Unmasking Hazing in Texas: A Definitive Guide for Texas Families and University Communities

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies in Texas

If your child is in danger right now due to hazing, please prioritize their safety above all else.

• Call 911 for any medical emergency or immediate threat.
• Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We are legal emergency lawyers, ready to help when time is critical.

In these crucial first 48 hours:

• Seek medical attention without delay, even if they claim to be fine. Their health is paramount.
• Preserve evidence before it vanishes. Screenshot group chats, texts, and DMs. Photograph injuries from multiple angles. Save physical items like clothing, receipts, or objects involved.
• Document everything while it’s fresh in your mind—who, what, when, and where.
• Do NOT: Confront the organization, sign any university or insurance documents, or post information on public social media. Instruct your child not to delete any evidence.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours. Evidence can be deleted quickly, and universities often act fast to control the narrative. We can help preserve critical information and protect your child’s rights. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

1. Navigating the Shadows: A Parent’s Nightmare in Texas

The call comes late, or perhaps the truth slowly surfaces over weeks—your child, who left home in Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) for college, is not okay. Maybe they’re withdrawn, bruised, and evasive about their new student organization. Perhaps they’ve been hospitalized with alcohol poisoning or a mysterious injury they can’t explain. In Texas, a state known for its vibrant university culture and strong traditions, the dark reality of hazing remains a persistent threat, impacting students and families from Dallas and Houston to El Paso and the Rio Grande Valley. This nightmare could unfold at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, or Baylor University, where students from across our state, including many from Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas), seek higher education and new experiences.

This guide is designed for you—parents, students, and advocates in Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) and across our great state—who seek clarity and justice in the face of campus hazing. We understand the fear, confusion, and anger that can arise when a trusted institution or student group betrays the safety of your child. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, we believe that education and empowerment are the first steps toward accountability.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cut through the misinformation and shed light on:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, reaching far beyond old clichés and stereotypes.
• The intricacies of Texas and federal laws designed to combat hazing.
• The vital lessons learned from major national hazing cases and how they directly apply to families right here in Texas.
• Documented incidents and historical patterns at some of Texas’s largest universities: UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, as well as their broader impact.
• The legal pathways available to victims and families in Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) and throughout the state to seek justice and prevent future harm.

This article provides general information and insights, not specific legal advice for your unique situation. Every case is different, and we encourage you to contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential evaluation of your specific circumstances. We serve families statewide, including those in Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas), protecting victims like yours throughout Texas.

2. Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

Many people hold onto outdated ideas of hazing—seeing it as harmless pranks or a rite of passage. In reality, modern hazing is often insidious, psychologically damaging, and physically dangerous, extending far beyond the stereotypes of comedic movie scenes. It is a calculated process designed to create power imbalances, instill fear, and enforce loyalty through abuse. For Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) families, understanding the true nature of contemporary hazing is crucial for recognizing the warning signs and protecting their children.

2.1 A Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

At its core, hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, maintaining membership in, or gaining status within a group. This behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits an individual. It’s critical to understand that even if a student verbally “agreed” to participate, true consent is impossible when there’s an inherent power imbalance, peer pressure, or implicit threats of exclusion.

2.2 Main Categories of Hazing: Beyond the “Prank”

Hazing has evolved, becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect. We categorize it into tiers to reflect its varying degrees of severity and tactics.

Subtle Hazing: The Foundation of Control

These acts, often dismissed as “harmless” or “tradition,” establish a power imbalance and psychological manipulation that can escalate.

• Deception and Secrecy: Forcing new members to lie to parents, university staff, or outsiders about group activities, often under oaths of secrecy.
• Servitude: Demanding new members perform personal tasks for older members, like cleaning rooms, doing laundry, or running errands, framing it as “earning respect.”
• Social Isolation: Controlling a new member’s social interactions, requiring permission to see non-members, or cutting them off from previous friends.
• Digital Surveillance: Using group chats and messaging apps (GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord) for constant monitoring, requiring instant responses at all hours, or demanding location sharing via apps like Find My Friends.
• Academic Interference: Scheduling mandatory late-night meetings or activities that disrupt sleep and academic performance, especially during crucial times like exams.

Harassment Hazing: Psychological and Physical Discomfort

These behaviors cause emotional or physical discomfort and create a hostile, abusive environment.

• Verbal Abuse: Subjecting new members to yelling, insults, degrading language, or threats during “grilling” sessions.
• Sleep and Food Deprivation: Systematically depriving new members of sleep through early wake-up calls or mandatory late-night activities and restricting access to proper meals or hydration.
• Forced Strenuous Activity: Beyond legitimate conditioning, these are punitive exercises like “smokings” (hundreds of push-ups or wall-sits until collapse) or forced runs designed to exhaust and punish.
• Public Humiliation: Forcing embarrassing acts in public, wearing degrading costumes, or participating in “challenges” for social media content designed for an organization’s amusement.
• Exposure to Uncomfortable Conditions: Forcing new members into unsanitary spaces or covering them with non-harmful but disgusting substances like food, eggs, or condiments.

Violent Hazing: High Risk of Injury or Death

These activities carry a high potential for physical injury, sexual assault, or death.

• Forced Alcohol and Substance Consumption:
  • “Lineup” drinking games where new members are compelled to rapidly consume large amounts of alcohol.
  • “Big/Little” events involving handles of hard liquor.
  • Drinking games like “Bible study” or “family tree” where incorrect answers lead to forced and excessive drinking.
  • Coercing ingestion of unknown or illicit substances.
• Physical Beatings: Paddling, punching, slapping, or kicking that leads to bruises, fractures, or internal injuries. In extreme cases, “branding” or marking new members.
• Dangerous Physical “Tests”: Activities like the “glass ceiling” where pledges are blindfolded and tackled, forced fights, or dangerous stunts (e.g., jumping from heights, swimming while intoxicated).
• Sexualized Hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts (like the “roasted pig” position), sexual assault, or coercion into sexually degrading acts. This is often deeply traumatic and can have lifelong psychological consequences.
• Extreme Environmental Exposure: Leaving new members in freezing temperatures, extreme heat, or denying access to bathrooms for extended periods.

2.3 Where Hazing Actually Happens: Beyond the “Frat House” Stereotype

Hazing is unfortunately not confined to a single type of organization. While fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural Greek councils) are frequently linked to incidents, we see hazing across a wide spectrum of student groups:

• Corps of Cadets and ROTC Programs: Military-style groups often operate with strict hierarchies that can be exploited for hazing practices.
• Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs: Groups like university spirit organizations or long-standing campus clubs might perpetrate hazing under the guise of “tradition.”
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to cheerleading and swim teams, hazing for “team bonding” can lead to severe injuries and psychological harm.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even artistic and academic organizations can fall prey to harmful initiation rituals.
• Service and Cultural Organizations: Any group with an “exclusive” membership or initiation process can develop a hazing culture.

The underlying factors often include social status, the desire for belonging, and a code of secrecy, which collectively sustain these practices despite widespread prohibitions.

3. Law & Liability Framework in Texas

Understanding the legal landscape surrounding hazing in Texas is vital for families seeking justice. Texas has laws specifically designed to combat hazing, and these can grant victims powerful avenues for both criminal and civil recourse.

3.1 Texas Hazing Law Basics: The Education Code

Texas has comprehensive anti-hazing provisions outlined in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. This code broadly defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, committed on or off campus, by one person or with others, against a student, that:

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

This definition is crucial because:

• Location doesn’t matter: Hazing is illegal whether it occurs on campus property or at an off-campus private residence, an Airbnb, or a remote retreat.
• Harm is broadly defined: It covers both physical injuries (e.g., beatings, forced exercise, coerced alcohol consumption) and mental anguish (e.g., extreme humiliation, intimidation, psychological manipulation).
• Intent isn’t always required: An act can be considered hazing if it was done “recklessly,” meaning the perpetrator knew or should have known there was a significant risk of harm, even if they didn’t explicitly intend to cause injury.
• Consent is not a defense: As clearly stated in Texas Education Code § 37.155, it is explicitly not a defense that the person being hazed consented to the activity. This is critical—the law recognizes that true consent is often impossible in power-imbalanced, peer-pressure situations.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing in Texas

Hazing in Texas carries serious criminal penalties:

• Class B misdemeanor: For general hazing offenses (up to 180 days in jail, fine up to $2,000).
• Class A misdemeanor: If the hazing causes bodily injury requiring medical attention.
• State Jail Felony: If the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. This means individuals involved in severe hazing, particularly fatal incidents, could face significant prison time.

