Hazing Litigation in Texas: A Complete Guide for Hereford & Deaf Smith County Families

Your Child Was Hazed at College. What Do You Do Now?

Imagine this scenario, one that could involve a student from Hereford, Deaf Smith County, or anywhere across the Texas Panhandle:

Your son or daughter, excited about making friends and finding their place at college, accepts a bid to join a fraternity, sorority, or campus organization. At first, it seems like fun—group chats, social events, a sense of belonging. Then, the demands change. They’re asked to carry a “pledge fanny pack” with humiliating items. They’re woken at 3 AM for “mandatory workouts.” They’re told to chauffeur older members at all hours. The “traditions” become more intense: forced overeating until they vomit, then immediate sprints; being sprayed in the face with a hose “like waterboarding”; extreme calisthenics until they collapse.

One night, after being forced through hundreds of push-ups and squats, your child comes home barely able to stand. Within days, they’re passing brown urine and you’re rushing them to the emergency room. Doctors diagnose rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure. They’re hospitalized for four days. The fraternity is suspended. The university calls the conduct “deeply disturbing.” And you’re left wondering: How did this happen? Who’s responsible? What do we do now?

This is not a hypothetical scenario. This exact case—Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi (Beta Nu chapter)—is happening right now in Texas. It’s a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit that we at Attorney911 are actively litigating. This case proves that catastrophic hazing isn’t something that only happens “elsewhere”—it’s happening at Texas universities, to Texas students, and Texas families need to know their rights.

If This Just Happened to Your Family in Deaf Smith County

IMMEDIATE STEPS FOR HERE FAMILIES:

1. Medical Emergency? Call 911 First
   Then call us: 1-888-ATTY-911. We provide immediate legal help—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

2. Within First 48 Hours:

   • Get medical attention, even if your child insists they’re “fine”
   • Preserve evidence BEFORE it disappears: Screenshot ALL group chats (GroupMe, iMessage, WhatsApp), photograph injuries from multiple angles, save physical items
   • Write down everything: who, what, when, where, witnesses
   • DO NOT: Confront the organization, sign anything from the university, post on social media, or let your child delete messages

3. Contact Experienced Hazing Attorneys:
   Evidence disappears fast. Universities move quickly to control narratives. We help Hereford families preserve evidence, navigate complex institutional systems, and fight for accountability.

This comprehensive guide explains what hazing really looks like in 2025, Texas hazing laws, national patterns, and what your Deerford family can do if hazing has impacted your child at any Texas campus.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like Beyond the Stereotypes

For families in Hereford and the Texas Panhandle, “hazing” might conjure images of old-fashioned pranks or roughhousing. Modern hazing is far more systematic, dangerous, and often digitally enabled.

Three Levels of Modern Hazing

Level 1: Subtle Hazing (The “Gateway”)
These behaviors emphasize power imbalance and often seem “harmless” but create psychological pressure:

• Required servitude (24/7 chauffeur duties, cleaning members’ rooms)
• “Mandatory” events that interfere with academics or sleep
• Social isolation from non-members
• Group chat monitoring with instant response demands
• Geo-tracking via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps

Level 2: Harassment Hazing
Behaviors causing emotional/physical discomfort:

• Sleep deprivation (late-night “meetings,” 3 AM wake-up calls)
• Food/water restriction or forced consumption of unpleasant substances
• Verbal abuse, yelling, degrading language
• “Voluntary” but coerced participation (“If you don’t do this, you’re not committed”)
• Public humiliation via social media or TikTok “challenges”

Level 3: Violent Hazing
Activities with high potential for serious injury or death:

• Forced alcohol consumption: “Big/Little” nights, chugging contests, drinking games with wrong-answer penalties
• Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, “workouts” until collapse
• Sexualized hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts
• Dangerous “tests”: Blindfolded tackles, fighting matches, extreme cold/heat exposure
• Chemical hazing: Pouring industrial cleaners or other substances on pledges

Where Hazing Happens at Texas Colleges

While fraternities and sororities receive most attention, hazing occurs in:

• Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs
• Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
• Spirit organizations and tradition clubs
• Marching bands and performance groups
• Academic clubs and honor societies

The common thread: groups that use “tradition” to justify abuse, secrecy to hide it, and social pressure to ensure silence.

