Hazing at Texas Universities: A Complete Legal Guide for Coahoma & West Texas Families

The Call No Texas Parent Wants to Receive

Your child left Coahoma for college with dreams of new friends, academic success, and campus traditions. Now, your phone rings with a shaky voice from Lubbock, College Station, or Austin. They’re whispering about “mandatory events,” showing bruises they can’t explain, or worse—they’re in a hospital bed with doctors telling you about kidney failure from something called rhabdomyolysis. For families throughout Howard County and the West Texas region, this nightmare became reality for one Houston family, and it reveals a dangerous pattern affecting students across our state.

Right now, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history—the Leonel Bermudez University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit—a $10 million case that shows exactly how fraternity hazing can shatter young lives and why Texas families need specialized legal protection.

If you’re a parent in Coahoma, Big Spring, Stanton, or anywhere in Howard County whose child has been hurt by fraternity, sorority, Corps, athletic team, or campus organization hazing, this comprehensive guide explains what you’re facing, your legal rights, and how our firm—with deep Texas expertise and a current major hazing case—can help your family seek accountability.

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

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

For Coahoma families unfamiliar with modern Greek life dynamics, hazing has evolved far beyond “pranks” or “initiation rites.” Today’s hazing is often systematic, digitally documented, and medically dangerous.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (The “Gateway”)

“Mandatory” errand-running and chauffeur duties at all hours
Required “study blocks” that interfere with academics
Social isolation from non-members
24/7 group chat monitoring with instant response demands
Carrying humiliating “pledge items” like the “pledge fanny pack” in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case that contained condoms, sex toys, and nicotine devices

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (The Abuse Escalates)

Sleep deprivation with 3 AM wake-up calls
Forced consumption of revolting substances (milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting)
Extreme calisthenics disguised as “workouts”
Public humiliation and verbal degradation
Cold-weather exposure in minimal clothing

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (Life-Threatening)

Forced alcohol consumption games (“Big/Little” nights, “Bible study” drinking)
Physical beatings and paddling
Simulated torture like the hose-spraying “similar to waterboarding” in the UH case
Dangerous “traditions” like the hog-tying of another pledge for over an hour
Extreme exercise leading to rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure

The Digital Dimension Coahoma Parents Must Understand

Today’s hazing leaves a digital trail that can be both evidence and additional abuse:

GroupMe/WhatsApp demands with threats for non-compliance
Social media humiliation through forced posting
Location tracking via Find My Friends or Life360
Deleted message cover-ups that require digital forensics to recover
Video evidence of abuse filmed by participants

Texas Hazing Law: What Coahoma Families Need to Know

Under Texas law—which governs cases involving students from Coahoma—hazing has specific definitions and consequences that many organizations deliberately misunderstand.

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

§ 37.151 Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

Endangers mental or physical health or safety
Occurs for pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership

Critical Texas Provisions:

§ 37.155: Consent is NOT a defense – Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing
§ 37.152: Criminal penalties escalate to state jail felony for serious bodily injury or death
§ 37.153: Organizational liability – Fraternities can face fines up to $10,000
§ 37.154: Good-faith reporter immunity – Calling for help protects from liability

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Dual Pathways to Accountability

Criminal Prosecution:

Brought by the State of Texas
Can result in jail time, fines, probation
Examples: hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault

Civil Lawsuits:

Brought by victims and families
Seek compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, future care
Can target individuals, chapters, nationals, and universities
Our current UH case demonstrates comprehensive civil litigation against all responsible parties

Federal Overlay Affecting Texas Students

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires transparency and prevention programs
Title IX: Applies when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender discrimination
Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain hazing-related crimes

The Case That Changed Texas Hazing Litigation: Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi

For Coahoma families wondering “could this happen here?”—it already has, just hours away at the University of Houston. This active case, which we’re litigating right now, shows the brutal reality of modern hazing.

