The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits for Alpine & West Texas Families: Holding Fraternities, Sororities & Universities Accountable

If Your Child Was Hazed at Sul Ross, Texas A&M, UT, or Any Texas Campus, You Have Rights—Here’s What Alpine Families Need to Know

It begins with a text message that doesn’t sound right. A call home where your student’s voice sounds strained, exhausted. Unexplained bruises during a visit. A sudden drop in grades paired with evasive answers about new friends and late nights. For parents in Alpine, Marfa, Fort Davis, and across the vast expanse of Brewster County and West Texas, the college experience you imagined for your child can turn into a nightmare when hazing enters the picture.

Right now, just a few hours east of you in Houston, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after brutal hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. The details are shocking: forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion; and the degrading “pledge fanny pack” rule. He was hospitalized for four days with brown urine—a classic sign of severe muscle breakdown. The chapter has been shut down, but the physical and psychological harm continues.

This isn’t just a Houston problem. The same national fraternities and sororities that operate at UH also have chapters at Sul Ross State University right here in Alpine, at Texas A&M University, UT Austin, Texas Tech, and every major campus where West Texas families send their children. The patterns repeat: tradition disguised as bonding, peer pressure masquerading as brotherhood, and institutional failures that allow known dangers to persist.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Alpine, Marfa, Terlingua, Marathon, and throughout Brewster County and the Big Bend region. Whether your child attends Sul Ross State University in our backyard or has ventured to campuses hours away, you deserve to know the truth about hazing in 2025: what it really looks like, what Texas law says, what history tells us about these organizations, and what legal options exist when institutions fail 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: Beyond the Stereotypes

For families in Alpine and West Texas, where community values and personal integrity run deep, understanding modern hazing requires looking beyond outdated stereotypes. Hazing in 2025 isn’t just about “boys will be boys” pranks—it’s systematic psychological and physical coercion that often leaves permanent scars.

The Modern Definition: Coercion, Not Consensual Tradition

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. Crucially, “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 charges.

The Four Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common—and most deadly—form of hazing. It includes forced or coerced drinking during “Big/Little” nights, bid acceptance parties, “family tree” drinking games, and lineups where pledges must consume dangerous amounts rapidly. The Leonel Bermudez case at UH involved forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed immediately by sprints. At Texas A&M, Sigma Alpha Epsilon pledges were covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts.

2. Physical Hazing
Beyond traditional paddling, today’s physical hazing includes extreme calisthenics (“smokings” with hundreds of push-ups), sleep deprivation rituals, food/water deprivation, and exposure to extreme environments. The UH Pi Kappa Phi case involved 100+ push-ups and 500 squats in a single session. At Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets, a cadet alleged being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth.

3. Psychological and Digital Hazing
This is where hazing has evolved most dramatically. It includes:

24/7 digital control: Group chat monitoring where pledges must respond instantly at all hours
Social media humiliation: Forced TikTok challenges, Instagram story dares
Public shaming: “Roasts” where members verbally tear down pledges
Isolation tactics: Cutting off contact with family and non-member friends

4. Sexualized and Degrading Hazing
This includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. These aren’t “pranks”—they’re traumatic violations that cause lasting psychological harm.

Where Hazing Happens: It’s Not Just Greek Life

While fraternities and sororities dominate headlines, hazing occurs in:

Athletic teams (from football to cheerleading)
Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs
Spirit and tradition groups (like Texas Cowboys or similar organizations)
Marching bands and performance groups
Academic and service organizations

For Sul Ross State University students right here in Alpine, this means vigilance is needed across campus activities, not just Greek life.

Texas Hazing Law: What Alpine Families Must Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws that protect students whether they’re at Sul Ross in Alpine or at a major university hours away. Understanding this legal framework is crucial for West Texas families.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

Texas law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

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

Key provisions that protect Alpine students:

§ 37.151: Broad Definition
The law covers both mental and physical harm, can happen on or off campus, and includes reckless conduct (not just intentional harm). This means if organizers should have known the risks, they can still be liable.

