The Complete Guide to Hazing & Campus Accountability for City of Hooks, Texas Families

When Tradition Turns to Trauma: A City of Hooks Parent’s Nightmare

Imagine your child, excited to start their college journey at a Texas university, comes home to City of Hooks for the weekend. They’re quieter than usual. There’s a bruise on their shoulder they can’t explain. They jump when their phone buzzes, frantically checking messages at all hours. When you ask about their new friends in the campus organization they joined, they change the subject or give vague answers. A few weeks later, you get the call every parent dreads: your child is in the emergency room with alcohol poisoning, or severe muscle breakdown, or worse.

This isn’t just a hypothetical fear. Right now, in Houston, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history: the Leonel Bermudez University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit. In late 2025, we filed a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit on behalf of Bermudez, who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after enduring months of brutal hazing at UH’s Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. The alleged conduct includes forced consumption of food until vomiting, extreme physical workouts, humiliation with “pledge fanny packs” containing degrading items, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and other abuses that left him hospitalized for four days with brown urine and critically high creatine kinase levels.

This case isn’t happening in some distant state. It’s happening right here in Texas, at one of our major public universities. And it proves that no family in City of Hooks, Bowie County, or anywhere in Texas is immune from the reality of modern hazing.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for City of Hooks families and parents throughout Bowie County and the Texarkana region who need to understand:

What hazing really looks like in 2025 (beyond the stereotypes)
How Texas hazing laws protect (or fail to protect) your child
What we’ve learned from major national cases and how they apply right here in Texas
The specific hazing landscape at universities where City of Hooks students attend—from Texas A&M University-Texarkana in our backyard to major hubs like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor
What legal options exist when hazing injures or kills a student
Practical steps you can take right now to protect your child

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

The Hazing Reality in 2025: What City of Hooks Families Need to Recognize

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” Under Texas law, hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student. This can happen on or off campus, and “consent” is not a defense.

Modern Hasing Methods Every City of Hooks Parent Should Know

Digital Control & Psychological Hazing:

24/7 group chat monitoring: Pledges required to respond instantly to messages at all hours
Location tracking: Forced sharing of live location via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
Social media humiliation: Forced posting of embarrassing content, TikTok challenges, public shaming
Sleep deprivation via technology: Constant midnight messages, 3 AM “check-ins,” all-night “assignments”
Digital servitude: Running errands for older members communicated via group chat, being “on call” 24/7

Physical & Substance Hazing:

Forced alcohol consumption: “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, drinking games with wrong answers punished by drinking
Extreme physical workouts: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, bear crawls until vomiting
Chemical exposure: Industrial cleaners, raw eggs, or other substances poured on pledges (as seen in Texas A&M SAE case)
Food manipulation: Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns, or other foods until vomiting
Temperature exposure: Locked in freezers, left outside in cold weather in underwear

Sexualized & Humiliating Hazing:

Simulated sexual acts: “Elephant walks,” “roasted pig” positions, forced nudity
Degrading costumes & props: “Pledge fanny packs” with condoms, sex toys, humiliating items (as in UH Pi Kappa Phi case)
Verbal abuse & degradation: Public “roasts,” humiliation in front of peers, demeaning nicknames

The “It’s Optional” Loophole: Many organizations now frame hazing as “voluntary” to create legal cover. In reality, not participating means social exclusion, denial of “big brother/sister” pairing, or being labeled “not committed.” Courts increasingly recognize that “consent” under power imbalance and group pressure isn’t true consent.

Texas Hazing Law: What City of Hooks Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Child’s Legal Protections

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes in the Education Code that apply to all schools receiving state funding. Here’s what City of Hooks parents need to understand:

Definition (Section 37.151):
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in an organization that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, OR
Involves brutality of a physical nature, OR
Involves any activity that intimidates or threatens the student for admission into or affiliation with the organization

Key Points for Bowie County Families:

Location doesn’t matter: Hazing at off-campus houses, Airbnbs, or retreats is still hazing
Mental harm counts: Psychological abuse, humiliation, and intimidation qualify
“Reckless” is enough: They don’t have to intend harm—just be reckless about the risk
Consent is NOT a defense (Section 37.155): Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still illegal

Criminal Penalties (Section 37.152):

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death
Additional crimes: Failure to report hazing, retaliation against reporters

