A Guide to Hazing Laws, Cases, and Accountability for Fort Stockton and West Texas Families

If you are a parent in Fort Stockton, the heart of Pecos County, the call you dread most may come from a university hours away. Your child’s voice is strained over the phone from their dorm at Texas A&M or their apartment near the University of Texas. They sound exhausted, secretive, or deeply ashamed. They talk about “mandatory” late-night meetings, “traditions” that involve humiliation, or an “accident” during a fraternity event. You feel a cold fear: is this hazing?

Right now, in Houston, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who was hazed by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. The allegations are horrific: forced consumption of food until vomiting, extreme physical workouts, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and carrying a degrading “pledge fanny pack.” This abuse caused Bermudez to develop rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure. He was hospitalized for four days and faces ongoing medical risk. This active $10 million lawsuit names the university, the national fraternity, its housing corporation, and 13 individual members.

This is not an isolated incident. It is proof of a dangerous, persistent culture that exists on campuses across Texas, including those where Fort Stockton families send their children. This guide is for you—parents, students, and community members in Fort Stockton, Iraan, McCamey, and across West Texas. We will explain what hazing really looks like today, the Texas laws designed to stop it, the national patterns that keep repeating, and what legal options exist for accountability and recovery.

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 and texts, photograph injuries, save physical items.
  • Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where).
  • Do NOT: Confront the organization, sign anything from the university or an insurance company, or post details on public social media.
• Contact an experienced hazing attorney. Evidence disappears fast. We can help preserve it and protect your rights. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, immediate consultation.

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025

Hazing is not just “boys will be boys” or harmless tradition. Under Texas law, it is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the physical or mental health of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation with a group. For Fort Stockton families, understanding the modern forms is critical, as many occur digitally and far from campus oversight.

The Three Tiers of Hazing:

1. Subtle Hazing: Behaviors that emphasize power imbalance. This includes being “on call” 24/7 for errands, mandatory chauffeur duty, enforced social isolation, or being given a derogatory nickname. It often seems harmless but sets the stage for worse abuse.
2. Harassment Hazing: Acts that cause emotional or physical distress. This includes sleep deprivation, forced consumption of unpleasant substances (like hot sauce or excessive milk), verbal abuse, “grilling” sessions, and calisthenics used as punishment (“smokings”).
3. Violent Hazing: Activities with high potential for injury or death. This is the forced drinking that killed Stone Foltz and Max Gruver, physical beatings with paddles, dangerous “retreat” rituals, sexualized acts, and extreme exposure to the elements.

The Digital Landscape: Today, hazing is coordinated and documented on phones. Pledges are forced to carry them for constant monitoring via GroupMe or WhatsApp, required to share live locations, and threatened with expulsion if they don’t respond instantly. Humiliation is broadcast on Instagram or Snapchat. Evidence is often in these digital threads, but it disappears with a few taps if not preserved immediately.

Texas Hazing Law and Liability: What Fort Stockton Families Need to Know

Texas has a strong legal framework against hazing, found in Chapter 37 of the Education Code. Understanding it is your first step toward accountability.

Key Texas Hazing Statutes:

• Definition (Sec. 37.151): Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, that endangers a student’s physical or mental health for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with any organization.
• Criminal Penalties (Sec. 37.152): Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor. It becomes a Class A misdemeanor if it causes bodily injury and a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death.
• Consent is NOT a Defense (Sec. 37.155): Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it is not a legal defense for the perpetrators. The law recognizes the coercive power of peer pressure.
• Immunity for Reporting (Sec. 37.154): A person who in good faith reports hazing is immune from civil or criminal liability. Many universities also have medical amnesty policies to encourage calling 911.

Civil Liability vs. Criminal Charges:
A criminal case is brought by the state to punish wrongdoing with jail or fines. A civil lawsuit is brought by the victim or family to recover damages and hold parties accountable. They can proceed simultaneously. A civil case does not require a criminal conviction. Our focus is on civil litigation, where we seek compensation for medical bills, trauma, and future care, while forcing institutional change.

