The Hidden Scars of Hazing: A Comprehensive Guide for Upton County Families

It’s a quiet Tuesday night, not far from the vast, open spaces that characterize Upton County and communities like McCamey and Rankin. A student from Big Lake, attending one of Texas’s prominent universities, finds themselves in an off-campus house, surrounded by members of a fraternity or a campus organization, ostensibly for a “brotherhood” or “sisterhood” event. The air is thick with anticipation, mixed with the smell of cheap alcohol. They’re told to drink, to chant, to endure humiliating tasks, all in the name of “tradition” and “earning their place.” The pressure is immense. When one student begins to look pale, slurs their words, and eventually collapses, a wave of panic ripples through the room. Yet, the first instinct isn’t to call 911, but to whisper about getting “caught” or “shut down.” The student, barely conscious, is carried to a back room, their safety jeopardized by a culture of secrecy and misplaced loyalty.

This unsettling scenario, while hypothetical, is a stark reality for too many Texas families. It transcends specific campuses and reaches every corner of our state, including the homes and hearts of those in Upton County. Whether your child attends Texas A&M in College Station, the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Houston, Southern Methodist University in Dallas, or Baylor University in Waco, the threat of hazing is pervasive. The traditions can be opaque, the pressure relentless, and the consequences devastating.

This comprehensive guide to hazing and the law in Texas is written for families in Upton County, McCamey, Rankin, and throughout surrounding regions like Crane and Reagan Counties, and across Texas, who need to understand:

• What hazing looks like in 2025, moving beyond outdated stereotypes to reveal the digital, psychological, and physical abuses happening today.
• How Texas and federal law address hazing, outlining both criminal penalties and the avenues for civil accountability.
• What we can learn from major national hazing cases, and how these precedents apply to Texas families.
• What has been happening at the major Texas universities – the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University – providing specific insights into their policies and past incidents.
• What legal options victims and their families in Upton County and across Texas may have to seek justice, hold institutions accountable, and prevent future tragedies.

We understand that for families in Upton County, the journey to these universities spans hundreds of miles. Even if your child attends school far from our offices, Texas hazing law dictates their rights, and experienced Texas counsel can provide the statewide reach and legal expertise needed. This article serves as general information, not specific legal advice. The Manginello Law Firm is here to evaluate individual cases based on their specific facts. We serve families throughout Texas, including Upton County and its communities, and are ready to stand with you.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

• If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

  • Call 911 for medical emergencies
  • Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
  • We provide immediate help – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

• In the first 48 hours:

  • Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine.” Prioritize their health and safety above all else.
  • Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted or lost. This includes immediately:
    • Screenshotting group chats, texts, and direct messages.
    • Photographing any injuries from multiple angles and over several days.
    • Saving physical items like damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or any objects involved in the hazing.
  • Write down everything while your memory is fresh: who was involved, what happened, when it occurred, and where.
  • Do NOT:
    • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization directly. This can lead to evidence destruction or retaliation.
    • Sign anything from the university, an organization, or an insurance company without legal advice.
    • Post details on public social media, as this can compromise your case.
    • Allow your child to delete messages or “clean up” any evidence.

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

  • Evidence disappears rapidly, group chats are deleted, witnesses graduate, and organizations work quickly to control the narrative.
  • We can help preserve critical evidence and protect your child’s legal rights.
  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an immediate, confidential consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

The image of hazing often conjures outdated scenes from comedies or historical college stories. However, hazing in 2025 is far more insidious, encompassing digital coercion, psychological manipulation, and often, life-threatening physical and alcohol-related abuses. It’s any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action linked to joining, maintaining membership, or gaining status in a group. This behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. It’s crucial to understand that claiming “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there is inherent peer pressure and an overwhelming power imbalance.

Clear, Modern Definitions of Hazing

Understanding the contemporary landscape of hazing requires recognizing its various forms, many of which can be subtle yet deeply harmful.

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This remains one of the most dangerous and prevalent forms. It includes forced or coerced drinking, often through extreme consumption challenges, “lineups,” or games designed for rapid intoxication. Students may also be pressured to consume unknown, mixed, or illicit substances.
• Physical Hazing: Beyond the historical image of paddling, modern physical hazing can involve beatings, extreme calisthenics (“workouts” or “smokings” far exceeding normal physical conditioning), and dangerous stunts. It also includes sleep deprivation, food or water deprivation, and exposure to extreme environmental conditions (cold, heat) or dangerous settings.
• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This category covers forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts, and degrading acts often accompanied by racial, sexist, or homophobic slurs or role-playing. Costumes or public acts designed solely to embarrass or demean also fall into this category.
• Psychological Hazing: Often overlooked, psychological hazing can be deeply damaging. It involves verbal abuse, threats, forced isolation from friends or family, and manipulative tactics. This can include sleep deprivation for “interrogations,” forced confessions, and extreme forms of public shaming, sometimes online.
• Digital/Online Hazing: A growing threat, digital hazing leverages technology. This includes group chat dares, “challenges” on social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, and public humiliation via live streams or online posts. Pledges are often pressured to create or share compromising images or videos, or to respond to messages at all hours, creating a constant state of anxiety and control.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Hazing is not confined to the stereotypical “frat boy” environment. It permeates a wide array of student organizations across universities, including:

• Fraternities and Sororities: This includes traditional Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Panhellenic Council (Panhel) chapters, but also National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) “Divine Nine” organizations, and multicultural Greek letter organizations.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: These groups, often with deeply ingrained traditions, can present unique hazing risks, as seen in incidents at Texas A&M.
• Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs, and Student Groups: Organizations like those focused on school spirit, unique traditions (such as the Texas Cowboys at UT), or other student associations can also engage in hazing practices.
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to soccer, baseball, and cheerleading squads, hazing can occur in various sports, masquerading as “team building” or “character development.” The Northwestern University scandal highlighted that even major college sports are not immune.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous groups can have coercive initiation rituals designed to test loyalty or endurance.
• Some Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Any group with a hierarchical structure and an “initiation” process can, unfortunately, be susceptible to hazing.

