Hazing Lawsuits in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for Barstow Parents and Families

For Parents in Barstow: When Your Child’s Dream of College Brotherhood Turns into a Legal Nightmare

Imagine your child from Barstow—raised with West Texas values of hard work and community—heads off to a Texas university with dreams of friendship and belonging. Instead of finding brotherhood at a fraternity or sisterhood in a sorority, they encounter something darker. What begins as what they’re told is “tradition” or “bonding” quickly escalates: forced drinking that leaves them vomiting and disoriented, extreme physical workouts that cause muscles to break down, psychological games that erode their self-worth, or humiliating acts captured on cell phones by laughing older members. As a parent in Ward County, you receive that call in the middle of the night—your child is in the emergency room, or worse, they’re too afraid to call at all, trapped in a cycle of abuse disguised as initiation.

This isn’t a hypothetical scenario. Right now, less than 400 miles from Barstow in Houston, our firm is leading one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who nearly died after Pi Kappa Phi fraternity members subjected him to systematic hazing that caused rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown. He was hospitalized for four days. And the organization that promised him brotherhood tried to cover it up until we filed a $10 million lawsuit that forced accountability.

If your child from Barstow, Monahans, Pyote, or anywhere in Ward County is involved with a fraternity, sorority, Corps of Cadets program, athletic team, or campus organization, you need to understand what modern hazing really looks like, how Texas law protects victims, and what legal options exist when institutions fail your family. This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Texas parents—especially those of us in West Texas communities like Barstow who value integrity and accountability—to help you recognize, respond to, and recover from campus hazing.

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

The Flagship Case: Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi – What Barstow Families Need to Understand

Before we discuss the broader landscape of hazing in Texas, you need to know about the case that proves how serious this problem is—and how aggressively our firm fights for victims. Leonel Bermudez’s experience at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter represents exactly what Barstow parents fear when their children join Greek organizations.

What Actually Happened at UH

In fall 2025, Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi at UH. What followed was months of systematic abuse that included:

The “Pledge Fanny Pack” Humiliation: Pledges were required to carry a fanny pack 24/7 containing condoms, a sex toy, nicotine devices, and other degrading items. Failure to comply meant punishment or expulsion.

Physical Torture Disguised as “Workouts”: At locations including the Pi Kappa Phi house, a Culmore Drive residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park, Bermudez was forced through:

Sprints, bear crawls, and wheelbarrow races until collapse
“Save-your-brother” drills where he had to carry other pledges
Lying in vomit-soaked grass
Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” with threats of actual waterboarding
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed immediately by more sprints
A November 3 “workout” of 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion

Medical Catastrophe: After the November 3 hazing, Bermudez’s condition deteriorated over several days. He began passing brown urine—a classic sign of rhabdomyolysis—and could not stand without help. His mother rushed him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with:

Severe rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
Acute kidney failure
Critically elevated creatine kinase levels (over 46,000 U/L, when normal is 22-198)
Four-day hospitalization with ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage

Who We’re Holding Accountable: Our lawsuit names 17 defendants including:

University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents
Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation
13 individual fraternity leaders (chapter president, pledgemaster, sorority relations chair, risk manager, and others)

Institutional Response: After we filed suit, the dominoes began to fall. Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended the chapter on November 6, 2025. On November 14, chapter members voted to surrender their charter. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion and cooperation with law enforcement.

Why This Matters for Barstow Families: This case proves that hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” It’s organized abuse that causes permanent physical and psychological damage. The same national fraternities operating at UH have chapters at universities across Texas where Barstow students enroll. The same patterns of forced drinking, physical torture, and institutional cover-up exist everywhere. And most importantly, this case proves that experienced Texas hazing lawyers can force accountability against even the most powerful universities and national organizations.