§ 37.152: Criminal Penalties

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (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
Also criminal: Failing to report hazing and retaliating against reporters

§ 37.155: Consent is NOT a Defense
This is crucial for families to understand. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, Texas law explicitly states this is not a defense to hazing charges. Courts recognize that power imbalances and peer pressure negate true consent.

§ 37.154: Good-Faith Reporting Protection
Students who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability. Many universities also offer amnesty for underage drinking when reporting medical emergencies.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Different Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (DA’s office)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
Example: The criminal prosecutions in the Penn State Beta Theta Pi case that killed Timothy Piazza

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: Compensation and accountability
Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Example: The $10 million lawsuit we’re handling for Leonel Bermudez against UH and Pi Kappa Phi

Both can run simultaneously, and a criminal conviction isn’t required for a civil case. Many families pursue both paths to ensure full accountability.

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
This new federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid to:

Report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthen hazing education and prevention
Maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026)

Title IX and Clery Act
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. The Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes—many hazing incidents overlap with these categories.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

1. Individual Students
Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover them up

2. Local Chapter/Organization
The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if incorporated)

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters
Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Their liability often hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents.

4. University or Governing Board
Schools may be liable under negligence or civil rights theories, especially if they had prior warnings.

5. Third Parties
Landlords of event spaces, bars that overserved alcohol, security companies

For Alpine families, this means multiple entities may share responsibility when hazing occurs.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat at Texas Schools

The tragic cases that make national headlines aren’t isolated incidents—they’re patterns that repeat across campuses, including here in Texas. Understanding these patterns helps Alpine families recognize warning signs and understand what’s at stake.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: Deadly Repetition

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
A bid-acceptance event with heavy drinking led to severe falls captured on chapter cameras. Help was delayed for hours. The case resulted in dozens of criminal charges, millions in settlements, and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. Pattern: Extreme intoxication + delayed medical care + culture of silence.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
A “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. Gruver died with a 0.495% BAC. The case led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony. Pattern: Drinking games disguised as “education.”

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey during a pledge event. The $10 million settlement included $3 million from the university. Pattern: Big/Little nights with predetermined alcohol consumption.

What this means for Texas families: These exact patterns occur at Texas schools. The Pi Kappa Alpha chapter involved in Foltz’s death has siblings at UT Austin, Texas A&M, and other Texas campuses that follow similar “traditions.”

Physical and Ritualized Hazing: Beyond Alcohol

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
A blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat led to fatal head injuries. The national fraternity was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter—a landmark for organizational liability. Pattern: Violent rituals moved off-campus to avoid detection.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
Forced drinking during a “pledge dad reveal” night caused severe, permanent brain damage. Settlements with 22 defendants reached multi-millions. Pattern: Life-altering injuries short of death.

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)
Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing within the football program led to multiple lawsuits, coach firings, and confidential settlements. Pattern: Big-money athletic programs harboring systemic abuse.

Why These Cases Matter for Alpine Families

These national precedents:

Show foreseeability (national organizations knew the risks)
Establish pattern evidence (similar conduct at multiple chapters)
Create legal roadmaps for holding organizations accountable
Demonstrate that multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements are possible when institutions fail to protect students

When your child faces similar conduct at a Texas school, these cases provide powerful legal precedents for holding organizations accountable.

Texas Universities: Where Alpine Students Attend and What Parents Must Know

West Texas families send students to universities across the state. Here’s what you need to know about hazing at schools where Alpine students commonly enroll.

Sul Ross State University: Our Local Campus

Campus & Culture Snapshot
As Alpine’s hometown university, Sul Ross serves West Texas with undergraduate and graduate programs. While smaller than state flagships, it has active student organizations where hazing can occur. Alpine families have the advantage of proximity—you can observe changes in your student more easily than if they were hours away.

