The Complete Guide to Hazing in Texas: What Dumas, Moore County, and Texas Panhandle Families Need to Know

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You’re Not Alone

It’s 2 AM at an off-campus fraternity house near a major Texas university. A young student from Dumas, overwhelmed and exhausted, is being pressured to drink far beyond their limits during what’s called “Big/Little Night.” Older members are filming on their phones, chanting as pledge after pledge attempts to finish bottles of liquor. The student wants to stop, wants to leave—but the fear of social exclusion, of being labeled “not committed,” of disappointing their new “brothers” or “sisters” is overwhelming. They drink more. Hours later, their roommate finds them unresponsive. The call to 911 comes too late, or worse—is delayed because members are more worried about getting the chapter in trouble than saving a life.

This nightmare scenario is not hypothetical. Right now, in Texas, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country—the Leonel Bermudez University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case—where a young man suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being forced through extreme workouts, humiliation rituals, and simulated waterboarding. His urine turned brown. He was hospitalized for four days. And the chapter members voted to surrender their charter after the university called the conduct “deeply disturbing.”

If you’re a parent in Dumas, Moore County, or anywhere in the Texas Panhandle, this comprehensive guide is for you. Your child might attend West Texas A&M University in nearby Canyon, Texas Tech University in Lubbock, or any of Texas’s major universities hours away in College Station, Austin, or Houston. Wherever they are, if hazing has touched your family, you need to understand:

What modern hazing really looks like in 2025—beyond the stereotypes
Texas hazing laws and your family’s rights
How national hazing patterns connect to Texas campuses
What’s happening at universities where Dumas families send their children
The legal options available to hold organizations accountable
Why acting quickly with experienced counsel matters

We are The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911), Texas-based hazing litigation specialists. We’re currently leading the landmark Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit—a $10 million case alleging severe physical and psychological abuse. We serve families across Texas, including those in Dumas, Amarillo, Canyon, and throughout the Panhandle region. This guide provides general educational information about hazing and the law. For case-specific legal advice about your situation, contact us directly at 1-888-ATTY-911.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We provide immediate help—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
Universities move quickly to control the narrative
We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like for Texas Families

Beyond “Boys Will Be Boys”: The Modern Reality

For families in Dumas and the Panhandle who may be unfamiliar with modern Greek life or campus organization culture, hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypes of harmless pranks or “tradition.” Today’s hazing is systematic, often digitally coordinated, and dangerously sophisticated in how it avoids detection.

Hazing is legally defined in Texas as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that endangers mental or physical health or safety for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or membership. Crucially, the victim’s “consent” is not a defense under Texas law.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (The Gateway)
These behaviors establish power imbalances and set the stage for escalation:

Digital control: 24/7 group chat monitoring, required instant responses at all hours
Servitude duties: Acting as personal drivers, cleaners, or errand-runners for older members
Social isolation: Being cut off from non-member friends or requiring permission to socialize
Humiliating rules: Answering to derogatory names, carrying degrading “pledge packs”

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (The Pattern)
These cause measurable physical or psychological harm:

Sleep deprivation: 3 AM wake-up calls, all-night “study sessions” that are actually interrogations
Forced consumption: Milk, hot dogs, peppercorns, or other substances until vomiting
Extreme exercise: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups or squats beyond safe limits
Public humiliation: Forced embarrassing performances, social media dares

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (The Crisis)
These activities have high potential for permanent injury or death:

Forced alcohol consumption: “Big/Little” nights with entire bottles of liquor, drinking games with wrong-answer penalties
Physical beatings: Paddling, punches, “gladiator” fights between pledges
Sexualized abuse: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault
Dangerous environments: Locked in freezers, left outside in extreme weather, waterboarding simulations

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

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

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC programs with military-style traditions
Athletic Teams from football to cheerleading
Spirit and Tradition Groups like Texas Cowboys or similar organizations
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Academic and Service Organizations

The common thread isn’t the type of organization—it’s the toxic combination of power imbalance, tradition justification, and secrecy that allows abuse to continue even when everyone “knows” it’s illegal.