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: What Barstow Parents Need to Know About Organizations Near Our Community

When your child from Barstow joins a fraternity or sorority, they’re not just joining the group of students on their campus. They’re connecting to a vast network of legal entities, alumni organizations, housing corporations, and national headquarters—all with insurance policies, legal responsibilities, and complex relationships. Understanding this ecosystem is crucial for holding the right parties accountable when hazing occurs.

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

As part of our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain comprehensive directories of Greek organizations operating in Texas. These aren’t accusations—they’re public records from IRS filings and other sources that show who actually stands behind the letters. For Barstow families, understanding these entities matters because:

They often hold insurance coverage that can provide compensation for victims
They have legal responsibilities to supervise and control their chapters
They frequently try to distance themselves from local chapters when hazing occurs

Here are examples of Texas-registered Greek organizations that appear in public records, illustrating the network your child joins:

IRS B83 Registered Organizations (Sample from 125+ Texas Entities):

KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC | EIN 133048786 | College Station, TX 77845-6681 | IRS B83 filing
BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC | EIN 462267515 | Frisco, TX 75035-6629 | IRS B83 filing
ALPHA EPSILON PI FRATERNITY | EIN 262025321 | Denton, TX 76201-5816 | Mu Gamma Chapter | IRS B83 filing
PI KAPPA PHI DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER BUILDING CORPORATION | EIN 371768785 | Missouri City, TX 77459-1820 | IRS B83 filing
SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER | EIN 746084905 | Houston, TX 77204-3067 | IRS B83 filing
TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC | EIN 741380362 | Fort Worth, TX 76147-0061 | IRS B83 filing
CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY | EIN 740555581 | Austin, TX 78705-4018 | Chi Omega House Corporation | IRS B83 filing
SIGMA PHI EPSILON TEXAS ETA | EIN 824398421 | Richmond, TX 77406-2017 | IRS B83 filing
PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY | EIN 746064445 | Nederland, TX 77627-8843 | Epsilon Kappa Chapter | IRS B83 filing
PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN 900927378 | San Antonio, TX 78249-3625 | Texas Xi | IRS B83 filing

Metro Area Organizations Relevant to Texas Campuses:
In the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area alone, Cause IQ data shows 510 Greek-related organizations. In Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land: 188 organizations. In Austin-Round Rock: 154 organizations. These include undergraduate chapters, alumni associations, housing corporations, and educational foundations—all part of the network that Barstow students enter when they join Greek life.

Why This Directory Matters for Your Case:
When hazing injures your child, we don’t start from zero. We already know how to identify:

The legal names and EINs of organizations that may bear responsibility
Their registered addresses for service of legal process
Their likely insurance carriers and coverage structures
Their relationships to national headquarters and other entities

This investigative depth means Barstow families get accountability faster, without the delays that let organizations destroy evidence and rewrite narratives.

Where Barstow Families Send Their Children: Texas Campuses with Significant Greek Life

Barstow students attend universities across Texas, often drawn to schools with strong traditions and vibrant campus life. Unfortunately, these same qualities can sometimes foster dangerous hazing cultures. Here are the major Texas universities where Barstow families commonly send their children, and what you need to know about each:

Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX)

Distance from Barstow: Approximately 120 miles
Why Barstow Families Choose Tech: As the closest major university to Ward County, Texas Tech attracts many West Texas students with its strong engineering, agricultural, and business programs. Its Greek life includes approximately 40 fraternities and sororities.

Recent Hazing Concerns: While specific recent incidents may not be publicly documented in media databases, Texas Tech has faced recurring hazing challenges common to large universities with active Greek systems. The university maintains conduct processes for hazing violations, but transparency varies.

What Barstow Parents Should Know: Texas Tech’s size and relative proximity make it a natural choice for Ward County students. Its Greek system is substantial, with traditional fraternities and sororities that have national affiliations. Parents should be aware that the same national organizations with hazing histories elsewhere (Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, etc.) have chapters at Texas Tech.

