The Complete Texas Hazing Guide for Stonewall County Parents and Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You Are Not Alone

For parents in Stonewall County, the silence from your child’s university phone call is deafening. The story comes out in fragments: “mandatory” late-night meetings, a “tradition” that went too far, pressure to drink something, do something, endure something to belong. Your child, who left for college healthy and excited, returns home injured, traumatized, or worse, doesn’t return at all. The university sends a carefully worded email. The fraternity or sorority issues a statement about “isolated incidents” and “internal review.” You’re left searching for answers, accountability, and a way to prevent this from happening to another family in our community.

We understand that nightmare because we’re living it with families across Texas right now. Our firm, Attorney911, is actively litigating one of the most severe hazing cases in the country involving a University of Houston student. We represent Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity, its Beta Nu chapter housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The details are harrowing: forced consumption of food until vomiting, extreme physical workouts leading to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, humiliation with “pledge fanny packs,” and psychological torment culminating in a four-day hospitalization. This isn’t a historical case from another state—this is happening now at a major Texas university, and it shows exactly why Stonewall County families need to understand the realities of modern hazing.

This comprehensive guide serves families in Stonewall County, Fredericksburg, Harper, Doss, and throughout the Texas Hill Country. Whether your child attends a local college, has gone to a major university like Texas A&M or UT Austin, or is part of any campus organization, this information can help you recognize hazing, understand your legal rights under Texas law, and take meaningful action to protect your child and hold responsible parties accountable.

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 evidence, coached witnesses)
Universities move quickly to control the narrative
,Sheriff’s deputies and campus police may have competing jurisdictions in Stonewall County cases
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 in Texas

Many Stonewall County parents remember hazing as “pranks” or “initiations,” but modern hazing has evolved into sophisticated, dangerous, and often criminal behavior. The Leonel Bermudez case at University of Houston illustrates exactly how brutal hazing can be: forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion, sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” made to lie in vomit-soaked grass, and forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting—only to be forced to sprint immediately afterward. This wasn’t “boys being boys”—it was systematic abuse that led to acute kidney failure and hospitalization.

The Modern Hazing Spectrum

Alcohol and Substance Hazing:

Forced consumption games (“chugging,” “shotgunning,” “century club”)
“Big/Little” nights with handles of hard liquor
Pressure to consume unknown substances or dangerous mixtures
The most common cause of hazing deaths nationwide

Physical Hazing:

Extreme calisthenics beyond safe limits (like the UH Pi Kappa Phi workouts)
Paddling, beating, or physical punishment
Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or early morning wake-ups
Exposure to extreme temperatures (forced outside in cold weather)
Food/water deprivation or forced overconsumption

Psychological and Humiliating Hazing:

“Pledge fanny packs” with degrading items (as in the UH case)
Public humiliation rituals
Social isolation from non-members
Constant verbal abuse and intimidation
Forced confessions or compromising disclosures

Sexualized Hazing:

Forced nudity or partial nudity
Simulated sexual acts
Degrading costumes or positions
Sexual assault or coercion (which also triggers Title IX protections)

Digital Hazing (The New Frontier):

24/7 group chat monitoring with instant response demands
Forced social media posts or “challenges”
Geo-tracking requirements (sharing location via Find My Friends)
Digital humiliation through memes, edited photos, or viral content

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

While fraternities receive most attention, hazing occurs across campus organizations that matter to Stonewall County families:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural councils)
Corps of Cadets and ROTC Programs (particularly at Texas A&M)
Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading)
Spirit and Tradition Organizations (Texas Cowboys, Silver Spurs, etc.)
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Academic and Honor Societies
Cultural and Service Organizations

The common thread is power imbalance: older members controlling new members through tradition, social pressure, and fear of exclusion. As the UH Pi Kappa Phi case shows, even “consent” under these conditions is legally meaningless in Texas.

Texas Hazing Law: What Stonewall County Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Legal Foundation

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws that protect students at both public and private institutions. For Stonewall County families dealing with incidents at schools in San Antonio, Austin, or College Station, these laws apply regardless of where the hazing occurred.