Who Can Be Held Liable?
A thorough investigation identifies every responsible entity, which may include:

• Individuals: The members who planned, executed, or covered up the hazing.
• The Local Chapter: As an organized group.
• The National Headquarters: For failing to supervise, enforce policies, or for having prior knowledge of dangerous patterns.
• The University: For negligent supervision, deliberate indifference to known risks, or Title IX violations.
• Housing Corporations & Landlords: For allowing dangerous activities on their properties.

National Hazing Case Patterns: The Script That Repeats

The tragedy in Houston follows a national script. Knowing these patterns helps prove that injuries are foreseeable, not “accidents.”

The Alcohol Poisoning Script:

• Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021): Pledge forced to drink a bottle of liquor; died. $10 million+ in settlements.
• Max Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta, 2017): Pledge died after a “Bible study” drinking game. Led to Louisiana’s felony hazing law.
• Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi, 2017): Bid night drinking led to fatal falls; brothers delayed calling 911. Dozens faced charges.

The Physical Torture Script:

• Chun “Michael” Deng (Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi, 2013): Pledge died from traumatic brain injury after a blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat. The national fraternity was criminally convicted.
• Danny Santulli (Univ. of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta, 2021): Pledge suffered permanent brain damage from forced drinking. Settlements with 22 defendants.

The Athletic & Corps Hazing Script:

• Northwestern University Football (2023-2025): Widespread sexualized and racist hazing allegations led to a coaching dismissal and confidential settlements.
• These patterns show that national fraternities and universities have been on notice for decades. When a chapter at a Texas school repeats the same deadly conduct, it strengthens arguments for gross negligence and punitive damages.

Texas Universities: A Guide for Fort Stockton and West Texas Families

Fort Stockton students often attend schools across the state. The closest major university with Greek life is Sul Ross State University in Alpine, but many students head to larger institutions. Here’s what you need to know about the primary destinations.

Sul Ross State University & Regional Campuses

For many Fort Stockton and Pecos County families, Sul Ross State University in Alpine (Brewster County) is a primary local option. As a public university, it is governed by Texas hazing laws. Students may also attend Odessa College or The University of Texas Permian Basin in Odessa, or Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls. Each has student organizations bound by the same Texas statutes. Hazing at these schools would involve local law enforcement and county courts, but the legal principles remain consistent statewide.

Texas A&M University

Many Fort Stockton students are drawn to the tradition and network of Texas A&M in College Station.

• Culture & Risk: A&M has a massive Greek system and the revered Corps of Cadets. Both have documented hazing issues.
• Documented Incidents: In a 2021 lawsuit, Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) pledges alleged they were doused with substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts. In 2023, a Corps of Cadets member sued, alleging degrading hazing including being bound in a “roasted pig” position.
• Legal Pathway: Cases may involve the University Police Department, Brazos County courts, and can target both the student organization and the university itself for negligent supervision of known risky traditions.

University of Texas at Austin

UT Austin is another top destination, with a highly transparent hazing violation log.

• Public Accountability: UT posts organizational hazing violations online. Recent entries include Pi Kappa Alpha for forced milk consumption and strenuous calisthenics, and spirit groups for alcohol-related hazing.
• Legal Advantage: This public record is powerful evidence in civil suits, demonstrating prior knowledge and pattern.
• Jurisdiction: Cases would involve Austin Police, UTPD, and Travis County courts.

University of Houston

The UH case we are actively litigating is a stark lesson.

• The Bermudez Case: As detailed, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter’s alleged actions caused life-threatening kidney injury. The chapter was swiftly shut down.
• The Environment: UH’s large, urban Greek life system has seen prior incidents, including a Pi Kappa Alpha case in 2016 where a pledge suffered a lacerated spleen.
• Takeaway: Even when a university acts post-incident, it does not erase its potential liability for failing to prevent known dangers.

