Texas Hazing Laws: A Comprehensive Guide for City of Pearland Families

The call comes late, a panicked whisper, or perhaps an emergency room notification. Your child, a bright student from City of Pearland, a promising young adult attending a Texas university, has been hurt. Not in a car accident, not through a random act of violence, but during something called “initiation night” or a “pledge event.” It could be a forced drinking game where someone collapses, or a series of physical challenges that push them past their limits, resulting in injury. Others around them are filming on phones, chanting, laughing, creating a blur of pressure and fear. Someone gets hurt, but no one wants to call 911, afraid of “getting the chapter shut down” or “getting in trouble.” Your child feels trapped between loyalty to the group and their own safety, or worse, they might already be suffering the severe consequences.

This scenario is far more common than many families in City of Pearland, and across Texas, realize. What might start as a desire for camaraderie and belonging can quickly escalate into dangerous, illegal behavior. When these moments turn tragic, families are left struggling with questions, grief, and a complex legal landscape.

This comprehensive guide is designed for families in City of Pearland and throughout Texas who need to understand:

• What hazing looks like in 2025, moving beyond outdated stereotypes.
• How Texas and federal law address hazing, including criminal and civil implications.
• The critical lessons from major national hazing cases and how they apply to families in our state.
• The disturbing patterns of hazing that have emerged at prominent Texas universities, including the University of Houston (UH), Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin (UT), Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Baylor University.
• The legal options victims and families in City of Pearland and similar communities may have to seek justice and accountability.

We understand that even if your child attends school far from City of Pearland, Texas hazing law and experienced Texas counsel can help. This article offers general information, not specific legal advice. Every case is unique, and we at The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, are here to evaluate individual cases based on their specific facts. We serve families throughout Texas, including City of Pearland, Alvin, Friendswood, Webster, and the broader Brazoria County area.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

• Call 911 for medical emergencies immediately.
• 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, every decision matters:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine.” Prioritize their health and safety above all else.
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, and direct messages (DMs) immediately.
  • Photograph injuries from multiple angles and over time to show progression.
  • Save physical items involved, such as damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or any objects used in the hazing.
• Write down everything while memory is fresh: Who was involved, what happened, when it occurred, and where it took place.
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or any involved individuals directly.
  • Sign anything from the university or insurance company without legal counsel.
  • Post details on public social media, as this can compromise your case.
  • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” any evidence.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours. Evidence disappears fast due to deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, or coached witnesses. Universities also often move quickly to control the narrative. We can help preserve critical evidence and protect your child’s rights. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

2. Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For families in City of Pearland and across Texas, understanding modern hazing is crucial. It’s no longer just “a dumb prank.” Hazing has evolved, becoming more insidious, often involving digital pressure, psychological manipulation, and dangerous rituals disguised as “tradition.” It is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits an individual.

It’s vital to emphasize that if someone says, “I agreed to it,” that does not automatically make it safe or legal. When there is peer pressure, a significant power imbalance, or fear of exclusion, consent is often not truly voluntary.

2.1 Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing, in its modern context, encompasses a broad range of activities that undermine a student’s physical and mental well-being for the purpose of group affiliation. These acts are typically designed to foster loyalty through shared—often humiliating or dangerous—experiences. The line between tradition and abuse is crossed when an act endangers physical or mental health, causes humiliation, or exploits an individual for the benefit or inclusion in a group.

2.2 Main Categories of Hazing

Hazing tactics are diverse and constantly evolving. They fall into several main categories that often overlap:

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is one of the most dangerous and common forms of hazing, frequently leading to medical emergencies and fatalities. It includes forced or coerced drinking, chugging challenges, “lineups” where pledges must rapidly consume alcohol, or games that require dangerous levels of consumption. Students may also be pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances, leading to severe health consequences.

• Physical Hazing: This category involves activities that inflict physical pain or discomfort. Examples include paddling and beatings, extreme calisthenics, “workouts,” or “smokings” far beyond normal conditioning. It also encompasses sleep deprivation, food or water deprivation, and exposure to extreme cold or heat, or dangerous environments. These activities are often justified as building “toughness” or “brotherhood/sisterhood” but are clear violations of anti-hazing policies and laws.

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This deeply degrading form of hazing involves forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (such as “roasted pig” positions), or being made to wear degrading costumes. It can also include acts with racial or sexist overtones, the use of slurs, or forced role-play that promotes harmful stereotypes. These acts inflict severe psychological trauma and can lead to long-lasting emotional distress.

• Psychological Hazing: Often subtle but equally damaging, psychological hazing targets a student’s mental well-being. It includes verbal abuse, threats, forced isolation from friends and family, and manipulation or forced confessions. Public shaming, whether personally or on social media, also falls into this category, aiming to break down an individual’s self-esteem and foster absolute obedience to the group.

• Digital/Online Hazing: With the rise of technology, hazing has moved into the digital realm. This involves group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation via platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Discord. Students can be pressured to create or share compromising images or videos, or to engage in cyberstalking or harassment as part of their “initiation.” The constant digital surveillance and pressure can lead to severe anxiety and social isolation.

2.3 Where Hazing Actually Happens

Hazing is not limited to fraternities and sororities, though these organizations are frequently in the spotlight. It’s a pervasive problem that can occur in many student groups across various Texas campuses, including those where City of Pearland families send their children. These organizations often thrive on social status, tradition, and secrecy, which unfortunately allows dangerous practices to persist, even when participants are aware of policies and laws against hazing.

Hazing can occur in:

• Fraternities and Sororities: This includes those affiliated with the Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and various multicultural Greek organizations.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: These groups, especially prominent at institutions like Texas A&M, often have long-standing traditions that, if unchecked, can devolve into hazing.
• Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs: Groups like cheerleading teams, dance teams, and university spirit organizations (such as those attempting to emulate the Texas Cowboys at UT Austin) can also be venues for hazing.
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to baseball and track and field, hazing can occur on many collegiate sports teams.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous groups like marching bands or drama clubs can develop initiation rituals that cross the line into hazing.
• Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Any group demanding exclusivity or demonstrating a hierarchical structure risks engaging in hazing behaviors.

The culture of secrecy and the desire to belong often enable these practices. Students might believe they are upholding “tradition” or building “unity” when, in fact, they are participating in or perpetuating illegal and harmful acts.

3. Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For City of Pearland families confronting the aftermath of hazing, understanding the legal framework is essential. Texas has specific laws against hazing, and federal regulations also play a role in how universities must respond. It is a complex legal environment where individuals, groups, and institutions can all be held accountable.