University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX)

Distance from Barstow: Approximately 350 miles
Why Barstow Families Choose UT: UT Austin represents the flagship Texas university experience, with exceptional academic programs across disciplines. Its Greek system is one of the largest in the South.

UT’s Hazing Transparency Advantage: Unlike many universities, UT Austin maintains a public Hazing Violations page that lists organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions. Recent entries include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; found to be hazing; chapter placed on probation with required hazing-prevention education
Multiple spirit organizations and other groups sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, or punishment-based practices

What Barstow Parents Should Know: UT’s transparency is commendable but also reveals ongoing hazing problems. The public violations list can be valuable evidence in litigation, showing patterns and institutional knowledge. For Barstow students at UT, parents should periodically check this public record and discuss any concerning entries with their children.

Texas A&M University (College Station, TX)

Distance from Barstow: Approximately 450 miles
Why Barstow Families Choose A&M: Texas A&M’s strong tradition, Corps of Cadets, and renowned engineering and agricultural programs attract many West Texas students seeking a distinctive college experience.

Documented Hazing Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Two pledges alleged forced strenuous activity with substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit poured on them, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. Pledges sued for $1 million; fraternity suspended for two years.
Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth; sought over $1 million; A&M stated it handled the matter under its rules.

What Barstow Parents Should Know: Texas A&M’s unique Corps culture presents specific hazing risks alongside traditional Greek life dangers. The university handles these through separate conduct systems, but litigation has shown that serious abuse occurs in both contexts.

University of Houston (Houston, TX)

Distance from Barstow: Approximately 400 miles
Why Barstow Families Choose UH: UH’s urban location, diverse programs, and growing reputation attract Texas students seeking opportunities in the state’s largest city. Our flagship Bermudez case involves UH, demonstrating the serious risks present even at commuter-focused universities.

UH’s Response in the Bermudez Case: UH labeled the Pi Kappa Phi conduct “deeply disturbing,” promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion, and pledged cooperation with law enforcement. This response pattern is typical: public condemnation after litigation reveals the truth.

What Barstow Parents Should Know: The Bermudez case proves that even when universities have anti-hazing policies, enforcement often fails until catastrophic injury forces accountability. UH students from Barstow need to understand that “official policies” provide limited protection without vigilant enforcement.

Other Texas Universities Barstow Students Attend:

University of Texas at El Paso: Approximately 220 miles from Barstow
Midwestern State University (Wichita Falls): Approximately 250 miles
West Texas A&M University (Canyon): Approximately 200 miles
Sul Ross State University (Alpine): Approximately 230 miles

Common Pattern Across Campuses: Every Texas university where Barstow students enroll has fraternities, sororities, athletic teams, or other organizations with hazing risks. The specific groups may differ, but the patterns of coercion, secrecy, and institutional hesitation to intervene remain consistent.

Texas Hazing Law: What Ward County Families Need to Understand

The Texas Education Code – Chapter 37, Subchapter F

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws that apply to all educational institutions, including universities where your Barstow student may enroll. Here’s what you need to know in plain English:

Definition of Hazing (§37.151):
Hazing means 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

Key Points for Barstow Parents:

Location Doesn’t Matter: Hazing can occur on-campus, off-campus at houses or apartments, or even at retreats hours away from school. The law applies regardless of location.
Mental OR Physical Harm: The law protects against psychological abuse (humiliation, intimidation, coercion) just as much as physical injury.
“Reckless” is Enough: The person doesn’t have to intend harm—if they knew the risks and acted anyway, that’s hazing.
“Consent” is NOT a Defense (§37.155): Even if your child “agreed” to participate, that doesn’t make it legal. Texas law recognizes that power imbalances and peer pressure make true consent impossible in hazing situations.

Criminal Penalties (§37.152):

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death
Additional Crimes: Failing to report hazing or retaliating against reporters are also offenses

Organizational Liability (§37.153):
Organizations (fraternities, sororities, clubs) can be:

Fined up to $10,000 per violation
Banned from campus by the university
Held criminally liable if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report it

Good-Faith Reporting Protection (§37.154):
Individuals who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability. This is crucial for bystanders and victims who fear getting in trouble.