Southern Methodist University & Baylor University

These private institutions have their own histories.

• SMU: A 2017 Kappa Alpha Order incident involved paddling and forced drinking, leading to suspension.
• Baylor: Faced a baseball team hazing scandal in 2020 resulting in player suspensions, amid the university’s broader cultural reckoning.
• Key Difference: As private entities, they have fewer sovereign immunity protections than public schools, but they also control internal information more tightly.

Fraternities, Sororities, and Their National Histories

When hazing occurs, it is rarely the first time for that national organization. This “pattern evidence” is crucial for holding headquarters accountable. Below is a snapshot of the interconnected Greek ecosystem in Texas, drawn from public records. This is the type of data we use to build cases.

Public Records Directory: Greek Organizations Serving Texas Families

Our firm maintains a Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, built from IRS filings, university data, and public records. This allows us to immediately identify the legal entities behind a fraternity’s letters. For a family in Fort Stockton, this means we don’t start from zero. Here are examples of registered Texas organizations:

• Frank Heflin Foundation, EIN 20-3507402, Canyon, TX 79015. (IRS B83 filing – Phi Delta Theta alumni fund).
• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc, EIN 13-3048786, 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845.
• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, EIN 46-2267515, 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035.
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, EIN 36-4091267, 1101 Melrose Dr, Waco, TX 76710.
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc, EIN 74-1380362, PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147.
• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc, EIN 47-5370943, 5019 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX 77204.
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, EIN 26-3170920, 411 Texas St Rm 219, Denton, TX 76204.
• Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, EIN 74-6064445, 1855 Highway 69 N, Nederland, TX 77627.

These are not accusations, but illustrations of the complex, legally-registered network behind campus Greek life. When injury occurs, we investigate every link in this chain—undergrad chapters, alumni housing corporations, national foundations—to identify all sources of liability and insurance.

National Patterns = Foreseeability:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): National settled for millions in the Stone Foltz death after a long history of alcohol hazing.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): Has faced lawsuits from Alabama to Texas A&M for traumatic brain injury, burns, and assault.
• Phi Delta Theta: The Max Gruver death in Louisiana exemplifies its known risks.
• Pi Kappa Phi: The Andrew Coffey death at Florida State and our UH case show a dangerous pattern.

When a Texas chapter repeats these known, dangerous scripts, it demonstrates the national organization failed in its duty to supervise and prevent foreseeable harm.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages

If your family is facing this crisis, know that a successful case is built on swift, meticulous action and strategic depth.

Critical Evidence to Preserve:

• Digital Communications: Screenshot ALL group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage), social media DMs, and emails. Do not delete anything.
• Photos/Videos: Of injuries, locations, and any objects used. Take photos over days to show injury progression.
• Medical Records: Go to the ER or a doctor immediately and state you were hazed. This creates a crucial link in the medical record.
• Witness Information: Names and contact info for other pledges, roommates, or bystanders.
• Physical Evidence: Save clothing, receipts, or paraphernalia.

Our Investigative & Strategic Advantage:

1. Insurance Insider Knowledge: Our attorney, Mr. Lupe Peña, spent years as a defense attorney for large insurance companies. He knows how fraternity and university insurers fight claims, deny coverage, and undervalue injuries. We use their playbook against them.
2. Complex Litigation Experience: Managing partner Ralph Manginello was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation. We are not intimidated by billion-dollar institutions or their legal teams. We know how to manage massive discovery and expert testimony.
3. Data-Driven Investigation: We use our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine to map the entire organizational structure behind a chapter, identifying every potential defendant and insurance policy from day one.
4. Dual Civil/Criminal Insight: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand the interplay between criminal hazing charges and civil lawsuits, allowing us to best advise families and witnesses.