3.1 Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas law is clear: hazing is illegal. The Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F, explicitly addresses hazing, defining it broadly to cover a wide range of harmful activities.

Definition of Hazing: Under Texas law, hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
• Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

This definition clarifies that hazing can happen anywhere—the location doesn’t matter. It also covers both physical and mental harm. The key is that the act was intentional, knowing, or even just reckless (meaning the person knew the risk and did it anyway). Crucially, consent is not a defense to hazing under Texas law; even if a student “agreed” to participate, it can still be considered hazing if it meets the statutory definition.

Criminal Penalties: Texas law imposes significant penalties for hazing:

• Class B Misdemeanor: For hazing that does not cause serious injury (punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine up to $2,000).
• Class A Misdemeanor: If the hazing causes an injury that requires medical treatment.
• State Jail Felony: If the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals found guilty of felony hazing can face state jail time and substantial fines.

Additionally, Texas law makes it a misdemeanor for individuals who know about hazing but fail to report it. Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor.

Organizational Liability: Organizations (fraternities, sororities, clubs, athletic teams) can be held criminally responsible for hazing if they authorized or encouraged the hazing, or if an officer or member acting in an official capacity knew about the hazing and failed to report it. Penalties for organizations can include fines up to $10,000 per violation and the revocation of university recognition.

Reporter Protections: To encourage reporting, Texas law provides immunity for individuals who report hazing incidents in good faith to university authorities or law enforcement. This means a person cannot face civil or criminal liability for making such a report. Furthermore, in cases of medical emergencies stemming from hazing, Texas law and university policies often offer amnesty for students who call 911, even if they were underage or involved in the hazing.

3.2 Criminal vs. Civil Cases

It’s important for City of Pearland families to understand that hazing cases can
involve both criminal and civil legal actions, which are distinct but can
run concurrently.

• Criminal Cases: These are brought by the state (prosecutors) against
  individuals or organizations for violating anti-hazing laws or other related
  statutes, such as assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, or even manslaughter
  in fatal situations. The goal of a criminal case is punishment through
  fines, imprisonment, or probation. A criminal conviction is not required to
  pursue a civil case.

• Civil Cases: These are initiated by victims or their surviving families to
  seek monetary compensation and accountability for the harm suffered. Civil
  lawsuits for hazing often focus on theories of:

  • Negligence and Gross Negligence: Did an individual or institution
    fail to exercise reasonable care, leading to harm?
  • Wrongful Death: When hazing results in a fatality, family members can
    seek compensation for their profound loss.
  • Negligent Hiring/Supervision: Did the university or national
    organization fail to properly oversee faculty, staff, or student leaders
    involved in supervising student groups?
  • Premises Liability: Were property owners responsible for unsafe conditions
    where hazing occurred?
  • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For severe psychological
    trauma caused by the hazing.

In civil cases, the standard of proof is different (and generally lower) than in criminal cases. A civil case can be successful even if criminal charges are not filed or do not result in a conviction.

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

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

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This significant piece of legislation, passed in late 2024, mandates enhanced transparency and prevention efforts from colleges and universities that receive federal funding. By around 2026, institutions will be required to publish more detailed annual reports on hazing incidents, including the number of violations, the organizations involved, and the sanctions imposed. The act also pushes for stronger hazing education and prevention strategies. This will provide unprecedented public data, making it easier for City of Pearland families to research potential issues at schools before their children enroll.

• Title IX / Clery Act:

  • Title IX: This federal law prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based humiliation, or creates a hostile environment based on sex, Title IX obligations are triggered. Universities have a duty to investigate and address such conduct, regardless of whether it occurred on or off campus, if they have knowledge of it.
  • Clery Act: This federal statute requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. Hazing incidents often overlap with categories reported under Clery, particularly if assaults, alcohol- or drug-related crimes, or other violent acts occur during hazing activities. These disclosures can provide useful historical data for families.

3.4 Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Determining liability in a civil hazing lawsuit is complex, and involves identifying all parties responsible for the harm. For City of Pearland families, understanding who can be held accountable is critical:

• Individual Students: Those who actively planned, participated in, supplied alcohol for, or carried out the hazing acts, as well as those who facilitated a cover-up, can be held personally liable.
• Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity, sorority, or student club itself, if recognized as a legal entity, can be sued. This includes the officers and “pledge educators” who hold positions of authority within the chapter.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters, with its bylaws, policies, and supervisory role over local chapters, can be held liable. This often depends on what the national organization knew or should have known about prior hazing incidents, its failure to enforce anti-hazing policies, or its negligence in training and oversight.
• University or Governing Board: Colleges and universities may be sued under various theories, including:
  • Negligence: Failure to adequately supervise student organizations or enforce policies.
  • Deliberate Indifference: If the institution knew about a pattern of hazing and failed to take appropriate action.
  • Sponsorship liability: The university, by recognizing and supporting an organization, can incur a duty of care.
  • Title IX Violations: If sex-based harassment occurred as part of hazing.
  • Sovereign Immunity (Public Universities): While public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT enjoy some protection under sovereign immunity in Texas, exceptions exist for gross negligence, willful misconduct, and Title IX violations. Cases can also target individual employees in their personal capacity.
• Third Parties:
  • Landlords/Property Owners: If hazing occurred on property they owned or managed (e.g., an off-campus house where a registered event was held), they might be held liable for premises liability if they allowed unsafe conditions to persist.
  • Bars or Alcohol Providers: Under Texas dram shop laws, establishments that over-serve visibly intoxicated individuals or serve minors who then cause harm can be held liable.
  • Security Companies or Event Organizers: If their negligence contributed to the hazing.

Every hazing case is fact-specific; not every party is liable in every situation. An experienced hazing attorney can thoroughly investigate all potential defendants and build a comprehensive case for accountability.

4. National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

The tragic consequences of hazing are not isolated incidents; they are part of a repeating pattern that has led to profound legal and legislative changes across the country. These cases, though sometimes occurring outside of Texas, have shaped the legal landscape and established precedents that City of Pearland families can rely on in Texas courts. They demonstrate the consistent dangers, the institutional failures, and the significant financial and criminal accountability available to victims.

