Protecting Your Child from Hazing in Cass County: A Parent’s Guide to Legal Rights and Action

🛡️ You Sent Your Child to College to Learn, Not to Be Tortured

Cass County families work hard to give their children opportunities. You saved for years. You helped them apply to colleges. You drove them to campus, maybe even to Bemidji State University, Northland Community & Technical College, or another institution near Cass County. You trusted that they would be safe.

Then you got the call. Your child was hospitalized. Or worse — they’re afraid to tell you what happened. They say it’s “tradition.” They say everyone goes through it. They say if they tell, they’ll be ostracized.

This isn’t tradition. It’s abuse. It’s hazing. And it’s illegal in Minnesota.

At Attorney 911, we’re currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. A young man was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with wooden paddles, and ended up in the hospital with kidney failure. The same fraternities operate near Cass County. The same dangers exist here.

If your child has been hazed at a college near Cass County, you need to know your rights. And you need to know that justice is possible — even from hundreds of miles away.

🚨 What Is Hazing? The Minnesota Definition

Minnesota law defines hazing as:

“Any act committed as part of a person’s recruitment, initiation, pledging, admission into, or affiliation with a student organization, athletic team, or living group that subjects the person to the likelihood of bodily injury.”
— Minnesota Statutes § 121A.69

This includes:

✅ Physical abuse — beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion
✅ Forced consumption — alcohol, food, or non-food substances
✅ Psychological abuse — humiliation, degradation, threats
✅ Sleep deprivation — forced late nights, early mornings
✅ Sexual abuse — forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
✅ Waterboarding or simulated drowning — yes, this happens in Minnesota
✅ Extreme exposure — forced activities in cold or heat

Minnesota law is clear: Hazing is a crime. Consent is not a defense.

❄️ Hazing Near Cass County: The Local Reality

Cass County is home to hardworking families who value education and community. But the reality is that hazing happens at colleges and universities near Cass County, including:

• Bemidji State University — A respected institution with Greek life organizations
• Northland Community & Technical College — Smaller but not immune to hazing culture
• Nearby universities — Minnesota State University Moorhead, University of Minnesota Duluth, and others with active Greek systems

The same national fraternities involved in our $10 million lawsuit have chapters near Cass County:

• Pi Kappa Phi
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon
• Pi Kappa Alpha
• Phi Delta Theta
• Beta Theta Pi
• Sigma Chi
• Kappa Sigma

These organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements nationwide. They operate in Minnesota. And they put Cass County students at risk.

🏥 What Hazing Does to Your Child

Hazing isn’t harmless. It causes real, lasting harm:

Physical Injuries:

• Rhabdomyolysis — muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney failure (this happened to our client)
• Alcohol poisoning — forced drinking can be fatal
• Traumatic brain injury — from beatings or falls
• Broken bones — from physical abuse
• Hypothermia or heat stroke — from exposure
• Internal injuries — from forced consumption or beatings

Psychological Trauma:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety
• Depression — feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness
• Anxiety — constant fear, panic attacks
• Suicidal ideation — hazing can push vulnerable students to the brink
• Trust issues — difficulty forming healthy relationships

Academic Impact:

• Failing grades — from missed classes, exhaustion, stress
• Dropping out — unable to continue due to trauma
• Lost scholarships — academic decline can mean financial aid revoked
• Delayed graduation — semesters lost to recovery

Long-Term Consequences:

• Chronic health problems — permanent kidney damage, heart issues
• Substance abuse — self-medicating to cope with trauma
• Career limitations — physical or psychological barriers to employment
• Financial burden — medical bills, therapy costs, lost earning potential

This isn’t what you sent your child to college for. This isn’t the experience they deserve.

📅 The Hazing Timeline: What Happens and When

Hazing doesn’t happen all at once. It’s a systematic process designed to break down individuals and build dependence on the group. Here’s what it often looks like:

Our client was hazed for 7 weeks before collapsing. The fraternity knew exactly what they were doing.

🔍 Warning Signs Your Child Is Being Hazed

Hazing is often kept secret. But there are warning signs:

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
• Weight loss or signs of malnutrition
• Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
• Signs of alcohol or drug abuse
• Difficulty walking or moving
• Hospitalization for unknown reasons

Behavioral Signs:

• Sudden withdrawal from family and old friends
• Increased secrecy about activities
• Fear or anxiety about attending events
• Excuses for missed calls or texts
• Mood swings or emotional outbursts
• Decline in academic performance
• Avoidance of certain topics

Communication Signs:

• “It’s just tradition” — defending questionable activities
• “Everyone goes through it” — minimizing their experience
• “I can’t talk about it” — secrecy about activities
• “If I tell, I’ll be kicked out” — fear of retribution
• “I have to do this to be accepted” — feeling trapped

If you notice these signs, your child may be in danger. Act immediately.