Additionally, under Texas law, members or officers of an organization who know about hazing and fail to report it can face misdemeanor charges. Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor.

Organizational Liability

The Texas Education Code also allows for criminal prosecution of organizations themselves. An organization (such as a fraternity, sorority, club, or team) can be held criminally liable if:

• The organization authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
• An officer or member acting in their official capacity knew about the hazing and failed to report it.

Penalties for organizations can include fines up to $10,000 per violation, and universities can revoke recognition, effectively banning the group from campus. This dual layer of accountability—for individuals and the organization—is powerful.

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting

To encourage reporting, Texas Education Code § 37.154 grants immunity from civil or criminal liability to any person who, in good faith, reports a hazing incident to university authorities or law enforcement. Furthermore, in medical emergencies, Texas law and many university policies provide “amnesty” for students who call 911, even if they were underage or involved in the hazing itself. This is designed to save lives by removing the fear of legal repercussions for seeking help.

3.2 Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Justice

It’s important for Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) families to understand that legal action for hazing can proceed down two distinct, though often parallel, paths: criminal and civil cases.

• Criminal Cases: These are initiated by the state (through a local district attorney or prosecutor) and aim to punish individuals and organizations for violating criminal laws. In hazing cases, criminal charges can include the specific hazing offenses outlined above, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, or even negligent homicide or manslaughter in cases of death. The goal is to enforce public safety and deter future crimes.
• Civil Cases: Brought by victims or their surviving families, civil lawsuits seek monetary compensation for damages caused by hazing. These cases typically focus on theories of negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring or supervision, premises liability, and intentional torts like assault or battery, as well as compensation for severe emotional distress. The goal is to provide financial recovery to compensate for losses and injuries.

Importantly, a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. The burden of proof is lower in civil cases, and even if criminal charges are not filed or do not result in a conviction, civil liability can still be established.

3.3 Federal Overlay: Expanding Accountability

Several federal laws and initiatives also influence hazing cases, particularly concerning institutional accountability:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal legislation, set to fully take effect by 2026, mandates that colleges and universities receiving federal funds must report hazing incidents more transparently, strengthen prevention and education efforts, and maintain public data on hazing violations. This will provide unprecedented data for Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) families to research campus safety records.
• Title IX: If hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, it falls under the purview of Title IX, a federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs. This triggers specific university obligations to investigate and respond, regardless of where the incident occurred.
• Clery Act: The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires colleges to disclose campus crime statistics and security policies. Hazing incidents that involve assaults, alcohol- or drug-related crimes often fall under Clery reporting requirements, further pushing for transparency in campus safety.

3.4 Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Civil hazing lawsuits can be complex, often involving multiple defendants due to the various parties who may have contributed to or failed to prevent the harm. Families in Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) seeking justice will typically identify potential defendants from:

• Individual Students: Those who actively planned, carried out, supplied substances for, or were directly involved in the hazing acts. This also includes individuals who failed to intervene or call for help when someone was in distress.
• Local Chapters/Organizations: The fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself. This includes officers, “pledge educators,” and members who hold positions of authority within the chapter.
• National Fraternities/Sororities: The national headquarters, especially if they had knowledge of prior hazing incidents at that chapter or other chapters within their organization, or if they failed to adequately enforce their own anti-hazing policies. Their role in overseeing chapters and collecting dues establishes a duty of care.
• Universities or Colleges: The educational institution itself, particularly involving theories of negligent supervision, negligent hiring (of staff who ignored hazing), premises liability, or if they ignored previous warnings or a clear pattern of hazing. Public universities (like UT Austin, Texas A&M, and UH) may assert sovereign immunity, but exceptions apply in cases of gross negligence or Title IX violations. Private universities (like SMU and Baylor) generally do not have sovereign immunity.
• Third Parties: This can include property owners (e.g., landlords of off-campus houses where hazing occurred), managers of event spaces, or even alcohol providers (under “dram shop” laws if they knowingly served underage or intoxicated individuals who then caused harm).

Every hazing case is fact-specific. Identifying all potentially liable parties requires a thorough investigation by experienced hazing attorneys.

4. National Hazing Case Patterns: Anchor Stories of Accountability

While your child’s experience may be intensely personal, countless families across the nation have faced similar tragedies stemming from hazing. These major national cases serve as critical anchor stories, highlighting pervasive patterns, underscoring institutional failures, and establishing legal precedents that empower Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) families seeking justice. These cases demonstrate that seemingly isolated incidents are often part of a broader, systemic problem.

4.1 The Pervasive Pattern of Alcohol Poisoning and Death

Forced alcohol consumption remains the most common and deadliest form of hazing, leading to tragic, yet entirely preventable, fatalities.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Timothy, a 19-year-old pledge, died from severe head injuries after a bid-acceptance event where he was forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol. Fraternity members captured his repeated falls on security cameras, but agonizingly delayed calling for medical help for nearly 12 hours. The aftermath led to dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, extensive civil litigation, and the passing of Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. This case tragically cemented the pattern of extreme intoxication, deliberate delay in seeking medical aid, and a damaging culture of silence.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): During a “Big Brother Night,” Andrew was given a handle of hard liquor and pressured to drink it. He died from acute alcohol poisoning. Multiple members faced criminal prosecution, and Florida State temporarily suspended all Greek life to overhaul policies. This case underscored how “traditional” drinking nights, designed as bonding rituals, are often lethal scripts.
• Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max, an 18-year-old pledge, died after a “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers led to forced, rapid alcohol consumption. His tragic death directly led to the passing of Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, creating a felony hazing statute in the state. This highlights that legislative change often follows public outrage fueled by clear evidence of hazing’s fatal consequences.
• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): During a pledge night, Stone was coerced into consuming a near-entire bottle of whiskey and died from alcohol poisoning. The incident resulted in multiple criminal convictions of fraternity members and a $10 million settlement with the family, split between Pi Kappa Alpha’s national organization and Bowling Green State University. This critical case proved that both national fraternities and universities can face significant financial and reputational accountability, even in a single incident.

4.2 The Brutality of Physical and Ritualized Hazing

Hazing often moves beyond forced drinking to include severe physical abuse and degrading rituals concealed under the guise of “tradition.”

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael, an 18-year-old pledge, died from fatal head injuries during a fraternity retreat in Pennsylvania. He was blindfolded, weighted down, and repeatedly tackled in a “glass ceiling” ritual. Fraternity members delayed calling 911 for hours. Multiple members were convicted, and the national Pi Delta Psi fraternity was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, subsequently banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This landmark case demonstrated that off-campus retreats are not safe havens from legal liability, and national organizations can be held criminally responsible.

4.3 Hazing Beyond Greek Life: Athletic Programs and Other Groups

The misconception that hazing is exclusively a Greek life problem is dangerous. High-profile athletic programs and other student organizations are by no means immune.

• Northwestern University Athletic Hazing Scandal (2023–2025): This scandal revealed widespread sexualized and racist hazing within Northwestern’s prestigious football program. Multiple former players filed lawsuits against the university and coaching staff, asserting institutional negligence. The head coach was fired and later settled a wrongful-termination lawsuit confidentially. This case profoundly demonstrated that hazing can permeate major college athletic programs, extending far beyond fraternities, and highlights deep-seated issues of institutional oversight.