4.1 Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Alcohol poisoning remains the most common and deadly outcome of hazing. These cases highlight a disturbing pattern of coerced consumption, peer pressure, and often, a critical delay in seeking medical help.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): In one of the most high-profile hazing cases in U.S. history, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza died after a “bid acceptance” event where he was forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol. Fraternity security cameras captured him falling repeatedly, suffering severe head injuries, while members delayed calling for help for nearly 12 hours. The aftermath involved dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, extensive civil litigation with confidential settlements, and the creation of Pennsylvania’s stringent Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. This case became a national awakening to the dangers of extreme intoxication, the devastating impact of delayed medical aid, and the toxic culture of silence.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): During a “Big Brother Night,” 20-year-old Andrew Coffey was given a bottle of liquor and pressured to drink it. He died from acute alcohol poisoning. The incident led to criminal hazing charges against several members, and Florida State University temporarily suspended all Greek life, overhauling its anti-hazing policies. Coffey’s death tragically demonstrated how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a repeating script for disaster in Greek organizations.

• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver died from alcohol poisoning after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game where answering questions incorrectly resulted in forced drinking. His blood alcohol content was dangerously high (0.495%). Gruver’s death spurred the passage of Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, which made felony hazing a reality in the state, leading to criminal convictions for some of the fraternity members involved. His tragic story reinforced that legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): During a “pledge night,” 20-year-old Stone Foltz was directed to consume an entire handle of hard liquor. He died from severe alcohol poisoning. Multiple criminal convictions followed, and the Foltz family reached a $10 million settlement in 2023, with $7 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national and nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University. This case highlighted how universities can face significant financial and reputational consequences, along with their associated fraternities, when they fail to prevent hazing, even if it happens off-campus. The case also showed individual liability, with Daylen Dunson, the Pi Kappa Alpha president, ordered personally to pay $6.5 million to the Foltz family.

4.2 Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical hazing and violent rituals continue to cause severe injuries and fatalities, often disguised as “bonding” or “tradition.”

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, a 19-year-old pledge, died after participating in a “glass ceiling” ritual at a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Blindfolded, weighted down with a heavy backpack, and repeatedly tackled, he suffered a traumatic brain injury. Fraternity members delayed calling 911 for hours, trying to cover up the incident. Multiple members were convicted, and the national Pi Delta Psi fraternity was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years, also facing criminal conviction for aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter. Deng’s case underscored that off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous or worse than on-campus parties, and that national organizations are not immune to serious legal sanctions for their chapters’ misconduct.

• Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021): In a case that garnered national attention for its catastrophic, non-fatal outcome, 18-year-old Danny Santulli suffered severe, permanent brain damage after being forced to consume a dangerous amount of alcohol during a “pledge dad reveal” night. He cannot walk, talk, or see, requiring 24/7 care. His family settled lawsuits with 22 defendants (including the fraternity), with reportedly multi-million-dollar confidential settlements. This case is a critical reminder that even if a student survives, the cost of lifelong care for severe hazing injuries can be immense, and multiple responsible parties can be held accountable.

• Chad Meredith – University of Miami, Kappa Sigma (2001): Chad Meredith, an 18-year-old freshman, drowned after being pressured by Kappa Sigma fraternity members to swim across a lake near campus while highly intoxicated. His blood alcohol level was 0.13. A jury awarded Meredith’s parents a $12.6 million verdict in a negligence suit based on hazing, proving that civil liability can extend to indirect participation and peer pressure. A law named in his honor also made hazing a criminal offense in Florida.

4.3 Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not confined to Greek letter organizations; it is also a pervasive problem in athletic programs and other student groups.

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): This scandal revealed widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the highly successful Northwestern football program. Former players alleged degrading rituals including nude practices and simulated sexual acts. The fallout was swift: head coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired and later settled a wrongful-termination lawsuit confidentially. Multiple lawsuits against the university and coaching staff followed. This case highlighted that hazing extends beyond Greek life into major athletic programs, even at academically elite institutions, raising serious questions about institutional oversight.

• Florida A&M University Marching Band (2011): Robert Champion, a 26-year-old drum major, died after a brutal hazing ritual involving severe physical beatings on a band bus (“Crossing Bus C”). Multiple band members were convicted of felony hazing, and Florida A&M University was held fully liable, agreeing to a $1 million settlement with Champion’s family. This case demonstrated hazing liability extends to marching bands and other non-Greek organizations, leading to comprehensive anti-hazing policy reforms across the FAMU system.

4.4 What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national anchor cases reveal common threads: forced drinking, physical or sexual humiliation, violence, delayed or denied medical care, and systematic cover-ups. They show that accountability and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after tragedy, persistent advocacy, and robust litigation.

For City of Pearland families whose children attend universities in Texas, these national lessons are profoundly relevant. The dynamics of college life, the pressures of group affiliation, and the legal responsibilities of individuals and institutions are largely consistent. If your child has been affected by hazing at a Texas university, you are not alone, and you are operating in a legal landscape shaped by these powerful precedents.

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

Families in City of Pearland and throughout Brazoria County frequently send their children to universities across Texas. While some choose local institutions, others embark on new chapters further afield. Hazing, unfortunately, is a concern that transcends campus boundaries. Here, we delve into the culture, policies, and specific incidents at five major Texas universities, providing context for families whether their student attends the University of Houston, a relatively close drive from City of Pearland, or a school further away.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a mere 25-minute drive from City of Pearland, is a major urban campus serving a diverse student body, including many from our community. For City of Pearland families, UH represents a significant educational opportunity, but also a place where vigilance against hazing is necessary.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot (with City of Pearland Connection)

The University of Houston is a large, dynamic urban campus with a bustling student life, including a significant commuter population and growing residential presence. It boasts a vibrant and active Greek life, comprising fraternities and sororities from various councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, Multicultural), alongside a wide array of student organizations, cultural groups, and sports clubs. Many students from City of Pearland, Alvin, Friendswood, and other Brazoria County communities attend UH, maintaining ties to their hometowns while engaging in campus activities in the heart of Houston.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UH maintains a clear stance against hazing, prohibiting it both on-campus and off-campus. Its policies explicitly forbid forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and activities causing mental distress as part of initiation or social events. The university encourages reporting through various channels, including the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the UH Police Department (UHPD). UH also provides accessible information on its website regarding hazing prevention and disciplinary actions, though the level of detail on specific incidents may vary.

