The Ultimate Guide to Hazing Lawsuits for Parents & Students in Wink, Texas

Protecting Your Child from Fraternity, Sorority, and Campus Abuse

If you’re a parent in Wink, Texas, and your child is heading off to a Texas university this fall—whether to Texas Tech in Lubbock, UT Permian Basin in Odessa, or major hubs like the University of Houston or Texas A&M—you’ve likely thought about their safety. You’ve considered dorm security, campus police, and academic pressures. But there’s a hidden danger that rarely makes the welcome packet: systematic hazing within fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, athletic teams, and campus organizations.

Right now, as you read this, we’re actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. In November 2025, our firm filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston pledge who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after brutal hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. According to the lawsuit and media coverage, Bermudez was forced through extreme physical abuse including 100+ push-ups and 500 squats, sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” made to lie in vomit-soaked grass, and required to carry a degrading “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms and sex toys. When his urine turned brown and he could no longer stand, he was hospitalized for four days with acute kidney failure. The Pi Kappa Phi chapter has since been shut down, but the physical and psychological damage to this young man—and the institutional failures that allowed it—demand accountability.

This is not an isolated incident. It’s a pattern. And if your child from Wink joins a fraternity, sorority, Corps unit, athletic team, or spirit group at any Texas campus, they could face similar dangers.

This comprehensive guide explains what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects (and sometimes fails) students, what’s happening at universities where Wink families send their children, and what legal options exist when institutions fail to protect your child.

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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For Wink families, hazing might conjure images of movie stereotypes—silly pranks or mild embarrassment. The reality in 2025 is far more dangerous, sophisticated, and hidden. Modern hazing is a calculated system of abuse designed to create loyalty through trauma, often disguised as “tradition,” “bonding,” or “character building.”

Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

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. Texas law (Education Code Chapter 37) defines it specifically, but the core truth is simple: if your child feels unsafe, humiliated, or trapped in activities they wouldn’t choose freely, it’s likely hazing.

Crucially, “I agreed to it” does not make it safe or legal. The power imbalance between pledges and members, the fear of social exclusion, and the desire for belonging create coercive environments where true consent is impossible.

Main Categories of Hazing in 2025

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
The most common—and most deadly—form includes forced consumption during “Big/Little” nights, “bid acceptance” parties, or drinking games like “family tree” where wrong answers mean drinking. At Texas Tech, UT Austin, and other campuses, we’ve seen cases where pledges were given handles of liquor and told to finish them.

Physical Hazing
This includes paddling, beatings, extreme calisthenics (“smokings” with hundreds of push-ups), sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme elements. In the Leonel Bermudez UH case, physical hazing included forced sprints, bear crawls, and lying in vomit-soaked grass in cold weather.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, and racial or sexist role-playing. The “pledge fanny pack” in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case containing condoms and sex toys is a classic example of humiliation hazing.

Psychological Hazing
Verbal abuse, threats, isolation, manipulation, and public shaming. This creates dependency and breaks down resistance to physical abuse.

Digital/Online Hazing
Group chat dares, social media humiliation, pressure to share compromising images, and 24/7 digital monitoring. Members demand immediate responses to messages at all hours, creating constant anxiety and sleep deprivation.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

While fraternities receive most attention, hazing occurs across campus life:

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

The common threads are power imbalance, tradition justification, and secrecy enforced through social pressure.

Law & Liability Framework: Texas & Federal Law

Texas Hazing Law Basics

Texas Education Code Chapter 37, Subchapter F provides specific anti-hazing provisions. The law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership that:

• Endangers mental or physical health or safety, OR
• Involves brutality, physical harassment, or excessive mental stress

Key provisions Wink parents should know:

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

• 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

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability:
Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be prosecuted if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report it. Penalties include fines up to $10,000 per violation.

§ 37.155 Consent Not a Defense:
This is crucial: even if your child “agreed” to activities, it’s not a defense in criminal hazing cases. Texas recognizes that true consent isn’t possible under coercion.

