We are experts at collaborating with economists, life care planners, and medical specialists to meticulously calculate the full, long-term cost of devastating injuries, ensuring our clients receive truly comprehensive compensation. We don’t settle cheap; we build cases that compel accountability.

• Dual Expertise: Civil and Criminal Hazing Justice: Hazing is both a criminal act and a civil wrong. Ralph Manginello’s active membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) underscores our ability to navigate the complex intersection of criminal investigations and civil lawsuits. This means we can advise on criminal charges that might stem from hazing, while simultaneously building a robust civil case for damages. Our criminal defense experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) is a unique advantage, especially for witnesses or former members who may face charges but wish to cooperate.

• Forensic Investigation for Modern Hazing: Modern hazing leaves a digital footprint. We are skilled at working with digital forensics experts to recover deleted group chat messages, social media posts, and videos — evidence that might otherwise be permanently lost. We understand the subcultures of Greek life, military organizations, and athletic teams, and how to expose secret rituals and codes of silence that facilitate hazing. We investigate like your child’s future, and their very life, depends on it—because it does.

A North Dakota Hazing Lawyer for Your Family

From our principal office in Houston, we extend our services across the entire state of Texas. This means that whether your child attended a university near North Dakota or a major institution like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, our expertise is available to your family. We understand that hazing at any Texas campus can have a profound impact on families in North Dakota and beyond. Our firm regularly handles cases that span the vast distances of Texas, ensuring that geographical location is never a barrier to justice.

We empathize deeply with the fear, anger, and betrayal often experienced by hazing victims and their families. Our approach is direct, compassionate, and unwavering. We are here not just to be your lawyers but to be fierce advocates for your child’s rights and a catalyst for preventing future tragedies.

Contact Attorney911 Today for a Confidential Consultation

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in North Dakota and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers, accountability, and justice. You don’t have to face powerful institutions alone.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will carefully listen to your story, explain your legal options under Texas law, and help you decide on the best path forward for your family. There is no pressure to hire us, and everything you share with us is protected by attorney-client confidentiality. Our contingency fee structure means we don’t get paid unless we win your case, removing any financial barrier to seeking justice. Watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

Take the first step towards healing and accountability. Call us today.

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

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

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

Universities: North Dakota and Texas

North Dakota Universities

For families in North Dakota, understanding the hazing landscape in your home state is as important as understanding it in other states where your children might attend college. While North Dakota has a smaller number of higher education institutions compared to larger states, the fundamental issues of student safety and organizational accountability remain the same.

University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota (UND) in Grand Forks is a staple of higher education in North Dakota, attracting students from across the state and beyond. It is home to a diverse array of student groups, including a vibrant Greek life.

Greek Life at UND: UND has an active Greek community that includes fraternities and sororities affiliated with national organizations. These chapters offer a social and academic outlet for many students, but like all such organizations, they must operate under strict anti-hazing policies to ensure student safety. The university’s commitment to fostering a positive campus environment includes rigorous oversight of these groups.

Hazing History: While specific high-profile hazing cases resulting in severe injury or death have been limited at UND, the university has, in the past, addressed incidents of misconduct within its Greek system. National organizations often face scrutiny worldwide, and this applies to their chapters at UND. These incidents typically involve violations of university policy or state anti-hazing laws, leading to disciplinary actions such as suspension or probation for chapters. The university investigates allegations of inappropriate behavior involving alcohol, physical activities, or psychological coercion during initiation periods.

University Policies: UND has a clear anti-hazing policy derived from North Dakota state law and its own institutional code of conduct. This policy prohibits any behavior that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of affiliation with any student organization. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students office, the UND Police Department, and anonymous reporting options. The university emphasizes education and intervention programs to prevent hazing and promote a safe community.

North Dakota State University-Main Campus

North Dakota State University (NDSU) in Fargo is another major educational hub in North Dakota, known for its strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and business. Its large student population supports a dynamic Greek life and numerous other student organizations.

Greek Life at NDSU: NDSU boasts a robust Greek system with many national fraternities and sororities. These organizations are integral to the social fabric for a portion of the student body, offering opportunities for leadership and community involvement. However, like at any university, the potential for hazing necessitates vigilant oversight and strict adherence to anti-hazing policies.

