The Definitive Guide to Hazing Lawsuits in Texas: A Resource for Haslet Families

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

For parents in Haslet, the journey to college is filled with pride and hope. From sending a child to Texas A&M University in nearby College Station to supporting a student at the University of Texas at Arlington just minutes away or at major hubs like the University of Houston, your family invests in a bright future. The nightmare begins when tradition turns into trauma—when calls for help are replaced by calls from the hospital, and the very institutions trusted to protect students seem more focused on protecting their reputations. This is happening right now in Texas, and Haslet families are not immune.

Right here in our state, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student whose fall 2025 pledging experience with the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter allegedly escalated into life-threatening abuse. According to a $10 million lawsuit filed in Harris County, Bermudez was subjected to weeks of degrading rituals, forced consumption of food until vomiting, extreme physical workouts, and being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.” The physical toll was catastrophic: he developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, passing brown urine before being hospitalized for four days. This is not a story from decades past; this is an active lawsuit we are litigating right now.

This comprehensive guide exists for one reason: to arm Haslet families with the knowledge, resources, and legal understanding needed to navigate a hazing crisis. We will explain what modern hazing truly looks like, break down Texas and federal law, examine patterns at universities where Haslet students attend, and outline the path to accountability. You deserve answers, and your child deserves justice.

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 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 immediately.
   • Photograph injuries from multiple angles with good lighting.
   • Save any physical items (specific clothing, paddles, receipts for forced purchases).
3. Document Everything: Write down everything your child tells you—names, dates, times, locations, and specific acts—while memories are fresh.
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” their phone.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours. Evidence disappears with terrifying speed. Universities and national organizations move quickly to control narratives. We can help you preserve critical evidence and protect your child’s rights from the start. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an immediate, confidential consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas

Hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypical “prank.” It is a calculated pattern of coercion, humiliation, and abuse designed to assert power and enforce loyalty. For Haslet families, understanding its modern forms is the first step in recognizing danger.

A Clear, Modern Definition

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, maintaining membership in, or gaining status within a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. Critically, under Texas law, a victim’s “consent” is not a defense. The power imbalance between new members and established members, combined with the fear of social exclusion, means true voluntary consent rarely exists in these situations.

The Main Categories of Hazing

Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This remains the most common and deadliest form. It includes forced chugging, “lineup” drinking games, “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, and games like “Bible study” where wrong answers mandate drinking. The goal is rapid, dangerous intoxication.

Physical Hazing: This extends beyond paddling to include extreme calisthenics (“smokings” with hundreds of push-ups or squats), sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, exposure to extreme elements, and dangerous “tests” like blindfolded tackles.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This involves forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes or positions, and acts with racist, sexist, or homophobic overtones designed to shame and break down an individual’s dignity.

Psychological Hazing: This includes verbal abuse, threats, isolation from friends and family, manipulation, forced confessions, and public shaming during meetings or on social media.

Digital/Online Hazing: The smartphone has become a primary hazing tool. It includes 24/7 demands via group chats (GroupMe, Discord), mandatory location sharing, forced participation in humiliating social media “challenges,” and the use of recorded videos as blackmail or for entertainment within the group.

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

While fraternities and sororities are often the focus, hazing is a systemic problem across campus organizations:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural councils)
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups (especially relevant at Texas A&M)
• Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading)
• Spirit and Tradition Groups (like Texas Cowboys or similar organizations)
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups
• Some Academic, Service, and Cultural Clubs

The common threads are social status, entrenched tradition, and a culture of secrecy that prioritizes group loyalty over individual safety.

Law & Liability Framework: Texas and Federal Law

Understanding the legal landscape is crucial for Haslet families seeking accountability. Multiple layers of law apply, from Texas statutes to federal regulations.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code Chapter 37)

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in the Education Code. Hazing is broadly defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation that:

• Endangers the physical health or safety of the student; OR
• Involves brutality of a physical nature; OR
• Involves consumption of food, liquor, drug, or other substance.

Key Provisions for Haslet Families:

• Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor. It elevates to a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals who fail to report hazing or retaliate against reporters can also face charges.
• Organizational Liability: The fraternity, sorority, or club itself can be prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 per violation if it authorized or encouraged the hazing.
• Consent is NOT a Defense: Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that the victim’s consent is irrelevant. This directly counters the common defense of “they wanted to do it.”
• Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting: Those who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability, and many universities have medical amnesty policies to encourage calling 911 in emergencies.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by: The State of Texas (via a local District Attorney).
• Aim: Punishment (jail time, fines, probation).
• Charges: Can include hazing, furnishing alcohol to a minor, assault, aggravated assault, and in fatal cases, manslaughter or negligent homicide.

