Hazing Lawsuits & Campus Abuse in Texas: A Complete Guide for Follett Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You’re Not Alone—And You Have Rights

We understand the quiet fear that can settle over a home in Follett when a phone call comes from college. Your child’s voice sounds different—exhausted, secretive, or deeply shaken. They talk about “mandatory” events that keep them out until 3 a.m., mention bruises with vague explanations, or suddenly withdraw from the family. For parents in Follett, Perryton, Higgins, and across Lipscomb County, the dream of your child’s college experience can collide with the hidden reality of campus hazing.

Right now, we are actively fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas. In late 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who was hazed by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. The alleged abuse—which included forced consumption of food until vomiting, extreme physical workouts, humiliation with a “pledge fanny pack,” and being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”—left Leonel with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown, he was hospitalized for four days, and he faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. The Pi Kappa Phi chapter has been shut down, and the University of Houston has called the conduct “deeply disturbing.” This case, unfolding just hours from Follett in Harris County, is proof that severe, life-altering hazing is happening at Texas universities right now.

This guide is for you—the parents, grandparents, and families in Follett and the wider Texas Panhandle. Whether your child attends West Texas A&M in nearby Canyon, Texas Tech in Lubbock, or any of the major state universities, you deserve to know the truth about hazing, your legal rights under Texas law, and how to protect your child. We’ll explain what modern hazing really looks like, break down the legal framework, and show you how our firm uses a powerful data-driven strategy to hold fraternities, sororities, and universities accountable.

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:

1. Get Medical Attention: Even if your child insists they are “fine,” have them evaluated. Conditions like rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) or internal injuries may not be immediately apparent.
2. Preserve Evidence BEFORE It’s Deleted:
   • Screenshot all group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage), texts, and social media DMs.
   • Photograph injuries from multiple angles with good lighting.
   • Save any physical items (torn clothing, paddles, receipts for alcohol).
3. Write Everything Down: Record who, what, when, and where while memories are fresh. Note names of members, locations, and what was said.
4. DO NOT:
   • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or team directly.
   • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company.
   • Post details on public social media.
   • Allow your child to delete messages or “clean up” evidence.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours. Evidence disappears rapidly. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

Hazing is not just “boys being boys” or harmless tradition. Under Texas law, it is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership. For Follett families, understanding the modern forms of hazing is critical because the tactics have evolved to avoid detection.

The Three Tiers of Hazing

1. Subtle Hazing: Behaviors that emphasize power imbalance and feel “mandatory.” This includes being a 24/7 designated driver for older members, forced cleaning duties, carrying a “pledge book” at all times, answering only to derogatory nicknames, social isolation from non-members, and sleep deprivation via late-night “meetings.”

2. Harassment Hazing: Conduct that causes emotional or physical discomfort. This encompasses verbal abuse and intimidation, forced consumption of unpalatable substances (like hot sauce, raw eggs, or excessive milk), “lineups” for interrogation, prolonged calisthenics (“smokings”), public humiliation, and being subjected to harsh elements.

3. Violent Hazing: Activities with a high potential for serious injury or death. This is the most dangerous tier and includes:

   • Forced/Coerced Alcohol Consumption: “Big/Little” nights, “family tree” drinking games, keg stands, or chugging contests.
   • Physical Assault: Paddling, beating, branding, or dangerous “rituals” like blindfolded tackles.
   • Sexualized Hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, or sexual assault.
   • Kidnapping & Restraint: Being tied up, blindfolded, or transported to remote locations.

The Digital Dimension of Modern Hazing

Today, much of the coercion and evidence lives on smartphones. Hazing now includes:

• 24/7 Digital Control: Pledges required to respond instantly to GroupMe or WhatsApp messages at all hours. Failure results in punishment.
• Geo-Tracking: Being forced to share live location via Find My Friends or Snapchat Map.
• Social Media Humiliation: Being coerced into posting embarrassing TikToks or Instagram stories.
• Evidence Creation & Destruction: Hazing is often filmed for the group’s private amusement, with members later coached to delete the evidence if allegations surface.

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

Texas has specific laws governing hazing, primarily found in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. Understanding this framework is the first step toward accountability.

