Texas Hazing: A Comprehensive Guide for Wylie Families on Law, Liability, and Accountability

The phone rings late, a frantic voice on the other end, telling you your child, a bright student from our community here in Wylie, Texas, is in the emergency room. They were at an “initiation event” with their fraternity or a student group at a Texas university – perhaps up the road at SMU, or down in College Station, or Houston, or over in Austin – and something went terribly wrong. Maybe they drank too much under pressure, were forced into dangerous physical activities, or suffered humiliation that crossed a line. Now, they’re hurt, scared, and confused. The group is closing ranks, deleting messages, and telling everyone involved to keep quiet. Your child, far from their home in Wylie, feels trapped between loyalty to a group and their own safety.

This isn’t just a hypothetical scenario; it’s a harsh reality that families in Wylie and across Texas face every year. Hazing, in its modern forms, is often far more dangerous and insidious than the “pranks” of past generations. It can lead to severe injuries, profound psychological trauma, and, tragically, even death. When it happens, parents in Rockwall County and beyond are left with questions: What exactly happened? Why did no one stop it? And what can we do?

We understand these questions, and we at The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (also known as Attorney911) are here to provide answers. This comprehensive guide is designed specifically for families in Wylie, Rockwall County, and all surrounding communities, and throughout Texas who are navigating the devastating impact of hazing. We will explore:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, moving beyond outdated stereotypes.
• The specifics of Texas law regarding hazing, including both criminal charges and civil liability.
• Key national hazing cases that have shaped the legal landscape and what they mean for Texas families.
• A focused look at prominent Texas universities – including the University of Houston (UH), Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin (UT), Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Baylor University – examining their policies and documented incidents.
• Connecting local chapter conduct to the broader national histories of fraternities and sororities.
• How we build a robust legal case against hazing, from gathering crucial evidence to pursuing damages and demanding accountability.
• Practical, actionable advice for parents, students, and witnesses on how to recognize, respond to, and report hazing safely.

While this article offers general information and insights, it is not a substitute for personalized legal advice. The Manginello Law Firm can evaluate individual cases based on their specific facts. Our Houston-based firm serves families throughout Texas, including here in Wylie, Rockwall County, and the broader Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, reaching out to communities like Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Garland, and Richardson. We are committed to helping victims and their families seek justice and prevent future harm.

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.”
  • Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
    • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately.
    • Photograph injuries from multiple angles.
    • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects).
  • Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where).
  • Do NOT:
    • Confront the fraternity/sorority.
    • Sign anything from the university or insurance company.
    • Post details on public social media.
    • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence.

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

  • Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses).
  • Universities move quickly to control the narrative.
  • We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights.
  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For families in Wylie and beyond, the image of hazing might be stuck in decades past – a harmless paddle tap, a minor prank designed to build camaraderie. The reality in 2025 is far more sinister and dangerous. Modern hazing rituals are often physically brutal, psychologically tormenting, and enabled by digital technology, pushing individuals to their breaking point and beyond. It’s critical to understand the true nature of these activities to protect students heading off to colleges like SMU in Dallas, or the large university campuses of Austin, College Station, and Houston.

Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

At its core, hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, and occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Crucially, “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal. When there’s immense peer pressure, a power imbalance between new and older members, and a strong desire to belong, true consent is often impossible. The law, and basic human decency, recognize that forcing someone into dangerous or humiliating acts under duress is wrong, regardless of their coerced participation.

Main Categories of Hazing

Hazing comes in many forms, often escalating from subtle manipulation to outright violence. For Wylie parents, knowing these categories is the first step toward recognizing a problem.

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is the most common and often deadliest form of hazing. It involves forced or coerced drinking, often excessive and rapid. This can manifest as chugging challenges, “lineups” where pledges are forced to consume multiple drinks quickly, or games designed to ensure high levels of intoxication. Sometimes, new members are pressured to consume unknown substances or dangerous mixes, leading to alcohol poisoning, blackouts, and other serious medical emergencies. The tragic deaths of Stone Foltz, Andrew Coffey, and Max Gruver all stemmed from alcohol hazing.

• Physical Hazing: Far from harmless, physical hazing can include outright beatings and paddling. It also encompasses extreme calisthenics, “workouts,” or “smokings” that push individuals far beyond their safe physical limits, sometimes resulting in rhabdomyolysis or severe muscle breakdown. Sleep deprivation, food or water deprivation, and exposure to extreme cold or heat, or other dangerous environments, are also common tactics. These activities are designed to break down a new member, wearing them physically and mentally.

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This deeply disturbing category involves forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (like “elephant walks” or “roasted pig” positions), and other degrading acts, often performed in front of older members. It can also include acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones, slurs, and forced role-playing of humiliating stereotypes. These acts inflict severe psychological trauma that can last a lifetime.

• Psychological Hazing: Often overlooked but incredibly damaging, psychological hazing uses verbal abuse, threats, and isolation to control new members. This can involve manipulation, forced confessions of personal secrets, and public shaming during meetings or on social media. The constant fear of “getting it wrong,” the pressure to conform, and the deliberate erosion of self-esteem leave lasting scars.

• Digital/Online Hazing: In our interconnected world, hazing has evolved to exploit technology. This includes group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation via platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Discord. New members may be pressured to create or share compromising images or videos, or be the subject of such content posted by others. Monitoring of group chats and constant, demanding digital communication at all hours contributes to sleep deprivation and intense psychological pressure. Often, pledges are forced to install geo-tracking apps, effectively putting them under 24/7 surveillance by older members.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

It’s crucial for Wylie families to understand that hazing isn’t confined to a single type of student organization. While often associated with traditional fraternities and sororities, hazing is a widespread problem that impacts:

• Fraternities and Sororities: This includes Greek letter organizations across all councils – Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural Greek councils.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: Organizations with a hierarchical structure and emphasis on tradition can also be environments where hazing occurs, often disguised as “training” or “discipline.”
• Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs: Groups like cheerleading teams, dance teams, and university spirit organizations have been implicated in hazing incidents.
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to baseball and track, collegiate athletic teams are not immune to hazing, sometimes involving intense physical abuse or highly ritualized degradation.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous groups like marching bands and theater clubs have documented histories of hazing.
• Some Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Any group with an “initiation” or “new member” process can potentially develop hazing practices.

The common thread across all these groups is the powerful influence of social status, tradition, and secrecy. These elements create an environment where dangerous practices are perpetuated, often with new members feeling immense pressure to endure the abuse to “earn” their place, even when they know hazing is formally prohibited.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For a family in Wylie whose child has been harmed by hazing, understanding the legal landscape in Texas is paramount. Hazing is not just a campus disciplinary issue; it is a serious legal matter with criminal and civil implications.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has specific, robust anti-hazing provisions outlined in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. These laws are designed to protect students and hold perpetrators and institutions accountable.

