The Complete Guide to Fraternity Hazing for City of Ector, Texas Families: Understanding Your Rights & Finding Justice

A Message to Parents in City of Ector, Texas

We know that sending your child to college is filled with both pride and worry. For families here in the heart of Fannin County, the journey to higher education often leads to campuses like Texas A&M Commerce, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, or other major Texas universities. You trust these institutions with your most precious responsibility—your child’s safety and future.

That trust was shattered for one Texas family in late 2025. Their story is not happening in some distant state; it’s unfolding right now in our own backyard, and it demonstrates exactly why families in City of Ector need to understand the realities of modern hazing.

This guide is written specifically for you—parents, grandparents, and community members in City of Ector—who need to know what hazing really looks like in 2025, what Texas law says about it, and what legal options exist when institutions fail to protect your child.

The Case That Changed Everything: Leonel Bermudez & University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi

Before we discuss statistics or general patterns, you need to know about a case that’s actively being litigated by our firm right now. This isn’t ancient history or a story from another state—this is happening in Texas, to a Texas family, and it shows exactly what we’re fighting against.

In November 2025, we filed a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity, its Beta Nu chapter housing corporation, the UH System Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The details are disturbing, but they’re essential for every City of Ector parent to understand.

What Actually Happened to Leonel Bermudez:

This wasn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” According to the lawsuit and detailed media reports, Bermudez’s fall 2025 pledge period included:

• The “pledge fanny pack” rule: Carrying a fanny pack 24/7 containing condoms, a sex toy, nicotine devices, and other humiliating items, with punishment threats for noncompliance
• Systematic humiliation: Enforced dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, weekly interviews, and overnight chauffeuring duties for older members
• Physical torture: Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills, cold-weather exposure in underwear, lying in vomit-soaked grass
• Waterboarding simulation: Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” with threats of actual waterboarding
• Forced consumption rituals: Made to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then forced to immediately run sprints
• The November 3 workout: Forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats while reciting the fraternity creed under threat of expulsion
• Other pledge abuse: Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour

The Medical Catastrophe That Followed:

What started as muscle soreness quickly became a life-threatening medical emergency:

• Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis—severe skeletal muscle breakdown
• He suffered acute kidney failure
• He passed brown urine and couldn’t stand without help
• Hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels
• Now faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage and long-term physical/psychological harm

The Institutional Response:

• November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters suspended the Beta Nu chapter
• November 14, 2025: Chapter members voted to surrender their charter
• University of Houston called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion

This case—Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi—isn’t just another lawsuit. It’s proof that in 2025, right here in Texas, students are suffering catastrophic injuries from hazing that universities and national fraternities should have prevented. For families in City of Ector whose children attend Texas universities, this case demonstrates exactly what can happen and why experienced legal representation matters.

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

Where City of Ector Families Send Their Kids: Understanding the Texas University Landscape

As parents in City of Ector, you’re part of a community that values education and tradition. Many of you have children attending or planning to attend Texas universities where Greek life is prominent. Understanding this landscape is crucial for recognizing risks and knowing your rights.

Local & Regional Universities for City of Ector Students

While City of Ector in Fannin County doesn’t host a major university within its borders, families here typically send students to nearby institutions and major statewide hubs:

Northeast Texas Campuses:

• Texas A&M University-Commerce (Hunt County) – Approximately 60 miles from City of Ector
• University of Texas at Tyler (Smith County) – Within driving distance for many families
• Texas A&M University-Texarkana (Bowie County) – Serving the northeast Texas region

Major Statewide Hubs Where City of Ector Students Excel:

• University of Texas at Austin – Attracts top students from across Texas
• Texas A&M University – A traditional choice for many Texas families
• University of Houston – Urban campus drawing students from across the state
• Texas Tech University – Popular choice for students from north Texas
• Baylor University – Private option with strong academic reputation
• Southern Methodist University – Attracts students interested in business and law

When your child leaves City of Ector for these campuses, they’re entering environments with established Greek systems that have their own cultures, traditions, and, unfortunately, sometimes dangerous hazing practices.