Hazing History: Incidents of hazing, even if not resulting in fatalities, have been addressed at NDSU. These cases often involve alcohol misuse, forced physical activities, or psychological pressure that violates university and state hazing policies. The university’s responses typically include investigations, disciplinary sanctions against individuals and organizations, and educational interventions aimed at preventing future incidents. These local cases, coupled with the national histories of many Greek organizations, underscore the ongoing challenge of combating hazing.

University Policies: NDSU has a comprehensive anti-hazing policy that aligns with North Dakota state law, explicitly prohibiting any activity that risks the mental or physical well-being of students during induction or membership. The university encourages reporting through various channels, including its Student Conduct Office, NDSU Police, and anonymous online forms, to ensure a safe and respectful campus environment.

Other North Dakota Institutions

While UND and NDSU are the largest, other North Dakota institutions also emphasize anti-hazing efforts:

• Minot State University in Minot, Ward County, North Dakota
• University of Mary in Bismarck, Burleigh County, North Dakota
• Dickinson State University in Dickinson, Stark County, North Dakota
• Mayville State University in Mayville, Traill County, North Dakota
• Valley City State University in Valley City, Barnes County, North Dakota

Each of these institutions maintains strict anti-hazing policies and a commitment to student safety, recognizing that any form of coerced activity jeopardizes the well-being of their communities.

Where North Dakota Families Send Kids

Many North Dakota families also send their children to prominent colleges and universities in neighboring states like Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana, or further afield to larger institutions across the country, including the highly-ranked universities in Texas such as the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, or the University of Houston. While these institutions offer diverse opportunities, they also come with their own unique campus cultures and challenges regarding hazing.

Complete North Dakota University Directory

Attorney911 tracks every higher education institution in North Dakota. For reference:

• Bismarck State College | Bismarck, Burleigh County, North Dakota | Public University
• Dickinson State University | Dickinson, Stark County, North Dakota | Public University
• Minot State University | Minot, Ward County, North Dakota | Public University
• North Dakota State University-Main Campus | Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota | Public University
• Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College | New Town, Mountrail County, North Dakota | Public University
• Rasmussen University-North Dakota | Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota | Private For-Profit
• Sitting Bull College | Fort Yates, Sioux County, North Dakota | Public University
• Trinity Bible College and Graduate School | Ellendale, Dickey County, North Dakota | Private Non-Profit
• Turtle Mountain Community College | Belcourt, Rolette County, North Dakota | Private Non-Profit
• United Tribes Technical College | Bismarck, Burleigh County, North Dakota | Private Non-Profit
• University of Jamestown | Jamestown, Stutsman County, North Dakota | Private Non-Profit
• University of Mary | Bismarck, Burleigh County, North Dakota | Private Non-Profit
• University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, Grand Forks County, North Dakota | Public University
• Valley City State University | Valley City, Barnes County, North Dakota | Public University
• Mayville State University | Mayville, Traill County, North Dakota | Public University

Greek Organizations: North Dakota and Texas

Understanding the presence and national affiliations of Greek organizations is crucial for families in North Dakota, whether their children attend local universities or venture to larger out-of-state institutions, such as those in Texas. Attorney911 tracks these organizations because their national histories of hazing contribute directly to foreseeability and liability in civil lawsuits. We are NOT alleging that any specific North Dakota chapter has engaged in hazing, but presenting their public registration information as part of a comprehensive directory.

North Dakota Greek Organizations

For families looking at higher education within North Dakota, or considering Greek life there, here are some of the IRS-registered Greek organizations with addresses in the state. These typically represent local chapters or alumni/support organizations.

• EPSILON PHI CHAPTER ORDER OF OMEGA | EIN: 88-2247273 | FARGO, ND 58105-5779
  Type: Greek Organization (IRS B83)
  Source: IRS Public Filing
  Order of Omega is a national leadership honor society for Greek members, found on many campuses, including North Dakota. Its chapters are generally focused on academic achievement and leadership development within the Greek community. Its mission is to recognize interfraternity leadership and promote scholarship. We are NOT claiming this specific chapter has engaged in hazing, but including it for public record.

