A Complete Guide to Hazing Laws, Cases & Accountability for Families in Dalhart and Across Texas

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You Have Rights. We Can Help.

For parents in Dalhart, the worry begins the moment your child leaves for college. You picture them studying in the library, making new friends, and building their future. You don’t picture them lying in a hospital bed with kidney failure because a fraternity forced them through brutal workouts until their muscles literally broke down. But that’s the reality for families right now in Texas, and it’s why you need to understand what hazing truly looks like in 2025, the laws that protect your child, and how to hold powerful institutions accountable.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Dalhart families—whether your student attends nearby West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas Tech in Lubbock, or any major campus across the state. We will explain the hidden world of modern hazing, break down the Texas legal framework, and show you how our firm is already fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country right here in Texas.

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.
  • Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted: screenshot group chats, photograph injuries, save physical items.
  • Write down everything while memory is fresh.
  • Do NOT: confront the organization, sign anything from the university, or post details on social media.
• Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a confidential, free consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Dalhart and Beyond

Hazing is not just “boys being boys” or harmless tradition. For Dalhart families sending students to campuses large and small, it’s a dangerous, evolving form of abuse that leverages technology, psychology, and secrecy.

A modern hazing incident might look like this: A student from the Texas Panhandle, eager to fit in at their new university, accepts a bid to join a fraternity. What starts as fun soon turns into a 24/7 digital leash. They are added to a GroupMe chat where demands come at all hours—mandatory “study sessions” that are actually interrogations, overnight driving duties for older members, and a degrading rule to carry a “pledge fanny pack” filled with humiliating items. The physical abuse escalates at off-campus houses: forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, followed by immediate sprints; being sprayed in the face with a hose “like waterboarding”; and extreme workouts of hundreds of squats and push-ups under threat of expulsion. The student collapses, passes brown urine—a sign of severe muscle breakdown—and ends up hospitalized for days with acute kidney failure. This isn’t a hypothetical. This is the exact reality of the Leonel Bermudez case at the University of Houston, which we are litigating right now.

Today’s hazing falls into clear, dangerous categories:

• Alcohol & Substance Hazing: Forced drinking games, “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, coerced consumption of drugs or unknown substances.
• Physical Hazing: Paddling, beatings, “smokings” (extreme calisthenics), sleep deprivation, exposure to extreme elements, and forced physical activities designed to cause pain or injury.
• Sexualized & Humiliating Hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes or roles, and acts involving racial or sexist slurs.
• Psychological & Digital Hazing: Verbal abuse, isolation, threats, and 24/7 control through group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp), social media humiliation, and location tracking.

This abuse happens in fraternities, sororities, Corps of Cadets programs, athletic teams, spirit groups like cheer and dance, marching bands, and other campus organizations. The common threads are power imbalance, coercion, and secrecy.

Texas Hazing Law & Liability: What Dalhart Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws to combat hazing, but understanding them is crucial for pursuing justice.

Texas Education Code, Chapter 37 (Hazing Law):
Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in a group that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student. It can occur on or off campus.

• Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor. It becomes a Class A misdemeanor if it causes bodily injury and a State Jail Felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death.
• Consent is NOT a Defense: Texas law (§ 37.155) explicitly states that a victim’s “consent” to the activity is not a defense against hazing charges. This is critical—fraternities often claim “they wanted to do it.”
• Organizational Liability: The fraternity, sorority, or club itself can be fined up to $10,000 and lose university recognition.
• Immunity for Reporting: Individuals who in good faith report hazing or call for medical help are generally immune from civil or criminal liability for their own minor involvement (like underage drinking).

Civil vs. Criminal Cases:

• Criminal Cases: Brought by the state (DA) to punish with jail time/fines. This can happen alongside a civil case.
• Civil Lawsuits: Brought by victims and families to secure compensation for damages (medical bills, pain and suffering, future care) and to force institutional change. A criminal conviction is not required to file a civil suit.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Case?

1. Individual Members who planned, participated in, or covered up the hazing.
2. The Local Chapter as an organization.
3. The National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters for failing to supervise, enforce policies, or act on known patterns.
4. The University for negligent supervision, deliberate indifference to known risks, or Title IX violations.
5. Third Parties like property owners or alcohol providers.