Definition (Texas Education Code §37.151):
Hazing means 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.

Key Provisions for Stonewall County Families:

§37.152 Criminal Penalties:

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing offense (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing bodily injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death
Additional charges: furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases

§37.153 Organizational Liability:

Organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation
University can revoke recognition and ban from campus
Both individuals AND organizations can face criminal charges

§37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:

Students who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability
This includes calling 911 for medical emergencies, even if underage drinking was involved
Stonewall County students should know: Texas law protects those who seek help

§37.155 Consent is NOT a Defense (CRITICAL):

“The student agreed to it” is not a legal defense in Texas
This directly counters what fraternities often tell parents
Peer pressure, power imbalance, and tradition don’t make hazing legal

§37.156 Institutional Reporting Requirements:

Texas universities must provide hazing prevention education
Must publish annual reports of hazing violations (check UT Austin’s hazing.utexas.edu)
Creates public record of prior incidents for Stonewall County families to research

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (district attorney or county attorney)
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Burden of proof: Beyond a reasonable doubt
Examples: Hazing charges, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter
Stonewall County jurisdictions: Gillespie County Sheriff, local police where incident occurred, campus police

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or their families
Goal: Compensation and accountability
Burden of proof: Preponderance of evidence (more likely than not)
Can proceed even if no criminal charges are filed
Types: Wrongful death, negligence, negligent supervision, emotional distress

Why Both Matter for Stonewall County Families:
Many families pursue both tracks. A criminal conviction strengthens a civil case, but a civil case can succeed even without criminal charges. The UH Pi Kappa Phi case is a civil lawsuit seeking $10 million—it can proceed regardless of what criminal prosecutors decide.

Federal Laws Overlaying Texas Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently
Strengthens prevention programs
Phased implementation through 2026
Affects all Texas public universities and most private ones

Title IX (Sexual Harassment/Discrimination):

When hazing involves sexual elements, Title IX requires university investigation
Creates additional liability for schools that fail to respond properly
Applies regardless of location (on or off campus)

Clery Act (Crime Reporting):

Requires universities to report certain crimes, including assaults and alcohol violations
Hazing incidents often overlap with Clery-reportable crimes
Failure to report can lead to federal fines and loss of funding

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Stonewall County

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Most Common Tragedy

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):

20-year-old pledge forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, $3M from BGSU)
Takeaway for Stonewall County: The same national fraternities operate at Texas schools

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):

“Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking
Died with BAC of 0.495%
Led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
$6.1 million verdict for family
Takeaway: Drinking “games” are deadly serious

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):

Bid acceptance night with heavy drinking
Multiple falls captured on chapter security cameras
12+ hour delay in calling for help
Dozens of criminal charges against members
Led to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
Takeaway: Delay in seeking medical help increases liability exponentially

Physical Hazing with Lasting Injuries

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021):

Pledge forced to drink excessive alcohol during “pledge dad reveal”
Suffered permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see)
Requires 24/7 care for life
Family settled with 22 defendants for confidential multi-million dollar amounts
Takeaway: Non-fatal injuries can still be catastrophic and life-altering

Texas A&M Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

Pledges allegedly covered with industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and other substances
Caused severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
Pledges sued fraternity for $1 million
Chapter suspended for two years
Takeaway: Hazing methods are evolving and becoming more dangerous

What These Cases Mean for Stonewall County Families

Pattern Recognition: The same national organizations repeat the same dangerous behaviors at campuses nationwide, including Texas.
Foreseeability: National fraternities know these risks—their anti-hazing policies prove it.
Cover-Up Culture: Delayed medical care and evidence destruction are common themes.
Substantial Recoveries Are Possible: Settlements and verdicts range from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions.
Legislative Impact: Major cases often drive state law changes (as could happen with the UH Pi Kappa Phi case in Texas).

