Hazing in Texas: A Comprehensive Legal Guide for Village of Lake Tanglewood Families

If Your Child Was Hazed on Campus, You’re Not Alone. We’re Here to Help.

Imagine this scenario, which could unfold for any family in the Village of Lake Tanglewood: Your child, a student at a prominent Texas university, eagerly accepts a bid to join a fraternity or sorority. What begins as exciting camaraderie slowly transforms into something darker—late-night “mandatory” meetings, unexplained exhaustion, cryptic texts about “traditions” they can’t discuss, and a growing distance from family and old friends. Then comes the phone call: your child is in the emergency room with acute kidney failure from extreme physical hazing, or suffering from alcohol poisoning after a coerced drinking game, or traumatized by humiliation and abuse disguised as initiation.

For families in our close-knit Village of Lake Tanglewood community in Randall County, sending children to college is a proud milestone. Our students often attend West Texas A&M University right here in nearby Canyon, or venture to major institutions across the state like Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, Texas Tech University in Lubbock, or the University of Houston. Wherever they choose to pursue their education, their safety should be paramount. The reality is that hazing—a dangerous, illegal, and often hidden practice—persists within Greek life, athletic teams, Corps programs, and spirit groups across Texas campuses.

Right now, our firm is actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas, demonstrating the grave consequences of this abuse. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who was hazed by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter in fall 2025. According to a detailed ABC13 Eyewitness News report, Bermudez was subjected to forced dress codes, overnight chauffeuring, humiliating “pledge fanny pack” requirements, and extreme physical abuse including being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.” The most severe incident occurred on November 3, 2025, when he was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion. This led to rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, requiring a four-day hospitalization after he began passing brown urine. As reported by Click2Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi chapter was suspended on November 6 and members voted to surrender their charter on November 14, 2025, after the university called the conduct “deeply disturbing.”

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in the Village of Lake Tanglewood and across Randall County who need to understand the modern realities of hazing, Texas laws that protect students, and the legal pathways to accountability. We will explain what hazing truly looks like in 2025, how Texas and federal law addresses these abuses, what we’ve learned from national tragedies that apply directly to Texas families, and what has been happening at universities where our community’s students enroll. Most importantly, we’ll outline what legal options exist for victims and families when institutions fail in their duty to protect students.

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

Hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypical “pranks” of past generations. For Village of Lake Tanglewood families with students at Texas universities, understanding these modern manifestations is crucial for early recognition and intervention.

A Clear, Modern Definition

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 understanding for Texas families is that “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there is peer pressure and power imbalance. Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.

Main Categories of Modern Hazing

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common and deadly form. It includes forced or coerced drinking during “lineups,” “Big/Little” reveal nights, or games like “Bible study” where incorrect answers mandate consumption. Students may be pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances, often in quantities that rapidly lead to alcohol poisoning. The Leonel Bermudez case at UH involved forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting.

Physical Hazing
This extends beyond traditional paddling to include extreme calisthenics or “workouts” far beyond normal conditioning, sleep deprivation through all-night “mandatory” sessions, food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme environments. At UH, pledges were forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass and endure cold-weather exposure in their underwear.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This includes forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes or positions, and acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones. These create profound psychological trauma that can persist long after physical injuries heal.

Psychological Hazing
Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members, manipulation, forced confessions, and public shaming in meetings or through controlled social interactions systematically break down a student’s autonomy and self-worth.

Digital/Online Hazing
The 2025 evolution includes group chat dares on GroupMe or Discord, “challenges” shared via Instagram or TikTok, pressure to create or share compromising images/videos, and 24/7 accessibility demands that disrupt academic and personal life. As shown in the UH case, digital evidence from these platforms often becomes critical proof.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Hazing is not limited to fraternity basements. For Village of Lake Tanglewood students, risks exist in:

Fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural councils)
Corps of Cadets, ROTC, and military-style groups
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer, etc.)
Spirit squads and tradition clubs
Marching bands and performance groups
Some academic, service, and cultural organizations

The common threads across all these environments are social status, tradition, and secrecy—factors that keep dangerous practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Texas Hazing Law & Liability Framework: What Village of Lake Tanglewood Families Need to Know

Texas has specific legal provisions addressing hazing that every family in our community should understand. These laws apply whether your child attends West Texas A&M in our backyard or any university across the state.

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37, Subchapter F

Texas law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that endangers mental or physical health or safety for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Key Provisions for Randall County Families:

Criminal Penalties (§37.152):

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

Organizational Liability (§37.153):
Fraternities, sororities, clubs, and teams can be criminally prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew about hazing and failed to report it.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§37.155):
This is crucial for Village of Lake Tanglewood parents to understand: Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it’s still hazing under Texas law. Courts recognize that true consent cannot exist under peer pressure and power imbalance.