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law

• Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing that does not cause injury (up to 180 days in jail, $2,000 fine).
• Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing that causes injury requiring medical treatment.
• State Jail Felony: Hazing that causes serious bodily injury or death.
• Key Provision: § 37.155 – Consent is NOT a Defense. It does not matter if your child “agreed” to participate. The law recognizes the power imbalance and coercion inherent in hazing.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Lawsuit?

A hazing injury or death can lead to a civil lawsuit for damages. Potential defendants include:

1. The Individuals: The fraternity brothers, sorority sisters, or team members who planned, carried out, or witnessed the abuse.
2. The Local Chapter: The fraternity or sorority chapter as an entity, if it is incorporated.
3. The National Organization: The fraternity or sorority’s national headquarters, which may be liable for negligent supervision, failure to enforce policies, or having prior knowledge of a dangerous chapter culture.
4. The University: Public universities like Texas A&M or Texas Tech have limited sovereign immunity, but can be sued for gross negligence or under certain exceptions. Private universities like Baylor or SMU have fewer immunity protections. Liability may turn on what the university knew and failed to address.
5. Third Parties: Property owners of off-campus houses, landlords, or alcohol providers.

The Federal Overlay: Title IX, Clery, and the Stop Campus Hazing Act

• Title IX: If hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, it triggers the university’s Title IX obligations for investigation and response.
• Clery Act: Requires universities to report certain crimes, including aggravated assault and liquor law violations, which often accompany hazing.
• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal funds to publish more transparent hazing data and strengthen prevention programs by 2026.

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

To understand the severity and legal complexity of a modern hazing case, Follett families should look to the active litigation we are leading in Houston. This case embodies the patterns we see statewide.

The Victim: Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student who accepted a bid to Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter at UH in Fall 2025.

The Hazing Conduct (as alleged in the lawsuit):

• Humiliation & Control: A “pledge fanny pack” rule requiring constant carry of condoms, a sex toy, and nicotine devices.
• Forced Labor: Mandatory overnight chauffeuring, hours-long “study blocks,” and weekly interviews.
• Physical & Psychological Abuse:
  • Sprints, bear crawls, and wheelbarrow races at Yellowstone Boulevard Park.
  • Cold-weather exposure in underwear, lying in vomit-soaked grass.
  • Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.”
  • Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by immediate sprints.
  • A November 3 “workout” of 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion.

The Medical Catastrophe: Bermudez developed exertional rhabdomyolysis, causing acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, could not stand, and was hospitalized for four days with critically elevated creatine kinase levels.

The Legal Action: We filed a $10 million lawsuit in Harris County. Defendants include:

• The University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents
• Pi Kappa Phi National Fraternity
• The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Housing Corporation
• 13 individual fraternity leaders (chapter president, pledgemaster, risk manager, etc.)

The Aftermath: Pi Kappa Phi National suspended the chapter on November 6, 2025. On November 14, chapter members voted to surrender their charter, shutting it down. UH called the allegations “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary action and cooperation with law enforcement.

This case is not an anomaly. It is a template for how hazing operates at Texas universities and how our firm builds a powerful case using meticulous evidence, medical documentation, and deep investigation into every responsible entity.

Where Follett Families Send Their Kids: The Texas University Landscape

Parents in Follett and the Texas Panhandle often have children at a mix of regional and flagship universities. Each campus has its own Greek life ecosystem and hazing history.

Regional & Panhandle Universities

• West Texas A&M University (Canyon, TX): Just over an hour from Follett. A key destination for Panhandle students. Home to Greek chapters like Kappa Sigma, Chi Omega, and Alpha Tau Omega.
• Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX): A major research university with a large Greek system, including over 40 fraternities and sororities. A common choice for students from across the region.
• Amarillo College & Other Community Colleges: Many students begin their higher education locally before transferring.

Major Texas University Hubs

Follett families also send students to the state’s largest universities, where Greek life is prominent and hazing incidents are publicly documented.

1. University of Houston (UH)

• Recent Major Case: The Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi case detailed above.
• Campus Transparency: UH maintains hazing policies and reporting channels through the Dean of Students and UHPD.
• For Follett Families: A Houston hazing case would involve Harris County courts and potentially the Houston Police Department.