Organizational Liability (Section 37.153):
Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be:

Fined up to $10,000 per violation
Have their campus recognition revoked
Face criminal charges if they authorized or encouraged hazing

Good-Faith Reporting Protection (Section 37.154):
Students who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability. Many universities also offer amnesty for underage drinking when reporting medical emergencies.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (Bowie County District Attorney, campus police, or local PD)
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Common charges: Hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
City of Hooks jurisdiction: Cases may be handled by campus police (if on campus), Texarkana Police Department, or Bowie County Sheriff, depending on location

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Goal: Compensation for damages and institutional accountability
Can proceed even without criminal charges
Damages can include: Medical bills, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, wrongful death damages

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

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthens hazing education and prevention
Phased implementation through 2026

Title IX:

Applies when hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility
Requires universities to investigate and take appropriate action
Can provide additional legal avenues for victims

Clery Act:

Requires reporting of certain campus crimes
Hazing incidents involving assaults or alcohol/drug crimes may trigger Clery reporting

The Data Doesn’t Lie: Texas’s Greek Ecosystem Serving City of Hooks Families

At Attorney911, we maintain what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of every fraternity, sorority, and Greek organization operating in Texas. This isn’t guesswork. It’s built from public records, IRS filings, university rosters, and metro-level data.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving City of Hooks Families

If you’re a parent in City of Hooks, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. Below is a sample from our database of Texas-registered Greek entities. These are public records—IRS B83 organizations (student sororities/fraternities) with Texas addresses:

Sample of Texas Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Backbone):

KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC | EIN: 133048786 | 3007 EARL RUDDER FWY S, COLLEGE STATION, TX 77845-6681 (IRS B83 filing)
ALPHA EPSILON PI FRATERNITY | EIN: 262025321 | 920 W PRAIRIE ST, DENTON, TX 76201-5816 | MU GAMMA CHAPTER (IRS B83 filing)
PI KAPPA PHI DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER BUILDING CORPORATION | EIN: 371768785 | 4102 EASTSHORE ST, MISSOURI CITY, TX 77459-1820 (IRS B83 filing)
BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC | EIN: 462267515 | 10601 BIG HORN TRL, FRISCO, TX 75035-6629 (IRS B83 filing)
ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 475370943 | 5019 CALHOUN RD, HOUSTON, TX 77204-7005 | THETA DELTA (IRS B83 filing)
SIGMA PHI EPSILON TEXAS ETA | EIN: 824398421 | 1305 FM 359 RD, RICHMOND, TX 77406-2017 (IRS B83 filing)
TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC | EIN: 741380362 | PO BOX 470061, FORT WORTH, TX 76147-0061 (IRS B83 filing)
CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY | EIN: 740555581 | 2711 RIO GRANDE ST, AUSTIN, TX 78705-4018 | CHI OMEGA HOUSE CORPORATION (IRS B83 filing)
PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY | EIN: 746064445 | 1855 HIGHWAY 69 N, NEDERLAND, TX 77627-8843 | EPSILON KAPPA CHAPTER (IRS B83 filing)
SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER | EIN: 746084905 | 4300 MARTIN LUTHER KING BLVD, HOUSTON, TX 77204-3067 (IRS B83 filing)

Texarkana Metro Area Organizations (Cause IQ Data):
The Texarkana metropolitan area has numerous Greek-related organizations serving both Texas and Arkansas sides. From our Cause IQ metro data:

Delta Kappa Gamma Society chapters (TX/NM border region) – Texarkana, TX (educators’ society)
Alpha Phi Omega – TAMU Texarkana Colony – Texarkana, TX (service fraternity)

Texas-Wide Snapshot:

1,423 Greek organizations tracked across 25 Texas metros
125+ Texas-registered entities in IRS B83 data
96 Texas university campuses with Greek life presence

Where City of Hooks Families Send Their Students: Campus Realities

Local & Regional Campuses:

Texas A&M University-Texarkana | Texarkana, Bowie County, TX
- Campus in our own backyard serving Bowie County families
- Greek life includes fraternities and sororities with national affiliations
Texarkana College | Texarkana, Bowie County, TX
- Two-year institution with student organizations
University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana | Texarkana, AR (serves many Texas students)
- Cross-border institution popular with Bowie County residents

Major Texas Universities (Common Destinations for City of Hooks Students):

University of Texas at Austin | Austin, Travis County, TX
Texas A&M University | College Station, Brazos County, TX
University of Houston | Houston, Harris County, TX
Texas Tech University | Lubbock, Lubbock County, TX
Baylor University | Waco, McLennan County, TX
Southern Methodist University | Dallas, Dallas County, TX
Texas State University | San Marcos, Hays County, TX
University of North Texas | Denton, Denton County, TX

Each of these campuses hosts dozens of fraternity and sorority chapters, many with documented hazing histories nationally.