Texas Hazing Law: What Hereford Families Need to Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes in the Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. Understanding these laws is crucial for Hereford families considering legal action.

Texas Hazing Law Basics

Definition (Texas Education Code §37.151):
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

• Endangers mental or physical health or safety
• Occurs for pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any student organization

Key Provisions for Deaf Smith County Families:

1. Criminal Penalties (§37.152):

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

2. Organizational Liability (§37.153):

   • Organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation
   • Universities can revoke recognition and ban organizations

3. Good-Faith Reporting Protection (§37.154):

   • Those who report hazing in good faith are immune from liability
   • Medical amnesty often applies for 911 calls even with underage drinking

4. Consent is NOT a Defense (§37.155):

   • This is critical: Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law
   • Courts recognize power imbalance and coercion in Greek/organizational settings

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Different Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by the state (DA’s office)
• Purpose: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Common charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter

Civil Cases:

• Brought by victims/families
• Purpose: Compensation and accountability
• Targets: Individuals, chapters, national organizations, universities
• Damages: Medical bills, lost earnings, pain/suffering, wrongful death

Important: These can proceed simultaneously. A criminal conviction isn’t required for a civil case, and vice versa.

The National Hazing Crisis: Patterns That Repeat at Texas Schools

Major national cases show predictable patterns—patterns we see repeated at Texas universities.

Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: “Big/Little” Nights Turn Deadly

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021)
摸索 Pledge forced to drink entire bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night; died from alcohol poisoning.
Outcome: Multiple criminal convictions; $10 million settlement ($7M from national Pi Kappa Alpha, $3M from university)

Max Gruver – LSU (Phi Delta Theta, 2017)
Pledge forced to participate in “Bible study” drinking game; died with 0.495% BAC.
Outcome: $6.1 million verdict; Louisiana passed Max Gruver Act (felony hazing)

Andrew Coffey – Florida State (Pi Kappa Phi, 2017)
Pledge given handle of liquor during “Big Brother” night; died from alcohol poisoning.
Outcome: Criminal charges; FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life

Physical Hazing Pattern: Rituals Become Deadly

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College (Pi Delta Psi, 2013)
Pledge blindfolded, weighted down, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual; died from head injuries.
Outcome: National fraternity criminally convicted; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri (Phi Gamma Delta, 2021)
Pledge forced to drink excessive alcohol; suffered permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see).
Outcome: Settlements with 22 defendants; chapter closed permanently

Athletic Program Hazing Pattern

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)
Players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within program.
Outcome: Multiple lawsuits; head coach fired; confidential settlements

What These Cases Mean for Hereford Families:
The same fraternities, sororities, and organizations involved in these national tragedies have chapters at Texas universities. The patterns are predictable, and universities and national organizations often fail to prevent repetition despite prior warnings.

Texas Universities: Where Deaf Smith County Students Attend

Families in Hereford typically send students to several key Texas universities. We’ll examine hazing realities at each.

West Texas A&M University (Canyon, TX – 45 miles from Hereford)

For Hereford families, WTAMU in nearby Canyon is a common choice. The university’s Greek life and campus organizations directly impact Deaf Smith County.

Campus Snapshot:

• Public university with 10,000+ students
• Active Greek life with fraternities and sororities
• Strong agricultural programs appealing to Panhandle students

Greek Organizations at WTAMU Include:

• Fraternities: Phi Delta Theta (Texas Theta chapter), Kappa Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha, Alpha Tau Omega
• Sororities: Chi Omega (Upsilon Zeta), Delta Zeta, others
• Honor Societies: Phi Kappa Phi, Alpha Chi, others

WTAMU Hazing Policy:
The university prohibits hazing as defined by Texas law. Reporting channels include Dean of Students, campus police, and online forms.

