Texas Hazing Lawsuit Guide: Protecting Argyle Families from Fraternity, Sorority & Campus Abuse

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

We understand the fear and confusion that grips a parent in Argyle, in Denton County, or anywhere in North Texas when they learn their child has been hurt in connection with a fraternity, sorority, athletic team, or spirit group. That middle-of-the-night phone call, the vague texts about “mandatory events,” the unexplained injuries—it’s a nightmare scenario that disrupts the promise of a college education.

Right now, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez in a $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 detailed allegations from this active case show exactly how modern hazing operates and the catastrophic harm it can cause.

If you are a parent in Argyle, Lantana, Bartonville, or anywhere in Denton County, your child may be attending the University of North Texas, Texas Woman’s University, or may have ventured to schools like Texas A&M, UT Austin, or SMU. The organizations behind Greek letters on those campuses are part of a vast, interconnected network across Texas. We maintain what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database built from public records that tracks over 1,400 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metros. This isn’t theoretical; it’s the investigative foundation we use to hold every responsible entity accountable.

This guide is for you. We will explain what hazing really looks like today, the Texas laws that protect your child, the national patterns of abuse tied to specific fraternities and sororities, and the practical steps your family can take toward safety, healing, and accountability.

Immediate Help for a Hazing Crisis

If your child is in danger or severely injured RIGHT NOW:

• Call 911 for medical emergencies.
• Then call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We are Legal Emergency Lawyers™ for a reason.

In the First 48 Hours – Critical Actions:

1. Get Medical Attention: Even if your child insists they are “fine,” a medical exam documents injuries and can detect hidden dangers like internal trauma or rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown).
2. Preserve Digital Evidence: Screenshot EVERYTHING—GroupMe chats, text messages, Instagram DMs, Snapchat stories. Have your child save, not delete.
3. Document Physically: Take clear, dated photos of any bruises, burns, or injuries. Save any physical items involved (clothing, paddles, “pledge” items).
4. Write it Down: Journal everything your child tells you—names, dates, locations, specific acts—while memories are fresh.
5. Do NOT:
   • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or team.
   • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company.
   • Let your child delete messages or social media posts.
   • Post details about the incident online.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24-48 hours. Evidence disappears rapidly. We can help you secure it and navigate the complex institutional response. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Hazing in 2025: It’s More Than “Just Partyin’”

Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—on or off campus—that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of joining, maintaining membership in, or affiliating with any organization. For parents in Argyle, it’s crucial to recognize that hazing has evolved far beyond stereotypes. It’s systematic, often digitally coordinated, and disguised as “tradition” or “team building.”

The Reality of Modern Hazing Tactics

1. Alcohol & Substance Hazing (The Most Common & Deadly):

• Forced Consumption: “Lineup” drinking games, finishing a bottle of liquor for a “Big/Little” reveal, “Bible study” where wrong answers mean drinking.
• Coerced Drug Use: Pressure to consume unknown substances, pills, or nitrous oxide.
• The Outcome: Alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injury from falls, long-term organ damage, or death.

2. Physical & “Performance” Hazing:

• Extreme Exercise: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups or squats until collapse (as alleged in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case).
• Paddling & Beatings: Use of wooden paddles, often in off-campus locations.
• Environmental Abuse: Exposure to extreme cold/heat, lying in vomit, being sprayed with hoses.
• The Outcome: Rhabdomyolysis (muscle tissue breakdown leading to kidney failure), broken bones, concussions, severe soft-tissue damage.

3. Psychological & Humiliation Hazing:

• Sleep Deprivation: Mandatory all-night “study” sessions or 3 AM wake-up calls.
• Public Degradation: Forced to wear humiliating costumes or carry demeaning “pledge items” (like the “fanny pack” filled with condoms and sex toys in the UH case).
• Social Isolation: Cutting off contact with family and non-member friends.
• The Outcome: Severe anxiety, depression, PTSD, and suicidal ideation.

4. Sexualized Hazing:

• Forced nudity or simulated sexual acts.
• Sexual assault or coercion under the guise of initiation.
• The Outcome: Deep psychological trauma and potential Title IX violations.