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez

Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student, accepted a bid to Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter at UH in September 2025. What followed was a systematic campaign of abuse:

The Methodical Humiliation:

Required 24/7 carrying of a “pledge fanny pack” with humiliating contents
Enforced dress codes and interview schedules
Overnight chauffeuring duties for members

The Physical Torture:

Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races at Yellowstone Boulevard Park
Cold-weather exposure in underwear
Lying in vomit-soaked grass
Hose-spraying in face “similar to waterboarding”
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting, then immediate sprints
November 3 “workout”: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats

The Medical Catastrophe:

Developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown)
Suffered acute kidney failure
Passed brown urine and couldn’t stand without help
Hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels
Faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage

The Institutional Response & Our Litigation

Defendants in our lawsuit include:

University of Houston
UH System Board of Regents
Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
Beta Nu Housing Corporation
13 individual fraternity leaders

What happened after exposure:

November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended the chapter
November 14, 2025: Chapter voted to surrender charter
UH called conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary action

Why this matters for Coahoma families: This case proves that even at major Texas universities, systematic hazing persists, institutions often fail to prevent it, and comprehensive litigation is necessary to obtain justice. The same national fraternities operating at UH also have chapters at schools where Howard County students enroll.

Where Coahoma Families Send Their Kids: Texas University Hazing Ecosystems

Howard County students attend universities across Texas, each with its own Greek life landscape and hazing history. Understanding these ecosystems is crucial for prevention and accountability.

Local & Regional Campuses for West Texas Families

Based on Texas Universities data, Coahoma students often attend:

Texas Tech University (Lubbock) – 114 miles from Coahoma

Major Greek life with 50+ fraternities/sororities
Documented hazing incidents in university records
Serves as primary university for many West Texas families

Midwestern State University (Wichita Falls) – 177 miles

Active Greek community with documented disciplinary cases

University of Texas Permian Basin (Odessa) – 90 miles

Growing Greek presence in the Permian Basin region

Angelo State University (San Angelo) – 150 miles

Established Greek system with historical hazing concerns

Howard College (Big Spring) – 21 miles

Local community college with student organizations

Major Statewide Hubs Coahoma Students Attend

Texas A&M University (College Station) – 342 miles

Massive Greek system with 70+ organizations
Corps of Cadets with documented hazing traditions
Multiple high-profile lawsuits including:
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon chemical burns case (2021): Pledges covered in industrial cleaner requiring skin grafts
- Corps of Cadets “roasted pig” lawsuit (2023): Cadet bound between beds with apple in mouth

University of Texas at Austin – 313 miles

Transparent hazing violations page publicizes sanctions
Recent cases include Pi Kappa Alpha forced milk consumption
Major destination for top Howard County students

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
尊 – Critical for pre-med and health science students from West Texas

Baylor University (Waco) – 254 miles

Religious affiliation doesn’t prevent hazing issues
Baseball team hazing suspensions (2020)
Significant Greek life presence

The Greek Organization Backbone: Who’s Really Behind the Letters

Through our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain detailed records of the organizations operating at these campuses. For Coahoma families, understanding this network is key to identifying all potentially liable parties.

Texas-Registered Greek Entities (IRS B83 Records):
Our database includes 125+ Texas-registered organizations like:

Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN 741380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147)
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Theta Delta Chapter (EIN 475370943, Houston, TX 77204)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Texas A&M University Chapter (EIN 900293166, College Station, TX 77843)
Frank Heflin Foundation – Phi Delta Theta alumni (EIN 203507402, Canyon, TX 79015)
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – Arlington-Grand Prairie Alumni Chapter (EIN 232452759, Grand Prairie, TX 75054)
Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity (EIN 742911848, Fort Worth, TX 76244)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – multiple Texas chapters (EINs 364091267, 752609909)
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – various Texas alumni chapters
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – University of Texas at Tyler Chapter (EIN 352335400, Tyler, TX 75799)

West Texas Metro Greek Presence:
Our Cause IQ metro data shows significant Greek organization presence in regions serving Coahoma families:

Lubbock Metro: 59 Greek-related organizations serving Texas Tech
Abilene Metro: 9 organizations serving Hardin-Simmons, Abilene Christian, McMurry
Amarillo Metro: 18 organizations serving West Texas A&M
Midland-Odessa: Growing Greek presence serving UTPB and community

National Brands with Texas Operations:
Through IRS-Cause IQ brand overlap analysis, we track national organizations across multiple Texas locations:

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority: Appears in IRS records (Waco, Commerce) and Cause IQ data (Houston, Beaumont chapters)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi: Multiple campus chapters across Texas
Pi Kappa Alpha: Texas district operations in Houston with multiple chapter entities
Kappa Alpha Psi: Active alumni chapters throughout Texas

This organizational mapping means when a Howard County student is hazed at Texas Tech, Texas A&M, or any Texas campus, we can identify not just the local chapter but the national organization, housing corporations, alumni associations, and insurance entities that may share responsibility.

