Donley County Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M Pi Kappa Alpha Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — The Firm That Closed Beta Nu | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

It is a quiet fall evening in Donley County, much like many others across the Texas Panhandle. Perhaps your high schooler is home, contemplating college applications. Or maybe your college student, away at one of Texas’s proud universities, just called home, sounding a little off. They mention “pledge activities” or “new member initiation.” You brush it off, thinking of harmless traditions and gentle rivalries, perhaps. But then the calls become less frequent, their voice more strained. They seem exhausted, secretive, and distant. You start to worry. Has a simple commitment to a campus organization escalated into something far more dangerous?

This scenario, while fictional, reflects a chilling reality faced by countless families in Donley County and across Texas every year. Hazing, once dismissed as “harmless fun” or “boys will be boys,” has evolved into a dangerous, often life-threatening, practice. It reaches far beyond the stereotypical images of college fraternities and permeates athletic teams, university spirit groups, and even academic clubs. When your child leaves Donley County for a university, whether it’s the sprawling campuses of Austin or College Station, the vibrant energy of Houston, the traditional halls of Baylor, or the storied grounds of SMU, they deserve to pursue their dreams in a safe environment. But the truth is, hazing remains a pervasive threat, and Texas families need to be prepared.

This comprehensive guide is created for families in Donley County and across Texas who need to understand the stark realities of hazing. We will delve into:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, dispelling outdated myths.
• The precise legal framework surrounding hazing under Texas and federal law.
• Crucial insights from major national hazing cases and their direct relevance to Texas families.
• Detailed explorations of hazing incidents and policies at the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University, as well as other Texas institutions that welcome students from Donley County.
• How the dark histories of fraternity and sorority nationals contribute to local chapter misconduct.
• What your legal options are if your family in Donley County or elsewhere in Texas is impacted by hazing.

While this article provides general information, it is not a substitute for legal advice. Every hazing situation is unique. However, by understanding these critical details, you can be better equipped to protect your child and seek justice if hazing strikes.

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.” Your child’s health is the absolute top priority.
  • Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
    • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately.
    • Photograph any injuries from multiple angles, ideally with a ruler or common object for scale.
    • Save any physical items related to the hazing (clothing, receipts, props used in rituals).
  • Write down everything while memory is fresh: who was involved, what happened, when and where it occurred, and any specific details your child shares.
  • Do NOT:
    • Confront the fraternity/sorority or alleged hazers directly, as this can lead to evidence destruction or retaliation.
    • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without legal advice, as this could waive your rights.
    • Post details of the incident on public social media, which might compromise a future legal case.
    • Permit your child to delete messages or “clean up” anything that could serve as evidence.

• Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

  • Evidence disappears rapidly in hazing cases—group chats are deleted, physical evidence is removed, and witnesses are coached.
  • Universities and organizations often move quickly to control the narrative, which may not align with the truth.
  • We can help you preserve crucial evidence and protect your child’s legal rights.
  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a confidential, immediate consultation to discuss your family’s situation.

HAZING IN 2025: WHAT IT REALLY LOOKS LIKE

For Donley County families unfamiliar with modern Greek life or campus organizations, hazing is a term often conjuring sepia-toned images of mischievous pranks or demanding physical feats. However, hazing in 2025 is far more insidious, encompassing a spectrum of behaviors from subtle psychological manipulation to brutal physical assault, often fueled by alcohol and shrouded in secrecy. It’s a dangerous practice that prioritizes group “tradition” and false notions of “brotherhood” or “sisterhood” over the fundamental safety and dignity of individuals. If left unchecked, it can lead to severe injury, lasting psychological trauma, and even death.

Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

At its core, hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act from one person or a group, directed at a student, where that act is tied to pledging, initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in any student organization. Critically, this act must endanger the mental or physical health or safety of the student, or cause humiliation and exploitation.

It’s crucial to understand that “I agreed to it” or “they said it was fun” does not automatically absolve hazing acts of their illegality or danger. When there is a significant power imbalance, intense peer pressure, or the implicit threat of social exclusion, an individual’s “consent” to participate in dangerous or demeaning activities is rarely considered truly voluntary. Hazing is inherently coercive, exploiting the natural human desire for belonging and acceptance.

Main Categories of Hazing

Modern hazing manifests in various forms, often layered and escalating as new members progress through the initiation process. It’s not always physical, and the most dangerous forms are often obscured by less noticeable, but equally harmful, psychological tactics.

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing
  This is arguably the most common and deadly form of hazing. It involves forcing or strongly pressuring new members to consume alcohol or other substances, often in dangerous quantities or combinations.

  • Forced or coerced drinking: This can include “lineups” where new members must consume rapid shots, drinking games where refusal is punished, or “bottle exchanges” where pledges are expected to finish an entire bottle of liquor.
  • Chugging challenges: Pledges are made to consume large volumes of alcohol quickly, leading to rapid intoxication.
  • Pressure to consume unknown or mixed substances: In some egregious cases, pledges are forced to ingest substances they are unfamiliar with or which have been mixed, raising the risk of overdose or adverse reactions.
  • This type of hazing often prioritizes “getting pledges drunk” as a prerequisite for bonding, deliberately ignoring the severe health risks including alcohol poisoning, impaired judgment, and potential for injury.

• Physical Hazing
  While outlawed, physical hazing persists, often disguised as “team building” or “conditioning.”

  • Paddling and beatings: This involves striking new members with paddles, fists, or other objects, often to the buttocks or other body parts, leaving bruises, welts, or even internal injuries.
  • Extreme calisthenics, “workouts,” or “smokings”: New members may be forced to perform excessive physical exercises, often in inappropriate conditions (e.g., extreme heat or cold, after sleep deprivation), leading to exhaustion, rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown), or other physical trauma. These are often framed as “conditioning” but are purely punitive.
  • Sleep deprivation: New members are systematically deprived of sleep through mandatory late-night activities, early morning wake-up calls, or continuous demands, leading to impaired cognitive function, emotional instability, and increased risk of accidents.
  • Food/water deprivation: Restricting access to food or water, or forcing consumption of unpleasant or excessive foods (e.g., rotten food, spicy sauces, large amounts of milk), which can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, or gastrointestinal distress.
  • Exposure to extreme cold/heat or dangerous environments: New members may be left in secluded, unfamiliar, or dangerous areas in harsh weather conditions, increasing the risk of hypothermia, heatstroke, or injury.

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
  This category of hazing is designed to degrade and demean new members, often with severe psychological consequences.

  • Forced nudity or partial nudity: Requiring new members to undress in front of others.
  • Simulated sexual acts: Forcing new members to perform or observe explicit acts, or engage in sexually suggestive poses, such as the “elephant walk” or “roasted pig.”
  • Degrading costumes: Making pledges wear embarrassing outfits in public.
  • Acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones: Forcing new members to engage in or endure acts that perpetuate stereotypes, slurs, or discriminatory behaviors, creating a hostile environment and causing deep emotional harm.

• Psychological Hazing
  Often overlooked but deeply damaging, psychological hazing targets the new member’s mental and emotional well-being.

  • Verbal abuse, threats, and intimidation: Constant yelling, insults, belittling comments, and veiled threats that create an atmosphere of fear and anxiety.
  • Isolation: Preventing new members from interacting with friends, family, or other non-group members, creating dependency on the hazing group.
  • Manipulation or forced confessions: Coercing new members into revealing sensitive personal information or admitting to fabricated wrongdoings.
  • Public shaming: Humiliating individuals in front of others, either in person or through digital platforms, which can lead to profound self-esteem issues.

• Digital/Online Hazing
  The digital age has introduced new, pervasive forms of hazing that exploit social media and communication apps.

  • Group chat dares and “challenges”: Demanding new members perform embarrassing or dangerous acts and document them on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, or Discord.
  • Pressure to create or share compromising images/videos: Forcing new members to produce or distribute content that could damage their reputation or safety.
  • Constant monitoring and unreachable demands: Requiring new members to be constantly available via group chats, demanding immediate responses regardless of time of day, and punishing non-compliance, leading to sleep deprivation and anxiety.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

The stereotype often limits hazing to fraternities. However, the reality, particularly for families from Donley County with children attending college, is that hazing is a pervasive issue across a wide array of campus organizations:

• Fraternities and Sororities: This remains the most visible setting, encompassing Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural Greek-letter organizations. The pressure to conform and uphold “tradition” is intense.
• Corps of Cadets/ROTC/Military-Style Groups: At institutions like Texas A&M, the Corps of Cadets has a rich, century-old tradition that has, at times, blurred the line between structured discipline and hazing. Similar issues can arise in various ROTC and military-affiliated student groups.
• Athletic Teams: From high school to collegiate levels, hazing occurs across various sports teams—football, basketball, baseball, soccer, swimming, cheerleading, and more. It may involve “rookie nights,” forced alcohol consumption or substance abuse, physical abuse, or humiliating rituals designed to “toughen up” new players.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous groups like marching bands, theater troupes, or dance teams can develop insular cultures where hazing is perceived as a bonding experience or a way to ensure commitment.
• Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs: Organizations central to university spirit and tradition, like the Texas Cowboys at UT, can also fall prey to hazing by misinterpreting “tradition” as a license for abusive behavior.
• Some Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Any group with a hierarchical structure and an “exclusive” membership can be susceptible. The desire to “earn” a spot in a prestigious organization can be exploited.

For Donley County families, it is vital to recognize that hazing is fundamentally about power, control, and false notions of loyalty and tradition. A culture of secrecy allows these practices to persist, often normalized by phrases like “everyone went through it” or “it’s just a rite of passage.” This normalization is precisely what allows hazing to spiral into dangerous territory.

LAW & LIABILITY FRAMEWORK (TEXAS + FEDERAL)

Understanding the legal landscape surrounding hazing is crucial for families in Donley County seeking answers and accountability. Texas has specific laws in place, and federal regulations add another layer of protection. This section breaks down the legal basics.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has clear anti-hazing provisions enshrined in the Texas Education Code, particularly Chapter 37, Subchapter F (Hazing). These statutes make it explicitly illegal to haze, with various levels of criminal penalties.

Hazing is broadly defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, committed by an individual or a group, on or off campus, directed against a student. The key is that this act must:

• Endanger the mental or physical health or safety of a student. This can encompass a wide range of harms, from physical beatings, forced exercise, coerced alcohol or drug consumption (endangering physical health) to extreme humiliation, intimidation, or sleep deprivation (substantially affecting mental health).
• Be performed for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Plain English: If someone makes your child do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they either intended for it to happen or were reckless about the risks involved, that is hazing under Texas law. The specific statutes governing hazing are found in the Texas Education Code, which sets clear boundaries for campus behavior.

Criminal penalties:

• Class B Misdemeanor (default): For hazing that does not result in serious physical injury, an individual can be charged with a Class B misdemeanor, carrying potential penalties of up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If the hazing act causes bodily injury (requiring medical treatment), the charge can be elevated to a Class A misdemeanor. This carries potential penalties of up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $4,000.
• State Jail Felony: Critically, if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, the offense becomes a state jail felony. This is a much more severe charge, with potential prison time.
• Beyond the direct act of hazing, individuals can be charged for failing to report hazing if they are a member or officer aware of it (a misdemeanor). It is also a misdemeanor to retaliate against someone who reports hazing.

Reporter protections: A vital aspect of Texas law is that individuals who in good faith report a hazing incident to university authorities or law enforcement are often immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from their report. Furthermore, many university policies and Texas statutes offer limited immunity or leniency for students who call for help in good faith during a medical emergency, even if underage drinking or hazing were involved. This encourages students to prioritize safety over fear of punishment.

This is an accessible summary; the actual Texas Education Code contains more technical and precise language.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

When hazing occurs, there are generally two distinct legal avenues that can be pursued: criminal cases and civil cases. Families from Donley County should understand the differences as they serve different purposes.