Texas Hazing Law: What Dumas Families Need to Know

The Texas Education Code Framework

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in Chapter 37, Subchapter F of the Education Code. For families in Dumas dealing with a hazing incident, understanding these basics is crucial:

Definition (§37.151): Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, that endangers mental or physical health or safety for purposes of initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership.

Key Elements for Dumas Families:

Location doesn’t matter: Hazing at an off-campus Airbnb, retreat, or private house is still hazing
“Reckless” is enough: They don’t need to intend harm—just be reckless about the risk
Mental health counts: Psychological abuse qualifies alongside physical injury

Criminal Penalties (§37.152):

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

Critical Protections:

No consent defense (§37.155): “He agreed to it” is not a legal defense in Texas
Good-faith reporting immunity (§37.154): Those who report hazing or call for help in emergencies may have protection
Organizational liability (§37.153): Fraternities, sororities, and clubs can be fined up to $10,000 per violation

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases (The State’s Action)

Brought by prosecutors (DA’s office)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Common charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter
Example: In the Penn State Timothy Piazza case, 18 fraternity members faced over 1,000 criminal counts

Civil Cases (Your Family’s Action)

Brought by victims or families
Aim: Compensation and accountability
Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, negligent supervision
Example: The Stone Foltz family received a $10 million settlement from Pi Kappa Alpha and Bowling Green State University

Important: These cases can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction isn’t required to pursue civil action, and many families pursue both to achieve full accountability.

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently
Mandates public hazing data by approximately 2026
Strengthens prevention education requirements

Title IX & Clery Act

When hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, Title IX obligations trigger
Clery requires reporting certain crimes—hazing often overlaps with assault or alcohol crimes
These federal frameworks can provide additional accountability avenues

Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Hazing Case?

1. Individual Students

Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
Example: In the Bowling Green Stone Foltz case, former chapter president Daylen Dunson was ordered to personally pay $6.5 million

2. Local Chapter/Organization

The fraternity/sorority as an entity (if incorporated)
Officers acting in official capacity

3. National Headquarters

Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents
Example: Pi Kappa Alpha national paid $7 million in the Stone Foltz settlement

4. University or Governing Board

Schools may be liable under negligence or civil rights theories
Key questions: Prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference
Example: Bowling Green State University paid nearly $3 million in the Foltz settlement

5. Third Parties

Property owners of houses or event spaces
Bars or alcohol providers (under Texas dram shop laws)
Security companies or event organizers

Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys know how to identify all potentially liable parties.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Inform Texas Litigation

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)

Bid-acceptance night with extreme drinking
Severe falls captured on chapter security cameras
4-hour delay before calling 911
Outcome: 18 members charged with over 1,000 counts; Pennsylvania passed Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
Texas relevance: Shows how delayed medical response dramatically increases liability

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

Pledge forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
Outcome: $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Texas relevance: Demonstrates national organization liability even when they claim “rogue chapter”

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

“Bible study” drinking game—wrong answers = forced drinking
Died with 0.495% BAC (six times legal limit)
Outcome: Louisiana passed Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
Texas relevance: Shows how one case can drive legislative reform

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)

Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
Fatal traumatic brain injury
Outcome: National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Texas relevance: Off-campus retreats don’t eliminate liability

Severe Injury & Catastrophic Damage Pattern

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)

Forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol during “pledge dad reveal”
Suffered severe, permanent brain damage
Cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care
Outcome: Settlements with 22 defendants (confidential multi-million dollar amounts)
Texas relevance: Non-fatal injuries can result in lifetime care costs exceeding death cases

Athletic Program Hazing Pattern

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing within football program
Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
Head coach fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially
Texas relevance: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to high-profile athletic programs

What These Cases Mean for Dumas Families

Patterns repeat: The same scenarios—forced drinking, delayed medical care, cover-ups—occur nationwide
Settlements are substantial: $1M–$14M ranges for deaths; multi-million for catastrophic injuries
Legislative change follows tragedy: Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Ohio, Florida all strengthened laws after high-profile cases
Institutional accountability is possible: Universities and nationals can be held financially responsible

These national precedents directly inform how we approach Texas cases for families in Dumas and across the Panhandle.

