Hazing Litigation Guide for Oak Point Families: Holding Fraternities, Sororities & Universities Accountable in Texas

If Your Child Was Hazed, You Are Not Alone

Imagine your child—a student from Oak Point, possibly attending the University of North Texas just minutes away in Denton—receives a “bid” to join a fraternity. What begins as exciting camaraderie quickly turns sinister. They’re handed a degrading “pledge fanny pack” they must carry 24/7. They’re woken at 3 AM for “mandatory workouts” at a local park. They’re forced to consume impossible amounts of food until they vomit, then immediately run sprints. When they collapse, members threaten them with expulsion if they complain. Days later, they’re hospitalized with brown urine, diagnosed with life-threatening kidney failure.

This isn’t hypothetical. This exact scenario unfolded at the University of Houston in fall 2025, where we at Attorney911 represent Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the university. For families in Oak Point, Denton County, and across North Texas, this case serves as a critical warning: the most dangerous hazing is happening right now at Texas universities where your children study.

This comprehensive guide explains what modern hazing really looks like, your legal rights under Texas law, and how experienced hazing attorneys investigate these cases to hold every responsible party accountable—from individual members to national fraternity headquarters to the universities that failed 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 evidence, coached witnesses)
Universities move quickly to control the narrative
We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Oak Point’s Backyard

Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. For Oak Point families with children at UNT, Texas Woman’s University, or other Denton County campuses, understanding that “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal is crucial. The power imbalance between pledges and members often makes true consent impossible.

Main Categories of Hazing Affecting North Texas Students

Alcohol and Substance Hazing

Forced or coerced drinking during “Big/Little” nights, bid acceptances, or initiation rituals
Chugging challenges, “lineups,” drinking games that require rapid consumption
Being pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances

Physical Hazing

Paddling and beatings (still occurring despite national prohibitions)
Extreme calisthenics, “workouts,” or “smokings” far beyond normal conditioning
Sleep deprivation, food/water deprivation during “hell weeks”
Exposure to extreme cold/heat or dangerous environments

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

Forced nudity or partial nudity
Simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes
Acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones

Psychological Hazing

Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members
Manipulation or forced confessions of personal information
Public shaming in meetings or on social media

Digital/Online Hazing

Group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation via Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok
Pressure to create or share compromising images/videos
24/7 access demands through messaging apps

Where Hazing Actually Happens Near Oak Point

Hazing isn’t limited to “frat boys.” Oak Point students face risks in:

Fraternities and Sororities: At UNT, TWU, and other campuses where Denton County students enroll
Corps of Cadets / ROTC Programs: At Texas A&M and other military-style programs
Athletic Teams: Football, basketball, baseball, cheer, and other sports
Spirit Squads & Tradition Groups: Including Texas Cowboys-type organizations
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Some Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations

The combination of social status, tradition, and secrecy keeps these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Law & Liability Framework: Texas + Federal Protections for Oak Point Families

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code Chapter 37)

Under Texas law—which governs cases involving Oak Point residents—hazing is broadly defined as intentional, knowing, or reckless acts, on or off campus, directed against a student for purposes of initiation or affiliation that:

Endanger the physical health or safety (e.g., beating, forced exercise, forced alcohol consumption)
Or substantially affect the mental health or safety (e.g., extreme humiliation, intimidation)

Critical Texas Provisions:

range from Class B misdemeanor (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine) to state jail felony when hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation.

§ 37.155: Consent is NOT a Defense
Texas law explicitly states that victim consent does NOT excuse hazing. This directly counters the common defense of “they agreed to it.”

§ 37.154: Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting
Those who report hazing in good faith to university or law enforcement are protected from civil or criminal liability. This encourages bystanders and victims to come forward.

Criminal vs Civil Cases: Understanding Both Tracks

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (prosecutor)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: Monetary compensation and institutional accountability
Focus on: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability

Both can run simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case.

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

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently, strengthen prevention, and maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026).

Title IX / Clery Act
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. Clery requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Individual Students: Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up.

Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity/sorority or club itself if it’s a legal entity.

National Fraternity/Sorority: Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Their liability often hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents.

University or Governing Board: Schools may be sued under negligence or civil-rights theories when they had prior warnings and failed to act.

Third Parties: Landlords of event spaces, bars/alcohol providers (under dram shop theories), security companies.

Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys investigate all potential defendants to ensure full accountability.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Precedents That Protect Oak Point Families

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
Bid-acceptance event with heavy drinking. Severe falls captured on chapter cameras; hours delayed before medical help. Dozens of criminal charges; civil litigation; new Pennsylvania anti-hazing law. Takeaway for Oak Point families: Extreme intoxication combined with delayed medical care creates devastating liability.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
Big/little event; pledge given handle of liquor; drank to dangerous levels; died. Takeaway: Formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are repeating scripts for disaster.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
“Bible study” drinking game; forced to drink when answering incorrectly. Death led to Max Gruver Act (felony hazing law in Louisiana). Takeaway: Legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Pledge forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey; died from alcohol poisoning. Multiple criminal convictions; BGSU agreed to nearly $3 million settlement; other settlements with fraternity/individuals. Takeaway: Universities face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
Pledge subjected to violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat. Fatal head injuries; help delayed. Multiple members convicted; fraternity banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. Takeaway: Off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous as parties, and national orgs face serious sanctions.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within football program. Multiple lawsuits; head coach fired and settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially. Takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to big-money athletic programs.