5. Digital Hazing & Control:

• 24/7 Group Chat Monitoring: Pledges required to respond instantly to messages at all hours.
• Social Media Humiliation: Forced to post embarrassing content on TikTok or Instagram.
• Location Tracking: Required to share live location via apps.
• The Outcome: A constant state of anxiety and a digital paper trail that can become critical evidence.

Hazing is not confined to fraternities. It occurs in sororities, NCAA and club athletic teams, Corps of Cadets programs, spirit organizations like cheer and drumline, marching bands, and other campus clubs. The common thread is a power imbalance where newcomers are subjected to abuse to “earn” their place.

Texas Hazing Law & Liability: The Legal Framework Protecting Your Child

Texas has specific statutes designed to combat hazing and provide avenues for justice. Understanding this framework is the first step for any Argyle family considering legal action.

The Texas Education Code: Chapter 37, Subchapter F

Texas law defines hazing broadly and takes it seriously. Key provisions include:

• §37.151 – Definition: Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of initiation into, affiliation with, or maintaining membership in an organization, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of the student. This applies on or off campus.
• §37.152 – Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor. It becomes a Class A misdemeanor if it causes injury requiring medical treatment. If it causes serious bodily injury or death, it is a State Jail Felony.
• §37.155 – Consent is NOT a Defense: It does not matter if your child “agreed” to participate. The law recognizes that consent under peer pressure and coercion is not valid.
• §37.153 – Organizational Liability: The organization itself (fraternity, sorority, team) can be prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 if it authorized or encouraged the hazing.
• §37.154 – Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting: Individuals who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability, and those who call for medical help in an emergency often have amnesty protections.

Civil Lawsuits vs. Criminal Charges

It is vital to understand the two parallel paths to accountability:

• Criminal Case: Brought by the State of Texas (e.g., Denton County District Attorney, Harris County District Attorney). The goal is punishment—fines, probation, or jail time for individuals. A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case.
• Civil Lawsuit: Brought by the victim and their family. The goal is compensation for damages (medical bills, pain and suffering, future care) and institutional accountability. This is where we force universities and national organizations to answer for their role.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Hazing Case?

A strategic lawsuit looks beyond the individual who handed your child a bottle. We build a case against every entity with responsibility.

1. Individual Students: Members, pledges, officers (President, Pledgemaster, Risk Manager) who planned, participated in, or concealed the hazing.
2. The Local Chapter: The fraternity or sorority chapter as an entity, often via its housing corporation.
3. The National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters: They set policies, collect dues, and are supposed to supervise chapters. Their knowledge of prior incidents at other chapters is crucial.
4. The University: Public universities like UNT, TWU, UT, and A&M have a duty to protect students. They can be liable for negligent supervision, failure to enforce policies, or deliberate indifference to a known pattern of hazing.
5. Third Parties: Landlords of off-campus houses, property owners where hazing occurred, and alcohol providers.

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

• Title IX: If hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, it triggers federal Title IX obligations for the university, which can provide another powerful avenue for accountability.
• The Clery Act: Requires universities to report and publish crime statistics, including certain hazing-related assaults.
• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This new federal law requires colleges to publish more transparent hazing incident data and strengthen prevention programs, increasing public scrutiny.

A Living Case Study: Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi

To understand how these laws apply to a real, ongoing Texas case, look at the lawsuit we are actively litigating. This is not a historical example; it is proof of our firm’s current, high-stakes commitment to hazing litigation.

The Victim: Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student and fall 2025 pledge of the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter.

The Alleged Hazing: According to the complaint and subsequent media coverage (Click2Houston report, ABC13 coverage), the hazing included:

• A mandatory “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms, a sex toy, and nicotine devices.
• Hours-long “study blocks,” overnight driving duties, and weekly interrogations.
• Extreme physical abuse: sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, and being forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass.
• “Waterboarding”-style torture: Being sprayed in the face with a hose while lying down.
• Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by immediate sprints.
• A November 3rd “workout”: over 100 push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion.