The Proof Is in the Precedent: National Hazing Cases That Shape Texas Law

Major national cases have set the stage for how serious hazing is treated, creating legal roadmaps we use for Texas families.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Patterns:

• Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi, 2017): Died after a bid acceptance night of forced drinking; brothers delayed calling 911. Resulted in the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania, criminal convictions, and multi-million dollar civil suits.
• Max Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta, 2017): Died during a “Bible study” drinking game. Led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing) and a $6.1 million verdict for his family.
• Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021): Died after being forced to drink a bottle of alcohol. Family secured a $10 million total settlement ($7M from nationals, $3M from university). The chapter president was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing:

• Chun “Michael” Deng (Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi, 2013): Died from traumatic brain injury after a violent, blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat. The national fraternity was criminally convicted and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

These cases prove that juries and courts will hold both individuals and massive national organizations accountable. The same fraternities involved in these national tragedies have chapters at Texas universities.

The Texas Hazing Reality: A Deep Dive for Dalhart Families

Dalhart families have deep ties to Texas higher education. Students from our community attend schools across the state—from regional campuses to major flagship universities. Understanding the landscape at these schools is essential.

Where Dalhart Students Go: The University Landscape

Regional & Nearby Campuses for Dalhart Families:

• West Texas A&M University (Canyon, TX): A primary choice for many in the Panhandle, with active Greek life and campus organizations.
• Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX): A major research university with a significant Greek system, drawing students from across the region.
• Amarillo College & Other Community Colleges: Often a starting point for students before transferring to four-year programs.

Major Statewide Universities Common for Dalhart Students:
Dalhart families routinely send their children to the largest and most prominent universities in Texas, where Greek life and organizational culture are most entrenched:

• Texas A&M University (College Station)
• University of Texas at Austin
• University of Houston
• Texas Tech University (Lubbock)
• Baylor University (Waco)
• Southern Methodist University (Dallas)

The Flagship Case: Leonel Bermudez vs. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi

Right now, our firm is at the forefront of hazing litigation in Texas. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered catastrophic injuries during his fall 2025 pledge period to the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter.

What Happened (As Alleged in the Lawsuit):

• Systematic Humiliation: Pledges were forced to carry a “fanny pack” 24/7 containing condoms, a sex toy, and nicotine devices. They faced strict dress codes, hours-long interviews, and overnight chauffeuring duties.
• Physical Torture: Hazing occurred at the UH chapter house, a Culmore Drive residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park. Acts included:
  • Sprints, bear crawls, and “save-your-brother” drills until collapse.
  • Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.”
  • Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by immediate sprints.
  • A Nov. 3 “workout” of 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion.
  • Another pledge was allegedly hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• Catastrophic Injury: Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, could not stand, and was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels. He faces a lifelong risk of permanent kidney damage.
• The Response: After media investigation, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters suspended the chapter on Nov. 6, 2025. Members voted to surrender their charter on Nov. 14, 2025, shutting down the chapter. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing.”

We filed a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, the UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. This active, high-stakes case is the proof of our serious commitment to hazing litigation. You can read the detailed coverage from Click2Houston and ABC13.

Public Records Directory: The Greek Organizations Serving Texas Campuses

As part of our investigative strategy, we maintain a Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine built from public records. This allows us to immediately identify the legal entities behind Greek organizations. For Dalhart families, this means we don’t start from scratch—we know who to hold accountable.

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

• KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC, EIN 13-3048786, College Station, TX 77845
• GAMMA PHI BETA SORORITY INC, EIN 16-1675890, The Woodlands, TX 77382
• BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC, EIN 46-2267515, Frisco, TX 75035
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC, EIN 47-5370943, Houston, TX 77204 (Theta Delta Chapter)
• SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER, EIN 74-6084905, Houston, TX 77204
• PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY, EIN 74-6064445, Nederland, TX 77627 (Epsilon Kappa Chapter)
• TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC, EIN 74-1380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI, EIN 90-0293166, College Station, TX 77843 (Texas A&M University Chapter)

Major Fraternity/ Sorority Presence in the Broader Region:
Based on metropolitan data, the Greek ecosystem is vast:

• Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: Over 510 Greek-related organizations.
• Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: Over 188 Greek-related organizations.
• Austin-Round Rock Metro: Over 154 Greek-related organizations.
• Statewide Total: Tracked records of over 1,423 fraternities, sororities, and related entities across 25 Texas metros.