Hazing Policy & Reporting
Sul Ross, like all Texas public universities, prohibits hazing under Education Code Chapter 37. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students office and campus police. As a smaller campus, relationships between students, faculty, and administrators can affect how reports are handled.

What Sul Ross Parents Should Do

Know the university’s specific reporting procedures
Document any concerns immediately
Understand that even at small schools, organizations may have national affiliations that bring known hazing patterns
If your Sul Ross student transfers to a larger university, educate them about the heightened hazing risks in larger Greek systems

Texas A&M University: Where Many West Texas Students Go

Campus & Culture Snapshot
Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets and extensive Greek life create multiple environments where hazing traditions persist. For Alpine students accustomed to close-knit communities, the scale of A&M can be overwhelming, making them more vulnerable to seeking belonging through problematic groups.

Documented Incidents & Responses

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Lawsuit (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts. The chapter was suspended.
Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A cadet alleged degrading hazing including being bound in a “roasted pig” pose. The case sought over $1 million.
Public Disclosures: A&M’s hazing violations are less transparent than UT’s, but court records reveal patterns.

How an A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

Investigations may involve University Police, College Station PD, or Brazos County Sheriff
Civil suits typically filed in Brazos County courts
Multiple defendant strategy: individuals, chapter, national organization, university

What A&M Parents from West Texas Should Do

Understand the dual risks: Greek life AND Corps of Cadets
Visit https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/ to understand wrongful death claims if the worst happens
Recognize that geographic distance from Alpine makes evidence preservation even more critical

University of Texas at Austin

Campus & Culture Snapshot
UT’s massive Greek system and highly competitive student organizations create environments where hazing persists despite public transparency efforts. For Alpine students, the cultural shift to Austin can be dramatic, increasing vulnerability to hazing dynamics.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page
UT maintains one of Texas’ most transparent hazing disclosures:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics—chapter placed on probation
Texas Wranglers and other spirit groups: Repeated sanctions for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing
Pattern: Public probation but continued violations

How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed

Jurisdiction typically in Travis County courts
UT’s public violation records become powerful evidence of prior knowledge
National organizations often fight vigorously given Austin’s media visibility

What UT Parents Should Know

Review UT’s hazing violation page regularly if your student joins organizations
Understand that probation rarely stops hazing—it just drives it further underground
Distance from Alpine means you must trust your student’s judgment and maintain open communication

Texas Tech University: The Other West Texas Option

Campus & Culture Snapshot
As West Texas’ major university, Texas Tech draws many Alpine-area students. Its Greek system follows national patterns, and its relative isolation in Lubbock can intensify organizational insularity.

Documented Patterns
While less publicly documented than UT, Texas Tech has faced hazing incidents including:

Alcohol poisoning cases in fraternities
Athletic team hazing allegations
Ongoing concerns about off-campus house parties

Practical Considerations for Tech Parents

Lubbock’s medical facilities may handle hazing injuries—document all treatment
Local legal venues may be more favorable than urban counties
The “West Texas connection” can work for or against your case in local courts

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: What We Know About Greek Organizations Serving Alpine Families

Our firm maintains what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations operating in Texas. This isn’t theoretical research; it’s concrete data we use to build cases for families like yours.

Public Records Reality: 1,423 Greek Organizations Across Texas

Through IRS filings, university reports, and public records, we’ve documented 1,423 fraternity and sorority organizations across 25 Texas metros. These aren’t just social clubs—they’re legal entities with EINs, insurance policies, and liability structures.

For Alpine and West Texas families, this means: When your child is hazed at a Texas school, there are multiple entities that may share liability beyond the individuals directly involved.