2. Texas A&M University (College Station)

• Notable Incidents: Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) faced a 2021 lawsuit where pledges alleged being doused with industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts. The Corps of Cadets has also faced hazing allegations, including a 2023 lawsuit alleging degrading “roasted pig” style bindings.
• Unique Culture: The Corps of Cadets presents distinct hazing risks alongside traditional Greek life.
• For Follett Families: Texas A&M cases fall under Brazos County jurisdiction.

3. University of Texas at Austin (UT)

• Public Transparency: UT maintains a public “Hazing Violations” log. Recent entries include Pi Kappa Alpha (2023) for forcing new members to consume milk and perform extreme calisthenics.
• Legal Venue: Civil suits are typically filed in Travis County courts.

4. Texas Tech University (Lubbock)

• Proximity to Follett: Many Panhandle families have direct ties to Texas Tech.
• Greek Life Scope: A large, active Greek community. Hazing incidents, when they occur, would be investigated by Lubbock PD and Texas Tech University Police.
• Jurisdiction: Lubbock County courts.

5. Baylor University (Waco) & Southern Methodist University (Dallas)

• Private Institutions: As private universities, they have different liability structures than public schools.
• Documented Issues: Both have faced hazing allegations within Greek chapters and athletic teams over the years.

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Follett Families

As part of our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain and analyze public data on Greek organizations across the state. This database allows us to immediately identify the legal entities behind a fraternity’s letters—a critical first step in building a case. Below is a sample of the types of organizations we track. These are public records from IRS filings and other sources.

This directory illustrates the complex network of organizations that may share liability in a hazing case. For families in Follett, it shows that behind every fraternity chapter are legal entities with names, Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), and addresses that can be held accountable.

Texas-Wide Greek Organization Snapshot (Sample from Public Records)

• Frank Heflin Foundation, EIN 20-3507402, Canyon, TX 79015. (Phi Delta Theta alumni fund connected to West Texas A&M).
• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc, EIN 13-3048786, College Station, TX 77845.
• Chi Omega Fraternity, EIN 74-0555581, Austin, TX 78705 (Chi Omega house corporation).
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, EIN 36-4091267, Waco, TX 76710.
• Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, EIN 74-6064445, Nederland, TX 77627 (Epsilon Kappa Chapter alumni).
• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, EIN 46-2267515, Frisco, TX 75035.
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc, EIN 74-1380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147.
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, EIN 90-0293166, College Station, TX 77843 (Texas A&M University chapter).

Why This Matters: When hazing occurs, insurance coverage and assets are often held by these separate legal entities (housing corporations, alumni associations, educational foundations). Our investigative process starts by mapping this exact network so no responsible party escapes scrutiny.

Building a Powerful Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Damages

Fighting a hazing case against a national fraternity or a large university requires a strategic, evidence-driven approach. We draw on our experience from complex litigation like the BP Texas City explosion cases to methodically build leverage.

The Evidence That Wins Cases

1. Digital Communications: GroupMe, WhatsApp, and text message threads showing planning, coercion, and boasting about hazing activities. We work with digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages.
2. Photographic & Video Evidence: Photos and videos of injuries, hazing events, or the aftermath, often shared within private social media groups.
3. Medical Records: Documentation from ER visits, hospitalizations, and follow-up care that directly links injuries to hazing events. This is crucial for proving causation.
4. Internal Fraternity/University Records: Through the discovery process, we subpoena national fraternity files showing prior incident reports, risk management manuals, and communications that demonstrate knowledge of a problem chapter.
5. Witness Testimony: Other pledges, former members, roommates, and sometimes remorseful active members can provide critical testimony.

Understanding Damages: What Can Be Recovered

In a civil lawsuit, the goal is to make the victim whole and hold defendants accountable. Recoverable damages include:

• Economic Damages: All past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity if injuries are permanent.
• Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for physical pain, emotional suffering, trauma, humiliation, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Wrongful Death Damages (in fatal cases): Funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship for the family.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious conduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish the defendant and deter future behavior.

Our Strategic Advantage: Insurance Insider Knowledge

A critical battleground in hazing cases is insurance. Fraternities and universities have complex insurance policies, and their insurers often look for ways to deny coverage. Our associate attorney, Mr. Lupe Peña (he/him), spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows the exact tactics insurers use to undervalue or deny claims. This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating settlements or fighting coverage disputes.

