The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits & Campus Accountability for Haskell, Texas Families

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

Imagine your child, a freshman at a Texas university, excitedly joins a fraternity or sorority. What starts as bonding and tradition slowly shifts. They’re coming home exhausted with unexplained bruises. Their phone constantly buzzes with group chat demands at all hours. They’re missing classes to attend “mandatory” late-night events. Then comes the call no parent wants: your child is in the emergency room with alcohol poisoning, severe muscle breakdown, or worse.

For families right here in Haskell, Texas, this nightmare became reality for the Bermudez family in 2025. Their son, Leonel Bermudez, nearly lost his kidneys after being hazed at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter. His story—and the $10 million lawsuit we filed on his behalf—proves that catastrophic hazing isn’t just something that happens elsewhere. It’s happening at Texas universities where Haskell students enroll, and it requires immediate, serious legal action.

This comprehensive guide explains exactly what hazing looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects victims, and what Haskell families can do if their child has been harmed by fraternity, sorority, Corps, athletic, or campus organization hazing.

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

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

Hazing has evolved far beyond “pranks” or “initiation rituals.” For Haskell families with children at Texas universities, understanding modern hazing methods is crucial for recognizing danger signs early.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Tradition”)

• Digital control: Constant group chat monitoring, required immediate responses at all hours, location sharing demands
• Servitude requirements: Acting as 24/7 designated drivers, cleaning members’ rooms, running personal errands
• Social isolation: Cutting off contact with non-members, requiring permission for outside socializing
• Humiliating rules: Answering to derogatory nicknames, carrying “pledge fanny packs” with embarrassing contents

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Creates Hostile Environment)

• Sleep deprivation: Late-night “meetings,” 3 AM wake-up calls, multi-day events with minimal rest
• Forced consumption: Eating spoiled food, excessive amounts of bland substances (milk, bread), hot sauce challenges
• Extreme physical demands: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, forced runs
• Public humiliation: Embarrassing performances in public, “roasting” sessions, forced costume wearing

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (High Risk of Injury or Death)

• Forced alcohol consumption: “Lineup” drinking games, Big/Little nights with handles of liquor, chugging competitions
• Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, kicking, “branding” with burns or cuts
• Dangerous tests: Blindfolded tackle rituals (“glass ceiling”), forced fights, swimming while intoxicated
• Sexualized hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault or coercion
• Chemical exposure: Industrial cleaners poured on skin causing burns, forced ingestion of harmful substances

The Leonel Bermudez Case: A Haskell-Family Wake-Up Call

Right now, we’re fighting one of Texas’s most severe hazing cases at the University of Houston. Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student, nearly died from kidney failure after Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter allegedly subjected him to:

• “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation: Required to carry condoms, sex toys, and nicotine devices 24/7
• Physical torture: Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races in vomit-soaked grass
• Simulated waterboarding: Sprayed in face with hose “similar to waterboarding”
• Forced consumption: Made to drink milk, eat hot dogs and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediate sprints
• Extreme workouts: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion

The result? Rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown), acute kidney failure, brown urine, and four days of hospitalization. The chapter was suspended and surrendered its charter, but the permanent kidney damage risk remains.

This isn’t an isolated incident. It’s what happens when hazing culture goes unchecked at Texas universities where Haskell students enroll.

Texas Hazing Law: What Haskell Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Child’s Legal Protection

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws that protect students at both public and private institutions. For Haskell families, understanding these laws is critical:

§ 37.151 Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student that:

• Endangers mental or physical health or safety AND
• Occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, or membership

Key protections for Haskell families:

• Location doesn’t matter: On-campus, off-campus, at retreats – all covered
• “Consent is NOT a defense” (§ 37.155): Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still illegal
• Criminal penalties: Class B misdemeanor normally, but state jail felony if serious bodily injury or death occurs
• Organizational liability: Fraternities/sororities can be fined up to $10,000 per violation
• Good-faith reporting immunity (§ 37.154): Protects those who report or call 911

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases (State Brings Charges)

• Purpose: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Jurisdiction: Local police (Haskell County Sheriff, campus police, city PD where incident occurred)
• Limitation: Criminal conviction doesn’t compensate your family for medical bills, trauma, or lost education

Civil Lawsuits (Your Family Seeks Justice)