• Criminal cases: These are brought by the state (through a prosecutor) against individuals who are alleged to have violated criminal statutes. The goal of a criminal case is to punish the defendant (e.g., jail time, fines, probation) and deter future criminal behavior. In a hazing context, criminal charges can range from misdemeanor hazing offenses to felony assault, or, in tragic cases, manslaughter or negligent homicide. The burden of proof in criminal cases is “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

• Civil cases: These are initiated by the victims of hazing or their surviving families against individuals, groups, or institutions deemed responsible for the harm. The primary aim of a civil case is to provide monetary compensation to the victim for their losses (e.g., medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering) and to hold the responsible parties accountable. Civil cases related to hazing often involve claims of:

  • Negligence: A failure to exercise reasonable care, leading to injury.
  • Gross Negligence: A conscious indifference to the rights or welfare of others.
  • Wrongful Death: When a death is caused by the negligent or wrongful act of another.
  • Negligent Hiring/Supervision: Claims against institutions (like universities or national fraternities) for failing to properly vet or oversee their employees or local chapters.
  • Premises Liability: Claims against property owners for unsafe conditions that contribute to injury.
  • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For severe psychological harm.
  • The burden of proof in civil cases is typically lower than in criminal cases (“preponderance of the evidence,” meaning more likely than not).

It is important to note that criminal and civil cases can proceed simultaneously. A criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for initiating a civil lawsuit, nor does it guarantee a civil victory. However, a criminal conviction can strengthen a civil case by establishing certain facts.

Federal Overlay: Stop Campus Hazing Act, Title IX, Clery

Beyond state laws, federal regulations and statutes play an increasingly significant role in addressing hazing, particularly at institutions receiving federal funding.

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal legislation mandates greater transparency and accountability from colleges and universities regarding hazing incidents. Institutions receiving federal student aid are now required to:

  • Publicly report all hazing violations and the sanctions imposed, providing a clear record for prospective students and families.
  • Establish clear definitions of hazing and provide comprehensive education and prevention programs.
  • These new requirements, which will be implemented by around 2026, aim to create a national database of hazing incidents, forcing institutions to confront the issue head-on and providing families in Donley County with more robust access to information.

• Title IX & Clery Act: These existing federal statutes can also be engaged in hazing incidents:

  • Title IX: Prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. If hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based violence, or creates a hostile environment based on sex, Title IX obligations are triggered. This requires universities to investigate and address such misconduct promptly and equitably.
  • Clery Act: Mandates that colleges and universities disclose information about crime on and around their campuses, and implement certain safety policies. Hazing incidents that involve assault, hate crimes, or alcohol/drug violations often fall under Clery reporting requirements, leading to greater data transparency and potentially influencing campus safety measures.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

One of the complexities of hazing litigation is identifying all potentially liable parties. A comprehensive legal strategy, especially for a family from Donley County facing the aftermath of hazing, involves casting a wide net to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.

• Individual Students: The individuals who actively planned, executed, participated in, or encouraged the hazing acts are directly liable. This includes those who supplied alcohol, initiated physical abuse, coerced participation, or attempted to cover up the incident.
• Local Chapter/Organization: The student organization itself (e.g., a specific fraternity chapter, sorority chapter, club, or team), if it is a recognized legal entity, can be sued. Liability can arise if the organization implicitly or explicitly endorsed the hazing, or if its officers were aware of the hazing and failed to take corrective action, or if it failed to adequately supervise its members.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: For chapters affiliated with national organizations, the national headquarters can often be held liable. Their liability typically stems from:
  • Negligent Supervision: Failing to adequately oversee local chapters’ adherence to anti-hazing policies.
  • Failure to Warn: Not warning chapters about known dangers based on prior incidents within the national organization.
  • Ratification of Conduct: Tacitly approving hazing by failing to impose meaningful sanctions for known violations.
  • Breach of Duty to Protect: Failing to establish proper risk management policies.
  • Attorney911’s experience, particularly with attorney Lupe Peña’s background in insurance defense, is invaluable here, as we understand how national organizations and their insurers construct their defense.
• University or Governing Board: Colleges and universities may face liability for:
  • Negligence: Failing to adequately supervise student organizations, enforce their own anti-hazing policies, or respond to known hazing risks.
  • Deliberate Indifference: In certain cases, particularly involving Title IX or recurring issues, a university’s conscious disregard for known hazing activities can lead to liability.
  • Breach of Contract: If the university has policies promising a safe environment and fails to uphold them.
  • Public universities in Texas (like UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH) might invoke sovereign immunity. However, exceptions exist for gross negligence or specific federal claims. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) generally do not have sovereign immunity.
• Third Parties: In specific circumstances, other entities might share liability:
  • Landlords/Property Owners: If hazing occurs at a private residence (like a fraternity house) and the owner was aware of or enabled dangerous activities, they might be liable under premises liability laws.
  • Alcohol Providers: Bars, stores, or individuals who illegally serve alcohol to minors, especially if it leads to injury or death, can be held liable under dram shop laws or social host liability laws.
  • Security Companies/Event Organizers: If an event was sanctioned and these entities failed in their duty to maintain safety.

Identifying all potentially liable parties requires a thorough investigation and deep understanding of hazing law and institutional liability. For Donley County families navigating such a complex situation, legal counsel is paramount.

NATIONAL HAZING CASE PATTERNS (ANCHOR STORIES)

While hazing incidents often feel localized and unique to the victims, a review of national cases reveals striking, tragic patterns. These “anchor stories” not only illustrate the devastating consequences of hazing but also establish legal precedents and highlight common themes that experienced hazing attorneys, like those at Attorney911, recognize and leverage in building cases for Texas families. These patterns demonstrate foreseeability—the argument that institutions and organizations knew or should have known the dangers of hazing and failed to act.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

The most frequent and fatal hazing pattern involves forced alcohol consumption, often during “initiation” or “pledge” events. These cases consistently show a disregard for life, a culture of secrecy, and tragic delays in seeking medical attention.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (February 2017)
  Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died after a “bid acceptance” night during which he was force-fed alcohol and endured a series of brutal falls on security camera footage. Fraternity brothers waited nearly 12 hours before calling 911, during which time Piazza suffered multiple internal injuries and a traumatic brain injury. The criminal prosecution was one of the largest in U.S. history, with multiple fraternity members facing over 1,000 charges, including involuntary manslaughter. Civil lawsuits followed, resulting in confidential settlements. This case galvanized a national movement against hazing and led to Pennsylvania enacting the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law, which significantly increased penalties for hazing. For Donley County families, Piazza’s story underscores the deadly combination of forced drinking, peer pressure, and a reluctance to call for help that often leads to preventable deaths.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (November 2017)
  Andrew Coffey, an FSU pledge, tragically died from acute alcohol poisoning during an off-campus “Big Brother Night.” Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and forced to consume them rapidly. The Pi Kappa Phi national organization had a history of alcohol-related hazing. Following Coffey’s death, FSU responded by suspending all Greek life for a period, addressing a culture of misconduct. Several fraternity members were prosecuted, mostly pleading guilty to misdemeanor hazing. The family filed a wrongful death suit, which was confidentially settled. Coffey’s death is a stark reminder to families in Donley County that “tradition” often masks dangerous rituals where young lives are easily lost.

• Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (September 2017)
  Max Gruver, an 18-year-old LSU pledge, died with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.495% (six times the legal limit) after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game. During this ritual, pledges were forced to consume copious amounts of liquor for incorrect answers to trivia questions. Some members were later charged; one was convicted of negligent homicide. The Gruver family settled their civil lawsuits, the details of which remain confidential. In response to Max’s death, Louisiana passed the Max Gruver Act, a felony hazing statute, making it a criminal offense to haze when serious injury or death occurs. This case highlights how degrading and dangerous “games” can quickly turn fatal.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (March 2021)
  Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old BGSU pledge, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” pledge night. This resulted in multiple criminal convictions against fraternity members for hazing-related charges. More significantly for civil liability, Stone’s family reached a $10 million settlement in 2023, with approximately $7 million from the Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University. This substantial settlement, even involving a public university, demonstrates the severe financial liability institutions face when hazing incidents occur on their watch. Parents in Donley County should regard the Foltz case as powerful evidence that accountability is possible, even when facing large institutions.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, hazing frequently involves physical abuse, extreme exertion, humiliation, and dangerous stunts, often in clandestine settings to avoid detection.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College / Pocono Mountains, PA, Pi Delta Psi (December 2013)
  Chun “Michael” Deng, a 17-year-old pledge, died after participating in a violent blindfolded ritual known as the “glass ceiling” at an off-campus retreat in the Pocono Mountains. During this event, he was weighted with a backpack and repeatedly tackled by fraternity members. Fraternity members delayed calling 911 for over an hour, leading to his death from a traumatic brain injury. This became a landmark case where multiple members were convicted, and the national fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter—a rare instance of organizational criminal liability for hazing. Pi Delta Psi was banned from Pennsylvania for ten years. For Donley County families, this case is critical because it highlights that off-campus events and “retreats” are often chosen precisely to conceal the most brutal forms of hazing, and that national organizations are not immune from direct liability.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing’s reach extends far beyond Greek life, with athletic programs often presenting unique environments for abuse due to intense team loyalty and coaching hierarchies.

• Northwestern University Football Scandal (2023–2025)
  In a recent and widely publicized scandal, former Northwestern University football players came forward with allegations of widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the program spanning multiple years. The allegations included forced sexual acts, degrading rituals, and physical abuse. This led to the firing of a long-standing head coach, Pat Fitzgerald, who subsequently filed a wrongful-termination lawsuit (confidentially settled in August 2025). Multiple players have sued Northwestern University itself. This case demonstrates that hazing is not confined to fraternities; it can thrive in high-profile sports programs where intense loyalty and a “win-at-all-costs” mentality can foster a dangerous culture. For Donley County families with children in competitive sports, this serves as a critical reminder that vigilance regarding hazing should extend to all extracurricular activities.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national anchor stories, while geographically diverse, share common, chilling threads:

• Forced drinking and physical abuse are consistent catalysts for severe injury and death.
• Delayed emergency medical care, coupled with concerted efforts to cover up incidents, significantly escalates harm and complicates justice.
• National organizations often have a documented history of similar misconduct across various chapters, providing crucial evidence of foreseeability for victims’ attorneys.
• In the wake of these tragedies, multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts are increasingly common, along with legislative reforms that strengthen anti-hazing laws.

For Donley County families facing potential hazing at Texas universities like UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor, these national lessons are profoundly relevant. They provide:

• A framework for understanding the nature of the dangers involved.
• Precedents for establishing liability against individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and universities.
• A clear demonstration that justice and accountability are achievable, even against powerful defendants.
• Assurance that the legal community is increasingly equipped and determined to fight these cases effectively.

The team at Attorney911 leverages these hard-won lessons, combining a deep understanding of these historical patterns with aggressive litigation strategies to pursue justice for Texas families.

TEXAS FOCUS: UH, TEXAS A&M, UT, SMU, BAYLOR

For Donley County families eyeing higher education within the Lone Star State, universities such as the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University represent significant academic and social landscapes. However, each of these institutions has, at times, grappled with allegations or documented instances of hazing. Our firm, Attorney911, focuses on these campuses not to cast them in a negative light, but because they are prominent destinations for Texas students and therefore potential sites for hazing incidents that require robust legal understanding.

When considering the proximity of Donley County, a family whose child attends one of these major Texas institutions may find themselves facing decisions that involve local campus police, county law enforcement, or specialized university student conduct personnel. For instance, while Donley County is located in the Texas Panhandle, far from the central and southern regions of the state, many families from Donley County may send their children to these larger universities that offer a broader range of academic and extracurricular programs. Understanding the specific policies and track records of these institutions is vital.

We will delve into each school with a comprehensive lens, examining their campus culture, official hazing policies, documented incidents, and the unique legal pathways a hazing case might follow.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

For students from Donley County choosing a vibrant urban university experience, the University of Houston offers a massive campus in the heart of Texas’s largest city. UH serves a diverse student body, fostering an active Greek life scene with a mix of Interfraternity Council (IFC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural organizations. The campus buzzes with energy, making it a compelling choice for many, including those seeking a different environment from the Panhandle.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Houston, a Tier One research institution, is a dynamic and expanding urban campus. With over 47,000 students, it combines a significant residential population with a large commuter base. Greek life is robust, offering numerous fraternities and sororities that contribute to campus social and community engagement. Beyond Greek life, sports clubs, cultural organizations, and academic societies thrive, providing a wide array of options for students from Donley County to find their niche. The blend of a major metropolitan area with a strong university presence means a diverse student body and a multitude of experiences, but also the potential for off-campus activities to escape immediate university oversight.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston maintains a strict, publicly articulated anti-hazing policy. As reflected in its student handbooks and conduct codes, UH explicitly prohibits hazing, whether it occurs on-campus or off-campus. The policy broadly defines hazing to include any act that:

• Involves forced consumption of alcohol, food, drugs, or any other substance.
• Leads to sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, or any action that endangers physical health.
• Induces mental distress, humiliation, or any act that endangers mental health.
  UH provides multiple channels for reporting hazing incidents, including the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). The university also posts a general hazing statement and, in compliance with state law, provides information regarding hazing prevention education and disciplinary actions taken against organizations.