How Texas Law Compares to Other States

Texas has a strong hazing law framework, but other states have enacted even tougher legislation after high-profile deaths:

Louisiana (Max Gruver Act): Enacted after the Phi Delta Theta hazing death at LSU, creates felony hazing statutes
Ohio (Collin’s Law): Makes hazing a felony when drugs/alcohol cause physical harm
Pennsylvania (Timothy J. Piazza Law): Enhanced penalties and reporting requirements after the Penn State Beta Theta Pi death
Florida (Chad Meredith Law): Criminalized hazing after a drowning death

Why This Matters for Barstow Families: The national trend is toward stronger hazing laws and greater accountability. When your child is hazed at a Texas university, you’re operating in a legal environment that increasingly recognizes the seriousness of these offenses and provides avenues for justice.

National Hazing Patterns: What Barstow Families Can Learn from Tragedies Across the Country

The hazing that injured Leonel Bermudez at UH isn’t unique. It follows patterns seen in dozens of cases nationwide. Understanding these patterns helps Barstow parents recognize warning signs and appreciate why aggressive legal action is necessary.

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Most Common Fatal Pattern

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

20-year-old pledge forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Lesson for Barstow Parents: “Big/Little” nights, bid acceptance parties, and similar traditions are consistently deadly. Nationals know this risk but often fail to prevent it.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):

Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking
Severe falls captured on fraternity security cameras
Brothers delayed calling for help for hours
18 fraternity members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts
Lesson: Delayed medical care dramatically worsens outcomes and increases liability. The “code of silence” can be deadly.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):

“Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking
Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
$6.1 million verdict for family
Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act creating felony hazing
Lesson: Drinking games disguised as “education” or “tradition” are particularly dangerous and legally indefensible.

Physical Hazing with Lasting Injuries

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

18-year-old pledge forced to consume excessive alcohol during “pledge dad reveal”
Suffered severe, permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care)
Settlements with 22 defendants, reportedly multi-million-dollar
Lesson: Non-fatal hazing can cause lifelong catastrophic injuries requiring lifetime care.

Texas A&M Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021):

Pledges covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner
Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
$1 million lawsuit filed
Lesson: Hazing methods continually evolve to include new forms of cruelty. Chemical hazing represents a particularly dangerous escalation.

Institutional Cover-Ups and Failed Accountability

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):

Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within football program
Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
Head coach fired then settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially
Lesson: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to athletic programs with multi-million-dollar budgets. Institutional protection of revenue-generating programs is common.

Pi Delta Psi – Baruch College (2013):

Pledge died during violent “glass ceiling” ritual at remote retreat
National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
Banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Lesson: National organizations can face criminal conviction, not just civil liability. Off-campus locations don’t provide immunity.

What These Cases Mean for Barstow Families

Patterns Repeat: The same hazing methods (forced drinking games, physical torture, humiliation rituals) occur at campuses nationwide, including in Texas.
Delayed Medical Care is Common: Organizations consistently prioritize self-protection over victim safety, worsening outcomes.
Nationals Have Prior Knowledge: These incidents aren’t surprises—national headquarters know their organizations’ patterns but often fail to intervene effectively.
Settlements are Substantial: Families of hazing victims have recovered millions in cases involving death or catastrophic injury.
Legislative Change Follows Tragedy: States increasingly strengthen hazing laws after high-profile cases, improving the legal landscape for future victims.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and What Barstow Families Can Expect

When hazing injures your child, building a strong legal case requires immediate action, careful evidence preservation, and strategic understanding of how fraternities, sororities, and universities defend themselves. Here’s what the process looks like:

Critical Evidence That Wins Cases

Digital Communications (The Most Important Category):