National Hazing Patterns Playing Out in Texas

The same national fraternities and sororities with deadly histories elsewhere operate chapters at Texas universities attended by Coahoma students. These patterns establish “foreseeability”—the legal concept that organizations should have known the risks.

Alcohol Poisoning Death Pattern

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

Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from national, $3M from university)
Pi Kappa Alpha has chapters at: UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Texas Tech, Baylor

Max Gruver – Phi Delta Theta, LSU (2017)

“Bible study” drinking game with wrong answers = forced drinking
Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
Louisiana passed Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
Phi Delta Theta has chapters at: Texas A&M, UT Austin, Texas Tech

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

“Big Brother Night” with handles of hard liquor
Died from acute alcohol poisoning
FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life
Pi Kappa Phi is the same fraternity in our active UH case

Physical Hazing & Violence Pattern

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

Blindfolded, weighted tackle ritual during retreat
Died from traumatic brain injury
National fraternity criminally convicted
Shows danger of off-campus “retreat” hazing

Danny Santulli – Phi Gamma Delta, University of Missouri (2021)

Forced excessive drinking during “pledge dad reveal”
Permanent severe brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see)
Settlements with 22 defendants
Phi Gamma Delta has chapters at: Texas A&M, Baylor

Athletic & Corps Hazing Pattern

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

Systemic sexualized, racist hazing in football program
Multiple lawsuits, coach fired and settled
Shows hazing extends beyond Greek life to athletics

Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Cases

Multiple lawsuits alleging traditional hazing practices
“Roasted pig” binding, humiliation rituals
Special disciplinary systems within military-style programs

What These Patterns Mean for Coahoma Families

When the same national organizations with deadly histories in other states operate chapters at Texas universities, they bring those risks to our students. The legal concept of “foreseeability” means these nationals should have known—based on their own histories—that certain activities were dangerous. This strengthens civil cases when they fail to prevent repeat incidents.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Damages

For Coahoma families facing the aftermath of hazing, understanding the legal process demystifies what can feel overwhelming. Our approach in the Bermudez case reflects our comprehensive strategy.

Critical Evidence That Wins Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Important Today):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage showing planning, threats, cover-ups
Social media: Instagram stories, TikTok videos, Snapchat evidence of events
Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “disappeared” content
Location data: GPS metadata placing individuals at hazing locations

Medical Documentation:

ER records specifically noting “hazing” or “forced consumption”
Lab results showing alcohol levels, kidney function, muscle enzyme levels
Psychological evaluations diagnosing PTSD, depression, anxiety
In the UH case: Creatine kinase levels documenting rhabdomyolysis

Physical Evidence:

Photographs of injuries with date/time stamps
“Pledge items” like the fanny pack in the UH case
Clothing with stains or damage
Medical devices, braces, mobility aids

Institutional Records:

University conduct files showing prior violations
National fraternity risk management reports
Insurance policies and coverage documents
Member rosters and officer lists

Comprehensive Damages Recovery

Economic Damages:

Medical bills (ER, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation)
Future medical care (ongoing kidney treatment in rhabdomyolysis cases)
Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, transferred schools)
Diminished earning capacity for permanent injuries

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life (can’t participate in activities)
Psychological harm (PTSD, depression, anxiety)

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragically Applicable):

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of companionship and support
Grief and emotional suffering of family
Lost future earnings and contributions

Punitive Damages:

In cases of especially reckless or malicious conduct
Designed to punish defendants and deter future hazing
Texas has caps on punitive damages in many cases

Multi-Defendant Strategy

Our approach in the UH case demonstrates comprehensive liability targeting:

Individual Members: Those who planned, participated, or covered up
Chapter Officers: Presidents, risk managers, pledge educators with special responsibility
Local Chapter: The campus organization entity
Housing Corporation: Property-owning entities like Beta Nu Housing Corp
National Headquarters: Pi Kappa Phi with duty to supervise and prevent
University: UH with duty to protect students and enforce policies
Board of Regents: Governing body with oversight responsibility
Insurers: Multiple insurance policies that may provide coverage

This comprehensive approach ensures maximum accountability and recovery sources.