5.1.3 Example Incident & Response at UH

In a notable incident around 2016, a Pi Kappa Alpha chapter at UH faced severe allegations. Pledges were reportedly deprived of sufficient food, water, and sleep during a multi-day event. One student, tragically, suffered a lacerated spleen after being violently slammed onto a table or similar hard surface. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges filed by the Harris County District Attorney, and the university imposed a lengthy suspension. While this was a high-profile case, UH has had other disciplinary references involving various fraternities where behavior was “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” including alcohol misuse and other policy violations that resulted in suspensions or probation. This highlights UH’s willingness to suspend chapters, even if public details on individual incidents are not always as exhaustive as some other institutions.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a City of Pearland family considering legal action regarding hazing at UH, any case would involve complex jurisdiction and coordination. Law enforcement agencies could include the UH Police Department (UHPD) for on-campus incidents, and/or the Houston Police Department and Harris County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus events in the Greater Houston area. Civil suits would typically be filed in courts within Harris County. Potential defendants in such a case could include individual students, the local chapter, the national fraternity or sorority, and potentially the university itself, as well as property owners if the hazing occurred off-campus.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

For students and parents in City of Pearland connected to UH, taking proactive steps is crucial:

• Familiarize yourself with UH’s hazing policies and know the official reporting channels (Dean of Students, UHPD, or online reporting forms).
• If you suspect hazing, document everything possible. This includes screenshots of messages, photos of injuries, and detailed notes of conversations.
• Understand the history. While UH’s public reporting can be less detailed than some other schools, an experienced attorney can help uncover prior complaints and disciplinary actions through legal discovery, which can be critical for building a civil case.
• For City of Pearland families, accessing legal counsel experienced in Houston-based hazing cases is vital. Our firm’s proximity and deep knowledge of the Houston legal landscape mean we understand how to navigate both campus disciplinary processes and civil litigation within Harris County.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, located in College Station, is deeply rooted in tradition, which sometimes presents unique challenges concerning hazing. Many families from City of Pearland, a roughly 1.5-hour drive south, have strong ties to Aggieland, where students are often drawn to the celebrated Corps of Cadets and the robust Greek life.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M is renowned for its traditions, including the distinctive Corps of Cadets—a uniformed, paramilitary organization integral to the university’s identity—and a large, active Greek system. The campus culture emphasizes loyalty, discipline, and a strong sense of community. While these elements foster pride, they can, in some cases, create an environment where hazing is rationalized as “tradition” or “testing” new members.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M unequivocally prohibits hazing, articulating clear policies through its Division of Student Affairs and the Office of the Commandant for the Corps of Cadets. These policies emphasize that hazing is illegal and will not be tolerated. Reporting channels include the Dean of Student Life, the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD), and specific reporting procedures for Corps members through their chain of command. The university also publishes an annual report on hazing incidents.

5.2.3 Example Incidents & Response at Texas A&M

Texas A&M has faced multiple prominent hazing allegations in recent years:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit (around 2021): Two pledges alleged severe hazing that involved being covered in various substances, including an industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit. This resulted in severe chemical burns requiring emergency skin grafts and extensive medical treatment. The pledges subsequently sued the fraternity for $1 million, and the university suspended the chapter for two years.
• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading and sexualized hazing. This included claims of being forced into simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The cadet sought over $1 million in damages, highlighting that hazing can affect revered institutions like the Corps, and that the university’s response (in this case, stating it handled the matter under its rules) can be challenged in court.
• Kappa Sigma (2023, ongoing): Allegations surfaced of hazing resulting in severe injuries, specifically rhabdomyolysis—a severe muscle breakdown from extreme physical activity—among pledges. This initiated ongoing litigation that underscores the dangers of physical hazing.

These incidents demonstrate that hazing at A&M can occur in both Greek life and within the highly structured Corps of Cadets, testing the university’s commitment to its anti-hazing policies.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases originating from Texas A&M often involve investigations by the College Station Police Department alongside the university’s Student Conduct processes. In cases within the Corps, the Office of the Commandant may also be heavily involved. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Brazos County courts. The unique aspect of A&M cases is the potential for liability across a spectrum of defendants: individual students, local chapters, national fraternities (if applicable), high-ranking Corps members, and even the university itself, particularly given the strong emphasis on tradition and group cohesion.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

For City of Pearland families with students at Texas A&M or considering attendance:

• Be educated about A&M’s specific hazing reports and policies. The public annual report can be a valuable resource.
• Discuss the unique cultural aspects of organizations like the Corps of Cadets, emphasizing that tradition does not justify abuse.
• Document any suspicious activities immediately. This includes subtle forms of hazing that can escalate.
• Seek legal counsel promptly. Given the university’s size and distinct traditions, experienced legal guidance is crucial to navigate potential criminal charges or civil lawsuits and to effectively challenge institutional responses.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The flagship University of Texas at Austin, located in the state capital, is a popular destination for students across Texas, including many from City of Pearland. Its expansive Greek system and numerous spirit organizations have historically been areas of significant hazing concern.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin is a sprawling university with a highly competitive academic environment, a legendary sports program, and a vibrant social scene heavily influenced by its large Greek community. It’s also home to various spirit and campus organizations, some with long-standing traditions that, without proper oversight, have drifted into hazing. For City of Pearland families, UT Austin represents both academic aspiration and a social environment where awareness of student safety is paramount.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Texas at Austin has among the most transparent hazing policies and reporting mechanisms in the state. Hazing is strictly prohibited, on or off campus, and includes any act that endangers physical or mental health for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. UT maintains a detailed “Hazing Violations and Disciplinary Actions” webpage (hazing.utexas.edu), which publicly lists organizations, the nature of their violations, and the sanctions imposed. Reporting can be made through the Office of the Dean of Students, the UT Police Department (UTPD), or through established anonymous channels.

5.3.3 Example Incidents & Response at UT Austin

UT’s public hazing violations page provides transparent documentation of recurring issues:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): This fraternity was found in violation after new members were directed to consume excessive amounts of milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, actions deemed hazing. The chapter was placed on probation and mandated to implement new hazing-prevention education.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): This chapter faced a lawsuit from an exchange student alleging assault at a party, leading to severe injuries, including a dislocated leg and fractured bones. The chapter was already under suspension for prior hazing/safety violations, underscoring a pattern of misconduct. (Note: This is one of the SAE incidents mentioned in the National Hazing Incident Reference Database.)
• “Absolute Texxas” Spirit Group (2022): This spirit organization was disciplined for multiple hazing violations, including alcohol and drug misconduct, blindfolding, kidnapping, and generally degrading new members. This incident highlights that hazing isn’t exclusive to Greek life but extends to other student organizations.