🛑 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety

• If your child is in immediate danger, call 911.
• If they’re injured, take them to the nearest emergency room.
• Do not let them return to the hazing environment.

Step 2: Document Everything

• Take photos of any injuries, bruises, or physical evidence.
• Save all communications — text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, emails.
• Write down everything your child tells you — dates, times, locations, people involved.
• Keep a journal of your child’s symptoms and behavior changes.

Step 3: Seek Medical Attention

• Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation.
• Some injuries (like rhabdomyolysis) may not be immediately apparent.
• Medical records are critical evidence.
• Ask the doctor to document that injuries are consistent with hazing.

Step 4: Report to Authorities

• File a police report — hazing is a crime in Minnesota.
• Report to the university — Title IX office, student affairs, or campus police.
• Report to the national fraternity organization — they may claim they want to know, but be cautious.

Step 5: Do NOT Confront the Organization Alone

• Do not contact the fraternity or sorority directly.
• Do not let your child confront them alone.
• They will coordinate their story, destroy evidence, and intimidate witnesses.
• Any communication should go through an attorney.

Step 6: Contact an Attorney Immediately

• Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911.
• We offer free, confidential consultations.
• We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.
• We can preserve evidence, guide you through reporting, and protect your child’s rights.

Step 7: Consider Counseling

• Hazing causes deep psychological trauma.
• Find a therapist experienced in trauma or PTSD.
• This is not a sign of weakness — it’s a sign of strength.
• Therapy records can also support your legal case.

Step 8: Monitor Academic Impact

• Contact your child’s professors (with their permission) to explain the situation.
• Request accommodations if needed for missed work or trauma.
• Document any academic decline — this may be part of your damages.

⚖️ Your Legal Rights in Minnesota

Criminal Liability

Minnesota Statutes § 121A.69 makes hazing a crime:

• Misdemeanor — for hazing that creates a risk of harm
• Gross misdemeanor — for hazing that causes substantial bodily harm
• Felony — for hazing that causes great bodily harm or death

This means individuals who haze your child can go to jail.

Civil Liability

You can sue for damages, including:

• Medical expenses — past and future
• Pain and suffering — physical and emotional
• Lost wages — if your child misses work
• Educational damages — tuition, scholarships, academic disruption
• Punitive damages — to punish egregious conduct

Who Can Be Sued:

• The local chapter — for organizing and conducting hazing
• The national organization — for failing to supervise and prevent hazing
• The university — for failing to protect students (especially if they own the property)
• Individual members — for participating in or failing to stop hazing

Our current $10 million lawsuit names 10 defendants — including the university, national organization, local chapter, and individual members.

💰 What Your Case Might Be Worth

Hazing cases can result in substantial compensation, especially when:

Recent hazing settlements and verdicts:

• $10.1 million — Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University)
• $6.1 million — Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana State University)
• $110+ million — Timothy Piazza (Penn State University)
• $4+ million — Adam Oakes (Virginia Commonwealth University)

These cases show that juries and institutions take hazing seriously — and they award serious compensation.

🏛️ Who Is Liable? The Web of Responsibility

Hazing doesn’t happen in isolation. Multiple parties share responsibility:

1. The Local Chapter

• Directly organizes and conducts hazing activities.
• Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster) have leadership responsibility.
• Individual members participate in and fail to stop hazing.

2. The National Organization

• Sets policies that are ignored.
• Fails to supervise local chapters.
• Knows about hazing problems but doesn’t act.
• Has deep pockets and insurance policies.

3. The University

• Has a duty to protect students.
• Often owns or controls fraternity/sorority property.
• Knew or should have known about hazing risks.
• Fails to implement effective oversight.

4. Individual Members

• Participate in hazing activities.
• Fail to stop hazing when they see it.
• Can be held personally liable for damages.

5. Alumni and Advisors

• Often host hazing events at their homes.
• Enable hazing culture through silence or participation.
• May have homeowner’s insurance that covers liability.

Our current lawsuit names all of these categories of defendants. We pursue every liable party to maximize your recovery.

📞 Why Cass County Families Choose Attorney 911

We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now — And We’ll Fight for You

While we’re based in Texas, hazing is a nationwide problem — and we represent victims nationwide. We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Cass County families get the same aggressive representation we’re bringing to that case.