Texas University Focus: Where Dumas Families Send Their Children

West Texas A&M University (Canyon, TX – 45 minutes from Dumas)

For Dumas families, West Texas A&M represents the closest major university option, with many Moore County students choosing this campus for its proximity and agricultural programs.

Campus & Greek Life Snapshot

Public university in Canyon, part of Texas A&M System
Active Greek community with fraternities and sororities
Strong agricultural and STEM programs attracting Panhandle students

Documented Hazing Concerns

While specific recent public incidents may be limited, the national patterns present at all universities with Greek life apply here. Notably, our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine shows registered Greek organizations in the Amarillo metro area (which includes Canyon), including:

Frank Heflin Foundation (EIN: 203507402) – Amarillo, TX 79015 – Phi Delta Theta alumni fund
Chi Omega – Upsilon Zeta Building Association (EIN: 752290669) – Amarillo, TX 79118
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Amarillo Alumnae – Graduate chapter in Amarillo
Kappa Alpha Order – Gamma Sigma Chapter – West Texas A&M University chapter

These organizations, like all Greek entities in Texas, operate within the same risk framework that has led to tragedies at other campuses.

What Dumas Families Should Know About WTAMU

Reporting channels: Dean of Students office, campus police, online reporting systems
Local jurisdiction: Randall County courts would handle criminal cases; civil cases might be filed in Potter or Randall County
Medical resources: Northwest Texas Healthcare System in Amarillo serves serious injuries
Practical advice: Dumas students attending WTAMU should understand that “closer to home” doesn’t mean immune from hazing risks

Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX – 2.5 hours from Dumas)

Many Dumas students choose Texas Tech for its stronger Greek presence and broader program offerings.

Campus Culture & Greek Landscape

Major public research university with extensive Greek system
Over 40 fraternities and sororities across multiple councils
Significant Panhandle student population

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine Data – Lubbock Metro

Our data shows 59 Greek-related organizations in the Lubbock metro area, including:

Texas Tech Chapter of Phi Delta Theta Housing – IRS and Cause IQ records
Kappa Alpha Order – Texas Tech (Gamma Chi Chapter) – Active chapter
Alpha Phi Omega – TTU Chapter – Service fraternity
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Texas Tech Health Sciences (EIN: 820644459) – Lubbock, TX 79430

Recent Concerns & Pattern Evidence

While specific major public incidents may be limited at Texas Tech, the national organizations present there have concerning histories:

Pi Kappa Alpha: National pattern of alcohol hazing deaths (Stone Foltz, David Bogenberger)
Sigma Alpha Epsilon: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide; lawsuits at other Texas campuses
Phi Delta Theta: Max Gruver death at LSU

For Dumas Families with Students at Texas Tech

Emergency planning: Know how to reach your student quickly (2.5-hour drive)
Medical resources: University Medical Center in Lubbock handles serious cases
Legal jurisdiction: Lubbock County courts; federal Western District of Texas
Evidence preservation: Critical due to distance—teach your student to document immediately

Texas A&M University (College Station, TX – 9 hours from Dumas)

Despite the distance, many Dumas students choose Texas A&M for its prestige, Corps of Cadets, and strong alumni network.

Unique Hazing Landscape: Greek Life + Corps of Cadets

Texas A&M presents dual risks: traditional Greek hazing AND Corps of Cadets hazing traditions.