Organizations Behind the Letters: National Patterns Hit Home

The same national fraternities and sororities that have made headlines for hazing deaths and injuries in other states operate chapters right here in Texas. When we see repeat patterns, courts call it “foreseeability”—meaning the national organization should have known and prevented it.

National Brands with Texas Presence (IRS-Cause IQ Overlap):
Our data shows these organizations appear in both IRS records and metro-level data, meaning they have multiple entity types operating in Texas:

Beta Upsilon Chi – Fort Worth, TX (EIN: 742911848)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation – Fort Worth, TX (EIN: 741380362)
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Nederland, TX (EIN: 746064445)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Waco, TX (EIN: 364091267) and Commerce, TX (EIN: 752609909)
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – Prairie View, TX (EIN: 237279532) and Dallas, TX (EIN: 521278573)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Multiple Texas campuses (7 distinct EINs)

National Hazing Cases: The Patterns That Repeat in Texas

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Most Common Killer

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

20-year-old 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)
Texas connection: Pi Kappa Alpha has chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, SMU, Baylor

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

Pledge forced to participate in “Bible study” drinking game
Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
Led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
Texas connection: Phi Delta Theta has chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, SMU

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

Pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night”
FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life
Texas connection: Pi Kappa Phi has chapters at UH (now closed), UT Austin, Texas A&M

Physical & Ritualized Hazing

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)

Pledge subjected to violent “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat
Suffered fatal head injuries; help delayed
National fraternity criminally convicted
Fraternity banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

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

Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts
Pledges sued fraternity for $1 million
Chapter suspended for two years

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within football program
Multiple lawsuits against university; head coach fired
Demonstrates hazing extends beyond Greek life

What These Cases Mean for City of Hooks Families

These national cases establish patterns that Texas courts recognize:

Forced drinking traditions are foreseeable causes of death
Retreats and off-campus locations don’t eliminate liability
National organizations can be held accountable for chapter conduct
Universities face massive liability for failing to prevent known risks

Texas University Hazing Landscapes: Where City of Hooks Students Actually Go

University of Houston: The Current Battlefront

The Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi Case (Active Litigation, 2025)
We’re currently leading this $10 million lawsuit that exposes systemic hazing at UH. Key facts every City of Hooks parent should know:

Victim: Leonel Bermudez, UH transfer student, Fall 2025 Pi Kappa Phi pledge
Injuries: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization, brown urine, critically high creatine kinase levels
Hazing methods: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, forced consumption of milk/hot dogs/peppercorns until vomiting, hose spraying “like waterboarding,” extreme workouts (100+ push-ups, 500 squats), cold weather exposure, overnight driving duties
Locations: Pi Kappa Phi house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park
Defendants: UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national HQ, Beta Nu housing corporation, 13 individual fraternity leaders
Institutional response: Chapter suspended Nov 6, 2025; charter surrendered Nov 14, 2025; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”

UH’s Greek Landscape:

Interfraternity Council (IFC): 17+ fraternities including Alpha Sigma Phi, Kappa Sigma, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi (now closed), Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Panhellenic Council: 6 sororities
National Pan-Hellenic Council: All 9 Divine Nine organizations
Multicultural Greek Council: Multiple culturally-based organizations

UH Hazing History:

2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case: Pledge suffered lacerated spleen during hazing; chapter faced misdemeanor charges and suspension
Multiple other fraternities disciplined for “behavior likely to produce mental or physical discomfort”

For City of Hooks Parents with UH Students:

Report hazing to UH Dean of Students or UHPD
Document everything before UH conducts internal investigation
Understand that UH has suspended multiple chapters for hazing

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture & Greek Life

Corps of Cadets Hazing Lawsuit (2023)

Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts, being bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth
Sought over $1 million
A&M stated it handled matter under Corps regulations