5.1.3 Example Incidents & Responses

The University of Houston has faced its share of hazing allegations and incidents.

• A notable case from 2016 involved Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), where pledges reportedly suffered from food, water, and sleep deprivation during an alleged multi-day hazing event. One student claimed to have sustained a lacerated spleen, allegedly from being slammed onto a table. This incident led to criminal misdemeanor hazing charges against some individuals and resulted in the chapter’s university suspension.
• More recently, in late 2025, Attorney911 filed a significant $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, its Board of Regents, and the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity, along with 13 individual fraternity members. Bermudez, a UH student and Pi Kappa Phi pledge, alleged severe physical and psychological hazing during the fall 2025 pledge period. The lawsuit describes forced participation in degrading acts such as carrying pledge fanny packs filled with condoms, a sex toy, and nicotine devices, forced calisthenics (including 100+ push-ups and 500 squats that left him unable to stand), being sprayed with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by immediate sprints. This abuse allegedly led to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring a four-day hospitalization. The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter was suspended by the national organization on November 6, 2025, and subsequently voted by its members to surrender its charter on November 14, 2025, effectively shutting it down. Attorney Ralph Manginello commented on the graphic nature of the hazing, stating, “His urine was brown” – a clear indicator of severe muscle damage as found by ABC13: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/. This case underscores the serious risks of modern hazing and the extreme physical tolls it takes on victims. Read more about the Bermudez case at Click2Houston: 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/ and Hoodline: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a family in Donley County whose child attends UH, a hazing incident could involve several agencies. Depending on whether the hazing occurs on or off-campus, the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) or the Houston Police Department (HPD), along with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, might be involved in criminal investigations. In civil cases, lawsuits would typically be filed in Harris County courts. Potential defendants could include the individual students, the local chapter itself, the national fraternity or sorority, and potentially the University of Houston and its governing board. Given the university’s status as a public institution, questions of sovereign immunity might arise for claims directly against the university, though exceptions for gross negligence or federal law violations like Title IX could apply. Our firm’s deep understanding of Harris County courts and the university system is a significant advantage in these complex cases.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

If you are a student or parent grappling with hazing at the University of Houston:

• Prioritize Medical Care: If there are any physical injuries or signs of intoxication, immediate medical attention is paramount. Do not delay seeking help for fear of repercussions.
• Document Everything: Preserve all evidence, including screenshots of text messages, group chats, social media posts, and photos of injuries. The Bermudez lawsuit relies heavily on such digital evidence. Attorney911’s video on using your phone to document evidence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) provides valuable guidance here.
• Report Internally: Utilize UH’s official reporting channels through the Dean of Students or UHPD. File a complaint with as much detail as possible.
• Seek Legal Counsel Immediately: Contact a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases. An attorney can help navigate UH’s administrative processes, ensure evidence is preserved, counsel your family on the civil and criminal implications, and protect your child from further harm or retaliation.
• Understand the Bermudez Case: Learn from the ongoing Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston / Pi Kappa Phi case. This litigation demonstrates the severity of hazing that can occur close to campus and Attorney911’s commitment to fighting for justice against powerful institutions.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, a storied institution renowned for its traditions and the deep loyalty of its Aggie Network, is a destination for many students from Donley County. Located in College Station, A&M fosters a unique environment where Greek life flourishes alongside the highly disciplined Corps of Cadets, presenting a complex landscape for student organizations and their oversight.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M boasts one of the largest student bodies in the nation, with a campus culture heavily influenced by its military heritage and deeply ingrained traditions. The university prides itself on its values of excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect, and selfless service. Greek life is a prominent part of the social scene, and the Corps of Cadets offers a regimented leadership development program. This robust environment, while fostering strong bonds, has also occasionally been a breeding ground for hazing incidents, particularly under the guise of “tradition” or “toughening up” new members. The blend of military culture and traditional student organizations can create complex dynamics where lines between discipline and abuse may become blurred.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M takes a firm stance against hazing, clearly articulating its anti-hazing policy in its Student Rules and related documents. The university prohibits any act that causes or is likely to cause physical or mental pain or suffering as part of group admission, inclusion, or continued membership. A&M’s policy specifically addresses the actions of both individuals and organizations, whether on or off-campus. Violations of policy can lead to severe sanctions, including suspension or expulsion for individuals, and suspension or permanent loss of recognition for organizations. Reporting channels include the Dean of Student Life, the Office of Student Conduct, the University Police Department (UPD), and various online reporting forms designed to facilitate confidential and anonymous submissions.

5.2.3 Example Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced multiple high-profile hazing incidents, demonstrating the challenge of upholding anti-hazing values within a tradition-rich environment.

• A significant case involved Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) around 2021. Two pledges alleged severe physical hazing where they were poured with industrial-strength cleaner, along with raw eggs and spit, causing severe chemical burns that required skin graft surgeries. The pledges filed a lawsuit against the fraternity, which was subsequently suspended by the university for two years. Such incidents highlight the extreme physical dangers hidden within hazing rituals and the potential for long-term disfigurement.
• The Corps of Cadets has also faced allegations. In 2023, a former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading hazing, including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. While A&M stated it handled the matter under its internal rules, such allegations underscore the need for constant vigilance even in highly structured environments where “tradition” can be misused.
• Historically, the Aggie Bonfire collapse in 1999, while not traditional hazing, raised serious questions about student-led high-risk activities and institutional oversight. Although it wasn’t a hazing incident, the tragedy led to multiple lawsuits and settlements exceeding $6 million, forcing the university to drastically re-evaluate its approach to high-risk student activities.

These incidents demonstrate A&M’s ongoing struggle to balance its cherished traditions with modern anti-hazing principles.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Donley County families whose children attend Texas A&M, a hazing incident would likely involve investigation by the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) or, if off-campus, the College Station Police Department or Brazos County Sheriff’s Office. Civil lawsuits would be pursued in Brazos County courts. As a public institution, Texas A&M can assert sovereign immunity, but cases involving gross negligence or federal claims may still proceed against the university. Moreover, individual perpetrators, local chapters, and national organizations can be directly held liable. Attorney911 has deep experience navigating these complexities.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

• Prioritize Welfare: If you suspect hazing has occurred, ensure immediate medical and psychological support for your child. The physical and emotional scars can be severe.
• Document Relentlessly: Collect all possible evidence, including digital communications (texts, social media, GroupMe), photos of injuries or incidents, and detailed notes of conversations. This evidence is critical for establishing facts and proving a hazing claim, especially in cases where the institution or perpetrators attempt to obfuscate details.
• Review A&M’s Records: Check Texas A&M’s publicly available records for past hazing violations or disciplinary actions against the involved organization. This can help demonstrate a pattern of behavior and the university’s knowledge of potential risks.
• Consult Legal Experts: Engage a law firm with a proven track record in hazing litigation. Attorney911 can help families from Donley County navigate A&M’s internal disciplinary processes, understand the interplay between campus rules and state law, and pursue civil claims against those responsible. We understand that in an environment as rich in tradition as A&M, distinguishing between genuine spirit and harmful hazing often requires clear legal insight.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin is a flagship institution for many students from Donley County aiming for academic excellence and vibrant campus life. With its dynamic atmosphere and deep-rooted traditions, UT Austin presents a unique environment where the line between spirited competition and harmful hazing can sometimes blur.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest and most prestigious public universities in the nation, drawing students from all across Texas, including Donley County. Its campus culture is rich with traditions, rivalries, and a bustling Greek life community that includes dozens of fraternities and sororities from various councils. Beyond Greek organizations, UT also hosts numerous influential spirit groups, academic societies, and athletic programs, all contributing to a diverse and often intense social landscape. This high-energy environment, while fostering community and Longhorn pride, can sometimes lead to peer pressure that is exploited through hazing.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Texas at Austin has an unambiguous, zero-tolerance policy against hazing, designed to comply with state law and promote a safe campus environment. This policy explicitly defines hazing to include any act that could endanger mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. UT’s policy covers both on- and off-campus events and applies to all student organizations.

Crucially, UT Austin stands out for its transparency regarding hazing violations. The university maintains a publicly accessible “Hazing Violations Report” on its website (which often can be found by searching “UT Austin Hazing Violations”). This report lists organizations sanctioned for hazing, the specific conduct involved, and the penalties imposed. This level of transparency is rare and invaluable for families from Donley County and elsewhere seeking to understand the track record of specific organizations. Reporting channels at UT include the Dean of Students Office, Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD), and anonymous reporting options.

5.3.3 Example Incidents & Responses

The public Hazing Violations Report at UT Austin provides clear examples of ongoing hazing issues:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) in 2023: Documented for directing new members to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, which was deemed hazing. The chapter faced probation and was mandated to implement new hazing-prevention education. This specific incident aligns with patterns seen nationally within Pi Kappa Alpha, as highlighted by the Stone Foltz tragedy.
• Texas Cowboys in 2018: This well-known spirit organization was suspended following the alcohol-related death of a “New Man,” Harrison Brown, in 2018. While not officially termed hazing by authorities, a subsequent report confirmed hazing practices related to excessive consumption and sleep deprivation within the group prior to the incident, leading to a temporary ban. Historically, the Texas Cowboys faced a similar incident in 1995 when Gabriel Higgins drowned after a drinking game at an initiation party.
• Other groups, including various fraternities and spirit organizations, have been sanctioned for violations ranging from forced workouts and alcohol misuse to degrading acts and strict periods of silence. The details in the public report demonstrate that despite clear policies and consequences, hazing remains a persistent challenge at UT Austin.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a family from Donley County, a hazing incident at UT Austin could involve criminal investigations by the UTPD or the Austin Police Department (APD), depending on the location of the incident and the severity of the alleged crimes. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Travis County courts. As a public university, UT Austin may assert sovereign immunity, but exceptions often apply in cases involving gross negligence or specific federal statutes like Title IX. The university’s detailed public records of past hazing violations are particularly useful for plaintiffs, as they can serve as compelling evidence of prior notice and a pattern of misconduct, strengthening claims against both the local chapter and national organizations. Attorney911 is well-versed in navigating civil claims against public Texas universities.

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

Students and parents connected to UT Austin, including those from Donley County, should:

• Consult the Hazing Violations Report: Before joining any organization, review UT’s official website for any past hazing violations. Knowing an organization’s history is crucial.
• Document Exhaustively: If hazing is suspected or occurs, meticulously document everything. Screenshot any digital communications, photograph injuries, and collect witness information. The transparency of UT’s reporting is a testament to the power of documentation.
• Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Do not hesitate to get medical help if there is any injury or sign of distress. Your child’s health is paramount.
• Contact Attorney911 for Guidance: Our firm has significant experience with cases involving Texas public universities. We can help you understand your legal options, assist in preserving evidence, and guide you through the complex university and legal systems. We can also leverage the university’s own public records to build a robust case for accountability.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University is a private institution that attracts many students from across Texas, including those from Donley County seeking a blend of rigorous academics and vibrant campus life. SMU’s strong Greek presence and social culture are integral parts of the student experience, an environment where hazing incidents, though prohibited, can unfortunately occur.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Southern Methodist University, located in University Park near Dallas, is a private university renowned for its strong academic programs and an active social scene. Greek life plays a particularly prominent role, with a high percentage of students participating in fraternities and sororities. The campus culture emphasizes traditions, community involvement, and a spirited social calendar. This tight-knit community, while offering opportunities for leadership and camaraderie, also presents a context where peer pressure and the desire for social acceptance can be intense, sometimes leading to hazing practices that contravene university policy and state law.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU maintains a firm anti-hazing policy, explicitly defining and prohibiting hazing acts, whether on or off university property. The policy aligns with Texas state law, characterizing hazing as any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or membership. SMU emphasizes a zero-tolerance approach, with severe penalties for both individuals and organizations found responsible, ranging from disciplinary probation to suspension or expulsion. Reporting channels include the Office of the Dean of Students, the SMU Police Department (SMU PD), and an online reporting tool, including options for anonymous submission (e.g., through methods like “Real Response” campaigns).