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:
Students who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability. Many universities extend this to alcohol violations when seeking medical help.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by the state (prosecutor)
• Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil Cases:

• Brought by victims or families
• Aim: Compensation and accountability
• Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress

Both can proceed simultaneously, and a criminal conviction isn’t required for civil action. In fact, many hazing cases settle civilly before criminal proceedings conclude.

Federal Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently, strengthen prevention, and maintain public hazing data by 2026.

Title IX:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. Universities must investigate and prevent hostile environments.

Clery Act:
Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics. Hazing incidents involving assault, alcohol crimes, or sexual violence may be Clery-reportable.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Individual Students: Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing.

Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity/sorority itself if incorporated, plus officers and advisors.

National Fraternity/Sorority: Headquarters that set policies, collect dues, and supervise chapters. Their knowledge of prior incidents creates liability.

University or Governing Board: Schools may be liable for negligent supervision, deliberate indifference, or Title IX violations. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist.

Third Parties: Property owners, landlords, alcohol providers (under dram shop laws), security companies.

Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys investigate all potential defendants to ensure full accountability.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Wink Families

The national hazing landscape has been shaped by tragic cases that established legal precedents and legislative reforms. These cases matter to Wink families because they show patterns that repeat across campuses, including Texas schools.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):
A bid-acceptance event with heavy drinking led to Piazza falling multiple times, captured on chapter cameras. Members delayed calling 911 for hours. Result: Dozens of criminal charges, civil litigation, and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
Forced to participate in a “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers meant drinking. Died with BAC of 0.495%. Result: Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
Pledge forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night. Died from alcohol poisoning. Result: $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU).

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
Pledge subjected to violent “glass ceiling” ritual during retreat, suffered fatal head injuries, help delayed. Result: National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025):
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the program. Result: Multiple lawsuits, head coach fired, confidential settlements, and national scrutiny of athletic hazing.

What These Cases Mean for Wink Families

These cases establish that:

1. Patterns repeat: The same dangerous traditions occur across campuses
2. Institutions have prior knowledge: National fraternities know their chapters’ histories
3. Cover-ups worsen liability: Delaying medical help or destroying evidence increases penalties
4. Legislative change follows tragedy: Public outrage drives stronger laws
5. Multi-million-dollar accountability is possible: Families can achieve meaningful compensation and reform

When your child faces hazing at a Texas university, they’re not experiencing something unique—they’re caught in a documented, preventable pattern that the courts have repeatedly condemned.

Texas University Focus: Where Wink Students Attend

Wink families send students to universities across Texas. Some attend nearby regional campuses, while others head to major statewide hubs. Understanding the hazing landscape at these schools is crucial.

Regional Campuses Near Wink

Texas Tech University (Lubbock):

• Distance from Wink: ~115 miles
• Greek Life: Active fraternity/sorority community with historical hazing issues
• Recent Concerns: Physical hazing allegations in multiple fraternities, including forced exercise leading to injuries

University of Texas Permian Basin (Odessa):

• Distance from Wink: ~45 miles
• Greek Life: Smaller but active Greek community
• Local Context: Many Wink students commute or attend UTPB for proximity

West Texas A&M (Canyon):

• Distance from Wink: ~175 miles
• Greek Life: Traditional Greek system with documented hazing incidents
• Corps of Cadets: Military-style program with hazing risks

Major Statewide Hubs

Many Wink students also attend major universities hours from home. These schools have extensive Greek systems and documented hazing histories.

University of Houston (UH)

Why Wink Families Should Care: UH attracts students from across Texas, including West Texas. The ongoing Pi Kappa Phi case shows serious systemic problems.