Civil Cases:

• Brought by: The victim and their family.
• Aim: Monetary compensation for damages and institutional accountability.
• Claims: Can include negligence, gross negligence, negligent supervision, wrongful death, premises liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

These cases can proceed simultaneously. A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil lawsuit, and the evidence standard in civil court (preponderance of the evidence) is lower than in criminal court (beyond a reasonable doubt).

Federal Law Overlay

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents and strengthen prevention programs. This will increase transparency for families.
• Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility, it triggers a university’s Title IX obligations to investigate and remedy a hostile environment.
• Clery Act: Requires universities to report and publish crime statistics, which can include hazing-related assaults, burglaries, or alcohol crimes.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

A comprehensive legal strategy identifies every potentially liable party to ensure full accountability and access to insurance coverage.

• Individual Students: Those who planned, led, or participated in the hazing acts.
• Local Chapter/Organization: The campus chapter as a legal entity, including its officers.
• National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters: Often holds significant insurance policies and can be liable for negligent supervision, training, and failure to curb known dangerous traditions.
• The University: Can be liable for negligent supervision, premises liability, or deliberate indifference to a known pattern of misconduct. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT) have certain immunity defenses that require skilled navigation.
• Third Parties: Property owners of off-campus houses, bars that overserved alcohol (under Texas dram shop law), and security companies.

National Hazing Case Patterns: The Scripts That Repeat

The hazing incidents that make national headlines are not random tragedies; they are the predictable results of repeated, dangerous patterns. These cases set legal precedents that directly benefit Texas families seeking justice.

The Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): A bid-acceptance night with forced drinking led to fatal falls. Security footage showed members delaying 911 for hours. The case resulted in dozens of criminal charges and Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.”
• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): A pledge forced to drink a bottle of whiskey died from alcohol poisoning. The case led to a $10 million settlement and the chapter president being ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.
• Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): A “Bible study” drinking game turned fatal, leading to Louisiana’s felony hazing “Max Gruver Act” and a $6.1 million verdict for his family.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): A blindfolded, violent “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat caused fatal head trauma. The national fraternity was criminally convicted of manslaughter and assault.

Athletic & Institutional Hazing

• Northwestern University Football (2023-2025): Widespread allegations of sexualized and racist hazing led to multiple lawsuits, the firing of the head coach, and confidential settlements, proving hazing permeates major athletic programs.

What This Means for Haslet Families: These national patterns—forced drinking, delayed help, ritualized violence—are the same scripts played out at Texas schools. They provide a roadmap for proving foreseeability and negligence against organizations that should have known better.

Texas University Focus: Where Haslet Students Are at Risk

Haslet is uniquely positioned within Texas’s higher education ecosystem. Our families have deep ties to local institutions and send students to major hubs across the state. Understanding the specific landscape at these schools is critical.

Texas A&M University & The Corps of Cadets (College Station)

For Haslet Families: Located just over 90 miles from Haslet, Texas A&M is a primary destination for local students. Its unique Corps of Cadets culture and robust Greek life require specific understanding.

• Notable Incidents: The Corps has faced lawsuits alleging severe hazing, including a 2023 case where a cadet alleged being bound in a “roasted pig” position. Fraternities like Sigma Alpha Epsilon have faced lawsuits alleging hazing that caused severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts.
• University Response: A&M handles hazing through its Student Conduct office and specific Corps regulations. The university’s size and tradition-heavy culture can sometimes slow internal responses.
• Legal Context: Cases may involve the Brazos County court system. Liability can extend to both Greek organizations and the formally structured Corps program, with arguments focusing on institutional control and knowledge of traditions.

University of Texas at Arlington (Arlington)

For Haslet Families: As part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and just a short drive from Haslet, UT Arlington is a common choice for commuting students and those seeking a large public university experience close to home.

• Campus Environment: UT Arlington has a significant Greek life presence and a diverse student body. As a growing urban campus, much student activity occurs in off-campus apartments and houses in Arlington, which can complicate university oversight.
• Legal Jurisdiction: Hazing incidents would typically involve the Arlington Police Department and Tarrant County courts. The proximity to Haslet means families can easily meet with counsel and attend legal proceedings without extensive travel.

Other Major Texas Hubs Relevant to Haslet Families

University of North Texas (UNT) & Texas Woman’s University (Denton): These neighboring universities in Denton County have active Greek communities and are within reach for Haslet families. UNT’s status as a major music school also brings focus to performing arts groups.