5.4.3 Example Incidents & Responses

SMU has a history of addressing hazing incidents within its prominent Greek community:

• A notable case involved Kappa Alpha Order in 2017, which was subject to a university investigation following allegations of hazing. Reports indicated that new members were subject to physical punishment (including paddling), coerced alcohol consumption, and significant sleep deprivation. The chapter faced substantial university sanctions, including suspension and severe restrictions on its activities and recruiting efforts for several years. This incident, and others like it, underscore that even at private institutions with well-established anti-hazing policies, organizations may continue to engage in prohibited activities.
• Other organizations have faced sanctions for various violations, often involving alcohol misuse, degrading activities, or undue pressure placed on new members. While private institutions like SMU may not have the same public reporting requirements as state universities for all disciplinary actions, persistent enforcement indicates a continuing challenges.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a family in Donley County facing a hazing incident at SMU, criminal investigations would typically be handled by the SMU Police Department (SMU PD) for incidents on campus or within University Park, or by the Dallas Police Department for incidents elsewhere in Dallas. Civil lawsuits against SMU are pursued in Dallas County courts. As a private university, SMU does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it a more direct target for civil litigation than public institutions in certain contexts. Potential defendants in a civil hazing case could include the individual students, the local chapter, the national organization, and Southern Methodist University itself. Our firm’s expertise in Dallas County courts and navigating private university legal frameworks can be crucial for Donley County families.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

• Know SMU’s Policies: Familiarize yourself with SMU’s official anti-hazing policies and the consequences for violations.
• Utilize Reporting Systems: If hazing is suspected or occurs, use SMU’s reporting channels (Dean of Students, SMU PD, anonymous options) immediately.
• Document Thoroughly: Due to the private nature of some university disciplinary records, meticulously documenting evidence (digital communications, photos, witness accounts) becomes even more critical for building a strong case.
• Consult Attorney911: Our firm has experience with private university cases where transparency can be limited. We can help families from Donley County understand their rights, pursue all available legal avenues against individuals, organizations, and the university, and fight for accountability in Dallas County courts.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University, a private Christian university in Waco, holds a unique place among Texas institutions, attracting students from Donley County and beyond who seek a faith-based educational environment, rich traditions, and strong academics. However, even within its value-driven framework, Baylor has not been immune to hazing incidents.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University, located in Waco, is known for its distinctive Christian mission, strong sense of community, and a wide array of academic and extracurricular programs. Its campus culture is steeped in tradition, and while Greek life plays a role, other student organizations, such as athletic teams and spirit groups, are also highly visible. The university emphasizes integrity and responsible conduct, aiming to provide a nurturing environment. Despite these foundational values, the inherent pressures within some student groups to preserve “tradition” or foster “loyalty” can sometimes lead to hazing activities that contradict Baylor’s stated mission and policies, creating a complex challenge for students and the administration.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University unequivocally prohibits hazing, adhering strictly to Texas state law. Its anti-hazing policy is clearly outlined in the Student Conduct Code, defining hazing as any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization. This prohibition applies to all student groups—recognized or not—and all activities, on or off campus. Baylor emphasizes that even implicit coercion or “consent” to alleged hazing activities does not negate a violation. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students Office, the Baylor Police Department (BUPD), and an anonymous online reporting form through its “EthicsPoint” system.

5.5.3 Example Incidents & Responses

Baylor’s history includes documented instances of hazing across various student organizations:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): A significant incident involved the Baylor baseball team, where an investigation led to the suspension of 14 players. While specific details of the hazing were not fully released, the university confirmed policy violations and enforced staggered suspensions over the early season. This case highlighted that hazing issues are not confined to Greek life but can be present even in highly competitive and visible athletic programs.
• Prior incidents involving fraternities have also surfaced, typically resulting in sanctions such as probationary periods, suspension of chapter activities, or educational requirements focusing on risk management and anti-hazing awareness. These responses, while consistent with university policy, demonstrate a recurring struggle against entrenched behaviors within certain groups, raising questions about the effectiveness of prevention and enforcement efforts despite Baylor’s strict stance.
• Baylor’s history includes broader challenges related to Title IX and sexual assault, which, while distinct from hazing, underscore prior governance and oversight lapses that can be relevant when evaluating the university’s overall commitment to student safety and accountability.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a Donley County family facing a hazing incident at Baylor, criminal aspects would likely be investigated by the Baylor Police Department (BUPD) or the Waco Police Department, depending on jurisdiction. Civil lawsuits would be filed in McLennan County courts. As a private university, Baylor does not have the protection of sovereign immunity, making it directly vulnerable to civil claims based on negligence, negligent supervision, or other tort theories, much like SMU. Potential defendants typically include individuals involved, the local chapter, the national organization, and Baylor University itself. Attorney911’s experience in similar cases against private institutions throughout Texas makes us uniquely prepared to navigate the legal complexities of cases against Baylor.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

• Understand Baylor’s Values & Policies: Be fully aware of Baylor’s Christian mission and its strict anti-hazing policies, and hold organizations accountable to these standards.
• Report Suspected Hazing: Utilize Baylor’s reporting mechanisms (Dean of Students, EtichsPoint, BUPD) without hesitation. The university encourages reporting to maintain its safe environment.
• Thorough Documentation: Collect all available evidence (digital conversations, photos, medical records), as this is vital for supporting any claims and ensuring a comprehensive investigation.
• Contact Attorney911 for Expertise: Given Baylor’s unique institutional culture and its status as a private university, seeking legal counsel from a firm experienced in hazing litigation is crucial. We can provide guidance on your rights, help you navigate both internal university processes and external legal actions, and fight for accountability in McLennan County courts.

6. FRATERNITIES & SORORITIES: CAMPUS-SPECIFIC + NATIONAL HISTORIES

For Donley County families, understanding the dynamics of fraternities and sororities goes beyond local chapter activities. The actions, policies, and prior incidents of national organizations directly influence the risk landscape at Texas universities. When a student from Donley County joins a Greek-letter organization at a school like UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor, they are not only joining a local chapter but becoming part of a larger national entity, one that often carries a complex history of hazing.

6.1 Why National Histories Matter

Many of the fraternities and sororities present at Texas campuses – including prominent names like Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Phi, Kappa Alpha Order, and countless others – are chapters of much larger national organizations. These national headquarters are critical players in the hazing landscape for several reasons:

• Policy and Oversight: National organizations typically establish comprehensive anti-hazing policies, risk management guidelines, and educational programs for their chapters. These thick policy manuals and rules exist precisely because the national organization has a history of hazing incidents, injuries, and deaths across its various chapters. They know the patterns.
• Foreseeability: From a legal standpoint, the national organization’s history provides crucial evidence of foreseeability. If a particular hazing ritual (e.g., a “Big/Little” drinking game, strenuous physical “workouts,” or degrading acts) has led to injury or death at one chapter, and a similar incident occurs at a Texas chapter, it becomes very difficult for the national organization to claim they “didn’t know” such harm was possible. They had prior notice and, theoretically, a duty to prevent it.
• Financial Resources: National organizations often possess significant financial resources, including insurance policies, that are key targets in civil litigation. They can be held financially responsible for their failure to adequately supervise, warn, or enforce policies within their local chapters.

When a Texas chapter repeats the same dangerous script that led to a lawsuit, suspension, or even a death at another chapter in a different state, it strengthens the argument for the national organization’s liability. This pattern evidence is a critical component of building a successful civil case.

6.2 Organization Mapping (Synthesized)

While it’s impossible to list every single Greek organization and their full history, focusing on those with publicly known national hazing issues provides vital context. These organizations often have chapters at the major Texas universities like UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor, making their broader history relevant to Donley County families.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

  • Identity: A large, prominent IFC fraternity with numerous chapters across the U.S., known for its social presence.
  • National Hazing History: Pike has an alarming national history of alcohol-related hazing. The 2021 death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University, due to forced alcohol consumption during a “Big/Little” pledge night, resulted in a $10 million settlement from the national organization and BGSU. Similarly, the 2012 death of David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University also involved alcohol poisoning during a hazing event, costing $14 million in settlements. These incidents demonstrate a clear pattern of dangerous alcohol hazing within the organization.
  • Relevance to Texas: Pike chapters at Texas universities, such as the University of Houston (where a 2016 hazing incident involving a lacerated spleen occurred) and UT Austin (where a 2023 incident involved forced milk consumption), operate within a national context of known extreme alcohol and physical hazing.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

  • Identity: One of the largest national fraternities, often labeled “America’s Deadliest Fraternity” by media due to its history.
  • National Hazing History: SAE has faced multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide involving forced alcohol consumption and physical abuse. In 2014, in an attempt to curb hazing, SAE famously (though largely unsuccessfully) banned pledging entirely, moving to a “True Gentleman” model. Recent lawsuits include a traumatic brain injury suit (filed in 2023) at the University of Alabama.
  • Relevance to Texas: SAE chapters at Texas A&M faced a 2021 lawsuit involving chemical burns from substances poured on pledges, and a 2024 assault case at the University of Texas at Austin involved an exchange student sustaining severe injuries. These incidents highlight that despite national efforts, dangerous hazing persists within SAE chapters in Texas.

• Phi Delta Theta (Phi Delt)

  • Identity: Another large, well-established IFC fraternity.
  • National Hazing History: Phi Delt is tragically known for the 2017 death of Max Gruver at Louisiana State University, where he died from alcohol poisoning after a “Bible study” drinking game. This incident led to the passing of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana.
  • Relevance to Texas: Phi Delta Theta chapters at Texas institutions, including Texas A&M, operate under the shadow of this national tragedy, meaning they are on notice about the dangers of forced alcohol consumption.

• Pi Kappa Phi (Pi Kapp)

  • Identity: An IFC fraternity with a strong focus on philanthropy.
  • National Hazing History: Pi Kappa Phi gained national attention for the 2017 death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University, caused by acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night.” This event led to mass FSU Greek life suspensions.
  • Relevance to Texas: Most pertinently for Donley County, Attorney911 filed a $10 million lawsuit in late 2025 on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, alleging severe physical hazing, including “waterboarding” with a hose and forced consumption, leading to acute kidney failure.

• Kappa Alpha Order (KA)

  • Identity: A historically southern fraternity known for its traditions, including reverence for its Confederate founder.
  • National Hazing History: KA has faced numerous hazing suspensions and sanctions across the country involving alcohol and physical abuse.
  • Relevance to Texas: The SMU chapter of Kappa Alpha Order faced significant discipline in 2017 for allegations of paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation, leading to a long suspension. The Texas A&M chapter has also faced scrutiny.

• Omega Psi Phi (Que)

  • Identity: A historically Black fraternity (NPHC) with a strong emphasis on scholarship, leadership, and community service.
  • National Hazing History: Despite strong anti-hazing stances from its national body, Omega Psi Phi has struggled with persistent hazing allegations. The 1997 severe beating of Joseph Snell at Bowie State University resulted in a $375,000 verdict against the fraternity due to extensive injuries from paddling and other abuse. More recently, a 2023 federal lawsuit alleged severe paddling injuries leading to surgery at the University of Southern Mississippi.
  • Relevance to Texas: Although not as frequently publicized as IFC incidents, NPHC chapters at Texas institutions like Lamar University and Prairie View A&M have faced serious hazing allegations, including reports of forced physical exertion and beatings.

6.3 Tie Back to Legal Strategy

The documented national histories of these organizations are not mere anecdotes; they are crucial components in building a legal case for Donley County families.