Texas Education Code § 37.151. Definition:
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student, that:

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

This definition makes several critical points for Wylie families:

• Location doesn’t matter: Hazing is illegal whether it happens on university property, at an off-campus house in a neighborhood like Oak Point, or at a remote ranch outside of Rockwall.
• Harm beyond physical injury: It encompasses damage to mental health as well, recognizing the profound psychological impact of humiliation, isolation, and abuse.
• Intent doesn’t have to be malicious: Even if perpetrators didn’t “mean” to cause serious harm, if their actions were reckless (meaning they knew or should have known the risk and disregarded it), it still constitutes hazing.
• “Consent” is not a defense: As we will discuss further, Texas law explicitly states that a victim’s “agreement” to participate is not a legal defense.

Texas Education Code § 37.152. Criminal Penalties:
Individuals and organizations involved in hazing can face criminal charges:

• Hazing that does not cause serious bodily injury is generally a Class B misdemeanor (punishable by up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,000).
• If hazing causes injury that requires medical treatment, it can be a Class A misdemeanor.
• Crucially, if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a state jail felony (punishable by 180 days to two years in a state jail facility and/or a fine up to $10,000).
• Furthermore, if you are a student and you know about hazing and fail to report it, you could face criminal charges. Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor.

Texas Education Code § 37.153. Organizational Liability:
Beyond individual liability, organizations themselves can be held criminally responsible for hazing if they authorized or encouraged the hazing, or if an officer or member acting in an official capacity knew about the hazing and failed to report it. Penalties for organizations can include fines up to $10,000 per violation. A university can also revoke recognition and ban the organization from campus, as has happened at every major Texas university.

Texas Education Code § 37.154. Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:
Texas law explicitly provides that a person who reports a hazing incident in good faith to university officials or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability stemming from that report. This protection aims to encourage reporting, though students often still face social apprehension. Additionally, in many medical emergencies, Texas law and university policies may offer amnesty for students who call 911, even if underage drinking or other minor offenses were involved.

Texas Education Code § 37.155. Consent Not a Defense:
This is a critical provision that Wylie families need to understand. It is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity. This directly combats the common defense that “they wanted to do it.” When our firm handles hazing cases across Texas, from the Gulf Coast to the Panhandle, and right here in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, this statute is a cornerstone of our efforts to achieve justice.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

It’s important to distinguish between criminal and civil legal actions, both of which can arise from hazing incidents.

• Criminal Cases: These are brought by the State of Texas (through a county prosecutor) against individuals or organizations accused of violating hazing statutes or other related criminal laws. The goal is punishment—such as jail time, fines, or probation. In hazing scenarios, common criminal charges include the specific hazing offense, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, or, in the most tragic cases, involuntary manslaughter or negligent homicide. Ralph Manginello’s background, including his membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), means our firm has a deep understanding of criminal defense strategies and how criminal cases intersect with civil liability.

• Civil Cases: These are initiated by victims or their surviving families against individuals, organizations, and institutions (like universities) to seek monetary compensation for their injuries and losses, and to hold those responsible accountable. The focus of civil lawsuits is generally on:

  • Negligence and Gross Negligence: Did a party fail in their duty to protect the student, and did that failure cause harm?
  • Wrongful Death: When hazing leads to a fatality, families can seek compensation for their profound loss.
  • Negligent Hiring/Supervision: Did an institution fail to properly vet or oversee its employees, student leaders, or organizations?
  • Premises Liability: Did a property owner fail to maintain a safe environment?
  • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For severe psychological harm.

Crucially, a criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for a civil case. A victim or family can pursue civil action even if criminal charges are never filed or result in acquittal. The burdens of proof and legal standards are different.

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

Beyond Texas law, federal regulations also play a role in addressing hazing on college campuses.

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This new federal law requires colleges and universities that receive federal funding to be more transparent about hazing incidents. By around 2026, institutions will need to publicly report hazing data and implement stronger hazing education and prevention programs. This increased transparency will be crucial for families in Wylie deciding where to send their children to college, allowing them to assess a school’s actual hazing record, not just its public promises.

• Title IX / Clery Act: Federal laws primarily designed to address sexual harassment and campus safety can also come into play with hazing. If hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or creates a sexually hostile environment, Title IX obligations may be triggered, requiring universities to investigate and respond. The Clery Act mandates that universities disclose campus crime statistics, and hazing incidents that involve assault, alcohol or drug violations, or other crimes must be factored into these reports.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

When a student from Wylie is harmed by hazing, our legal team at Attorney911 investigates every potential party that might share responsibility. This multi-layered approach is often necessary, as accountability can span individuals and large institutions.

• Individual Students: The students who directly planned, supplied alcohol, carried out the hazing acts, or actively participated in a cover-up can be held personally liable. This includes “pledge educators,” chapter officers, and even general members. The case of Daylen Dunson, the president of the Pi Kappa Alpha chapter at Bowling Green State, who was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million to the Stone Foltz family, clearly demonstrates that individual officers can face massive personal liability, not just organizations.
• Local Chapter / Organization: The immediate fraternity, sorority, or student club itself (if it’s a legal entity) can be sued. This can include the student leaders and officers acting in their official capacities.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: Most Greek organizations have national headquarters with significant power, resources, and policies. Our firm routinely pursues national organizations, arguing liability based on:
  • Negligent Supervision: Failing to adequately oversee local chapters, especially if they knew about a history of hazing.
  • Constructive Knowledge/Pattern Evidence: If similar hazing incidents occurred at other chapters or the national organization failed to effectively enforce its own anti-hazing policies, they had knowledge of the risks.
  • Providing Enabling Resources: Supplying training, manuals, or financial support to chapters that ultimately led to hazing.
• University or Governing Board: The college or university can be held liable under various negligence theories. Key factors include:
  • Foreseeability: Did the university know or should it have known about hazing within the organization or at that location?
  • Failure to Enforce Policies: Did the university have anti-hazing policies but consistently fail to enforce them or punish violations?
  • Deliberate Indifference: Especially in Title IX cases, did the university ignore known risks of harassment or abuse?
  • While public universities like the University of Houston or Texas A&M have some sovereign immunity protection under Texas law, exceptions for gross negligence or Title IX violations and the ability to sue individual employees in their personal capacity mean accountability is still possible. Private universities like SMU and Baylor have fewer immunity protections.
• Third Parties: In some cases, others might share liability:
  • Landlords/Property Owners: If hazing occurred on their property and they had knowledge of, or enabled, dangerous activities.
  • Bars or Alcohol Providers: Under “dram shop laws” if they served alcohol to obviously intoxicated individuals or minors before a hazing incident.

