🚨 Hazing Legal Emergency: Your Rights as a Portage County Student or Parent

Attorney 911 — Fighting for Hazing Victims in Portage County and Nationwide
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ✉️ ralph@atty911.com | 🌐 attorney911.com

Portage County Families: You Are Not Alone

Hazing doesn’t just happen in big cities or famous universities. It happens right here in Portage County, Ohio — in fraternities, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, and other student organizations at local colleges and high schools.

If your child has been hazed in Portage County, you have legal rights. And you have powerful allies in Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena — the attorneys currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to win these cases, and we will bring that same aggressive representation to Portage County families.

The Hazing Crisis in Portage County

What Is Hazing?

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them — regardless of their willingness to participate.

Hazing is illegal in Ohio. It is a criminal offense under Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31, punishable by jail time and fines. It is also grounds for civil lawsuits against the individuals and institutions responsible.

Hazing Happens in Portage County

Portage County is home to Kent State University, one of Ohio’s largest universities, with a significant Greek life presence. Other local institutions with student organizations include:

• Hiram College
• Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED)
• Local high schools with sports teams and clubs

The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in hazing settlements operate chapters near Portage County, including:

• Pi Kappa Phi (currently being sued in Texas)
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) (multiple hazing deaths nationwide)
• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) (Stone Foltz case — $10.1M settlement)
• Phi Delta Theta (Max Gruver case — $6.1M verdict)
• Beta Theta Pi (Tim Piazza case — $110M+ settlement)

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Portage County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

What Portage County Hazing Looks Like

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys.” It’s abuse, torture, and sometimes manslaughter. In our current case, a student was:

• Waterboarded with a garden hose (simulated drowning — considered torture when used on enemy combatants)
• Forced to do 500 squats and 100+ pushups until his muscles broke down (rhabdomyolysis) and his kidneys failed
• Struck with wooden paddles (physical assault)
• Forced to eat until vomiting, then forced to continue exercising in vomit-soaked grass
• Hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
• Deprived of sleep by being forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
• Threatened with expulsion if he didn’t comply

This happened in Houston. It could happen in Portage County.

The Medical Consequences of Hazing

Hazing doesn’t just cause embarrassment — it causes serious, life-threatening injuries, including:

• Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure) — as seen in our client
• Acute alcohol poisoning (from forced drinking) — multiple hazing deaths
• Traumatic brain injury (from beatings or falls)
• Hypothermia or heat stroke (from exposure)
• Cardiac arrest (from extreme physical exertion)
• Sexual assault injuries (from forced sexual acts)
• PTSD, anxiety, and depression (long-term psychological damage)

Hazing can kill. Since 2000, there has been at least one hazing death every year in the United States.

Who Is Liable for Portage County Hazing?

When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally and financially responsible, including:

In our Houston case, we are suing:

• The local chapter
• The national organization
• The university (which owned the fraternity house)
• Multiple individual members
• A former member and his spouse (hazing occurred at their home)

Portage County families can pursue the same defendants.

Your Legal Rights as a Portage County Hazing Victim

1. Criminal Charges Against Perpetrators

Ohio law makes hazing a criminal offense. Under Ohio Revised Code § 2903.31:

• Hazing is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree (up to 30 days in jail, $250 fine)
• If the hazing causes serious physical harm, it becomes a felony of the third degree (up to 5 years in prison)
• Consent is not a defense — even if the victim agreed to participate, the perpetrators can still be prosecuted

Portage County families should report hazing to local law enforcement immediately.

2. Civil Lawsuits for Compensation

Hazing victims and their families can sue for financial compensation for:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages (if unable to work due to injuries)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
• Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Punitive damages (to punish the defendants for egregious conduct)

Hazing lawsuits have resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, including:

• $10.1 million (Stone Foltz, Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021)
• $6.1 million (Max Gruver, Phi Delta Theta, 2017)
• $110+ million (Tim Piazza, Beta Theta Pi, 2017)

Portage County families can pursue the same level of compensation.

3. Title IX Claims (For Sexual Assault or Gender-Based Hazing)

If the hazing involved sexual assault, harassment, or gender-based discrimination, victims can file a Title IX complaint against the university. Title IX is a federal law that protects students from sex-based discrimination in education.