Corps of Cadets Incidents:

2023 lawsuit alleging cadet was bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth
Allegations of simulated sexual acts, humiliation, and abuse
Texas relevance: Shows hazing extends beyond Greek organizations

Fraternity Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon lawsuit (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner causing chemical burns requiring skin grafts
Chapter suspended; lawsuit sought $1 million
Pattern evidence: SAE has multiple hazing deaths nationwide

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine Data – College Station Metro

42 Greek organizations in the Bryan-College Station metro, including:

Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon Chapter – Texas A&M chapter (Cause IQ listing)
Omega Psi Phi – Tau Tau Chapter – Texas A&M NPHC chapter
Beta Theta Pi – Eta Chapter House Corp. – Housing corporation
Delta Sigma Theta – Brazos Valley Alumnae – Graduate chapter

For Dumas Families with Aggie Students

Distance challenge: 9 hours means you can’t respond immediately to emergencies
Comprehensive documentation: Teach your student to document everything before you can arrive
Multiple reporting paths: Corps hazing vs. Greek hazing may involve different chains of command
Legal complexity: Brazos County jurisdiction; potential for both university and military-style discipline systems

University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX – 9 hours from Dumas)

UT Austin attracts Dumas students seeking flagship academic programs and vibrant campus life.

Transparency Leader: Public Hazing Violations Database

UT Austin maintains one of Texas’s most transparent hazing reporting systems at hazing.utexas.edu, showing:

Recent Sanctions Include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation
Texas Wranglers (spirit organization): Sanctioned for alcohol-related hazing
Multiple other organizations for forced workouts, humiliation, policy violations

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine Data – Austin Metro

154 Greek organizations in the Austin-Round Rock metro, including IRS-registered entities like:

Chi Omega Fraternity (EIN: 740555581) – Austin, TX 78705 – House corporation
Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi (EIN: 746047117) – Austin, TX 78705
Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp. – UT Austin house corporation (Cause IQ)
Delta Tau Delta – Gamma Iota Chapter – UT Austin chapter house (Cause IQ)

UT Austin’s National Organization Presence

The same organizations with national hazing histories operate at UT:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon: Facing lawsuit at UT for alleged assault causing fractured tibia, broken nose
Pi Kappa Alpha: Multiple deaths nationwide; sanctioned at UT in 2023
Beta Theta Pi: Timothy Piazza death at Penn State

For Dumas Families with Longhorn Students

Use the transparency: Check hazing.utexas.edu for organization histories
Documentation priority: Austin’s distance requires your student to self-document immediately
Medical resources: Dell Seton Medical Center at UT handles serious cases
Legal jurisdiction: Travis County courts; often favorable plaintiff venue

University of Houston (Houston, TX – 10+ hours from Dumas)

UH attracts Dumas students with its urban opportunities and specific program strengths.

Current Crisis: The Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi Case

We are actively litigating this case, so we can speak with particular authority:

The Incident (Fall 2025):

Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student, pledged Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter
Subjected to: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation (condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices)
Forced dress codes, overnight driving duties, weekly interrogations
Extreme physical hazing: sprints, bear crawls, lying in vomit-soaked grass
November 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
Medical outcome: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, 4-day hospitalization

Institutional Response:

November 6: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends chapter
November 14: Chapter votes to surrender charter
UH calls conduct “deeply disturbing,” promises disciplinary action
Lawsuit filed: $10 million against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, 13 individuals

Why This Matters for Dumas Families:

It’s current: Shows hazing is happening RIGHT NOW in Texas
Severity: Life-threatening kidney damage from physical hazing
Pattern: Same organization (Pi Kappa Phi) had Andrew Coffey death at FSU in 2017
Our direct involvement: We’re leading this litigation, proving our capability

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine Data – Houston Metro

188 Greek organizations in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro, including:

Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Houston alumni/house corp. (Cause IQ)
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae – Major graduate chapter
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Alpha Kappa Omega – Houston graduate chapter
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter – Houston undergrad chapter