Every hazing case has its own unique facts, and not every party listed above will be liable in every situation. Our experienced legal team meticulously investigates each case to identify all potential avenues for accountability.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

While our focus is on protecting Wylie families and addressing hazing across Texas universities, it is crucial to understand the national landscape that informs these local fights for justice. Major hazing cases across the country have established critical legal precedents, exposed patterns of institutional negligence, and driven legislative change. These “anchor stories” demonstrate the serious consequences of unchecked hazing and what is possible when victims and their families press for accountability.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

The most common and consistently tragic outcome of hazing is death by acute alcohol poisoning. Organizations often pressure new members to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol, leading to predictable and devastating results.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died after a “bid acceptance” night where he was forced to consume copious amounts of alcohol. Fraternity surveillance cameras captured his horrific falls, and the agonizing 12-hour delay in calling for help by his fraternity brothers. This case led to dozens of criminal charges, significant civil litigation, and the powerful Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania, a blueprint for felony hazing statutes. For Wylie families, this case highlights how a culture of silence cultivated by an organization directly contributes to tragedy and leads to severe legal consequences.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): During a “Big Brother Night,” Andrew Coffey, a freshman pledge, was reportedly forced to consume an entire handle of liquor and died from acute alcohol poisoning. This incident prompted Florida State University to temporarily suspend all Greek life and overhaul its policies. Multiple fraternity members were prosecuted. Coffey’s case underscores how dangerous “initiation traditions” involving forced alcohol consumption are not isolated incidents but repeated, deadly scripts.
• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver died with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.495% after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game where pledges were forced to drink heavily whenever they answered questions incorrectly. This tragedy directly led to the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, making felony hazing a reality in the state. The $6.1 million verdict against certain members and their insurance, along with confidential settlements, sends a clear message: legislative change often follows public outrage fueled by clear evidence of egregious hazing.
• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): During a “Big/Little” reveal event, 20-year-old Stone Foltz was forced to consume an entire bottle of whiskey. He died shortly after from alcohol poisoning. Multiple criminal convictions followed for fraternity members involved in his death. In 2023, Stone’s family reached a $10 million settlement – with $7 million from the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and ~$3 million from Bowling Green State University. This case is a powerful testament that both national fraternities and universities can face significant financial and reputational consequences when their negligence contributes to hazing deaths.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, hazing often involves brutal physical abuse or ritualized degradation that, while not always fatal, causes severe and lasting harm.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng was a pledge at a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains when he was subjected to the violent “glass ceiling” ritual. Blindfolded and carrying a heavy backpack, pledges were repeatedly tackled. Michael suffered fatal head injuries, and members delayed calling for medical help. Multiple individuals were convicted, and the national Pi Delta Psi fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This case highlights the unique dangers of off-campus “retreats” used to hide hazing, and establishes clear precedent for organizational criminal liability.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not exclusive to Greek life. Major athletic programs, often characterized by intense team dynamics and a strong hierarchical structure, can also become breeding grounds for systemic abuse and humiliation.

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): In a scandal that rocked collegiate athletics, former football players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the Northwestern football program over many years. Multiple lawsuits swiftly followed against the university and coaching staff. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired and later reached a confidential settlement in his wrongful-termination suit. This ongoing situation demonstrates that hazing extends far beyond Greek life into powerful, high-profile athletic programs, raising critical questions about institutional oversight and accountability.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national cases share chilling common threads: forced intoxication, extreme humiliation, physical violence, delayed or denied medical care, and concerted efforts to cover up the truth. Many of these tragedies occurred despite explicit anti-hazing policies from the national organizations and universities involved.

The pattern is clear: reforms, significant financial accountability, and multi-million-dollar settlements often only follow after tragedy and persistent legal action by victimized families. For Wylie families whose children attend or plan to attend a Texas university like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, these national lessons provide a critical framework. They show that you are not alone, that there is legal recourse, and that experienced legal counsel can leverage these precedents to fight for justice right here in Texas.

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

For Wylie families, where many students pursue higher education across our great state, understanding the specific environments at Texas’s major universities is crucial. While hazing is a nationwide problem, each campus has its own culture, policies, and history of addressing—or failing to address—this dangerous practice. The Manginello Law Firm has deep experience operating within this unique Texas landscape, taking on powerful institutions from Houston to the Panhandle.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

As a vibrant, large urban campus, the University of Houston is a hub of Greek life and numerous student organizations. For Wylie families considering UH, or for students already enrolled, understanding the campus culture and its approach to hazing is key. The drive from Wylie to the UH campus in Houston is approximately an hour and a half, making it an accessible option for many Rockwall County students. This proximity means that incidents impacting UH students directly affect families right here in our community.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UH boasts a diverse student body, with a mix of commuter and residential students. Its Greek system is active and robust, encompassing IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural Greek councils. Beyond Greek life, a wide array of student organizations, sports clubs, and cultural groups contribute to a dynamic campus environment, but also present potential environments for hazing.

5.1.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

The University of Houston maintains a strict policy against hazing, applicable both on and off-campus. Their policy prohibits any act that endangers mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation, including forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and mental distress. UH provides clear reporting channels through the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). While specific public lists of hazing violations are not as readily available as some other universities, UH does outline its commitment to preventing hazing on its website.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UH has had its share of hazing incidents, demonstrating the real-world application of its policies. In a notable case around 2016 involving the Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) fraternity, pledges allegedly suffered from severe food, water, and sleep deprivation during a multi-day event. One student reportedly sustained a lacerated spleen after being violently slammed onto a surface. This incident led to misdemeanor hazing charges and a university suspension for the chapter. More recently, university disciplinary records have referred to instances involving other fraternities where behavior was found to be “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” including serious alcohol misuse and violations of university policy, resulting in suspensions or probationary periods. These cases highlight UH’s stated willingness to suspend chapters, but also underscore the challenge of transparency, as comprehensive public violation lists can be harder to access for researchers and concerned Wylie families.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

When a UH hazing incident results in serious injury or death, the legal process can be complex. Depending on where the hazing occurred, both the UHPD and the Houston Police Department may have jurisdiction over criminal investigations. Civil lawsuits, seeking compensation and accountability, would typically be filed in courts within Harris County, where the university is located. Potential defendants often include:

• The individual students who actively perpetrated the hazing.
• The local chapter itself.
• The national fraternity or sorority organization.
• Potentially the University of Houston, especially if there’s evidence of negligent supervision or a failure to enforce its own policies.
• Any property owners or third parties who facilitated the hazing.

