Hazing at Texas Universities: A Comprehensive Legal Guide for Village of Vinton Families

If Your Child Was Hazed in Texas, You Are Not Alone

We know that moment. Your child comes home from college changed. Maybe they’re exhausted in a way that sleep doesn’t fix. Perhaps they have unexplained bruises or seem anxious, jumping at every phone notification. They might brush off your questions with vague answers about “tradition” or “team bonding.” For a parent in Village of Vinton, living in the quiet expanse of El Paso County, the realization that your child—the one you sent to a Texas university for a bright future—might be suffering abuse in the name of belonging is a devastating, isolating fear. The geographic distance between our small community and the large campuses across Texas can make this crisis feel insurmountable.

Right now, in Houston, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered catastrophic injuries, including acute kidney failure, after enduring brutal hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. His “pledge fanny pack” humiliation, forced overconsumption of food, and extreme physical workouts led to him passing brown urine and being hospitalized for four days. This is not a story from decades past; this is a $10 million lawsuit filed in late 2025 that we are actively litigating. When we say we understand what Village of Vinton families face, we are showing you the evidence in real time.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Village of Vinton, El Paso County, and throughout West Texas who need answers, clarity, and a path forward. We will explain what modern hazing truly looks like, break down Texas and federal law, connect national patterns to what’s happening at universities across our state, and show you how a dedicated legal team builds a case for accountability. Whether your child attends UTEP here in our region or has ventured to UT Austin, Texas A&M, or any other Texas campus, the legal principles and fight for justice are the same.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies

If you are reading this because you suspect or know your child is being hazed, time is critical.

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

• Call 911 for any medical emergency.
• Then call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. We are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ for a reason.

In the First 48 Hours:

• Get Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor or your child resists, seek medical evaluation. Conditions like rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) may not show symptoms immediately.
• Preserve Evidence BEFORE It Disappears:
  • Screenshot all group chats, texts, and DMs immediately. Use your phone to photograph your child’s phone screen if needed.
  • Photograph any injuries from multiple angles.
  • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, paddles, props).
• Document Everything: Write down who, what, when, and where while memories are fresh.
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or team directly.
  • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company.
  • Post details on public social media.
  • Allow messages to be deleted or evidence to be “cleaned up.”

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24-48 hours. Evidence vanishes quickly—deleted messages, coached witnesses, destroyed property. Universities often move swiftly to control narratives. We can help you navigate this crisis from the start. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a confidential, immediate consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like Beyond the Stereotypes

Hazing is not a relic of 1980s movie tropes. It has evolved, becoming more digitally pervasive and psychologically complex, while the old dangers of physical abuse and alcohol poisoning remain. For Village of Vinton parents whose own college experiences may be decades past, understanding the modern reality is the first step to protecting your child.

A Clear, Modern Definition

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, maintaining membership, or gaining status within a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health or subjects someone to humiliation or exploitation. A student’s initial “agreement” does not make it safe or legal when power imbalances, peer pressure, and fear of social exclusion are at play.

The Main Categories of Modern Hazing

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the single most common and deadly form. It includes forced drinking games like “lineups” or “century clubs,” coerced consumption of entire bottles of liquor during “Big/Little” reveals, and being pressured to ingest unknown or dangerous concoctions. The goal is often rapid intoxication, not social drinking.

Physical Hazing
This extends beyond paddling to include extreme, punitive calisthenics known as “smokings” (hundreds of push-ups, wall-sits until collapse), sleep deprivation for days, exposure to extreme elements, and “kidnapping” or restraint rituals.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This involves forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes or positions, and acts laden with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones designed to strip away dignity.

Psychological Hazing
This includes verbal abuse, isolation from friends and family, threat-making, forced confessions, and public shaming in meetings or online.

Digital Hazing
This is the new frontier. It encompasses 24/7 surveillance via group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord), forced participation in humiliating social media “challenges,” geo-tracking demands, and the coercion to create or share compromising digital content.

Where Hazing Happens

It is a myth that hazing only occurs in fraternities. At Texas universities, we see it in:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural councils)
• Corps of Cadets, ROTC, and military-style groups
• Athletic Teams, from football to cheerleading
• Spirit and Tradition Organizations (like the Texas Cowboys)
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups
• Some academic, service, and cultural clubs

The common thread is a dynamic where “tradition” is used to justify abuse, and secrecy is enforced to protect the group’s status.