These examples underscore UT’s effort to document and sanction hazing, but also confirm that despite transparent policies, violations persist.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

A hazing case at UT Austin could involve investigations by UTPD for incidents on campus or occurring at university-recognized events, and the Austin Police Department for off-campus issues in the city. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Travis County, where the university is located. The existence of UT’s public hazing log is a critical resource for plaintiffs, as it can be used to demonstrate a pattern of negligence and show that the university and national organizations had knowledge of prior misconduct, strengthening claims for accountability against individuals, chapters, and the university.

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

For City of Pearland families with students at UT Austin:

• Actively monitor UT’s Hazing Violations webpage (hazing.utexas.edu) to understand the history of organizations your child is interested in.
• Emphasize direct communication with campus authorities if hazing is suspected, as UT has relatively robust reporting mechanisms.
• Document everything. The transparency of UT’s system means that a strong paper trail of communication and evidence is crucial for any potential legal action.
• Seek legal counsel with expertise in Texas hazing law. Our firm understands the intricacies of navigating claims against large public institutions like UT and leverages publicly available information, alongside private discovery, to build effective cases.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, a private institution nestled in Dallas, attracts students from across Texas, including City of Pearland families looking for a distinctive university experience. SMU’s culture, including its prominent Greek life, places a unique lens on hazing incidents.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is known for its beautiful campus, rigorous academics, and a vibrant social scene often dominated by its large Greek system. As a private institution, SMU fosters a close-knit community but also, at times, struggles with the challenges inherent in tight-knit social groups, including hazing. For City of Pearland families, SMU offers a prestigious educational path, but also requires awareness regarding the social pressures within its student organizations.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU maintains clear anti-hazing policies that prohibit any activity involving harassment, abuse, or intimidation as part of initiation or membership. The university provides various reporting channels, including the Dean of Students, the SMU Police Department, and an anonymous online reporting system (such as Report It!), aiming to encourage students to come forward without fear. As a private university, SMU’s reporting details on specific incidents are not always as publicly accessible as those at state institutions like UT.

5.4.3 Example Incident & Response at SMU

SMU has had its share of hazing incidents, typically resulting in stern disciplinary action:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): This fraternity faced severe allegations including new members being paddled, coerced into excessive alcohol consumption, and deprived of sleep. The accusations led to the chapter being suspended and significant restrictions placed on its activities, including recruiting, for several years. This incident, and others like it at SMU, highlight the persistent issue of physical and alcohol-related hazing within traditional Greek organizations.

These examples underscore that even at private universities with strict policies, hazing remains a challenge that requires continuous vigilance.

5.4.4 How a SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases at SMU are often investigated by the SMU Police Department and the Dallas Police Department for off-campus incidents. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Dallas County courts. As a private institution, SMU does not benefit from the same sovereign immunity protections as public universities. This can sometimes make it more straightforward to pursue claims directly against the university for negligence or failure to supervise. Experienced attorneys can compel the discovery of internal reports and communications, even if not publicly posted, to uncover prior incidents and assess the university’s response.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

For City of Pearland families whose students attend SMU:

• Understand SMU’s specific anti-hazing policies and reporting avenues, emphasizing the anonymity available.
• Be aware that private university investigations may have less public transparency, making legal counsel even more critical for uncovering information.
• Promptly document any suspected hazing. Screenshots of electronic communications are especially important, as are detailed notes of interactions and any physical evidence.
• Seek prompt legal consultation. Our firm has experience navigating the specific legal landscape of private universities, understanding how to apply pressure and utilize discovery to build strong cases for accountability.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University, a private Baptist university in Waco, holds a unique place in the Texas educational landscape. Located about 2 hours north of City of Pearland, Baylor attracts many students from our region, drawn to its faith-based mission and academic reputation.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor offers a distinct faith-based educational experience with a strong emphasis on community service and Christian values. It has a significant Greek life presence, alongside other student organizations and athletic programs. Baylor’s history includes intense scrutiny regarding its handling of sexual assault cases in its football program, which has led to widespread institutional changes and a heightened awareness of student safety and accountability. This background, while primarily focused on sexual assault, colors how both the university and the public perceive other forms of misconduct like hazing.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor maintains a “zero tolerance” policy against hazing, defining it broadly to include any activity that subjects a student to mental or physical harassment, abuse, or intimidation for the purpose of initiation or continued membership. The university offers various methods for reporting, including the Division of Student Life, the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD), and an ethics point hotline. Baylor publishes an annual hazing report, emphasizing its commitment to transparency following past controversies.

5.4.3 Example Incidents & Response at Baylor

Baylor has faced hazing incidents across its student organizations, including athletics:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): An investigation into hazing allegations within the Baylor baseball program resulted in the suspension of 14 players. The suspensions were strategically staggered to allow the team to compete, though the incident highlighted the persistence of hazing even in high-profile athletic programs and the university’s chosen response to address it.

These incidents, set against Baylor’s broader historical challenges with institutional oversight and Title IX issues, underscore the complexities survivors face in securing full accountability.

5.4.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases at Baylor would involve investigations by the Baylor University Police Department and potentially the Waco Police Department for off-campus incidents. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in McLennan County. As a private institution, Baylor does not have sovereign immunity, meaning claims can be pursued against the university directly for negligence. Given Baylor’s history, civil litigation often focuses on whether the university’s stated “zero tolerance” policies are effectively enforced and if previous failures in oversight contributed to new incidents. Our role would be to access the university’s internal records and communications through discovery to establish a pattern of conduct or negligence.

5.4.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

For City of Pearland families with students at Baylor:

• Be especially diligent in understanding Baylor’s history of institutional response to student misconduct, which includes both hazing and sexual assault.
• Emphasize the importance of immediate reporting through official channels like the Baylor EthicsPoint hotline, as the university has processes in place to address these concerns.
• Promptly collect and preserve all evidence. Digital communications, medical records, and detailed personal accounts are crucial.
• Seek specialized legal counsel. Our experience with institutional accountability, including in faith-based settings, positions us to effectively advocate for survivors against universities and other powerful organizations.

6. Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

For City of Pearland families seeking answers after a hazing incident, understanding the deep-rooted national histories of fraternities and sororities, alongside local campus-specific issues, is crucial. Many of the Greek letter organizations present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor are part of vast national networks. These national HQs develop thick anti-hazing manuals and risk management policies precisely because they have faced deaths and catastrophic injuries at their chapters across the country. They are aware of the common patterns: forced drinking nights, paddling traditions, humiliating rituals, and the pervasive culture of silence.