• ALPHA PHI HOUSE ASSOCIATION | EIN: 45-0103235 | GRAND FORKS, ND 58203-8316
  Type: Greek Organization (IRS B83)
  Source: IRS Public Filing
  This is a house association for Alpha Phi, a national women’s fraternity. Alpha Phi has a rich history across North America, focusing on sisterhood, leadership, and philanthropy. Nationally, Alpha Phi has faced scrutiny over hazing allegations in other states, though not consistently identified in fatal incidents, still emphasizing the need for adherence to anti-hazing policies at local chapters. We are NOT claiming this specific chapter has engaged in hazing, but including it for public record.

• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 82-3096747 | GRAND FORKS, ND 58202-6080
  Type: Greek Organization (IRS B83)
  Source: IRS Public Filing
  Alpha Sigma Phi is a national fraternity with chapters throughout the U.S. They emphasize building better men. Nationally, the fraternity has experienced disciplinary actions and hazing allegations at various campuses, reflecting common challenges within Greek life regardless of location. These incidents often involve alcohol misuse and other forbidden activities. We are NOT claiming this specific chapter has engaged in hazing, but including it for public record.

• GAMMA KAPPA HOUSE CORPORATION | EIN: 45-4599962 | GRAND FORKS, ND 58208-2145
  Type: Greek Organization (IRS B83)
  Source: IRS Public Filing
  This is generally a housing corporation, often affiliated with a specific Greek letter chapter. Housing corporations are separate legal entities that manage the chapter house, providing a stable living environment for members. While distinct from the undergraduate chapter, their management can play a role in oversight and accountability regarding activities taking place on the property. We are NOT claiming this specific chapter has engaged in hazing, but including it for public record.

• KAPPA SIGMA HOUSEBUILDING ASSOCIATION | EIN: 45-6013989 | GRAND FORKS, ND 58203-3349
  Type: Greek Organization (IRS B83)
  Source: IRS Public Filing
  This is a housing association for Kappa Sigma, a prominent national fraternity. Kappa Sigma claims a long national history, but has faced multiple severe hazing incidents across the US, including the tragic drowning of Chad Meredith at the University of Miami in 2001 and recent allegations of severe physical hazing at Texas A&M in 2023. These incidents consistently involve forced drinking and physical abuse. We are NOT claiming this specific chapter has engaged in hazing, but including it for public record.

• NORTH DAKOTA BETA CHAPTER | EIN: 45-6017338 | GRAND FORKS, ND 58201-4244
  Type: Greek Organization (IRS B83)
  Source: IRS Public Filing
  This is likely a chapter designation for a specific national fraternity or sorority in North Dakota. “Beta Chapter” typically refers to the second chapter chartered in a particular state or region, indicating a longstanding presence. As part of a national organization, this chapter would be subject to national anti-hazing policies. We are NOT claiming this specific chapter has engaged in hazing, but including it for public record.

• NORTH DAKOTA DELTA UPSILON ALUMNIHOUSING CORPORATION | EIN: 26-0502215 | GRAND FORKS, ND 58206-5942
  Type: Greek Organization (IRS B83)
  Source: IRS Public Filing
  This is an alumni housing corporation for Delta Upsilon in North Dakota. Alumni corporations provide essential support to collegiate chapters, often owning and maintaining chapter houses. While composed of alumni, these entities can bear responsibility if they are found to tolerate or enable hazing activities on properties they manage, or fail to oversee the undergraduate chapter. We are NOT claiming this specific chapter has engaged in hazing, but including it for public record.

Greek Life at Regional Universities Where North Dakota Families Send Kids

Beyond North Dakota, many families also send their children to major universities in states like Minnesota, South Dakota, or other popular destinations nationwide. Greek life at these institutions often presents similar patterns to those seen in North Dakota, making the national histories of fraternities and sororities highly relevant. For example:

• University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in Minneapolis, MN, features a large and active Greek system where various national fraternities and sororities have chapters. These organizations, like those at UND or NDSU, are subject to national anti-hazing policies, and their national bodies carry the weight of their collective hazing histories.
• South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD, also hosts numerous Greek chapters, and despite its smaller scale, faces the same challenges regarding hazing prevention and enforcement that larger universities do.