4.4 What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national tragedies, while heartbreaking, provide crucial lessons for families throughout Texas, including those residing in Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas):

• Common Threads: The incidents share disturbingly common threads: forced consumption of alcohol or drugs, severe physical abuse, extreme psychological torment, conscious decisions to delay or deny life-saving medical care, and concerted efforts to cover up the truth.
• Accountability: They prove that powerful national fraternities, universities, and individual students can and will be held accountable through both criminal prosecutions and multi-million-dollar civil judgments and settlements.
• Precedent for Justice: These cases shape the legal landscape, strengthening anti-hazing laws and setting precedents that Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) families can leverage in Texas courts to seek justice and compensation for their loved ones.
• Legislative Impact: Many of these tragedies have directly led to new, stricter anti-hazing legislation, which continually evolves the legal framework for Texans.

Families in Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) facing the devastating impact of hazing at schools like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor need not feel alone. These national lessons underscore the importance of tenacious legal advocacy in seeking accountability for your child’s suffering.

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

Texas is home to some of the nation’s largest and most prestigious universities, drawing students from every corner of the state, including many from communities like Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas). While these institutions offer unparalleled educational opportunities, they also grapple with the persistent challenge of hazing. Our firm has deep roots in Texas, and we understand the unique cultures and regulations of these universities. Below, we provide a detailed overview of hazing at five of Texas’s prominent universities.

For families in Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas), please note that while our primary office is in Houston, we serve clients statewide. We are intimately familiar with the legal and physical landscapes of these campuses. If your child attends one of these universities, regardless of whether you live in Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) or elsewhere, our team is ready to assist.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a dynamic urban institution in Houston, Texas, serves a diverse student body from across the state and beyond, including many from the Greater Houston area, Harris County, and nearby communities. Its vibrant campus life includes a significant Greek presence and numerous student organizations. Families in Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) with students attending UH should be aware of the university’s policies and past incidents.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UH is a large, public research university characterized by its urban setting and a mix of commuter and residential students. Its Greek life is active and varied, encompassing Panhellenic, Interfraternity, Multicultural, and National Pan-Hellenic Council (Divine Nine) organizations. Beyond Greek life, a multitude of student organizations, including cultural groups and competitive sports clubs, contribute to campus life, each presenting potential contexts for hazing.

5.1.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

The University of Houston maintains a strict anti-hazing policy. The policy, consistent with Texas Education Code, prohibits any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. This includes forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and acts that cause mental distress. Importantly, UH’s policy applies both on-campus and off-campus.

UH encourages reporting through various channels, including the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the UH Police Department (UHPD). The university also provides a hazing statement and information on disciplinary actions on its official website, promoting transparency.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UH has faced its share of hazing allegations and disciplinary actions:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2016): One of the most severe incidents involved the Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) fraternity. Pledges were allegedly subjected to repeated hazing rituals that included food, water, and sleep deprivation during a multi-day event. A student suffered a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table or similar surface. This incident led to misdemeanor hazing charges and a significant university suspension for the chapter.
• Various Fraternities and Sororities (Ongoing): Over the years, other UH fraternities and sororities have faced suspensions or probationary terms for violations categorized as “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort.” These often involve alcohol misuse, forced activities, and other breaches of the university’s anti-hazing code, highlighting a persistent challenge despite clear policies.

These incidents demonstrate UH’s willingness to enforce its anti-hazing policies by suspending chapters and pursuing criminal charges when warranted. However, the recurring nature of these violations underscores the need for constant vigilance.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a hazing incident at UH, legal proceedings can involve several agencies and jurisdictions:

• Law Enforcement: Depending on the severity and location of the incident, investigations might involve the UH Police Department (on-campus jurisdiction) and/or the Houston Police Department (off-campus jurisdiction within the city).
• Civil Lawsuits: Civil actions related to UH hazing often name a range of defendants, including the individual students involved, the local chapter itself, the national fraternity or sorority, and potentially the University of Houston if its negligence can be established. Such civil suits would typically be filed in state district courts in Harris County, where Houston is located. Depending on the damages and parties, federal court could also be jurisdictionally applicable.
• Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) Connection: Families from Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) whose students attend UH would access the same legal system as local Houston families, with our firm providing local expertise from our Houston office and statewide reach.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents in Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) Should Do

If you suspect or confirm hazing at the University of Houston:

• Report Internally Immediately: Utilize UH’s official reporting channels, including the Dean of Students Office, Student Conduct, or the UHPD. These reports trigger internal investigations and disciplinary processes.
• Document Everything: Collect and preserve all evidence: screenshots of group chats, photos/videos of incidents, medical records related to injuries, and notes detailing conversations and events. Our firm’s video on using your cellphone to document a legal case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) offers valuable guidance.
• Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your child’s physical and mental health. Ensure any injuries are professionally documented and that they receive appropriate psychological support if trauma is present.
• Contact a Houston-Based Hazing Lawyer: An attorney experienced in Houston hazing cases can navigate UH’s administrative processes, help uncover prior discipline, and pursue civil claims effectively. Attorney911 operates from Houston and understands the local landscape.
• Avoid Direct Confrontation: Do not confront the organization or individuals directly, as this can lead to further harm, destruction of evidence, or manipulated narratives.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, located in College Station, deep in the Brazos Valley, boasts a unique culture deeply rooted in tradition, service, and the military-focused Corps of Cadets. Drawing students from communities across Texas, including many from towns and cities near Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas), A&M’s strong sense of identity extends to its vibrant Greek life and numerous student organizations. However, this strong traditional culture has also created environments where hazing can persist, both within Greek organizations and the revered Corps of Cadets.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M is one of the largest universities in the United States, known for its deep-seated traditions, particularly its proud military-oriented Corps of Cadets. This environment, characterized by strict hierarchies and “toughness,” can sometimes foster a culture where hazing, disguised as “discipline” or “tradition,” goes unchecked. Beyond the Corps, A&M has an extensive Greek system (IFC, Panhellenic, MGC, NPHC) and a vast array of student organizations, all of which are susceptible to hazing. The university’s strong alumni network and fiercely loyal student body can sometimes make reporting internal misconduct challenging due to perceived “loyalty” to the Aggie spirit. For families in Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) whose children attend A&M, understanding this complex backdrop is essential.

5.2.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

Texas A&M unequivocally prohibits hazing, adhering to Texas law and its own Student Conduct Code. The university’s policies strictly forbid any act that causes physical or mental harm for initiation or affiliation with any recognized student organization, including the Corps of Cadets. A&M emphasizes that consent is never a defense to hazing.

Reporting channels include the Division of Student Affairs, the Student Conduct Office, the University Police Department (UPD), and an ethics hotline. A&M is committed to investigating reports and imposing disciplinary actions ranging from probation to permanent organizational suspension.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced significant and often disturbing hazing allegations, particularly involving the Corps and specific fraternities:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Chemical Burns Lawsuit (around 2021): This highly publicized incident involved two pledges who alleged they were covered in substances, including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, during a hazing ritual. They suffered severe chemical burns requiring emergency skin graft surgeries. The SAE chapter was suspended by the university, and the pledges subsequently filed a $1 million lawsuit against the fraternity and its members. This case vividly illustrates the extreme physical dangers of hazing disguised as “bonding.”
• Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Lawsuit (2023): A former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging continuous and degrading hazing within the Corps of Cadets. The cadet claimed he was subjected to simulated sexual acts and tied up in a “roasted pig” position with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit, seeking over $1 million, brought national attention to the pervasive nature of hazing even within revered military-style organizations. Texas A&M responded by stating it had addressed the matter internally according to its regulations.
• Kappa Sigma (2023, ongoing): More recent allegations against the Kappa Sigma fraternity involved severe injuries, including rhabdomyolysis—a serious condition caused by extreme physical exertion, leading to muscle breakdown and kidney damage. This underscores the continuum of dangerous physical hazing tactics employed.