Texas Universities: Campus-Specific Guidance for Stonewall County Families

Understanding Where Stonewall County Students Attend

Stonewall County families typically send children to three categories of Texas universities:

Local and Regional Campuses:

Texas State University (San Marcos)
University of Texas at San Antonio
Schreiner University (Kerrville)
Texas Lutheran University (Seguin)

Major Statewide Hubs (Where Many Stonewall County Students Go):

Texas A&M University (College Station)
University of Texas at Austin
University of Houston
Baylor University (Waco)
Texas Tech University (Lubbock)

Specialized Programs:

Texas A&M Corps of Cadets (unique hazing risks)
UT Austin honors programs and spirit organizations
Baylor’s faith-based environment (with its own hazing history)

University Public Records: What They Show About Hazing

UT Austin’s Hazing Violations Page (hazing.utexas.edu):

Public record of sanctions against organizations
Example: Pi Kappa Alpha (2023) – new members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation
Texas Wranglers and other spirit groups sanctioned for forced workouts
Stonewall County parents: Check this database if your child attends UT

Other Universities’ Reporting:

Vary in transparency and accessibility
Often require public records requests or discovery in litigation
Some settlements include confidentiality clauses that hide patterns

Campus-Specific Hazing Patterns

Texas A&M University (Especially Relevant for Stonewall County Families):

Corps of Cadets Culture: Military-style environment with reported discipline issues
2023 Corps Lawsuit: Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth; sought over $1 million
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case: Shows physical hazing risks in Greek life
Takeaway for Stonewall County: Both Greek and Corps programs need scrutiny

University of Houston (Current Active Litigation):

Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi Case: $10 million lawsuit for rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
2016 Pi Kappa Alpha Case: Pledge suffered lacerated spleen; criminal charges filed
Multiple chapter suspensions for alcohol and hazing violations
Takeaway: Urban campus with active Greek life and documented severe cases

University of Texas at Austin:

Public Violations Database: More transparent than many schools
Multiple spirit organization sanctions: Texas Cowboys, Silver Spurs, etc.
Fraternity patterns similar to national trends
Takeaway: Transparency helps but doesn’t prevent recurring issues

Baylor University:

Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following investigation
Private university dynamics: Different reporting requirements than public schools
Religious context: Doesn’t immunize from hazing risks
Takeaway: All campus organizations need oversight

Southern Methodist University:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived; chapter suspended
Private university with affluent Greek culture
Takeaway: Socioeconomic status doesn’t prevent hazing

How Hazing Cases Proceed at Different Campuses

Jurisdictional Considerations for Stonewall County Families:

On-campus incidents: Typically campus police jurisdiction first
Off-campus incidents: Local police (city PD or county sheriff) have jurisdiction
Mixed jurisdiction: Common when hazing starts on campus, continues off-campus
Stonewall County-specific: Gillespie County Sheriff may have jurisdiction if incident occurs locally, but most cases will involve police where university is located

University Disciplinary Process vs. Legal Process:

University Process: Internal investigation, possible suspension/expulsion of students/organizations
Legal Process: Criminal charges and/or civil lawsuit
Critical Insight: University process aims to protect the institution; legal process aims for victim compensation and accountability
Stonewall County parents: Don’t rely solely on university promises of “internal handling”

Fraternities and Sororities: National Histories & Local Chapters

Why National Histories Matter for Stonewall County Cases

When your child is hazed by a chapter of a national fraternity at a Texas university, that national organization’s history elsewhere becomes critically important. It establishes foreseeability—the legal concept that they knew or should have known this could happen because it has happened before at their other chapters.