• Establishing Foreseeability: When a national organization’s policy manual is filled with anti-hazing rules because of past tragedies, those tragedies serve as evidence that the organization knew the potential for harm. If a similar incident then occurs at a Texas chapter, the national organization cannot credibly claim it was an “unforeseeable accident.”
• Challenging “Rogue Chapter” Defenses: National organizations often try to deflect blame by claiming a local chapter acted as “rogue individuals” outside of national control. However, if there’s a pattern of similar incidents across multiple chapters, it suggests a systemic issue, a failure of national enforcement, or deliberate indifference.
• Influencing Insurance Coverage: Many hazing claims involve disputes over insurance coverage. Knowledge of a national organization’s history helps identify patterns that may strengthen arguments that their insurers had a duty to defend the chapter and the national organization.
• Supporting Punitive Damages: In egregious cases, especially where negligence is gross or actions are reckless despite known risks, punitive damages may be sought. A history of similar incidents at other chapters can be powerful evidence of willful disregard for safety.

In essence, every national hazing tragedy that results in civil litigation or criminal conviction creates a precedent and a “paper trail” that our firm, Attorney911, can meticulously follow. This allows us to connect specific local incidents affecting Donley County students to a broader, recognized pattern of misconduct, strengthening the case for accountability against all responsible parties.

7. BUILDING A CASE: EVIDENCE, DAMAGES, STRATEGY

For families in Donley County who have had a child experience hazing, the legal process seems daunting. Our firm, Attorney911, approaches hazing cases with a comprehensive, data-driven strategy. This involves meticulous evidence collection, a deep understanding of the full scope of damages, and a clear legal roadmap designed to navigate complex institutional defenses characteristic of Texas hazing litigation.

7.1 Evidence

In today’s interconnected world, nearly every aspect of hazing leaves a digital footprint, which has become the most critical component of evidence. However, successful hazing cases require gathering a mosaic of different types of evidence.

• Digital Communications (THE MOST CRITICAL CATEGORY)
  Digital evidence is the backbone of modern hazing cases. Group chats and direct messages are the primary means by which hazing is planned, executed, and communicated, and they are frequently the most direct and unfiltered sources of proof.

  • Group Messaging Apps: Platforms like GroupMe (the most common for fraternity/sorority communication), iMessage/SMS group texts, WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, Discord servers, and even fraternity/sorority-specific apps are treasure troves. They show planning, intent, knowledge, how individuals were involved, and what was said leading up to, during, and after an incident. While perpetrators often delete messages, digital forensics can sometimes recover these. However, early, untampered screenshots of entire threads with timestamps and participant names are invaluable.
  • Social Media Evidence: Instagram (stories, posts, DMs), Snapchat (a particularly challenging platform due to its ephemeral nature), TikTok (videos, comments, DMs), Facebook (posts, Messenger), and Twitter/X can contain damning evidence. This includes posts showing hazing events (even if disguised as “harmless fun”), photos/videos of injuries, humiliating acts, or forced consumption. Location tags often reveal where events happened, and hashtags or captions can provide crucial context.
  • Text Messages/DMs & Emails: Detailed text message exchanges and emails (especially official chapter communications, calendar invites to “events,” or correspondence with national organizations or universities) can illustrate the planning and command structure of hazing activities.

• Photos & Videos
  Beyond digital communications, visual evidence provides undeniable proof of the hazing.

  • Injuries: Photographs taken immediately after an incident, and then over several days, are necessary to document the progression of injuries. Attorneys often advise placing a common object (like a coin or ruler) next to the injury for scale, and capturing multiple angles. Medical photos from emergency rooms or doctor’s visits are also invaluable.
  • Locations: Photos or videos of the house, specific room, or off-campus venue where hazing occurred can help visually establish the scene. Any visible signs of hazing (e.g., alcohol paraphernalia, paddles, furniture arranged for rituals) should be captured.
  • Events: If safely obtainable, video footage of hazing in progress, or individuals admitting to or discussing hazing, can be powerful. However, safety is paramount, and obtaining such footage should never put the victim at further risk.

• Internal Organization Documents
  These documents, often obtained through legal discovery, reveal an organization’s internal workings and knowledge of policies vs. practice.

  • Pledge Manuals & Rituals: These can sometimes explicitly or implicitly outline hazing activities, or at least show what should have been happening versus what actually did.
  • Emails/Texts from Officers: Communications from “pledge educators,” “rush chairs,” or chapter presidents can expose orders related to hazing.
  • National Policies & Training Materials: These documents prove that national organizations are aware of hazing risks and theoretically have systems to prevent it. Any discrepancies between these policies and actual chapter behavior are critical.

• University Records
  Universities, especially public ones in Texas, maintain extensive records that can be subpoenaed or obtained through public records requests.

  • Prior Conduct Files: Documented instances of past hazing, probation, or suspensions for the same organization—including those listed on UT Austin’s public database—can demonstrate a pattern of misconduct and the university’s prior knowledge.
  • Campus Police Incident Reports: Records from university police departments can detail previous calls related to the organization or individuals involved.
  • Clery Act Reports & Title IX Filings: These federal compliance documents can shed light on institutional patterns of alleged misconduct, especially if hazing involved aspects of sexual violence or discrimination.

• Medical and Psychological Records
  These records provide objective evidence of the harm suffered.

  • Emergency Room & Hospitalization Details: Documents detailing immediate care, diagnoses, test results (e.g., toxicology, blood alcohol content, rhabdomyolysis markers), and discharge information are foundational.
  • Ongoing Treatment Notes: Records from surgeries, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and especially psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidality) are critical for demonstrating the long-term impact and the need for future care. It is crucial for victims to inform medical providers that injuries are hazing-related so this is explicitly documented.

• Witness Testimony
  First-hand accounts bring the evidence to life.

  • Pledges & Members: Testimony from other new members, current members (especially those who left or were disciplined), or former members can confirm hazing activities.
  • Bystanders & Campus Staff: Roommates, RAs, coaches, or other university employees who observed changes in behavior or witnessed incidents can provide corroboration.

7.2 Damages

When pursuing a civil lawsuit, the goal is to compensate the victim for all losses incurred as a result of the hazing. For Donley County families, understanding the scope of potential damages is crucial for comprehending the recovery process.

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers all costs associated with physical and psychological injuries.

  • Past Medical Expenses: Ambulance rides, emergency room visits, hospital stays (including ICU), surgeries, doctor’s appointments, prescription medications, and medical equipment.
  • Future Medical Expenses: For catastrophic injuries (like those in the Bermudez case with potential for permanent kidney damage), this includes long-term physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychological counseling (for PTSD, anxiety, depression), future medications, and, in severe cases, the cost of a life care plan outlining all anticipated future medical and personal care needs.

• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: Hazing can derail a student’s academic and professional future.

  • Lost Wages: Compensation for any income lost by the victim (if working part-time) or by parents who had to take time off work to care for their child.
  • Lost Educational Opportunities: This includes reimbursement for tuition and fees for semesters missed or if the student had to withdraw. It also covers lost scholarships (academic, athletic, or Greek-based) and the financial impact of delayed graduation, which in turn delays entry into the workforce.
  • Diminished Future Earning Capacity: If hazing results in permanent injuries (physical disability, traumatic brain injury, severe PTSD) that impair the victim’s ability to work or choose a particular career path, an economist can calculate the loss of lifetime earnings.

• Non-Economic Damages: These address the “human” cost of hazing—the subjective, non-financial suffering that is nonetheless legally compensable.

  • Physical Pain & Suffering: Compensation for the actual physical pain endured from injuries (e.g., broken bones, burns, internal organ damage, rhabdomyolysis), as well as chronic pain or discomfort resulting from permanent injuries.
  • Emotional Distress & Psychological Harm: This often includes compensation for diagnosed conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe depression, anxiety disorders, and panic attacks. It also covers the profound humiliation, shame, loss of dignity, fear, nightmares, and social withdrawal experienced by victims. In cases of severe mental trauma, expert psychological testimony is critical.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the victim can no longer participate in activities they once loved (sports, hobbies, social events), or if their college experience and relationships are severely impacted, this is a distinct category of damages.

• Wrongful Death Damages (for Families): In the most tragic hazing cases leading to death, surviving family members (parents, spouses, children) can pursue compensation for:

  • Funeral and Burial Costs: The direct expenses associated with the deceased’s final arrangements.
  • Loss of Financial Support: If the deceased would have contributed to the family’s income or support in the future, economic experts can calculate this loss.
  • Loss of Companionship, Love, and Society: This is a significant non-economic category compensating for the profound emotional void left by the deceased.
  • Grief and Mental Anguish: Compensation for the intense emotional suffering experienced by the surviving family members.

• Punitive Damages: In certain egregious cases, particularly when defendants acted with extreme recklessness, malice, or conscious indifference to known risks, punitive damages may be awarded. Their purpose is not to compensate the victim but to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. In Texas, punitive damages are available but often capped unless intentional torts are proven, which our firm vigorously pursues where warranted.

7.3 Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Understanding the various defendants and how insurance plays a role is critical in hazing litigation, which often involves multiple layers of liability and complex financial structures. Attorney911 brings an insider’s perspective to these intricate financial battles.

• Multiple Defendants Means Multiple Pockets of Recovery: A hazing lawsuit often targets not just the individual students directly involved, but also the local chapter, the national organization, and the university. Each of these entities may carry separate insurance policies designed to cover different types of liability. Identifying all potential defendants is crucial to ensuring comprehensive recovery for victims.
• The Role of Insurance: National fraternities and universities, understanding their significant exposure, typically carry substantial insurance policies. These policies are designed to protect them financially from lawsuits, including those stemming from hazing. However, it is common for insurers to:
  • Argue Exclusions: Insurers frequently claim that hazing, being an “intentional act” or “criminal conduct,” falls under specific exclusions in their policies, attempting to deny coverage.
  • Challenge Policy Limits: They may dispute the applicability or limits of various policies (e.g., general liability, directors and officers, umbrella policies).
  • Delay and Deny Tactics: Insurance companies are businesses, and their primary goal is to minimize payouts. They employ sophisticated tactics to delay investigations, deny claims, or offer lowball settlements.
• Experienced Hazing Lawyers Are Essential: This is where the specialized knowledge of a firm like Attorney911 becomes critical.
  • Our team, especially attorney Lupe Peña with her background as a former insurance defense attorney, possesses intimate knowledge of how these insurance companies operate from the inside. We “know their playbook” for denying claims.
  • We meticulously identify all potential sources of insurance coverage, including those of individuals, local chapters, and national organizations, as well as university and property owner policies.
  • We aggressively challenge wrongful denials of coverage and fight to compel insurers to honor their obligations—not just to defend, but to indemnify (pay) legitimate claims.
  • Our goal is to maximize the available pool of funds to ensure victims receive the fullest possible compensation for their profound losses. Navigating the legal nuances of insurance coverage disputes is a complex undertaking, but one our firm is uniquely experienced in tackling.

This multi-faceted approach to evidence, damages, and defendant identification is what empowers Attorney911 to pursue meaningful accountability for families from Donley County and across Texas victims of hazing.

8. PRACTICAL GUIDES & FAQS

For families in Donley County, the confusion and emotional turmoil following a hazing incident can be overwhelming. Knowing what steps to take, what questions to ask, and what pitfalls to avoid is critical. This section provides immediate, actionable guidance for parents, students, and witnesses.

8.1 For Parents

Parents are often the first to notice changes in their child, but may feel powerless or unsure how to intervene. Your proactive involvement can be life-saving.

• Warning Signs of Hazing: Be attuned to changes that go beyond normal college adjustment:

  • Unexplained injuries: Bruises, burns, cuts, or repeated “accidents” which your child offers vague or inconsistent explanations for. These could be subtle indicators of physical abuse.
  • Extreme physical changes: Sudden, unusual exhaustion, significant sleep deprivation, drastic weight loss or gain, or signs of illness when they typically are healthy.
  • Drastic mood shifts: Increased anxiety, depression, irritability, withdrawal from friends and family, or sudden secrecy about campus activities, particularly those involving their group.
  • Obsessive phone use: Constant monitoring of group chats, anxiety when their phone receives notifications, or a fear of missing “mandatory” events indicates a high-pressure environment.

• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation with empathy, not accusation or judgment.

  • Start with open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with [organization name]? Are you truly enjoying it, or is anything making you uncomfortable?”
  • Emphasize that their safety and well-being are your top priorities, far above any group affiliation or social status. Reassure them you will support them regardless of their choices.
  • Ask directly if they are being told to keep secrets from you or the university. This is a common hazing tactic.

• If Your Child is Hurt: Time is of the essence.