These cases highlight two crucial areas of concern at A&M: the Greek system and the Corps. While the university takes disciplinary action, the repeated nature of such severe incidents suggests a need for deeper cultural change and more robust enforcement.

5.2.4 How an Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

Legal actions involving Texas A&M students or organizations often navigate unique jurisdictional aspects, particularly for families from Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas):

• Law Enforcement: Incidents occurring on campus or within College Station itself may involve the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) or the College Station Police Department. More severe crimes could be prosecuted by the District Attorney in Brazos County.
• Civil Lawsuits: Civil claims against individual students, local chapters, national organizations, the Corps, or the university would typically be filed in state district courts in Brazos County. Given the university’s public status, claims against A&M might engage sovereign immunity defenses, requiring careful legal strategy focused on gross negligence or intentional acts.
• Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) Connection: Families from Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) whose children attend A&M will find that our firm possesses the statewide reach and nuanced understanding of A&M’s unique institutional dynamics, having represented families in complex cases across Texas.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

For students and parents at Texas A&M:

• Understand the Culture: Be aware that A&M’s emphasis on “tradition” and “loyalty” can sometimes mask harmful hazing. Help your child differentiate healthy tradition from dangerous coercion.
• Report to A&M Authorities: Use the established reporting channels through the Division of Student Affairs or the A&M UPD. These reports are crucial for triggering university-level disciplinary action.
• Preserve Evidence Meticulously: Given the potential for cover-ups, it is paramount to save all digital communications (group chats, social media posts), photos, videos, and medical records. Review our guide on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY).
• Document Corps-Specific Incidents: If hazing occurs within the Corps of Cadets, document the specific unit, leadership involved, and the nature of the “discipline” or “training.” These details are vital for an investigation.
• Consult an Experienced Hazing Attorney: An attorney familiar with both Greek life and Corps hazing—as our firm is—can effectively navigate A&M’s internal processes, challenge potential sovereign immunity claims, and pursue civil remedies in the Brazos Valley courts.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin is the flagship institution of the UT System, attracting top students from communities across Texas, including many from Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas), along with national and international talent. As one of the largest and most influential universities in Texas, UT Austin’s vibrant campus life, diverse student body, and prominent Greek and spirit organizations are also frequently areas where hazing allegations emerge.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin is a sprawling urban campus in the heart of the state capital, with a highly competitive academic and social environment. Its large Greek system consists of over 60 fraternities and sororities, alongside numerous highly visible spirit organizations (like the Texas Cowboys, Orange Jackets, and various sports-related groups) that carry a strong sense of tradition and social cachet. This intense social landscape, coupled with a deep reverence for traditions (some healthy, some problematic), can create conditions where hazing rituals are perpetuated. Many students from cities across the state, including Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas), choose UT Austin, making the issue a concern for a broad segment of Texas families.

5.3.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

The University of Texas at Austin has one of the most transparent anti-hazing policies in the state, strictly prohibiting any form of hazing as defined by Texas law. UT’s policy applies to all student organizations, athletic teams, and unofficial groups, whether activities occur on or off campus.

Crucially, UT Austin maintains a public Hazing Violations page on its website (hazing.utexas.edu), which lists organizations, dates of incidents, a description of the conduct, and the sanctions imposed. This public disclosure is an invaluable resource for parents and provides strong evidence for civil suits, demonstrating a pattern of knowledge by the university and national organizations. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students, the Office of Student Conduct, the University Police Department (UTPD), and a confidential ethics and compliance hotline.

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT Austin’s public database of hazing violations provides chilling insight into the types of incidents occurring:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): This chapter, already with a history of violations, was found to have directed new members to consume milk until nauseated and perform strenuous calisthenics. The university imposed probation and mandated new hazing-prevention education. This pattern highlights how organizations often re-offend despite previous sanctions.
• Texas Wranglers (2022): This prominent spirit organization was sanctioned for hazing violations, including alcohol misuse and forced exercises, which resulted in significant disciplinary action from the university.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Assault Case (January 2024): An Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members at a party, resulting in severe injuries including a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, and a fractured tibia. The chapter was already under suspension for prior hazing/safety violations. The student reportedly sued the SAE chapter for over $1 million.
• “Absolute Texxas” Spirit Group (2022): This student group was disciplined for severe hazing violations, including alcohol/drug misconduct, blindfolding, kidnapping, and degrading new members. This incident underscored that hazing extends beyond traditional Greek letter organizations into other campus groups that value tradition and exclusivity.

UT’s public reporting demonstrates an acknowledgment of the problem, but the recurring nature of these incidents, sometimes involving repeat offenders, points to the ongoing challenge of eradicating hazing culture.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

For hazing incidents at UT Austin, the legal process will involve specific jurisdictions and entities:

• Law Enforcement: On-campus incidents are handled by the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD). Off-campus incidents, particularly in the city of Austin, would fall under the jurisdiction of the Austin Police Department (APD). Criminal prosecutions would be handled by the Travis County District Attorney’s office.
• Civil Lawsuits: Civil cases naming individuals, local chapters, national organizations, or the University of Texas as defendants would typically be filed in the state district courts of Travis County, encompassing Austin. As a public university, UT Austin may invoke sovereign immunity, which our experienced attorneys know how to navigate by focusing on exceptions like gross negligence, intentional misconduct, or Title IX violations.
• Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) Connection: Parents and students from Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) will find that the transparency provided by UT Austin’s public hazing database can be a powerful tool in building a civil case, as it establishes a pattern of prior notice and knowledge for both the university and national organizations.

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

If you encounter or suspect hazing at the University of Texas at Austin:

• Access UT’s Public Database: Review hazing.utexas.edu to see if the organization in question has a history of violations. This information is critical for understanding patterns and holding groups accountable.
• Utilize UT’s Reporting Channels: Report incidents to the Dean of Students or UTPD. The university has a strong incentive to act, given its public transparency efforts.
• Document Everything Thoroughly: Preserve all digital evidence—group chats, social media, photos, and videos. Given UT’s proactive stance, this evidence is even more potent. Our firm’s video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY) is explicitly relevant here.
• Seek Immediate Legal Counsel: An attorney deeply familiar with UT Austin’s policies, the Travis County legal system, and the intricacies of Texas hazing law can effectively use the university’s own records to strengthen your case.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University (SMU), a private institution located in Dallas, Texas, maintains a reputation for its vibrant campus life and strong Greek system, drawing students from Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) and affluent communities across the country. SMU’s exclusive social environment, while appealing to many, has also been the backdrop for hazing incidents within its highly visible fraternities and sororities.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is characterized by a prominent and influential Greek life, often playing a significant role in the social fabric of the university. Its fraternities and sororities are well-funded and well-established, contributing to a campus culture that, while academically rigorous, also places a high value on social affiliation and tradition. Many students from Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) attend SMU, making hazing a concern for families who value both academic excellence and student safety. The private nature of the university, combined with the often-affluent background of its student population, can create a complex environment for reporting and addressing hazing.

5.4.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

SMU has a clear anti-hazing policy that strictly prohibits any activity that could be considered hazing under Texas law, whether explicit or implicit. The university emphasizes that consent is never a defense. SMU’s policies extend to all recognized student organizations, applying on and off-campus.

Reporting channels include the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards, the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life, Campus Police, and an anonymous reporting hotline (e.g., via the “Real Response” system used by many universities). While SMU does not maintain the same level of public hazing violation database as UT Austin, it is committed to investigating all reports and implementing disciplinary actions.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

SMU has taken disciplinary action against several Greek organizations for hazing violations:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): This fraternity chapter faced significant repercussions after reports of hazing, which allegedly involved new members being paddled, forced to consume alcohol, and deprived of sleep. The chapter was suspended by the university for several years, with strict restrictions on recruiting and activities upon its return, aiming to address the established pattern of misconduct.
• Multiple Chapters (Ongoing): Various other fraternities and sororities at SMU have faced internal disciplinary measures, including probationary periods, social restrictions, and educational mandates, for failing to uphold anti-hazing policies and engaging in activities that cause physical or psychological discomfort.