Damages in a Hazing Case:
Recovery is about making the victim whole and demanding accountability. It can include:

• Economic Damages: All medical bills (ER, hospital, surgery, therapy), future medical care, lost wages, and diminished future earning capacity.
• Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD, humiliation, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Wrongful Death Damages: In tragic cases, funeral costs, loss of financial support, and loss of love, companionship, and guidance for the family.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme recklessness or cover-ups, to punish the defendants and deter future conduct.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Fort Stockton Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Steps

Watch for: Unexplained injuries, extreme fatigue, personality changes, sudden secrecy, anxiety about phone notifications, withdrawal from old friends, declining grades, or unexplained expenses.
If you suspect hazing: Talk calmly and supportively. Prioritize safety. If there is injury, seek medical care immediately. Then, preserve evidence and contact a lawyer before reporting to the university or confronting the organization. We can help you navigate the process to protect your child’s rights and the integrity of the evidence.

For Students: Your Rights and Safety

• You have the right to be safe. “Tradition” is not an excuse for abuse.
• Consent is not a defense for them. You cannot truly consent under coercion.
• If you are in danger, call 911. Texas law and most school policies offer amnesty for those seeking help in an emergency.
• Preserve evidence. Screenshot, photograph, and save everything. Tell a trusted adult.

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin a Case

1. Deleting digital evidence. This is the #1 mistake. Preservation is key.
2. Confronting the organization directly. This triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching.
3. Signing university-offered settlements without legal advice. These often waive your rights for minimal compensation.
4. Posting on social media. Defense attorneys will scour and use your posts against you.
5. Waiting to see what the university does. Evidence disappears, witnesses scatter, and deadlines pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?
A: Yes. While public universities have some sovereign immunity, exceptions exist for gross negligence, intentional acts, and Title IX violations. We investigate to build the strongest case for overcoming these defenses.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of injury. However, complexities can affect this. Do not wait. Call us immediately to protect your rights.

Q: What if it happened off-campus at a rented house?
A: Location does not matter. Liability is based on the organization’s sponsorship, control, and knowledge of the event. Some of the most severe cases have occurred at off-campus retreats and houses.

Q: Will our name be public?
A: We prioritize your family’s privacy. Many cases settle confidentially before a public filing is necessary. We will discuss all options with you.

Why Attorney911 for Your Fort Stockton Hazing Case

When your family faces the aftermath of hazing, you need more than a lawyer; you need advocates who understand the institutional battlefield. From our Houston office, we serve families across Texas, including Fort Stockton, Pecos County, and all of West Texas.

Our Proven Advantage for Hazing Cases:

• Insider Knowledge of Insurance Defense: Mr. Lupe Peña knows how national fraternity and university insurance companies operate because he used to defend them. We anticipate their tactics on coverage, valuation, and delay.
• Experience Against Goliaths: Our work on the BP Texas City explosion litigation proved we can face the deepest-pocketed, most complex institutional defendants and win.
• A Data-First Investigation: We don’t start from scratch. We use our proprietary Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine to map liability from the local chapter to the national headquarters, identifying all potential sources of recovery.
• Compassionate, Client-Focused Advocacy: We guide you through this trauma with clarity and respect. We fight not just for compensation, but for the accountability that can prevent the next tragedy.

Call to Action: Fort Stockton, You Are Not Alone

If hazing has hurt your child at Sul Ross, Texas A&M, UT, UH, or any Texas campus, you have the right to answers and accountability. The path forward begins with a confidential conversation.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911) for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will:

• Listen to your story with compassion and without judgment.
• Review any evidence you have gathered.
• Explain your family’s legal options under Texas law.
• Discuss our investigative strategy and what you can expect.
• Answer all your questions about the process and our contingency-fee structure (you pay nothing unless we win).

Hablamos Español. Mr. Peña provides fluent Spanish-language legal services.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). You can also reach us directly at (713) 528-9070, by cell at (713) 443-4781, or via email at ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com.

Visit our website at https://attorney911.com to learn more about our practice.

Do not let fear, shame, or powerful institutions silence you. Stand up for your child. Let us help you build a case for justice.

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