Practical Guide for Follett Parents & Students

For Parents: Warning Signs & Immediate Steps

Red Flags Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns.
• Extreme fatigue and sleep deprivation.
• Sudden withdrawal from family and old friends.
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, or irritability.
• Secretive behavior about organizational activities.
• Constant, anxious phone use related to group chats.
• Requests for large sums of money with vague explanations.

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing:

1. Talk Openly: Create a non-judgmental space. Say, “I’m worried about you. Is anything happening that feels unsafe or forced?”
2. Prioritize Safety & Health: If there are any injuries, seek medical care immediately and tell the doctor about the suspected hazing.
3. Preserve Evidence: Help your child screenshot messages and photograph injuries. Store this evidence safely.
4. Contact an Attorney Before Reporting: Once you involve the university or police, the organization may circle the wagons. A lawyer can help you navigate reporting in a way that protects your child’s rights and preserves evidence.
5. Document Everything: Keep a log of conversations, symptoms, and names.

For Students: Your Rights & How to Exit Safely

• You Have the Right to Be Safe: No tradition is worth your life or permanent health.
• “Consent” is Not a Defense in Texas: You cannot legally agree to be assaulted or endangered.
• How to Exit: You can resign your pledge or membership at any time. Send a brief, clear email or text to the chapter president. Do not attend a “final meeting” where you could be pressured or threatened.
• Reporting: You can report anonymously through campus channels or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE). If you fear retaliation, document it and contact an attorney.

Critical Mistakes That Can Harm Your Case

• Deleting Evidence: Never delete group chats, texts, or photos.
• Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly: This gives them a heads-up to destroy evidence and lawyer up.
• Signing University Paperwork Without Legal Advice: Schools may offer a quick “internal resolution” that asks you to waive your right to sue.
• Posting on Social Media: Defense attorneys monitor everything. Keep details private.
• Waiting Too Long: Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Evidence and memories fade.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Hazing Case?

When your family is in crisis, you need more than a generic personal injury firm. You need advocates who understand the unique landscape of campus hazing, institutional cover-ups, and high-stakes litigation against well-funded defendants.

Our Proven Strengths for Hazing Cases:

1. Active, High-Stakes Litigation Experience: We are not theorists. We are currently leading the Leonel Bermudez $10M hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi. This is not a past case—it’s our present work, demonstrating our commitment and capability right now.

2. The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: We don’t start from scratch. We maintain a proprietary database of over 1,400 Greek organizations in Texas, tracking their legal entities, EINs, and relationships. This allows us to immediately identify every potentially liable party in your case.

3. Insurance Insider Knowledge: Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney is a game-changer. He knows how fraternity and university insurers value claims, fight coverage, and deploy delay tactics. We use this knowledge to counter their strategies and maximize your recovery.

4. Complex Institutional Litigation Pedigree: Managing Partner Ralph Manginello’s experience in the BP Texas City explosion litigation proves our firm can stand against billion-dollar defendants with deep-pocketed legal teams. Universities and national fraternities employ similar tactics; we are not intimidated.

5. Dual Civil & Criminal Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand the interplay between criminal hazing charges and civil lawsuits. We can advise on all fronts.

6. Spanish-Language Services: Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish. We are committed to serving the diverse families of Texas.

7. Contingency Fee Basis: You pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. We invest our resources into investigating and litigating because we believe in your case.

Free & Confidential Consultation for Follett Families

If hazing has impacted your family, you do not have to navigate this alone. The path to accountability and healing begins with a conversation.

We offer a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation. During this meeting, we will:

• Listen compassionately to your story.
• Review any evidence you have gathered.
• Explain your legal rights and options under Texas law.
• Outline the investigation process and potential strategies.
• Answer all your questions about timelines, costs, and what to expect.

You are not just a case number to us. We understand the profound betrayal and trauma that hazing causes. Our mission is to secure justice for your family and, wherever possible, force the institutional changes that will protect future students from suffering the same harm.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911 Today

Call our Legal Emergency Lawyers™ 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

Direct Line: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781

Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com

Website: https://attorney911.com

Hablamos Español. Contact Mr. Lupe Peña for consultation in Spanish.

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)
Website: https://attorney911.com