This data is not an accusation but a demonstration of the complex web of housing corporations, alumni chapters, and national organizations that exist behind the letters on a campus house. When hazing occurs, we use this intelligence to identify every potentially liable entity.

Building a Powerful Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Damages

Winning a hazing case requires a deep, methodical investigation and a strategy that anticipates institutional defenses. This is where our experience is non-negotiable.

Critical Evidence We Pursue:

1. Digital Evidence: Deleted group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp), social media posts, photos/videos of the hazing, location data, and planning messages.
2. Internal Documents: Chapter “pledge books,” national risk management manuals, email correspondence between local and national officers.
3. University Records: Prior disciplinary actions against the group, Clery Act reports, internal investigation files obtained through discovery.
4. Medical Evidence: Complete records documenting the injury, from ER reports to long-term psychological diagnoses like PTSD.
5. Witness Testimony: Other pledges, former members, roommates, and advisors.

Overcoming Common Institutional Defenses:
Fraternities and universities have sophisticated playbooks. We know how to counter them:

• Defense: “The Pledge Consented.” Our Counter: Texas law voids consent in hazing. We show the power imbalance and coercion through messages and witness accounts.
• Defense: “This Was a Rogue Chapter; National Didn’t Know.” Our Counter: We subpoena national headquarters to prove prior incidents and patterns across the country, showing “foreseeability.”
• Defense: “It Happened Off-Campus, Not Our Responsibility.” Our Counter: We establish control and benefit—the university recognizes them; nationals collect dues. Liability extends beyond property lines.
• Defense: “Our Insurance Doesn’t Cover Intentional Acts.” Our Counter: We argue negligent supervision by the national or university is a covered claim. Our attorney, Mr. Lupe Peña, is a former insurance defense lawyer who knows exactly how these companies fight.

Damages: What Can Be Recovered
A successful civil lawsuit seeks to make the victim whole and punish the wrongdoers. Recoverable damages include:

• Economic Damages: All medical bills (past and future), lost wages, lost educational costs, and diminished future earning capacity.
• Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, trauma, humiliation, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Wrongful Death Damages (for families): Funeral costs, loss of financial support, and the profound loss of companionship, love, and guidance.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme recklessness or cover-ups, damages intended to punish the defendants and deter future conduct.

Practical Guides & Immediate Steps for Dalhart Families

For Parents: Warning Signs & Action Steps

Red Flags Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns.
• Extreme exhaustion or sleep deprivation.
• Sudden secrecy about organization activities.
• Personality changes: withdrawal, anxiety, depression.
• Constant, anxious phone use related to group chats.
• Financial requests for unexplained “fines” or purchases.

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing:

1. Prioritize Safety & Health: If injured, get medical care immediately. Call 911 if necessary.
2. Preserve Evidence: Help your child screenshot ALL group chats and messages. Photograph injuries. Save any physical items. Do not let them delete anything. Watch our video on using your phone to document evidence.
3. Document: Write down everything your child tells you with dates, times, and names.
4. Consult a Lawyer BEFORE Reporting: Before you contact the university or police, speak with an experienced hazing attorney. We can guide you on how to report while protecting your child’s rights and preserving legal claims.
5. Avoid Critical Mistakes: Do not confront the organization, sign anything from the university, or post details on social media. See our video on client mistakes that can ruin a case.

For Students: Your Rights & How to Exit Safely

• You Have the Right to Be Safe. No tradition is worth your life or health.
• “Consent” Is Not a Defense in Texas. You cannot legally agree to be hazed.
• If You Are in Immediate Danger, Call 911. Good-faith reporter protections exist.
• To Exit: Send a clear text/email to the chapter president stating you resign. Inform a trusted adult or campus official. You do not owe them an in-person explanation.
• Preserve Evidence: Take screenshots of everything—chats, social media posts, event details. Your phone is your most important tool.