Title IX claims can result in:

• University investigations
• Disciplinary action against perpetrators
• Policy changes
• Financial compensation

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Portage County

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor
• Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms immediately
• Medical records are critical evidence for your case

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

Do NOT delete anything. Save:

• Text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs — anything related to hazing
• Photos and videos of injuries, hazing activities, or the location
• Witness contact information — other pledges, bystanders, friends
• Medical records — hospital bills, doctor’s notes, therapy records
• Academic records — if hazing affected grades or enrollment
• Financial records — lost wages, tuition payments, scholarship loss

Step 3: Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone

• Do not talk to fraternity/sorority leadership — they will coordinate their story and destroy evidence
• Do not talk to university administrators alone — they protect the institution, not you
• Do not sign anything from the organization or university
• Do not post on social media about the incident — anything you post can be used against you

Step 4: Report the Hazing

• File a police report with local law enforcement (e.g., Kent Police Department, Portage County Sheriff’s Office)
• File a Title IX report if the hazing involved sexual assault or gender-based discrimination
• File a complaint with the university (though be cautious — consult an attorney first)

Step 5: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation
• We will preserve evidence, protect your rights, and fight for maximum compensation
• We work on contingency — $0 upfront. We only get paid if you win.

Why Portage County Families Choose Attorney 911

1. We Are Fighting This Battle Right Now

We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases, and we will bring that same expertise to Portage County families.

2. We Know How to Win

• 25+ years of litigation experience (Ralph Manginello)
• Former insurance defense attorneys — we know how the other side thinks
• Federal court admission — we can pursue cases nationwide
• Dual-state bar licenses (Texas and New York) — strategic advantage for national fraternities

3. We Have a Proven Track Record

We have won millions for personal injury victims, including:

• Multi-million dollar settlements in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases
• Hundreds of cases won by exposing flawed evidence and insurance company tactics
• High-profile media coverage — our hazing case has been featured on ABC13, KHOU 11, Houston Chronicle, and Houston Public Media

4. We Will Travel to Portage County

• We offer video consultations for Portage County families
• We will travel to Portage County for depositions, client meetings, and trials
• Distance is not a barrier to justice

5. We Work on Contingency — $0 Upfront

We understand that Portage County families may not have the resources to fight powerful institutions. That’s why we take hazing cases on contingency:

• No upfront fees
• No hourly billing
• We only get paid if you win
• You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you

Portage County Hazing: Common Questions Answered

Q: My child consented to participate. Can we still sue?

A: YES. Ohio law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the perpetrators and institutions can still be held liable.

Q: The fraternity says it was just “tradition.” Is that a defense?

A: NO. “Tradition” does not justify illegal activity. Assault is assault, battery is battery, and torture is torture — regardless of whether it’s called “tradition.”

Q: The university says they didn’t know about the hazing. Can we still sue them?

A: YES. Universities have a duty to protect students. If they knew or should have known about hazing risks in Greek life and failed to act, they can be held liable for negligent supervision.

Q: My child was hazed off-campus. Can we still sue the university?

A: YES. Universities can still be liable if:

• They had policies requiring reporting of hazing
• They failed to investigate known hazing risks
• The hazing was part of a university-recognized organization

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

A: Ohio’s statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is 2 years from the date of injury. However, do not wait — evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your rights may be compromised.

Q: Can we sue the national fraternity organization?

A: YES. National organizations can be held liable for:

• Failing to supervise local chapters
• Failing to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Knowing about prior hazing incidents and failing to prevent them

Q: What if my child was hazed at a high school in Portage County?

A: You can still sue. Hazing laws apply to high schools as well as colleges. We can pursue claims against the school district, coaches, and individual perpetrators.

Portage County Hazing: Warning Signs for Parents

Hazing often starts subtly and escalates. Portage County parents should watch for these warning signs:

Behavioral Changes:

• Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
• Increased secrecy about activities
• Avoiding questions about their organization
• Signs of depression, anxiety, or PTSD
• Drop in academic performance
• Increased alcohol or drug use

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
• Difficulty walking or moving (sign of muscle damage)
• Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, unconsciousness)
• Weight loss or signs of malnutrition

Financial Signs:

• Unexplained expenses (e.g., buying alcohol for members)
• Missing money or unexplained purchases
• Requests for money without explanation

Social Signs:

• Suddenly spending all their time with the organization
• New friends replacing old ones
• Fear of missing organization events
• Reluctance to leave the organization

If you notice these signs, ask questions — and consider contacting an attorney.

Portage County Universities and Greek Life: What You Need to Know

Kent State University

• Greek Life: 30+ fraternities and sororities
• Greek Housing: Many chapters have on-campus or near-campus housing
• Hazing History: Kent State has had prior hazing incidents, though none recently made national news
• Oversight: Greek life is overseen by the Center for Student Involvement

Portage County parents should ask:

• What is Kent State’s hazing prevention policy?
• How often are fraternities and sororities inspected?
• What training is provided to Greek life leaders?
• How are hazing reports investigated?