Practical Guide for Coahoma Parents & Students

For Parents: Warning Signs & Immediate Steps

Red Flags Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent stories
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
Constant phone checking for “mandatory” group chat messages
Financial requests for unexplained “dues” or purchases
Academic performance plummeting

If You Suspect Hazing:

Prioritize safety: If in immediate danger, call 911
Document everything: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries, write notes
Seek medical care: Even if your child resists, get professional evaluation
Preserve evidence: Do NOT let them delete messages or “clean up”
Contact us immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911 for emergency legal guidance

Critical Mistakes to Avoid:

Don’t confront the organization directly (they’ll destroy evidence)
Don’t sign university “resolution” agreements without legal review
Don’t post details on social media (can compromise your case)
Don’t wait to see “how the university handles it” (evidence disappears)

For Students: Recognizing & Escaping Hazing

Questions to Ask Yourself:

Would I do this if I truly had a free choice (no social pressure)?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Are older members making me do things they don’t have to do?
Am I being told to keep secrets from university officials or my family?

If You’re Being Hazed:

Your safety comes first—call 911 if in medical danger
Texas has good-faith reporter protections for those seeking help
You have the right to quit immediately, regardless of what you’ve been told
Document everything: screenshot messages, photo injuries, save evidence
Contact us confidentially: 1-888-ATTY-911

For Witnesses or Former Members

If you participated in hazing and now regret it, or witnessed abuse:

Your testimony could prevent future harm to others
You may need your own legal counsel for potential exposure
Coming forward can be part of taking responsibility
We can help navigate your role in accountability processes

Why Attorney911 for Coahoma Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need Texas attorneys who understand both the institutional playbooks and how to counter them effectively. Our active litigation in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates our frontline experience.

Our Competitive Advantages for Texas Families

Insurance Insider Knowledge – Mr. Lupe Peña’s Defense Background
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
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Fight coverage under “intentional act” exclusions
Set reserves and negotiate settlements
This insider perspective is invaluable when facing well-funded institutional defendants.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience – Ralph Manginello’s Credentials

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar defendants
Federal Court Admitted: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
HCCLA Membership: Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association signals elite criminal defense capability
25+ Years Practice: Since 1998 with own firm since 2001

Comprehensive Investigative Resources

Digital Forensics Experts: Recover deleted messages, social media evidence
Medical Specialists: Document rhabdomyolysis, kidney damage, psychological trauma
Economists: Calculate lifetime care costs and diminished earning capacity
Greek Life Experts: Understand organizational structures and national patterns

Texas-Specific Geographic Mastery
While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas including Howard County and West Texas. We understand:

Texas hazing laws (Chapter 37) and how they’re applied
University disciplinary processes across different Texas systems
Local court procedures where cases might be filed
The cultural landscape of Texas Greek life and traditions

Bilingual Services for Hispanic Families
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can serve Spanish-speaking families throughout Texas.

Our Track Record in Serious Injury Cases

While each case is unique, our firm has recovered millions for clients in complex cases including:

Logging accident brain injury with vision loss: Multi-million dollar settlement
Amputation case from car accident: Settled in the millions
Wrongful death trucking cases: Multiple million-dollar recoveries
Offshore injury cases: Significant settlements under maritime law
BP Texas City litigation: Experience against massive institutional defendants

How We Approach Hazing Cases Differently

Immediate Evidence Preservation: We act within hours to secure digital evidence before deletion
Comprehensive Defendant Identification: Using our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine to identify all potentially liable parties
Medical Documentation Focus: Ensuring injuries like rhabdomyolysis are properly diagnosed and documented
Institutional Pattern Analysis: Researching national and local history to establish foreseeability
Family-Centered Approach: Keeping you informed and supported throughout the process

Your Next Steps: Free Confidential Consultation

If hazing has affected your family—whether your child attends Texas Tech, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or any Texas campus—we offer a confidential, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation.

What to Expect in Your Consultation

We Listen: You’ll tell your story without judgment or interruption
Evidence Review: We’ll examine any documentation you have (medical records, messages, photos)
Legal Options Explained: We’ll outline potential criminal and civil pathways
Realistic Assessment: We’ll discuss possible challenges and strategies
Cost Transparency: Contingency fee basis—no fee unless we recover for you
No Pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

Contact Us Today

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Legal Emergency Lawyers™

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), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)

Spanish Services Available: Hablamos Español – Mr. Peña provides consultations in Spanish

Serving Families Throughout Texas Including:

Howard County: Coahoma, Big Spring, Stanton
West Texas: Lubbock, Midland, Odessa, San Angelo
Statewide: Houston, Austin, College Station, Dallas, San Antonio

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Our Active UH Case:

Our Educational Videos:

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

Our Website:

Main site: https://attorney911.com
Wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Criminal defense: 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 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