Recent Major Incident:
The Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi case detailed in our introduction represents one of the most severe hazing cases in recent Texas history. According to media reports:

• Bermudez suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
• Hazing included forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
• “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation with condoms and sex toys
• Hose spraying “similar to waterboarding”
• Chapter suspended November 6, 2025; charter surrendered November 14, 2025

UH’s Greek Landscape:

• 50+ fraternities and sororities across multiple councils
• History of hazing violations across multiple organizations
• Public reporting less transparent than UT Austin

What Wink Parents Should Know:

• UHPD and Houston Police have jurisdiction depending on location
• Civil cases typically filed in Harris County courts
• University may claim sovereign immunity as public institution
• Prior incidents create pattern evidence for negligence claims

Texas A&M University

Why Wink Families Should Care: Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets and extensive Greek system present dual hazing risks.

Documented Incidents:
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):
Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts. Fraternity suspended; lawsuit filed.

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023):
Cadet alleged being bound between beds in degrading position with apple in mouth during hazing. Sought over $1 million; A&M stated it handled matter internally.

Texas A&M’s Unique Risks:

• Corps of Cadets traditions sometimes cross into hazing
• Extensive Greek system with historical alcohol hazing
• University’s “traditions” can mask abusive practices

What Wink Parents Should Know:

• College Station police and university police share jurisdiction
• Civil cases typically in Brazos County courts
• Both Greek life and Corps programs require scrutiny
• University’s historical handling of hazing shows institutional patterns

University of Texas at Austin

Why Wink Families Should Care: UT’s transparency about hazing violations provides unique insight into systemic problems.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page:
Unlike many schools, UT publishes detailed hazing violation reports showing:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Sanction: Probation and hazing prevention education.
• Multiple other organizations sanctioned for alcohol hazing, forced workouts, and humiliation.

UT’s Greek Landscape:

• 60+ fraternities and sororities
• Relatively transparent violation reporting
• Still experiences repeated hazing despite sanctions

What Wink Parents Should Know:

• UTPD and Austin police share jurisdiction
• Civil cases typically in Travis County courts
• Public violation records strengthen civil cases by showing prior notice
• University’s response patterns indicate systemic tolerance

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Why Wink Families Should Care: SMU’s affluent Greek system has historical hazing problems despite private university status.

Documented Incidents:
Kappa Alpha Order (2017):
New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep. Chapter suspended until approximately 2021.

SMU’s Greek Landscape:

• Strong Greek presence with historical hazing issues
• Private university status affects transparency
• Anonymous reporting systems (Real Response) available

What Wink Parents Should Know:

• University Park police and SMU police share jurisdiction
• Civil cases typically in Dallas County courts
• Private university status means less sovereign immunity protection
• Discovery can uncover internal reports not publicly available

Baylor University

Why Wink Families Should Care: Baylor’s religious identity and athletic hazing history present unique concerns.

Documented Incidents:
Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):
14 players suspended following hazing investigation. Suspensions staggered over season.

Baylor’s Context:

• Religious identity contrasts with hazing realities
• Athletic program hazing history
• Previous sexual assault scandal shows institutional response patterns

What Wink Parents Should Know:

• Waco police and Baylor police share jurisdiction
• Civil cases typically in McLennan County courts
• University’s response to prior scandals indicates institutional approach
• Religious branding doesn’t eliminate hazing risks

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific & National Histories

For Wink parents, understanding that local fraternity chapters are connected to national organizations with documented hazing histories is crucial. When your child’s chapter repeats patterns established at other campuses, it demonstrates foreseeability that strengthens legal claims.

Why National Histories Matter

National fraternity and sorority headquarters create risk management policies because they know their organizations’ hazing histories. When a Texas chapter repeats the same dangerous behaviors that caused deaths or injuries elsewhere, it shows the national organization either knew or should have known the risks.