What Hereford Families Should Know:

• Proximity means students often live at home while attending WTAMU
• Hazing incidents might occur at off-campus houses in Canyon or Amarillo
• WTAMU cases would involve Randall County courts and Canyon police jurisdiction

Action Steps for WTAMU Families:

1. Document any concerning changes in your student’s behavior
2. If incidents occur off-campus, both campus police and local police may have jurisdiction
3. Texas hazing laws apply regardless of whether incidents occur on or off campus

Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX – 90 miles from Hereford)

Many Hereford students attend Texas Tech, a major university with extensive Greek life.

Greek Presence at Texas Tech:

• Fraternities: Farm House, Kappa Sigma, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, others
• Sororities: Multiple Panhellenic and multicultural chapters
• Over 40 Greek organizations total

Texas Tech Hazing History:

• 2023 Incident: Allegations of hazing resulting in rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown)
• Ongoing litigation involving specialized injury recovery
• University maintains hazing violation records

Texas Tech-Specific Considerations:

• Large Greek housing districts near campus
• Cases may involve Lubbock County courts and Lubbock PD
• National organizations have significant presence

Other Texas Universities Common for Deaf Smith County Students

University of North Texas (Denton)
Texas A&M University (College Station)
University of Texas at Austin
South Plains College (Levelland)
Wayland Baptist University (Plainview)

Public Records: Greek Organizations Serving Deaf Smith County Families

One of our unique advantages at Attorney911 is our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database tracking Greek organizations across Texas. This data-driven approach means we don’t start from zero when investigating hazing cases.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations Relevant to Panhandle Families

From IRS B83 filings and Cause IQ data, here are examples of Greek organizations operating in Texas that serve students from Hereford and surrounding areas:

West Texas & Panhandle Organizations:

• Frank Heflin Foundation (Amarillo, TX 79015) – EIN 203507402 – Phi Delta Theta alumni fund supporting Texas Theta chapter at WTAMU
• Kappa Alpha Order – Gamma Sigma Chapter (Canyon, TX) – West Texas A&M University chapter
• Chi Omega – Upsilon Zeta Building Association (Amarillo, TX 79118) – EIN 752290669 – Chi Omega chapter housing entity
• Phi Delta Theta Fraternity – Texas Theta (Canyon, TX) – West Texas A&M chapter
• Lambda Chi Alpha – Iota Xi Zeta Chapter (Amarillo, TX) – West Texas A&M chapter
• Alpha Tau Omega – Zeta Kappa Chapter (Canyon, TX) – West Texas A&M chapter

Statewide Organizations with Panhandle Students:

• Kappa Sigma Fraternity – Mu Gamma Chapter (Lufkin, TX 75904) – EIN 273662583 – Registered Texas entity
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (Waco, TX 76710) – EIN 364091267 – Multi-chapter Texas organization
  -lple others from IRS B83 and Cause IQ data

What This Means for Hereford Families:
These aren’t just social clubs—they’re legal entities with Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), mailing addresses, and often insurance coverage. When hazing occurs, these organizations—and their national counterparts—may bear legal responsibility.

Greek Life at Major Texas Universities

University of Houston (where our Bermudez case is active):

• Pi Kappa Phi – Beta Nu chapter – Currently involved in $10 million lawsuit
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, others – All have active chapters
• Multiple councils: IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, Multicultural Greek Council

Texas A&M University:

• Corps of Cadets – Unique military-style environment with hazing history
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Chemical burns lawsuit (2021)
• Over 60 Greek organizations with thousands of members

University of Texas at Austin:

• Transparent tracking: UT publishes hazing violations publicly
• Recent cases: Pi Kappa Alpha probation (2023), Texas Wranglers sanctions
• Long pattern of repeated violations despite transparency

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & What to Expect

If your Hereford family is considering legal action, understanding the process is crucial.