In these environments, social status, the allure of tradition, and an ingrained culture of secrecy often keep these dangerous practices alive, even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal and explicitly prohibited.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

Understanding the legal landscape surrounding hazing in Texas is crucial for families. Both state and federal laws provide frameworks for accountability, alongside explicit protections for victims.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has clear and comprehensive anti-hazing provisions outlined in its Education Code. In plain terms, hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, directed at a student, by one person alone or with others, for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students, that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student (e.g., beating, forced exercise, forced consumption of alcohol/drugs).
• Substantially affects the mental health or safety of a student (e.g., extreme humiliation, intimidation, prolonged sleep deprivation).

Crucially, this law applies whether the hazing occurs on or off campus, underscoring that location does not diminish liability. The inclusion of “reckless” in the definition means that even if intent to injure was not present, if someone knew or should have known their actions created a substantial risk of harm, it can still be considered hazing. Furthermore, Texas law explicitly states that “consent” is not a defense if the act meets the definition of hazing.

Relevant criminal consequences under Texas law include:

• Criminal penalties: Hazing can be classified as a Class B misdemeanor, facing potential jail time and fines. Severely, it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death.
• Organizational liability: Organizations themselves can face fines of up to $10,000 and loss of university recognition if they authorize, encourage, or knowingly permit hazing.
• Reporter protections: Texas law grants limited immunity from civil or criminal liability for individuals who, in good faith, report a hazing incident to university officials or law enforcement. This aims to encourage reporting without fear of reprisal.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

It is important to distinguish between criminal and civil legal actions related to hazing:

• Criminal Cases: These are initiated by the state (prosecutors) against individuals or organizations. The primary goal is to punish the wrongdoer through imprisonment, fines, or probation. Common hazing-related criminal charges can include: direct hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, and in fatal instances, even involuntary manslaughter or negligent homicide.
• Civil Cases: These are pursued by victims or their surviving families against individuals, organizations, and institutions. The objective is to obtain monetary compensation for damages suffered and to hold responsible parties accountable. Civil claims often involve theories of:
  • Negligence and Gross Negligence: Failure to exercise reasonable care, or acting with a conscious disregard for the safety of others.
  • Wrongful Death: When a hazing incident results in a fatality.
  • Negligent Hiring/Supervision: Institutional failures, such as a university or national organization not adequately overseeing chapters or employees.
  • Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property where the owner failed to provide a safe environment.
  • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For severe psychological harm.

It is critical to note that an individual or organization can face both criminal and civil charges simultaneously. A criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for pursuing a successful civil claim, and the burden of proof is different in each.

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

Beyond state laws, federal provisions increasingly impact how hazing is addressed:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This new federal law mandates that colleges and universities receiving federal funding must publicly report hazing incidents, strengthen prevention efforts, and collect and publish comprehensive hazing data. This transparency aims to provide families with critical information and push institutions toward greater accountability, with full compliance phased in by 2026.
• Title IX: When hazing involves elements of sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based discrimination, or a hostile environment based on gender, Title IX can be triggered. Universities have obligations to investigate and respond to such complaints, irrespective of the alleged perpetrator’s status.
• Clery Act: This federal law requires colleges to disclose crime statistics, including those that might overlap with hazing incidents, such as assaults, alcohol-related offenses, and drug violations. These reports offer another layer of insight into campus safety and the prevalence of risky behaviors.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Determining liability in a civil hazing lawsuit is often complex, involving multiple potential defendants:

• Individual Students: Those who actively planned, encouraged, supplied resources for, or participated in the hazing acts can be held personally liable.
• Local Chapters/Organizations: The specific fraternity, sorority, or student group that directly engaged in hazing can be sued as an entity. Officers or “pledge educators” who orchestrated or permitted the hazing are often key targets.
• National Fraternities/Sororities: These umbrella organizations can be held liable, particularly if they had knowledge of previous hazing incidents, failed to enforce their own anti-hazing policies, or provided inadequate oversight to their local chapters. Their liability often hinges on foreseeability—whether they knew or should have known about the persistent risk of hazing within their chapters.
• Universities or Governing Boards: The educational institution itself may be held liable under theories of negligence, negligent supervision, or for violating federal statutes like Title IX. This typically occurs when a university knew or should have known about hazing and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it, or inadequately responded to reported incidents. Public universities, like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, and UT Austin, often assert sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence or state-created dangers. Private universities such as SMU and Baylor, typically have less protection under such immunity.
• Third Parties: This can include landlords or owners of off-campus houses or event spaces where hazing occurred, bars or alcohol suppliers under dram shop laws, or even security companies if their negligence contributed to the incident.

Every hazing case is fact-specific, and the potential for liability depends heavily on the unique circumstances and the strength of the evidence.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

The tragic consequences of hazing are not isolated incidents; they are part of a deeply troubling national pattern. While these cases occurred outside of Texas, their outcomes—including multi-million-dollar settlements, criminal convictions, and landmark legislative changes—directly inform how hazing cases in Texas, involving students from Upton County and elsewhere, are approached. They demonstrate the legal battlegrounds, the types of evidence that emerge, and the very real stakes involved.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