The Catastrophic Injury: After the November 3rd hazing, Bermudez’s body began to break down. He could not stand without help. His urine turned brown—a classic sign of rhabdomyolysis. He was rushed to the hospital and admitted for four days. Lab tests confirmed critically high creatine kinase levels, leading to diagnoses of severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He faces a risk of permanent kidney damage.

The Defendants: Our lawsuit names a full universe of responsible parties:

• The University of Houston and the UH System Board of Regents.
• Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity’s national headquarters.
• The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Housing Corporation.
• 13 individual fraternity leaders, including the chapter president, pledgemaster, sorority relations chair, and risk manager.

The Institutional Response: After reports surfaced, Pi Kappa Phi nationals suspended the chapter on November 6, 2025. Members voted to surrender their charter on November 14, shutting the chapter down. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary action and cooperation with law enforcement.

This case exemplifies our approach: thorough investigation to identify all liable entities, a clear narrative of the abuse, and relentless pursuit of accountability against powerful institutions. The same fraternity nationals, insurance companies, and institutional defense tactics we are facing in Houston operate at campuses across Texas, including those attended by students from Argyle.

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: What Argyle Families Are Really Up Against

When your child joins a fraternity or sorority at a Texas school, they are not just joining a local club. They are connecting to a vast network of legally registered organizations with national affiliations, insurance policies, and deep-pocketed defense attorneys. Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine allows us to map this network from the first phone call.

Texas Universities: Where Argyle Students Go

Families in Argyle and Denton County have students at a wide range of campuses, from local institutions to major statewide hubs. Each has its own Greek life landscape and history of incidents.

Local & Regional Campuses for Argyle Families:

• University of North Texas (Denton, TX): A major public university with extensive Greek life in the heart of Denton County.
• Texas Woman’s University (Denton, TX): Home to sororities and campus organizations.
• Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce, TX): A growing regional campus with Greek organizations.

Major Statewide Hubs Argyle Families Attend:

• University of Texas at Austin
• Texas A&M University (College Station)
• University of Houston
• Southern Methodist University
• Baylor University
• Texas Tech University
• Texas State University

The Behind-the-Scenes Network: A Sample from Public Records

Using IRS filings and corporate registries, we track the entities behind the Greek letters. This is not speculation; it’s public data we use to build cases. For example, here are just a few of the hundreds of Texas-registered Greek organizations we monitor:

• Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc (EIN 273662583) – Lufkin, TX 75904
• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc (EIN 475370943) – Houston, TX 77204 (Theta Delta Chapter)
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (EIN 263170920) – Denton, TX 76204 (Texas Woman’s University Chapter)
• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515) – Frisco, TX 75035
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity (EIN 237279532) – Prairie View, TX 77446
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (EIN 364091267) – Waco, TX 76710
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN 741380362) – Fort Worth, TX 76147

In the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area—which encompasses Denton County and Argyle—public data indicates a concentration of over 500 Greek-related organizations. This includes undergraduate chapters, alumni associations, housing corporations, and educational foundations. When hazing occurs at a chapter at UNT or TWU, these interconnected entities often share liability.

National Patterns, Local Harm

The fraternities and sororities on Texas campuses are chapters of national organizations with documented, repeated histories of hazing tragedies. This isn’t about branding one group; it’s about recognizing foreseeable risk. For instance:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): Fatal hazing of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State ($10M+ settlement).
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): Multiple deaths and severe injury cases nationwide, including a chemical burns lawsuit at Texas A&M.
• Phi Delta Theta: Fatal hazing of Max Gruver at LSU ($6.1M verdict).
• Pi Kappa Phi: Fatal hazing of Andrew Coffey at Florida State.

When a chapter at UH, UT, or A&M engages in similar conduct—forced drinking, violent initiation—the national headquarters cannot plausibly claim it was an unforeseeable “rogue” act. This pattern evidence is a cornerstone of holding them accountable.

Building a Powerful Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Damages

Success in hazing litigation doesn’t happen by accident. It requires a methodical, evidence-driven strategy from the moment we are retained. Here is how we approach building a case for families from Argyle and across Texas.