What These Cases Mean for Oak Point Families

Common threads: forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, cover-ups. Reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after tragedy and litigation. Oak Point families facing hazing are not alone and operate in a landscape shaped by these national lessons.

Texas Focus: Universities Serving Oak Point & Denton County Families

Where Oak Point Students Attend College

Parents in Oak Point typically have children at:

Local/Regional Campuses:

University of North Texas (Denton) – Major Greek life presence
Texas Woman’s University (Denton) – Active sorority system
North Central Texas College (Gainesville) – Growing student organizations
Collin College (McKinney/Plano) – Expanding campus life

Statewide Hubs Common for Oak Point Graduates:

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

University of North Texas (Denton) – In Oak Point’s Backyard

Campus & Culture Snapshot
UNT’s Denton campus hosts over 40 fraternities and sororities across four councils: Interfraternity Council (IFC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), and Panhellenic Council. With over 40,000 students, Greek life plays a significant role in campus social structure.

Hazing Policy & Reporting
UNT prohibits hazing as defined by Texas law. Reporting channels include:

Dean of Students Office
Office of Student Conduct
UNT Police Department
Online anonymous reporting system

Selected Documented Incidents
While UNT doesn’t maintain a public violations log like UT Austin, internal disciplinary records show periodic sanctions against chapters for alcohol violations, unauthorized social events, and conduct violations that often correlate with hazing risk factors.

How a UNT Hazing Case Might Proceed

Jurisdiction: Denton County courts for civil cases; Denton PD or UNT PD for criminal
Potential Defendants: Individual students, UNT chapters, national organizations, UNT itself
Local Advantage: Our firm’s understanding of Denton County courts and procedures benefits Oak Point families

What UNT Students & Parents Should Do

Report immediately to UNT Dean of Students: (940) 565-2648
Document everything before confronting the organization
Understand that UNT’s internal process doesn’t preclude civil action
Contact local hazing attorneys familiar with Denton County procedures

Texas A&M University – Common Destination for Oak Point Students

Corps of Cadets Culture
Tradition-heavy, military-style environment with reported discipline and risk. The Corps represents a significant hazing risk environment separate from Greek life.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Lawsuit (2021)
Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts. Fraternity suspended; pledges sued. Takeaway for Oak Point families: Even “elite” fraternities engage in dangerous hazing.

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023)
Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose. Sought over $1 million; A&M stated it handled matter under its rules. Takeaway: Military-style programs carry unique hazing risks.

How Texas A&M Handles Hazing
Through Student Conduct and Corps regulations. Civil cases may focus on both Greek life and Corps traditions. Brazos County jurisdiction for civil cases.

University of Texas at Austin – Another Common Choice

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page
UT maintains transparent public listings—a resource Oak Point families should check if concerned about specific organizations.

Example Entries:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; found to be hazing; chapter placed on probation.
Other Groups: Texas Wranglers, spirit organizations sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing.

How UT Cases Proceed
Travis County jurisdiction. Prior violations on UT’s public log strongly support civil suits by showing patterns and institutional knowledge.

Southern Methodist University (Dallas) – Proximity to Oak Point

SMU’s Greek Presence
Private, affluent campus with strong Greek life. SMU’s proximity to Oak Point makes it accessible for many Denton County families.

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017)
New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep; chapter suspended. Takeaway: Even at “prestigious” private universities, hazing persists.

SMU’s Hazing Prevention
Reporting forms and anonymous systems (Real Response). Private university status affects transparency, but civil suits can compel discovery of internal reports.

Baylor University – Regional Option

Baylor’s Religious Identity & History
Baylor’s history of scrutiny over football and Title IX issues creates context for hazing claims.

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020)
14 players suspended following hazing investigation. Takeaway: Athletic program hazing occurs even at religious institutions.

Practical Realities
Baylor’s policies, religious branding, and prior scandals interact with hazing claims. McLennan County jurisdiction for civil cases.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

Why National Histories Matter to Oak Point Families

Many fraternities/sororities on Texas campuses are part of national organizations with documented hazing patterns. National HQs have thick anti-hazing manuals because they’ve seen deaths and catastrophic injuries. When a Texas chapter repeats the same script that got another chapter shut down, that shows foreseeability and supports negligence claims against national entities.