Our firm’s Houston presence gives us a distinct advantage in navigating the local legal landscape, understanding the dynamics of UH, and interacting with Harris County courts and police.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

For Wylie parents with students at or considering the University of Houston:

• Know the reporting channels: Familiarize yourself with the Dean of Students Office, UHPD, and official online reporting forms.
• Document everything: If you suspect hazing, begin taking notes, photos, and screenshots immediately.
• Investigate prior incidents: While UH’s public records may be less detailed, an experienced Houston-based hazing lawyer can help uncover prior discipline and internal files through legal discovery.
• Prioritize safety: If there’s an immediate threat, call 911. Then, contact an attorney who understands the nuances of hazing litigation in Houston.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, a storied institution approximately two hours south of Wylie, holds a unique place in the hearts of many Texans. Its deeply ingrained traditions, especially surrounding the Corps of Cadets and its prominent Greek system, often mean that hazing can be interwoven with what some consider “rites of passage.” For Wylie families whose children are part of the Aggie family, understanding these dynamics is crucial.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M is renowned for its strong sense of community, spirited traditions, and a highly influential Greek life alongside its distinctive Corps of Cadets. The Corps, a uniformed body of students, holds a proud military-style culture where discipline and hierarchical relationships are central. This environment, while fostering leadership, has also presented challenges in distinguishing legitimate training from hazing.

5.2.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

Texas A&M unequivocally prohibits hazing, both on and off-campus, across all student organizations, including Greek life and the Corps of Cadets. Their policy prohibits any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation or membership. Reporting channels are primarily through the Student Conduct Office, the Corps of Cadets leadership (for Corps-related incidents), and the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD). The university is committed to investigating all reports and taking appropriate disciplinary action.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced significant hazing allegations and lawsuits.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit (around 2021): This particularly egregious case involved two pledges who alleged that during a hazing ritual, they were subjected to forced strenuous activity, followed by older members pouring various substances, including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, onto them. This resulted in severe chemical burns requiring multiple skin graft surgeries for the victims. The pledges subsequently sued the fraternity for $1 million, leading to the chapter’s suspension by the university for two years.
• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading hazing rituals within the Corps, including simulated sexual acts and being subjected to a “roasted pig” pose – tied up between beds with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million in damages. While A&M stated it addressed the matter under its internal regulations, the case highlighted the ongoing challenges of ensuring safety even within its most revered traditions.
• More recently, in 2023, there were ongoing allegations involving Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ) at Texas A&M, detailing hazing that reportedly led to severe injuries, including rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown from extreme physical exertion). This litigation underscores the critical need for specialized legal representation focused on the unique medical and legal aspects of such injuries.

These incidents, and the university’s responses, illustrate the inherent tension between preserving tradition and ensuring student safety especially at a major institution that sends many graduates to careers in Wylie and the broader state’s economy.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases originating from Texas A&M would involve the Texas A&M UPD for criminal matters, and civil lawsuits would typically proceed in Brazos County courts. Due to its status as a public university, Texas A&M (like UH and UT) benefits from some sovereign immunity protections under Texas law. However, exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and the ability to pursue individual university employees. When our firm investigates hazing at Texas A&M, we carefully examine both the Greek life organizations and the Corps of Cadets structure, understanding that both environments demand strict adherence to anti-hazing principles.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

For Wylie families with Aggies, or those considering Texas A&M:

• Understand the “tradition” vs. “hazing” distinction: Be vigilant about activities that claim to be “tradition” but cross the line into endangering mental or physical health.
• Report concerns immediately: Utilize the Student Conduct Office, the Corps of Cadets leadership, or A&M UPD.
• Document everything: Photos, screenshots of group chats (like GroupMe or iMessage), and detailed notes are critical.
• Consult an attorney familiar with hazing cases at public universities: Our firm’s experience with public university cases and sovereign immunity issues is invaluable in navigating the legal complexities at Texas A&M.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The flagship institution for higher learning in Texas, the University of Texas at Austin is a primary destination for many bright students from Wylie and Rockwall County. Approximately 3 hours south of Wylie, UT Austin’s massive scale, vibrant Greek life, and numerous spirit organizations mean it is not immune to hazing. What sets UT apart, however, is its commitment to transparency regarding hazing violations.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin is a sprawling campus with a Greek system that encompasses nearly 60 fraternity and sorority chapters across all councils, making it one of the largest in the state. Beyond Greek life, the university is home to a multitude of spirit organizations, athletic teams, and cultural groups, many of which have strong traditions that can sometimes be misinterpreted or abused as hazing.

5.3.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

UT Austin has a strict, uncompromising anti-hazing policy that covers all registered student organizations, including Greek life, athletic teams, and spirit groups. Their policy aligns with Texas law, prohibiting any act that endangers mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation or membership. UT is notable for its publicly accessible Hazing Violations page on its Dean of Students website (hazing.utexas.edu), which lists organizations, dates of incidents, the nature of the conduct, and the disciplinary actions taken. This commitment to transparency is a crucial tool for Wylie families seeking to make informed decisions. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Student Conduct, the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD), and anonymous reporting forms.

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT’s public Hazing Violations page is a chilling testament to the ongoing problem. Some examples from recent years include:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) (2023): This chapter, also implicated in national hazing deaths, was found to have directed new members to consume excessive amounts of milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Deemed hazing by the university, the chapter was placed on probation and mandated to implement new hazing-prevention education programs.
• Texas Wranglers (Spirit Organization) (Various Years): This well-known spirit group has faced sanctions for various hazing activities, including forced physical activities, alcohol-related hazing, and other forms of punishment for new members, demonstrating that hazing is not limited to Greek letter organizations.
• Absolute Texxas (Spirit Group) (2022): This spirit organization was disciplined for significant hazing violations, including alcohol and drug misconduct, blindfolding, forced participation, and degrading new members through various means, reinforcing that hazing occurs in non-Greek organizations as well.
• Other groups, both Greek and non-Greek, have received sanctions for similar alcohol-related misconduct, forced servitude, and physical abuse. These entries on UT’s public log demonstrate a recurring pattern of violations despite stated policies.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing incidents at UT Austin, especially if severe, can lead to both criminal and civil actions. UTPD and the Austin Police Department (depending on the location of the incident) would handle criminal investigations. Civil lawsuits would likely be filed in Travis County courts. As a public university, UT Austin shares similar sovereign immunity protections as UH and Texas A&M. However, the university’s public record of hazing violations is a powerful piece of evidence in civil cases. It can be used to demonstrate that the university had prior knowledge of an organization’s propensity for hazing, and that repeated violations indicated a failure to effectively enforce its policies, which can undermine immunity defenses during discovery and settlement negotiations.