• Purpose: Compensation and accountability through financial recovery
• Claims: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision
• Defendants: Individuals, local chapters, national organizations, universities, property owners
• Advantage: Can proceed even without criminal charges; uncovers institutional knowledge and patterns

Federal Overlay: Additional Protections

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently and maintain public data by 2026
• Title IX: Applies when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
• Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain crimes; hazing often overlaps with assault/alcohol offenses

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat at Texas Universities

Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: The Deadliest Script

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

• Bid-acceptance night with extreme drinking
• Hours delayed before calling 911 despite severe falls captured on chapter cameras
• Result: 18 members charged with 1,000+ criminal counts; Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law

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

• Forced to drink nearly entire bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” event
• Died from alcohol poisoning
• Result: $10 million settlement ($7M from national Pike, ~$3M from BGSU); chapter president personally ordered to pay $6.5 million

Why this matters for Haskell families: The same “Big/Little” drinking scripts that killed Stone Foltz are used by Pi Kappa Alpha chapters at Texas universities. National patterns create legal “foreseeability” – they knew or should have known this would happen.

Physical Hazing Pattern: From “Traditions” to Trauma

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

• Blindfolded, weighted down, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat
• Fatal head injuries; delayed medical care
• Result: National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

Why this matters for Haskell families: Off-campus retreats to rural areas (common in Texas) are chosen specifically to avoid detection. Distance from campus doesn’t eliminate liability.

Athletic Hazing Pattern: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

• Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within program
• Result: Multiple lawsuits, head coach fired, confidential settlements
• Takeaway: Hazing isn’t limited to fraternities; athletic programs with Haskell recruits can harbor systemic abuse

Texas Universities: Where Haskell Students Face Hazing Risks

Geographic Reality for Haskell Families

Students from Haskell County attend universities across Texas, creating multiple risk points:

Local/Regional Campuses Haskell Students Attend:

• Texas Tech University (Lubbock County) – 142 miles from Haskell
• West Texas A&M University (Randall County) – 156 miles from Haskell
• Midwestern State University (Wichita County) – 114 miles from Haskell
• Abilene Christian University (Taylor County) – 120 miles from Haskell
• Hardin-Simmons University (Taylor County) – 120 miles from Haskell

Major Statewide Hubs Haskell Families Choose:

• University of Texas at Austin (Travis County)
• Texas A&M University (Brazos County)
• University of Houston (Harris County)
• Baylor University (McLennan County)
• Texas State University (Hays County)

Public Records: The Greek Organizations Behind Texas Campuses

At Attorney911, we maintain a Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracking 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 metros. For Haskell families, this means we already know the entities behind campus letters:

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Samples):

• Sigma Phi Lambda Inc, EIN 201237505, Corinth, TX 76210 (Beta Chapter)
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, EIN 237279532, Prairie View, TX 77446
• Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity, EIN 262025321, Denton, TX 76201 (Mu Gamma Chapter)
• Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation, EIN 371768785, Missouri City, TX 77459
• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035
• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc, EIN 475370943, Houston, TX 77204 (Theta Delta)
• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter, EIN 746084905, Houston, TX 77204
• Kappa Sigma Fraternity, EIN 756067776, Fort Worth, TX 76109 (Theta Chapter)
• Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, EIN 900927378, San Antonio, TX 78249 (Texas Xi)
• Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity Texas Gamma Chapter, EIN 911981478, Fort Worth, TX 76109

Metro Organizations Affecting Haskell Region:

• Amarillo Metro (18 Greek organizations): Frank Heflin Foundation (Phi Delta Theta alumni), Chi Omega Upsilon Zeta Building Association
• Abilene Metro (9 organizations): Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – TTU Health Sci., Delta Kappa Gamma Society chapters
• Lubbock Metro (59 organizations): Texas Tech Chapter of Phi Delta Theta Housing, Kappa Alpha Order – Texas Tech
• Wichita Falls Metro (13 organizations): Sigma Kappa Sorority – Gamma Phi Chapter Association, Tau Kappa Epsilon – MSU Texas Chapter

University-Specific Hazing Realities

Texas Tech University (Common Choice for Haskell Students)

• Greek Life Reality: 30+ fraternities and sororities operating in Lubbock metro with 59 Greek organizations
• Documented Issues: Hazing allegations involving forced drinking, physical endurance tests
• Legal Jurisdiction: Lubbock County courts, Texas Tech police, Lubbock PD
• Haskell Connection: Closest major university to Haskell; many local students enroll