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting (§37.154):
Students who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result. Many Texas universities extend this to medical amnesty—encouraging 911 calls for alcohol emergencies without disciplinary consequences for the caller.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (district attorney)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Burden of proof: “Beyond a reasonable doubt”

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: Monetary compensation and accountability
Legal theories: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
Burden of proof: “Preponderance of the evidence” (more likely than not)

Both types can proceed simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. In fact, many hazing cases that don’t meet the high standard for criminal prosecution still establish clear civil liability.

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently, strengthen prevention programs, and maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026). This will eventually give Village of Lake Tanglewood families better information about campus safety records.

Title IX & Clery Act:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger additional protections and reporting requirements. The Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics that often overlap with hazing incidents.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students:
Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out abusive acts, or participated in cover-ups.

Local Chapter/Organization:
The fraternity, sorority, or club itself (if incorporated), plus officers acting in official capacities.

National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters:
Often the deepest pocket, liable based on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents, their policies (or lack thereof), and their supervision (or neglect) of chapters.

University or Governing Board:
Public universities (like UT, Texas A&M, UH) have some sovereign immunity protections but can be sued for gross negligence, Title IX violations, or when individual employees are sued in personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity barriers.

Third Parties:
Property owners/landlords of houses where hazing occurs, alcohol providers (under Texas dram shop law), security companies, or event organizers.

Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys know how to identify all potentially liable parties to ensure full accountability and adequate compensation.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

The tragedies that have unfolded at universities across America provide painful but important lessons for Village of Lake Tanglewood families. These cases show predictable patterns, institutional failures, and legal precedents that directly inform how we handle Texas hazing cases.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):
A bid-acceptance event with forced drinking led to Piazza falling multiple times on chapter house stairs, captured on security cameras. Fraternity members delayed calling 911 for hours. The case resulted in dozens of criminal charges, civil litigation, and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. Lesson for Texas: Delayed medical response dramatically increases liability.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
A “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers mandated drinking led to Gruver’s death from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%). The case produced criminal convictions and Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony. Lesson for Texas: “Tradition” is no defense against foreseeable danger.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume nearly a full bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” event. The case resulted in a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU) and criminal convictions. Lesson for Texas: Universities face significant financial exposure alongside fraternities.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017):
Another “Big/Little” event, another handle of liquor, another preventable death. FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life, highlighting how one chapter’s actions can affect an entire campus community. Lesson for Texas: The national fraternity involved in the UH case has this fatal pattern in its history.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
A blindfolded, weighted-down pledge was repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual at a remote retreat, suffering fatal head injuries while members delayed calling for help. The national fraternity was criminally convicted and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. Lesson for Texas: Off-campus “retreats” don’t eliminate liability—they often increase danger and liability.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025):
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program spanning years. Multiple lawsuits led to head coach Pat Fitzgerald’s firing and confidential settlements. Lesson for Texas: Hazing extends far beyond Greek life into multi-million-dollar athletic programs with inadequate oversight.

What These Cases Mean for Village of Lake Tanglewood Families

Common threads emerge: forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, and institutional cover-ups. Reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements typically follow only after tragedy and litigation. Texas families facing hazing at our state’s universities are not operating in a vacuum—they’re navigating a legal landscape shaped by these national precedents, with rights and remedies strengthened by those who fought before them.

Texas University Focus: Where Village of Lake Tanglewood Students Attend

Our community sends students to universities across Texas. Understanding the specific environments, policies, and histories at these institutions helps Village of Lake Tanglewood families make informed decisions and recognize warning signs.

West Texas A&M University (Canyon, TX – Our Local Institution)

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Located just minutes from the Village of Lake Tanglewood in Canyon, West Texas A&M serves as a primary educational institution for many Randall County families. With active Greek life including fraternities like Phi Delta Theta (Texas Theta chapter) and sororities like Chi Omega (Upsilon Zeta chapter), the campus maintains traditional collegiate organizations alongside its academic programs.

Hazing Policy & Reporting:
WTAMU prohibits hazing as defined by Texas law and maintains reporting channels through the Dean of Students Office and University Police Department. Their policies align with Texas A&M University System standards.

Documented Incidents & Jurisdiction:
While specific recent public incidents may be limited, any hazing cases involving WTAMU students would typically involve the Randall County Sheriff’s Office or Canyon Police Department for criminal matters, with civil filings potentially in Randall County courts. The close proximity means Village of Lake Tanglewood families have local legal resources and venues familiar with our community.

