The Comprehensive Guide to Hazing & Campus Abuse for Big Spring, Texas Families

When a Nightmare Hits Home: Understanding Hazing in Our West Texas Community

The call you never want to receive comes at 2:17 AM. Your son, a freshman at a Texas university, is slurring his words. You hear chanting in the background—”chug, chug, chug”—and then the line goes dead. For families in Big Spring, Howard County, and throughout West Texas, this parent’s nightmare became reality for Houston parents when their son, Leonel Bermudez, nearly died from fraternity hazing at the University of Houston.

Right now, we’re actively fighting one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases: the Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter lawsuit. This $10 million case involves horrific abuse that left Bermudez with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being forced through brutal physical hazing, including 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, simulated waterboarding, and forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting. As reported by Click2Houston, his urine turned brown from muscle breakdown before he was hospitalized for four days.

If you’re a parent in Big Spring—whether your child attends Howard College locally, Texas Tech in Lubbock, or any campus across Texas—you need to know what modern hazing really looks like, how Texas law protects victims, and what legal options exist when institutions fail to prevent abuse.

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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas

For Big Spring families, hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or harmless tradition. Modern hazing has evolved into sophisticated, dangerous practices that organizations deliberately hide from parents and administrators.

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. The critical legal point for Texas families: “I agreed to it” does not make it legal when there’s peer pressure and power imbalance.

Main Categories of Hazing Affecting Texas Students

Alcohol and Substance Hazing

Forced or coerced drinking games (“power hours,” “century clubs”)
“Bible study” or trivia games where wrong answers mean drinking
Being pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances
The Leonel Bermudez case involved forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting

Physical Hazing

Paddling and beatings (still occurring despite national prohibitions)
Extreme calisthenics or “smokings” far beyond normal conditioning
Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or tasks
Food/water deprivation as punishment
Exposure to extreme cold/heat (like the cold-weather underwear workouts in the UH case)

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

Forced nudity or partial nudity
Simulated sexual acts, “roasted pig” positions, degrading costumes
Acts with racial or sexist overtones, slurs, or role-play
“Pledge fanny packs” with humiliating contents (as in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case)

Psychological Hazing

Verbal abuse, threats, social isolation
Manipulation or forced confessions
Public shaming in meetings or group chats

Digital/Online Hazing

Group chat dares and “challenges” on GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord
Pressure to create or share compromising images/videos on Snapchat, TikTok
Social media policing and humiliation
24/7 availability demands with immediate response requirements

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Texas

Big Spring families should understand that hazing extends far beyond stereotypical “frat parties”:

Fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC Divine Nine, multicultural)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC / military-style groups (especially relevant for Texas A&M families)
Spirit squads and tradition clubs (Texas Cowboys, Silver Spurs, etc.)
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer, etc.)
Marching bands and performance groups
Some service, cultural, and academic organizations

The common threads across all these groups: social status pressure, tradition justification, and enforced secrecy that keeps abusive practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Texas Hazing Law: What Big Spring Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37, Subchapter F (Hazing)

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions that apply whether your child is at a Houston campus or a West Texas university. The law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Key points for Howard County families:

Can happen on or off campus (location doesn’t matter)
Can be mental or physical harm
Intent: Doesn’t have to be malicious; “reckless” is enough (knew the risk and did it anyway)
“Consent is not a defense”: Even if the victim agreed, it’s still hazing if it meets the definition (Texas Education Code § 37.155)

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law

Class B Misdemeanor (default): Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, fine up to $2,000)
Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes injury that requires medical treatment
State Jail Felony: If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death

Also criminal:

Failing to report hazing (if you’re a member or officer and you knew about it): misdemeanor
Retaliating against someone who reports hazing: misdemeanor

Organizational Liability in Texas

Organizations (fraternities, sororities, clubs, teams) can be criminally prosecuted for hazing if:

The org authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
An officer or member acting in official capacity knew about hazing and failed to report it

Penalties for organizations:

Fine up to $10,000 per violation
University can revoke recognition and ban the org from campus

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting

A person who in good faith reports a hazing incident to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from the report. This is critical for Big Spring students who might fear getting in trouble for underage drinking or other minor violations while trying to get help for a medical emergency.