Frequently Asked Questions for Dalhart Families

• “Can we sue a university in Texas for hazing?” Yes. While public universities have some immunity, exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and more. Private schools like SMU and Baylor have fewer protections. Every case is fact-specific.
• “How long do we have to file a lawsuit?” In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of injury. However, complexities can affect this. Do not wait. Learn more in our video on Texas statutes of limitations.
• “What if it happened off-campus at a rental house?” Location does not defeat liability. Universities and nationals can still be responsible for activities of recognized groups.
• “How much does a lawyer cost?” We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees. We only get paid if we win your case, receiving a percentage of the recovery. Watch our video explaining how contingency fees work.
• “Will my child’s name be public?” We strive to protect our clients’ privacy. Many cases settle confidentially. If a lawsuit is filed, we can use pseudonyms or seek protective orders from the court.

Why Choose The Manginello Law Firm / Attorney911 for Your Hazing Case

When your family is facing a hazing crisis, you need more than a generic personal injury lawyer. You need a firm with specific, proven expertise in taking on powerful institutions and a deep understanding of the hidden world of Greek life and campus organizations.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation:

1. We Are Fighting a Major Texas Hazing Case Right Now. We don’t just talk about hazing law—we are actively litigating the Leonel Bermudez vs. UH/Pi Kappa Phi $10 million lawsuit. This gives us current, real-world experience against national fraternities and public universities.

2. Insurance Insider Knowledge. Our attorney, Mr. Lupe Peña (he/him), spent years as a defense lawyer for a national insurance firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers evaluate claims, fight coverage, and use delay tactics. We know their playbook because we used to run it.

3. Experience Against Billion-Dollar Defendants. Managing Partner Ralph Manginello was one of the few Texas lawyers involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation. We are not intimidated by deep-pocketed institutions like national fraternity headquarters or large university systems. We’ve faced Goliaths before.

4. Dual Civil & Criminal Expertise. Ralph’s membership in the elite Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand the criminal side of hazing investigations. This is invaluable for advising clients, working with witnesses who may have exposure, and navigating parallel proceedings.

5. A Data-Driven Investigative Advantage. We don’t start from zero. Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, built from public records, allows us to immediately identify the network of liable entities—house corporations, alumni associations, and national headquarters—behind any campus chapter.

6. A Network of Specialized Experts. We work with medical specialists (for injuries like rhabdomyolysis), toxicologists, digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages, economists to value lifelong impacts, and psychologists to document trauma.

7. Spanish-Language Services Available. Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish. Se habla Español.

We approach every case with empathy for what your family is enduring and a fierce commitment to uncovering the truth. Our goal is not just compensation, but accountability and change to prevent the next family from suffering this pain.

Call to Action for Dalhart Families: You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

If hazing has hurt your child, you are likely feeling scared, angry, and overwhelmed. The university may be downplaying the incident. The organization may be closing ranks. You need a powerful advocate on your side.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911) today for a free, confidential consultation. We serve families across Texas from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont.

In your free consultation, we will:

• Listen to your story with compassion and without judgment.
• Review any evidence you have gathered.
• Explain your legal rights and options under Texas law.
• Discuss the realistic path forward, including potential timelines.
• Answer all your questions about the process and our contingency fee structure.
• There is no pressure to hire us. Our goal is to empower you with information.

Time is of the essence. Evidence disappears quickly—group chats are deleted, witnesses are coached, and the statute of limitations is always ticking.

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911).
Direct Line: (713) 528-9070
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com

Whether your student was hazed at a university across the state or closer to home in the Panhandle, we are here to help you seek justice, secure the resources for their recovery, and hold every responsible party accountable.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

• Click2Houston 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 Coverage: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

• Documenting Evidence with Your Phone: 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

Main Firm Website:

• Contact Attorney911: 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 | lupe@atty911.com