Law & Liability Framework: Texas and Federal Law Explained

Understanding the legal landscape is crucial for Village of Vinton families. Texas has specific statutes, and federal law adds important layers of protection and obligation.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code Chapter 37)

Texas law defines hazing broadly and treats it seriously.

The Definition (Plain English):
Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed at a student for the purpose of joining, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization. The act must endanger the student’s mental or physical health or safety. Crucially, § 37.155 states that the victim’s “consent” is not a defense.

Criminal Penalties:

• Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that does not cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine).
• Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing that causes injury requiring medical treatment.
• State Jail Felony: Hazing that causes serious bodily injury or death.
  Individuals can also be charged for failing to report hazing or for retaliating against someone who does report.

Organizational Liability:
Organizations themselves can be criminally prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged the hazing, or if an officer knew about it and failed to report it.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

It is vital to understand the distinction, as both can often proceed simultaneously.

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by: The State (District Attorney’s office).
• Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation).
• Charges may include: Hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to a minor, manslaughter in fatal cases.

Civil Cases:

• Brought by: The victim or their family.
• Goal: Monetary compensation for damages and institutional accountability.
• Legal Theories include: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
  A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. The civil burden of proof—“preponderance of the evidence”—is lower than the criminal “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard.

Federal Law Overlay: Title IX, Clery, and the Stop Campus Hazing Act

Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, a university’s Title IX obligations are triggered, providing another avenue for investigation and accountability.

The Clery Act: Requires universities to report certain crime statistics, which can include hazing-related assaults or alcohol crimes.

The Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This new federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently, strengthen prevention programs, and maintain public hazing data. This will increase visibility into patterns starting around 2026.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Liability often extends beyond the individuals who directly inflicted harm.

1. Individual Students: Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or participated in a cover-up.
2. The Local Chapter: The fraternity, sorority, or club itself as a legal entity.
3. National Headquarters: Can be liable based on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents nationwide and their failure to adequately supervise and enforce policies.
4. The University or Governing Board: May face liability for negligent supervision, deliberate indifference to a known risk, or premises liability. Sovereign immunity for public universities like UTEP or Texas A&M has exceptions, particularly for gross negligence.
5. Third Parties: Landlords of off-campus houses, bars that overserved alcohol (under Texas Dram Shop law), and event security companies.

National Hazing Case Patterns: The Anchor Stories That Shape the Law

Major national cases have set legal precedents, driven legislative change, and shown families what is possible in the pursuit of justice. These are not abstract stories; they are the blueprint for how we approach cases for Village of Vinton families.

The Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

This is the most tragically common script.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): A bid-acceptance night led to a 19-year-old consuming a deadly amount of alcohol, falling multiple times on chapter house security cameras. Brothers delayed calling for help for 12 hours. The case resulted in over 1,000 criminal charges, massive civil settlements, and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): A “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking led to Max’s death from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%). The case spurred Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, creating felony hazing penalties.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): During a “Big/Little” event, the 20-year-old pledge was forced to drink a bottle of liquor. He died from alcohol poisoning. His family reached a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). The chapter president was also ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Another “Big Brother” night, another handle of liquor, another death. This case led to FSU suspending all Greek life and Pi Kappa Phi shutting down its chapter.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): At a fraternity retreat, the pledge was blindfolded, weighted with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled in a “glass ceiling” ritual. He died from traumatic brain injury. In a landmark ruling, the national fraternity was criminally convicted of assault and manslaughter and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football Scandal (2023-2025): This case shattered the myth that hazing is confined to Greek life. Players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the football program, leading to multiple lawsuits, the firing of the head coach, and confidential settlements with the university.

What These Cases Mean for Village of Vinton Families: These national precedents prove that institutions can be held accountable. They show the common threads: forced consumption, delayed help, institutional knowledge, and cover-up cultures. They also demonstrate that multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts are possible, and that such cases can drive systemic change to protect future students.

Texas University Focus: Where Village of Vinton Families Send Their Kids

For families in Village of Vinton and El Paso County, the college journey often leads to campuses across our vast state. Understanding the specific landscape, policies, and histories of these universities is critical. Our firm maintains deep intelligence on Texas campuses, leveraging public records and investigative resources to build cases.