Sample Organizations Relevant to West Texas Students

From IRS B83 Filings (Texas-Registered Greek Organizations):

EIN 133048786: KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC, 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845 (IRS B83 filing)
EIN 237098953: ZETA BETA CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INC, PO Box 2142, Prairie View, TX 77446 (IRS B83 filing)
EIN 262025321: ALPHA EPSILON PI FRATERNITY, 920 W Prairie St, Denton, TX 76201 (IRS B83 filing, Mu Gamma Chapter)
EIN 263170920: HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI, 411 Texas St Room 219, Denton, TX 76204 (IRS B83 filing, Texas Woman’s University chapter)
EIN 364091267: SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY, 1101 Melrose Dr, Waco, TX 76710 (IRS B83 filing, Xi Chi chapter)
EIN 462267515: BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC, 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035 (IRS B83 filing—same national organization involved in UH lawsuit)
EIN 746064445: PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY, 1855 Highway 69 N, Nederland, TX 77627 (IRS B83 filing, Epsilon Kappa Chapter)
EIN 756067776: KAPPA SIGMA FRATERNITY, 3128 Waits Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76109 (IRS B83 filing, Theta Chapter)
EIN 900293166: HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI, 114 Henderson Hall 4233 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843 (IRS B83 filing, Texas A&M University chapter)
EIN 921490845: ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC, 1905 University Ave, Huntsville, TX 77340 (IRS B83 filing, Kappa Xi chapter)

From Cause IQ Metro Data (West Texas Relevant):

Lubbock Metro (59 total organizations): Texas Tech Chapter of Phi Delta Theta Housing, Kappa Alpha Order – Texas Tech (Gamma Chi), Delta Kappa Gamma Society – Lubbock, Alpha Phi Omega – TTU Chapter
Abilene Metro (9 total organizations): Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – TTU Health Sci. (Clyde), Delta Kappa Gamma Society chapters, Psi Chi – McMurry and Hardin-Simmons chapters

What This Data Means for Your Case

When we take a hazing case for an Alpine family, we don’t start from scratch. We already know:

The legal entities behind the Greek letters
Their IRS-recognized status and tax identification
Their physical and mailing addresses
How they’re structured within national organizations

This intelligence allows us to:

Identify all potentially liable parties immediately
Preserve evidence before organizations can destroy records
Navigate insurance coverage disputes with insider knowledge
Build pattern evidence showing national organizations knew or should have known about risks

Fraternity & Sorority National Histories: Patterns That Predict Liability

National organizations don’t operate in isolation. When a chapter at UT Austin, Texas A&M, or Texas Tech hazes new members, they’re often following scripts written by decades of similar incidents across the country. This history becomes crucial evidence in holding national headquarters accountable.

National Patterns That Keep Repeating

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ) – The “Big/Little” Drinking Pattern

Stone Foltz (Bowling Green, 2021): Death from alcohol poisoning during Big/Little night
David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois, 2012): Death from alcohol poisoning—$14 million settlement
Texas Pattern: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech following similar traditions
Legal Significance: National HQ had prior notice of this deadly pattern

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ) – Chemical and Physical Abuse Pattern

Texas A&M Case (2021): Chemical burns from industrial cleaner requiring skin grafts
University of Alabama Case (2023): Traumatic brain injury lawsuit
UT Austin Case (2024): Assault causing broken bones and ligaments
National Reputation: Once called “the deadliest fraternity” by Bloomberg

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ) – Drinking Game Pattern

Max Gruver (LSU, 2017): Death from “Bible study” drinking game
Result: Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony
Texas Presence: Multiple chapters across state universities

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ) – Extreme Physical Hazing Pattern

Andrew Coffey (Florida State, 2017): Death from alcohol poisoning during Big Brother night
Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025): Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme workouts—our active $10 million lawsuit
Pattern: Physical exhaustion combined with forced consumption

Why National History Matters in Texas Courts

When we sue a national fraternity for a hazing incident at a Texas school, we use their national history to prove:

1. Foreseeability
The national organization knew or should have known this conduct was likely based on prior incidents at other chapters.