Our Advantages for Cass County Families:

✅ Nationwide Reach — We serve hazing victims across America, including Minnesota
✅ Federal Court Authority — U.S. District Court admission allows us to pursue cases anywhere
✅ Dual-State Bar Licenses — Texas AND New York — strategic advantage for national organizations
✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys — We know how insurance companies think and fight back
✅ Multi-Million Dollar Case Experience — BP Texas City explosion, hazing litigation, catastrophic injuries
✅ Will Travel to Cass County — For depositions, trials, and client meetings
✅ Remote Consultations — Video meetings for Cass County families who can’t travel
✅ Bilingual Staff — Se habla español — serving all Cass County families
✅ Contingency Fee — $0 upfront. You pay nothing unless we win.

What Sets Us Apart:

We don’t just see a case. We see a child. We see a family. We see a community that deserves better.

Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and ended up in the hospital with kidney failure. We’re fighting for him with everything we have. We’ll fight for your child the same way.

📅 The Clock Is Ticking: Minnesota Statute of Limitations

Minnesota law limits how long you have to take legal action:

• Personal injury claims: 2 years from the date of injury
• Wrongful death claims: 3 years from the date of death

Every day you wait is a day closer to losing your legal rights.

Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. The organization destroys records. The insurance company tries to lowball you.

Don’t let them get away with it. Contact us immediately.

🎯 What Happens When You Call Attorney 911

Step 1: Free, Confidential Consultation

• You’ll speak with an attorney (not a paralegal or intake specialist)
• We’ll listen to your story
• We’ll explain your rights and options
• No obligation. No pressure.

Step 2: Case Evaluation

• We’ll review the facts
• We’ll assess liability
• We’ll determine potential damages
• We’ll tell you if we can help

Step 3: Evidence Preservation

• We’ll send preservation letters to all defendants
• We’ll guide you on what evidence to save
• We’ll obtain medical records and other documentation

Step 4: Reporting Assistance

• We’ll help you file police reports
• We’ll help you report to the university
• We’ll handle all communication with the organization

Step 5: Building Your Case

• We’ll gather evidence
• We’ll interview witnesses
• We’ll work with medical and economic experts
• We’ll calculate your full damages

Step 6: Negotiation or Litigation

• We’ll negotiate aggressively with defendants
• If they don’t offer fair compensation, we’ll file a lawsuit
• We’ll prepare for trial if necessary

Step 7: Resolution

• Settlement or jury verdict
• Maximum compensation for your child
• Accountability for those responsible

🚫 What NOT to Do: Common Mistakes That Hurt Your Case

❌ Don’t Wait to Act

• Evidence disappears
• Witnesses forget
• Statutes of limitations expire

❌ Don’t Confront the Organization Alone

• They’ll coordinate their story
• They’ll destroy evidence
• They’ll intimidate witnesses

❌ Don’t Post on Social Media

• Anything you post can be used against you
• Even innocent posts can be twisted
• Stay quiet until your case is resolved

❌ Don’t Sign Anything Without Legal Review

• The organization may offer a “settlement”
• It will be a lowball offer
• It may waive your right to sue

❌ Don’t Assume It’s Not Serious

• Hazing can cause permanent physical and psychological damage
• Even “minor” hazing can escalate
• Your child deserves justice regardless of severity

❌ Don’t Think You Can’t Afford a Lawyer

• We work on contingency — you pay nothing upfront
• We only get paid if we win
• Cass County families pay $0 unless we recover compensation

💬 Frequently Asked Questions from Cass County Families

Q: My child consented to join the organization. Can they still sue?

A: YES. Minnesota law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, they did not consent to be abused, humiliated, or endangered.

Q: The university says they’re investigating. Shouldn’t we wait?

A: NO. The university’s investigation is designed to protect the university, not your child. They may downplay the incident, blame the victim, or delay until evidence disappears. You need your own investigation and legal representation.

Q: We’re in Cass County. Can you really help us from Texas?

A: YES. We represent hazing victims nationwide. We have:

• Federal court authority
• Willingness to travel to Cass County
• Remote consultation technology
• Experience with out-of-state cases

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Q: My child is afraid of retribution. What can we do?

A: We understand. Our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We take this seriously.

We can:

• Protect your child’s identity in early stages
• File under seal if necessary
• Seek protective orders
• Pursue criminal charges against those who retaliate

No one should live in fear for standing up for their rights.

Q: How much will this cost us?