While SMU addresses these incidents, the private nature of the institution means that many details of specific hazing incidents and disciplinary actions may not be publicly accessible in the same way as at public universities.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For hazing incidents at SMU, the legal process will be influenced by the university’s private status:

• Law Enforcement: Incidents on campus or within Dallas itself would involve the SMU Police Department (on-campus) and/or the Dallas Police Department (off-campus). Criminal prosecutions would be handled by the Dallas County District Attorney’s office.
• Civil Lawsuits: Civil claims against individual students, local chapters, national organizations, and SMU itself would typically be filed in the state district courts of Dallas County. As a private institution, SMU generally does not have sovereign immunity, which can simplify the process of pursuing claims against the university directly compared to public institutions.
• Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) Connection: For families from Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) whose students attend SMU, access to our firm’s statewide expertise and experience with private university litigation in Dallas provides a strong advantage.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

If you suspect or confirm hazing at Southern Methodist University:

• Utilize SMU’s Reporting Systems: Report concerns immediately through the Office of Student Conduct or campus police. SMU operates with a commitment to maintaining a safe campus environment.
• Collect and Preserve All Evidence: Even without a public database, comprehensive documentation of digital communications, photos, medical records, and witness accounts is paramount. This evidence becomes crucial in civil discovery against private institutions.
• Seek Professional Counseling: SMU’s counseling services are available, and external psychological support can be vital for victims of hazing-related trauma. Ensure any treatment is thoroughly documented.
• Contact a Dallas-Based Hazing Attorney: An attorney with experience in hazing litigation against private universities in Dallas County, such as Attorney911, can navigate the specific challenges of such cases, including compelling discovery of university and organizational records.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University, a private Baptist university in Waco, Texas, maintains a distinct religious identity and strong traditions, attracting students from across Texas, including Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas), and around the world. While known for its spiritual and academic rigor, Baylor has also faced significant challenges with campus misconduct, particularly in athletics and Greek life, leading to increased scrutiny of its oversight responsibilities.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor’s campus culture is deeply influenced by its Christian mission, which shapes its student life policies and community values. It hosts a vibrant Greek system (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and MGC), along with numerous other student organizations and competitive athletic programs that foster strong bonds and traditions. However, the university’s prior high-profile scandals, particularly involving its football program and Title IX issues, have placed a spotlight on institutional oversight and accountability regarding student safety and misconduct. This history means that any allegations of hazing at Baylor receive intense scrutiny, and families from Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) sending their children here should be particularly aware.

5.5.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

Baylor University has an explicit no-hazing policy, strictly prohibiting any activity that meets the definition of hazing under Texas law. Its policies align with its commitment to a safe and respectful campus environment and apply to all student organizations, athletic teams, and unofficial groups, whether on or off property. Baylor emphasizes that even traditional activities can be deemed hazing if they violate these principles.

Reporting channels include the Department of Student Activities, the Baylor Police Department (BUPD), and an anonymous confidential reporting hotline. The university’s strong stance on ethical conduct means that hazing allegations are typically investigated with seriousness, though the transparency of outcomes might be more limited than at public institutions.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor’s history, particularly its recent past, highlights incidents that have demanded institutional responses:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): This incident garnered significant attention when it was revealed that 14 members of the Baylor baseball team were suspended following a hazing investigation. The suspensions were staggered over the early season, impacting the team’s performance. The nature of the hazing was not fully disclosed but was serious enough to warrant widespread disciplinary action, demonstrating that hazing is not confined to Greek life and can permeate athletic programs even at religiously affiliated institutions.
• Prior Scandals (Context): While not hazing-specific, Baylor’s well-documented issues with its football program and the mishandling of sexual assault allegations prior to 2020 created a climate of suspicion regarding institutional oversight. These past challenges have led to increased pressure on Baylor to demonstrate effective governance and student safety protocols, including those related to hazing.

These incidents underscore that Baylor, despite its religious affiliation and stated values, faces similar hazing challenges as other universities, often requiring decisive action against student groups.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For hazing allegations at Baylor University, the legal process will be influenced by its status as a private university:

• Law Enforcement: Incidents on campus are under the jurisdiction of the Baylor Police Department (BUPD), while off-campus incidents in Waco would involve the Waco Police Department. Criminal prosecutions would be handled by the McLennan County District Attorney’s office.
• Civil Lawsuits: Civil actions against individual students, local chapters, national organizations, or Baylor University would typically be filed in the state district courts of McLennan County. As a private institution, Baylor does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making the university a direct potential defendant in civil litigation based on negligence or other tort theories.
• Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) Connection: Our firm’s statewide practice, including deep experience with universities across Texas, makes us well-suited to represent families from Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) and beyond in navigating the legal and cultural complexities of a Baylor hazing investigation and lawsuit.

5.4.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

If you suspect or confirm hazing at Baylor University:

• Report to Baylor Authorities: Utilize the Department of Student Activities or BUPD for immediate attention. Baylor’s administration has a stated commitment to addressing misconduct.
• Document Everything Thoroughly: As with any private institution, a robust collection of digital evidence, photos, medical records, and witness statements is crucial. Since public transparency can be limited, your own evidence collection will be vital.
• Prioritize Medical and Psychological Care: Ensure comprehensive documentation of all physical injuries and psychological trauma. Accessing Baylor’s counseling services and external mental health professionals and meticulously tracking therapy is important for both healing and potential legal claims.
• Consult an Experienced Hazing Attorney: An attorney familiar with Baylor’s specific policies and legal dynamics within McLennan County, such as Attorney911, can provide invaluable guidance, help compel the release of internal university documents, and build a strong case for accountability and compensation.

In Texas, whether your child attends UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, the threat of hazing is real, and the legal avenues for recourse are available. Our firm stands ready to assist families from Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) and throughout the state in navigating these challenging circumstances.

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

When a hazing incident rocks a Texas university, it’s rarely an isolated event. Many fraternities and sororities recognized at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor are chapters of large, national organizations. Understanding the history of these national entities—their past hazing incidents, legal battles, and internal policies—is crucial because it can directly impact a hazing lawsuit right here in Texas. For families from Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas), recognizing these patterns can expose critical lines of responsibility.

6.1 Why National Histories Matter

National fraternities and sororities operate on a vast scale, with chapters across hundreds of campuses. Almost every national organization has extensive anti-hazing policies, thick risk management manuals, and frequently conducts prevention training. These policies exist precisely because these organizations – and their insurers – have seen countless deaths, catastrophic injuries, and multi-million-dollar lawsuits stemming from hazing.

When a chapter in Texas repeats common hazing scenarios (like a forced drinking ritual or physical abuse) that have led to harm or death at another chapter in another state, it powerfully demonstrates two key legal arguments:

• Foreseeability: The national organization knew, or should have known, that such hazing practices were dangerous and likely to cause harm within its chapters. They had “foreseeable” knowledge due to prior incidents.
• Negligence/Deliberate Indifference: Given this foreseeable risk, if the national organization failed to implement or adequately enforce effective anti-hazing measures, or ignored warning signs, it can be found negligent or deliberately indifferent, opening the door to legal liability.

This means a pattern of hazing across chapters of the same national organization can be introduced as evidence in Texas courts, showing that the national entity had ample prior notice of the risks and failed to act.

6.2 Organization Mapping: Recurring Patterns Across Nationals

Below, we detail some of the major fraternities and sororities with chapters active at Texas universities and highlight their national histories of hazing incidents that have resulted in severe injury or death. This is not an exhaustive list but focuses on organizations with recurring patterns that demonstrate a clear history of risk.

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike)

Pike chapters are found at major Texas universities including the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor.