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – National Pattern:

Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green State ($10M settlement)
David Bogenberger death at Northern Illinois University ($14M settlement)
Multiple other alcohol poisoning deaths nationwide
Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, Texas Tech, Baylor
Stonewall County relevance: If your child is Pike at any Texas school, this history matters

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – National Pattern:

Multiple hazing deaths nationwide
Traumatic brain injury lawsuit at University of Alabama
Chemical burns case at Texas A&M ($1M lawsuit)
Assault case at UT Austin (2024, $1M+ lawsuit)
Known for eliminating pledge process nationally in 2014 due to pattern
Texas Presence: Chapters at all major Texas universities

Pi Kappa Phi – National Pattern:

Andrew Coffey death at Florida State University
Leonel Bermudez kidney failure at University of Houston ($10M lawsuit)
Known for alcohol-focused hazing traditions
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin

Phi Delta Theta – National Pattern:

Max Gruver death at LSU ($6.1M verdict)
Known for “Bible study” drinking games
Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Tracking Organizational Networks

Our firm maintains what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations across Texas. For Stonewall County families, this means we don’t start from zero when investigating your case. We already know the organizational landscape.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Stonewall County Families

The following are examples of Texas-registered Greek organizations from public IRS filings and other records. This illustrates the complex network behind campus Greek life:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc
EIN: 46-2267515 | Frisco, TX 75035-6629
Data Source: IRS B83 public filing

Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity
EIN: 74-6064445 | Nederland, TX 77627-8843 | Epsilon Kappa Chapter
Data Source: IRS B83 public filing

Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc
EIN: 74-1380362 | Fort Worth, TX 76147-0061
Data Source: IRS B83 public filing

Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter
EIN: 74-6084905 | Houston, TX 77204-3067
Data Source: IRS B83 public filing

Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc
EIN: 47-5370943 | Houston, TX 77204-7005 | Theta Delta Chapter
Data Source: IRS B83 public filing

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
EIN: 26-3170920 | Denton, TX 76204-0000 | Texas Woman’s University Chapter
Data Source: IRS B83 public filing

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity
EIN: 23-7279532 | Prairie View, TX 77446-2142
Data Source: IRS B83 public filing

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority
EIN: 36-4091267 | Waco, TX 76710-4154 | Xi Chi Chapter
Data Source: IRS B83 public filing

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated – Sigma Gamma Chapter
EIN: 39-2352450 | Houston, TX 77254-0026
Data Source: IRS B83 public filing

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae
Houston, TX | Data Source: Cause IQ metro listing

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity
EIN: 74-2911848 | Fort Worth, TX 76244-4245
Data Source: IRS B83 & Cause IQ overlap

This directory represents just a fraction of the 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations and 1,423 fraternity/sorority entities across 25 Texas metros that we track. For Stonewall County families, this means we can immediately identify all potentially liable entities behind a campus chapter.

Organizational Liability: The Full Chain

When hazing occurs, multiple entities may share liability:

Individual Members (who planned, executed, or covered up hazing)
Chapter Officers (president, risk manager, pledge educator)
Local Chapter (as an unincorporated association or corporation)
Chapter Housing Corporation (owns/controls the physical location)
National Fraternity/Sorority (sets policies, collects dues, oversees chapters)
University (recognizes organization, provides oversight)
Property Owners (of off-campus housing or event spaces)
Alcohol Providers (bars, liquor stores, older members)

The UH Pi Kappa Phi case names all these types of defendants: 13 individual members, the local Beta Nu chapter, the housing corporation, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the University of Houston, and the UH System Board of Regents.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Realistic Expectations

Critical Evidence That Wins Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Important in 2025):

Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack
Social Media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook
Deleted Messages: Digital forensics can often recover them
Location Data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends history, Snapchat Maps
Example from UH Case: Group chats planning workouts, discussing “fanny pack” requirements

Documentary Evidence:

Chapter Records: Pledge manuals, meeting minutes, financial records
University Files: Prior complaints, disciplinary records, Clery reports
Medical Records: ER reports, hospitalization records, psychological evaluations
Photographic Evidence: Injuries, event locations, hazing props

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges (often afraid but may cooperate with protection)
Former members (who quit or were expelled)
Roommates, friends, significant others
Medical providers, first responders
University staff (with subpoena power)

Physical Evidence:

Clothing with stains or damage
Alcohol containers, paddles, props
Receipts for forced purchases
Preserve everything—don’t wash clothing or return items

The Damages Recovery Framework

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses):