A: NOTHING UPFRONT. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, and we only get paid if you get paid.

Cass County families pay $0 unless we recover compensation for you.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on campus, in a fraternity house, at an off-campus apartment, or anywhere else. Location does not affect liability.

Q: My child was hazed at a club/sports team, not a fraternity. Does this apply?

A: YES. Hazing happens in:

• Fraternities and sororities
• Sports teams
• Marching bands
• ROTC programs
• Clubs and organizations
• Military academies

If your child was hazed in any organization, we can help.

Q: How long will this take?

A: Every case is different. Some settle within months. Others take years. Factors include:

• Severity of injuries
• Number of defendants
• Willingness to settle
• Need for litigation

We work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while maximizing your recovery.

Q: What if my child is partially at fault?

**A: Minnesota follows comparative negligence rules. Even if your child shares some fault, you can still recover damages as long as they are less than 50% at fault.

We’ll fight to minimize any fault attributed to your child.

Q: Can we sue the university?

A: YES, if they:

• Owned or controlled the property where hazing occurred
• Knew or should have known about hazing risks
• Failed to implement effective oversight
• Had prior incidents they ignored

Our current lawsuit names the University of Houston as a defendant for these exact reasons.

📢 A Message to Cass County Fraternities and Universities

To the fraternities operating near Cass County:

We know who you are. We know your corporate structures. We know your national organizations have paid millions in hazing settlements. We know about Andrew Coffey. We know about Leonel Bermudez. We know about the others.

If your chapter harms students in Cass County, we will pursue every liable entity. We will depose your members. We will subpoena your records. We will expose your culture.

Pi Kappa Phi’s UH chapter? Shut down. Charter surrendered. Criminal referrals initiated. That’s what happens when you haze in Texas. That’s what will happen in Minnesota.

To the universities near Cass County:

You have a duty to protect your students. When you own fraternity houses, when you collect tuition, when you accept federal funding — you accept responsibility.

Bemidji State University, Northland Community & Technical College, University of Minnesota Duluth — we’re watching. The same institutional negligence that made University of Houston a defendant exists at your campuses. Act now or face the same accountability.

🛑 Enough Is Enough: It’s Time to End Hazing in Cass County

For too long, hazing has been excused as “tradition.” For too long, universities have turned a blind eye. For too long, national organizations have paid lip service to reform while allowing abuse to continue.

Cass County families deserve better. Your children deserve better.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting to change the culture. We’re fighting for accountability. We’re fighting for the next generation of students.

If your child has been hazed at a college near Cass County, call us. We’ll fight for you with the same fury we’re bringing to our $10 million lawsuit. We’ll make sure this never happens to another Cass County family.

📞 Cass County Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation

Legal Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

Available 24/7 for Cass County hazing emergencies

We work on contingency — $0 upfront. You pay nothing unless we win.

Serving Cass County and all of Minnesota from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont

We will travel to Cass County for your case. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

📝 Free Case Evaluation Form

If you’re not ready to call yet, fill out this form and we’ll contact you:

1. Your name:
2. Your child’s name:
3. School/university:
4. Organization involved (if known):
5. Date(s) of incident(s):
6. Brief description of what happened:
7. Any injuries or medical treatment:
8. Your phone number:
9. Your email:
10. Best time to call:

Email to: ralph@atty911.com
Or call: 1-888-ATTY-911

🔗 Additional Resources for Cass County Families

Minnesota Hazing Laws:

• Minnesota Statutes § 121A.69 — Hazing

National Anti-Hazing Organizations:

• HazingPrevention.Org
• StopHazing
• Clery Center (campus safety resources)

Mental Health Resources:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — 988
• Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741
• Minnesota Department of Health — Mental Health

University-Specific Resources:

• Bemidji State University:

  • Title IX Office: (218) 755-3910
  • Campus Security: (218) 755-3888
  • Counseling Services: (218) 755-2053

• Northland Community & Technical College:

  • Student Services: (218) 793-2430
  • Counseling: (218) 793-2430

🙏 A Final Message to Cass County Parents

We know this is overwhelming. We know you’re angry. We know you’re scared.

But you’re not alone.

We’re fighting this battle right now in Texas. We’re fighting for a young man who was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. We’ll fight for your child the same way.

You sent your child to college to learn, not to be tortured. You trusted the university to keep them safe. You trusted the organization to be a positive influence.

That trust was broken.

But justice is possible. Accountability is possible. Change is possible.

Call us. Let’s make it happen.

1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com

Attorney 911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Cass County and all of Minnesota