This remains the most common and deadliest form of hazing, often occurring during initiation or “Big/Little” events.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (February 2017): In a harrowing incident, 19-year-old pledge Timothy Piazza died from severe brain injuries and a ruptured spleen after consuming dangerous amounts of alcohol during a “bid acceptance” night. Surveillance cameras captured him falling repeatedly, only for fraternity brothers to delay calling for help for nearly 12 hours. The aftermath led to over a thousand criminal charges against fraternity members, significant civil litigation, and the landmark Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. This case underscored how extreme intoxication, delayed medical intervention, and a pervasive culture of silence and cover-up are devastating legal factors.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (November 2017): Pledge Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event where pledges were given handles of hard liquor. Several members faced criminal hazing charges, and Florida State University temporarily suspended all Greek life, overhauling its anti-hazing policies. This situation highlighted how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a repeating script for disaster, with fatal consequences.
• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (September 2017): Max Gruver died with a blood alcohol level of 0.495% after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game. Pledges were forced to drink whenever they answered questions incorrectly. One fraternity member was convicted of negligent homicide, and Gruver’s death spurred Louisiana to enact the Max Gruver Act, a felony hazing statute. This case vividly demonstrated that legislative change often follows public outrage fueled by clear proof of hazing and institutional failures.
• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (March 2021): During a pledge night, 20-year-old Stone Foltz was forced to consume a near-entire bottle of whiskey and died from alcohol poisoning. Multiple criminal convictions followed, with BGSU, a public university, agreeing to a nearly $3 million settlement with his family. The national fraternity and involved individuals also reached confidential settlements. This tragic outcome proved that universities can face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities when hazing occurs.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical abuse and dangerous rituals continue to cause severe injuries and fatalities.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (December 2013): Michael Deng died after suffering a traumatic brain injury during a fraternity retreat in Pennsylvania. Pledges were forced to participate in a blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual where they were tackled while weighed down with heavy backpacks. Help was significantly delayed. The incident resulted in multiple criminal convictions for individual members, and notably, the national fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, leading to its ban from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This case underscored that off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous or even more so than campus parties, and national organizations can face severe, direct legal sanctions.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is far from exclusive to Greek life; it is a pervasive issue in collegiate sports.

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): A massive scandal erupted at Northwestern when former football players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the highly publicized program. The hazing included forced sexual acts, derogatory language, and other degrading behaviors by senior players. This led to multiple lawsuits against Northwestern and its coaching staff, the firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald (who later pursued a wrongful-termination suit), and a national reckoning over institutional accountability. This landmark case firmly established that hazing extends significantly beyond Greek life into major, high-stakes athletic programs, and that universities face significant scrutiny over their oversight.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national anchor stories, while distinct geographically, reveal common threads that are critically important for Upton County families and others across Texas: forced drinking, extreme humiliation, physical violence, dangerous rituals, and a devastating pattern of delayed or denied medical care and subsequent cover-ups. Reform and multi-million-dollar settlements often only materialize after a tragedy and sustained legal action. For families in Upton County facing hazing at institutions like UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, SMU, or Baylor, these national lessons underscore that they are not alone and that there are established legal avenues to pursue accountability.

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

For families in Upton County and its surrounding communities like McCamey, Rankin, Crane, and Reagan Counties, Texas universities are often the next step after high school. Whether it’s the large public campuses like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, and UT Austin, or distinguished private institutions such as SMU and Baylor, these schools are destinations for our children. While hazing is a nationwide problem, understanding its specific manifestations and the responses of these major Texas universities is paramount.

Upton County is approximately 250 miles west of Texas A&M University, making it a significant journey for many students and their families. While none of the listed universities are immediately adjacent to Upton County, their impact on Texas families, including those from our region, is undeniable. Here, we delve into the specific hazing dynamics at each of these major Texas universities.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot (with Upton County Connection)

The University of Houston, a vibrant Tier One research institution, is the third-largest university in Texas, drawing students from across the state, including many from rural counties like Upton, and others traveling from Houston’s widespread metropolitan area. Its active Greek life, comprising Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural chapters, plays a significant role in campus social life, alongside numerous other student organizations, cultural groups, and sports clubs. Families from Upton County sending their children to UH are investing in a large urban experience, but one that, like any major university, holds the potential for hazing.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston maintains a strict anti-hazing policy. Their official statement emphasizes that hazing is prohibited on or off campus, regardless of whether a victim “consents.” The policy explicitly bars forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, mental distress, and any act that endangers a student’s mental or physical health or safety in connection with initiation or continued membership. UH provides reporting channels through the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). The university also often publishes a hazing statement and some disciplinary information on its website.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UH has had its share of hazing incidents that highlight the persistent challenges. In 2016, for instance, the Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) fraternity faced significant scrutiny after pledges allegedly endured deprivation of food, water, and sleep during a multi-day event. One student reportedly suffered a lacerated spleen after being violently slammed onto a table or similar surface. This incident led to misdemeanor hazing charges for individual members and a period of suspension for the chapter from the university. In subsequent years, other fraternities have faced disciplinary action for behavior “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” including serious alcohol misuse and policy violations, resulting in various suspensions or probationary periods. Such incidents underscore UH’s willingness to suspend chapters, even as they reveal the persistent presence of hazing activities.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a hazing incident occurring at or involving students from the University of Houston, families from Upton County should understand the typical legal pathways. Depending on the exact location of the incident, law enforcement involvement could range from the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) for on-campus events to the Houston Police Department (HPD) or the Harris County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus locations. Civil lawsuits against individuals, the local chapter, the national fraternity/sorority, and potentially the university or property owners, would typically be filed in courts within Harris County, given UH’s location in Houston. Our firm’s Houston presence positions us to navigate these local systems.

5.1.5 What UH Students and Parents Should Do

• Report immediately: Use the UH Dean of Students Office, UHPD, or their online reporting forms.
• Document everything: Screenshot relevant group chats, texts, and social media posts. Photograph any injuries.
• Understand prior history: Familiarize yourselves with any publicly available information on prior violations by specific organizations at UH.
• Seek legal counsel: If hazing is suspected or proven, speaking with a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases can help uncover prior disciplinary actions and internal university and organizational files.
• Prioritize safety: If a child is in immediate danger, always call 911 first.