When a Texas chapter repeats the same dangerous script that led to a national conviction or a multi-million-dollar lawsuit in another state, that demonstrates foreseeability and supports arguments for negligence, or even punitive damages, against the national organization. It argues that the national entity knew, or should have known, about the dangers and failed to implement effective measures.

6.1 Why National Histories Matter

The history of hazing reveals that certain fraternities and sororities have recurring patterns of dangerous activity. These patterns are not isolated incidents but reflect systemic issues within an organization’s culture that national leadership often struggles to control, despite publicly claiming “zero tolerance.” When a student from City of Pearland is harmed by a fraternity at a Texas university, we investigate not just that local chapter, but the national organization’s history, because it provides crucial leverage for accountability.

6.2 Organization Mapping (Synthesized)

While countless Greek organizations exist across Texas campuses, some frequently appear in national hazing reports due to persistent incidents. Here, we outline some of the major fraternities that have made headlines for hazing, and are present at the Texas universities our City of Pearland families often attend. This list is not exhaustive, nor does it imply that all chapters of these organizations engage in hazing, but their national track records are significant:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): This fraternity, with chapters at UH, Texas A&M, and UT, has a deeply troubling national history. The death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University in 2021 (a $10 million settlement case) and David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University in 2012 ($14 million settlement) both stemmed from alcohol poisoning during “Big/Little” events involving forced drinking. These incidents establish a clear pattern of dangerous alcohol hazing that national Pi Kappa Alpha headquarters were, or should have been, aware of. When similar acts happen at a Texas chapter, a robust legal argument can be made that the national organization failed to prevent foreseeable harm.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU, SAE has been involved in multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide over the past two decades. In 2014, the national organization famously abolished its traditional pledging process in response to these fatalities. Despite this, incidents continue, such as a severe traumatic brain injury alleged by a pledge at the University of Alabama in a 2023 lawsuit. Closer to home, a $1 million lawsuit was filed against a Texas A&M chapter in 2021 by pledges who suffered severe chemical burns after being covered in industrial-strength cleaner, eggs, and spit. A lawsuit against the UT Austin chapter in 2024 involved an exchange student who sustained leg and facial fractures in an alleged assault. This history points to a persistent pattern that can be leveraged in cases involving SAE chapters in Texas.

• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): With chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor, Phi Delta Theta’s national organization has also faced significant hazing-related liability. The most prominent example is the death of Max Gruver at LSU in 2017 from alcohol poisoning during a “Bible study” drinking game. This tragic event led to the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana (felony hazing). This national history establishes a clear precedent of alcohol hazing, which means the national organization had prior notice of the risks associated with this type of conduct.

• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, and UT, Pi Kappa Phi’s national history includes the death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University in 2017, also from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night.” Like the others, this case highlights a pattern of dangerous alcohol consumption forced on new members, making the national organization accountable for pattern behavior.

• Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ): With chapters at Texas A&M and SMU, Kappa Alpha Order has had its share of hazing incidents, including suspensions at SMU and elsewhere for activities involving physical abuse and coerced drinking. While not always deadly, these incidents reveal a pattern of behavior that challenges the national organization’s stated anti-hazing policies.

• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and Baylor. Kappa Sigma has a severe national hazing record, including the $12.6 million jury verdict for the wrongful death of Chad Meredith at the University of Miami in 2001, who drowned after being pressured to swim a lake while intoxicated. More recently, allegations of rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown from extreme physical hazing) at Texas A&M chapters in 2023 show continued challenges.

• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU. Beta Theta Pi is nationally infamous for the tragic death of Timothy Piazza at Penn State in 2017, where delayed care after severe alcohol hazing led to fatal injuries. While this is a Penn State case, it established nationwide precedents for criminal and civil liability.

• Other Organizations: Many other fraternities and sororities, including Sigma Chi (with a $10 million+ settlement at the College of Charleston in 2024 for severe hazing) and Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) (responsible for the permanent brain damage of Danny Santulli at the University of Missouri in 2021), have national patterns of hazing. Our firm’s in-depth research covers these and many other organizations to determine liability.

6.3 Tie Back to Legal Strategy

These recurring patterns across states and campuses are crucial for our legal strategy in Texas. They demonstrate that national organizations had repeated warnings—often for the exact same hazing tactics—and failed to effectively intervene. This can lead to arguments that:

• National organizations failed to meaningfully enforce their own anti-hazing policies, rendering them “paper policies” without real-world application.
• National HQs ignored or responded inadequately to prior incidents, creating an environment where local chapters felt empowered to continue dangerous practices.
• These failures led directly to foreseeable harm.

Such evidence can significantly impact:

• Settlement Leverage: Demonstrating a pattern of negligence often compels national organizations and their insurers to negotiate fair settlements.
• Insurance Coverage Disputes: It helps overcome attempts by insurers to deny coverage by claiming “intentional acts” by demonstrating broader negligence in supervision or enforcement.
• Punitive Damages: In egregious cases, where an organization’s conduct demonstrates a conscious disregard for the safety of others, national patterns can support arguments for punitive damages, which are designed to punish reckless behavior and deter future misconduct.

By meticulously researching these histories, we build powerful cases for accountability, ensuring that when City of Pearland families face hazing, the full weight of responsibility is placed on all contributing parties.

7. Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

For City of Pearland families impacted by hazing, building a robust legal case requires meticulous evidence collection, a clear understanding of potential damages, and a sophisticated legal strategy. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, we bring decades of experience and dedication to uncovering the truth and holding responsible parties accountable.

7.1 Evidence

In modern hazing cases, evidence is king. The speed at which certain types of evidence disappear makes immediate action crucial. We leverage every available avenue to build a comprehensive picture of what happened:

• Digital Communications: In today’s digital world, group chats and direct messages are often the most incriminating forms of evidence. Platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, and even fraternity-specific apps contain plans, coercion, instructions, and discussions among members before, during, and after hazing events. These logs show:

  • Planning and intent.
  • Knowledge among leaders and members.
  • The coercive nature of the communication.
  • Attempts to cover up or destroy evidence.
    Our team works with digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages and analyze metadata, ensuring no critical piece of information is lost. We often advise families to preserve or screenshot entire threads with timestamps and participant names visible, providing crucial “smoking gun” evidence.

• Photos & Videos: Visual evidence tells a powerful story. This includes content filmed by members during hazing events, which is often shared in group chats or posted on private social media accounts. We also seek security camera footage or doorbell camera recordings from houses or venues where hazing occurred. Photos of injuries, humiliating acts, forced drinking, and any objects involved are invaluable.