2. Inadequate Prevention
Their anti-hazing policies were window dressing if they didn’t prevent repeat incidents.

3. Punitive Damages Grounds
When organizations ignore clear warnings, Texas courts may award punitive damages to punish reckless disregard for safety.

4. Insurance Coverage Arguments
Nationals often claim “rogue chapter” defenses—national history shows systemic patterns.

For Alpine families, this means your case isn’t just about one bad chapter. It’s about holding national organizations accountable for patterns they’ve allowed to persist for decades.

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

When hazing injures or kills a student, building a successful case requires immediate action, strategic evidence collection, and understanding the unique challenges of institutional defendants. Here’s what we do for West Texas families.

Critical Evidence That Wins Cases

Digital Communications (The Most Important Evidence)

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage threads: Show planning, coordination, threats
Social media posts and DMs: Document events in real time
Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often retrieve “disappearing” messages
Location data and timestamps: Prove who was where and when

Visual Evidence

Photos and videos from events: Often shared in group chats before deletion
Injury documentation: Timestamped photos showing progression
Security footage: From houses, neighboring properties, or campus cameras

Medical Documentation

ER and hospital records: Must explicitly mention “hazing” as cause
Specialist evaluations: For ongoing physical or psychological harm
Toxicology reports: Crucial in alcohol poisoning cases

Organizational Records

National fraternity files: Obtained through discovery showing prior incidents
University conduct records: Prior violations of same organization
Insurance policies: Multiple layers of potential coverage

Witness Testimony

Other pledges: Often afraid initially but may cooperate as case develops
Former members: Who left due to hazing concerns
Medical providers: Documenting cause and extent of injuries

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Tangible Losses)

Medical expenses: Past and future care
Lost educational costs: Tuition for interrupted semesters, lost scholarships
Lost earning capacity: For permanent injuries affecting career prospects
Therapy and counseling: Often needed for years after traumatic hazing

Non-Economic Damages (Intangible Harm)

Pain and suffering: Physical pain from injuries
Emotional distress: PTSD, anxiety, depression, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life: Can’t participate in activities they once loved
Reputational harm: Social stigma and digital footprint

Wrongful Death Damages (When the Unthinkable Happens)

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support: For families who depended on student’s future earnings
Loss of companionship and guidance: For parents and siblings
Emotional suffering: Grief, mental anguish of surviving family

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Especially Reckless)
Awarded to punish defendants and deter future conduct when:

Defendants had prior warnings and ignored them
Conduct was particularly cruel or degrading
There was attempt to cover up evidence
Callous indifference to known risks

The Insurance Battle: Where Cases Often Are Won or Lost

Fraternities, sororities, and universities carry multiple layers of insurance. The coverage fight is where insider knowledge matters most.

Common Insurance Defenses We Counter:

“Intentional act” exclusions: Insurers claim hazing is intentional, not negligent
“Rogue chapter” arguments: Nationals claim local chapters acted independently
Coverage limit games: Multiple policies with competing priorities
Bad faith tactics: Insurers delaying, denying, or defending without reasonable basis

Our Advantage: Insider Insurance Knowledge
Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows:

How insurers value (and undervalue) claims
Their delay tactics and settlement strategies
How to force coverage even under “intentional act” exclusions
When to pursue bad faith claims against insurers

This experience is why we often recover policy limits that other firms might miss.

Practical Guide for Alpine & West Texas Families: What to Do Now

For Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Steps

Red Flags Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained injuries or frequent “accidents”
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Personality changes: anxiety, withdrawal, irritability
Sudden secrecy about organizational activities
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Financial irregularities (large unexplained expenses)
Academic decline missing classes or assignments

How to Talk to Your Student:

Ask open questions: “How are things with your new organization?”
Listen without judgment: If they open up, don’t interrupt with anger
Emphasize safety: “Your health matters more than any group”
Document everything: Write down what they tell you with dates
Get medical help immediately if there are any physical concerns

If You Suspect Hazing:

Preserve evidence immediately: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries
Contact an attorney BEFORE reporting to university
Do NOT confront the organization: This triggers evidence destruction
Understand university limitations: Internal processes rarely provide full accountability
Consider both criminal and civil paths: They serve different purposes

For Students: Safety and Evidence Preservation

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie?