5.2 Texas A&M University

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot (with Upton County Connection)

Texas A&M University in College Station is renowned for its deep-rooted traditions, fiercely loyal Aggie Network, and, particularly, its highly structured Corps of Cadets. Students from Upton County attending A&M immerse themselves in a culture heavily shaped by honor, discipline, and community. Alongside the Corps, A&M boasts a substantial Greek life presence and numerous other student organizations. This environment, while fostering strong bonds, has also been the setting for significant hazing incidents, often cloaked under the guise of tradition or “challenging” initiation rites.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M has an unequivocal anti-hazing policy, which strictly prohibits any hazing activity both on and off campus. This policy is disseminated widely and enforced through the Division of Student Affairs, Student Conduct Office, and the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD). The university also provides an anonymous reporting option, and its policies are carefully designed to apply to all student organizations, including the Corps of Cadets, fraternities, sororities, and sports teams.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced multiple prominent hazing controversies. In a particularly alarming incident around 2021, the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity was sued by two pledges who alleged they were covered in a mixture of substances, including an industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, resulting in severe chemical burns that necessitated emergency skin graft surgeries. This led to the chapter’s suspension by the university, and a lawsuit seeking over $1 million was filed, underscoring the severe physical dangers of hazing.

The Corps of Cadets has also faced hazing allegations. In 2023, a former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading hazing that included simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. While A&M stated it addressed the matter within its internal regulations, these public accusations highlight challenges within even highly disciplined, tradition-bound organizations. These cases demonstrate that hazing at A&M often intersects with both Greek life structures and the unique traditions of the Corps.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases originating from Texas A&M would involve law enforcement agencies such as the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) for campus incidents, and the College Station Police Department or Bryan Police Department for off-campus events. Civil suits would typically be filed in courts within Brazos County, given the university’s location. For families from Upton County, navigating a legal process potentially hundreds of miles away requires counsel with statewide reach and experience in the specific legal and cultural nuances of Texas A&M.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students and Parents Should Do

• Understand A&M’s specific culture: Be aware of how traditions, particularly within the Corps, can sometimes be twisted into hazing, and where to draw the line between healthy challenge and abuse.
• Report vigorously: Utilize A&M’s Student Conduct Office, UPD, or anonymous reporting options.
• Preserve evidence: This includes digital communications, photos of injuries, and any physical items. Given the nature of some A&M hazing, even materials like cleaning fluids or props can be critical evidence.
• Seek legal guidance: Contacting a lawyer experienced in hazing cases is vital, especially given the dual nature of potential defendants in some A&M cases—both Greek life and the Corps are powerful institutions.
• Prioritize well-being: For students from Upton County, being far from home adds to personal vulnerability. Ensuring access to mental health services is critical.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot (with Upton County Connection)

The University of Texas at Austin is the flagship institution of the UT System, a sprawling urban campus defined by a vibrant intellectual atmosphere, a passionate student body, and a famously diverse array of student organizations. Many students from Upton County and other West Texas towns are drawn to UT Austin for its academic excellence and lively campus life. Its Greek life is extensive, encompassing IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural groups, known for their strong social presence. UT also hosts numerous spirit organizations and athletic teams, all contributing to a complex student experience where hazing can unfortunately take root.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UT Austin maintains a robust anti-hazing policy, clearly stating that hazing is prohibited whether on or off campus, and regardless of a participant’s “consent.” Its policy specifically forbids any act that causes or is likely to cause physical or mental harm or degradation, used for initiation or continued membership. UT stands out for its public Hazing Violations page (hazing.utexas.edu), which lists organizations, dates of incidents, the nature of the conduct, and university sanctions. This commitment to transparency is a crucial tool for parents from Upton County and beyond. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, and the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD).

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT Austin’s public Hazing Violations page is a constant reminder of ongoing issues. For example, Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) was cited in 2023 for new members being directed to consume large quantities of milk and perform strenuous calisthenics—found to be hazing. The chapter received probation and was mandated to implement new hazing-prevention education. Other student groups, such as the Texas Wranglers, a prominent spirit organization with a history dating back to 1971, have faced sanctions for activities involving alcohol misuse and highly physical, punishment-based practices targeting new members. These entries on UT’s public logs highlight the persistent challenge of hazing across various student organizations.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

For hazing incidents involving UT Austin, jurisdiction typically involves the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) for on-campus matters, or the Austin Police Department (APD) and the Travis County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus events in the broader Austin metropolitan area. Civil lawsuits would generally be filed in Travis County courts. The unique aspect for UT Austin cases is the public documentation of prior violations. These records, openly available on UT’s website, can be incredibly powerful in civil lawsuits, demonstrating a pattern of neglect or prior knowledge by the university or national organizations. For families from Upton County, attorneys with a strong command of Austin’s legal and institutional landscape are essential.

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students and Parents Should Do

• Consult UT’s public hazing page: Regularly check hazing.utexas.edu for public records of violations and see if any organizations your child is interested in have a history.
• Report discreetly: Use UT’s Dean of Students Office or UTPD; in cases of anonymity preference, utilize their anonymous reporting channels.
• Document rigorously: Screenshots of any digital communication related to hazing are critical, as are photographs of injuries.
• Seek specialized legal advice: Given the university’s transparency, an experienced attorney can leverage this public data to build a stronger civil case, demonstrating foreknowledge and patterns of behavior.
• Prioritize ongoing mental health support: The pressures of UT Austin and potential hazing can take a significant toll; ensure access to counseling services.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot (with Upton County Connection)

Southern Methodist University, located in Dallas, is a distinguished private university known for its rigorous academics, beautiful campus, and a notably active Greek life deeply intertwined with its social fabric. SMU attracts students from affluent backgrounds across Texas, including some from Upton County and other distant rural areas, offering a distinctively private university experience. Its strong Greek presence—including IFC, Panhellenic, and NPHC chapters—is a central component of student life, but also one where hazing incidents have unfortunately occurred.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU maintains clear anti-hazing policies, prohibiting any activity that endangers the mental or physical health of a participant for the purpose of initiation, admission, affiliation, or continued membership. As a private institution, SMU’s policies and disciplinary processes are often less publicly transparent than those of state universities. However, SMU emphasizes several reporting mechanisms, including the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Student Conduct, and often utilizes anonymous reporting systems like “Real Response” to encourage students to come forward.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

SMU’s Greek system has faced hazing allegations that have led to chapter suspensions. For instance, in 2017, the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity was suspended following credible allegations that new members were subjected to paddling, forced alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation. This incident resulted in the chapter being suspended and placed under strict restrictions for several years, including limitations on their ability to recruit new members. While SMU does not maintain the same public-facing disciplinary database as UT Austin, these incidents underscore the persistent presence of hazing in its strong Greek culture.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For hazing incidents at SMU, law enforcement could involve the SMU Police Department (SMU PD) for on-campus matters, or the Dallas Police Department (DPD) and the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits would typically be heard in Dallas County courts. As a private institution, SMU may argue less public accountability than state universities. However, experienced hazing attorneys understand how to overcome this, using discovery processes to compel the release of internal university reports, previous disciplinary actions, and other crucial evidence that may not be publicly disclosed. For families from Upton County, selecting counsel with expertise in private university litigation can be advantageous.