How Texas Law Compares to Other States

Texas has strong protections but not the strongest:

Pennsylvania (Piazza Law): Upgraded hazing to felonies more easily
Louisiana (Max Gruver Act): Felony hazing with serious prison time
Ohio (Collin’s Law): Hazing becomes felony when drugs/alcohol cause physical harm
Florida (Chad Meredith Law): Criminalized hazing after drowning death

Texas falls in the middle: Good criminal statute, clear “consent not a defense” provision, but doesn’t have same public awareness as some state-specific laws.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Texas Families

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
Bid-acceptance event with heavy drinking resulted in fatal falls captured on chapter cameras. Help was delayed for hours. Dozens of criminal charges followed, plus civil litigation and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. Takeaway for Texas families: Extreme intoxication + delayed 911 calls + culture of silence = legal devastation.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
Big/little event where pledge was given a handle of liquor and drank to dangerous levels. Criminal hazing charges followed, and FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life. Takeaway: Formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are repeating scripts for disaster.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
“Bible study” drinking game where pledges drank when answering questions incorrectly. Death led to Louisiana’s felony hazing law (Max Gruver Act). Takeaway: Legislative change often follows public outrage and clear evidence.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Pledge night forced drinking of nearly a bottle of whiskey led to fatal alcohol poisoning. Multiple criminal convictions resulted, with BGSU agreeing to nearly $3 million settlement with the family. Takeaway: Universities face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program over multiple years. Multiple lawsuits against the university and staff resulted, with head coach Pat Fitzgerald firing and later settling a wrongful-termination suit confidentially. Takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life into major athletic programs with systemic abuse issues.

What These Cases Mean for Big Spring Families

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

Texas University Focus: Where Big Spring Students Actually Attend

Understanding Your Child’s Campus Environment

Big Spring families typically send students to a mix of local, regional, and major Texas universities:

Local/Regional Options for Howard County:

Howard College (Big Spring) – Local community college
Midland College (Midland) – 40 miles from Big Spring
University of Texas of the Permian Basin (Odessa) – 45 miles from Big Spring
Texas Tech University (Lubbock) – 112 miles from Big Spring
Angelo State University (San Angelo) – 115 miles from Big Spring

Major Texas Universities Attended by Big Spring Students:

Texas Tech University (Most common major university for West Texas families)
University of Texas at Austin
Texas A&M University
University of Houston
Baylor University
West Texas A&M University

University of Houston: A Case Study in Institutional Failure

The Leonel Bermudez case provides critical insights for all Texas families:

What Happened at UH:
According to ABC13 coverage, Bermudez’s fall 2025 pledge period involved:

Sept 16: Accepted bid to Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter
Sept–Oct: Forced dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, weekly interviews, overnight chauffeuring, “pledge fanny pack” humiliation
Oct 13: Another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table with object in mouth for over an hour
Nov 3: Bermudez forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
Nov 6: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends Beta Nu chapter
Nov 6–9: Bermudez hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure

Medical Catastrophe:
Bermudez developed severe skeletal muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis) and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, could not stand without help, and was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels confirming the diagnoses. He faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

Institutional Response:

Nov 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends Beta Nu chapter
Nov 14, 2025: Chapter members vote to surrender their charter; chapter shut down
UH Statement: Called conduct “deeply disturbing,” promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion and cooperation with law enforcement
Defendants: University of Houston, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, Beta Nu housing corporation, 13 individual fraternity leaders/members

Why This Matters for Big Spring Families:
This case demonstrates that even major universities with anti-hazing policies can fail to prevent catastrophic abuse. The rapid chapter closure shows liability concerns, not just moral outrage.

Texas Tech University: Most Relevant for Big Spring Families

Since Texas Tech in Lubbock is the most common major university destination for Howard County students, understanding its hazing landscape is crucial.

Campus & Culture Snapshot:

Major public research university with 40,000+ students
Active Greek life with approximately 40 fraternities and sororities
Strong West Texas and agricultural traditions
Mix of residential and commuter students from across Texas

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting:
Texas Tech prohibits hazing through Student Conduct Code and Texas Education Code compliance. Reporting channels include:

Dean of Students Office
Texas Tech Police Department
Office of Student Conduct
Anonymous reporting systems

Documented Incidents & Responses:
While specific recent cases may be confidential, Texas Tech has faced hazing issues similar to other major Texas universities. The university’s location in Lubbock (Lubbock County) means cases would typically be handled in Lubbock County courts.