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord: These group chats often contain planning discussions, incriminating messages, and post-incident cover-up attempts. Screenshot immediately before deletion.
Social Media DMs: Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok messages between members
Fraternity/Sorority Apps: Many organizations have proprietary apps for communication
Email Threads: Official chapter communications, calendar invites to “events”

Photos & Videos:

Content filmed by members during hazing (often shared in group chats)
Security camera or doorbell footage at houses and venues
Photos of injuries (take immediately and over several days to show progression)

Internal Organization Documents:

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” documents
Risk management policies from national headquarters
Correspondence between local chapter and nationals

University Records:

Prior conduct files on the same organization
Incident reports to campus police or conduct offices
Clery Act reports and safety statistics
Internal emails among administrators about the organization

Medical Documentation:

ER records, hospitalization notes, surgical reports
Lab results (blood alcohol, toxicology, kidney function like in the Bermudez case)
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses)
Follow-up treatment records showing ongoing impact

The Defendants: Who Can Be Held Liable

In a typical Texas hazing case, potential defendants include:

Individual Students:

Those who planned, supervised, or participated in the hazing
Chapter officers who knew or should have known
Members who supplied alcohol to minors

Local Chapter/Organization:

The fraternity/sorority as a legal entity (if incorporated)
Housing corporations that own or control the property

National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters:

For failing to adequately supervise chapters
For having prior knowledge of hazing patterns but failing to intervene
For inadequate training or policy enforcement

University/Board of Regents:

Under theories of negligent supervision
For Title IX violations if hazing involves sexual harassment
For Clery Act violations if crimes weren’t properly reported
For deliberate indifference to known risks

Third Parties:

Landlords/property owners who knew of dangerous activities
Alcohol providers under dram shop laws
Security companies that failed to protect students

Insurance Coverage Fights: What Barstow Families Should Know

One of the most complex aspects of hazing litigation involves insurance coverage. Fraternities, sororities, and universities typically have insurance policies, but insurers often argue:

Common Insurance Defenses:

“Hazing is an intentional act, and intentional acts are excluded”
“The policy doesn’t cover criminal conduct”
“This particular defendant isn’t covered under the policy language”

How We Overcome These Defenses:

Argue that even if hazing was intentional, the negligent supervision by nationals or universities was not
Identify all potential policies (chapter, national, university, umbrella coverage)
Use bad faith claims when insurers wrongfully deny coverage
Leverage our insurance insider knowledge from Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical bills (past and future)
Lost educational opportunities (tuition, scholarships, delayed graduation)
Lost earning capacity (if injuries affect ability to work)
Therapy and rehabilitation costs

Non-Economic Damages:

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

Wrongful Death Damages (If Applicable):

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
Grief and emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages (In Appropriate Cases):

To punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
To deter future hazing
Available when defendants had prior warnings and ignored them, or attempted cover-ups

Realistic Settlement Ranges from National Cases:

Death cases: $1M–$14M (Stone Foltz: $10M; David Bogenberger: $14M)
Severe injury cases: $375K–multi-million (Joseph Snell: $375K; Danny Santulli: multi-million with 22 defendants)
Individual officer liability: $6.5M personal judgment against Pi Kappa Alpha president in Foltz case

Practical Guide for Barstow Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Barstow Student May Be Being Hazed

Physical Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water restriction or stress
Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, 3 AM calls)
Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage
Signs of alcohol poisoning (slurred speech, vomiting, confusion) even if your 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, anger
Defensive when asked about the organization
Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”
Talking about “just having to get through this” or “everyone did it before me”

Academic Red Flags:

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

Digital/Social Behavior:

Constant phone use monitoring group chats
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
Newly installed location-tracking apps (Find My Friends, Life360 demanded by the org)

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing (Non-Confrontational Approach)

Start General: “How are things going with [fraternity/sorority]? Are you enjoying it?”
Ask About Time Commitments: “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
Inquire About Activities: “What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
Check for Discomfort: “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable or that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
Ask Directly About Safety: “Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
Assess Freedom to Leave: “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”
Probe for Secrecy: “Are they asking you to keep secrets from me or the university?”