Texas Christian University (TCU, Fort Worth): This private university in nearby Fort Worth has a prominent Greek system and athletics program. As a private institution, its legal defenses differ from public universities.

University of Texas at Austin, University of Houston, Southern Methodist University, Baylor University: While farther from Haslet, these major institutions attract students from across Texas. Each has documented hazing histories and specific organizational cultures that our firm investigates thoroughly when representing affected families.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: The Data Behind the Letters

At Attorney911, we don’t just take a case—we build it from the ground up using hard data. We maintain a proprietary Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine compiled from public records, including IRS filings (B83 organizations), university databases, and commercial data aggregators. This allows us to identify every potentially liable entity from the start.

For Haslet families, this means we can immediately map the organizational landscape behind an incident. If your child was hazed at a fraternity at Texas A&M, we already know the legal name, EIN (Employer Identification Number), and address of not just the local chapter, but also its housing corporation, alumni association, and national headquarters. This is critical for identifying insurance coverage and all responsible parties.

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Connected to Texas Campuses

A Snapshot of Texas-Registered Greek Entities (From IRS B83 Filings):

• KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC, EIN 13-3048786, College Station, TX 77845
• PI KAPPA PHI DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER BUILDING CORPORATION, EIN 37-1768785, Missouri City, TX 77459
• 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
• GAMMA PHI BETA SORORITY INC, EIN 16-1675890, The Woodlands, TX 77382
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI (University of Texas at Tyler Chapter), EIN 35-2335400, Tyler, TX 75799
• SIGMA PHI EPSILON FRATERNITY TEXAS GAMMA CHAPTER, EIN 92-1575785, Fort Worth, TX 76109

Major Texas Universities (Where Haslet Students Attend):
Based on our university database, schools with significant Greek life that draw from the Haslet area include:

• Texas A&M University (College Station, Brazos County)
• University of Texas at Arlington (Arlington, Tarrant County)
• University of North Texas (Denton, Denton County)
• Texas Christian University (Fort Worth, Tarrant County)
• University of Texas at Austin (Austin, Travis County)
• University of Houston (Houston, Harris County)
• Texas Woman’s University (Denton, Denton County)

Metro Area Context – Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington:
Haslet sits within the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan area, which, according to our metro data analysis, contains over 500 Greek-related organizations. This dense network includes undergraduate chapters, alumni associations, housing corporations, and honor societies, all of which can be part of the liability puzzle in a hazing case.

Building a Powerful Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Damages

Winning a hazing case requires converting trauma into a legally compelling narrative backed by irrefutable evidence. Our approach is methodical and comprehensive.

Critical Evidence Categories

1. Digital Communications: GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord, and text messages are the modern “smoking gun.” We work with digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages and authenticate chains of evidence.
2. Photos & Videos: Content filmed by participants often provides direct proof. We also seek security footage from houses, dormitories, and neighboring businesses.
3. Internal Organization Documents: Pledge manuals, “tradition” binders, emails between officers, and national risk management policies can show pattern and intent.
4. University Records: Through discovery and public records requests, we obtain prior conduct reports, Clery Act logs, and internal emails showing what the university knew and when.
5. Medical & Psychological Records: These document the direct harm—from ER reports for alcohol poisoning to long-term PTSD diagnoses from a psychologist.
6. Witness Testimony: Other pledges, former members, roommates, and RAs can provide crucial corroborating accounts.

Understanding Damages: What Can Be Recovered

Civil lawsuits seek to make victims whole and hold defendants accountable. Recoverable damages include:

• Economic Damages: All past and future medical expenses, lost wages, costs of psychological care, and diminished 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 (for families): Funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the profound loss of companionship, love, and guidance.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of particularly reckless or malicious conduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish the defendant and deter future behavior.

Overcoming Common Institutional Defenses

We anticipate and dismantle the standard defenses used by universities and national organizations:

• “The Pledge Consented”: Texas law explicitly rejects this. We demonstrate the coercive environment and power imbalance.
• “This Was a Rogue Chapter”: We use our data engine and discovery to show national headquarters’ knowledge of prior incidents and inadequate supervision.
• “It Happened Off-Campus”: Liability is based on control and foreseeability, not just property lines. Nationals and universities that sponsor organizations cannot hide behind geography.
• “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”: We expose the gap between paper policies and actual enforcement, showing a pattern of minimal consequences for prior violations.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Haslet Parents and Students

For Parents: A Step-by-Step Action Plan

Warning Signs: Unexplained injuries, extreme fatigue, personality changes, sudden secrecy about group activities, constant anxiety around phone notifications, and declining academic performance.
How to Talk to Your Child: Use open-ended questions: “I’m worried about you. Is there anything happening in your [fraternity/sorority/team] that makes you feel unsafe or pressured?” Prioritize safety over social status.
If You Suspect Hazing: Secure medical care. Help your child preserve digital evidence (see our video on using your phone to document a legal case). Document everything in a dedicated notebook. Consult a lawyer before engaging with the university or organization.