Public Records: The Texas Greek Ecosystem

We operate a Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, tracking over 1,400 Greek-related organizations across 25 metros. For families, this means we don’t start from scratch; we begin with data. Below is a snapshot of the kind of public records directory we maintain, showing the complex web of entities behind campus Greek life.

A Snapshot of Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Filings):

• KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC | EIN: 133048786 | 3007 EARL RUDDER FWY S, COLLEGE STATION, TX 77845
• BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC | EIN: 462267515 | 10601 BIG HORN TRL, FRISCO, TX 75035
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 383742830 | 500 W UNIVERSITY AVE, EL PASO, TX 79968 (UTEP Chapter)
• SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER | EIN: 746084905 | 4300 MARTIN LUTHER KING BLVD, HOUSTON, TX 77204
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 475370943 | 5019 CALHOUN RD, HOUSTON, TX 77204
• TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC | EIN: 741380362 | PO BOX 470061, FORT WORTH, TX 76147

These entities—housing corporations, alumni chapters, educational foundations—often hold insurance policies and can be crucial targets for liability in a lawsuit.

Where Village of Vinton Students Go: Campus Snapshots

Our focus here is on the universities most relevant to Texas families, including those in the El Paso region.

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) – For Our Local Community

• Campus & Culture: As the major research university in our own El Paso County, UTEP is where many Village of Vinton students begin their higher education journey. It has active Greek life and student organizations.
• Hazing Policy & Reporting: UTEP prohibits hazing as defined by Texas law. Reports can be made to the Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct, or UTEP Police.
• Local Context: For Village of Vinton families, a hazing incident at UTEP would involve local jurisdiction—El Paso County courts and the UTEP Police Department. The proximity means families can be directly involved in the legal process more easily. We help navigate these local systems.

Texas A&M University – A Statewide Destination

• Campus & Culture: A flagship with a powerful tradition-centric culture, including a large Corps of Cadets and one of the nation’s largest Greek systems.
• Documented Incidents & History:
  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges alleged being doused with substances including industrial cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts. The chapter was suspended, and lawsuits were filed.
  • Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A cadet alleged degrading hazing, including being bound in a “roasted pig” position. The case sought over $1 million in damages.
• What A&M Families Should Know: The intersection of Greek and Corps traditions can create high-risk environments. The university’s response often involves both Student Conduct and Corps-specific regulations.

University of Texas at Austin – A Hub of Greek Life

• Campus & Culture: UT Austin hosts one of the largest and most historic Greek systems in the South.
• Notable Transparency: UT maintains a public Hazing Violations page, a resource we use to establish patterns.
  • Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): Sanctioned for directing new members to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics.
  • Various spirit groups and fraternities have been sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol hazing, and psychological abuse.
• Legal Strategy Insight: This public record of prior violations is a powerful tool in civil litigation to prove an organization’s or university’s knowledge of recurring problems.

University of Houston – The Scene of Our Active Litigation

• Campus & Culture: A large, diverse urban campus with a significant Greek presence.
• The Leonel Bermudez Case (Active, 2025): We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against UH, the Pi Kappa Phi national organization, its housing corporation, and 13 individual members. The hazing included the “pledge fanny pack” humiliation, forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, hose spraying “similar to waterboarding,” and extreme workouts that caused rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, leading to a four-day hospitalization. The chapter was suspended and surrendered its charter.
• Why This Matters to You: This case is live proof of our firm’s deep immersion in complex, high-stakes Texas hazing litigation. We are in the trenches right now against a major university and national fraternity.

Southern Methodist University & Baylor University

• Private School Dynamics: As private institutions, SMU and Baylor have their own conduct processes but are still subject to Texas criminal hazing law and federal statutes like Title IX.
• Historical Context: Both have faced public scrutiny over organizational misconduct (Baylor’s athletic scandal, SMU’s Greek life incidents), which informs how they respond to allegations.

For families in Village of Vinton, the key takeaway is that no Texas university is immune. The legal strategies we employ—from investigating national patterns to negotiating with university counsel—are honed across this entire landscape.

Fraternity & Sorority National Histories: Why Patterns Matter

When we take on a case involving a specific fraternity or sorority at a Texas school, our investigation immediately looks beyond the campus. We examine the national organization’s history because patterns of similar conduct across the country can establish crucial legal concepts like foreseeability and negligent supervision.