How a Texas Tech Hazing Case Might Proceed:

Jurisdiction: Lubbock County courts (where Big Spring families would need to travel for proceedings)
Potential Defendants: Individual students, local chapter, national fraternity/sorority, Texas Tech University, property owners
Medical Care: University Medical Center in Lubbock would likely be treatment location
Legal Venue: 99th District Court or 72nd District Court in Lubbock

What Texas Tech Students & Parents from Big Spring Should Do:

Immediate Medical Care: University Medical Center or Covenant Health in Lubbock
Report to Texas Tech Authorities: Dean of Students at (806) 742-2984
Local Police: Lubbock Police Department if off-campus incidents
Evidence Preservation: Critical given travel distance between Big Spring and Lubbock
Legal Consultation: Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for guidance specific to Texas Tech cases

University of Texas at Austin

Campus & Culture:
UT Austin hosts approximately 60 fraternity/sorority chapters with strong Greek life presence. The university maintains a public hazing violations page showing transparency efforts.

Documented Incidents:
UT’s public hazing log includes violations such as:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation
Various spirit organizations sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing

What Big Spring Families Should Know:

Cases typically handled in Travis County courts (Austin)
UT’s transparency provides evidence for civil cases through public violation records
Travel considerations: Big Spring to Austin is approximately 300 miles

Texas A&M University

Corps of Cadets Culture:
Tradition-heavy, military-style environment with reported discipline and hazing risks. Particularly relevant for families interested in military careers.

Documented Cases:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon lawsuit (circa 2021): Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
Corps of Cadets lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose

What Big Spring Families Should Know:

Brazos County jurisdiction (College Station)
Dual Greek life and Corps of Cadets hazing risks
Approximately 360 miles from Big Spring

Other Relevant Texas Campuses

West Texas A&M University (Canyon):

Closer alternative to Texas Tech (175 miles from Big Spring)
Active Greek life with historical hazing incidents
Potter/Randall County jurisdiction

Angelo State University (San Angelo):

115 miles from Big Spring
Growing Greek community
Tom Green County jurisdiction

Fraternities & Sororities: National Patterns Meet Texas Chapters

Why National Histories Matter for Big Spring Families

When your child joins a fraternity or sorority at any Texas university, they’re joining an organization with national history—including hazing patterns that repeat across campuses.

National Headquarters Knowledge:
National organizations have thick anti-hazing manuals and risk policies because they’ve seen deaths and catastrophic injuries. When a Texas chapter repeats the same script that got another chapter shut down elsewhere, that shows foreseeability—a critical legal concept for negligence claims.

Organization-Specific Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike)

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State (2021): Forced alcohol consumption death, $10M settlement
David Bogenberger – Northern Illinois University (2012): Alcohol poisoning death, $14M settlement
Texas Presence: Active at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Baylor, SMU
Local Texas Entities: Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (EIN: 746064445) in Nederland, TX

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE)

University of Alabama Case (2023): Traumatic brain injury lawsuit
Texas A&M University Case (2021): Chemical burns requiring skin grafts, $1M lawsuit
UT Austin Case (2024): Assault lawsuit with fractures and dislocations
Texas Presence: All major Texas campuses
Local Texas Entity: Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Sigma Incorporated (EIN: 882755427) in San Marcos

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

Maxwell “Max” Gruver – LSU (2017): “Bible study” drinking game death, felony hazing law enacted
Texas Presence: UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, others
Local Texas Entity: Phi Delta Theta Fraternity (EIN: 900927378) in San Antonio

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

Andrew Coffey – Florida State (2017): Big Brother night alcohol poisoning death
Leonel Bermudez – University of Houston (2025): Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, $10M lawsuit
Texas Presence: UH (now closed), other campuses
Local Texas Entity: Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN: 462267515) in Frisco

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: What We Track

At Attorney911, we maintain comprehensive data on Texas Greek organizations because knowledge is power in litigation. For Big Spring families, this means we already understand the organizational landscape before your case begins.

IRS B83 Texas Organizations (125+ Registered Entities):
These are tax-exempt Greek organizations registered in Texas, including house corporations, alumni chapters, and honor societies. Examples relevant to Big Spring students’ campuses:

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc
EIN: 133048786 | 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845-6681
IRS B83 public filing – Texas A&M chapter entity

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity
EIN: 237279532 | PO Box 2142, Prairie View, TX 77446-2142
IRS B83 public filing – Prairie View A&M alumni chapter

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority
EIN: 364091267 | 1101 Melrose Dr, Waco, TX 76710-4154
IRS B83 public filing – Baylor University area chapter

Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc
EIN: 741380362 | PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147-0061
IRS B83 public filing – North Texas educational foundation

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
EIN: 900293166 | 114 Henderson Hall 4233 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-0001
IRS B83 public filing – Texas A&M University chapter

Metro-Level Greek Organization Counts:

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510 total Greek organizations
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188 total
Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154 total
Lubbock Metro: 59 total (relevant for Texas Tech families)
College Station-Bryan Metro: 42 total

Total Texas Fraternities & Sororities: 1,423 organizations across 25 metros tracked through public records.