The Hidden Network: Understanding Texas Greek Organizations through Public Records

Most parents see only the Greek letters on their child’s sweatshirt. What you don’t see is the complex network of legal entities, insurance policies, and national organizations that actually run these groups. At Attorney911, we maintain what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of every fraternity, sorority, and Greek organization in Texas. This isn’t guesswork; it’s built from public records, IRS filings, and institutional data.

Texas Greek Organizations Serving Northeast Texas & Statewide

Based on IRS B83 filings and our internal research, here are examples of the types of organizations operating in Texas that City of Ector families should know about:

Northeast Texas & Dallas-Fort Worth Area Organizations:

• Delta Kappa Gamma Society – Gamma Sigma Chapter (Gainesville, TX 76240) – Educators’ society chapter recorded in IRS filings
• Psi Chi – Austin College Chapter (Sherman, TX 75090) – Psychology honor society serving north Texas
• Alpha Phi Omega – Phi Xi Chapter (Sherman, TX) – Service fraternity at Austin College
• Delta Kappa Gamma Society – Psi Chapter (Denison, TX 75020) – Educators’ organization in nearby Grayson County

Major University Housing Corporations & Alumni Chapters:

• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (College Station, TX 77845-6681) – EIN 133048786, Texas A&M chapter housing corporation
• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (Frisco, TX 75035-6629) – EIN 462267515, housing entity for UH chapter
• Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation (Missouri City, TX 77459-1820) – EIN 371768785, additional Pi Kappa Phi housing entity
• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter (Houston, TX 77204-3067) – EIN 746084905, University of Houston chapter

Honor Societies & Professional Organizations:

• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Texas A&M University Chapter (College Station, TX 77843-0001) – EIN 900293166, academic honor society
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – University of Texas at Tyler (Tyler, TX 75799-6600) – EIN 352335400, serving northeast Texas students
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Texas Tech University Health Sciences (Lubbock, TX 79430-0002) – EIN 820644459, medical honor society

Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Greek Infrastructure:
The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area, which serves as a regional hub for City of Ector families, contains over 510 Greek-related organizations according to Cause IQ data. These include:

• Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity (Fort Worth, TX 76244) – Christian fraternity with national headquarters
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation (Fort Worth, TX 76147-0061) – EIN 741380362, educational foundation
• Delta Delta Delta – Arlington Alumnae Chapter (Dallas, TX) – Sorority alumnae group serving the metroplex

Why This Directory Matters for City of Ector Families

When we say we understand Texas Greek life, we mean we’ve done the homework. Every organization listed above has:

• A legal name and Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• A physical mailing address in Texas
• Specific IRS classification as a fraternal organization
• Potential insurance coverage and liability exposure

For City of Ector parents, this means when hazing occurs, we don’t start from zero. We already know:

• Who owns the property where hazing happened
• What insurance policies might provide coverage
• Which national organizations are ultimately responsible
• How to trace liability through multiple corporate layers

This investigative depth comes from our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, which tracks 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. For families in City of Ector, this means your case benefits from statewide data and patterns, not just local information.

Texas Hazing Law: What City of Ector Parents Must Know

Texas takes hazing seriously—at least on paper. The reality is that enforcement varies, and universities often prioritize their reputations over student safety. Here’s what you need to know about Texas law.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

Texas defines hazing broadly in Education Code §37.151 as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization that:

• Endangers mental or physical health or safety, OR
• Involves brutality, physical or psychological shock, or other offensive conduct

Key Provisions City of Ector Parents Should Understand:

1. Consent is NOT a Defense (§37.155): Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it’s still hazing under Texas law. This is crucial because fraternities often claim “they wanted to do it.”

2. Criminal Penalties Escalate with Injury (§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

3. Organizational Liability (§37.153): The organization itself (fraternity, sorority, team) can be fined up to $10,000 per violation if it authorized or knew about hazing and failed to act.

4. Immunity for Reporting (§37.154): Students who report hazing in good faith are immune from university discipline and most criminal liability related to the incident.