The National Playbook: Repeating Tragedies

National headquarters create anti-hazing policies precisely because they have seen the deadly consequences. When a local chapter repeats a known, dangerous “tradition,” it can indicate the national organization failed to adequately train, supervise, or enforce its own rules.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): Has been involved in multiple deaths and severe injury cases nationwide, leading to its national nickname “Same Accident Everywhere.” This pattern makes it harder for their national headquarters to claim any incident at a Texas chapter was an unforeseeable, rogue event.

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): The national organization has faced multi-million dollar settlements in the Stone Foltz case and others. Their “Big/Little” drinking ritual has proven fatal multiple times, establishing a clear pattern of risk.

Pi Kappa Phi: The national organization is a defendant in our active UH case involving Leonel Bermudez. They also faced the Andrew Coffey death at Florida State. This repeated pattern of severe physical and alcohol hazing is central to our litigation strategy.

Phi Delta Theta: The Max Gruver case at LSU created a template for how forced drinking games lead to tragedy and institutional liability.

Legal Strategy: Connecting the Dots

In court, we use this pattern evidence to argue:

1. The national organization knew or should have known this type of hazing was a foreseeable risk within its chapters.
2. Its policies and training were inadequate or poorly enforced.
3. It failed to exercise reasonable care in supervising its local chapter.
   This broadens the scope of liability and strengthens our position for achieving a settlement or verdict that truly reflects the gravity of the harm and the need for systemic change.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategic Focus

Pursuing a hazing case is a methodical, evidence-intensive process. For Village of Vinton families, understanding what goes into building a strong claim can demystify the legal journey ahead.

The Evidence Imperative: Digital is Everything

Modern hazing lives on smartphones. Our evidence collection prioritizes:

• Digital Communications: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, and fraternity-specific apps. We work with digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages when necessary.
• Photos & Videos: Content filmed by perpetrators themselves is often the most damning evidence. We also seek security footage from houses, dorms, and nearby businesses.
• Internal Documents: Pledge manuals, “tradition” lists, emails between officers, and national risk management policies obtained through discovery.
• University Records: Prior conduct violations for the same organization, obtained via public records requests or litigation discovery. This proves a pattern of known issues.
• Medical & Psychological Records: Documentation of physical injuries (ER reports, lab results for conditions like rhabdomyolysis) and diagnoses of PTSD, depression, or anxiety.

Understanding Damages: What Can Be Recovered

Civil lawsuits seek to make the victim “whole” through monetary compensation. Damages in hazing cases generally fall into two categories:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

• Past and future medical expenses (ER, hospitalization, surgery, therapy)
• Lost wages and diminished future earning capacity (if injuries affect career)
• Educational costs (lost tuition, missed semesters)

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real Harm):

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• In wrongful death cases: funeral costs, loss of companionship, and family’s emotional anguish

Our firm collaborates with life-care planners, economists, and medical experts to accurately project lifetime costs for catastrophic injuries, ensuring settlements or verdicts account for the true, long-term impact on a young person’s life.

Navigating Insurance and Institutional Defenses

Fraternities, sororities, and universities carry insurance, but insurers often argue hazing is an “intentional act” excluded from coverage. Our advantage lies in Attorney Lupe Peña’s background. Mr. Peña, a male attorney who uses he/him pronouns, spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows the exact tactics insurers use to deny or minimize claims—the reserve-setting formulas, the use of biased “independent” medical exams, the delay strategies. We use this insider knowledge to anticipate and counter these moves, fighting to maximize the recovery available for our clients.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Village of Vinton Parents and Students

For Parents: A Step-by-Step Action Plan

Warning Signs:

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns.
• Extreme exhaustion, sleep deprivation.
• Sudden secrecy about group activities; fear of phone notifications.
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal.
• Drastic drop in grades.
• Unexplained financial charges (for alcohol, props, “fines”).

How to Talk to Your Child:
Ask open, non-judgmental questions: “How are things really going with the [group]?” “Is anything making you uncomfortable?” “Are you able to say no if you want to?” Listen more than you speak.