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

For Wylie families, parents, and students connected to UT Austin:

• Review UT’s Hazing Violations page: Before joining an organization, check its disciplinary history at hazing.utexas.edu. This proactive step can prevent a lifetime of regret and protect students from severe incidents.
• Understand UTPD and Austin PD roles: Know which law enforcement agency to contact depending on the incident’s location.
• Document EVERYTHING: The transparency of UT’s public log, if contrasted with internal university or fraternity knowledge about the dangers of hazing, can be a major asset in a civil claim.
• Seek legal counsel early: An attorney experienced in hazing litigation can help leverage UT’s transparency against the university or responsible organization and cut through the confusion.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, a private institution nestled in Dallas, is within an hour’s reach for Wylie families. SMU’s reputation as a competitive, affluent university with a strong Greek presence means that its social life is often dominated by fraternity and sorority activities. For Wylie students attending SMU, understanding both its prestige and its hazing vulnerabilities is essential.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is known for its beautiful campus, academic rigor, and vibrant social scene, with Greek life playing a central role. Its fraternities and sororities include highly sought-after chapters within the Panhellenic and IFC councils, along with NPHC and multicultural organizations. The social pressures to join and conform within these groups can be intense.

5.4.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

SMU maintains clear anti-hazing policies for all its student organizations, emphasizing that hazing—whether physical, psychological, social, or digital—will not be tolerated. As a private university, SMU’s policies are often more directly enforceable than public university regulations. SMU utilizes reporting forms and anonymous systems (such as Real Response) to encourage students to come forward. Their Office of Student Conduct and their campus police (SMU Police Department) are the primary points of contact for hazing concerns.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

While SMU’s public hazing records are not as transparent as UT Austin’s, incidents have come to light.

• Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): This fraternity chapter faced serious allegations of hazing that involved new members being reportedly paddled, forced to consume excessive alcohol, and deprived of sleep. The chapter was swiftly suspended by the university and endured restrictions on its recruiting activities for several years. This incident, impacting a prominent fraternity, underscores the ongoing challenge of hazing in SMU’s Greek system.
• SMU’s consistent message of a “zero-tolerance policy” is frequently tested, and like many campuses, hazing incidents, often alcohol-related or involving forced servitude, continue to occur leading to suspensions or disciplinary actions for various Greek organizations.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

As a private university, SMU generally does not have the same sovereign immunity protections that public universities do, which can make it a more direct target in civil litigation. Criminal investigations would be handled by the SMU Police Department and/or the Dallas Police Department, depending on the incident location. Civil lawsuits would typically be heard in Dallas County courts. When our firm investigates hazing at a private institution like SMU, we are often able to compel discovery of internal reports, communications, and prior disciplinary actions that might not be publicly posted, using these to build a robust case for accountability.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

For Wylie families with students attending or considering SMU:

• Be aware of SMU’s “zero-tolerance” policy: Understand what it means—and doesn’t mean—in practice.
• Utilize SMU’s reporting mechanisms: Anonymous systems like Real Response can be valuable, but consider a formal report to the Office of Student Conduct or SMU PD for serious infractions.
• Document everything: Private universities might be less transparent, so your personal documentation (photos, texts, notes from conversations) becomes even more critical.
• Contact an attorney experienced with private university hazing cases: Our firm’s experience with private school liability, particularly in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, can be crucial in navigating these complex cases and uncovering internal information.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University, a private religious institution in Waco, approximately two hours south of Wylie, holds a unique position among Texas universities. While rooted in faith-based values, Baylor has faced significant past scrutiny over its oversight of student conduct, particularly following its well-publicized football and Title IX scandals. These experiences, for better or worse, have shaped its approach to campus safety, including hazing.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor’s campus culture is distinctive, emphasizing Christian values and community. It has a robust Greek life presence, alongside numerous faith-based and athletic organizations. The university’s past challenges have led to increased scrutiny over all student conduct, including hazing, but the social pressures within student organizations remain powerful.

5.5.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

Baylor University strictly prohibits hazing, adhering to Texas law and its own institutional values. Their policy applies to all student organizations, athletic programs, and Greek letter organizations, whether on or off-campus. Baylor’s Office of Student Conduct, the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD), and various anonymous reporting options are the primary channels for reporting hazing incidents. The university’s public statements often emphasize a “zero-tolerance” approach, reflecting its ongoing efforts to rebuild trust and ensure student safety.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Despite its values and increased oversight, hazing incidents at Baylor still occur.

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): In a significant incident that drew national attention, 14 members of the Baylor baseball team were suspended following a hazing investigation. The suspensions, staggered over the early season, underscored that hazing is not limited to Greek life and can permeate even high-profile athletic programs at Baylor. This incident forced the university to reaffirm its stance against hazing and adjust team operations.
• Like most universities, Baylor has also dealt with disciplinary actions against Greek life organizations, often involving alcohol misconduct or instances of forced participation and humiliation, which led to various levels of suspension or probation for chapters.

These recurring incidents highlight the ongoing challenge for Baylor in balancing its strong traditions and community with rigorous enforcement of anti-hazing policies, especially in the context of its broader history of campus safety issues.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

As a private university, Baylor does not enjoy the same sovereign immunity that public Texas universities do. This means that if a student from Wylie is harmed by hazing at Baylor, the university can be directly targeted in civil litigation, potentially alongside the individual perpetrators, the local chapter, and the national organization. Criminal investigations would involve the Baylor University Police Department and/or the Waco Police Department. Civil lawsuits would typically be heard in McLennan County courts. Our firm’s experience with private university liability means we are well-equipped to navigate the specific legal landscape of pursuing claims against institutions like Baylor.

5.4.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

For Wylie families with students at or considering Baylor:

• Be aware of Baylor’s history: Understand how the university’s past challenges with student oversight inform both its policies and its vulnerabilities.
• Utilize all reporting channels: Make use of Baylor’s Office of Student Conduct and BUPD.
• Document thoroughly: Given Baylor’s private status, detailed personal documentation is crucial for building a strong case.
• Consult attorneys with experience in private university hazing cases: Our firm has experience with complex institutional liability cases, allowing us to effectively challenge even large, private entities.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

When hazing occurs at a Texas university – whether at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor – it’s rarely an isolated incident from a truly “rogue” chapter. The reality is that many fraternities and sororities operating at these campuses are part of larger national organizations with their own corporate structures, insurance policies, and, unfortunately, often long-standing hazing histories. For families in Wylie, understanding these national patterns can be crucial in pursuing justice.

Why National Histories Matter

The national headquarters of fraternities and sororities often provide resources, set policies, manage risk, and collect dues from their local chapters. They also, by necessity, accumulate significant internal documentation about hazing incidents at chapters across the country. Many of these national organizations have comprehensive anti-hazing manuals and extensive risk management policies precisely because they have faced deaths, catastrophic injuries, and multi-million-dollar lawsuits in the past.