How Texas Law Applies to City of Ector Cases

For families in City of Ector, several practical considerations matter:

Jurisdiction Issues:

• If hazing occurs at Texas A&M Commerce (Hunt County), Hunt County courts handle criminal cases
• If it happens at UT Austin (Travis County), Travis County courts have jurisdiction
• Civil lawsuits can often be filed where the victim lives (possibly Fannin County) or where the injury occurred

Public vs. Private Universities:

• Public universities (UT, Texas A&M, UH) have sovereign immunity protections but can still be sued for gross negligence
• Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity barriers but strong legal teams

Statute of Limitations:

• Generally 2 years from date of injury for personal injury claims
• May be extended if injury wasn’t immediately discovered or if fraud/concealment occurred
• Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, memories fade

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The Bermudez case at UH didn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s part of a national pattern that we’ve seen play out repeatedly. Understanding these patterns helps City of Ector families recognize warning signs and understand what’s at stake.

Alcohol Poisoning Death Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (2021):

• Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” night
• Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol
• Died from alcohol poisoning
• $10 million settlement ($7M from national fraternity, $3M from university)

Max Gruver – Louisiana State University (2017):

• Phi Delta Theta “Bible study” drinking game
• Wrong answers = forced drinking
• Died with BAC of 0.495%
• $6.1 million verdict against fraternity

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University (2017):

• Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother” night
• Given handle of liquor, died from alcohol poisoning
• FSU suspended all Greek life temporarily

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College (2013):

• Pi Delta Psi “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat
• Blindfolded, weighted down, repeatedly tackled
• Died from traumatic brain injury
• Fraternity banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
• National organization criminally convicted

The Texas Connection: Same Organizations, Same Patterns

Here’s what City of Ector parents need to understand: The same national fraternities involved in these deadly cases have active chapters at Texas universities your children attend.

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): Stone Foltz’s fraternity at BGSU has chapters at:

• University of Texas at Austin
• Texas A&M University
• University of Houston
• Texas Tech University

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): Multiple hazing deaths nationwide, including:

• Texas A&M chemical burns case (2021): Pledges covered in industrial cleaner, raw eggs, spit causing severe burns requiring skin grafts
• UT Austin assault case (2024): Australian exchange student suffered dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose

Phi Delta Theta: Max Gruver’s fraternity at LSU has Texas chapters with their own hazing histories.

The pattern is clear: national organizations know certain rituals are dangerous, but local chapters repeat them anyway. For City of Ector families, this means your child isn’t facing a unique “bad apple” chapter—they’re facing systemic failures by national organizations that have seen deaths before and failed to prevent them.

Texas University Hazing Environments: What City of Ector Students Face

University of Houston: Urban Campus, Systemic Issues

Recent Major Case: The Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi case discussed earlier represents the most serious recent hazing incident, but it’s not isolated.

UH Greek Life Structure:

• 17 Interfraternity Council fraternities
• 6 Panhellenic sororities
• 4 Multicultural Greek Council fraternities
• 6 MGC sororities
• Full National Pan-Hellenic Council (Divine Nine)

Prior Incidents:

• 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha Case: Pledge suffered lacerated spleen during multi-day event with food/water/sleep deprivation
• Multiple alcohol-related hazing violations resulting in chapter suspensions

What City of Ector UH Families Should Know:

• Hazing often occurs at off-campus houses on Culmore Drive and other non-university properties
• Yellowstone Boulevard Park has been used for early-morning hazing workouts
• UH typically responds with suspensions but rarely pursues criminal referrals

Texas A&M University: Tradition, Corps Culture, and Hidden Abuse

Corps of Cadets Hazing Reality:

• 2023 Lawsuit: Cadet alleged being bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth during hazing
• Simulated sexual acts, humiliation rituals common in some units
• $1+ million damages sought in recent cases

Greek Life Incidents:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021): Industrial cleaner poured on pledges causing severe burns requiring skin grafts
• Multiple alcohol poisoning incidents requiring hospitalization
• Pattern of forced calisthenics leading to rhabdomyolysis (same injury as Bermudez)

For City of Ector A&M Families:

• The Corps and Greek systems operate with significant autonomy
• “Tradition” often excuses abuse
• University typically handles internally unless media attention forces action