What WTAMU Students & Parents Should Do:

Utilize the university’s anonymous reporting systems
Document any concerning activities immediately
Understand that local jurisdiction can mean faster response times
Recognize that even at our community’s university, hazing risks exist and require vigilance

Texas A&M University (College Station)

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Many Village of Lake Tanglewood students pursue Aggie traditions at Texas A&M, with its robust Greek system and prominent Corps of Cadets. The culture emphasizes tradition, which sometimes manifests in dangerous hazing practices.

Documented Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Lawsuit (2021): Pledges alleged being covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The fraternity was suspended for two years.
Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” position with an apple in his mouth, seeking over $1 million in damages.

How A&M Handles Hazing:
Through Student Conduct and Corps-specific regulations, with historical emphasis on internal resolution that sometimes prioritizes institutional protection over victim justice.

University of Texas at Austin

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
UT’s large Greek community and prominent athletic programs create multiple hazing risk environments. The university maintains more public transparency than many peers.

Public Hazing Violations Page:
UT posts detailed hazing sanctions including:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, resulting in probation and mandatory education
Various spirit organizations sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing

Legal Jurisdiction:
Cases may involve UTPD, Austin Police, and Travis County courts—further from Village of Lake Tanglewood but within our firm’s statewide practice reach.

University of Houston

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
As an urban commuter and residential campus, UH has active Greek life across multiple councils. The ongoing Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates serious hazing risks.

Current Case – Leonel Bermudez:
Our firm’s active litigation involves the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter’s systematic hazing leading to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. The case shows how digital evidence (group chats planning events), physical abuse (extreme workouts), and institutional knowledge intersect.

UH’s Response:
Called conduct “deeply disturbing,” cooperated with Pi Kappa Phi national’s investigation, and noted chapter closure. This pattern of responding after catastrophic injury rather than preventing it is unfortunately common.

Southern Methodist University & Baylor University

SMU’s Private Status:
As a private university, SMU has different transparency obligations but still faces hazing issues, particularly in its prominent Greek system.

Baylor’s History:
Following prior scandals, Baylor maintains heightened scrutiny but still experiences hazing in athletic programs and Greek life, as evidenced by 2020 baseball team suspensions.

Implications for Village of Lake Tanglewood Families:
Private universities may present different legal strategies but similar liability principles apply when they fail to protect students.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus Presence & National Histories

Understanding the connection between local chapters at Texas universities and their national organizations’ hazing histories is crucial for Village of Lake Tanglewood families. These patterns demonstrate foreseeability—that nationals knew or should have known certain rituals posed dangers.

Why National Histories Matter

National fraternities and sororities maintain extensive anti-hazing policies precisely because they have faced deaths, injuries, and lawsuits. When a Texas chapter repeats behaviors that caused tragedies elsewhere, it strengthens claims that the national organization failed to adequately supervise, train, or intervene.

Organization Mapping with Texas Presence

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ):

Texas Presence: Active at UT, Texas A&M, UH, SMU, Baylor
National History: Stone Foltz death ($10M settlement), David Bogenberger death ($14M settlement)
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing leading to fatal alcohol poisoning

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ):

Texas Presence: Chapters at UT, Texas A&M, UH, SMU
National History: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide; 2014 elimination of pledge program in response
Texas Incidents: Chemical burns case at Texas A&M (2021), assault case at UT (2024)

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):

Texas Presence: Chapter at UH (now closed), other Texas campuses
National History: Andrew Coffey death at FSU (2017)
Current Texas Case: Our Leonel Bermudez representation at UH

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):

Texas Presence: Chapters including WTAMU, Texas A&M, UT
National History: Max Gruver death at LSU (Louisiana felony hazing law)
Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ):

Texas Presence: SMU, Texas A&M, others
National History: Multiple hazing suspensions including SMU chapter (2017)
Pattern: Paddling and forced drinking traditions

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Track Organizational Networks

Our firm maintains what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations across Texas built from public records. For Village of Lake Tanglewood families, this means we can immediately identify the complex network behind any chapter involved in hazing.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Texas Families

From IRS B83 filings and Cause IQ metro data, we track entities like:

KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC (EIN: 133048786) | 3007 EARL RUDDER FWY S, COLLEGE STATION, TX 77845 | IRS B83 filing
BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC (EIN: 462267515) | 10601 BIG HORN TRL, FRISCO, TX 75035 | IRS B83 filing
SIGMA PHI EPSILON FRATERNITY TEXAS GAMMA CHAPTER (EIN: 911981478) | 2609 S UNIVERSITY DR, FORT WORTH, TX 76109 | IRS B83 filing
ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC – THETA DELTA (EIN: 475370943) | 5019 CALHOUN RD, HOUSTON, TX 77204 | IRS B83 filing
PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY – EPSILON KAPPA CHAPTER (EIN: 746064445) | 1855 HIGHWAY 69 N, NEDERLAND, TX 77627 | IRS B83 filing
TEXAS RHO CHAPTER OF SIGMA PHI EPSILON (EIN: 741942292) | 3217 S 3RD ST, WACO, TX 76706 | IRS B83 filing
HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI – TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY (EIN: 900293166) | 114 HENDERSON HALL, COLLEGE STATION, TX 77843 | IRS B83 filing

Metro-Level Greek Presence:

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

Why This Directory Matters for Village of Lake Tanglewood Families:
When hazing occurs, these entities—house corporations, alumni associations, national headquarters—often hold insurance policies and assets that can provide compensation. We don’t start from scratch; we already know the organizational landscape because we maintain this intelligence for all Texas families.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Legal Strategy

For Village of Lake Tanglewood families facing the aftermath of hazing, understanding what builds a strong case is essential. The evidence collection that begins in the first 48 hours often determines the outcome months or years later.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Communications (The Modern Paper Trail):
GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, and fraternity-specific apps contain planning discussions, incriminating statements, and post-incident cover-up attempts. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, group chats revealed the systematic nature of abuse. We preserve these through screenshots and, when necessary, digital forensics to recover deleted messages.

Photos & Videos:
Content filmed during events—whether shared in group chats or posted on social media—provides powerful visual evidence. Security camera footage from houses and venues can establish timelines and participant identification.

Internal Organization Documents:
Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, ritual instructions, and emails/texts from officers often reveal planned, systematic abuse rather than spontaneous “horseplay.”

University Records:
Prior conduct files, probation/suspension letters, incident reports, and Clery Act disclosures show whether the university had notice of dangerous patterns.

Medical & Psychological Records:
Emergency room reports, hospitalization records, toxicology results, and psychological evaluations document both physical injuries and emotional trauma like PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

Witness Testimony:
Other pledges, members, roommates, RAs, coaches, and bystanders provide crucial corroboration. Former members who quit or were expelled often become key witnesses.

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical bills (ER, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing treatment)
Future medical care (therapy, medications, life care plans for catastrophic injuries)
Lost educational opportunities (missed semesters, lost scholarships)
Diminished earning capacity (for permanent disabilities affecting work ability)

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm):

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life
Damage to reputation and relationships

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support, companionship, guidance
Emotional suffering of surviving family members

Punitive Damages:
In cases involving particularly reckless or malicious conduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish defendants and deter future misconduct.

Insurance Coverage Strategies

National fraternities and universities typically have insurance policies that become central to recovery. These insurers often initially deny coverage, arguing exclusions for “intentional acts” or “criminal conduct.” Our experience—particularly Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney—gives us insight into how to overcome these denials by arguing that even if hazing was intentional, the negligent supervision by nationals or universities constitutes covered negligence.

We identify all potential coverage sources: chapter policies, national umbrella policies, university liability coverage, and sometimes even individual members’ homeowners policies. This comprehensive approach maximizes potential recovery for families.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Village of Lake Tanglewood Families

For Parents: Warning Signs & Response Strategies

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Hazed:

Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns with inconsistent explanations
Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation beyond normal college stress
Sudden withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-Greek activities
Personality changes: increased anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensiveness when asked about organizational activities
Constant phone use monitoring group chats with anxiety about missing messages
Financial irregularities (large unexplained expenses, requests for money)
Academic decline (missed classes, dropping grades)

How to Talk to Your Child:

Use open-ended questions: “How are things with your organization?”
Express concern without judgment: “I’ve noticed you seem exhausted lately.”
Emphasize safety over status: “Your health matters more than any membership.”
If they open up, listen without interruption, then help them document everything.

If Your Child is Injured:

Medical care first: Get immediate attention even if they resist
Document everything: Photos of injuries, screenshots of messages, notes of what they tell you
Preserve evidence: Don’t let them delete anything; save clothing/items from the incident
Contact an attorney before talking to the university or organization

For Students: Recognizing Hazing & Safe Exits

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

Am I being pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew exactly what’s happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie about activities?