These national organizations know the patterns: the “Big/Little” alcohol nights that turn fatal, the paddling traditions disguised as “bonding,” the humiliating rituals that violate student dignity. They’ve seen it all before.

This shared history is critical for a hazing lawsuit in Texas because it speaks directly to foreseeability. When a local chapter at UT Austin, for example, repeats the same hazing script that killed a pledge at a different chapter of the same national fraternity in another state, it proves that the national organization had prior knowledge (or “constructive knowledge”) of the danger. This knowledge makes it harder for the national body to claim ignorance or that the local chapter was “rogue.” This pattern of behavior is powerful evidence supporting claims of negligence or even punitive damages against national entities.

Organization Mapping (Synthesized)

While countless Greek letter organizations exist, certain fraternities and sororities have a more visible, and often tragic, national history of hazing. Our firm has experience addressing incidents involving many of these organizations that operate at Texas universities.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): One of the most prominent fraternities nationally. Their national history includes the tragic Stone Foltz hazing death at Bowling Green State University, where a pledge died of alcohol poisoning, leading to a $10 million settlement including the national fraternity. Another case involved David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University, also a death by alcohol poisoning, resulting in a $14 million settlement. Pike chapters have been involved in various incidents across Texas campuses, including at UH and UT Austin, often related to alcohol.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): SAE has a sobering national history marked by multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injuries, particularly involving alcohol across many campuses. Lawsuits associated with SAE have included claims of traumatic brain injury following hazing at the University of Alabama. Here in Texas, SAE has faced high-profile lawsuits, such as the one at Texas A&M University where pledges alleged severe chemical burns from industrial cleaner during a hazing ritual, and a lawsuit at the University of Texas at Austin in 2024 alleging assault and severe injuries to an exchange student. These Texas incidents show a clear pattern linking back to the national organization’s history.
• Phi Delta Theta (Phi Delt): This fraternity is linked to the hazing death of Maxwell “Max” Gruver at Louisiana State University, where he died of alcohol toxicity during a forced drinking game. The case led to landmark criminal charges and a powerful state anti-hazing law. Phi Delta Theta chapters are active at various Texas schools, including Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, and these connections mean the national organization’s history is always relevant in a Texas case.
• Pi Kappa Phi (Pi Kapp): Known nationally for the alcohol-related hazing death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University. Cases involving Pi Kappa Phi chapters in Texas can draw upon this national precedent to demonstrate a pattern of dangerous alcohol hazing and a failure by the national organization to adequately control its chapters.
• Beta Theta Pi (Beta): Infamously associated with the death of Timothy Piazza at Penn State University and its associated Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. Beta Theta Pi maintains chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, and SMU. Any hazing incident at these Texas chapters would immediately bring Timothy Piazza’s tragedy into consideration due to the national organization’s prior knowledge and high-profile history.
• Kappa Sigma (KΣ): This fraternity has a national history of hazing, including the $12.6 million jury verdict against them in the Chad Meredith drowning death case at the University of Miami. Kappa Sigma has chapters across Texas campuses, including Texas A&M and Baylor. Recent hazing allegations at Texas A&M included severe injuries from rhabdomyolysis due to extreme physical hazing. This pattern shows the historical and ongoing risks associated with this organization.
• Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI): Phi Gamma Delta was at the center of the catastrophic Danny Santulli case at the University of Missouri, where a pledge suffered severe, permanent brain damage from forced alcohol consumption. The multi-million-dollar settlements in that case are a stark warning of the potential for severe, life-altering injuries even if not immediately fatal. FIJI chapters are present at Texas A&M.
• Omega Psi Phi (ΩΨΦ): As one of the historic “Divine Nine” NPHC fraternities, Omega Psi Phi has a number of powerful traditions. However, nationally, it has faced public hazing allegations involving physical beatings, such as the Rafeal Joseph federal lawsuit filed against a chapter at the University of Southern Mississippi alleging severe hazing leading to emergency surgery. Chapters of Omega Psi Phi are active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, and are unfortunately not immune to such allegations.
• Alpha Phi Alpha (ΑΦΑ): Another prominent NPHC fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha has also faced hazing allegations spanning decades, including incidents involving physical abuse and injuries, such as the tragic death of Joel Harris at Morehouse College in 1989. Chapters are active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor.
• Sororities: While less frequently in the news for high-profile deaths, sororities also have documented hazing histories involving mental, social, and sometimes physical abuse. Chapters of Kappa Kappa Gamma (KKΓ), for example, have faced past allegations of branding with cigarettes and other forms of abuse. Chapters are present at Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor. This reminds Wylie families that girls are also subject to the deep dangers of hazing.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

When our legal team at Attorney911 takes on a hazing case in Texas, we don’t just look at the local chapter; we dig into the full history of the national organization. This comprehensive approach is part of our strategy to hold all responsible parties accountable.

• Establishing Foreseeability: By demonstrating that a national organization had prior warnings from incidents at other chapters, it becomes much harder for them to claim an incident was “unforeseeable.” This directly supports claims of negligence.
• Strengthening Negligence Claims: If a national body has a history of inadequate responses to hazing, or if their “anti-hazing” policies were merely window dressing, it strengthens arguments that they failed in their duty to protect students.
• Insurance Coverage Disputes: National organizations carry significant insurance policies. However, insurers often try to deny coverage by claiming hazing was an “intentional act” and thus excluded. Our experience, especially Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney, allows us to strategically argue that the negligent supervision by the national organization, rather than just the intentional hazing itself, falls within policy coverage.
• Punitive Damages: In egregious cases, where a national organization demonstrated a reckless disregard for student safety despite repeated warnings, the potential for punitive damages (designed to punish and deter) becomes a powerful tool for justice.

For families in Wylie, confronted with the aftermath of hazing at a Texas university, recognizing that a national organization’s history can profoundly impact their case is a critical step towards comprehensive accountability.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

The aftermath of a hazing incident can be overwhelming for Wylie families. Beyond the immediate emotional and physical toll, the thought of pursuing legal action against powerful institutions can seem daunting. At The Manginello Law Firm, we specialize in building robust hazing cases by meticulously gathering evidence, understanding the full scope of damages, and deploying effective legal strategies to hold all responsible parties accountable.

Evidence: The Foundation of a Hazing Case

Hazing cases are often won or lost based on the quality and comprehensiveness of the evidence. Our team acts swiftly to secure and preserve critical information before it’s deleted, hidden, or forgotten.