5.4.5 What SMU Students and Parents Should Do

• Scrutinize SMU’s internal reporting: Understand that while public information may be limited, internal records can be extensive.
• Utilize anonymous reporting systems like “Real Response”: For students who fear retaliation, these systems can provide a layer of protection.
• Preserve personal communications: Digital evidence (texts, GroupMe, social media) is often the most accessible proof of hazing at a private institution.
• Seek legal counsel immediately: An attorney can help navigate SMU’s internal rules and determine how to obtain crucial information through legal discovery, even for private universities.
• Focus on privacy and discreet action: Given SMU’s close-knit community, a legal strategy that balances accountability with privacy concerns might be particularly important.

5.5 Baylor University

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot (with Upton County Connection)

Baylor University in Waco is the oldest continuously operating university in Texas, a private Baptist institution known for its strong faith-based mission, academic programs, and passionate athletic teams. Students from Upton County often choose Baylor for its community feel and distinct religious environment. Its Greek life, overseen by Baylor’s Student Activities, includes Panhellenic, IFC, and NPHC councils, and operates within a system that often emphasizes community standards and values. However, like any institution with group dynamics, Baylor faces challenges, and hazing has unfortunately been part of its history, often under the intense scrutiny tied to its broader cultural and oversight issues.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University has a “zero tolerance” policy regarding hazing. Their policies prohibit any activity that falls within the Texas Education Code definition of hazing and specify that individuals and organizations can be subject to disciplinary action. Baylor’s reporting channels include the Office of Student Conduct, the Baylor Police Department (BUPD), and an ethics point hotline for anonymous complaints. These channels are designed to reinforce their stated commitment to student safety and ethical conduct.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor University has unfortunately been subjected to significant public scrutiny regarding student welfare, particularly following its sexual assault scandal in the mid-2010s. This history has placed a heightened focus on institutional oversight. Regarding hazing, a notable incident occurred in 2020 where 14 players on the Baylor baseball team were suspended following an internal investigation into hazing allegations. The university confirmed that these suspensions were staggered over the early season to address code of conduct violations related to hazing. While specifics of the hazing were less publicized than the sexual assault cases, this event demonstrated that hazing incidents occur even within Baylor’s athletic programs and that the university does impose internal sanctions. This must be considered in the context of Baylor’s broader challenges in oversight.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For hazing incidents involving Baylor University, law enforcement could include the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD) for on-campus matters, or the Waco Police Department (WPD) and the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus incidents. Civil suits would typically be filed in McLennan County courts. Baylor’s private university status, combined with its history of intense public and legal scrutiny, particularly over institutional governance and Title IX compliance, means that hazing claims can be intertwined with broader allegations of systemic failures. For families from Upton County, this complex environment necessitates legal counsel with experience navigating both hazing-specific laws and the intricacies of private religious university litigation.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students and Parents Should Do

• Be aware of the university’s history: Understand that Baylor operates under a unique level of scrutiny, which can sometimes influence incident response.
• Utilize Baylor’s ethics point hotline: For anonymous or sensitive reports, this channel can be important, especially for students adhering to Baylor’s faith-based principles.
• Document all communications: Keep meticulous records of any reports made to university officials and their responses.
• Consider legal action early: Given Baylor’s history, pursuing legal counsel experienced in hazing and institutional accountability can be crucial for ensuring transparency and impact.
• Seek spiritual and psychological support: Baylor offers robust counseling services that can be vital for students grappling with the emotional toll of hazing.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

The Greek letter organizations (GLOs) at colleges like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor are part of a larger national ecosystem. While local chapters operate independently, their actions often reflect patterns and behaviors seen across the country within their national organizations. Understanding these national histories is not just about anecdotal evidence; it’s a critical component of legal strategy in hazing cases.

Why National Histories Matter

When a student from Upton County attends one of Texas’s major universities and becomes a victim of hazing, their local chapter’s actions are often deeply linked to its national organization. Many fraternities and sororities, including common names like Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Phi, Kappa Alpha Order, and Beta Theta Pi, are part of national or international organizations. These national headquarters typically have extensive anti-hazing manuals, risk management policies, and training programs—often implemented because they have already faced deaths, catastrophic injuries, and multi-million-dollar lawsuits from past hazing incidents at other chapters.

This established history creates a crucial legal concept known as foreseeability. If a Texas chapter of a national fraternity repeats the same type of alcohol hazing, physical abuse tactics, or humiliating rituals that led to a death or severe injury at another chapter in a different state, the national organization can argue less effectively that they “didn’t know” or “couldn’t have foreseen” such an outcome. These patterns can strongly support arguments for negligence, gross negligence, and even punitive damages against national entities in civil litigation. The national organization often has a deep corporate pocket, and demonstrating foreseeability is key to piercing the corporate veil and holding them accountable.