If your child opens up: Listen without judgment, reassure them it’s not their fault, and focus on safety first.
If they shut down: Don’t force it, but monitor closely and stay ready to intervene.

48-Hour Action Checklist for Barstow Parents

HOUR 1–6 (IMMEDIATE CRISIS):

Medical: If injured or intoxicated, get to ER immediately
Safety: Remove child from dangerous situation
Evidence: Screenshot any messages they show you; photograph visible injuries
Notes: Write down everything they tell you (date, time, what happened, who was there)
Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance

HOUR 6–24 (EVIDENCE PRESERVATION):

Digital: Help child preserve all group chats, DMs, texts (do NOT delete anything)
Physical: Secure clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
Medical records: Request copies of all ER/hospital records
Witnesses: Write down names and contact info for other pledges, bystanders
University: Note any communications from school but do NOT respond yet

HOUR 24–48 (STRATEGIC DECISIONS):

Legal consultation: Speak with experienced hazing attorney (1-888-ATTY-911)
Reporting decision: Decide whether to report to campus police, local police, Dean of Students (with lawyer’s guidance)
University response: If school contacts you, refer them to your attorney
Insurance: Do NOT talk to any insurance adjuster without lawyer present
Evidence backup: Upload all screenshots and photos to cloud storage

WEEK ONE PRIORITIES:

Medical follow-up: Continue documenting injuries; see specialists if needed
Evidence gathering: Attorney will begin subpoenaing records, obtaining deleted messages via forensics
Witness interviews: Attorney will contact other pledges and witnesses
Strategy session: Decide on criminal report, civil suit, both, or internal university process
Protection: If retaliation occurs, document and report immediately

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing 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 a cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly

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

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

What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements
Why it’s wrong: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often far below case value
What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing it first

4. Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer

What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility; can waive privilege
What to do instead: Document privately; let your 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 statements that hurt the case
What to do instead: Once you’re considering legal action, all communication goes through your lawyer

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

What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally”
Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute of limitations runs, university controls narrative
What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately; university process ≠ real accountability

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer

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

Frequently Asked Questions from Barstow Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UT, Texas A&M, UH) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in personal capacity. 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 a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if the 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, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

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

“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the 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 a hazing lawyer?”
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. This makes justice accessible to Barstow families who couldn’t otherwise afford to take on wealthy fraternities and universities.

“What if my child was drinking underage during the hazing?”
Good-faith reporter protections and medical amnesty policies typically protect students who seek help in emergencies, even if they were drinking underage. The focus should be on the coercive environment and the organization’s conduct, not victim behavior under duress.

About Attorney911 / The Manginello Law Firm: Why Barstow Families Choose Us for Hazing Cases

Our Texas Roots and West Texas Understanding

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families across Texas—including Barstow, Ward County, and throughout West Texas. We understand the values that matter to Barstow parents: integrity, accountability, and protecting our children. When hazing threatens those values, we bring the full weight of our experience to restore justice.

Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Deploy independent medical exams to reduce settlements

This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with the same insurance companies that defend national fraternities and universities. We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello):

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved in suing billion-dollar corporations after the refinery disaster
Federal Court Admitted: United States District Court, Southern District of Texas
25+ Years Experience: Handling catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases
HCCLA Membership: Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association credential signals elite criminal defense capability

We’re not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their high-priced defense teams. We’ve taken on the biggest corporations and won.