• National History: Pi Kappa Alpha has a deeply troubling national history concerning alcohol hazing.
  • Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (2021): This tragic incident, detailed earlier, involved a pledge dying from extreme alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume a bottle of liquor. The family initiated a lawsuit that resulted in a $10 million settlement from the national fraternity and university, along with criminal convictions for some members.
  • David Bogenberger – Northern Illinois University (2012): Another pledge death from alcohol poisoning during a fraternity event, resulting in a $14 million settlement for the family.
• Significance: These cases demonstrate a pattern of dangerous alcohol hazing, particularly during “Big/Little” or “pledge” events, for which the national organization has a clear history of knowledge and liability.

Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ)

Beta Theta Pi chapters are present at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor.

• National History: Beta Theta Pi’s national organization has faced intense scrutiny following major hazing deaths.
  • Timothy Piazza – Penn State University (2017): As discussed, Piazza’s death from traumatic brain injuries and alcohol poisoning after a hazing event led to massive criminal charges, civil lawsuits, and the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. The incident exposed a culture of delayed medical care and cover-ups.
• Significance: This incident highlights the national organization’s exposure to liability when chapters engage in excessive alcohol hazing and fail to provide timely medical assistance.

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

Phi Delta Theta chapters are found at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor, and SMU.

• National History: Phi Delta Theta has been at the center of one of the most impactful hazing crackdowns.
  • Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University (2017): Gruver died from alcohol poisoning during a “Bible study” drinking game. His death resulted in multiple criminal charges, the closing of the chapter, and the passing of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, a felony hazing statute.
• Significance: This case serves as a precedent for national organizational liability, especially when common hazing “games” lead to fatal outcomes.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE)

SAE chapters exist at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and SMU.

• National History: Sigma Alpha Epsilon has one of the longest and most disturbing national patterns of hazing-related injuries and deaths, leading to them publicly ending their pledge process in 2014, a policy they have often struggled to enforce.
  • University of Alabama (2023): A lawsuit was filed alleging a pledge suffered a traumatic brain injury during a hazing ritual.
  • Texas A&M University (2021): As discussed, two pledges alleged they suffered severe chemical burns after industrial-strength cleaner, eggs, and spit were poured on them during hazing, leading to a $1 million lawsuit.
  • University of Texas at Austin (2024): An international student alleged severe assault at a chapter party, leading to a $1 million lawsuit against SAE, a chapter already under previous suspension.
  • Carson Starkey – California Polytechnic State University (2008): Starkey died from alcohol poisoning during hazing, leading to a confidential but substantial settlement and the formation of a national anti-hazing foundation.
• Significance: The repeated severe incidents across multiple campuses—including Texas A&M and UT Austin chapters—demonstrate a consistent pattern of dangerous hazing practices within SAE, making foreseeability and national liability a strong legal argument.

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

Pi Kappa Phi chapters are active at the University of Houston and Texas A&M.

• National History: Pi Kappa Phi has faced similar deadly consequences from alcohol hazing.
  • Andrew Coffey – Florida State University (2017): Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event where pledges were given handles of hard liquor.
• Significance: This illustrates that forced alcohol consumption during “initiation” events remains a common and dangerous practice across many national Greek organizations.

Kappa Alpha Order (KA)

Kappa Alpha Order chapters are found at Texas A&M and SMU.

• National History: Kappa Alpha Order has had numerous hazing-related controversies, including:
  • Southern Methodist University (2017): As discussed, the SMU chapter was suspended after reports of paddling, forced alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation.
• Significance: This local SMU incident, combined with national patterns, reinforces the argument that the national organization has a duty to monitor and sanction chapters to prevent recurring hazing.

Sigma Chi (ΣΧ)

Sigma Chi chapters are present at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor.

• National History: Sigma Chi has a history of hazing incidents, some leading to significant payouts.
  • College of Charleston (2024): A pledge alleged physical beatings, forced consumption of drugs/alcohol, and psychological torment. This case resulted in a reported $10 million-plus settlement, one of the largest known hazing settlements.
  • University of Texas at Arlington (2020): A pledge was hospitalized for alcohol poisoning from hazing, leading to a lawsuit that included claims of negligent supervision, settling in 2021.
• Significance: These cases show that Sigma Chi, like many other nationals, faces significant liability for hazing and that juries are willing to award substantial damages for severe harm.

Omega Psi Phi (ΩΨΦ) and other NPHC/Multicultural Fraternities

Chapters of Omega Psi Phi are present at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor. Other Divine Nine and multicultural fraternities/sororities are active across these campuses.

• National History: While often perceived differently, NPHC and multicultural (MGC) Greek organizations also face hazing allegations that can sometimes involve physical abuse, “paddling,” and other forms of bodily torment, despite national prohibitions.
  • Joseph Snell – Omega Psi Phi, Bowie State University (1997): Snell endured severe beatings over a four-week hazing period, including being burned by a space heater. He rejected a low settlement offer and ultimately secured a $375,000 verdict, which was collected by seizing fraternity bank assets. This firmly established that national organizations are indeed liable for their chapters’ hazing.
  • University of Southern Mississippi (2023): A former student alleged severe hazing by Omega Psi Phi, including repeated beatings with a wooden paddle, leading to emergency surgery and months of rehabilitation. A federal lawsuit was filed.
• Significance: These cases dispel the myth that hazing is limited to certain types of Greek organizations and demonstrate the same legal principles of accountability apply regardless of organizational structure.

6.3 Tie Back to Legal Strategy for Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) Families

For families in Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas):

• Pattern of Behavior: When a Texas chapter of one of these national organizations is involved in hazing, the national organization’s history of similar incidents across other states becomes compelling evidence. It proves that the national entity had a pattern of knowledge or “constructive notice” of dangerous practices.
• Enforcement Failures: We can investigate whether the national organization’s anti-hazing policies were merely “paper policies” – present in a manual but not genuinely enforced. This includes examining whether prior violations resulted in trivial punishments or were simply ignored.
• Impact on Liability: This evidence directly impacts:
  • Settlement Leverage: National organizations often prefer to settle due to the overwhelming evidence of prior knowledge.
  • Insurance Coverage: It helps overcome arguments from insurers that hazing was an “unforeseeable” or “intentional” act outside the scope of coverage.
  • Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or deliberate indifference, evidence of a national pattern significantly strengthens arguments for punitive damages, which aim to punish egregious conduct and deter future harm.

Our firm meticulously investigates these national histories. By connecting the dots between a local incident at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor and a national pattern, we build robust cases that hold powerful organizations accountable for their systemic failures to protect students.

7. Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

Pursuing a hazing lawsuit requires a meticulous and strategic approach. It’s a complex battle against institutions and powerful organizations with vast resources. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, our experience in high-stakes, complicated litigation—from industrial incidents to wrongful death cases—uniquely prepares us to build compelling cases for Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) families. We understand that success hinges on aggressive evidence collection, precise valuation of damages, and a clear legal strategy.

7.1 The Power of Evidence

In hazing cases, evidence is everything. It transforms allegations into actionable claims. The challenge is that hazing often happens in secret, shrouded in a code of silence. However, in 2025, digital footprints are pervasive, and meticulous investigation can uncover the truth.

• Digital Communications:

  • GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, Telegram, Slack. These are often the “smoking gun.” They reveal planning, intent, knowledge, and direct orders. We pursue these records vigorously, often through subpoenas to tech companies, and leverage digital forensics to recover deleted messages and data. Our video on using your cellphone to document a legal case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) is particularly relevant here.
  • Email communications from chapter leaders or university officials can also provide critical insights.

• Photos & Videos:

  • Content filmed by members during hazing events, often for immediate sharing within private group chats or social media.
  • Publicly available (or quickly deleted) social media posts that show humiliating acts, forced drinking, or injuries.
  • Security camera footage from campus buildings, off-campus houses, local venues, or even doorbell cameras.

• Internal Organizational Documents:

  • Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” guides, ritual books. These documents sometimes formalize or implicitly endorse hazing practices.
  • Emails or texts between officers discussing “what we’ll do to pledges” or planning activities inconsistent with anti-hazing policies.
  • National organization policies, risk management assessments, and training materials. Often, these documents reveal prior knowledge of hazing risks and yet a failure to prevent them.

