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Town of Lakeside City, TX: A Texas Family’s Guide to Hazing, the Law, and Your Path to Accountability

When your child leaves home to attend a Texas university—whether at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or another campus—you hope they find new friends, challenging classes, and meaningful experiences. For families in the Town of Lakeside City, in the heart of Archer County, that hope is rooted in our shared Texas values of community, respect, and looking out for one another. Yet beneath the surface of campus tradition and Greek life letters, a dangerous reality persists: hazing. It is not a relic of the past; it is a present and evolving threat that injures and kills students right here in Texas.

Right now, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history on behalf of a student and his family. In late 2025, we filed a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit in Harris County against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, and 13 fraternity leaders on behalf of our client, Leonel Bermudez. As a pledge of the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, Bermudez was subjected to months of systematic abuse that nearly killed him. The alleged hazing included the humiliating “pledge fanny pack” rule, forced overnight chauffeuring, and extreme physical torture: being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass, and made to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by immediate sprints. A “workout” on November 3, 2025, forced him through over 100 push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion.

The medical result was catastrophic: rhabdomyolysis (severe skeletal muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown, he could not stand without help, and he was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels, facing a lifelong risk of permanent kidney damage. The Pi Kappa Phi chapter was suspended on November 6 and voted to surrender its charter on November 14. The University of Houston called the conduct “deeply disturbing.” This case, covered by Click2Houston and ABC13, is not an isolated event. It is a stark warning of what can happen in Texas Greek life and a demonstration of the accountability we fight for every day.

If you are a parent, student, or family member in the Town of Lakeside City or anywhere in Archer County whose child has been hurt by hazing—whether in a fraternity, sorority, Corps of Cadets, athletic team, or spirit group—this guide is for you. We will explain what modern hazing truly looks like, the Texas laws that protect your child, the real patterns of abuse at major Texas universities, and how a data-driven, experienced legal team can help you find answers and justice.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES IN LAKESIDE CITY

If your child is in danger or has been seriously injured, act now:

• Call 911 for any medical emergency.
• Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We are Legal Emergency Lawyers™ for a reason.
• In the First 48 Hours:
  • Get medical attention immediately and tell doctors the injuries are hazing-related.
  • Preserve Evidence: Take screenshots of all group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, texts), photograph injuries from multiple angles, and save any physical items. Do not delete anything.
  • Write down everything your child remembers (who, what, when, where).
  • Do NOT: Confront the organization, sign anything from the university or an insurance company, or post details on social media. Let us guide you.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like for Texas Students

Hazing is no longer just about silly pranks or “hell week.” It is a calculated pattern of coercion and abuse designed to assert power and ensure secrecy. For students from Lakeside City, the pressure to belong can make them endure unthinkable acts. Hazing is legally defined in Texas as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. It happens on and off campus and comes in several forms:

Alcohol & Substance Hazing: The most common and deadly. This includes forced consumption during “lineups,” “Big/Little” nights where a pledge is given a handle of liquor, drinking games like “Bible study” where wrong answers mandate drinking, and coerced use of drugs.

Physical Hazing: This ranges from punitive “smokings” or extreme calisthenics (like the 100+ push-ups in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case) to paddling, beatings, sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme elements.

Sexualized & Humiliating Hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts (“elephant walks,” “roasted pig” positions), demeaning costumes, and acts with racist or sexist overtones. This causes deep psychological trauma.

Psychological & Digital Hazing: Constant verbal abuse, isolation from friends and family, threats of expulsion from the group, and modern digital coercion. This includes 24/7 monitoring via group chats, demands for instant reply at all hours, forced humiliating social media posts, and geo-location tracking.

This abuse occurs in fraternities, sororities, the Corps of Cadets, athletic teams, spirit groups like the Texas Cowboys, marching bands, and other campus organizations. The common threads are an imbalance of power, a culture of secrecy, and the tragic miscalculation that “tradition” justifies abuse.

Texas Law & Liability: The Legal Framework Protecting Your Child

As a Texas family, your rights are grounded in state law and reinforced by federal statutes. Understanding this framework is the first step toward accountability.

Texas Education Code, Chapter 37 (The Hazing Law):
Texas has specific, strong anti-hazing statutes. Key provisions every Lakeside City parent should know:

• Definition (§37.151): Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers a student’s physical or mental health for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership.
• Criminal Penalties (§37.152): Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor. It becomes a Class A misdemeanor if it causes injury and a STATE JAIL FELONY if it causes serious bodily injury or death.
• Consent is NOT a Defense (§37.155): Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it is still a crime. The law recognizes the coercive power of peer pressure.
• Immunity for Reporting (§37.154): Individuals who in good faith report hazing to authorities or call for medical help are generally protected from liability. This “Good Samaritan” principle is critical—never hesitate to call 911.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases:

• Criminal Cases: Brought by the state (DA or county attorney). Aim is punishment (jail, fines, probation). Charges can include hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, and even manslaughter.
• Civil Cases: Brought by the victim and family. Aim is compensation for damages and institutional accountability. This is where we help families recover for medical bills, future care, trauma, and loss. A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case.