Medical Expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing treatment
Future Medical Care: Physical therapy, psychological counseling, long-term care needs
Lost Income/Wages: Time off work for recovery or for parents to care for child
Educational Costs: Tuition for interrupted semesters, lost scholarships
Diminished Earning Capacity: If injuries affect future career prospects

Non-Economic Damages (Substantial but Calculable):

Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries and recovery
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Can’t participate in activities they loved
Reputational Harm: Social stigma, difficulty transferring schools

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

Funeral & Burial Costs
Loss of Financial Support: Deceased’s expected lifetime contributions
Loss of Companionship & Society: For parents, siblings, spouse
Emotional Anguish: Grief, mental health treatment for family

Punitive Damages (When Appropriate):

To punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
Available when defendants knew risks and acted anyway
The UH Pi Kappa Phi case includes punitive damage claims

Realistic Settlement & Verdict Ranges

Based on national patterns, Stonewall County families should understand:

Fatal Hazing Cases:

Generally $1–$14 million in settlements/verdicts
Examples: Stone Foltz ($10M), David Bogenberger ($14M), Max Gruver ($6.1M verdict)

Severe Injury Cases (Non-Fatal):

$375,000–multi-million depending on injury severity
Examples: Danny Santulli (multi-million settlements with 22 defendants), Texas A&M SAE chemical burns ($1M lawsuit)

Factors Affecting Value:

Severity of injury/permanent disability
Strength of evidence
Defendant resources (national fraternity vs. local chapter)
Jurisdiction and venue
Skill of legal representation

The Insurance Coverage Battle

Fraternities and universities carry insurance, but insurers often fight coverage:

Common Insurance Defenses:

“Hazing is intentional conduct, not covered”
“Policy excludes criminal acts”
“This defendant isn’t named in the policy”

How We Overcome These Defenses:

Multiple Policy Review: Identify all potential coverage sources
Negligence vs. Intent: Argue negligent supervision even if hazing was intentional
Bad Faith Claims: Sue insurers who wrongfully deny coverage
Mr. Lupe Peña’s Insider Knowledge: As former insurance defense attorney, he knows exactly how insurers fight these claims

Practical Guides for Stonewall County Families

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Physical Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water restriction
Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, 3 AM calls)
Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage
Signs of alcohol poisoning (even if child doesn’t normally drink)

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family and old friends
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensive when asked about the organization
Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”
Constant phone monitoring for group chat demands

Academic & Financial Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep in class
Unexpected large expenses (“fines,” forced purchases)
Buying excessive alcohol or items for older members

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally):

“How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
“Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
“What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”
“Are they asking you to keep secrets from me or the university?”

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing:

Immediate Safety:

If child is in danger (intoxicated, injured, threatened), call 911
Get medical attention immediately
Remove from dangerous situation

Document Everything:

Write down dates, times, what your child tells you
Screenshot texts, group chats, photos shown to you
Photograph visible injuries
Save physical items (damaged clothing, receipts, props)

Reporting Options:

Campus Authorities: Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct, campus police
Local Police: If crimes occurred (assault, furnishing alcohol to minor)
National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (anonymous, 24/7)
Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for legal guidance on reporting strategy

What NOT to Do:

Don’t confront the organization directly
Don’t sign anything from university or insurance without legal advice
Don’t post details on public social media
Don’t let your child delete evidence “to avoid trouble”

48-Hour Action Checklist for Stonewall County Parents

HOUR 1–6 (IMMEDIATE CRISIS):
✅ Medical: If injured or intoxicated, get to ER immediately
✅ Safety: Remove child from dangerous situation
✅ Evidence: Screenshot any messages they show you; photograph visible injuries
✅ Notes: Write down everything they tell you (date, time, what happened, who was there)
✅ Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance

HOUR 6–24 (EVIDENCE PRESERVATION):
✅ Digital: Help child preserve all group chats, DMs, texts (do NOT delete anything)
✅ Physical: Secure clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
✅ Medical Records: Request copies of all ER/hospital records
✅ Witnesses: Write down names and contact info for other pledges, bystanders
✅ University: Note any communications from school but do NOT respond yet