Complete North Dakota Greek Organization Directory

Attorney911 tracks every IRS-registered fraternity and sorority in North Dakota. Complete directory:

• ALPHA PHI HOUSE ASSOCIATION | EIN: 45-0103235 | GRAND FORKS, ND
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 82-3096747 | GRAND FORKS, ND
• EPSILON PHI CHAPTER ORDER OF OMEGA | EIN: 88-2247273 | FARGO, ND
• GAMMA KAPPA HOUSE CORPORATION | EIN: 45-4599962 | GRAND FORKS, ND
• KAPPA SIGMA HOUSEBUILDING ASSOCIATION | EIN: 45-6013989 | GRAND FORKS, ND
• NORTH DAKOTA BETA CHAPTER | EIN: 45-6017338 | GRAND FORKS, ND
• NORTH DAKOTA DELTA UPSILON ALUMNIHOUSING CORPORATION | EIN: 26-0502215 | GRAND FORKS, ND

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

The legal process following a hazing incident is often complex, requiring a sophisticated approach to gathering evidence, proving damages, and formulating a winning strategy. For North Dakota families facing these challenges, Attorney911 works to demystify this process, leveraging our experience to guide you through every step.

Evidence: The Cornerstones of a Hazing Lawsuit

Securing potent evidence quickly is critical, as a cover-up is almost inevitable in hazing cases. Attorney911’s video on using your phone to document evidence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) is a vital resource for families, demonstrating how to capture and preserve crucial information immediately after an incident.

• Digital Communications: These are the modern “smoking guns” in hazing cases. From text messages and direct messages (DMs) on platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, and iMessage, to Discord servers and fraternity-specific apps, digital trails often expose the planning, directives, and coercion involved in hazing. Even messages designed to disappear on Snapchat or Instagram often leave traces that digital forensics experts can recover. Immediate screenshots are crucial, clearly showing sender, timestamp, and context.
• Photos & Videos: Visual evidence provides undeniable proof. This includes photographs of physical injuries, videos of hazing in progress (if safely obtained), or images of degrading acts. These should be taken immediately and regularly to document progression. Photos of hazing locations, props (paddles, alcohol bottles), and any related materials (pledge books) are also vital.
• Medical and Psychological Records: These records provide objective proof of harm. Emergency room reports, hospital admission notes, lab results (e.g., blood alcohol content, toxicology, creatine kinase levels for rhabdomyolysis), and psychological evaluations diagnosing PTSD, anxiety, or depression are indispensable. Victims should insist that medical staff include details of how the injuries occurred (e.g., “was forced to drink by fraternity”) in their records.
• Internal Organization & University Documents: Through legal discovery, we often unearth internal disciplinary records, prior hazing complaints against the group, official and unofficial pledge manuals, and communications between local chapters and national headquarters. These documents can reveal a pattern of negligence or deliberate indifference by the organization or the university.
• Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts from other pledges, former members, roommates, or bystanders are powerful. Even if initially hesitant due to fear, a skilled legal team can often encourage witnesses to come forward under appropriate legal protections.

Damages: Recovering What Was Lost

Our firm’s experience pursuing multi-million dollar wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases against powerful entities means we meticulously calculate every aspect of your family’s losses. Our approach to damages is comprehensive:

• Economic Damages: These cover quantifiable financial losses.

  • Medical Expenses: All past and projected future costs related to emergency care, hospitalizations, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and long-term specialized care, especially in cases of permanent disability like brain injury.
  • Lost Income & Earning Capacity: Compensation for any missed work, lost educational opportunities (e.g., having to withdraw from college or delay graduation), forfeited scholarships, and, crucially, the reduction in lifetime earning potential due to permanent injuries.
  • Other Financial Losses: This can include property damage incurred during the hazing incident or costs associated with transferring to a new educational institution to escape the traumatic environment.

• Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for subjective, non-financial suffering.

  • Physical Pain and Suffering: For the immediate and ongoing physical pain caused by injuries.
  • Emotional Distress & Psychological Harm: This includes profound trauma such as PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, humiliation, and the long-lasting mental anguish that often accompanies hazing. Psychological records are key here.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the diminished quality of life, loss of social experiences, and inability to participate in previously cherished activities.

• Wrongful Death Damages: In the most tragic cases, where hazing results in death, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim. Compensation includes funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, and the immeasurable emotional loss of companionship, love, and grief suffered by parents, children, and spouses.