If You’re Being Hazed:

Your safety comes first: Call 911 for medical emergencies
Texas law protects good-faith reporters: You won’t get in trouble for seeking help
Preserve evidence: Screenshot everything BEFORE considering deletion
Talk to someone you trust: Parent, RA, counselor, or attorney
You can leave at any time: No group is worth your health or life

Evidence Collection Checklist:

Screenshot all group chats with timestamps visible
Photograph injuries from multiple angles daily
Save all texts, emails, and social media posts
Write down names, dates, locations, and what happened
Get medical attention and mention “hazing” specifically
Back everything up to cloud storage or email to trusted adult

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence
What families think: “I want to protect my child’s privacy”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up, makes case nearly impossible
Better approach: Preserve everything, let attorney control what’s disclosed

2. Confronting the Organization
What families think: “I’ll give them a piece of my mind”
Why it’s wrong: Triggers evidence destruction, witness coaching, defense preparation
Better approach: Document quietly, let attorney handle all communication

3. Signing University Agreements
What universities do: Pressure quick “internal resolution” with confidentiality clauses
Why it’s wrong: Waives legal rights, settlements are typically inadequate
Better approach: “I need to consult with an attorney first”

4. Posting on Social Media
What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything, inconsistencies hurt credibility
Better approach: Let your attorney control public messaging

5. Talking to Insurance Adjusters
What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim”
Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements are used to minimize or deny claims
Better approach: “My attorney will contact you”

6. Waiting “to See What the University Does”
What universities promise: “We’re investigating internally”
Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes run
Better approach: Preserve evidence NOW, consult attorney immediately

7. Letting Your Child Go to “One Last Meeting”
What organizations say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic”
Why it’s wrong: Pressure, intimidation, extracting damaging statements
Better approach: Once legal action is considered, all communication goes through attorney

Frequently Asked Questions from Alpine Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (like Sul Ross, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals personally. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity barriers. Every case is fact-specific—contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case analysis.

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

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to participate?”
Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t truly voluntary.

“How long do we have to file a 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, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major 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. We 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 your firm?”
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We cover all case costs initially and get reimbursed from the recovery. Watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

“My child is afraid of retaliation—what can we do?”
Texas law prohibits retaliation against hazing reporters. We can seek protective orders, document threats for criminal charges, and include retaliation claims in lawsuits. Safety planning is part of our case strategy.

Why Attorney911 for Alpine & West Texas Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. From our work on the $10 million UH Pi Kappa Phi case to our broader experience against massive defendants, here’s why Texas families choose us.

Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage
Mr. Lupe 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
Negotiate settlements from the inside

As he says: “We know their playbook because we used to run it.” This insider knowledge often makes the difference in recovering full policy limits.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience
Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal budgets. That same capability applies to national fraternities and universities. Our federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) means we’re not intimidated by institutional defendants.

Multi-Million Dollar Results
We’ve recovered millions for families in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We understand how to:

Work with economists to value lifetime care needs
Present compelling damage models to juries
Negotiate from strength, not desperation

Criminal + Civil Dual Capability
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)—an elite criminal defense organization—means we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can:

Advise witnesses and former members with criminal exposure
Navigate parallel criminal and civil proceedings
Protect your rights regardless of whether criminal charges are filed

Texas-Wide Investigation Network
Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine gives us immediate access to:

1,423 Greek organization profiles across Texas
Historical incident patterns at specific universities
Insurance carrier behaviors and settlement histories
Expert networks: medical, psychological, economic, Greek life culture