If You Suspect Hazing:

1. Prioritize safety and medical care.
2. Preserve Evidence: Help your child screenshot messages and photograph injuries.
3. Document everything in a dated journal.
4. Consult a Lawyer Before Reporting: We can advise on how to report to the university or police in a way that protects your child’s rights and preserves evidence.
5. Do Not confront the group, sign university forms, or post on social media.

For Students: Is This Hazing? Your Rights.

Self-Assessment: If an activity feels coercive, dangerous, or degrading, and is tied to your membership status, it is likely hazing. Your initial “yes” under social pressure does not make it legal or safe.

Exiting Safely:
Your physical safety comes first. If you feel in danger, call 911. To leave a group, send a clear written resignation (email/text) to the leadership. You have the legal right to quit at any time. If you fear retaliation, report that fear to campus police and the Dean of Students.

Reporting:
You can report to campus authorities (Dean of Students, Title IX), local police, or anonymously via the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE). Texas law offers protections for good-faith reporters.

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin a Case

1. Deleting Evidence: Messages seem embarrassing, but they are the cornerstone of a case. Preserve them.
2. Confronting the Group: This triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching.
3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms: These often contain waivers of your right to sue.
4. Posting on Social Media: Defense attorneys scour social media for inconsistencies.
5. Waiting for the University to “Handle It.” Internal processes are not designed for victim compensation or full accountability. The civil statute of limitations clock is ticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can we sue the university in Texas?”
Yes. While public universities have some sovereign immunity, exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing employees in their personal capacity. Every case is fact-specific, which is why an early legal consultation is vital.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
Yes, if it causes serious bodily injury or death, it is a state jail felony under Texas Education Code § 37.152.

“My child ‘agreed’ to it. Do we have a case?”
Absolutely. Texas law (§ 37.155) explicitly states that the victim’s consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that consent under peer pressure and power imbalance is not voluntary.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally, two years from the date of injury or death in Texas. However, complexities like the “discovery rule” or fraudulent concealment by the defendants can affect this. Do not wait. Evidence and memories fade.

“Will my child’s name be public?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize our clients’ privacy and can seek protective orders to seal court filings.

Why Choose The Manginello Law Firm / Attorney911 for Your Hazing Case

When your family faces the trauma of hazing, you need advocates who understand both the profound human cost and the complex legal battlefield. You need more than a generic personal injury firm; you need specialists who know how powerful institutions fight and how to win anyway. From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including those right here in Village of Vinton and El Paso County.

Our Proven Advantage for Hazing Cases

1. Active, High-Stakes Litigation Experience:
We are not theorizing about hazing law; we are practicing it at the highest level. Our lead role in the Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case proves we have the skill and determination to take on a major university and national fraternity in a multi-million dollar fight. This is your local proof of capability.

2. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Defense Tactics:
Associate Attorney Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney for national firms. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers value claims, deploy delay tactics, and argue coverage exclusions. We know their playbook because Mr. Peña used to run it. This insider edge is invaluable in maximizing your recovery.

3. Complex Institutional Litigation Credentials:
Managing Partner Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas plaintiff attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation. We have faced billion-dollar defendants with limitless legal budgets. Universities and national fraternities do not intimidate us. We have federal court experience and a network of expert witnesses ready to deploy.

4. Data-Driven Investigation:
We don’t start investigations from zero. We use our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—built from IRS filings, university records, and metro-level data—to immediately map the ecosystem of liable entities behind any campus organization. We know how to find the housing corporations, alumni associations, and insurance policies that others might miss.

5. Empathetic, Victim-Centered Advocacy:
We understand that this is about more than money. It’s about accountability, prevention, and helping your family heal. We guide you through every step with clarity and compassion, keeping you informed and empowered.

Your Path Forward Starts With a Confidential Conversation

If hazing has hurt your child and your family, you do not have to navigate this alone. The institutions involved have teams of lawyers; you deserve dedicated, experienced advocates on your side.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911) today for a free, confidential case evaluation.

We will listen to your story, explain your legal options in clear terms, and help you make the best decision for your family’s future. There is no obligation, and we work on a contingency fee basis—you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case.

• Call us 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct Line: (713) 528-9070
• Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
• Se habla Español: Mr. Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish-language legal services.

We serve families in Village of Vinton, throughout El Paso County, and across the state of Texas. Let us help you fight for the justice and accountability your family deserves.

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
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com