Additional UH Greek Life Context

UH hosts chapters of organizations with national hazing histories:

Pi Kappa Alpha: Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green
Sigma Alpha Epsilon: Multiple deaths nationwide; Texas A&M chemical burns case
Phi Delta Theta: Max Gruver death at LSU
Pi Kappa Phi: Andrew Coffey death at FSU; current Bermudez case

For Dumas Families with Cougar Students

Distance is extreme: 10+ hours means immediate response is impossible
Teach evidence preservation: Your student MUST document everything immediately
Medical resources: Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center handles serious cases
Legal jurisdiction: Harris County courts (nation’s busiest civil docket)

Southern Methodist University (Dallas, TX – 6 hours from Dumas) & Baylor University (Waco, TX – 7 hours from Dumas)

While slightly closer than Austin or Houston, these private universities still present significant distance challenges for Dumas families.

SMU Context:

Private university with affluent student body
Kappa Alpha Order incident (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation; chapter suspended
Transparency challenge: Private schools have less public reporting than public universities

Baylor Context:

Private Christian university
Baseball hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following investigation
Historical context: Baylor’s prior scandals create complex institutional dynamics

For Dumas Families at Private Universities:

Different rules: Private schools have fewer public records requirements
Insurance dynamics: Different liability structures than public institutions
Legal strategies: May involve different approaches to discovery and evidence

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories Meet Texas Campuses

Why National Patterns Matter for Dumas Families

When a Texas chapter repeats behavior that caused deaths or injuries at other campuses, that pattern evidence becomes crucial for establishing:

Foreseeability: The national organization knew or should have known this could happen
Negligence: Failure to prevent predictable harm
Punitive damages: Reckless disregard for known dangers

Major Organizations with Documented Histories at Texas Schools

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / “Pike”)

National history: Stone Foltz death (Bowling Green, $10M settlement), David Bogenberger death (Northern Illinois, $14M settlement)
Texas presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Texas Tech, SMU, Baylor
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing nights

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / “SAE”)

National history: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide; eliminated pledge process in 2014 due to pattern
Texas incidents: Chemical burns case at Texas A&M ($1M lawsuit), assault case at UT Austin
Texas presence: Chapters at all major Texas universities

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

National history: Max Gruver death at LSU (led to felony hazing law)
Texas presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor
Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

National history: Andrew Coffey death at Florida State
Current Texas case: Our Leonel Bermudez lawsuit at UH
Pattern: Physical hazing, forced consumption, humiliation rituals

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ)

National history: Multiple hazing suspensions nationwide
Texas incident: SMU chapter suspended (2017) for paddling, forced drinking
Texas presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Texas Tech

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Track Organizational Networks

For Dumas families, understanding that fraternities and sororities operate through complex legal and financial structures is crucial. Our firm maintains a proprietary database tracking:

125+ Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Filings)
These are tax-exempt entities with Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), including:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN: 462267515) – Frisco, TX 75035
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (EIN: 746064445) – Nederland, TX 77627 – Epsilon Kappa Chapter
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter (EIN: 746084905) – Houston, TX 77204
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN: 741380362) – Fort Worth, TX 76147

1,423 Greek Organizations Across 25 Texas Metros (Cause IQ Data)

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington: 510 organizations
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land: 188 organizations
Austin-Round Rock: 154 organizations
San Antonio: 86 organizations
Lubbock: 59 organizations
College Station-Bryan: 42 organizations
Amarillo (including Canyon/WTAMU): 18 organizations

36 Cross-Validated Brand Overlaps
Organizations appearing in both IRS and Cause IQ data, proving we can track specific national brands across Texas.