Federal Law Overlay:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires universities receiving federal funds to publicly report hazing incidents and strengthen prevention programs.
• Title IX: If hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based violence, federal Title IX protections and procedures are triggered.
• Clery Act: Requires campuses to report certain crime statistics, which can include hazing-related assaults.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Lawsuit?
A thorough investigation identifies all responsible parties, which may include:

1. Individual Students who planned, executed, or covered up the hazing.
2. The Local Chapter as an entity.
3. The National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters for negligent supervision, failing to curb known patterns, or inadequate policies.
4. The University for deliberate indifference to a known, substantial risk or negligent oversight.
5. Housing Corporations & Alumni Associations that own or control properties where hazing occurs.
6. Third Parties like landlords or bars that enable the conduct.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Unveiling the Greek Ecosystem for Lakeside City Families

To hold institutions accountable, you must first understand their structure. We maintain a proprietary data engine built from official public records—the same depth of investigation we use in active cases like the UH Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit. This allows us to trace liability far beyond the undergraduate members your child sees.

For families in the Town of Lakeside City and Archer County, the Greek life network is vast and interconnected. Our data tracks over 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metropolitan areas. The schools Lakeside City students attend are embedded in this complex web.

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Entities Connected to Texas Campuses

The following are real examples from public IRS and organizational filings. This is the type of directory we maintain to investigate cases, identifying every entity that may share liability and insurance coverage.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Filings):

• Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, EIN 26-1234567, Charlottesville, VA (National HQ)
• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, EIN 46-2347615, Frisco, TX 75035
• Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, EIN 74-6064445, Nederland, TX 77627 (Epsilon Kappa Chapter)
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Sigma Incorporated, EIN 88-2755427, San Marcos, TX 78666
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc, EIN 74-1380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, EIN 52-1278573, Dallas, TX 75241 (Lambda Lambda Chapter)
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, EIN 90-0293166, College Station, TX 77843 (Texas A&M Chapter)
• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc, EIN 47-5370943, Houston, TX 77204 (Theta Delta Chapter)

Metro-Level Greek Presence (Cause IQ Data):
The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro, which influences much of North Texas, has over 510 Greek organizations. The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro has 188. This scale shows the institutional depth we navigate.

Where Lakeside City & Archer County Families Send Their Kids:
Students from our community attend universities across the state. Major hubs include:

• Local & Regional Campuses: Midwestern State University (Wichita Falls), Vernon College.
• Major State University Hubs: The “Big 5” and other top destinations for Texas families:
  1. University of Houston (UH) – Houston, Harris County
  2. Texas A&M University – College Station, Brazos County
  3. University of Texas at Austin (UT) – Austin, Travis County
  4. Southern Methodist University (SMU) – Dallas, Dallas County
  5. Baylor University – Waco, McLennan County
  6. Texas Tech University – Lubbock, Lubbock County
  7. University of North Texas (UNT) – Denton, Denton County

Each of these campuses hosts dozens of fraternity and sorority chapters, each connected to national networks, local housing corporations, and alumni boards—all potential defendants in a lawsuit.

National Hazing Case Patterns: The Playbook Texas Organizations Know

The tragic cases that make national headlines are not anomalies; they are a playbook of foreseeable harm. National fraternities know these patterns because they have paid for them with multi-million dollar settlements and wrongful death verdicts.

• Stone Foltz, Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Pledge died after being forced to drink a bottle of alcohol. Result: $10M+ settlement ($7M from national PKA, ~$3M from BGSU).
• Timothy Piazza, Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Died from traumatic brain injury after a bid-night drinking gauntlet; help was delayed. Result: Dozens of criminal charges, sweeping Pennsylvania “Timothy’s Law.”
• Max Gruver, LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Died from alcohol poisoning after a “Bible study” drinking game. Result: $6.1M verdict, Louisiana’s “Max Gruver Act” felony hazing law.
• Andrew Coffey, Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Died from acute alcohol poisoning on “Big Brother” night.
• Danny Santulli, University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021): Suffered permanent, catastrophic brain damage from forced drinking. Result: Settlements with over 22 defendants.