  • Seek Medical Care: Immediately get them medical attention for any physical injuries or signs of intoxication. Do not prioritize fear of “getting in trouble” over your child’s health.
  • Document Everything: This is paramount. Photograph all injuries, saving any digital communications (texts, GroupMe chats, social media posts), and meticulously record names, dates, locations, and what your child shares with you while it’s fresh in your memory.
  • Save Physical Evidence: Keep any clothing worn during the incident, receipts for forced purchases, or other relevant physical items.

• Dealing with the University:

  • Document every interaction you have with university administrators, including who you spoke with, when, and what was discussed.
  • Ask administrators specifically about prior incidents involving the same organization. In Texas, universities are required to provide certain hazing information, which can be crucial.
  • Be wary of university pressure to keep matters “in-house.” While internal investigations are one step, they may not offer the full accountability or compensation your child deserves.

• When to Talk to a Lawyer:

  • If your child has suffered significant physical or psychological harm, or if you suspect it.
  • If you feel the university or organization is minimizing the incident, delaying investigations, or actively trying to cover up what happened.
  • Immediately if there is a wrongful death or catastrophic injury.

8.2 For Students / Pledges

The decision to join a campus organization often brings excitement, but for those facing hazing, it quickly turns to fear and confusion. Students in Donley County need to be informed observers.

• Is This Hazing or Just “Tradition”? A Decision Guide: Ask yourself these critical questions:

  • Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t truly want to do?
  • Would I be doing this if there were no social consequences or fear of being “cut” from the group?
  • Is this activity dangerous, degrading, humiliating, or illegal (e.g., forced alcohol consumption)?
  • Would my parents or the university leadership approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
  • Are older members making new members do things they themselves don’t have to do?
  • Is this “tradition” truly about earning membership, or is it mostly for the entertainment or power-play of older members?
  • Am I being told to keep secrets, lie to outsiders, or hide these activities from university staff?
    If you answered YES to any of these, it is likely hazing, and you are being exploited.

• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: Texas law explicitly states that a victim’s “consent” to hazing is not a legal defense. True consent cannot be given under duress, immense peer pressure, fear of isolation, or threats of social exclusion. Your feelings of being trapped or powerless make any “agreement” to haze invalid under the law.

• Exiting and Reporting Safely:

  • If you are in immediate danger: Do not hesitate to call 911 or campus police. Your safety is more important than any loyalty to the group.
  • You have the legal right to leave any group at any time, regardless of what promises you made or fear of consequences.
  • Notify a trusted adult outside the organization—a parent, Resident Advisor (RA), professor, or close friend.
  • Formally resign if you can, via email or text to group leadership, stating, “I am resigning my pledge/membership effective immediately.”
  • Do not attend “one last meeting” where you might be pressured, shamed, or coerced.
  • If you fear retaliation, immediately report these fears to the Dean of Students and campus police.

• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many schools and states, including Texas, have “good-faith reporter” policies. This means if you or a friend calls for help in an emergency (even if underage drinking or hazing was involved), you may receive immunity or leniency from disciplinary action. Prioritize health and safety above all else.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses

You may have participated in hazing, either as a victim or a perpetrator, and now carry guilt, fear, or profound regret. Your perspective and testimony can be invaluable in preventing future harm and holding those responsible accountable.

• Acknowledging Your Role: It takes immense courage to come forward. Understand that providing honest testimony or evidence, even if you were previously involved, is a crucial step toward rectifying past wrongs and protecting future students.
• Your Testimony Matters: Your firsthand account of what happened, who was involved, and the group’s culture can provide critical evidence that might otherwise be hidden. This can prevent other students from suffering similar fates.
• Seeking Legal Counsel: Before providing any statements, it is advisable to seek legal advice for yourself. An attorney can explain your rights and potential liabilities, and help you navigate the process. In some cases, cooperating with authorities as a witness can lead to immunity or reduced charges for past involvement.
• Preventing Future Harm: Your decision to speak out can lead to policy changes, disciplinary actions against hazardous organizations, and even the closure of chapters, directly preventing others from enduring what you or someone you know experienced.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For Donley County families considering legal action after a hazing incident, avoiding common missteps is just as important as gathering evidence. These errors can severely undermine a potential lawsuit for accountability and compensation.

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence:

   • What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble or feel embarrassed.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Digital communications are often the most irrefutable evidence. Deleting content, whether photos, group chats, or text messages, immediately raises suspicions of a cover-up, makes it harder to prove what happened, and can even be construed as obstruction of justice.
   • What to do instead: Preserve absolutely everything immediately, even content your child finds embarrassing or incriminating. Take screenshots of full conversation threads with timestamps. This evidence is crucial for your case.

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority or Individuals Directly:

   • What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind and demand answers.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Direct confrontation will almost certainly cause the perpetrators and the organization to immediately lawyer up, destroy any remaining evidence, coach witnesses on what to say, and prepare their defenses. You lose the element of surprise and jeopardized crucial evidence.
   • What to do instead: After securing evidence, document everything, then call an experienced hazing lawyer before any direct communication.

3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms Without Legal Review:

   • What universities do: They may present families with documents that seem to resolve the matter internally, often with stern warnings about conduct violations or vague promises of “education.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Such forms might contain clauses that, unbeknownst to you, waive your child’s right to pursue a civil lawsuit, effectively preventing them from seeking monetary compensation for their injuries. Settlements offered early by universities or their insurers are typically low-ball offers, far below the actual value of the case.
   • What to do instead: Never sign any document from the university, an organization, or an insurance company without having an attorney review it first.

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

   • What families think: “I want people to know what happened and warn others.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Anything posted online can be used against your child. Defense attorneys will meticulously comb through social media, looking for inconsistencies, prior posts that could discredit the victim, or statements that could be misconstrued. It can also inadvertently waive privacy or attorney-client privilege.
   • What to do instead: Document privately. Your attorney will advise on appropriate timing and strategy for any public statements.

5. Letting Your Child Go Back to “One Last Meeting” With the Organization:

   • What fraternities/sororities say: “Just come talk to us before you do anything drastic we can fix this internally.”
   • Why it’s wrong: This is a manipulation tactic. Such meetings are designed to pressure the victim, intimidate them, extract statements that could be damaging to their case, or simply verify what evidence they might have.
   • What to do instead: Once you’re considering legal action, all communication with the organization should cease and be routed through your legal counsel.

6. Waiting “to see how the university handles it”:

   • What universities promise: “We’re investigating this thoroughly; let us handle this internally to avoid further disruption.”
   • Why it’s wrong: While university investigations are important, they are fundamentally driven by the university’s interests (reputation, legal liability) and often result in disciplinary actions far less comprehensive than civil justice. Crucial evidence can disappear, witnesses graduate or become uncooperative, and the statute of limitations continues to run.
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence now and consult a lawyer immediately. The university process is distinct from, and often insufficient for, achieving full civil accountability.

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer Present:

   • What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim quickly.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Insurance adjusters represent the interests of the party you’re suing. Any statement your child gives, even seemingly innocuous, can be used against them. Early settlement offers are almost always severe undervaluation of the case.
   • What to do instead: Politely decline to speak with adjusters directly. Inform them that your attorney will be in contact. “My attorney will contact you” is the only correct response.

8.5 Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities in Texas, such as the University of Houston, Texas A&M, and UT Austin, are generally protected by sovereign immunity. However, exceptions exist for cases involving gross negligence, certain federal claims like Title IX violations (if applicable), or when suing individual employees in their personal capacity. Private universities like Southern Methodist University (SMU) and Baylor have fewer immunity protections. Every case hinges on its specific facts. For a precise analysis of your situation, contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  Yes, it can be. While general hazing is typically classified as a Class B misdemeanor, Texas law elevates hazing to a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Beyond the direct act of hazing, individuals—especially officers of an organization—can face misdemeanor charges for failing to report hazing they knew about.

• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  Yes, absolutely. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that genuine consent is impossible when a student is under duress, immense peer pressure, fear of social exclusion, or the threat of losing membership. These environments inherently remove true voluntary choice, and a victim cannot consent to an illegal act.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  In Texas, there is generally a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those arising from hazing, measured from the date of the injury or death. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this period if the harm or its cause was not immediately apparent. In cases involving minors, the statute of limitations may be “tolled” (paused) until they reach adulthood. Regardless, time is critically important in hazing cases because evidence can disappear quickly, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations are adept at removing incriminating records. It is crucial to call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Learn more about Texas statute of limitations in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location of the hazing does not eliminate liability. Many seminal hazing cases, such as the Pi Delta Psi retreat death in Pennsylvania or the Sigma Pi death at an “unofficial” house in Ohio, occurred off-campus yet resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments. Universities and national fraternities can still be held liable based on their sponsorship of the organization, their knowledge of off-campus activities, their failure to supervise, and the general foreseeability of such conduct given their history.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  Victim privacy is a top priority. Most hazing cases are resolved through settlements, often with confidentiality clauses that prevent public disclosure of names or terms. While some families choose to go public for advocacy, we can pursue legal avenues, including seeking sealed court records, to protect your child’s privacy where possible. It’s a discussion we have with every family, balancing privacy with the desire for accountability.

8.6 Safe Alternatives to Greek Life in Donley County

For students in Donley County seeking meaningful campus connections without hazing risks:

Campus Organizations (Hazing-Free Alternatives)

• Student Government: Leadership without pledging
• Academic Honor Societies: Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key, discipline-specific (legitimate honor societies do NOT haze)
• Career-Focused Groups: Pre-Law Society, Business Club, Engineering organizations
• Community Service: Circle K, Habitat for Humanity campus chapters
• Religious/Spiritual Groups: Campus ministry, interfaith organizations
• Cultural Organizations: Cultural centers, international student associations
• Club Sports & Intramural Athletics: Team camaraderie without hazing culture

Social Alternatives

• Residence hall communities and programming
• Academic study groups and tutoring programs
• Part-time campus employment
• Research assistant positions
• Volunteer opportunities (local food banks, tutoring programs)
• Campus recreation programs

What to Look for in ANY Organization

Before joining any group, students should verify:

• ☑️ Clear written anti-hazing policy
• ☑️ Faculty or staff advisor actively involved
• ☑️ Transparent membership process with no “secret” phases
• ☑️ No “pledging” period with undisclosed activities
• ☑️ Open meetings you can observe before committing
• ☑️ Current members willing to discuss experiences honestly

Red Flags to Avoid

• 🚩 “What happens here stays here” culture
• 🚩 Excessive time demands that affect academics
• 🚩 Required alcohol consumption at events
• 🚩 “New member education” with vague descriptions
• 🚩 Sleep deprivation expectations
• 🚩 Financial demands beyond standard dues

9. ABOUT THE MANGINELLO LAW FIRM + CALL TO ACTION

When your family in Donley County or anywhere in Texas faces the devastating impact of hazing, you need more than just a typical personal injury lawyer. You need tenacious legal advocates who understand the intricate playbook of how powerful institutions—national fraternities, universities, and their insurers—fight back. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, we are specifically equipped to take on these complex, high-stakes hazing cases, leveraging extensive experience and a unique set of skills cultivated over 25+ years.

9.1 Why Attorney911 for Hazing Cases

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including those in Donley County and the surrounding region. The team at Attorney911 brings an unparalleled depth of expertise to hazing litigation, understanding that these cases are distinct from conventional personal injury claims. We fuse relentless advocacy with a profound comprehension of the legal, cultural, and institutional forces at play.

Our unique qualifications include:

• The Insurance Insider Advantage: Attorney Lupe Peña, with her background as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm, possesses invaluable insights. She deeply understands how fraternity and university insurance companies operate, how they value (and undervalue) claims, identify loopholes, and deploy delay tactics or coverage exclusion arguments. “We know their playbook because we used to run it,” is not just a statement; it’s a strategic advantage, allowing us to anticipate their moves and counter them effectively. Lupe Peña’s complete credentials can be found at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Founding partner Ralph Manginello’s career is marked by taking on formidable defendants. He was an integral part of one of the few Texas firms involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation—a multi-billion-dollar case against one of the world’s largest corporations. This experience, coupled with extensive practice in federal courts (including the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas), means we are not intimidated by national fraternities, multi-million-dollar universities, or their well-funded defense teams. “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants,” is not an exaggeration, but a testament to our firm’s capability. Ralph Manginello’s full professional biography is available at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: Hazing too often leads to tragic fatalities or life-altering injuries. Attorney911 has a proven track record of securing substantial results in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, reflected in our wrongful death page (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/). We collaborate with a network of experts—economists to calculate lost lifetime earnings, and life care planners to assess future medical and personal care costs for brain injury or permanent disability victims. Our methodology is simple: “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability,” ensuring full and fair compensation for the unimaginable losses experienced by families.