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)

As detailed above, severe chemical burns from forced exposure to cleaner
Chapter suspended for two years
Civil lawsuit filed

Texas A&M’s Greek Landscape:

Interfraternity Council: 19+ fraternities including Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta
Panhellenic Council: 14 sororities
Corps of Cadets: Military-style program with its own traditions and documented hazing issues

For City of Hooks Parents with A&M Students:

A&M handles hazing through Student Conduct and Corps regulations
Civil cases may focus on both Greek life and Corps traditions
Document injuries immediately—Corps culture emphasizes “toughing it out”

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency & Repeat Violations

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page:
UT maintains one of Texas’s most transparent hazing disclosure systems at hazing.utexas.edu.

Recent Sanctions:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation
Texas Wranglers (spirit group): Multiple sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing
Various other fraternities and sororities disciplined for hazing violations

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024)

Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members
Injuries included dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
Student sued SAE chapter for over $1 million
Chapter already under suspension for prior violations

For City of Hooks Parents with UT Students:

Check UT’s public hazing log for prior violations by your child’s organization
Prior violations on UT’s log can strongly support civil suits by showing patterns
Report to UTPD or Austin PD depending on location

Southern Methodist University: Private School Challenges

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017)

New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived
Chapter suspended for approximately 4 years

SMU’s Approach:

Private university status affects transparency
Anonymous reporting via Real Response system
Civil suits can compel discovery of internal reports

For City of Hooks Parents with SMU Students:

SMU’s Greek system is central to campus social life
Document everything before internal investigation begins
Private university doesn’t mean less liability

Baylor University: Religious Identity & Scrutiny

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020)

14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Suspensions staggered over early season

Context:

Baylor’s religious identity and prior Title IX scandals create complex oversight environment
“Zero tolerance” policies vs. recurring misconduct

For City of Hooks Parents with Baylor Students:

Baylor’s policies interact with religious branding
Document everything—internal processes may prioritize institutional protection
Civil suits may be necessary for true accountability

Texas A&M University-Texarkana: Our Local Campus

Local Considerations for City of Hooks Families:

Campus serves Bowie County directly
Greek organizations have national affiliations
Hazing incidents would involve local Texarkana police and Bowie County courts
University may handle matters internally first

Action Steps for TAMUT Families:

Report to TAMUT Dean of Students and/or campus police
Document evidence immediately
Consider that national fraternity policies apply regardless of campus size

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Damages

Critical Evidence That Wins Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Important):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook
Photos/videos: Content filmed during events, shared in chats, posted online
Location data: GPS from phones, Snapchat Maps, Find My Friends
Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “deleted” content

Physical Evidence:

Injuries: Photograph immediately and over several days (bruises evolve)
Objects: Paddles, alcohol bottles, props, costumes
Clothing: Don’t wash—preserve stains, tears
Medical records: ER reports, lab results, hospitalization records

Institutional Records:

University files: Prior conduct violations, probation letters, incident reports
National fraternity records: Risk management files, prior incident reports, training materials
Insurance policies: Multiple layers may apply (chapter, national, university)

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges, former members, roommates, RAs, bystanders
Former members who quit often become key witnesses

Damages: What Hazing Victims Can Recover

Economic Damages:

Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing treatment
Future medical needs: Therapy, medications, long-term care for permanent injuries
Lost earning capacity: Impact on career trajectory, reduced lifetime earnings
Educational costs: Lost tuition, scholarships, delayed graduation

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain & suffering: From injuries and treatment
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment: Can’t participate in activities they loved

Wrongful Death Damages (for families):

Funeral/burial costs
Loss of companionship, love, guidance
Emotional suffering of family members
Parents’ and siblings’ mental health treatment

Punitive Damages (when appropriate):

Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
Deter future hazing
Available in Texas for gross negligence or intentional conduct

Legal Strategy: Overcoming Common Defenses

Defense: “They consented to it”

Our response: Texas law §37.155 says consent is NOT a defense to hazing
Coercion under peer pressure isn’t true consent

Defense: “It was off-campus/not our property”

Our response: Location doesn’t eliminate liability if organization sponsored/controlled event
Nationals and universities still have duty based on knowledge and foreseeability

Defense: “We have anti-hazing policies”