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency with Limitations

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page:
One of Texas’s most transparent systems, but violations continue:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
• Texas Wranglers (spirit group): Multiple hazing violations involving forced drinking
• Various fraternities sanctioned for sleep deprivation, humiliation, alcohol coercion

Recent SAE Incident (2024):

• Australian exchange student assaulted at party
• Dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
• Chapter already under suspension for prior violations

City of Ector UT Parent Considerations:

• Check https://hazing.utexas.edu for specific organization histories
• Off-campus West Campus housing often sites of hazing
• UTPD may defer to student conduct process rather than criminal charges

Baylor University: Religious Identity, Athletic Scandals, Greek Issues

Baseball Hazing (2020):

• 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Staggered suspensions during season
• Part of broader cultural issues following football sexual assault scandal

Greek Life Context:

• Strong Baptist identity doesn’t prevent hazing
• Smaller Greek system but similar patterns
• University often handles internally to protect reputation

Southern Methodist University: Affluent Culture, Similar Problems

Kappa Alpha Order (2017):

• Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation
• Chapter suspended through 2021
• Demonstrates even “elite” campuses have hazing

SMU’s Challenges:

• Private university status means less transparency
• Wealthy families sometimes pressure for leniency
• Strong alumni networks protect organizations

Building a Hazing Case: What City of Ector Families Can Expect

Critical Evidence That Wins Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Important):

• GroupMe/WhatsApp/iMessage chats: Screenshot immediately—messages get deleted
• Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok posts showing events
• Text messages: Between pledges, members, about events
• Email chains: Chapter communications, national organization directives

Physical Evidence:

• Photographs of injuries: Multiple angles, include date stamps
• Medical records: ER visits, lab results (especially creatine kinase for rhabdomyolysis)
• Objects used: Paddles, alcohol bottles, “pledge books”
• Clothing: Items worn during hazing (don’t wash them)

Institutional Records (We Obtain Via Subpoena):

• University conduct files on the organization
• Campus police incident reports
• National fraternity risk management files
• Insurance policies for chapter house

Witness Testimony:

• Other pledges (often afraid but will talk with protection)
• Former members who quit
• Roommates, friends who observed changes
• Medical professionals who treated injuries

The Damages City of Ector Families Can Recover

Economic Damages:

• Medical bills (ER, hospitalization, surgery, therapy)
• Future medical care (ongoing kidney issues, psychological treatment)
• Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
• Diminished earning capacity (for permanent injuries)

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, PTSD, anxiety, depression
• Humiliation and loss of dignity
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Wrongful Death Damages (if tragedy occurs):

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of companionship and support
• Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Appropriate):

• To punish especially reckless or intentional conduct
• Available when defendants knew risks and ignored them
• Texas has caps but exceptions exist for gross negligence

The Attorney911 Difference: Why Our Texas Experience Matters

When your family in City of Ector faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how Texas universities and national fraternities operate—and how to hold them accountable.

Our Competitive Advantages for City of Ector Families:

1. Insurance Insider Knowledge:

   • Mr. Lupe Peña (he/him) spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm
   • He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers fight claims
   • Understands their valuation methods, delay tactics, and coverage arguments
   • “We know their playbook because we used to run it”

2. Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:

   • BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: We were one of few Texas firms involved
   • Facing billion-dollar defendants prepared us for universities and nationals
   • Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
   • Not intimidated by deep-pocketed opponents

3. Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:

   • Maintains database of 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
   • Tracks IRS filings, housing corporations, insurance policies
   • Knows organizational structures before we even take your case
   • For City of Ector families: We understand both local contexts and statewide patterns

4. Multi-Million Dollar Results Experience:

   • Wrongful death settlements in the millions
   • Catastrophic injury cases requiring lifetime care planning
   • Experience working with economists to value young lives fairly

5. Dual Criminal/Civil Capability:

   • Ralph Manginello’s HCCLA membership signals elite criminal defense experience
   • Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil cases
   • Can advise witnesses/former members with dual exposure

6. Spanish Language Services:

   • Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish
   • Can serve Hispanic families in City of Ector and throughout Texas
   • Cultural understanding of Texas’s diverse communities