West Texas A&M University

• Documented Organizations: Kappa Alpha Order Gamma Sigma Chapter, Phi Delta Theta Texas Theta, Chi Omega Upsilon Zeta
• Hazing Patterns: Similar physical endurance traditions as larger schools
• Risk: Smaller campus may mean less oversight, more “underground” hazing

University of Houston (Site of Current $10M Lawsuit)

• Active Litigation: We represent Leonel Bermudez in $10M lawsuit against UH and Pi Kappa Phi
• Chapter Shutdown: Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu surrendered charter after our lawsuit exposed hazing
• Legal Precedent: Creating important case law for Texas hazing accountability

Texas A&M University

• Corps of Cadets History: 2023 lawsuit alleged “roasted pig” binding with apple in mouth, simulated sexual acts
• SAE Chemical Burns Case: Pledges covered in industrial cleaner causing severe burns requiring skin grafts
• Greek System Scale: 42 Greek organizations in College Station-Bryan metro

University of Texas at Austin

• Public Transparency: Maintains hazing violations page showing repeated offenses
• Recent Sanctions: Pi Kappa Alpha probation for forced milk consumption and calisthenics
• SAE Assault Case: Australian exchange student suffered dislocated leg, broken nose at chapter event

Fraternities & Sororities: National Patterns, Local Harm

Why National Histories Matter for Haskell Families

When a Texas chapter repeats hazing methods that killed students elsewhere, national headquarters cannot claim “we didn’t know.” This “foreseeability” is crucial for holding them accountable.

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ) – “Pike”

• National Pattern: Stone Foltz death (BGSU 2021), David Bogenberger death (NIU 2012)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, UH
• Legal Impact: $10M Foltz settlement shows national liability; individual officer personal liability ($6.5M against president)

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ)

• National Pattern: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide; eliminated pledge program in 2014 due to pattern
• Texas Incidents: Chemical burns case at Texas A&M; assault lawsuit at UT Austin
• Legal Strategy: Pattern evidence shows nationals knew dangers but failed to enforce policies

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

• National Pattern: Andrew Coffey death at Florida State (2017)
• Current Texas Case: Our Bermudez lawsuit shows same alcohol/physical hazing patterns
• Chapter Consequence: Beta Nu chapter shutdown after our lawsuit

The Insurance Reality: Why Experience Matters

National fraternities and universities carry insurance policies that often exclude “intentional acts” like hazing. Our advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how insurers:

• Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
• Use delay tactics to pressure families
• Argue coverage exclusions
• Deploy “independent” medical exams to reduce settlements

This insider knowledge is why we recover millions when other firms settle for pennies.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Recovery

Critical Evidence That Wins Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Important Category)

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
• Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook posts showing events
• Recovery capability: Digital forensics can retrieve deleted messages
• Haskell context: Rural connectivity issues mean students rely heavily on mobile messaging

Physical & Medical Evidence

• Injury documentation: Photos with coin/ruler for scale, progression shots over days
• Medical records: ER reports, lab results (creatine kinase for rhabdomyolysis), psychological evaluations
• Objects: Paddles, alcohol bottles, “pledge fanny packs,” damaged clothing
• Witness lists: Other pledges, roommates, RAs, bystanders

Institutional Records

• University files: Prior conduct violations, campus police reports, Clery Act data
• National fraternity records: Incident reports from other chapters, risk management files
• Public records: IRS filings of Greek organizations (like those listed above)

Damages: What Haskell Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
• Diminished earning capacity (permanent injuries affecting career)
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm)

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress (PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (can’t participate in college experience)
• Reputational harm

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of companionship, love, and support
• Emotional suffering of family members
• Loss of guidance for younger siblings

Punitive Damages (When Available)

• Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
• Deter future hazing
• Available when defendants ignore prior warnings or attempt cover-ups

The Attorney911 Advantage for Haskell Families

BP Texas City Explosion Experience

• We’re one of few Texas firms involved in BP explosion litigation
• Relevance: Proves we can take on billion-dollar defendants (like national fraternities and universities)
• Skill transfer: Same complex discovery, expert testimony, and institutional litigation skills

Spanish-Language Services

• Mr. Lupe Peña speaks fluent Spanish
• Critical for Haskell County’s Hispanic families (38.5% Hispanic population)
• Entire consultation available in Spanish