HOUR 24–48 (STRATEGIC DECISIONS):
✅ Legal Consultation: Speak with experienced hazing attorney (Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911)
✅ Reporting Decision: Decide whether to report to campus police, local police, Dean of Students
✅ University Response: If school contacts you, refer them to your attorney
✅ Insurance: Do NOT talk to any insurance adjuster without lawyer present
✅ Evidence Backup: Upload all screenshots and photos to cloud storage

WEEK ONE PRIORITIES:
✅ Medical Follow-up: Continue documenting injuries; see specialists if needed
✅ Evidence Gathering: Attorney will begin subpoenaing records, obtaining deleted messages
✅ Witness Interviews: Attorney will contact other pledges and witnesses
✅ Strategy Session: Decide on criminal report, civil suit, both, or university process
✅ Protection: If retaliation occurs, document and report immediately

For Students: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents or university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?

If you answered YES to any, it’s likely hazing.

How to Exit Safely:

Immediate Danger: Call 911 or campus police
Want to Quit: Tell someone outside the org first, then send written resignation
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
Texas Law Protects You: Good-faith reporters have immunity

Evidence Collection for Students:

Screenshots: Capture full group chats with timestamps and participant names
Recordings: Texas is one-party consent state—you can record conversations you’re part of
Photos/Videos: Injuries, locations, objects used
Medical Documentation: Tell providers you were hazed so it’s in records
Save Everything: Don’t delete texts, DMs, emails—even if embarrassing

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence
What families think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly
What families think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
What to do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation

MISTAKE #3: Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms
What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements
Why it’s wrong: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often far below case value
What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing it first

MISTAKE #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 screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

MISTAKE #5: Letting Your Child Go Back to “One Last Meeting”
What fraternities say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic”
Why it’s wrong: They pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that hurt the case
What to do instead: Once considering legal action, all communication goes through your lawyer

MISTAKE #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, witnesses graduate, statute runs, university controls narrative
What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

MISTAKE #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; early settlements are lowball
What to do instead: Politely decline: “My attorney will contact you”

Frequently Asked Questions for Stonewall County Families

Q: Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?
A: Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UT, Texas A&M, UH) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities (Baylor, SMU) have fewer immunity protections. Every case is fact-specific. Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

Q: Is hazing a felony in Texas?
A: It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, but becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. The UH Pi Kappa Phi case involving rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure would likely qualify for felony charges if prosecuted.

Q: Can my child bring a case if they “agreed” to the initiation?
A: Yes. Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

Q: How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit in Texas?
A: Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses forget. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?
A: Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. The UH Pi Kappa Phi case involved hazing at multiple locations: chapter house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park.

Q: Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?
A: Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

Q: How much does it cost to hire a hazing attorney?
A: We work on a contingency fee basis—no upfront costs, no fee unless we win. This makes justice accessible to Stonewall County families who couldn’t otherwise afford to take on wealthy fraternities and universities.

About Attorney911: Why Texas Families Choose Us for Hazing Cases

Our Active Texas Hazing Litigation: The UH Pi Kappa Phi Case

Right now, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. This isn’t a historical case we reference—it’s active litigation we’re handling today. The details are exactly what Stonewall County parents fear:

Medical Catastrophe: Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure from extreme workouts
Hospitalization: Four days in the hospital with critically high creatine kinase levels
Psychological Torment: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, threats of expulsion, simulated waterboarding
Organizational Failure: University allegedly knew or should have known about systemic hazing
Chapter Consequences: Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter suspended and surrendered its charter

We’re not just telling you we handle hazing cases—we’re showing you with active, high-stakes litigation against a major Texas university and national fraternity.

Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Fight coverage under “intentional act” exclusions
Negotiate settlements from a position of power
His insider knowledge means we don’t just react to insurance tactics—we anticipate and counter them.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello):

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar defendants
Federal Court Admitted: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
HCCLA Membership: Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association—elite criminal defense credential
25+ Years Experience: Practicing since 1998, founded firm in 2001
We’ve taken on massive corporations with unlimited legal budgets. National fraternities and universities don’t intimidate us.