How National Patterns Create Legal Liability

Foreseeability Doctrine:
When a national organization has seen the same hazing method cause injury or death at another chapter, they can’t claim “we didn’t know this could happen” when it repeats in Texas.

Negligent Supervision Claims:
Nationals that collect dues, provide materials, and maintain oversight relationships with chapters can face liability for failing to properly supervise.

Punitive Damage Potential:
When organizations ignore clear warning signs or prior incidents, Texas courts may award punitive damages to punish reckless behavior and deter future conduct.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

Evidence Collection: The Foundation of Every Case

Digital Communications (Most Critical Evidence)

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord: Screenshot entire threads with timestamps
Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok: Preserve before auto-deletion
Fraternity-specific apps: Chapter communications often occur here
Email threads: Official chapter communications and planning

Photos & Videos

Injury documentation: Multiple angles with scale reference
Event footage: Content filmed by members during hazing
Security camera footage: House cameras, doorbell cameras
Social media posts: Even deleted posts can sometimes be recovered

Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals and initiation scripts
Chapter meeting minutes and calendars
National policies and training materials
Risk management files

University Records

Prior conduct files on same organization
Incident reports to campus police or conduct offices
Clery Act reports and annual disclosures
Internal emails among administrators

Medical and Psychological Records

Emergency room and hospitalization records
Surgical notes and rehabilitation records
Toxicology reports (blood alcohol, drug screens)
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses)

Witness Testimony

Other pledges experiencing same hazing
Former members who quit or were expelled
Roommates, RAs, bystanders
Coaches, trainers, academic advisors

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses)

Medical bills: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing treatment
Future medical expenses: Lifelong care for catastrophic injuries
Lost earnings: Time off work for recovery
Diminished earning capacity: Permanent disability affecting career
Educational costs: Tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm)

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress and psychological harm (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
Loss of enjoyment of life
Humiliation and loss of dignity
Damage to relationships and social life

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support from deceased
Loss of companionship, love, and society
Grief and emotional suffering of family members
Parents’ and siblings’ mental health treatment

Punitive Damages (When Available)

Purpose: Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
When awarded: Defendant ignored prior warnings, conduct particularly cruel, attempted cover-up
Texas caps: Generally limited except in certain intentional tort cases

The Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Individual Students

Personal liability for planning, carrying out, or covering up hazing
Often have parents’ homeowner insurance that may provide coverage
Can face both criminal charges and civil liability

Local Chapter

If incorporated, can be sued directly
May have local insurance policies
Assets include chapter house, bank accounts

National Fraternity/Sorority

Deepest pockets typically
Commercial general liability insurance policies
Often argue “rogue chapter” defense
Our insider knowledge: We know how their insurers fight claims

University

Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity limitations
Private universities (SMU, Baylor) fewer immunity protections
Insurance through university risk management pools
Title IX obligations may create additional liability

Third Parties

Property owners/landlords
Alcohol providers (dram shop liability)
Security companies
Event venues

Insurance Coverage Fights
Fraternity and university insurers often argue:

Hazing is “intentional act” excluded from coverage
Policy doesn’t cover certain defendants
Notice requirements weren’t met

Our insurance insider advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how these companies value claims, use Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to reduce settlements, and deploy delay tactics. We don’t just react to their strategies—we anticipate them.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Big Spring Families

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Weight loss or gain from food/water restriction or stress
Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, 3 AM calls)
Injuries to hands, back, legs from paddling or exercise
Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage
Signs of alcohol poisoning even if child doesn’t normally drink

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-Greek activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensive when asked about the organization
Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”
Obsession with pleasing older members

Academic Red Flags:

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

Digital/Social Behavior:

Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Anxiety when phone buzzes or pings
Deleting messages or clearing browser history obsessively
Receiving calls/texts at all hours demanding immediate response
Social media posts showing humiliating or concerning activities

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?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”
“Are they asking you to keep secrets from me or the university?”

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing

Immediate safety: If in physical danger, call 911 or campus police
Medical attention: Prioritize health over “getting in trouble”
Document everything: Write down dates, times, what your child said
Preserve evidence: Screenshot texts, photograph injuries, save physical items
Reporting: Contact Dean of Students, campus police, local police if crimes involved
Legal consultation: Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 early

What NOT to Do

Don’t confront the organization directly (they may destroy evidence)
Don’t sign anything from university or insurance without legal advice
Don’t post details on public social media before consulting a lawyer
Don’t let university convince you “this is being handled internally” if you want real accountability

For Students: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide
Ask yourself:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would the university or my parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do themselves?
Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?