• Digital Communications: In 2025, group chats and direct messages are often the most crucial pieces of evidence. Platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, and even fraternity-specific apps are frequently used to coordinate, plan, order, and document hazing activities. These messages can reveal pressure tactics, demands for silence, or admissions of guilt. This is why our video “Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) is so vital—it teaches families precisely how to preserve this volatile evidence.
  • Screenshots: Complete screenshots with timestamps and participant names are essential.
  • Deleted Messages: Our firm works with digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages, crucial in cases where perpetrators attempt cover-ups.
• Photos & Videos: In the age of smartphones, hazing events are often captured on camera by participants themselves. This footage, whether shared privately in group chats, posted on social media, or captured by security cameras (like Ring/doorbell systems at off-campus houses), can be irrefutable proof of what occurred.
• Internal Organization Documents: We work to obtain pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “traditions” lists, and internal communications (emails, texts) from officers that lay bare the blueprint of hazing. National organizations’ policy manuals and training materials, especially when contrasted with actual behavior, can highlight negligent oversight.
• University Records: Through legal discovery and public records requests, we seek:
  • Prior conduct files, probation, and suspensions of the implicated organization.
  • Incident reports from campus police or student conduct offices.
  • Clery Act reports and similar disclosures that reveal patterns of campus safety issues.
• Medical and Psychological Records: This evidence quantifies the harm. We gather:
  • Emergency room and hospitalization records, including toxicology reports for alcohol or drug-related harms.
  • Surgery and rehabilitation notes.
  • Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidality) to document the profound mental and emotional toll.
• Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts from other pledges, members, roommates, coaches, RAs, or even bystanders are invaluable. Former members who have left the organization, especially those who experienced similar hazing, can provide powerful testimony.

Damages: Recovering What Was Lost

Monetary compensation in a hazing lawsuit serves not only to help victims and families rebuild their lives but also to hold institutions financially accountable, compelling them to change. When evaluating “How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onBzdkIWadY), we consider a broad spectrum of damages.

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers all costs, from immediate emergency room visits and hospitalization (often ICU for alcohol poisoning or severe injuries) to surgeries, ongoing treatments, physical therapy, and medications. For victims with catastrophic injuries, such as brain damage or organ failure, we work with life care planners to project the lifetime costs of specialized care, which can easily reach into the multi-millions, as seen in cases like Danny Santulli’s.
• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: Hazing can disrupt a student’s academic path, leading to missed semesters, delayed graduation, and lost scholarships. If injuries result in permanent disability, we work with economists to calculate the long-term impact on their earning capacity throughout their life.
• Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for the profound, non-monetary harms:
  • Physical Pain and Suffering: From injuries, surgeries, and ongoing discomfort.
  • Emotional Distress, Trauma, and Humiliation: This includes diagnoses like PTSD, severe depression, anxiety, and the deep psychological impact of degrading acts.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: The inability to participate in activities once loved, social withdrawal, and the overall diminished quality of life.
• Wrongful Death Damages (for Families): In the most tragic cases, Wylie families who lose a child to hazing can recover for:
  • Funeral and burial costs.
  • Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided.
  • The incalculable loss of companionship, love, and society experienced by parents and siblings.
  • The emotional suffering and grief of surviving family members. The Manginello Law Firm has extensive experience in wrongful death cases (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/), having recovered millions for families facing such catastrophic losses.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

A key strategic element of hazing litigation is navigating the complex world of insurance. National fraternities, sororities, and universities often carry substantial liability insurance policies designed to protect them from such lawsuits. However, insurers will often try to:

• Argue that hazing, as an “intentional act,” is specifically excluded from coverage.
• Claim that the policy doesn’t cover certain entities or individuals involved.
• Delay, deny, or lowball settlement offers.

This is where our firm’s unique expertise shines. Lupe Peña, with her background as a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), provides invaluable insight into how these large insurance companies operate. We know their tactics because we’ve seen them from the inside. We understand how to:

• Identify all potential sources of insurance coverage, including general liability, umbrella policies, and even homeowners’ policies of individual members.
• Challenge wrongful denials of claims by skillfully arguing that the institutions’ negligent supervision or failure to enforce policies – not just the intentional hazing acts – are covered under the policy.
• Force insurers to defend cases and negotiate for fair settlements, and when necessary, take them to court to secure justice for our clients.

Practical Guides & FAQs

For Wylie families, parents, students, and even former members or witnesses involved in hazing, immediate, actionable guidance can make all the difference. Knowing what to look for, what questions to ask, and what steps to take can protect lives and preserve crucial evidence.

8.1 For Parents in Wylie

Being a parent is tough enough; worrying about your child’s safety at college should not be an added burden. Here’s what Wylie parents need to know:

• Warning Signs of Hazing:
  • Unexplained injuries: Bruises, burns, cuts, or “accidents” that don’t quite add up.
  • Extreme fatigue: Your child is constantly exhausted, sleep-deprived, or receiving calls/texts at all hours.
  • Sudden mood changes: Increased anxiety, depression, irritability, or withdrawal from family and old friends.
  • Secrecy: “I can’t talk about it,” or unusual evasiveness when asked about organization activities.
  • Digital obsession: Constant phone use for group chats; anxiety if they miss a “mandatory” message. Geo-tracking apps (like Find My Friends or Life360) installed to monitor their location.
  • Excuses: Constantly saying “everyone did it,” “it’s just tradition,” or “I have to get through this.”
• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation with empathy, not judgment. Start with open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with your group?” or “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?” Emphasize that their safety and well-being are your top priorities, far above fitting in with any group. Remind them you will support them regardless of their choices.
• If Your Child is Hurt: Get them immediate medical attention. Document everything – take photos of any injuries from multiple angles, screenshot any texts or social media posts they show you, and write down exactly what happened, who was there, and when. Save names, dates, and locations.
• Dealing with the University: If you contact the university, document every conversation in writing. Ask specifically about prior incidents involving the same organization and what the school did in response.
• When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child has suffered significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing or hiding what happened, it’s time to speak with an attorney. The faster you act, the more evidence can be preserved.

8.2 For Students / Pledges

As a student from Wylie, starting college is an exciting time, but hazing can quickly turn that excitement into fear and danger. You have rights, and you are not alone.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition?: Ask yourself honestly: Does this activity make me feel unsafe, humiliated, or coerced? Am I being forced to drink or endure pain? Is this activity hidden from the public or administrators? If you answered yes to any of these, it probably is hazing. True “tradition” should foster belonging, not inflict harm.
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: Even if you “agreed” to participate, or you didn’t explicitly say “no,” the law understands that “consent” is not real when you’re under extreme peer pressure, desperate to belong, or afraid of social exclusion. Your legal rights protect you even if you felt you had no choice but to participate.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the legal right to leave any group at any time. If you feel unsafe, get away from the situation immediately. If you wish to report, you can do so privately or anonymously through campus channels (Dean of Students, Title IX Office) or national anonymous tip lines like 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293). If you fear retaliation, tell a trusted adult or campus official about these fears.
• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many schools and Texas law encourage calling for help in an emergency. If you or a friend are in danger due to excessive alcohol or injury, you will likely not face disciplinary action for calling 911, even if you were underage drinking or involved in hazing. Prioritize saving a life over fear of “getting in trouble.”