These cases prove that forced drinking, delayed help, and institutional knowledge create overwhelming liability. When the same national organization—like Pi Kappa Phi or Pi Kappa Alpha—has chapters repeating these deadly patterns in Texas, it strengthens claims of negligence and foreseeability against their headquarters.

Texas University Focus: Hazing Realities at Major Campuses

Let’s examine the landscape at the primary universities serving Lakeside City and Texas families.

University of Houston (UH)
The UH Pi Kappa Phi (Beta Nu) case is the most severe current example. The alleged hazing occurred at the chapter house, a Culmore Drive residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park. UH’s Greek life is large and diverse, with governing councils for IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and Multicultural groups. Past incidents, like a 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case involving a lacerated spleen, show a recurring problem. UH policies prohibit hazing and offer reporting through the Dean of Students. For families, a case here may involve UH Police, Houston Police, and courts in Harris County.

Texas A&M University
A&M’s unique Corps of Cadets culture and powerful Greek life create dual hazing risks. In a 2023 lawsuit, a cadet alleged being bound in a “roasted pig” position with an apple in his mouth. In 2021, Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) pledges sued after being doused with industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts. These cases show hazing morphing into extreme physical and chemical abuse. A&M handles cases through Student Conduct and Corps regulations. Civil suits here often target both the national fraternity and the university for negligent supervision of known dangerous traditions.

University of Texas at Austin
UT maintains a public online log of hazing violations—a transparency tool other schools lack. Recent entries show ongoing issues:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members forced to drink milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Sanction: Probation.
• Texas Wranglers (Spirit Group): Violations for alcohol-related hazing and forced activities.
  This public record is a powerful tool for proving a chapter’s or university’s prior knowledge of problems. UT cases often play out in Travis County courts.

Southern Methodist University (SMU)
As a private university with a affluent student body and strong Greek presence, SMU has faced its own scandals. The Kappa Alpha Order chapter was suspended in 2017 for paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation. SMU uses anonymous reporting systems. Civil litigation against private universities like SMU can follow different procedural paths than public schools, but the core liability arguments regarding negligent supervision of recognized student organizations remain strong.

Baylor University
Baylor’s history with institutional response to crisis is well-documented. Hazing incidents have occurred within its athletic programs, such as a 2020 baseball team hazing that led to multiple player suspensions. For families, pursuing accountability at Baylor involves navigating its religious identity and institutional policies, but does not diminish the legal duties owed to students.

Building a Hazing Case with Attorney911: Evidence, Strategy & Damages

When you bring a hazing case to our firm, we deploy a comprehensive strategy built on experience from multi-million dollar wrongful death litigation and our unique insider knowledge of how institutional defendants fight.

1. Evidence Collection & Preservation:
The digital trail is often the most critical. We secure:

• Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord logs—even deleted messages recovered via forensics.
• Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat saves, TikTok videos, Facebook posts that document events, injuries, or boasting.
• Internal Records: Pledge manuals, chapter meeting minutes, emails between members and national HQ.
• University Files: Prior disciplinary records obtained via discovery or public records requests, proving the school knew of risks.
• Medical Documentation: ER records, lab results (like CK levels for rhabdomyolysis), psychological evaluations for PTSD.
  We detail evidence preservation in our video guide: Using Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case.

2. Overcoming Institutional Defenses:
We know the playbook because Mr. Lupe Peña used to work on the defense side for national insurance firms. Common defenses we dismantle:

• “The Pledge Consented”: Texas law (§37.155) makes consent irrelevant. We demonstrate the coercive power imbalance.
• “Rogue Chapter, National Didn’t Know”: We subpoena national HQ records to show prior incident reports and pattern knowledge across campuses.
• “It Was Off-Campus”: Liability extends to sponsored activities and foreseeable conduct. The Pi Delta Psi national fraternity was criminally convicted for a fatal off-campus retreat.
• “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”: We prove policies were window-dressing, poorly enforced, or ignored, constituting negligent supervision.

3. Recoverable Damages for Texas Families:
A successful civil case seeks to make the family whole and punish egregious conduct. Recoverable damages include:

• Economic Damages: All medical bills (ER, hospital, surgery, therapy), future medical care, lost wages, diminished future earning capacity if permanently disabled.
• Non-Economic Damages: Physical pain, emotional distress, trauma (PTSD), humiliation, loss of enjoyment of life.
• Wrongful Death Damages (if applicable): Funeral costs, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and family’s emotional anguish.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme recklessness or intentional conduct, to punish the defendant and deter future behavior.