Organization Mapping: National Patterns at Texas Campuses

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ/Pike):

• National History: Stone Foltz death (BGSU, 2021), multiple alcohol hazing deaths
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Texas Tech
• Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing, forced consumption rituals
• Legal Significance: National had prior notice of deadly patterns

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ/SAE):

• National History: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide, traumatic brain injury lawsuit (Alabama 2023)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Texas Tech, SMU
• Texas Incidents: Chemical burns case (Texas A&M), assault case (UT Austin)
• Pattern: Physical violence, alcohol hazing, chemical substances

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):

• National History: Max Gruver death (LSU, 2017)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin
• Pattern: Drinking game hazing, “Bible study” rituals

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):

• National History: Andrew Coffey death (FSU, 2017)
• Texas Presence: Chapter at UH (Beta Nu now closed)
• Current Case: Leonel Bermudez lawsuit showing extreme physical and psychological hazing
• Pattern: Physical endurance hazing, humiliation rituals

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ):

• National History: Multiple hazing suspensions including SMU chapter
• Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, Texas Tech, SMU
• Pattern: Paddling, alcohol hazing, sleep deprivation

How National Histories Strengthen Texas Cases

When we represent hazing victims from Wink at Texas universities, we investigate:

1. Prior incidents at the same chapter: University conduct records, police reports
2. Prior incidents at other chapters of same national: National headquarters files
3. National’s knowledge and response: Did they enforce policies or ignore warnings?
4. Pattern evidence: Similar methods used across chapters show foreseeable risk

This investigation can uncover evidence of:

• Negligent supervision: National failed to monitor dangerous chapters
• Gross negligence: National ignored repeated warnings
• Punitive damages warrant: Particularly egregious disregard for safety

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

As part of our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain comprehensive data on Greek organizations across Texas. This public records directory shows the complex network of entities that may share liability in hazing cases. For Wink families, understanding this landscape is crucial when hazing occurs.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Entities)

The IRS recognizes over 125 Texas-registered Greek organizations as tax-exempt entities. These include house corporations, alumni chapters, and honor societies that may hold insurance or assets. Examples relevant to campuses where Wink students attend include:

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc
EIN: 133048786 | 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845-6681
IRS B83 public filing – Texas A&M University chapter housing entity

Sigma Phi Lambda Inc
EIN: 201237505 | 4251 FM 2181 Ste 230 PMB 480, Corinth, TX 76210-4202
IRS B83 public filing – Multi-chapter Christian sorority

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc
EIN: 462267515 | 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035-6629
IRS B83 public filing – House corporation for now-closed UH chapter

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
EIN: 900293166 | 114 Henderson Hall 4233 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-0001
IRS B83 public filing – Texas A&M University chapter

Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity
EIN: 746064445 | 1855 Highway 69 N, Nederland, TX 77627-8843
IRS B83 public filing – Epsilon Kappa chapter alumni association

Midland-Odessa Metro Area Greek Organizations

Based on Cause IQ metro data, the Midland-Odessa area (nearest major metro to Wink) has Greek organizations including:

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – UT Permian Basin Chapter
Academic honor society at UT Permian Basin, recorded in public filings

Delta Kappa Gamma Society Chapters
Educators’ society with multiple chapters in the Permian Basin region

Major Texas Metro Greek Ecosystem

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510 total Greek organizations including:

• Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity, Fort Worth, TX
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation, Fort Worth, TX
• Delta Delta Delta National Headquarters, Dallas, TX

Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188 total Greek organizations including:

• Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Houston, TX
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter, Houston, TX
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter, Houston, TX

Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154 total Greek organizations including:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corporation, Austin, TX
• Delta Tau Delta – Gamma Iota Chapter, Austin, TX
• Building Corporation – Alpha Delta Pi (Delta), Austin, TX

What This Directory Means for Wink Families

When hazing injures your child, multiple entities may share liability:

1. Local chapter: The undergraduate group on campus
2. House corporation: Property-owning entity (may have insurance)
3. Alumni association: May control funds and oversight
4. National headquarters: Sets policies and collects dues
5. Educational foundations: May hold assets for scholarships/housing

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks these relationships so families don’t start from zero during investigations.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages & Strategy

When hazing injures a student from Wink, building a strong case requires systematic evidence collection, understanding of damages, and strategic approach to multiple defendants.