What This Means for Your Case

When we take a hazing case for a Dumas family, we don’t start from zero. We already know:

The legal names and EINs of organizations involved
Their insurance structures and corporate relationships
Prior incidents within the same national brand
How to subpoena the right records from the right entities

This investigative depth is why families choose us—we uncover what organizations try to hide.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

Critical Evidence Categories for Dumas Families

1. Digital Communications (Most Important)

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack
Social media DMs: Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok
Recovery capability: Digital forensics can often retrieve deleted messages
Dumas-specific advice: Teach your student to screenshot BEFORE messages disappear

2. Photos & Videos

Content filmed during events (often shared in group chats)
Security/doorbell camera footage at houses
Preservation: Save to cloud storage immediately; don’t rely on phone storage

3. Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, tradition lists
Emails/texts about “what we’ll do to pledges”
National risk management policies (obtained via discovery)

4. University Records

Prior conduct files (obtained via subpoena or public records request)
Campus police incident reports
Clery Act reports showing pattern of incidents

5. Medical Documentation

ER records, hospitalization notes, surgery reports
Critical for Dumas families: If treated locally, get records from Moore County hospitals
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnosis)

6. Witness Testimony

Other pledges, members, roommates, RAs
Former members who quit or were expelled
Dumas angle: Fellow students from the Panhandle may be more willing to cooperate

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical bills (past and future)
Lost income/earning capacity
Educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Funeral/burial costs (in wrongful death cases)

Non-Economic Damages

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of companionship (for families in wrongful death)

Punitive Damages (When Available)

To punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
Available when defendants knew risks and proceeded anyway
Texas caps: Generally limited, but exceptions for intentional conduct

Sample Case Values for Context:

Stone Foltz death: $10 million total settlement
Max Gruver death: $6.1 million verdict (plus prior settlements)
Danny Santulli brain injury: Multi-million dollar settlements with 22 defendants
Sigma Chi severe injury: $10+ million settlement

Every case is different; these examples show ranges, not guarantees.

Insurance Coverage Strategies

Fraternities, sororities, and universities carry insurance—but insurers often fight coverage. Our unique advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows:

How insurers value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Their delay tactics and coverage exclusion arguments
How to counter lowball offers with evidence-based valuations
When to pursue bad faith claims against insurers

For Dumas families, this means we don’t just accept what insurers offer—we fight for what your case is actually worth.

The Statute of Limitations Clock

In Texas, you generally have 2 years from the date of injury or death to file suit. However:

The “discovery rule” may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately known
Fraudulent concealment by defendants may toll (pause) the clock
For Dumas families: Don’t wait “to see how the university handles it”—evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, memories fade

Practical Guides & FAQs for Dumas Families

For Parents: Warning Signs & Action Steps

Warning Signs Your Student Is Being Hazed:

Unexplained injuries (bruises, burns, fractures)
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Personality changes (anxiety, depression, withdrawal)
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Financial pressure (unexpected large expenses)
Academic decline (missing classes, dropping grades)

If You Suspect Hazing:

Talk openly but non-confrontationally: “I’m worried about you. Is anything happening that makes you uncomfortable?”
Document everything your child tells you (dates, times, details)
Preserve evidence they show you (screenshots, photos)
Seek medical attention for any injuries immediately
Contact an experienced hazing attorney before confronting the organization

Dealing with the University:

Document all communications (emails, calls, meetings)
Ask specifically about prior incidents involving the same organization
Don’t sign anything without legal review
Remember: The university’s interests may not align with your child’s wellbeing

For Students: Safety & Self-Advocacy

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

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

If You’re Being Hazed:

Your safety comes first: Leave dangerous situations immediately
Call 911 for medical emergencies: Good-faith reporter protections may apply
Document everything: Screenshots, photos, notes while memories are fresh
Tell someone: Trusted adult, RA, counselor, parent
Preserve evidence: Don’t delete messages, even if embarrassing

Exiting Safely:

You have the legal right to quit at any time
Send a clear written resignation (email/text for documentation)
Don’t go to “one last meeting” where pressure/retaliation might occur
Report any threats or harassment to campus authorities