• Dual Criminal and Civil Hazing Expertise: Hazing can often result in both civil lawsuits and criminal charges against individuals involved. Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) underscores our understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. This dual perspective is invaluable, allowing us to provide comprehensive counsel on both tracks, advise potential witnesses, and navigate complex legal scenarios involving parallel proceedings. Our criminal defense experience is detailed at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/.

• Relentless Investigative Depth: Successful hazing cases hinge on uncovering hidden truths. Our firm employs a rigorous investigative approach, working with:

  • Digital forensics experts to recover deleted group chats, texts, and social media evidence.
  • Medical and psychological experts to meticulously document physical and emotional trauma.
  • Investigators to unearth internal organization documents, pledge manuals, and national fraternity records showing a pattern of prior incidents and a history of non-compliance.
  • “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

• Empathy and Advocacy: We understand that a hazing incident is one of the most traumatic experiences a family can face. Our approach is grounded in empathy, providing unwavering support alongside aggressive legal representation. We prioritize finding answers, holding the right people accountable, and fighting to prevent future harm.

9.2 Call to Action

If your family in Donley County or anywhere across Texas has been impacted by hazing, you don’t have to face this alone. The emotional, physical, and financial costs can be overwhelming, but legal recourse is available.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will meticulously review what happened, explain your legal options under Texas law, and help you decide the most effective path forward. Our consultation process is designed to be supportive and informative:

• We will listen to your story without judgment and with deep compassion.
• We’ll help you understand what evidence is crucial and how to preserve it.
• We’ll discuss the potential legal avenues available—whether a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, or both—and outline realistic timelines and expectations.
• We’ll address your concerns about legal fees. Your family’s access to justice should not be limited by financial constraints; that’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. As our video “How Do Contingency Fees Work?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc) explains, we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
• There is no pressure to hire us on the spot; our goal is to empower you with information.

For immediate assistance or to schedule your consultation:

• Call our Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct Line: (713) 528-9070
• Cell: (713) 443-4781
• Visit our Website: https://attorney911.com
• Email Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com

Hablamos Español: If you prefer to conduct your consultation in Spanish, please contact Lupe Peña directly at lupe@atty911.com. We are committed to ensuring clear communication and access to legal services for all Texas families.

Whether you’re in Donley County, Harris County, Travis County, or any community across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this challenge alone. Call us today for the serious, compassionate legal representation you deserve.

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 rapidly. 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.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911 for a confidential evaluation.
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

Complete Texas University Directory

Attorney911 tracks every higher education institution in Texas. For reference:

• Abilene Christian University | Abilene, Taylor County | Private Non-Profit
• Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online | Addison, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Sul Ross State University | Alpine, Brewster County | Public University
• Arlington Baptist University | Arlington, Tarrant County | Private Non-Profit
• The University of Texas at Arlington | Arlington, Tarrant County | Public University
• Trinity Valley Community College | Athens, Henderson County | Public University
• AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine | Austin, Travis County | Private For-Profit
• Austin Community College District | Austin, Travis County | Public University
• Austin Graduate School of Theology | Austin, Travis County | Private Non-Profit
• Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary | Austin, Travis County | Private Non-Profit
• Concordia University Texas | Austin, Travis County | Private Non-Profit
• Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest | Austin, Travis County | Private Non-Profit
• Galen Health Institutes-Austin Campus | Austin, Williamson County | Private For-Profit
• Gemini School of Visual Arts & Communication | Austin, Williamson County | Private For-Profit
• Huston-Tillotson University | Austin, Travis County | Private Non-Profit
• Saint Edward’s University | Austin, Travis County | Private Non-Profit
• Texas Health and Science University | Austin, Travis County | Private For-Profit
• The University of Texas at Austin | Austin, Travis County | Public University
• The University of Texas System Office | Austin, Travis County | Public University
• The Art Institute of Austin | Bastrop, Bastrop County | Private For-Profit
• Lamar University | Beaumont, Jefferson County | Public University
• Messenger College | Bedford, Tarrant County | Private Non-Profit
• University of Mary Hardin-Baylor | Belton, Bell County | Private Non-Profit
• Howard Payne University | Brownwood, Brown County | Private Non-Profit
• West Texas A & M University | Canyon, Randall County | Public University
• Texas A & M University-College Station | College Station, Brazos County | Public University
• Texas A & M University-System Office | College Station, Brazos County | Public University
• Texas A & M University-Commerce | Commerce, Hunt County | Public University
• Grace School of Theology | Conroe, Montgomery County | Private Non-Profit
• Del Mar College | Corpus Christi, Nueces County | Public University
• Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi | Corpus Christi, Nueces County | Public University
• Arizona College of Nursing-Dallas | Dallas, Dallas County | Private For-Profit
• Bakke Graduate University | Dallas, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Criswell College | Dallas, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Dallas Baptist University | Dallas, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Dallas Christian College | Dallas, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Dallas College | Dallas, Dallas County | Public University
• Dallas Theological Seminary | Dallas, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Miami International University of Art & Design-Art Institute Dallas | Dallas, Dallas County | Private For-Profit
• Parker University | Dallas, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Paul Quinn College | Dallas, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Remington College-Dallas Campus | Dallas, Tarrant County | Private Non-Profit
• Southern Methodist University | Dallas, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• University of North Texas at Dallas | Dallas, Dallas County | Public University
• University of North Texas System | Dallas, Dallas County | Public University
• University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center | Dallas, Dallas County | Public University
• Wade College | Dallas, Dallas County | Private For-Profit
• Grayson College | Denison, Grayson County | Public University
• Texas Woman’s University | Denton, Denton County | Public University
• University of North Texas | Denton, Denton County | Public University
• The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg, Hidalgo County | Public University
• Southwest University at El Paso | El Paso, El Paso County | Private For-Profit
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center-El Paso | El Paso, El Paso County | Public University
• The University of Texas at El Paso | El Paso, El Paso County | Public University
• Western Technical College | El Paso, El Paso County | Private For-Profit
• Strayer University-Texas | Farmers Branch, Dallas County | Private For-Profit
• Brite Divinity School | Fort Worth, Tarrant County | Private Non-Profit
• Remington College-Fort Worth Campus | Fort Worth, Tarrant County | Private Non-Profit
• Texas Christian University | Fort Worth, Tarrant County | Private Non-Profit
• Texas Wesleyan University | Fort Worth, Tarrant County | Private Non-Profit
• The Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary | Fort Worth, Tarrant County | Private Non-Profit
• University of North Texas Health Science Center | Fort Worth, Tarrant County | Public University
• Galveston College | Galveston, Galveston County | Public University
• The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston | Galveston, Galveston County | Public University
• Amberton University | Garland, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Southwestern University | Georgetown, Williamson County | Private Non-Profit
• RCCGNA Seminary | Greenville, Hunt County | Private Non-Profit
• Jarvis Christian University | Hawkins, Wood County | Private Non-Profit
• American College of Acupuncture and Oriental Med | Houston, Harris County | Private For-Profit
• American InterContinental University-Houston | Houston, Harris County | Private For-Profit
• Baylor College of Medicine | Houston, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• Chamberlain University-Texas | Houston, Harris County | Private For-Profit
• College of Biblical Studies-Houston | Houston, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• Galen Health Institutes-Houston | Houston, Harris County | Private For-Profit
• Houston Christian University | Houston, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• Houston Graduate School of Theology | Houston, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• Houston Baptist University | Houston, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• Remington College-North Houston Campus | Houston, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• Rice University | Houston, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• South Texas College of Law Houston | Houston, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• Texas Southern University | Houston, Harris County | Public University
• The Art Institute of Houston | Houston, Harris County | Private For-Profit
• The College of Health Care Professions-Northwest | Houston, Harris County | Private For-Profit
• The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston | Houston, Harris County | Public University
• The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center | Houston, Harris County | Public University
• University of Houston | Houston, Harris County | Public University
• University of Houston-Clear Lake | Houston, Harris County | Public University
• University of Houston-Downtown | Houston, Harris County | Public University
• University of Houston-System Administration | Houston, Harris County | Public University
• University of Phoenix-Texas | Houston, Harris County | Private For-Profit
• University of St. Thomas | Houston, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• Sam Houston State University | Huntsville, Walker County | Public University
• DeVry University-Texas | Irving, Dallas County | Private For-Profit
• University of Dallas | Irving, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary | Jacksonville, Cherokee County | Private Non-Profit
• Southwestern Adventist University | Keene, Johnson County | Private Non-Profit
• Schreiner University | Kerrville, Kerr County | Private Non-Profit
• Texas A&M University-Central Texas | Killeen, Bell County | Public University
• Texas A & M University-Kingsville | Kingsville, Kleberg County | Public University
• Brazosport College | Lake Jackson, Brazoria County | Public University
• Laredo College | Laredo, Webb County | Public University
• Texas A & M International University | Laredo, Webb County | Public University
• LeTourneau University | Longview, Gregg County | Private Non-Profit
• Lubbock Christian University | Lubbock, Lubbock County | Private Non-Profit
• Texas Tech University | Lubbock, Lubbock County | Public University
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center | Lubbock, Lubbock County | Public University
• Texas Tech University System Administration | Lubbock, Lubbock County | Public University
• East Texas Baptist University | Marshall, Harrison County | Private Non-Profit
• Wiley College | Marshall, Harrison County | Private Non-Profit
• South Texas College | McAllen, Hidalgo County | Public University
• Collin County Community College District | McKinney, Collin County | Public University
• Midland College | Midland, Midland County | Public University
• Stephen F Austin State University | Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches County | Public University
• Odessa College | Odessa, Ector County | Public University
• The University of Texas Permian Basin | Odessa, Ector County | Public University
• San Jacinto Community College | Pasadena, Harris County | Public University
• Texas Chiropractic College Foundation Inc | Pasadena, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• Wayland Baptist University | Plainview, Hale County | Private Non-Profit
• Prairie View A & M University | Prairie View, Waller County | Public University
• Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Dallas | Richardson, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• The University of Texas at Dallas | Richardson, Dallas County | Public University
• West Coast University-Dallas | Richardson, Dallas County | Private For-Profit
• South University-Austin | Round Rock, Williamson County | Private For-Profit
• Angelo State University | San Angelo, Tom Green County | Public University
• Baptist Health System School of Health Professions | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private For-Profit
• Baptist University of the Americas | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private Non-Profit
• Christ Mission College | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private Non-Profit
• Galen College of Nursing-San Antonio | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private For-Profit
• Hallmark University | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private Non-Profit
• Oblate School of Theology | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private Non-Profit
• Our Lady of the Lake University | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private Non-Profit
• San Antonio College | San Antonio, Bexar County | Public University
• St. Mary’s University | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private Non-Profit
• Texas A&M University-San Antonio | San Antonio, Bexar County | Public University
• The Art Institute of San Antonio | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private For-Profit
• The University of Texas at San Antonio | San Antonio, Bexar County | Public University
• The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio | San Antonio, Bexar County | Public University
• Trinity University | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private Non-Profit
• University of the Incarnate Word | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private Non-Profit
• Texas State University | San Marcos, Hays County | Public University
• Texas Lutheran University | Seguin, Guadalupe County | Private Non-Profit
• Austin College | Sherman, Grayson County | Private Non-Profit
• The King’s University | Southlake, Tarrant County | Private Non-Profit
• North American University | Stafford, Fort Bend County | Private Non-Profit
• Tarleton State University | Stephenville, Erath County | Public University
• Southwestern Christian College | Terrell, Kaufman County | Private Non-Profit
• Texas A&M University-Texarkana | Texarkana, Bowie County | Public University
• College of the Mainland | Texas City, Galveston County | Public University
• Lone Star College System | The Woodlands, Montgomery County | Public University
• Texas College | Tyler, Smith County | Private Non-Profit
• The University of Texas at Tyler | Tyler, Smith County | Public University
• Tyler Junior College | Tyler, Smith County | Public University
• University of Houston-Victoria | Victoria, Victoria County | Public University
• Baylor University | Waco, McLennan County | Private Non-Profit
• Southwestern Assemblies of God University | Waxahachie, Ellis County | Private Non-Profit
• Weatherford College | Weatherford, Parker County | Public University
• Midwestern State University | Wichita Falls, Wichita County | Public University