Organization Mapping: Connecting Local Chapters to National Patterns

While it’s impossible to list every single chapter and incident, certain national fraternities have demonstrated recurring patterns of hazing that are particularly relevant for Texas families. We provide a narrative overview, not an exhaustive list, to illustrate how these histories inform our approach to local incidents:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): Chapters of Pike are present at major Texas universities, including the University of Houston and Texas A&M. Nationally, Pi Kappa Alpha has been linked to numerous severe hazing incidents, most notably the Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green State University, where a pledge died from alcohol poisoning after a forced consumption event. Other cases, like the David Bogenberger death at Northern Illinois University, also involved forced alcohol. These repeated incidents highlight a concerning pattern that can be used to show foreseeability when a Pike chapter in Texas engages in similar conduct.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): SAE has chapters at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin, and has faced numerous national hazing scandals, including multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injuries. In Texas, the Texas A&M chapter faced a lawsuit after pledges allegedly suffered chemical burns from being covered in industrial-strength cleaner during hazing. At the University of Texas at Austin, the SAE chapter was sued in 2024 for alleged assault during a party, exacerbating a history of suspensions. These cases, occurring both nationally and locally in Texas, make it difficult for the national organization to credibly claim they are unaware of hazing risks or patterns within their chapters.
• Phi Delta Theta: Present at UH, Texas A&M, and SMU, Phi Delta Theta was centrally involved in the tragic death of Max Gruver at LSU from alcohol poisoning. This case led to Louisiana’s felony hazing statute and demonstrated the severe consequences of forced drinking games disguised as initiation rituals.
• Pi Kappa Phi: With chapters at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin, Pi Kappa Phi has faced national scrutiny following the death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University, another instance of alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night.” This adds to the evidence of recurring dangers associated with forced alcohol consumption in specific pledging events.
• Beta Theta Pi: Active at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin, Beta Theta Pi gained national infamy with the Timothy Piazza death at Penn State, a case involving extreme alcohol, physical falls, and severe delays in medical care. This pivotal case reshaped hazing law and accountability in Pennsylvania and beyond.
• Kappa Alpha Order (KA): With chapters at Texas A&M and SMU, KA has faced hazing investigations nationally and locally, including suspensions at SMU in 2017 for alleged paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation.
• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): Chapters are at UH, Texas A&M, and Baylor. Nationally, Kappa Sigma has been linked to severe hazing, including the death of Chad Meredith at the University of Miami in 2001, where a jury awarded his parents $12.6 million in a negligence suit. More recently, the Texas A&M chapter of Kappa Sigma faced allegations of hazing leading to injuries such as rhabdomyolysis, a severe muscle breakdown from extreme physical exertion, highlighting the diverse physical risks.

These examples underscore that hazing is not unique to a few “bad apple” chapters, but rather reflects patterns within specific national organizations over many years.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

The documented national histories of these fraternities and sororities are not just for public awareness; they are crucial elements in a hazing lawsuit. They allow us to establish:

• Foreseeability: Showing that the national organization had ample warnings from prior incidents across the country. They knew, or should have known, that specific types of hazing (e.g., forced alcohol consumption) were likely to occur within their chapters.
• Failure to Enforce Policies: If a national organization had anti-hazing policies but consistently failed to enforce them meaningfully (e.g., giving lenient punishments for repeat offenses), this can demonstrate a pattern of negligence.
• Knowledge and Deliberate Indifference: Proving that the national organization was aware of ongoing hazing issues but chose not to act aggressively, contributing to a culture where such behavior persisted.

This evidence can significantly affect settlement leverage, influence insurance coverage disputes (especially when insurers try to deny coverage based on “intentional acts”), and increase the potential for punitive damages, which aim to punish egregious conduct and deter future harm. For families from Upton County and elsewhere in Texas, understanding this broader context is vital for successfully navigating the complexities of hazing litigation.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

Successfully pursuing a hazing claim against powerful institutions like national fraternities, sororities, and universities requires a robust legal strategy, meticulous evidence collection, and a comprehensive understanding of the damages suffered. When a family in Upton County or across Texas faces the aftermath of hazing, our firm builds a case with unwavering dedication and thoroughness.

Evidence

Modern hazing cases are often won or lost based on the quality and volume of specific types of evidence:

• Digital Communications: In 2025, group chats and direct messages are often the most crucial pieces of evidence. This includes communications from platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, Discord, Slack, and even proprietary fraternity/sorority apps. These messages can reveal the planning, intent, knowledge, and patterns of hazing—showing who was involved and what was said before, during, and after an incident. Our firm works with digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages and ensure screenshots are authentic and admissible. Attorney911’s video on using your phone to document evidence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains best practices for preserving screenshots and photos.
• Photos & Videos: This vital category includes content filmed by members during events, footage shared in group chats or posted (even briefly) on social media, any available security camera footage (e.g., Ring doorbell cameras at off-campus houses), or surveillance from commercial venues. This visual evidence can objectively corroborate witness accounts.
• Internal Organization Documents: These are often obtained through subpoena or discovery and can include pledge manuals, initiation scripts, ritual “traditions” lists, emails or texts from officers giving instructions related to “pledges,” and national anti-hazing policies and training materials. These documents can expose discrepancies between official policies and actual practices.
• University Records: Through discovery and public records requests (for public universities like UH, A&M, and UT Austin), we seek prior conduct files, probation or suspension records, letters of warning for specific organizations, incident reports from campus police or student conduct offices, and Clery Act disclosures. These records can establish a pattern of prior misconduct and institutional knowledge.
• Medical and Psychological Records: Comprehensive medical documentation is critical for demonstrating injury and its severity. This includes emergency room and hospitalization records, surgery and rehabilitation notes, toxicology reports (for alcohol or drug involvement), and future medical care plans. Additionally, psychological evaluations from licensed therapists or psychiatrists can establish diagnoses such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, or suicidality, documenting the profound mental and emotional toll of hazing.
• Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts are invaluable. This includes testimony from other pledges, current members, roommates, Resident Advisors (RAs), coaches, campus trainers, or any bystanders. Former members who quit or were expelled, often disillusioned by the system, can provide crucial insider details.