Critical Evidence in Modern Hazing Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Important):

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
• Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook
• Recovered messages: Digital forensics can often retrieve “deleted” content
• Location data: Geo-tags, Snapchat maps, Find My Friends history

Physical Evidence:

• Photographs of injuries (immediate AND over several days to show progression)
• Medical records documenting hazing-related injuries
• Clothing/items from incidents (don’t wash clothing first)
• Paddles, props, alcohol containers

Institutional Records:

• University conduct files on the organization
• National fraternity/sorority incident reports
• Insurance policies and coverage documents
• Prior complaints and disciplinary history

Common Defense Strategies & How We Counter Them

Based on Mr. Lupe Peña’s experience as a former insurance defense attorney, we know how organizations fight hazing claims:

Defense 1: “The Student Consented”
Our Response: Texas law §37.155 explicitly states consent is NOT a defense. We demonstrate power imbalance, coercion, and peer pressure.

Defense 2: “It Was Off-Campus”
Our Response: Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals still have duty based on sponsorship and knowledge.

Defense 3: “This Was Rogue Individuals”
Our Response: We show pattern evidence—prior incidents at same chapter or other chapters of same national organization.

Defense 4: “Insurance Doesn’t Cover Intentional Acts”
Our Response: We argue negligent supervision separate from intentional acts. We identify ALL potential insurance policies: chapter, national, university, homeowner’s policies of individual members.

Damages: What Can Be Recovered

Economic Damages:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost educational opportunities
• Diminished earning capacity (for permanent injuries)
• Therapy and rehabilitation costs

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, PTSD, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Wrongful Death Damages (if applicable):

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of companionship and support
• Family’s emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (in appropriate cases):

• To punish egregious conduct
• To deter future hazing

Practical Guide for Deaf Smith County Parents & Students

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
• Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
• Weight changes from food restriction or stress
• Chemical burns or skin damage
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (even if your child doesn’t normally drink)

Behavioral Changes:

• Sudden secrecy about organization activities
• Withdrawal from family and old friends
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
• Fear of “letting the chapter down” or “getting in trouble”
• Constant phone monitoring for group chat demands

Academic Red Flags:

• Grades dropping suddenly
• Missing classes for “mandatory” events
• Falling asleep in class from sleep deprivation

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

Based on our experience handling hazing cases, here are the most damaging errors families make:

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages
   Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; destroys crucial evidence
   What to do: Preserve EVERYTHING immediately—screenshots, photos, physical items

2. Confronting the Organization Directly
   Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
   What to do: Document everything, then consult an attorney before any confrontation

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms
   Why it’s wrong: You may waive legal rights; settlements are often inadequate
   What to do: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media
   Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
   What to do: Keep details private; let your attorney control public messaging

5. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”
   Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute of limitations runs
   What to do: Preserve evidence NOW; consult an attorney immediately

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities have fewer protections. Every case is fact-specific.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Basic hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, but it becomes a state jail felony if causing serious bodily injury or death.

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

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but exceptions apply. Time is critical—evidence disappears quickly.

“Will our names be public?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize family privacy while pursuing accountability.

Why Attorney911 for Hazing Cases: Our Texas Panhandle Commitment

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

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

• Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
• Use delay tactics and coverage exclusion arguments
• Set reserves and negotiate settlements
• “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello):

• BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar defendants
• Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
• 25+ years handling catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:
Unlike firms that start from scratch, we maintain a comprehensive database of:

• 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations with EINs and addresses
• Campus-specific chapter rosters at major Texas universities
• Historical hazing incidents and patterns
• Insurance coverage information

Multi-Million Dollar Results:
We have recovered millions for clients in complex cases including:

• Workplace brain injuries with vision loss
• Amputation cases from vehicle accidents
• Wrongful death cases against trucking companies
• Now applying this experience to hazing litigation

Spanish Language Services for Hispanic Families

Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can conduct consultations in Spanish. Hablamos Español—contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for Spanish-language consultation.

Free Consultation for Deaf Smith County Families

If hazing has impacted your family—whether at WTAMU, Texas Tech, or any Texas campus—we offer a confidential, no-obligation consultation.

What to Expect in Your Consultation:

1. We listen to your story without judgment
2. Review any evidence you’ve preserved
3. Explain your legal options clearly
4. Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
5. Answer questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
6. No pressure to hire us immediately

Contact Attorney911 Today:

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

Serving Hereford, Deaf Smith County & All of Texas
From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Hereford, Canyon, Amarillo, Lubbock, and across the Panhandle region.

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 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