• Internal Organization Documents: These can reveal the inner workings and potential negligence of a fraternity or sorority. We seek pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” lists, rules, and internal emails or texts from officers discussing activities with new members. Crucially, we also examine national organization policies and training materials to compare official guidelines with actual chapter behavior.

• University Records: Through legal discovery and public records requests, we obtain university records such as:

  • Prior conduct files, probation notices, and suspension orders against the specific chapter or individuals.
  • Incident reports filed with campus police or student conduct offices.
  • Publicly available Clery reports and other disclosures that can show a pattern of similar incidents on campus.
  • Internal emails among administrators regarding the student organization.

• Medical and Psychological Records: These document the full extent of the victim’s harm. We gather:

  • Emergency room and hospitalization reports.
  • Records of surgeries, ongoing treatment, and physical therapy.
  • Toxicology reports (blood alcohol content, drug screenings).
  • Psychological evaluations that document PTSD, depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation resulting from the trauma. This is particularly vital for non-economic damages.

• Witness Testimony: The accounts of individuals are powerful. We interview pledges, current members, former members (especially those who left due to hazing), roommates, residential advisors (RAs), coaches, trainers, and other bystanders. These individuals can provide firsthand accounts of the hazing, the culture of the organization, and knowledge of prior incidents.

7.2 Damages

When hazing causes harm, victims and their families are entitled to compensation for all resulting losses. We meticulously calculate all categories of damages to ensure our clients receive full and fair recovery:

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers all costs related to the physical injuries—immediate emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing physical therapy. For catastrophic injuries like brain damage (as seen in the Danny Santulli case), this also includes sophisticated life care plans that project the costs of 24/7 care for decades.
• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: Hazing can disrupt a student’s academic career, leading to missed semesters, delayed graduation, or even withdrawal from school. This can translate into lost scholarships, delayed entry into the workforce, and, in severe cases, reduced lifetime earning capacity if permanent injuries impact their ability to work.
• Non-Economic Damages: These are subjective but legally compensable harms, addressing the profound pain and suffering caused by hazing. They include:
  • Physical pain, discomfort, and disfigurement.
  • Severe emotional distress, trauma, chronic anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
  • Humiliation, loss of dignity, and damage to reputation.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life, reflecting the inability to pursue hobbies, social activities, or a normal college experience.
• Wrongful Death Damages (for families): In tragic cases where hazing leads to death, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim. This covers funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, and profound non-economic losses such as the loss of companionship, love, guidance, and the grief and emotional suffering experienced by parents and siblings.

7.3 Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing litigation often involves multiple powerful defendants—individuals, local chapters, national fraternities/sororities, and universities—each with their own legal teams and insurance policies.

• Insurance: National fraternities and universities carry substantial insurance policies designed to protect them from liability. However, these insurers will often argue that hazing or “intentional acts” are explicitly excluded from coverage. This is where the insider knowledge of our firm, particularly from Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), becomes invaluable. She understands how these companies think, their delay tactics, and how they attempt to limit or deny payouts.
• We work to:
  • Identify all potential sources of insurance coverage, including homeowners policies of individual members.
  • Navigate complex disputes regarding policy exclusions, arguing that even if the hazing itself was intentional, the institution’s negligent supervision or failure to prevent foreseeable harm should be covered.
  • Force insurers to defend (pay for legal costs) and indemnify (pay damages) their insured clients.

Our primary goal is to secure maximum compensation for our clients, either through strategic settlement negotiations or, if necessary, through aggressive litigation and trial.

8. Practical Guides & FAQs

For City of Pearland parents, students, and witnesses, having actionable information is crucial. Knowledge empowers you to protect yourself and others, and to know your legal rights.

8.1 For Parents: Navigating the Complexities of Hazing

Parents are often the first line of defense against hazing, but detecting it can be challenging due to secrecy and a child’s fear.

• Warning Signs of Hazing:
  • Unexplained injuries or repeated “accidents”: Look for bruises, burns, or cuts, especially if explanations don’t add up or change over time.
  • Sudden exhaustion, extreme sleep deprivation: Frequent late nights, constant calls at odd hours, or noticeable fatigue during the day.
  • Drastic changes in mood, anxiety, or withdrawal: A normally outgoing child becoming withdrawn, irritable, or showing signs of anxiety or depression.
  • Sudden secrecy: Refusal to talk about group activities, using phrases like “I can’t talk about it,” or defensiveness when asked.
  • Constant secret phone use for group chats: Anxiety when their phone pings, or fear of missing “mandatory” events.
  • Academic decline: Grades dropping, missing classes, or skipping assignments to attend group functions.
• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation with empathy, not blame. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with the fraternity/sorority? Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?” Emphasize that their safety and well-being are paramount, far above any group affiliation, and that you will support them no matter what.
• If Your Child Is Hurt: Get them immediate medical care. Document everything: take photos of injuries, screenshot any text messages or group chats they show you, and meticulously write down what they tell you, including names, dates, and locations.
• Dealing with the University: Document every communication with university administrators. Ask specific questions about prior incidents involving the same organization and what actions the school took in response. Be aware that universities may prioritize the institution’s reputation over an individual student’s well-being.
• When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child has suffered significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing or hiding what happened, contact an experienced hazing attorney immediately.

8.2 For Students / Pledges: Self-Assessment and Empowerment

If you are a student from City of Pearland, whether at a Texas university or elsewhere, and you suspect you might be experiencing hazing, it’s crucial to understand your rights and how to protect yourself.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? Ask yourself: Am I doing something because I genuinely want to, or because I feel pressured or threatened? Am I unsafe, humiliated, or coerced? Am I forced to drink or endure pain? Is the activity hidden from the public or administrators? If you answered yes to any of these, it is likely hazing. Remember, if you wouldn’t do something if your parents or the university knew, it’s probably hazing.
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: Despite what older members might say, your “agreement” to participate in hazing is often not considered true consent in the eyes of the law. The power dynamics, immense peer pressure, and fear of exclusion or retaliation mean that your participation is often coerced, not voluntary. Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the legal right to leave any organization or hazing activity at any time. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you wish to de-pledge, consider telling someone outside the organization first (a trusted friend, RA, or parent). Send an email or text to the chapter leadership stating your intent to resign, and avoid going to “one last meeting” where you may be pressured.
• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many schools and Texas law offer protections (amnesty) for students who call 911 or seek medical help in an emergency, even if they were underage or involved in the hazing themselves. These laws are designed to save lives, not to punish those seeking help.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses: A Path to Accountability

If you were once part of an organization that hazed, or witnessed hazing, and now regret your involvement or feel a moral obligation to act, your testimony and evidence can be critical in preventing future harm and saving lives.