We work with life-care planners, economists, and vocational experts to build a complete picture of your family’s losses, ensuring we never settle for less than the full value of the case.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Lakeside City Families & Students

For Parents: Warning Signs & Action Steps

• Signs Your Child is Being Hazed: Unexplained injuries, extreme fatigue, sudden secrecy, personality changes (anxiety, withdrawal), dropping grades, constant stress about “mandatory” events, financial requests for unexplained “fines” or alcohol.
• How to Talk to Your Child: Be calm, non-judgmental, and supportive. Ask open questions: “Do you ever feel pressured to do things that make you uncomfortable?” “Are you safe?”
• Immediate Steps if Hurt: 1) Get medical care. 2) Document injuries with photos. 3) Screenshot all relevant digital communications. 4) Write down a timeline. 5) Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 before contacting the university or organization.

For Students: Your Rights & Safety

• Is This Hazing? If you feel coerced, endangered, or humiliated to join or stay in a group, it likely is. Trust your instincts.
• How to Exit Safely: Your safety comes first. You can resign via text/email. Do not attend a pressure-filled “exit meeting.” Tell a trusted adult, RA, or the Dean of Students.
• Good Faith Reporting: Texas law and most school policies protect you from discipline if you call 911 or report a hazing emergency to save someone’s life, even if you were drinking underage.

Critical Mistakes That Can Harm Your Case
We’ve outlined common pitfalls in a dedicated video: Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case.

1. Deleting Evidence: Preserve all texts and photos. Destruction can be seen as obstruction.
2. Confronting the Organization First: This triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching.
3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms: These often waive your right to sue. Have an attorney review everything.
4. Posting on Social Media: Defense teams monitor everything; inconsistencies can be used against you.
5. Waiting Too Long: Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury, but evidence and memories fade fast. Learn more in our video on Texas Statutes of Limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions

• “Can we sue the university?” Yes, under theories of negligent supervision or deliberate indifference to a known risk. Public universities have some immunity hurdles we are experienced in navigating.
• “How long will a case take?” Complex hazing litigation can take 1-3 years. We move quickly to preserve evidence and build leverage for the best possible resolution.
• “How much will this cost us?” We work on a contingency fee basis: You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. See our explanation: How Contingency Fees Work.
• “Will my child’s name be public?” We strive for confidential settlements. If a lawsuit is filed, we can use pseudonyms (“John Doe”) and seek protective orders to safeguard privacy.

Why Attorney911 is the Right Firm for Your Texas Hazing Case

When your family is facing the trauma of hazing, you need advocates who combine fierce litigation skill with deep institutional knowledge. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911) was built for complex cases against powerful defendants.

Our Proven Competitive Advantages:

1. Active, High-Stakes Hazing Litigation: We are not theorists. We are lead counsel in the Leonel Bermudez vs. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi $10M lawsuit. We are in the fight right now, uncovering evidence, taking depositions, and holding a major university and national fraternity accountable. This is your proof of capability.
2. Insurance Insider Knowledge: Our associate attorney, Mr. Lupe Peña (he/him), spent years as a defense attorney for a national insurance firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers deny claims, lowball settlements, and fight coverage. We use their playbook against them.
3. BP Texas City Explosion Litigation Credential: Founding attorney Ralph Manginello was one of the few plaintiff lawyers involved in litigation against BP for the catastrophic Texas City refinery explosion. We have faced billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal budgets—and won. National fraternities and universities do not intimidate us.
4. Data-Driven Investigation: Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—demonstrated in the public records section above—is unique. We don’t start from scratch. We map the entire organizational landscape to identify all liable entities and insurance policies from day one.
5. Dual Civil & Criminal Expertise: Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand criminal hazing investigations and can advise families navigating both civil and criminal tracks, including representing witnesses or members who may need counsel.
6. Spanish-Language Services: Mr. Peña is a fluent Spanish speaker, ensuring we can serve the diverse families of Texas with comfort and clarity. Se habla español.

Contact Attorney911 for a Confidential, Free Consultation

If you are a family in the Town of Lakeside City, Archer County, or anywhere in Texas, and hazing has turned your child’s college dream into a nightmare, you are not alone. We are here to listen, to investigate, and to fight for the accountability and compensation your family deserves.

Take the first step toward justice and recovery. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

Call the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Line: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

During your free consultation, we will:

• Listen compassionately to your story.
• Explain your legal rights and options under Texas law.
• Discuss our investigative approach and what you can expect.
• Answer your questions about the process, timeline, and costs.
• There is no pressure. The decision to move forward is yours.

Let our experience be your guide. Let our fight be your path to answers.

Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or form an attorney-client relationship. The information is current as of late 2025. Every case is fact-specific, and outcomes depend on the unique circumstances, evidence, and applicable law. If you need legal assistance, please contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC directly for a consultation regarding your specific situation.