• University Records:

  • Prior conduct files for the chapter or individuals: These reveal past violations, probationary periods, or suspensions, establishing a pattern of misconduct and the university’s prior knowledge.
  • Incident reports to campus police or student conduct offices.
  • Clery Act reports and similar public disclosures (like UT Austin’s transparency page) that document a history of safety issues.
  • Internal emails among administrators discussing hazing concerns, obtained through discovery.

• Medical and Psychological Records:

  • Emergency room and hospitalization reports: Document immediate injuries, blood alcohol levels, toxicology results, and initial diagnoses.
  • Surgical and rehabilitation notes: Detail the extent of physical recovery.
  • Psychological evaluations: Crucial for documenting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation resulting from the hazing. These records are vital for proving non-economic damages.

• Witness Testimony:

  • Other pledges, members, roommates, RAs, coaches, trainers, or bystanders. While a code of silence often exists, many individuals, especially other victims or former members, are willing to come forward, often under subpoena.
  • Former members who quit or were expelled due to hazing can provide powerful firsthand accounts of the organization’s culture.

7.2 Damages: Compensating for Profound Harm

Hazing can inflict profound and lasting harm, both physical and psychological. Our firm works to ensure that Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) families receive full and fair compensation for all damages. Our video, “What Is Fair Compensation for Pain and Suffering?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LG07vbB4cdU), explains how we evaluate these types of losses.

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This includes all past and projected costs:

  • Emergency room visits, ambulance transport, and hospitalization.
  • Surgeries, ongoing treatments, medications, and physical therapy.
  • Long-term care, home health aides, or specialized facilities for catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injury or severe organ damage.
  • Ongoing psychiatric care, counseling, and medications for psychological trauma.

• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact:

  • Lost wages: If the victim (or a parent who must care for them) lost income due to injuries or recovery.
  • Lost educational opportunities: Tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships, and the delayed entry into the workforce.
  • Diminished future earning capacity: If injuries result in permanent disability that impacts their ability to work in their chosen field, expert economists calculate the lifetime loss of potential income.

• Non-Economic Damages: These subjective but very real losses are critical to recovery:

  • Physical pain and suffering: From initial injuries to chronic pain.
  • Emotional distress, trauma, and humiliation: Including PTSD, anxiety, depression, a loss of dignity, and the profound trauma of the experience.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: The inability to participate in activities they once loved, social withdrawal, and a diminished overall quality of life.

• Wrongful Death Damages (for families): When hazing results in the ultimate tragedy, surviving family members can recover:

  • Funeral and burial expenses.
  • Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided.
  • Loss of companionship, love, and society, which accounts for the profound grief and emotional void left by the deceased.
  • The emotional harm to parents, siblings, and spouses.
    Our firm’s extensive experience in wrongful death claims (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/) is invaluable in these cases, working with economists to fully value the loss.

• Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious conduct, where a defendant acted with extreme recklessness or malicious intent, punitive damages may be sought. These are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter others. In Texas, punitive damages are available but often capped, except in certain intentional tort cases. Strong evidence of prior knowledge, deliberate indifference, or extreme abuse can support a punitive claim against national organizations and universities.

7.3 Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

A crucial aspect of hazing litigation is navigating the complex web of potential defendants and their respective insurance coverage.

• National Fraternities/Sororities: These organizations typically carry significant liability insurance policies. However, their insurers will often attempt to deny coverage by arguing that hazing, especially if it involved intentional acts or criminal conduct, is explicitly excluded from their policies.
• Universities: Whether public or private, universities often have extensive insurance policies. Public universities in Texas (like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin) may assert sovereign immunity, but critical exceptions exist for gross negligence or when the hazing triggers a Title IX violation.
• Individual Student Defendants: While they frequently lack substantial personal assets, their homeowner’s or parent’s umbrella insurance policies might provide an additional layer of coverage.

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings invaluable insight as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/). She knows firsthand how these large insurance companies evaluate, delay, and defend claims. This insider knowledge allows us to anticipate their tactics, challenge unwarranted coverage denials, and effectively negotiate for fair compensation, refusing to settle for lowball offers. We understand that the fight for justice in hazing cases often involves a complex legal battle against well-funded insurers.

8. Practical Guides & FAQs

When hazing impacts a family in Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas), clear and actionable guidance is essential. The following sections provide practical advice for parents, students, and witnesses, empowering you to respond effectively and protect your rights.

8.1 For Parents: Navigating a Crisis

Parents often feel helpless when their child is caught in a hazing situation. Knowing what to look for and how to respond can make all the difference.

• Warning Signs of Hazing: Be alert to subtle and overt changes.

  • Physical: Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts; extreme fatigue or exhaustion; dramatic weight changes; uncharacteristic sleep deprivation.
  • Behavioral: Sudden secrecy about group activities (“I can’t talk about it”); withdrawal from family or old friends; increased anxiety, depression, or irritability; defensiveness when asked about the organization; obsession with pleasing older members; a pervasive fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down.”
  • Academic: A sudden drop in grades; missing classes; falling asleep in class; skipping assignments for “mandatory” events.
  • Financial: Requests for unexplained money; large purchases for older members; excessive dues or “fines” beyond advertised costs.
  • Digital: Constant monitoring of group chats; anxiety when their phone rings late at night; deleting messages or clearing browser history.

• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation with empathy, not judgment.

  • Start with open-ended questions: “How are things really going with [group]?” “Are you enjoying it?”
  • Reassure them that their safety and well-being are your top priorities, far above any group loyalty.
  • Emphasize that they have a right to leave any situation that makes them uncomfortable.

• If Your Child is Hurt:

  • Seek Medical Care Immediately: Your child’s health is paramount. Ensure any physical injuries are professionally documented by a medical professional.
  • Document Everything: Take photos of any injuries from multiple angles. Screenshot every relevant text message, group chat, or social media post. Make written notes of dates, times, names, and what your child tells you. Our firm’s YouTube video, “Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs), offers critical advice on this.
  • Save Everything: Preserve any physical items involved (e.g., damaged clothing, specific objects used in hazing).

• Dealing with the University:

  • Document All Communications: Keep a detailed log of every interaction with university administrators. Ask specific questions about previous hazing incidents involving the organization and what actions the school took.
  • Do Not Sign Without Counsel: Never sign any release forms, agreements, or disciplinary documents from the university without first consulting an experienced attorney. You might inadvertently waive important legal rights.

• When to Talk to a Lawyer:

  • Contact an attorney if your child has sustained significant physical or psychological harm, if you suspect a cover-up, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing the incident. Getting early legal advice can protect evidence and preserve legal options.

8.2 For Students / Pledges: Know Your Rights and Your Exit Strategy

If you are a student in Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) thinking about joining a group at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any other Texas university, or if you’re currently being hazed, remember: Your safety and well-being are non-negotiable.

• Is This Hazing or Just “Tradition”?

  • Ask yourself:
    • Am I being forced or pressured into something I don’t want to do?
    • Would I do this if I had a genuine choice, free from social consequences or fear of exclusion?
    • Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
    • Would I be comfortable doing this if my parents or professors were watching?
    • Are new members expected to do things that older members don’t have to do?
    • Am I being told to keep secrets or lie about group activities?
  • If you answer “yes” to any of these, it’s highly likely to be hazing, regardless of what they call it. The “Three-Tier System” (subtle, harassment, violent) helps classify the severity.

• Why “Consent” Isn’t a Defense:

  • Texas law (Texas Education Code § 37.155) explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.
  • Understand that true consent is impossible when you’re under pressure to join, facing social exclusion, or fearing retaliation. The desire to belong and fit in is powerful, but it doesn’t legitimize abuse.