The Evidence Pyramid: Collecting What Wins Cases

1. Digital Evidence (The Most Critical):

   • Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord. We recover deleted messages through digital forensics.
   • Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat saved memories, TikTok videos, Facebook posts that document activities or injuries.
   • Emails & Official Chapter Communications: Planning documents, calendars, and communications with national headquarters.

2. Photographic & Video Evidence:

   • Photos of injuries (with timestamps).
   • Videos of hazing events filmed by participants.
   • Security footage from houses, apartments, or venues.

3. Medical Evidence:

   • ER records, hospitalization reports, lab results (like CK levels for rhabdomyolysis).
   • Records from follow-up care with specialists.
   • Psychological Evaluations: Documentation of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other trauma.

4. Institutional Records (Obtained via Discovery):

   • University conduct files showing prior violations by the same group.
   • National fraternity/sorority risk management files and incident reports.
   • Insurance policies and communications.

5. Witness Testimony:

   • Other pledges/victims.
   • Former members who left due to hazing.
   • Roommates, neighbors, or bystanders.

We have a dedicated video on how to properly use your phone to document evidence, which you can view here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs.

Overcoming the Defense Playbook

We know how university and fraternity defense teams operate because our attorney, Mr. Lupe Peña (he/him), spent years as an insurance defense attorney for large companies. We anticipate and counter their common tactics:

• Defense: “The Victim Consented.”

  • Our Counter: Texas law §37.155 states consent is not a defense. We demonstrate the coercive power imbalance and peer pressure inherent in pledging.

• Defense: “This was a rogue chapter; the national didn’t know.”

  • Our Counter: We subpoena national records to show patterns of similar incidents across the country, proving foreseeable risk and negligent supervision.

• Defense: “It happened off-campus, not our responsibility.”

  • Our Counter: Courts consistently hold that universities and nationals have a duty of care over recognized student organizations regardless of location. Off-campus hazing is often more foreseeable as groups seek to avoid detection.

• Defense: “Our insurance doesn’t cover intentional acts like hazing.”

  • Our Counter: We litigate coverage issues aggressively. Even if individual acts were intentional, the negligence of the national organization or university in failing to supervise is often covered. We know how to navigate these complex insurance battles.

Recoverable Damages: What Your Family Can Seek

The goal of a civil lawsuit is to make the victim whole and deter future misconduct. Recoverable damages include:

• Economic Damages:

  • All past and future medical expenses (ER, hospitalization, surgery, therapy).
  • Lost wages (for the student or a parent who must provide care).
  • Lost future earning capacity if injuries cause permanent disability.
  • Educational costs (withdrawn tuition, lost scholarships).

• Non-Economic Damages:

  • Physical pain and suffering.
  • Mental anguish, emotional distress, humiliation.
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
  • Loss of enjoyment of life.

• Wrongful Death Damages (in fatal cases):

  • Funeral and burial expenses.
  • Loss of companionship, love, and financial support for the family.
  • Emotional anguish of survivors.

• Punitive Damages: In cases of particularly egregious or malicious conduct, Texas law may allow punitive damages to punish the defendant and deter similar future behavior.

Practical Guide for Argyle Parents & Students

For Parents: Warning Signs & Action Steps

Red Flags Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

• Unexplained injuries (bruises, burns, limping).
• Extreme fatigue, exhaustion beyond normal academic stress.
• Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”).
• Personality changes: increased anxiety, depression, or irritability.
• Constant phone use/panic over group chat messages.
• Financial pressure for unexplained “fines” or dues.
• Declining academic performance.

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing:

1. Talk Openly: Ask direct but non-confrontational questions. “Are you being asked to do anything that makes you uncomfortable or that you have to keep secret?”
2. Prioritize Safety: If there is immediate danger or severe injury, call 911.
3. Preserve Evidence: Gently encourage your child to save, not delete, any digital communications. Take photos of injuries.
4. Seek Medical Care: A medical exam is both caring and crucial for documentation.
5. Consult a Lawyer BEFORE Reporting: Once you report to a university, their legal team takes over. An attorney can help you navigate this process, preserve your rights, and ensure evidence isn’t destroyed. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911.