Critical Evidence in Hazing Cases

Digital Communications:

• GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord messages
• Social media DMs (Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok)
• Fraternity/sorority-specific apps
• Preservation tip: Screenshot immediately before deletion

Photos & Videos:

• Event footage shared in group chats
• Social media posts/stories showing hazing
• Security/doorbell camera footage
• Injury documentation

Internal Organization Documents:

• Pledge manuals, initiation scripts
• Officer communications about “traditions”
• National policies and training materials

University Records:

• Prior conduct violations for same organization
• Campus police incident reports
• Clery Act reports and safety statistics

Medical & Psychological Records:

• Emergency room/hospitalization records
• Toxicology reports (blood alcohol levels)
• Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
• Long-term treatment plans

Witness Testimony:

• Other pledges and members
• Roommates, RAs, bystanders
• Former members who quit
• Medical providers and first responders

Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

• Medical bills (ER, hospitalization, surgery, therapy)
• Future medical care (long-term treatment, specialists)
• Lost educational expenses (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
• Lost earning capacity (if injuries affect career prospects)

Non-Economic Damages:

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

Wrongful Death Damages (for families):

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
• Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages:

• Available when defendants show gross negligence or malice
• Particularly relevant when organizations had prior warnings
• Texas has statutory caps with exceptions for egregious conduct

Strategic Considerations for Wink Families

Jurisdiction Issues:

• Where did hazing occur? (campus, off-campus house, retreat)
• Which police have jurisdiction? (campus PD, city PD, county sheriff)
• Proper venue for civil case? (county where injury occurred or defendants located)

Defendant Identification:

• All individuals involved
• Local chapter (if incorporated)
• House corporation/alumni association
• National headquarters
• University/regents
• Property owners/landlords

Insurance Coverage Issues:

• Fraternity/sorority liability policies often exclude intentional acts
• University policies may have sovereign immunity limitations
• Homeowner’s policies of individual members may provide coverage
• Bad faith claims possible if insurers wrongfully deny coverage

Settlement vs. Trial Considerations:

• Most hazing cases settle before trial
• Settlement amounts often confidential
• Trial provides public accountability but risks uncertain outcome
• Strategic timing of settlement discussions

Practical Guides & FAQs for Wink Parents & Students

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns
• Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
• Sudden secrecy about organization activities
• Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
• Financial requests for unexplained expenses
• Academic decline from missed classes/assignments

How to Talk to Your Child:

1. Choose calm, private setting
2. Use open-ended questions: “How are things with [organization]?”
3. Express concern without judgment: “I’m worried about your safety”
4. Emphasize support over punishment: “We’re here to help, not get you in trouble”
5. If they disclose hazing, believe them and take immediate action

If Your Child Is Injured:

1. Medical care first: ER or urgent care immediately
2. Document thoroughly: Photos of injuries, screenshot messages
3. Preserve evidence: Don’t wash clothing, save physical items
4. Write detailed notes: Who, what, when, where while memory fresh
5. Contact attorney before talking to university/insurance

Critical Mistakes to Avoid:

1. Letting child delete messages: Looks like cover-up, destroys case
2. Confronting organization directly: Triggers evidence destruction
3. Signing university agreements: May waive legal rights
4. Posting on social media: Provides ammunition for defense
5. Waiting for university investigation: Evidence disappears, statutes run

For Students: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

• Would I do this if I had real choice (no social consequences)?
• Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would my parents/university approve if they knew details?
• Am I being told to keep secrets or lie?
• Are only new members required to do this?