Our response: Paper policies aren’t enough—must show meaningful enforcement
Prior incidents show policies weren’t effective

Defense: “This was rogue individuals”

Our response: Nationals have duty to supervise and prevent foreseeable harm
Pattern evidence from other chapters shows they should have known

Defense: “University sovereign immunity”

Our response: Exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations
Individual employees can be sued in personal capacity
Even with immunity, universities often settle to avoid bad publicity

Practical Guide for City of Hooks Parents & Students

For Parents: Warning Signs & Immediate Actions

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained injuries (bruises, burns, cuts)
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Personality changes (anxiety, depression, withdrawal)
Secretive about organization activities
Constant phone checking, anxiety about messages
Financial strain (forced purchases, “fines”)
Academic decline (missing classes, dropping grades)

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?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”

48-Hour Action Checklist:

Medical first: Get emergency care if injured or intoxicated
Document everything: Photos, screenshots, written notes
Preserve evidence: Don’t let them delete messages or “clean up”
Contact Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance
Report strategically: With lawyer’s guidance, report to campus/local police
Avoid mistakes: Don’t confront organization, sign university forms, or post on social media

For Students: Self-Protection & Safe Exits

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something unsafe?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Am I being told to keep secrets?

Safe Exit Strategies:

In immediate danger: Call 911
To quit/de-pledge: Send written resignation, tell someone outside organization first
Avoid “one last meeting”: They may pressure or retaliate
Document retaliation: Screenshot threats, report to university/police

Evidence Collection:

Screenshots: Capture full conversations with timestamps
Photos: Injuries, locations, objects used
Medical records: Tell providers you were hazed so it’s documented
Witness info: Names and contact information for others

Reporting Options:

Campus: Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct, Title IX, campus police
Local police: Texarkana PD, Bowie County Sheriff
National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (anonymous)
Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (confidential legal consultation)

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Deleting evidence: Messages, photos, videos
Confronting the organization directly: They’ll lawyer up and destroy evidence
Signing university “resolution” forms: May waive your right to sue
Posting on social media: Defense attorneys screenshot everything
Letting your child go to “one last meeting”: They’ll be pressured or intimidated
Waiting for university investigation: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate
Talking to insurance adjusters: Recorded statements used against you

FAQs for City of Hooks Families

“Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer protections. Every case is fact-specific.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Basic hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, but becomes a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death.

“What if it happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this. Time is critical—evidence disappears fast.

“Will my child’s name be public?”
Most cases settle confidentially. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms.

Why Attorney911 for City of Hooks Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including City of Hooks, Bowie County, and the entire Texarkana region.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):

Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello):

One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
“We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience:

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
Experience valuing lifetime care needs (brain injury, permanent disability)
Economic modeling for lost earning capacity
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:

Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Investigative Depth:

Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
Experience obtaining hidden evidence (group chats, chapter records, university files)
Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine with 1,423 organizations tracked
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Spanish Language Services:
-Cr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish

Servicios legales en español disponibles
Atendemos a familias hispanas en todo Texas

Our Current Hazing Litigation: The Bermudez Case

We’re not just talking about hazing theory. We’re actively litigating one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases right now:

Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi:

$10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit
Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure from brutal hazing
Chapter suspended and closed within days of lawsuit
Demonstrates our commitment to holding powerful institutions accountable

This case shows we’re not afraid to take on major universities and national fraternities. We fight for accountability, compensation, and preventing future harm.

Call to Action for City of Hooks Families

If you or your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether Texas A&M University-Texarkana in our own community or any university across the state—we want to hear from you. Families in City of Hooks, Bowie County, and throughout the Texarkana region have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact Attorney911 for a Free, Confidential Consultation

What to expect in your free consultation:

We’ll listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
Answer your questions about costs (contingency fee – we don’t get paid unless we win)
No pressure to hire us on the spot – take time to decide
Everything you tell us is confidential

Contact Information:

24/7 Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Office: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)

Hablamos Español:
Contacte a Lupe Peña en lupe@atty911.com para una consulta en español.

Whether you’re in City of Hooks or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions responsible for your child’s safety failed them. Let us help you hold them accountable and prevent this from happening to another family.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Immediate help. Real accountability. Attorney911.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing Lawsuit:

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Using cellphone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of limitations explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes that can ruin your case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website:

https://attorney911.com

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