For Students: Your Rights & How to Exit Safely

Know This:

• You have the right to be safe. No “tradition” justifies abuse.
• You have the right to leave. You can de-pledge or resign at any time, for any reason.
• Texas law protects those who report. Good-faith reporters have immunity.
• Calling 911 in a medical emergency is always the right choice, and most schools have medical amnesty policies.

If You Want Out:

• Tell a trusted friend or parent first.
• Send a brief, clear email or text to the chapter president: “I am resigning my membership/pledgeship effective immediately.”
• Do not attend a “final meeting” where you could be pressured or threatened.
• If you face retaliation (harassment, stalking), document it and report it immediately to campus police and the Dean of Students.

Critical Mistakes That Can Harm a Case

We detail common pitfalls in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY. Avoid these at all costs:

• Deleting evidence (texts, photos, social media posts).
• Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly, giving them a heads-up to destroy evidence.
• Signing any documents from the university or an insurance adjuster without an attorney.
• Posting details about the incident on public social media.
• Waiting too long. Texas has a statute of limitations; evidence and witness memories fade. Learn more about timing here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.

Why Attorney911 Is the Right Choice for Texas Hazing Cases

When your family is in a legal emergency caused by hazing, you need advocates who are not intimidated by powerful institutions and who understand the intricate web of Greek life. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911) brings a unique combination of insider knowledge, proven litigation strength, and deep Texas roots to your fight.

Our Unmatched Credentials for Hazing Litigation

1. Active, High-Stakes Litigation Experience: We are currently leading the $10 million Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit. We are in the trenches right now against a major university and national fraternity. This isn’t past history; it’s our present-day commitment.

2. Insurance Insider Knowledge: Our attorney, Mr. Lupe Peña (he/him), spent years as a defense attorney for national insurance companies. He knows precisely how fraternity and university insurers evaluate claims, deny coverage, and drag out cases. We use their playbook against them. Learn more about Mr. Peña’s background here: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

3. Experience Against Billion-Dollar Defendants: Founding partner Ralph Manginello was one of the few plaintiff attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation. We have faced corporations with unlimited legal budgets and won. Universities and national fraternities pose a similar challenge, and we are not deterred. See Ralph’s full profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

4. Data-Driven Investigation: Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—built from IRS records, university data, and corporate registries—means we don’t start from zero. We know how to trace liability from the local chapter to the national headquarters to the insurance policy.

5. Dual Civil & Criminal Capability: Ralph Manginello is a member of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA). We understand the interplay between criminal hazing charges and civil lawsuits, allowing us to effectively advise clients navigating both systems.

6. Spanish-Language Services: Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish. Se habla Español. We are committed to serving the full diversity of Texas families.

7. Contingency Fee Basis: We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis—you pay no upfront legal fees. We only get paid if we recover money for you. Watch our video explaining how this works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

A Final Message to Families in Argyle and Across Texas

Hazing thrives in secrecy and shame. It isolates victims and makes families feel powerless. You are not powerless. Texas law provides tools for accountability, and our firm has the experience, resources, and determination to wield them effectively.

Whether your child was hazed at a Denton County university or at a campus hours from home, the path to justice starts with a conversation. We offer a confidential, no-obligation consultation to listen to your story, analyze your potential case, and explain your legal options clearly and honestly.

Take the first step toward protecting your child’s future and holding the responsible parties accountable.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm / Attorney911 Today

Call our 24/7 line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello) | lupe@atty911.com (Mr. Lupe Peña)

We serve clients throughout Texas from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. If hazing has impacted your family in Argyle, Denton County, or anywhere in the state, we are here to help.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Every hazing case is fact-specific, and outcomes depend on the unique circumstances, evidence, and applicable law. The information presented is current as of late 2025. If you believe your child has been a victim of hazing, we strongly urge you to consult promptly with a qualified attorney to discuss your legal rights and options.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911)
Houston | Austin | Beaumont, Texas