• Punitive Damages: In instances of egregious, reckless, or malicious conduct, punitive damages may be awarded. These are designed not to compensate the victim, but to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future, particularly when defendants showed deliberate indifference or orchestrated a cover-up.

Strategy: Your Path to Justice

Our legal strategy is built on a foundation of thorough investigation, aggressive advocacy, and unwavering commitment to our clients. We understand that hazing cases present unique challenges, from overcoming the power of well-funded institutions to navigating complex insurance policies that often attempt to deny coverage for “intentional acts.”

• Identifying All Liable Parties: We use every tool at our disposal to identify not just the direct perpetrators, but also the local chapter, the national organization, university officials, and the university itself, all of whom may bear responsibility for failing to prevent or adequately address hazing.
• Navigating Insurance Disputes: With our insider knowledge of insurance defense strategies, we are adept at cutting through tactics designed to deny claims. We meticulously identify all potential insurance policies, from local chapter liability to national umbrella coverages, to ensure maximum recovery.
• Countering “Consent” Defenses: We proactively combat the common defense that hazing was “voluntary.” We demonstrate that true consent cannot exist in environments of power imbalance, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion.
• Holding Institutions Accountable: Drawing on precedents from major national cases like Timothy Piazza and Max Gruver, we argue that hazing is foreseeable, and institutions have a duty to create a safe environment.

Attorney911 is committed to not only securing justice and full compensation for your family but also to driving systemic change that will make college campuses safer for all students, including those from North Dakota. We provide legal guidance with a firm commitment to client communication and transparency, keeping you informed every step of the way. Our video on client mistakes (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY) emphasizes crucial actions clients can take to protect their case. If you have questions about the timelines of cases, Attorney911’s video on the statute of limitations for personal injury cases (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c) is also an important resource.

Practical Guides & FAQs

Dealing with suspected or actual hazing is an incredibly difficult ordeal. For families in North Dakota, having clear, actionable steps is crucial. This section provides immediate guidance for parents, students, and witnesses, as well as answers to common legal questions.

For Parents: Your Role in Protecting Your Child

Your vigilance and proactive steps can make all the difference.

• Warning Signs of Hazing: Look for a combination of these indicators:

  • Physical: Unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts, burns), extreme exhaustion or sleep deprivation, drastic weight changes, signs of forced alcohol or substance use.
  • Behavioral/Emotional: Sudden secrecy, evasiveness, withdrawal from previous friends or activities, increased anxiety, irritability, depression, fear of “getting in trouble” with the group.
  • Academic: Drop in grades, missing classes, falling asleep in lectures.
  • Financial: Unexplained requests for money, sudden debts, or unusual purchases for others.
  • Digital: Obsessive phone use for group chats at all hours, anxiety when the phone pings, rapid deletion of messages or history.

• How to Talk to Your Child: Choose a quiet, private moment. Start with “I’ve noticed…” rather than “Are you being hazed?” Emphasize your unconditional support and love. Prioritize their safety and well-being over social acceptance. Ask questions like: “Are you being asked to do anything that makes you uncomfortable?” or “Do you feel like you can say no without consequences?”

• If Your Child is Hurt or in Danger:

  1. Seek Medical Help Immediately: If there’s an injury, extreme intoxication, or any signs of medical distress, call 911 or get to an emergency room. Their health is paramount.
  2. Document Everything: Take clear photos of any injuries (multiple angles, with a reference object for scale). Screenshots of all relevant group chats, texts, and social media posts are vital. Write down everything your child tells you, including dates, times, names, and locations. Preserve any physical evidence.
  3. Do NOT Directly Confront: Do not approach the organization or individual members yourself. This can cause evidence to disappear and put your child at risk of retaliation.

• Dealing with the University: Every communication should be documented. Be prepared to ask tough questions about the university’s knowledge of prior hazing, their enforcement of policies, and concrete steps they will take. Do not feel pressured to accept an “internal resolution” that does not provide adequate compensation or accountability.

• When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child has suffered significant physical or psychological harm, if you suspect a cover-up, or if you feel the university or organization is not taking your concerns seriously, contact an experienced hazing attorney immediately. Our firm can help.