If You Want to Quit/De-pledge Safely:

Tell a trusted person outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
Send a clear written resignation to chapter leadership
Do NOT attend “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
If threatened, report immediately to campus authorities and police
Texas law protects good-faith reporters from retaliation

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Letting Your Child Delete Messages: What seems like protecting privacy looks like evidence destruction to courts. Preserve everything immediately.
Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly: This triggers evidence destruction, witness coaching, and defense preparation. Let your attorney handle all communications.
Signing University “Resolution” Forms: These often contain waivers of legal rights. Never sign anything without attorney review.
Posting Details on Social Media: Defense attorneys monitor everything. Inconsistencies hurt credibility and can waive privileges.
Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitation run. Universities prioritize institutional protection.
Talking to Insurance Adjusters Unrepresented: Recorded statements get used against you. Early settlements are typically lowball offers.
Letting Your Child Return for “One Last Meeting”: This is where intimidation and evidence suppression happen. Once legal action is considered, all communication goes through counsel.

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities have some sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing employees individually. Private universities have fewer immunity barriers. Every case requires specific analysis—call 1-888-ATTY-911 for case evaluation.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law makes hazing a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“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 isn’t truly voluntary.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately apparent. Time is critical—evidence disappears fast.

“Will this be confidential?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability, requesting sealed records and confidential terms when possible.

“What if it happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. Many major cases occurred off-campus.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

When your Village of Lake Tanglewood family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions defend these cases—and how to win anyway.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Lupe Peña):
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value claims, deploy delay tactics, argue coverage exclusions, and negotiate settlements. As he says, “We know their playbook because we used to run it.” This insider knowledge is invaluable when facing well-funded institutional defendants.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello):
Our involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation—one of the few Texas firms handling those cases—proves our capability against billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. We’re not intimidated by national fraternities or university legal teams. Our federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) prepares us for Title IX claims and complex multi-defendant cases.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Results:
We have secured substantial recoveries in complex wrongful death cases, working with economists to value lost lifetimes and with medical experts to project future care needs. We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force real accountability.

Dual Civil/Criminal Hazing Expertise:
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) signals elite criminal defense capability. We understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation and can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure.

Investigative Depth & Expert Network:
We maintain relationships with medical experts, digital forensics specialists, Greek life culture experts, economists, and psychologists. We know how to obtain hidden evidence: deleted group chats through forensic recovery, chapter records via subpoena, university files through public records requests. As we demonstrated in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we investigate thoroughly and build evidence systematically.

Texas-Specific Geographic Mastery:
From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Village of Lake Tanglewood and all of Randall County. We understand local jurisdictions, Texas laws, and the specific cultures of Texas universities. Whether your case involves WTAMU nearby or a campus hours away, we have the statewide reach and local knowledge to represent you effectively.

Empathy & Victim Advocacy

We know hazing cases involve more than legal claims—they involve trauma, betrayal, and family crisis. Our approach balances aggressive legal strategy with compassionate client care. We listen without judgment, explain options clearly, and empower families to make informed decisions. We believe in accountability that prevents future harm, not just settlements that exchange money for silence.

Call to Action: Village of Lake Tanglewood Families Deserve Answers & Accountability

If you or your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether West Texas A&M here in Randall County or any university across the state—we want to hear from you. The Manginello Law Firm serves families throughout Texas, including our Village of Lake Tanglewood community and all surrounding areas.

Contact Us for a Confidential, No-Obligation Consultation

During your free consultation, we will:

Listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain your legal options clearly: criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
Answer questions about costs (we work on contingency—no fee unless we win)
Provide our assessment of your case’s strengths and challenges

No pressure to hire us immediately—take time to consider your options. Everything you tell us remains confidential.

Clear Contact Information

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

Spanish-Language Services Available:
Hablamos Español – Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish

Educational Resources

Watch Our Video on Evidence Preservation:
Learn how to properly document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Understand Texas Statutes of Limitations:
Our video explains critical deadlines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

Learn About Contingency Fees:
No upfront costs explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Avoid Common Client Mistakes:
Critical guidance for hazing cases: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Final Thoughts for Our Community

Whether you’re in the Village of Lake Tanglewood or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved—fraternities, sororities, universities—have experienced legal teams and crisis management strategies designed to protect themselves. You deserve advocates who understand their playbook and have proven they can win against powerful opponents.

Your child’s safety and wellbeing matter more than any tradition or membership. The law provides pathways to accountability, compensation for harm, and institutional change that can prevent future tragedies. Taking action holds responsible parties accountable and potentially protects other families from enduring similar pain.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us help you navigate this difficult situation with experience, compassion, and determination. We’re here for Village of Lake Tanglewood families, and we’re ready to help.

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