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Evidence Disappear

Mistake: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble, so I’ll delete these messages”
Reality: Looks like a cover-up; makes case nearly impossible
Solution: Preserve EVERYTHING immediately

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

Mistake: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
Reality: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Solution: Document first, then call a lawyer

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

Mistake: Trusting the university’s “we’ll handle this internally”
Reality: You may waive legal rights; settlements are often minimal
Solution: Don’t sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media

Mistake: “I want people to know what happened”
Reality: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Solution: Document privately; let your lawyer control messaging

5. Waiting to See What Happens

Mistake: “Let’s see how the university handles it first”
Reality: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Solution: Consult a lawyer immediately

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity protections but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer protections. Every case depends on specific facts.

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

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

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but exceptions may apply. Time is critical—call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

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

“Will my child’s name be in the news?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize family privacy while pursuing accountability.

Why Dumas Families Choose Attorney911 for Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway.

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers value claims
Understands their delay tactics, coverage arguments, and settlement strategies
For Dumas families: We know their playbook because we used to run it

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello)

One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Not intimidated by national fraternities or university defense teams
For Dumas families: We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won

Current Texas Hazing Leadership

Actively litigating the Leonel Bermudez UH Pi Kappa Phi case right now
$10 million lawsuit against University of Houston and national fraternity
Firsthand experience with Texas hazing investigations in 2025

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
Collaboration with economists for lifetime care valuation
For Dumas families: We don’t settle cheap; we build cases that force accountability

Criminal + Civil Dual Capability

Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association
Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Investigative Depth

Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
Experience obtaining hidden evidence (group chats, chapter records, university files)
Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Proprietary database of 1,423 Greek organizations
For Dumas families: We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does

Our Approach to Hazing Cases

Immediate Evidence Preservation
- Digital forensics for deleted messages
- Subpoenas for organization records
- Witness interviews before memories fade
Comprehensive Defendant Identification
- Individuals who planned/participated
- Local chapter as entity
- National headquarters
- University and administrators
- Property owners and third parties
Damage Maximization Strategy
- Economic loss calculations (medical, earning capacity)
- Non-economic valuation (pain, trauma, humiliation)
- Punitive damage arguments when warranted
Privacy Protection
- Confidential settlement negotiations
- Sealed court records when possible
- Media management to protect your family

We Serve All of Texas, Including Dumas and the Panhandle

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas:

For Dumas families: We understand the unique challenges of distance from major universities
Local insight: We know the courts, hospitals, and resources in your region
Accessibility: Virtual consultations available; we come to you when needed
Spanish services: Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish (Se habla Español)

Call to Action: Your Next Steps as a Dumas Family

If Hazing Has Affected Your Family

Whether your child attends West Texas A&M in Canyon, Texas Tech in Lubbock, or any campus across Texas, you have rights. The organizations behind hazing—fraternities, sororities, universities—have powerful legal teams and insurance companies. You need experienced advocates who know how to fight them.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, you’ll receive:

Confidential listening: We’ll hear your story without judgment
Evidence review: We’ll examine what documentation you have
Legal options explained: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Realistic assessment: Timelines, challenges, potential outcomes
Cost transparency: Contingency fee basis—we don’t get paid unless we win
No pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

Contact Attorney911 Today

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

Serving Dumas, Moore County, and the Texas Panhandle

We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families in Dumas, Amarillo, Canyon, Hereford, Dalhart, and throughout the Panhandle region. Whether your child attends school nearby or hours away, you don’t have to face this alone.

The organizations responsible for hazing incidents count on families feeling overwhelmed, confused, and powerless. They rely on secrecy, institutional protection, and the passage of time to avoid accountability.

Don’t let them win.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a confidential consultation. Let us help you get answers, hold the right people accountable, and prevent this from happening to another family.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:

Evidence preservation using your phone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes that can ruin your case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website & Contact:

Main website: https://attorney911.com
Wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Ralph Manginello background: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
Lupe Peña background: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified Texas attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com