For Students / Pledges: Protecting Yourself

You have rights, and your safety is more important than any “tradition.”

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? If an activity makes you feel unsafe, humiliated, exploited, or coerced; if you’re forced to consume substances or endure physical abuse; if you’re told to keep secrets or lie; if you wouldn’t do it if your parents or the university knew; IT IS HAZING. Your “consent” is not true consent when there’s an imbalance of power or the threat of exclusion.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely: You are legally entitled to leave any organization at any time, regardless of what’s been implied. Inform a trusted non-group member first. If you feel threatened or fear retaliation, report this concern when you make your initial report to university officials or police.
• Good-Faith Reporting & Amnesty: Take advantage of “Good Samaritan” or amnesty policies. If someone is in medical distress due to alcohol or drug use, call for help immediately. You cannot be punished for seeking aid in an emergency.

For Former Members / Witnesses: Your Power to Make a Difference

If you have participated in or witnessed hazing, your testimony can prevent future tragedies and hold perpetrators accountable.

• Coming Forward: Your evidence could be decisive. While it can be daunting, speaking out can protect others.
• Legal Counsel: If you are a former member and have concerns about past involvement, or if you’re being pressured not to speak, seek independent legal advice. An attorney can explain your rights and potential protections.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Avoid these common pitfalls that can severely harm your ability to seek justice and compensation:

1. Failing to Preserve Evidence Immediately: Digital evidence (texts, photos, videos) disappears quickly. Your first step upon suspecting hazing should be to ensure all digital communication is screenshot and backed up. This includes group chats, DMs, social media posts, and any visual content.
2. Confronting Perpetrators or the Organization Directly: This often leads to organized cover-ups, deletion of evidence, and coaching of witnesses. Let your legal counsel manage all communications.
3. Signing Documents from the University or Insurance Company Without Legal Review: These documents often contain clauses that waive your rights to pursue further legal action or limit compensation. Always have an attorney review any document before signing.
4. Discussing the Incident on Social Media: Public posts can be used by defense attorneys to scrutinize your statements, create inconsistencies, and undermine your credibility.
5. Delaying Legal Consultation: Hazing cases are time-sensitive. Evidence vanishes, statutes of limitation apply, and memories fade. Early legal intervention is crucial to secure evidence and build a strong case.
6. Trusting the University’s Internal Investigation Implicitly: While university investigations are important, they may prioritize institutional reputation over the victim’s full compensation and accountability. An independent legal investigation is usually necessary to secure full justice.
7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without Your Lawyer Present: Insurance adjusters represent the interests of the insurance company, not yours. They will try to minimize payouts or obtain statements that can harm your case.

Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (like the University of North Dakota or North Dakota State University) enjoy some sovereign immunity, which limits direct lawsuits. However, exceptions exist for gross negligence, unlawful acts, constitutional violations, or Title IX infractions. Private universities typically have fewer immunity protections. Every case is unique and requires a thorough review of the specific facts. Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  Yes, it can be. While many hazing offenses are misdemeanors, hazing that results in serious bodily injury or death is classified as a state jail felony in Texas. Failing to report hazing can also be a misdemeanor.

• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  Absolutely. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that the immense social pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion inherent in hazing environments make true voluntary consent impossible.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  In Texas, the general statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases is two years from the date of the injury or death. However, this period can sometimes be extended by the “discovery rule” (if the harm wasn’t immediately apparent) or other legal factors, especially if the victim was a minor or if there was a cover-up. Time is critical. Evidence disappears, and witness memories fade. We urge you to call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location of the hazing does not eliminate liability for the organization or university. Many significant hazing cases, including deaths and severe injuries, have occurred off-campus. Universities and national organizations can still be held liable if they sponsored the activity, had knowledge of the hazing, or failed to adequately supervise their student groups.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  We prioritize your family’s privacy. Most hazing cases are resolved through confidential settlements before a public trial. We work to ensure that your child’s identity and story are handled with the utmost discretion while we pursue justice and accountability.

About Attorney911: Your North Dakota Hazing Lawyers in Texas

When your North Dakota family faces a hazing crisis, you deserve legal representation that is not only skilled but deeply empathetic and strategically astute. The Manginello Law Firm, known as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, stands ready to be that advocate. We recognize that hazing is a profound breach of trust and safety, irrevocably impacting victims and their families. Our mission is to transform your child’s traumatic experience into a resounding call for accountability, driving both justice and systemic change.