• Your Role in Accountability: While acknowledging any past guilt or fear of consequences, understand that providing information can bring crucial accountability for victims. Your testimony can corroborate claims, fill in gaps in evidence, and expose systemic issues within organizations.
• Seeking Legal Advice: Before speaking to university officials or law enforcement, it is advisable to seek your own legal counsel. An attorney can help you understand your rights and potential exposure, and assist in navigating your role as a witness or co-defendant, ensuring your cooperation helps victims without inadvertently compounding your own legal risks.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Hazing Case

Hazing cases are incredibly time-sensitive and fraught with potential pitfalls. Avoid these common errors that can severely damage a victim’s ability to seek justice, as detailed in our video, “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY).

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence:

   • Why it’s wrong: While you might want to protect your child from getting “in more trouble,” deleting evidence makes a case nearly impossible to prove and can be seen as an obstruction of justice.
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing or supposedly “harmless” content. This includes screenshots of group chats, texts, photos, and videos.

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly:

   • Why it’s wrong: An emotional confrontation will cause the organization to immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare defenses, making your case much harder.
   • What to do instead: Document everything in private, then call a lawyer before any direct communication with the organization or its members.

3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms:

   • Why it’s wrong: Universities may pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements. This could inadvertently waive your right to sue or result in a settlement far below what your case is worth.
   • What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university without an attorney reviewing it first.

4. Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer:

   • Why it’s wrong: While the desire for public awareness is understandable, anything you post can be screenshotted by defense attorneys, used against your child, highlight inconsistencies, and potentially waive legal privileges.
   • What to do instead: Document privately and confidentially. Let your lawyer control public or media messaging if and when appropriate.

5. Letting Your Child Go Back to “One Last Meeting” or “Talk it Out” Sessions:

   • Why it’s wrong: Once you are considering legal action, the organization may use these meetings to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can later be used against your case.
   • What to do instead: Once you’ve consulted an attorney, all communication with the organization should typically go through your legal counsel.

6. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”:

   • Why it’s wrong: University investigations are slow, evidence disappears (digital messages are routinely deleted), witnesses graduate and move on, and the statute of limitations can expire. Universities often prioritize protecting their reputation over full victim accountability.
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW. Consult a lawyer immediately. The university’s internal process is separate from—and often insufficient for—real accountability and compensation.

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer:

   • Why it’s wrong: Insurance adjusters represent the interests of the defendants, not you. Recorded statements can be used against you, and early settlement offers are almost always lowball attempts.
   • What to do instead: Politely decline to speak with them and refer them to your attorney.

8.5 Short FAQ for City of Pearland Families

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

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  Yes, it can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default. However, if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it escalates to a state jail felony. Individuals, especially officers, can also face misdemeanor charges for failing to report known hazing.

• “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 “consent” under severe peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit in Texas?”
  Generally, you have 2 years from the date of injury or death to file a hazing lawsuit in Texas. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. For more information, watch our video on the statute of limitations at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location of hazing does not eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities or sororities can still be held liable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge of the event, and foreseeability of harm. Many major hazing cases resulting in multi-million-dollar judgments have occurred off-campus.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  Most hazing cases settle confidentially before ever reaching a public trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy and work to secure sealed court records and confidential settlement terms when possible, ensuring your child’s name is protected while still pursuing accountability.

9. About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action for City of Pearland Families

When your family faces a hazing case in Texas, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, we provide exactly that specialized expertise and aggressive advocacy.

From our main office in Houston, and additional offices in Austin and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including City of Pearland and surrounding communities in Brazoria County. We understand that hazing at Texas universities can impact families far from campus, and we are dedicated to bringing our specialized knowledge directly to you.

Our firm offers unique qualifications for hazing cases:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our Associate Attorney, Lupe Peña, leverages her background as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm. She knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies operate, how they value (and undervalue) hazing claims, and understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. We know their playbook because we used to run it. Lupe Peña’s full credentials can be reviewed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Ralph P. Manginello, our Managing Partner, brings decades of experience taking on formidable adversaries. Our firm was one of the few Texas firms involved in the complex BP Texas City explosion litigation, and Ralph has extensive experience in federal court. This means we are not intimidated by national fraternities, powerful universities, or their well-resourced defense teams. We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants and secure justice. You can learn more about Ralph Manginello at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, working with economists to value loss of life and secure multi-million dollar settlements for families. We don’t settle cheap. Our firm builds cases that reflect the true gravity of your loss and force accountability. Our experience in wrongful death claims is detailed at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.

• Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides a crucial understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. This dual perspective allows us to advise witnesses and former members who may face both criminal exposure and civil liability in hazing investigations. Our criminal defense capabilities are outlined at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/.

• Investigative Depth: We pride ourselves on thorough investigation, leveraging a network of experts including digital forensics specialists, medical experts, economists, and psychologists. We meticulously obtain hidden evidence, from deleted group chats and social media content to national fraternity records and university files, often through legal discovery and public records requests. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it – because it does. 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.

We understand that hazing cases are different. They involve powerful institutional defendants, nuanced insurance coverage fights, and the delicate balance of victim privacy with public accountability. Our team understands Greek culture, military traditions, and how to prove coercion, even against sophisticated defenses. We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We focus on thorough investigation and real accountability, not just quick settlements.

You don’t have to face this alone.

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether it’s the University of Houston near City of Pearland, or a school across the state—we want to hear from you. Families in City of Pearland and throughout the surrounding Brazoria County area have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to what happened, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward. Here’s what you can expect in your free consultation:

• We will listen to your story without judgment.
• We’ll review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records).
• We’ll clearly explain your legal options: a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or neither.
• We’ll discuss realistic timelines and what to expect throughout the process.
• We’ll answer your questions about costs—we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case. For more details, watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.
• There is no pressure to hire us on the spot; take the time you need to decide.
• Everything you tell us is strictly confidential.

Reach out today:

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

Hablamos Español: If you prefer assistance in Spanish, please contact Lupe Peña directly for a consultation at lupe@atty911.com. Servicios legales en español están disponibles.

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

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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