• Exiting and Reporting Safely:

  • You have the legal right to leave any organization at any time.
  • If you feel unsafe, call 911 immediately.
  • Inform someone you trust outside the organization (parent, RA, friend) of your decision to leave.
  • Send a clear, documented message (email or text) to the chapter president or new member educator stating your resignation. Avoid in-person confrontations if you fear pressure or retaliation.
  • If you experience or fear retaliation, report it to the Dean of Students and campus police immediately.
  • You cannot be punished for calling 911 or seeking medical help in an emergency, even if underage alcohol use was involved (Texas law provides good-faith reporter protection).

• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty:

  • Most universities and Texas law encourage reporting hazing. Remember the National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE. This is an anonymous, 24/7 resource for reporting incidents.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses: Breaking the Silence

If you were once involved in hazing, either as a participant or a witness, and now regret it, you have a critical role to play in stopping this cycle of abuse.

• Acknowledge Your Role: It’s normal to feel guilt, fear of repercussions, or loyalty to past associations. However, your actions now can save lives and prevent immense suffering.
• Prevent Future Harm: Your testimony and evidence are invaluable. They can prove patterns of behavior, identify perpetrators, and hold organizations accountable, ultimately preventing another student from enduring what you or others experienced.
• Seek Legal Advice: If you are concerned about your own legal exposure (criminal or civil), consult an attorney. Your lawyer can help you understand your rights and options, and guide you on how to cooperate in investigations in a way that minimizes your risk while maximizing accountability. We offer criminal defense services (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) and can provide guidance.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

For families in Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas), avoiding common missteps is just as important as knowing what to do. Our firm has seen promising cases severely hampered by these errors. We encourage you to watch our video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY).

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

   • Why it’s wrong: Deleting evidence not only looks like a cover-up but can be considered obstruction of justice and makes building a strong legal case nearly impossible. If they’re embarrassed by content, save it privately; it’s still crucial evidence.
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even content your child finds embarrassing or incriminating.

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority, Leadership, or University Directly:

   • Why it’s wrong: This immediately puts them on high alert. They will likely lawyer up, destroy evidence, instruct members to remain silent or provide particular narratives, and prepare their defenses. This can severely compromise your ability to gather unbiased information.
   • What to do instead: Document everything discreetly, then consult with a lawyer before any direct confrontation.

3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms Without Legal Counsel:

   • Why it’s wrong: Universities often pressure families to resolve matters internally, sometimes with agreements that waive your right to pursue further legal action. These internal “settlements” are often far below the true value of your child’s injuries.
   • What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university or any organization without an attorney thoroughly reviewing it first.

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

   • Why it’s wrong: Anything posted online can be used by defense attorneys, creating inconsistencies that can hurt your child’s credibility. It can also waive legal privileges.
   • What to do instead: Document privately and rely on your legal counsel to control any public messaging strategically.

5. Letting Your Child Go Back to “One Last Meeting” or “Talk” with the Group:

   • Why it’s wrong: Once you are considering legal action, any further direct communication can be used to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that could harm your case.
   • What to do instead: Once legal action is being considered, all communication should go through your attorney.

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

   • Why it’s wrong: Universities often have limited power or motivation to pursue full accountability. Evidence disappears rapidly, witnesses graduate or move away, and critical statutes of limitations can expire while you wait for internal processes.
   • What to do instead: Preserve all evidence NOW and consult a lawyer immediately. University processes are separate from and often insufficient for achieving true accountability and compensation.

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer Present:

   • Why it’s wrong: Insurance adjusters, representing the defendants, are trained to minimize payouts. Your recorded statements can be twisted and used against you.
   • What to do instead: Politely decline to speak with them and refer them to your attorney.

8.5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) Families

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities in Texas (like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin) have some protection under sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, when hazing involves Title IX violations, or when suing individual employees in their personal capacity. Private universities (such as SMU and Baylor) generally do not have this immunity. The viability of a lawsuit depends heavily on the specific facts of your case. Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  Yes, it can be. While hazing is typically a Class B misdemeanor in Texas, it escalates to a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers of an organization can also face misdemeanor charges for failing to report hazing.

• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation activities?”
  Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The law recognizes that in environments with peer pressure and power imbalances, a student’s “agreement” does not constitute true voluntary consent.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit in Texas?”
  Generally, there is a 2-year statute of limitations in Texas for personal injury claims, usually beginning from the date of the injury or death. However, this period can be extended by the “discovery rule” if the harm or its cause was not immediately apparent, or if there was fraudulent concealment of the hazing. Time is critical—evidence erodes, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations may destroy records. We urge you to call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to discuss your specific timeline. Learn more about the statute of limitations in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location of the hazing does not eliminate potential liability. Universities and national organizations can still be held liable based on their sponsorship, knowledge, control, and the foreseeability of hazing occurring off-campus. Many major hazing cases that resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments, like the Pi Delta Psi incident, occurred at off-campus retreats.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  Many hazing cases are resolved through confidential settlements before going to trial. Our firm prioritizes your family’s privacy and can pursue strategies, such as seeking sealed court records and confidential settlement terms, to prevent your child’s name from being publicly released while still pursuing justice and accountability.

9. Choosing Justice: Why Attorney911 for Hazing Cases

When your family faces the profound trauma of hazing, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who intimately understand how powerful institutions fight back—and possess the unique expertise to win against them. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, we are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ with a deep conviction for justice in hazing cases across Texas.

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas), Austin, Dallas, and the Brazos Valley, standing as advocates for students harmed at institutions like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families in Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) and across the region, and we are committed to providing the highest level of legal representation.

Our firm brings distinctive qualifications to the complex world of hazing litigation:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, leverages her background as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/). She knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and often undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies because she used to be on their side. This insider knowledge is a formidable asset in your corner.
• Complex Litigation Against Powerful Institutions: Ralph P. Manginello, our managing partner (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/), has a proven track record. He was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, taking on a massive corporation in federal court. This extensive complex litigation and federal court experience means we are not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their well-funded defense teams. We’ve taken on billion-dollar entities and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants and achieve accountability.
• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: Hazing too often leads to tragic deaths or life-altering injuries. Our firm has achieved multi-million dollar settlements in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, working with expert economists and medical professionals to fully value the loss. We do not settle cheap; we build cases that force genuine accountability and secure resources for long-term care, for example, cases involving traumatic brain injury or permanent disability. Our wrongful death practice area is detailed at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.
• Comprehensive Civil and Criminal Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the prestigious Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides a deep understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. This dual expertise is critical for advising victims and even former members who may face both criminal exposure and civil liability. Our criminal defense experience is outlined at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/.
• Unmatched Investigative Depth: Modern hazing cases demand cutting-edge investigative techniques. We possess a robust network of experts, including digital forensics specialists, medical professionals, economists, and psychologists. Our team has extensive experience obtaining elusive evidence such as deleted group chats, social media data, internal disciplinary records, and university files. We investigate with the urgency and meticulousness that your child’s future—and indeed, their life—depends on, because it does.

We understand the profound emotional toll hazing takes on families. This is not just about legal strategy; it’s about answering difficult questions, holding the right people accountable, and helping prevent this tragedy from happening to another family. We do not offer quick settlements or bravado; we offer thorough investigation, tenacious advocacy, and a genuine commitment to justice.

Ready to Fight for Your Family: Call Attorney911 Today

If you or your child has experienced the devastating impact of hazing at any Texas campus – be it the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any other institution – we want to hear from you. Families in Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) and throughout our great state have the right to answers, accountability, and fair compensation.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will listen to what happened with empathy and without judgment, explain your legal options clearly, and help you decide on the best path forward for your family. There is no pressure to retain us during the consultation; our goal is to empower you with critical information. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t get paid unless we win your case. Our video, “How Do Contingency Fees Work?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc), explains this further.

Don’t let powerful institutions silence your story. Let us be your voice.

Contact Attorney911 Today:

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

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

Whether you’re in Texas (Earth > North America > United States > Texas) 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