Why Attorney911 for Hazing Cases?

At Attorney911, we bring unparalleled qualifications to the complex world of hazing litigation. Our expertise is multifaceted, combining aggressive advocacy with an intimate understanding of how powerful institutions and their insurers operate.

• The Insurance Insider Advantage: Lupe Peña: Hazing cases are rarely simple. They inevitably involve navigating intricate insurance policies held by fraternities, national organizations, and universities. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, provides an invaluable “insider advantage.” As a distinguished former insurance defense attorney for a prominent national firm, Lupe fully comprehends the strategies employed by insurance adjusting companies to minimize payouts, deny coverage, and prolong the legal process through various tactics. She literally knows their playbook because she helped write it. This unique insight enables us to anticipate and counter their moves, maximizing our clients’ recovery.

• Complex Litigation Against Massively Funded Institutions: Ralph Manginello: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, possesses a demonstrated history of confronting—and defeating—some of the nation’s most formidable corporate and institutional defendants. Ralph was among a select group of Texas attorneys engaged in the monumental BP Texas City explosion litigation, a multi-district effort against a multi-billion-dollar corporation. This experience means that national fraternities, multi-billion-dollar university systems, or their aggressive legal teams do not intimidate us. We are adept at all phases of state and federal litigation, including federal courts such as the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, ensuring that we can effectively challenge well-resourced opponents.

• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Results: The consequences of hazing can be dire, often resulting in catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain damage, severe organ dysfunction (e.g., rhabdomyolysis from extreme physical hazing), or tragic wrongful deaths. Attorney911 boasts a strong track record of securing multi-million dollar results for families devastated by such outcomes. We meticulously work with economists, life care planners, and medical specialists to accurately assess the full, long-term costs of these injuries, ensuring our clients receive comprehensive and just compensation.

• Dual Expertise: Civil and Criminal Hazing Justice: Hazing is both a violation of civil duty and a criminal offense in Texas. Ralph Manginello’s active role in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) underscores our deep understanding of how criminal hazing charges intertwine with civil lawsuits. This dual expertise allows us to provide holistic guidance, advising clients on potential criminal exposures while simultaneously building robust civil cases for damages and accountability.

• Forensic Investigation for Modern Hazing: In an age where evidence can vanish with a click, our investigative capabilities are paramount. We excel at collaborating with digital forensics experts to retrieve deleted group chats, ephemeral social media content, and concealed videos—evidence crucial for proving hazing in today’s digital landscape. We combine this technical prowess with a nuanced understanding of Greek subcultures, military environments, and athletic team dynamics, enabling us to penetrate codes of silence and expose hidden practices.

Your North Dakota Hazing Lawyer in Texas

From our primary office in Houston, we extend our committed legal services to families throughout Texas, including those in North Dakota. We understand that whether your child attended one of North Dakota’s local institutions or ventured to a major Texas university, the trauma of hazing demands a legal team that can traverse geographical boundaries to secure justice.

We approach each hazing case with profound empathy, recognizing the fear, anger, and betrayal often experienced. Our method is direct, compassionate, and unwavering. We are here not only as legal counsel but as fierce advocates dedicated to ensuring your child’s rights are upheld, that all responsible parties are held accountable, and that necessary changes are implemented to prevent future tragedies.

Contact Attorney911 Today for a Confidential Consultation

If hazing has impacted your North Dakota family at any Texas campus, we urge you to connect with us. Families in North Dakota and throughout the surrounding region deserve answers, accountability, and justice. You do not have to confront powerful institutions, complex legal systems, and insurance giants alone.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will meticulously review what happened, explain your legal options under Texas law, and help you determine the most effective path forward for your family. There is absolutely no pressure to retain our services on the spot. Everything you share with us is protected by the strictest attorney-client confidentiality. Our contingency fee structure means you pay absolutely no upfront legal fees; we only get paid if we win your case.

Take the first vital step towards healing and accountability. Call us today.

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

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

Whether you’re in North Dakota or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. We stand ready to fight for you.

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