Hiram College

• Greek Life: Smaller Greek system, but still active
• Oversight: Student life office

Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED)

• Greek Life: Professional fraternities and organizations
• Hazing Risk: Medical students are under extreme pressure, which can lead to hazing in professional organizations

Local High Schools

• Sports Teams: Football, basketball, wrestling, and other teams are common sites for hazing
• Marching Bands: Hazing in marching bands is well-documented nationally
• Clubs and Organizations: Any group with a “pledging” or initiation process can be at risk

Portage County Hazing: The Institutions That Enable It

1. Universities and Colleges

Universities near Portage County have a duty to protect students from hazing. When they fail, they can be held liable for:

• Negligent supervision of Greek life
• Premises liability if hazing occurs on university-owned property
• Failure to investigate hazing reports
• Failure to enforce anti-hazing policies

In our Houston case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where the hazing occurred. They collected rent while students were tortured.

2. National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations

National organizations have millions in assets and insurance. They can be held liable for:

• Failing to supervise local chapters
• Failing to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Knowing about prior hazing incidents and failing to prevent them

Pi Kappa Phi has now had two serious hazing incidents in 8 years — one death and one hospitalization. They knew the risks and did nothing.

3. Individual Perpetrators

Every person who participated in, facilitated, or failed to stop hazing can be held personally liable. This includes:

• Chapter presidents
• Pledgemasters
• Active members
• Alumni who host hazing events
• Advisors who turn a blind eye

In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.

Portage County Hazing: How We Fight for You

Step 1: Free, Confidential Consultation

• We listen to your story
• We evaluate your legal options
• We explain your rights and potential compensation

Step 2: Immediate Evidence Preservation

• We send preservation letters to all defendants
• We demand that all evidence be saved (texts, photos, videos, documents)
• We work with forensic experts to recover deleted evidence

Step 3: Building Your Case

• We gather medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony
• We identify all liable parties (individuals, organizations, universities)
• We calculate full damages (medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages)

Step 4: Negotiation or Litigation

• We negotiate aggressively with insurance companies and defendants
• If they refuse to offer fair compensation, we file a lawsuit
• We are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary

Step 5: Justice and Compensation

• We fight for maximum compensation for your injuries
• We hold all responsible parties accountable
• We work to prevent future hazing at Portage County institutions

Portage County Hazing: What You Can Recover

Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:

Hazing cases have resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. Portage County families can pursue the same level of compensation.

Portage County Hazing: The Time to Act Is Now

Why You Can’t Wait:

• Evidence disappears — texts are deleted, witnesses forget, organizations destroy records
• Statute of limitations — Ohio gives you only 2 years to file a lawsuit
• Other victims may come forward — your case could help others
• The organization will try to silence you — they may offer a lowball settlement to make you go away

What You Can Do Today:

1. Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
2. Preserve all evidence — do not delete anything
3. Seek medical attention if you haven’t already
4. Report the hazing to local law enforcement and/or the university
5. Do not talk to the organization or their lawyers without legal counsel

Portage County Families: We Are Here to Fight for You

Hazing is not tradition. It is not bonding. It is not harmless fun.

It is abuse. It is torture. It is illegal.

And it will not be tolerated in Portage County.

At Attorney 911, we are fighting this battle right now in Houston — and we will bring that same aggressive, compassionate representation to Portage County families.

You are not alone. You have rights. And you have powerful allies in Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena.

Call us today for a free, confidential consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911
✉️ ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We work on contingency — $0 upfront. We only get paid if you win.

Portage County Hazing: Resources for Victims and Families

Report Hazing:

• Portage County Sheriff’s Office: (330) 296-5100
• Kent Police Department: (330) 673-7732
• Ohio State Highway Patrol: (330) 673-1055
• Kent State University Police: (330) 672-3070
• Hiram College Campus Safety: (330) 569-5188
• NEOMED Police: (330) 325-5911

Title IX Reporting:

• Kent State University Title IX Office: (330) 672-2038 | titleix@kent.edu
• Hiram College Title IX Coordinator: (330) 569-5161 | titleix@hiram.edu
• NEOMED Title IX Office: (330) 325-6730 | titleix@neomed.edu

Mental Health Support:

• Townhall II (Portage County Crisis Hotline): (330) 678-HELP (4357)
• Coleman Professional Services: (330) 296-3555
• Kent State University Psychological Services: (330) 672-2487
• NAMI Portage County: (330) 673-1756

Hazing Prevention Organizations:

• StopHazing: stophazing.org
• HazingPrevention.Org: hazingprevention.org
• Clery Center: clerycenter.org (campus safety resources)

Portage County Hazing: Final Message

To the fraternities and sororities operating near Portage County:

We are watching. The same legal strategies that secured $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapter. If you haze students in Portage County, we will pursue every liable entity — the local chapter, the national organization, the university, and every individual member.

To the universities in Portage County:

The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campus. Act now or face the same accountability.

To Portage County parents:

Your child trusted these institutions. That trust was betrayed. But you have the power to fight back — and to protect the next student.

To Portage County hazing victims:

You did not deserve this. What happened to you was wrong. You have the right to seek justice. And you don’t have to do it alone.

Call Attorney 911 today.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ✉️ ralph@atty911.com

We are fighting for you.