Damages

The law allows victims and their families to seek compensation for the full scope of harm caused by hazing. These “damages” can be categorized as follows:

• Economic Damages: These are quantifiable financial losses:
  • Medical Bills & Future Care: Covering past emergency care, hospitalizations, surgeries, ongoing medical treatments, physical therapy, medications, and, in severe cases, the lifetime cost of care for catastrophic injuries like brain damage or organ failure.
  • Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: Compensation for lost wages due to time off school or work, tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships, delayed entry into a chosen profession, and reduced future earning capacity if injuries lead to permanent disability.
• Non-Economic Damages: These are subjective but legally compensable losses for profound suffering:
  • Physical Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the pain from injuries (e.g., broken bones, burns, internal injuries, rhabdomyolysis) and any chronic or ongoing physical discomfort.
  • Emotional Distress, Trauma, and Humiliation: This includes compensation for the profound psychological harm, such as PTSD, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety, panic attacks, suicidal ideation, and the deep humiliation, shame, fear, and loss of dignity.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation when a victim can no longer participate in activities they once loved, experiences withdrawal from social life or the college experience, or suffers damage to their personal relationships.
• Wrongful Death Damages (for Families): When hazing results in a fatality, eligible family members (spouse, children, parents) can claim:
  • Funeral and burial costs.
  • Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided.
  • Loss of companionship, love, guidance, and society.
  • Their own grief and emotional suffering for the loss.
• Punitive Damages: In specific cases where the defendants’ conduct was particularly reckless, malicious, or demonstrated a conscious disregard for safety, punitive damages may be awarded. These are designed to punish the wrongdoers and deter similar behavior in the future and can significantly increase the total compensation.

We stress that we describe types of damages, not guaranteeing or predicting specific dollar amounts for any case. Each case’s value is distinct, depending on the facts and legal precedents.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing litigation often involves powerful defendants. National fraternities and universities typically carry substantial insurance policies designed to cover such liabilities. However, their insurers frequently argue that hazing or “intentional acts” are excluded from coverage or that the policy doesn’t apply to certain defendants. Attorney911, led by Ralph Manginello and associate attorney Lupe Peña—a former insurance defense lawyer (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/)—possesses unique insight into these tactics. We identify all potential insurance coverage sources, aggressively navigate disputes over exclusions, and leverage our understanding of insurance company playbooks to ensure fair compensation. This complex, multi-party litigation requires sophisticated legal expertise to identify all liable parties and force insurers to uphold their obligations.

Practical Guides & FAQs

When hazing impacts a family in Upton County or elsewhere in Texas, decisive action and informed decisions are critical. We offer these practical guides and FAQs to empower parents, students, and witnesses.

8.1 For Parents

• Warning Signs of Hazing: Be vigilant for changes in your child. These can include unexplained injuries or repeated “accidents” with shifting stories; sudden exhaustion or extreme sleep deprivation; drastic mood changes, anxiety, or social withdrawal; excessive secrecy about their organization’s activities; constant, secretive phone use for group chats; or an expressed fear of missing “mandatory” events. Also watch for sudden financial demands (fines, forced purchases) or academic declines.
• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation empathetically. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with X organization?” rather than accusatory ones. Emphasize that their safety and well-being are paramount, far above any organizational affiliation. Assure them you will support them without judgment, and that they can confide in you.
• If Your Child is Hurt: Prioritize their medical care immediately. Document everything meticulously: take photos of injuries over several days, screenshot relevant texts or social media messages, and write down every detail they share—who, what, when, where. Keep names, dates, and locations.
• Dealing with the University: Document every single communication you have with administrators. Ask specific questions about any prior incidents involving the same organization and what actions the university took or failed to take. Universities may try to minimize or “handle internally,” but you have the right to full disclosure and independent investigation.
• When to Talk to a Lawyer: Consult with an experienced hazing attorney if your child has suffered significant physical or psychological harm, if you feel the university or organization is minimizing or hiding what happened, or if you simply need guidance on navigating this complex situation.

8.2 For Students / Pledges

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition?: Ask yourself: Am I being made to feel unsafe, humiliated, or coerced? Am I forced to drink or endure physical pain? Is this activity kept secret from outsiders or university officials? If you answer yes to any of these, it’s hazing. Remember, if an activity endangers you, it’s hazing, regardless of what some call “tradition.”
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: Despite pressure, your “consent” to hazing is likely not true consent in the eyes of the law. The power dynamics, fear of exclusion, and intense peer pressure in hazing environments mean that any “agreement” is rarely truly voluntary. Texas law explicitly recognizes this invalidation of consent.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the right to leave any organization at any time. If you feel unsafe, get to a secure location (your dorm, a friend’s house, a public area). You can report privately or anonymously through campus channels (Dean of Students, Title IX, campus police), anonymous tip lines, or by contacting a lawyer. If you fear retaliation, report those concerns to university officials.
• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many schools and Texas law offer “medical amnesty” or “good-faith reporter” protections. This means you generally will not be disciplined for underage drinking or involvement in illegal activities if you call for help for someone in distress, including yourself. Prioritize safety—yours and others’.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses

• Acknowledge Your Role (Past or Present): If you were involved in hazing, or witnessed it, it’s natural to feel guilt or fear. However, your testimony and evidence can be pivotal in preventing future harm and saving lives.
• Your Rights and Protections: You may want to seek your own legal advice regarding your potential exposure. An experienced attorney can help navigate your role as a witness, and explain the legal protections (like reporter immunity) available to you if you choose to come forward. Cooperating can be a powerful step toward personal and institutional accountability.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For families from Upton County, or anywhere across Texas, facing a hazing incident, understanding common missteps can save your case:

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence: Parents often fear their child will get into more trouble. However, deleting evidence can be seen as obstruction, making legal action nearly impossible. Instead: Preserve all digital content immediately, even if it’s embarrassing. Attorney911’s video on client mistakes that can destroy a case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY) explains this in detail.
2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly: While your anger is valid, confronting the organization directly immediately prompts them to lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare their defense. Instead: Document everything, then contact a lawyer who can strategize a legal approach.
3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms: Universities may pressure families into signing agreements resolving the matter “internally.” These forms can inadvertently waive your legal rights to pursue a lawsuit, often for a settlement far below the true value of the case. Instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university or organization without having an attorney review it first.
4. Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer: Sharing your story on social media, while emotionally understandable, can be detrimental. Defense attorneys monitor social media, and inconsistencies or statements can be used against you, potentially waiving legal privileges. Instead: Document privately and let your lawyer control any public messaging.
5. Letting Your Child Go Back to “One Last Meeting”: Organizations often invite victims back for a “talk” or “meeting.” This is usually a tactic to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that could harm a future legal case. Instead: Once you’re considering legal action, all communications must go through your lawyer.
6. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”: Universities, especially public ones, operate on their own timelines and sometimes prioritize institutional image over victim advocacy. Evidence vanishes, witnesses graduate, and statutes of limitations can expire. Instead: Preserve all evidence NOW and consult a lawyer immediately. The university’s process is often distinct from real legal accountability.
7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer: Insurance adjusters, even if seemingly friendly, work for the defendant’s insurance company. Their goal is to minimize payouts. Recorded statements can be used against you, and initial settlement offers are often drastically low. Instead: Politely decline to speak with them and state, “My attorney will contact you.”

8.5 Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin benefit from sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, specific Title IX violations, and when individual employees are sued in their personal capacity. Private universities like SMU and Baylor have fewer immunity protections. Every case is fact-dependent—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.
• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  It can be. Under Texas law, hazing is generally a Class B misdemeanor, but it escalates to a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals who are officers of an organization and fail to report hazing can also face criminal charges.
• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  Yes, absolutely. The Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts and juries understand that “agreement” under intense peer pressure, a power imbalance, and fear of social exclusion is not true voluntary consent.
• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  Generally, families have 2 years from the date of injury or death to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit in Texas. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this period if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately apparent. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is incredibly critical in hazing cases because evidence (especially digital) disappears quickly, witnesses graduate, and organizations can destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately for an evaluation, and watch our video about Texas 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 hazing does not eliminate liability for responsible parties. Universities and national fraternities can still be held liable based on their sponsorship of the organization, their control over its members (even off-campus), their knowledge, and the foreseeability of hazing activities. Many significant hazing cases, such as the fatal Pi Delta Psi retreat in Pennsylvania or the Sigma Pi death at an “unofficial” off-campus house, demonstrate that location does not shield accountable organizations from multi-million-dollar judgments.
• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  Most hazing cases are resolved through confidential settlements before going to trial. Our firm prioritizes your family’s privacy and works to negotiate settlement terms that protect your child’s identity while still securing accountability and compensation. We can also seek court orders to seal records in appropriate circumstances.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family faces the devastating impact of hazing at a Texas university, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions—national fraternities, esteemed universities, and their well-funded defense teams—fight back, and critically, how to win anyway. This is where The Manginello Law Firm, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, stands apart.

We are a Houston-based Texas personal injury firm with offices in Austin and Beaumont, offering statewide reach and deep experience in serious injury, wrongful death, and institutional accountability cases. We understand that hazing at Texas universities impacts families in Upton County, its communities like McCamey and Rankin, and across the entire region. Our firm brings unique qualifications to these complex and often emotionally charged cases:

• Insurance Insider Advantage (Lupe Peña): Associate attorney Lupe Peña brings invaluable insight, having previously worked as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. She knows precisely how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and often undervalue) hazing claims. She anticipates their delay tactics, their arguments for coverage exclusions, and their settlement strategies because she used to be on their side. This intimate knowledge allows us to effectively counter their maneuvers and fight for full and fair compensation. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney is detailed further at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.
• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello): Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello (whose complete credentials can be found at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/), possesses a unique track record in complex litigation. He was one of the few Texas firms involved in the massive BP Texas City explosion litigation and has extensive experience in federal courts, including the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This experience means we are not intimidated by taking on billion-dollar corporations, national fraternities with vast resources, or powerful universities and their entrenched legal teams. We know how to build a case that forces accountability from the most formidable defendants.
• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have a proven track record of securing multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We work diligently with economists and medical experts to accurately value a life, calculate future medical and care needs (especially for brain injuries or permanent disabilities), and ensure that settlements truly reflect the profound losses suffered. We don’t settle cheap; we build cases that compel true accountability. Attorney911 has extensive wrongful death experience, which can be explored further at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.
• Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the prestigious Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides a distinct advantage. We understand the intricate interplay between criminal hazing charges (which can be state jail felonies in Texas) and parallel civil litigation. This dual perspective allows us to advise not only victims but also witnesses or former members who may face criminal exposure while seeking to cooperate in a civil case. Our firm’s criminal defense expertise can be found at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/.
• Investigative Depth: We investigate hazing cases like lives depend on it—because they do. This includes deploying a comprehensive network of experts, from digital forensics specialists capable of recovering deleted group chats and social media evidence, to medical professionals, economists, and psychologists who can quantify the physical and emotional damages. We utilize public records requests and legal discovery to uncover national fraternity records that show prior incidents and force universities to release internal files.

We understand not just the legal mechanics, but the nuanced culture of how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments often operate behind closed doors. We know how to expose the secrecy, prove coercion, and challenge institutional indifference. We approach every case with empathy, knowing this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We focus on thorough investigation and real results, not just quick settlements.

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether it’s the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or another institution—we want to hear from you. Families in Upton County and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers and accountability.

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

What to expect in your free consultation:

• We will listen to your story with empathy and without judgment.
• We will review any evidence you have, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
• We will explain your legal options, discussing whether a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or neither is appropriate for your situation.
• We will discuss realistic timelines and what to expect throughout the legal process.
• We will answer your questions about costs upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t get paid unless we win your case. You can watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.
• There is no pressure to hire us on the spot—take the time you need to make an informed decision.
• Everything you tell us is strictly confidential.

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

Call us today.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Legal Emergency Lawyers™
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 – Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

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