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses

If you were involved in hazing, either as a participant, an older member, or a witness, and now regret your actions or want to help, we understand the complex emotions you’re facing – guilt, fear, and a desire to make things right.

• Your Testimony Matters: Your testimony and any evidence you possess can be vital in preventing future harm and saving lives. You may be the key to holding dangerous individuals and institutions accountable.
• Seek Legal Advice: You may have your own legal exposure, but cooperating thoughtfully can be an important step towards accountability and peace of mind. An attorney can help you understand your rights and obligations, navigate your role as a witness, and potentially mitigate your own legal risks. Your initial consultation with Attorney911 is confidential and free.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

Hazing cases are challenging, and missteps – especially in the immediate aftermath – can severely damage a victim’s ability to seek justice. Wylie families must avoid these common errors:

1. Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence:

   • What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble.”
   • Why it’s wrong: This looks like a deliberate cover-up, can constitute obstruction of justice, and makes your case nearly impossible to prove. Crucial evidence disappears forever.
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content. Screenshot every relevant message, photo, or post. Watch Attorney911’s video on “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY) for more critical advice.

2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly:

   • What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind.”
   • Why it’s wrong: They will immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, instruct witnesses to lie, and prepare their defenses. You lose the element of surprise.
   • What to do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation. Your attorney can manage communications strategically.

3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms:

   • What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements that promise to “handle” the matter internally.
   • Why it’s wrong: You may inadvertently waive your legal right to sue, and any “settlement” offered by the university is often far below the actual value of your case.
   • What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university or organization without an attorney reviewing it first.

4. Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer:

   • What families think: “I want people to know what happened.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys will screenshot everything. Inconsistencies between your posts and later testimony can undermine credibility. You might unknowingly waive legal privileges.
   • What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control any public messaging strategically.

5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting” with the organization:

   • What fraternities say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic.”
   • Why it’s wrong: They will pressure, intimidate, and try to extract statements that hurt your case. It’s a prime environment for witness coaching and evidence tampering.
   • What to do instead: Once you’re considering legal action, all communication should go through your lawyer.

6. Waiting “to see how the university handles it”:

   • What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears quickly, witnesses graduate and scatter, the statute of limitations (generally 2 years in Texas) can run out, and the university often controls the narrative to protect itself.
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence now; consult a lawyer immediately. The university’s internal process is geared toward its own interests, not necessarily full accountability for your child’s injuries.

7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer:

   • What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements are used against you, and early settlement offers are almost always lowball attempts to resolve the case for pennies on the dollar.
   • What to do instead: Politely decline and say, “My attorney will contact you.”

8.5 Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities here in Texas (like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, and UT Austin) have some sovereign immunity protections, but strong exceptions exist for gross negligence, certain Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in their personal capacity. Private universities (such as SMU and Baylor) typically have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on its specific facts – contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  It can be. Under Texas law, hazing is a Class B misdemeanor by default. However, it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals in leadership positions can also face misdemeanor charges for failing to report known hazing.

• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts and juries recognize that “agreement” given under intense peer pressure, a significant power imbalance, or fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  Generally, there is a 2-year statute of limitations from the date of injury or death in Texas. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately apparent. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the period may be “tolled” (paused). Time is critical – evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations may destroy records. Do not delay; call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c) offers further details.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location of the hazing does not eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities/sororities can still be liable based on their sponsorship of the organization, their control over its members, direct knowledge of off-campus activities, and the foreseeability of hazing occurring there. Many major hazing cases nationally—such as the Pi Delta Psi retreat death in the Pocono Mountains or the Sigma Pi death at an “unofficial” off-campus house—occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  We understand the desire for privacy. While the legal process is generally public, many hazing cases, especially those involving severe injuries or wrongful death, settle confidentially before going to trial. We can often request court records to be sealed and negotiate for confidential settlement terms, prioritizing your family’s privacy while still pursuing full accountability.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action for Wylie Families

When your child from Wylie is severely harmed by hazing at a Texas university, you need more than just a general personal injury lawyer. You need dedicated legal professionals who understand the intricate dynamics of campus culture, how powerful institutions fight back, and how to successfully navigate the complex world of hazing litigation—and win anyway.

At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, your Legal Emergency Lawyers™, we bring unique qualifications to the fight against hazing that few other firms can match. From our Houston headquarters, we diligently serve families throughout Texas, including here in Wylie, Rockwall County, and all surrounding communities like Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Garland, and Richardson. We understand that hazing at Texas universities impacts families across this entire region, and we are here to help.

Our unique strengths directly benefit Wylie families pursuing hazing accountability:

• The Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/). She knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies think, value (and undervalue) hazing claims, and deploy delay tactics or coverage exclusion arguments. “We know their playbook because we used to run it,” and this insider knowledge is invaluable in forcing fair settlements.
• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has a proven track record against powerful defendants. He was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the historic BP Texas City explosion litigation and possesses extensive federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas). We are not intimidated by national fraternities, multi-billion-dollar universities, or their formidable defense teams; we’ve taken on corporations of that scale and won. Ralph Manginello’s complete credentials and case history are detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.
• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have secured multi-million-dollar settlements in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, working with economists to value loss of life and medical experts to project lifetime care needs for severe brain injuries or permanent disabilities. “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability,” because your child’s future and legacy depend on it. Our firm’s wrongful death experience is detailed at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.
• Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) gives our firm a deep understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. We can advise witnesses and former members who may face dual exposure, navigating both criminal and civil tracks effectively.
• Investigative Depth: We pride ourselves on the meticulous collection of evidence. This includes obtaining deleted group chats and social media evidence, subpoenaing national fraternity records to uncover prior incidents, and leveraging public records requests to reveal university transparency (or lack thereof). We work with digital forensics experts, medical professionals, and psychologists to build an unassailable case. “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

We understand that you are going through one of the hardest experiences 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 approach each case with empathy but a fierce determination to achieve justice, not just quick settlements, but thorough investigation and real accountability.

Call to Action for Wylie Families: You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

If you or your child experienced severe hazing at the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, Baylor University, or any other Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Wylie, Rockwall County, and throughout the broader Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex 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 clearly, and help you decide on the best path forward.

What to expect in your free consultation:

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

Take the first step toward justice and healing. Call us today.

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

Hablamos Español: If you prefer to consult in Spanish, please contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

Whether you’re in Wylie or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. Let our Legal Emergency Lawyers™ be your advocates.

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