For Students: Knowing Your Rights and Exiting Safely

Is This Hazing? If you feel coerced, unsafe, humiliated, or are forced to do something you’d hide from administrators or your family, it is hazing.
Exiting Safely: Your safety is paramount. If in immediate danger, call 911. To de-pledge, send a clear, written resignation to the chapter president and notify a trusted university official (Dean of Students). Do not attend “one last meeting.”
Reporting: You can report anonymously through campus hotlines or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE). Texas law and most universities offer amnesty for those who seek help in medical emergencies.

Critical Mistakes That Can Damage a Case

1. Deleting Evidence: Preserve all messages and photos, no matter how embarrassing.
2. Confronting the Organization Directly: This triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching.
3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms: These often waive your right to sue for inadequate compensation.
4. Posting on Social Media: Defense attorneys will scour your accounts for inconsistencies.
5. Waiting for the University to “Handle It”: Internal processes are not designed for victim compensation or true accountability. The statute of limitations continues to run.

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can we sue a public university in Texas?” Yes. While public universities have some sovereign immunity protections, exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing employees in their personal capacity. Our experience in this complex area is critical.

“Is there a time limit to file a lawsuit?” Yes. Texas generally has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury, but specific rules apply. Time is of the essence. Watch our video on statutes of limitation.

“How much will this cost?” We handle hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees; we only get paid if we recover money for you. Learn how contingency fees work.

“Will this be public?” Most cases settle confidentially. We aggressively protect our clients’ privacy throughout the process.

Why Attorney911 for Your Haslet Family’s Hazing Case

When your family is in crisis, you need advocates who are not intimidated by powerful institutions and who understand the precise mechanics of hazing litigation. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911) brings a unique combination of insider knowledge, proven litigation strength, and deep Texas roots to every case we take.

Our Unmatched Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Knowledge – Mr. Lupe Peña’s Defense Background:
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows firsthand how fraternity and university insurance companies value claims, deploy delay tactics, and argue for coverage exclusions. We know their playbook because we used to run it. This insider perspective is invaluable when negotiating settlements or arguing before a jury.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience – Ralph Manginello’s Track Record:
Ralph Manginello is one of the few plaintiff attorneys in Texas who has been involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, taking on one of the world’s largest corporations. He has federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) and a 25-year career built on holding powerful defendants accountable. National fraternities and major universities have deep pockets and aggressive defense firms—we are built to face them.

Dual Civil & Criminal Capability:
With Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), we understand both sides of a hazing case. We can effectively advise clients when criminal charges are also pending and navigate the interactions between civil and criminal proceedings.

A Data-Driven, Investigative Approach:
We don’t start from scratch. Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine gives us a head start in identifying all liable entities. We employ a network of experts—digital forensics specialists, medical professionals, economists, and psychologists—to build an unassailable case from the evidence.

We Serve All of Texas, Including Haslet:
From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families across Texas. We understand the specific cultures of Texas A&M, UT Arlington, and the broader DFW metroplex where so many Haslet families are connected. Whether your child was hazed nearby or at a school hours away, we have the resources and knowledge to help.

Your Path Forward Starts With a Confidential Conversation

If hazing has impacted your family, you do not have to navigate this alone. The institutions involved will have teams of lawyers; you deserve educated, compassionate, and fierce advocates on your side.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation. In this confidential meeting, we will:

• Listen carefully to your story.
• Review any evidence you have gathered.
• Explain your family’s legal rights and options under Texas law.
• Outline a potential strategy for seeking accountability and compensation.
• Answer your questions about the process, timelines, and costs.

We operate on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our goal is to secure the justice and resources your family needs to heal while forcing the systemic changes necessary to protect future students.

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). You can also visit our website at https://attorney911.com or email Ralph Manginello directly at ralph@atty911.com.

Se habla Español. For Spanish-speaking families, contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.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 and university policies can change. Every case is unique, and outcomes depend on specific facts and evidence. If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified attorney to review your specific situation.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Website: https://attorney911.com