Practical Guide for City of Ector Parents & Students

Warning Signs Your Child Is Being Hazed

Physical Signs:

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

Behavioral Changes:

• Sudden secrecy about organization activities
• Withdrawal from family and old friends
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
• Defensive when asked about the group
• Fear of “getting the chapter in trouble”
• Constant phone use monitoring group chats

Academic Red Flags:

• Grades dropping suddenly
• Missing classes or falling asleep in class
• Skipping assignments for “mandatory” events
• Losing scholarships or academic standing

Questions to Ask Your Child (Non-Confrontationally)

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

If your child opens up, listen without judgment. If they shut down, don’t force it—but monitor closely.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages

• What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
• Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up, can be obstruction of justice
• What to do: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly

• What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
• Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• What to do: Document everything, call a lawyer before any confrontation

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

• What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or internal agreements
• Why it’s wrong: You may waive right to sue; settlements are often lowball
• What to do: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer

• What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
• Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
• What to do: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

5. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”

• What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally”
• Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
• What to do: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

Step-by-Step Action Plan for City of Ector Families

Hour 1–6 (Immediate Crisis):
✅ Get medical attention if injured or intoxicated
✅ Remove child from dangerous situation
✅ Screenshot any messages they show you
✅ Photograph visible injuries
✅ Write down everything they tell you
✅ Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911

Hour 6–24 (Evidence Preservation):
✅ Help child preserve all group chats, texts (do NOT delete anything)
✅ Secure clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
✅ Request copies of all medical records
✅ Write down names/contact info for other pledges, witnesses
✅ Note any university communications but don’t respond yet

Hour 24–48 (Strategic Decisions):
✅ Speak with experienced hazing attorney
✅ Decide whether to report to campus/local police (with lawyer’s guidance)
✅ If school contacts you, refer them to your attorney
✅ Do NOT talk to insurance adjusters without lawyer present
✅ Upload all evidence to cloud storage

Week One Priorities:
✅ Medical follow-up and specialist consultations
✅ Psychological evaluation for trauma if needed
✅ Attorney begins subpoenaing records
✅ Witness interviews conducted
✅ Protection from retaliation documented

Frequently Asked Questions for City of Ector Families

“Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities have sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities have fewer immunity barriers. Every case is fact-specific—contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. The Bermudez case at UH involves felony-level injuries (kidney failure).

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and fear of exclusion isn’t true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from date of injury in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately known. In cases with cover-ups, the statute may be tolled. Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if hazing happened off-campus at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. The UH Pi Kappa Phi case involved both on-campus and off-campus (Culmore Drive) locations.

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

“How much will this cost us?”
We work on a contingency fee basis for hazing cases—no upfront costs, no fee unless we win. We advance investigation costs and only get paid from the recovery.

Why City of Ector Families Choose Attorney911

When hazing shatters your family’s trust, you need advocates who understand both the legal complexities and the human trauma. For families in City of Ector and throughout Fannin County, we offer:

Local Understanding with Statewide Capability:
While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families across Texas, including City of Ector. We understand the values of northeast Texas communities and the journeys your children take to Texas universities.

Proven Results Against Powerful Institutions:
From the BP Texas City explosion to the current UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we’ve faced billion-dollar defendants and won. We’re not intimidated by national fraternities or university legal teams.

Comprehensive Investigation from Day One:
Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine means we start with data, not guesswork. We know organizational structures, insurance policies, and patterns before we even take your case.

Empathetic, Trauma-Informed Approach:
We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. We listen without judgment, guide without pressure, and fight with everything we have.

Your Next Step: Confidential Consultation

If hazing has impacted your family in City of Ector, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have lawyers protecting them—you deserve the same protection.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation:

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

Spanish Language Services Available:

• Hablamos Español
• Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish

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 clearly
• Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
• Answer questions about costs (contingency fee—no recovery, no fee)
• No pressure to hire us—take time to decide
• Everything you tell us is confidential

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 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

For City of Ector families: Whether your child attends Texas A&M Commerce, UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, or any other Texas campus, if hazing has caused harm, we’re here to help. Call us today for the protection and advocacy your family deserves.