Multi-Million Dollar Results:

Logging accident brain injury with vision loss: Multi-million dollar settlement
Car accident amputation case: Settlement in the millions
Trucking wrongful death cases: Millions recovered for families
Maritime back injury: Significant cash settlement
Now leading the $10M Bermudez hazing case against UH and Pi Kappa Phi

Dual Civil/Criminal Hazing Expertise:
Ralph’s HCCLA membership means we understand both sides of hazing cases:

How criminal charges interact with civil litigation
How to advise witnesses/former members with potential exposure
What constitutional defenses might apply to searches of fraternity houses
How to navigate cooperation agreements with prosecutors

Spanish-Language Services:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish. For Hispanic families in Barstow and across Texas, we provide consultations and representation in Spanish. Se habla Español.

How We Investigate Hazing Cases Differently

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:
We maintain comprehensive databases of Greek organizations in Texas, including:

125+ IRS B83 registered Texas Greek entities with EINs and addresses
96 Texas university campuses with location data
1,423 Greek organizations tracked across 25 Texas metros
National hazing incident database with patterns and precedents

This means when your Barstow student is hazed, we don’t start from zero. We already know:

The legal names and EINs of responsible organizations
Their registered addresses for legal service
Their likely insurance carriers
Their national hazing histories and patterns

Digital Forensics Expertise:
We work with experts who can:

Recover deleted group chats and messages
Authenticate social media evidence
Trace digital footprints and timelines
Preserve evidence before it disappears

Expert Network:
We collaborate with:

Medical experts (rhabdomyolysis specialists, trauma physicians)
Psychologists (PTSD, trauma, coercion dynamics)
Economists (lifetime care costs, lost earning capacity)
Greek life culture experts
Digital forensics specialists
Life care planners for catastrophic injuries

Our Philosophy: Accountability and Prevention

We believe hazing cases are about more than compensation. They’re about:

Accountability: Holding every responsible party answerable
Prevention: Creating consequences that deter future hazing
Justice: Validating victims’ experiences and restoring dignity
Transparency: Forcing institutions to confront their failures

The Bermudez case exemplifies this approach. We’re not just seeking compensation for his medical bills and suffering. We’re forcing UH and Pi Kappa Phi to confront how their systems failed, to implement real change, and to send a message that hazing will have serious consequences.

Call to Action for Barstow Families: Your Next Steps

If Hazing Has Affected Your Family

Whether you’re in Barstow, Monahans, Pyote, or anywhere in Ward County, if hazing has injured your child, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have experienced lawyers and insurance companies protecting them. You deserve the same level of representation.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We Listen: We’ll hear your story without judgment or interruption
We Review Evidence: We’ll examine any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, messages, medical records)
We Explain Options: We’ll outline your legal options clearly: criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
We Discuss Realistic Expectations: We’ll explain what’s possible in your specific situation
We Answer Questions: We’ll address all your concerns about process, timeline, costs, and privacy
No Pressure: Take time to decide—we never pressure families to hire us on the spot
Confidentiality: Everything you tell us is protected by attorney-client privilege

Contact Attorney911 Today

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Barstow, Ward County, and All of Texas

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

Offices: Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Service Area: Statewide, including Barstow and West Texas

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Hazing Case

We’re Leading the Fight Right Now: We’re actively litigating the $10M Bermudez hazing case against UH and Pi Kappa Phi
We Understand Texas Institutions: We know how Texas universities and Greek organizations operate
We Have Insider Knowledge: Mr. Peña’s insurance defense background gives us unique advantage
We Get Results: Multi-million dollar settlements in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases
We Prioritize Your Family: We treat you with the respect and attention you deserve during this difficult time
No Fee Unless We Win: Contingency fee basis means no upfront costs

For Barstow Families Specifically

We understand that Barstow represents a particular set of Texas values: community, integrity, and looking out for one another. When those values are violated by hazing at a Texas university, we bring both legal expertise and shared understanding to your case. Whether your child attends Texas Tech, UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, or any other Texas campus, we have the experience and resources to help.

Don’t let powerful institutions minimize what happened to your child. Don’t accept excuses about “tradition” or “consent.” Don’t let the statute of limitations run while you wait for a university to “handle it internally.”

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us help you get answers, accountability, and justice for your family.

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