Organization Mapping: National Histories with Local Presence

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ)

National History: Stone Foltz (BGSU) hazing death; multiple other serious cases
Texas Presence: Chapters at UNT, Texas A&M, UT Austin, others
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing events with forced consumption

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ)

National History: Multiple hazing-related deaths; traumatic brain injury suit at Alabama; lawsuits at Texas A&M and UT
Texas Presence: Most major Texas campuses
Pattern: Physical abuse combined with alcohol hazing

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

National History: Andrew Coffey (FSU) hazing death
Texas Presence: University of Houston (Beta Nu chapter now closed), other campuses
Pattern: Our current case shows extreme physical and psychological hazing

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

National History: Max Gruver (LSU) hazing death
Texas Presence: Multiple Texas campuses
Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

Patterns across states show organizations had repeated warnings. Courts consider whether national orgs:

Meaningfully enforced anti-hazing policies
Responded to prior incidents aggressively enough

This affects settlement leverage, insurance coverage disputes, and potential for punitive damages.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy for Oak Point Families

Evidence Collection: The Digital Crime Scene

Digital Communications

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, fraternity apps
Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok—even “disappearing” messages
Our digital forensics experts recover deleted messages

Photos & Videos

Content filmed by members during events
Security camera or doorbell footage at houses and venues
Social media posts and stories

Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” lists
Emails/texts from officers about activities
National policies and training materials

University Records

Prior conduct files, probation/suspensions
Incident reports to campus police
Clery Act reports

Medical & Psychological Records

ER and hospitalization records
Toxicology reports
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety)

Witness Testimony

Pledges, members, roommates, RAs, bystanders
Former members who quit or were expelled

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Medical Bills & Future Care

Immediate care (ER, ICU), surgeries, ongoing treatment
Long-term care for brain injuries or organ damage like rhabdomyolysis

Lost Earnings / Educational Impact

Missed semesters, delayed graduation
Reduced earning capacity if injuries are permanent

Non-Economic Damages

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life

Wrongful Death Damages

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of companionship and support
Emotional harm to parents and siblings

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

National fraternities and universities have insurance policies that may cover claims. Insurers sometimes argue hazing is excluded as “intentional acts.” We identify all potential coverage sources and navigate exclusion disputes. Our insider knowledge from Mr. Peña’s defense background is crucial here.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Oak Point Families

For Parents: Warning Signs & Action Steps

Warning Signs of Hazing

Unexplained injuries or repeated “accidents”
Sudden exhaustion, extreme sleep deprivation
Drastic mood changes, anxiety, withdrawal
Constant secret phone use for group chats
Fear of missing “mandatory” events

How to Talk to Your Child

Ask open questions: “How are things with the fraternity/sorority?”
Avoid judgmental language
Emphasize safety over status
Assure them of your support

If Your Child Is Hurt

Get medical care immediately
Document everything (photos, texts, what they tell you)
Save names, dates, locations
Contact an attorney within 24-48 hours

Dealing with the University

Document every communication
Ask about prior incidents involving the organization
Inquire what the school knew and when

When to Talk to a Lawyer

Significant physical or psychological harm
University or organization is minimizing what happened
Need to preserve evidence before it disappears

For Students / Pledges: Rights & Safety

Is This Hazing or Just Tradition?
If you feel unsafe, humiliated, or coerced; if you’re forced to drink or endure pain; if activities are hidden from administrators—it’s probably hazing.

Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story
Power dynamics and fear of exclusion mean true consent is often impossible under Texas law.

Exiting and Reporting Safely

Strategies for leaving dangerous situations
Anonymous reporting through campus channels
Good-faith reporting protections under Texas law

For Former Members / Witnesses: Coming Forward

Your testimony and evidence may prevent future harm. Cooperating can be an important step toward accountability. We can help navigate your role as a witness.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages
Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content. Deletion looks like cover-up and destroys evidence.

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly
They’ll immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, and prepare defenses. Document first, then consult an attorney.

3. Signing University “Release” Forms
These often waive your right to sue. Don’t sign anything without attorney review.

4. Posting on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer
Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility.

5. Letting Your Child Go Back to “One Last Meeting”
They’ll pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that hurt your case.

6. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”
Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitations run.

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer
Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball.

Short FAQ for Oak Point Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes. Public universities have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence and Title IX violations. Private universities have fewer protections. Contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law makes hazing a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death.

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing.

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death, but exceptions exist. Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Many major cases occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

“Will this be confidential?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action for Oak Point

Why Attorney911 for Oak Point Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing case, 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 Texas offices, we serve families throughout the state, including Oak Point and all of Denton County. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families right here in our community and across North Texas.

Our Unique Qualifications for 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. He 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)
Our firm was one of the few in Texas involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation. We have federal court experience and aren’t intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams. We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience
We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases. We work with economists to value lifetime care needs for brain injuries and permanent disabilities. 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) means we understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. We can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure.

Investigative Depth
We maintain a network of experts: medical professionals, digital forensics specialists, economists, psychologists. We know how to obtain hidden evidence—group chats, chapter records, university files. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

Your Next Step: Confidential Consultation

If hazing has impacted your Oak Point family, we want to hear from you.

Whether your child attends UNT in our backyard or a campus hours away, you have the right to answers and accountability. The institutions involved have teams of lawyers ready to protect themselves. You deserve the same level of representation.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation 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 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:

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

Spanish-Language Services:

Hablamos Español—Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish
Servicios legales en español disponibles

Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is unique, and we cannot guarantee specific outcomes. An experienced attorney can review your specific facts, explain your rights under Texas law, and help you understand your options.

Whether you’re in Oak Point or anywhere in Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. Call us today.

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