Complete Texas Greek Organization Directory

Attorney911 tracks every IRS-registered fraternity and sorority in Texas:

• UPSILON ZETA BUILDING ASSOCIATION OF CHI OMEGA | EIN: 75-2290669 | AMARILLO, TX
• IOTA ALPHA CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 51-0225632 | ARLINGTON, TX
• KAPPA EPSILON CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 75-1727080 | ARLINGTON, TX
• LAMBDA ETA CHAPTER CHI ETA PHI SORORITY INCORPORATED | EIN: 75-2273565 | ARLINGTON, TX
• OMICRON GAMMA GAMMA CHAPTER | EIN: 75-2819136 | ARLINGTON, TX
• BUILDING CORPORATION OF DELTA CHAPTER OF ALPHA DELTA PI | EIN: 74-6047117 | AUSTIN, TX
• CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY | EIN: 74-0555581 | AUSTIN, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 46-3831593 | AUSTIN, TX
• LAMBDA CHI ALPHA FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 74-1130606 | AUSTIN, TX
• SIGMA ALPHA OMEGA CHRISTIAN SORORITY INC | EIN: 85-1262394 | AUSTIN, TX
• SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY INC | EIN: 74-6084912 | AUSTIN, TX
• SIGMA LAMBDA ALPHA SORORITY INC | EIN: 90-0956019 | AUSTIN, TX
• TEJAS FOUNDATION | EIN: 74-6062730 | AUSTIN, TX
• ALPHA OMEGA EPSILON | EIN: 56-2652714 | BEAUMONT, TX
• SOUTH TEXAS COTILLON INC | EIN: 26-2378154 | BROWNSVILLE, TX
• FRANK HEFLIN FOUNDATION | EIN: 20-3507402 | CANYON, TX
• NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL NORTH DALLAS SUBURBIA | EIN: 26-4080411 | CARROLLTON, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 81-2525354 | COLLEGE STA, TX
• ETA ALPHA HOUSE CORPORATION OF KAPPA DELTA SORORITY | EIN: 74-2930349 | COLLEGE STA, TX
• GENTLEMEN OF AGGIE TRADITION | EIN: 88-0537463 | COLLEGE STA, TX
• TEXAS NU-PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN: 81-4123811 | COLLEGE STA, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 90-0293166 | COLLEGE STATION, TX
• KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC | EIN: 13-3048786 | COLLEGE STATION, TX
• SIGMA NU CORPORATION OF OKLAHOMA | EIN: 73-6098935 | COLLEYVILLE, TX
• SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY ZETA ETA | EIN: 75-6060974 | COMMERCE, TX
• SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY | EIN: 75-2609909 | COMMERCE, TX
• LAMBDA NU GAMMA FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 93-2103520 | CONROE, TX
• LAMBDA OMEGA EPSILON SORORITY INC | EIN: 86-1854073 | CONROE, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA | EIN: 83-3053639 | CORINTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA ALPHA CHI CHAPTER | EIN: 86-3999517 | CORINTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA ALPHA PSI CHAPTER | EIN: 87-4252223 | CORINTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 82-3971493 | CORINTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 20-2203769 | CORINTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 20-1237505 | CORINTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 81-4575228 | CORINTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 26-0805977 | CORINTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 90-0657756 | CORINTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 32-0217610 | CORINTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 46-0766525 | CORINTH, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 83-1418972 | CORPUS CHRISTI, TX
• AGGIE ADPI FAMILY CLUB | EIN: 93-2357531 | CYPRESS, TX
• CHI EPSILON SIGMA INC | EIN: 45-1677063 | DALLAS, TX
• DELTA ALPHA SIGMA MULTICULTURAL SORORITY | EIN: 36-4806998 | DALLAS, TX
• DELTA PHI CHAPTER OF THETA CHI FRATERNITY ALUMNI HOUSING | EIN: 90-0239693 | DALLAS, TX
• FRIENDSHIP-WEST MIZPAH FOUNDATION | EIN: 27-1863731 | DALLAS, TX
• KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY | EIN: 52-1278573 | DALLAS, TX
• ZETA SIGMA HOUSE CORPORATION OF KAPPA KAPPA GAMMA FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 75-2620706 | DALLAS, TX
• ALPHA EPSILON PI FRATERNITY | EIN: 26-2025321 | DENTON, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 26-3170920 | DENTON, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 87-2222906 | EL PASO, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 38-3742830 | EL PASO, TX
• DENTON-LEWISVILLE GUIDE RIGHT FOUNDATION | EIN: 86-1205340 | FLOWER MOUND, TX
• BETA UPSILON CHI | EIN: 74-2911848 | FORT WORTH, TX
• EPSILON MU CHAPTER OF THE SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY | EIN: 75-6203190 | FORT WORTH, TX
• FIRST COMMAND EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION | EIN: 75-1973894 | FORT WORTH, TX
• FORT WORTH ALUMNI CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INCORPORATED | EIN: 75-2755600 | FORT WORTH, TX
• GAMMA PHI DELTA CHRISTIAN FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 74-2893931 | FORT WORTH, TX
• KAPPA SIGMA FRATERNITY | EIN: 75-6067776 | FORT WORTH, TX
• PSI ZETA CHAPTER OF ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INCORPORATED | EIN: 52-1345182 | FORT WORTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI EPSILON FRATERNITY TEXAS GAMMA CHAPTER | EIN: 91-1981478 | FORT WORTH, TX
• TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC | EIN: 74-1380362 | FORT WORTH, TX
• BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC | EIN: 46-2267515 | FRISCO, TX
• ETA KAPPA CHAPTER OF SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA HOUSE CORPORATION | EIN: 75-2935462 | FRISCO, TX
• FRISCO TX ALUMNI CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI INCORPORATED | EIN: 92-0575785 | FRISCO, TX
• KAPPA THETA PI – MU CHAPTER CORPORATION | EIN: 33-1294470 | FRISCO, TX
• ARLINGTON-GRAND PRAIRIE ALUMNI CHAP OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRAT INC | EIN: 23-2452759 | GRAND PRAIRIE, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 47-5370943 | HOUSTON, TX
• BETA LAMBDA CHAPTER – ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 99-0483761 | HOUSTON, TX
• DELTA PHI UPSILON FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 80-0209640 | HOUSTON, TX
• HELLENIC PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY OF TEXAS | EIN: 74-2020182 | HOUSTON, TX
• LELAND COLLEGE PREP PTO | EIN: 47-2160315 | HOUSTON, TX
• SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER | EIN: 74-6084905 | HOUSTON, TX
• SIGMA PHI EPSILON NEW YORK CHI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION INC | EIN: 26-2710856 | HOUSTON, TX
• SOCIETY OF HISPANIC PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS INC | EIN: 76-0221936 | HOUSTON, TX
• SOUTHWESTERN REGION OF IOTA PHI LAMBDA SORORITY INCORPORATED | EIN: 51-0194762 | HOUSTON, TX
• ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INCORPORATED – SIGMA GAMMA CHAPTER | EIN: 39-2352450 | HOUSTON, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 92-1490845 | HUNTSVILLE, TX
• ONE CHAPTER ONE SHIELD | EIN: 92-1743777 | IOWA COLONY, TX
• OMICRON GAMMA SIGMA ALUMNI CHAPTER OF PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY | EIN: 92-1672050 | IRVING, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 83-1418666 | KINGSVILLE, TX
• ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 61-1562040 | LEWISVILLE, TX
• ALPHA OMEGA EPSILON-BETA ALPHA CHAPTER | EIN: 47-3967233 | LUBBOCK, TX
• EPSILON NU HOUSING CORPORATION | EIN: 23-7359384 | LUBBOCK, TX
• FARM HOUSE FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 75-1565336 | LUBBOCK, TX
• GAMMA PHI HOUSE CORPORATION OF KAPPA ALPHA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN: 75-1283953 | LUBBOCK, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 82-0644459 | LUBBOCK, TX
• TKE OP HOUSING | EIN: 47-5033161 | LUBBOCK, TX
• KAPPA SIGMA – MU GAMMA CHAPTER INC | EIN: 27-3662583 | LUFKIN, TX
• KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 45-3325054 | MANSFIELD, TX
• ALPHA DELTA | EIN: 81-2724215 | MCALLEN, TX
• GULF COAST ALUMNI ET OF OX INC | EIN: 45-2717861 | MEXIA, TX
• PI KAPPA PHI DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER BUILDING CORPORATION | EIN: 37-1768785 | MISSOURI CITY, TX
• ALPHA TAU OMEGA HOUSING CORPORATION OF ETA IOTA CHAPTER | EIN: 30-0517788 | NACOGDOCHES, TX
• CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY | EIN: 75-6041410 | NACOGDOCHES, TX
• EPSILON TAU CHAPTER OF THETA CHI FRATERNITY | EIN: 75-6053083 | NACOGDOCHES, TX
• PHI KAPPA PSI TEXAS EPSILON CHAPTER | EIN: 45-2729519 | NACOGDOCHES, TX
• PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY | EIN: 74-6064445 | NEDERLAND, TX
• TEXAS EPSILON UPSILON CHAPTER | EIN: 76-0366414 | NEEDVILLE, TX
• ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 52-1345951 | NOLANVILLE, TX
• ZETA OMICRON ALUMNI ASSOCIATION INC | EIN: 90-0949447 | PONDER, TX
• KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY | EIN: 23-7279532 | PRAIRIE VIEW, TX
• ZETA BETA CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 23-7098953 | PRAIRIE VIEW, TX
• SIGMA PHI EPSILON TEXAS ETA | EIN: 82-4398421 | RICHMOND, TX
• EPSILON PI PHI EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT HONOR SOCIETY | EIN: 47-4643399 | ROUND ROCK, TX
• 9THD BROTHERS KEEPER | EIN: 93-4008573 | ROWLETT, TX
• ZETA XI PEARLS EDUCATIONAL FUND INC | EIN: 88-3484848 | ROWLETT, TX
• ALPHA EPSILON DELTA | EIN: 52-1850764 | SAN ANTONIO, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 81-5229133 | SAN ANTONIO, TX
• PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN: 90-0927378 | SAN ANTONIO, TX
• PHI UPSILON ZETA OF LAMBDA CHI ALPHA FRATERNITY | EIN: 74-1016658 | SAN ANTONIO, TX
• UTSA SIGMA CHI | EIN: 84-2643090 | SAN ANTONIO, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 47-5381060 | SAN MARCOS, TX
• SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON – TEXAS SIGMA INCORPORATED | EIN: 88-2755427 | SAN MARCOS, TX
• TEXAS BETA PSI CHAPTER OF ALPHA DELTA KAPPA SORORITY INC | EIN: 74-6088185 | SHAVANO PARK, TX
• THE ETHEL HEDGEMON LYLE FOUNDATION OF TEXAS | EIN: 76-0592907 | SPRING, TX
• RHO DELTA CHI NATIONAL BOARD | EIN: 93-4247450 | SUGAR LAND, TX
• GAMMA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 16-1675890 | THE WOODLANDS, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 35-2335400 | TYLER, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 90-0293167 | VICTORIA, TX
• SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY | EIN: 36-4091267 | WACO, TX
• TEXAS RHO CHAPTER OF THE SIGMA PHI EPSILON FRATERNITY | EIN: 74-1942292 | WACO, TX
• ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INCORPORATED NU IOTA CHAPTER BAYLOR UNIVERSITY | EIN: 52-1346485 | WACO, TX
• BETA ALUMNAE CHAPTER OF ALPHA SIGMA KAPPA WOMEN IN TECHNICAL STUDIES | EIN: 73-1568644 | WEATHERFORD, TX
• GAMMA IOTA CHAPTER OF GAMMA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 75-1225585 | WICHITA FALLS, TX
• REDWINE HONORS PROGRAM STUDENT COUNCIL | EIN: 84-5090974 | WICHITA FALLS, TX