If You’re Being Hazed:

1. Immediate safety first: Call 911 if in danger
2. Medical attention: Even if you feel “fine,” injuries may be internal
3. Evidence preservation: Screenshot everything before deletion
4. Trusted adult: Tell someone outside organization (parent, RA, professor)
5. Exit strategy: You have legal right to quit anytime

Good-Faith Reporting Protections:

• Texas law provides immunity for good-faith hazing reports
• Many universities offer amnesty for alcohol violations when seeking help
• Your safety matters more than “getting in trouble”

For Witnesses & Former Members

If you witnessed hazing or participated and now regret it:

• Your testimony can prevent future harm
• Consult attorney about your legal position
• Cooperation may reduce potential liability
• Protecting others is more important than protecting the organization

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities have some sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and certain constitutional claims. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Each case requires specific analysis—call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case evaluation.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Basic hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, but hazing causing serious bodily injury or death is a state jail felony. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the activities?”
Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that power imbalance and coercion make true consent impossible.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from date of injury or death in Texas, but the discovery rule may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately apparent. In cases involving cover-ups, the statute may be tolled. Time is critical—call immediately.

“Will my child’s name be public?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms to protect privacy while pursuing accountability.

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

“How much does a hazing lawyer cost?”
We work on contingency fee—no upfront costs, no fee unless we recover compensation. We advance investigation costs and only get paid if we win your case.

About The Manginello Law Firm & Why We Handle 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.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage:
Our attorney Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value claims, deploy delay tactics, and argue coverage exclusions. As he says, “We know their playbook because we used to run it.” This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with insurers who initially deny hazing claims as “intentional acts.”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:
Managing partner Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, where he faced billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. That same experience applies when suing national fraternities and universities. We’re not intimidated by powerful institutions—we’ve beaten them before.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Results:
We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases, working with economists to value lifetime losses and with medical experts to document catastrophic injuries. We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force meaningful accountability.

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both criminal hazing charges and civil litigation. We can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure, and we know how criminal cases interact with civil claims.

Investigative Depth & Resources:
We maintain a Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracking over 1,400 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. We work with digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages, medical experts to document injuries, and institutional experts to uncover cover-up patterns. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

Our Approach to Hazing Cases

1. Immediate Response: Evidence disappears within hours. We act fast to preserve digital evidence before deletion.
2. Comprehensive Investigation: We identify all potential defendants—individuals, chapters, nationals, universities, insurers.
3. Pattern Evidence Development: We document prior incidents showing foreseeability and gross negligence.
4. Strategic Litigation: We choose venues and claims that maximize leverage for settlement or trial success.
5. Client-Centered Resolution: We prioritize your family’s needs—whether that’s privacy, accountability, prevention, or compensation.

Why Wink Families Choose Us

We serve families throughout Texas from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices. While we’re not located in Wink, we understand the unique concerns of West Texas families sending students to campuses across the state. We’ve represented clients from communities like yours, and we know how to navigate the logistical challenges of cases that span multiple counties and jurisdictions.

Call to Action: Confidential Consultation for Wink Families

If hazing has injured your child at any Texas campus, we want to help. You don’t have to navigate this alone.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to what happened, explain your legal options, and help you choose the best path forward for your family.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

• We listen to your story without judgment
• Review any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, messages, medical records)
• Explain all legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
• Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
• Answer questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
• No pressure to hire us on the spot—take time to decide
• Everything you tell us is confidential

Contact Information:

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

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

Serving All of Texas, Including Wink & Surrounding Areas

Whether your child attends school in Lubbock, Odessa, College Station, Austin, Houston, or anywhere in between, we can help. Hazing cases often involve multiple jurisdictions, but our Texas-wide practice means we’re equipped to handle cases wherever they occur.

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, memories fade, and statutes of limitations run. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate assistance.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing Lawsuit

Click2Houston (KPRC 2) Report:
https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/

ABC13 Eyewitness News (KTRK) Coverage:
https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

Hoodline Summary:
https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos

Using Your Cellphone to Document Evidence:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Texas Statutes of Limitations Explained:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

How Contingency Fees Work:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website & Contact

Main Website & Contact Information:
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 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