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability:

Ralph’s HCCLA membership means we understand criminal hazing charges
Can advise witnesses/former members with potential criminal exposure
Understand how criminal and civil cases interact
Know when to cooperate with prosecutors versus when to protect client rights

Investigative Depth & Expert Network:

Digital Forensics Experts: Recover deleted messages, analyze social media
Medical Experts: Document rhabdomyolysis, kidney injury, psychological trauma
Greek Life Culture Experts: Understand organizational dynamics and traditions
Economists: Calculate lifetime damages for catastrophic injuries
Local Investigators: Work throughout Texas, including Stonewall County area

Spanish-Language Services:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish (Se habla Español). We serve Hispanic families throughout Texas with cultural understanding and language accessibility.

Our Philosophy: Accountability, Prevention, Justice

We approach hazing cases with three goals:

Full Accountability: Identifying every liable party—individuals, chapters, nationals, universities
Adequate Compensation: Building cases that reflect the true value of harm, not quick lowball settlements
Systemic Prevention: Using litigation to force policy changes that protect future students

As Ralph Manginello stated in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case coverage: “We’re almost in 2026. This has to stop.” That’s not just a quote—it’s our mission.

How We Investigate Hazing Cases Differently

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:
We maintain a proprietary database of 1,423 fraternity/sorority entities across 25 Texas metros. When you come to us with a hazing case, we don’t start from zero. We already know:

The organizational structure behind campus chapters
Prior incidents involving the same national organization
Insurance carriers and coverage patterns
Local attorneys who represent these organizations

Comprehensive Evidence Gathering:

Digital Forensics: Recovering deleted group chats and social media
Public Records Requests: Obtaining university disciplinary files
Subpoena Power: Compelling production of national fraternity records
Witness Development: Working with other pledges and former members
Expert Analysis: Medical, psychological, economic evaluations

Strategic Case Development:

Identifying all potentially liable defendants
Preserving evidence before it’s destroyed
Navigating university processes while protecting your rights
Building settlement leverage through thorough preparation
Remaining trial-ready to maximize recovery

Call to Action for Stonewall County Families

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

If you’re a parent in Stonewall County, Gillespie County, or anywhere in the Texas Hill Country dealing with a potential hazing situation, we want you to know:

Your child’s safety and recovery come first. Legal action can wait while you address immediate medical and psychological needs. But evidence preservation cannot wait. Those group chats get deleted. Witnesses get coached. Universities begin their damage control.

We offer confidential, no-obligation consultations. During your consultation, we’ll:

Listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you’ve preserved
Explain your legal options clearly
Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
Answer all your questions about process and costs
Make no pressure to hire us—take time to decide what’s right for your family

Our commitment to Stonewall County families:

We understand the unique dynamics of Texas universities
We know how fraternities, sororities, and Corps programs operate
We have active experience against the same institutions your family may be facing
We’ll treat your family with the empathy and respect you deserve during this difficult time

Contact Attorney911 Today

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

Spanish Language Services Available:
Hablamos Español. Contacte a Lupe Peña directamente a lupe@atty911.com para una consulta confidencial en español.

Serving Families Throughout Texas:
While based in Houston, we serve families across Texas, including Stonewall County, Fredericksburg, Harper, Doss, and all Hill Country communities. We handle cases involving universities statewide and have co-counsel relationships throughout Texas when local court appearances are needed.

Take the First Step Toward Answers and Accountability

Whether your child attends school in San Antonio, Austin, College Station, or anywhere in Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you have rights. The organizations behind these incidents have insurance, attorneys, and public relations teams protecting their interests. Your family deserves equal protection.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 or visit https://attorney911.com to schedule your confidential consultation. Let us help you navigate this difficult situation, protect your child’s future, and work toward preventing this from happening to another Stonewall County family.

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