Spanish Language Services
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish—critical for serving Hispanic families across West Texas. Hablamos Español—contact Lupe directly at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

Our Investigative Process: How We Build Winning Cases

Phase 1: Immediate Evidence Preservation (0-48 Hours)

Digital forensics to recover deleted messages
Witness interviews before memories fade
Medical record collection with hazing causation noted
Preservation letters to prevent evidence destruction

Phase 2: Liability Investigation (Days 3-30)

Subpoena national fraternity records showing prior incidents
Obtain university conduct files on the organization
Identify all insurance policies and coverage layers
Map organizational structure and decision-makers

Phase 3: Damages Development (Months 1-6)

Medical expert review of injuries and future needs
Economic analysis of lost earning capacity
Psychological evaluation for trauma damages
Life care planning for catastrophic injuries

Phase 4: Strategic Resolution (Months 6-24+)

Early mediation when evidence is strong
Settlement negotiations with multiple defendants
Trial preparation if institutions won’t offer fair compensation
Post-resolution monitoring of institutional reforms

What to Expect When You Contact Us

Your Free, Confidential Consultation:

We listen without judgment: Tell us what happened in your own words
Evidence review: We’ll look at any photos, messages, or records you have
Legal options explained: We’ll outline criminal and civil paths in plain English
Realistic assessment: We’ll give honest feedback on case strengths and challenges
No pressure to hire: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

If We Take Your Case:

You pay nothing upfront: Contingency fee means we only get paid if we recover for you
Regular updates: We commit to communication every 2-3 weeks minimum
You’re involved in decisions: We don’t settle without your approval
Privacy protection: We control public messaging to protect your family

Call to Action for Alpine & West Texas Families

If hazing has impacted your family—whether your child attends Sul Ross State University here in Alpine, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Texas Tech, or any Texas campus—you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved count on families feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and powerless. We’re here to change that calculation.

What Makes Our Approach Different for West Texas Families

We understand the unique dynamics of West Texas:

The tight-knit community values that make reporting difficult
The geographic isolation that can make you feel far from help
The pride in local institutions that creates internal conflict
The practical realities of pursuing cases across long distances

Our approach respects these realities while delivering aggressive, effective representation.

Your Next Steps

If you’re considering legal action:

Preserve all evidence immediately (see our evidence checklist above)
Write down everything you remember with dates and names
Contact us for a free consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911
Do NOT talk to insurance adjusters or sign university agreements

What we need from you:

Any photos of injuries or events
Screenshots of messages about hazing
Medical records mentioning hazing
Names of witnesses or other affected students
Any communication from the university or organization

Contact Attorney911 Today

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

Spanish Language Services Available
Hablamos Español—contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

Watch Our Educational Videos

Evidence Preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client Mistakes to Avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How Contingency Fees Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Office Locations Serving Texas

Houston: Primary office serving statewide
Austin: Capital city presence
Beaumont: East Texas representation

We serve families throughout Texas, including Alpine, Marfa, Fort Davis, Presidio, Brewster County, and all West Texas communities. Distance doesn’t limit our ability to help—modern technology allows us to represent families anywhere in Texas effectively.

Final Thoughts for Alpine Parents

The journey from suspicion to confirmation to action is one no parent wants to take. But if hazing has entered your family’s story, know this: you have rights, there is accountability available, and the patterns of silence and cover-up can be broken.

The case we’re handling right now for Leonel Bermudez against UH and Pi Kappa Phi shows that even the most powerful institutions can be held accountable. The $10 million lawsuit has already forced chapter closure, national scrutiny, and public acknowledgment of “deeply disturbing” conduct.

Your child’s safety and recovery come first. The legal accountability comes next. We’re here to help with both.

Call us today for a free, confidential consultation. Let us listen to your story, explain your options, and help you decide the best path forward for your family. You don’t have to navigate this alone.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Evidence preservation with cellphone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes to avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website:

https://attorney911.com

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