If you answered YES to any, it’s likely hazing.

How to Exit Safely

Immediate danger: Call 911, get to safe location
Quitting/de-pledging: You have legal right to leave at any time
Notification: Tell someone outside org first, then email chapter president
Avoid “one last meeting”: Where pressure or retaliation might occur
Retaliation protection: Document threats, report to Dean of Students, seek protective order if needed

Evidence Collection for Students

Screenshots: Capture full conversations with timestamps
Recordings: Texas is one-party consent state (you can record conversations you’re part of)
Photos/videos: Injuries, locations, objects used
Medical documentation: Tell providers you were hazed for proper records
Witness information: Names and contacts for others who saw what happened

Who to Trust/Report To
On Campus:

Dean of Students or Office of Student Conduct
Title IX Coordinator (if sexual harassment involved)
Campus police
Counseling center (confidential)
Trusted professor or advisor

Off Campus:

Local police (city PD or sheriff)
National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (anonymous)
Attorney specializing in hazing cases

For Former Members/Witnesses

If you participated and now regret it:

Your testimony and evidence may prevent future harm
Cooperating can be important step toward accountability
You may want your own legal advice about potential liability
We can help navigate your role as witness or co-defendant

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence

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 instead: Preserve everything immediately

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 instead: Document everything, call lawyer before any confrontation

3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms

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

4. Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to 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 instead: Document privately; let lawyer control public messaging

5. Letting Your Child Go Back to “One Last Meeting”

What fraternities say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic”
Why it’s wrong: They pressure, intimidate, or extract damaging statements
What to do instead: Once considering legal action, all communication through lawyer

6. Waiting “To See How the University Handles It”

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

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer

What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process claim”
Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements used against you; early settlements lowball
What to do instead: Politely decline: “My attorney will contact you”

Short FAQ for Big Spring Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. 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 immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as Class B misdemeanor by default, but becomes state jail felony if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t true voluntary consent.

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

“What if hazing happened off-campus or at private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major cases occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

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

“How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?”
We work on contingency fee basis—no upfront costs, no fee unless we win your case. Watch our video explaining how contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

“What if my child was drinking underage during hazing?”
Texas law provides good-faith reporter immunity for those seeking medical help in emergencies. The priority is health and safety, not minor violations. Don’t let fear of underage drinking charges prevent getting help.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

Why Attorney911 for Hazing Cases

When your Big Spring 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.

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Former insurance defense attorney at 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.”
Learn more about Mr. Peña’s background: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

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.”
Ralph’s complete credentials: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
Experience valuing lifetime care needs (brain injury, permanent disability)
Economist collaboration for accurate damage calculations
“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
See our criminal defense experience: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/

Investigative Depth for Big Spring Families

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 Greek organizations tracked
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Wrongful Death Experience
For families who have lost a child to hazing, we bring particular sensitivity and expertise. Learn about our wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/

Our Connection to Big Spring & West Texas

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including Big Spring, Howard County, and all of West Texas. We understand:

The travel considerations for Big Spring families dealing with cases in Lubbock, College Station, or Austin
The local medical resources like Scenic Mountain Medical Center in Big Spring and referral patterns to Lubbock facilities
The jurisdictional issues involving Howard County, Midland County, Ector County, and Lubbock County courts
The community values of West Texas families and how hazing impacts close-knit communities

Call to Action for Big Spring Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether Howard College locally, Texas Tech in Lubbock, or any university across the state—we want to hear from you.

Families in Big Spring, Howard County, and throughout West Texas have the right to answers and accountability when institutions fail to protect students.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to what happened, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward.

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 Attorney911 Today:

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 (Ralph Manginello) or lupe@atty911.com (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Spanish-Language Services:

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

Additional Resources:

Watch our video on using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Learn about Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Understand common client mistakes to avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Whether you’re in Big Spring, Midland, Odessa, Lubbock, or anywhere across West Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The same fraternities, the same national organizations, the same insurance companies operate everywhere. Our experience in Houston courtrooms translates directly to helping West Texas families.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Immediate help is available. That’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

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
Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes that ruin cases: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Website & Contact:

Main website: https://attorney911.com
Contact page: https://attorney911.com/contact/
Wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Criminal defense practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/
Ralph Manginello profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
Lupe Peña profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

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