Statewide Reach from Houston

• Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont
• Serve Haskell families throughout Texas
• Understand rural-to-university dynamics facing Haskell students

Practical Guide for Haskell Parents & Students

Warning Signs Your Haskell Student Is Being Hazed

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
• Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Weight changes from food/water restriction
• Sleep deprivation (3 AM calls, all-night “events”)

Behavioral Changes:

• Sudden secrecy about organization activities
• Withdrawal from family and non-Greek friends
• Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability
• Defensive when asked about the group
• Constant phone checking for group chat demands

Academic Red Flags:

• Grades dropping suddenly
• Missing classes for “mandatory” events
• Losing scholarships or academic standing

Digital Patterns:

• Geo-tracking apps demanded by organization
• Social media policing (what they can/can’t post)
• Deleting messages or browser history obsessively

If You Suspect Hazing: Immediate Action Steps

1. Medical Safety First

• If injured or intoxicated: CALL 911, then 1-888-ATTY-911
• Request drug/alcohol blood tests at hospital
• Tell medical staff “this was hazing” for documentation

2. Evidence Preservation

• Screenshot ALL group chats before deletion
• Photograph injuries with date stamps
• Save physical evidence (don’t wash clothing)
• Write detailed notes: who, what, when, where

3. Strategic Reporting

• Campus channels: Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct
• Law enforcement: Campus police AND local police where incident occurred
• National hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (anonymous option)
• With attorney guidance: We help navigate reporting to protect rights

4. Legal Consultation

• Contact us within 48 hours: 1-888-ATTY-911
• Free confidential consultation
• We preserve evidence, advise on criminal/civil options, protect against retaliation

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting your child delete messages

• Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up, destroys most important evidence
• Better approach: Screenshot everything, backup to cloud, don’t touch phone

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the fraternity directly

• Why it’s wrong: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• Better approach: Document quietly, let attorney handle communications

MISTAKE #3: Signing university “resolution” forms

• Why it’s wrong: May waive right to sue, settlements often inadequate
• Better approach: “I need my attorney to review this before signing”

MISTAKE #4: Posting on social media

• Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything, inconsistencies hurt case
• Better approach: Private documentation only, attorney controls public messaging

MISTAKE #5: Waiting for university investigation

• Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
• Better approach: Parallel investigation with attorney while university process continues

About The Manginello Law Firm: Why Haskell Families Choose Us

Our Hazing Litigation Credentials

Current High-Stakes Case: We actively represent Leonel Bermudez in $10M lawsuit against University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi. This isn’t theoretical – we’re in federal court right now fighting the exact issues Haskell families face.

Insurance Insider Advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña’s former defense attorney experience means we know fraternity/university insurance tactics before they deploy them. We don’t learn their playbook during your case – we already know it.

Complex Institutional Experience: Our BP Texas City explosion litigation proves we can take on billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. National fraternities and universities use the same tactics.

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability: Ralph Manginello’s HCCLA membership means we understand criminal hazing charges AND civil litigation. We can advise on both tracks when they intersect.

Our Texas-Wide Service to Haskell Families

While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including Haskell County. We understand the particular dynamics when rural Texas students enroll at large universities and face hazing culture shock.

We Handle:

• Fraternity and sorority hazing at all Texas universities
• Corps of Cadets and ROTC hazing
• Athletic team initiation abuse
• Spirit group and organization hazing
• Campus cover-ups and institutional failures

Our Promise to Haskell Families:

• Immediate response (24/7 availability)
• Spanish-language services available
• Contingency fees (no cost unless we recover)
• Thorough investigation using our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine
• Aggressive litigation when settlement offers are inadequate

Free Confidential Consultation for Haskell Families

If your child has been hazed at any Texas university, we offer a free, confidential consultation to:

1. Listen to your story without judgment
2. Review evidence you’ve preserved (photos, texts, medical records)
3. Explain legal options: criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
4. Discuss realistic expectations for timeline and potential outcomes
5. Answer all questions about costs (contingency fee – we don’t get paid unless you recover)

Contact Us Today:

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

Statute of Limitations Warning: Texas generally gives you 2 years from date of injury to file suit, but evidence disappears much faster. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

• Click2Houston report: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
• ABC13 coverage: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• Hoodline summary: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

• Evidence preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Statute of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• Contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website: https://attorney911.com

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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