The Complete Guide to Fraternity, Sorority & Corps Hazing Lawsuits for Moore County, Texas Families

If your child is a student at Texas A&M University, West Texas A&M University, or any Texas campus, the call you fear most may come in the middle of the night. Not about grades or homesickness, but about something far more dangerous: hazing disguised as tradition, bonding, or “earning” a place in a fraternity, sorority, Corps of Cadets unit, athletic team, or spirit group.

For families in Moore County—from Dumas to Sunray, Cactus to Etter—the reality is that your children, seeking community and connection at our state’s universities, can find themselves trapped in cycles of abuse that universities and national organizations have promised to stop for decades. Right now, just hours from Moore County in Houston, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history: the Leonel Bermudez lawsuit against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, where a pledge suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after brutal physical hazing.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Moore County parents, grandparents, and families whose children attend—or may attend—Texas universities. We will explain exactly what modern hazing looks like, your legal rights under Texas law, the national patterns repeating at our state’s campuses, and what you can do if your child has been hurt. We serve families throughout the Texas Panhandle, from Moore County to Amarillo to Lubbock, and we know how to protect your child when powerful institutions try to protect themselves first.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR MOORE COUNTY FAMILIES FACING A HAZING CRISIS

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 immediately, even if your child insists they’re “fine”
2. Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
   • Screenshot group chats (GroupMe, texts, DMs)
   • Photograph injuries from multiple angles
   • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing)
3. Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
4. Do NOT:
   • Confront the fraternity/sorority directly
   • Sign anything from the university or insurance company
   • Post details on public social media
   • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact us within 24-48 hours: Evidence disappears fast in hazing cases. 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.

The Texas Hazing Reality for Moore County Families: Our Current Fight at the University of Houston

Before we explore the broader landscape, understand this: hazing isn’t a relic of the past. It’s happening right now in Texas, with devastating consequences. We know because we’re fighting one of these cases today.

The Leonel Bermudez Case: University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter

In late 2025, we filed a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who nearly died from fraternity hazing. This case demonstrates exactly what Moore County families need to understand about modern hazing:

What happened at UH:
It began with seemingly “harmless” humiliation: a “pledge fanny pack” rule requiring 24/7 carrying of condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices, and other degrading items. It escalated to forced all-night driving duties, hours-long “study” blocks, and weekly interviews under threat of expulsion.

Then came the physical abuse:

• Extreme workouts at Yellowstone Boulevard Park: sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills
• Cold-weather exposure in underwear
• Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” and threatened with actual waterboarding
• Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting, then immediate sprints
• The November 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, creed recitation under threat of expulsion

The medical catastrophe:
Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis—severe skeletal muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, could not stand without help, and was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels confirming the life-threatening condition. He faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

Who we’re holding accountable:
Our lawsuit names 13 individual fraternity leaders/members, the Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, the University of Houston, and the UH System Board of Regents. The institutional response tells its own story: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended the chapter on November 6, 2025; chapter members voted to surrender their charter on November 14, 2025; and UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing” while promising cooperation with law enforcement.

This case, covered extensively by Click2Houston and ABC13, is not an anomaly. It’s the predictable outcome of systems that prioritize tradition over safety. For Moore County families, it’s proof that the universities where you send your children—whether West Texas A&M just down the road or Texas A&M in College Station—harbor these same risks.

Why This Matters for Moore County Specifically

Moore County sits in the Texas Panhandle, with deep agricultural roots and strong community values. Families here send their children to universities across Texas:

• West Texas A&M University in nearby Canyon (Potter County)
• Texas A&M University in College Station
• Texas Tech University in Lubbock
• University of Texas at Austin
• And many others

The same national fraternities and sororities that operate at UH also have chapters at these schools. The same insurance companies provide coverage. The same defense tactics get deployed when students get hurt. What we’re uncovering in Houston applies directly to cases that could involve Moore County students anywhere in Texas.

Public Records Proof: The Texas Greek Organization Network

At Attorney911, we don’t just take your word about what happened. We investigate using what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a proprietary database built from public records that shows the true scale of Greek organizational networks in Texas. This is critical for Moore County families to understand: when hazing happens, there are often multiple organizations behind the letters on the house.

What Our Data Reveals About Texas Greek Life

From IRS records, university filings, and organizational databases, we’ve identified and tracked:

Statewide Scale:

• 1,423 fraternity and sorority organizations across 25 Texas metropolitan areas
• 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations in IRS B83 filings (the tax-exempt category for student sororities and fraternities)
• Organizations operating in 15 major metro areas across Texas

For Moore County and the Panhandle Region:
The Amarillo metropolitan area—which includes Moore County communities—has at least 18 documented Greek organizations. These include:

Fraternity Housing and Alumni Organizations in the Panhandle:
Exceptions: Frank Heflin Foundation, EIN 203507402, Canyon, TX 79015 (Phi Delta Theta alumni fund)
Kappa Alpha Order – Gamma Sigma Chapter, Canyon, TX (West Texas A&M University chapter)
Chi Omega – Upsilon Zeta Building Association, EIN 752290669, Amarillo, TX 79118
Phi Delta Theta Fraternity – Texas Theta Chapter, Canyon, TX (West Texas A&M chapter)
Alpha Tau Omega – Zeta Kappa Chapter, Canyon, TX (West Texas A&M chapter)
Lambda Chi Alpha – Iota Xi Zeta Chapter, Amarillo, TX (West Texas A&M chapter)

Sorority and Honor Societies in the Region:
Delta Kappa Gamma Society – Zeta Delta Chapter, Amarillo, TX (educators’ society)
Delta Kappa Gamma Society – Zeta Zeta Chapter, Canyon, TX (educators’ society)
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Amarillo Alumnae Chapter, Amarillo, TX
Delta Zeta Sorority – Amarillo Area Alumnae, Canyon, TX

These are just examples from public filings. What’s crucial for Moore County families to understand: each of these organizations may carry insurance, have assets, and share liability when hazing occurs under their watch.

Where Moore County Students Go: Campus Connections

From our Texas Universities database, we know Moore County families typically send students to:

Primary Local/Regional Options:

• West Texas A&M University (Canyon, TX) – 45 minutes from Dumas
• Amarillo College (Amarillo, TX) – with active student organizations
• Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX) – under 2 hours from Moore County

Major Statewide Destinations:

• Texas A&M University (College Station, TX)
• University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX)
• University of Houston (Houston, TX)
• Texas State University (San Marcos, TX)
• University of North Texas (Denton, TX)

Private and Specialty Schools:

• Baylor University (Waco, TX)
• Texas Christian University (Fort Worth, TX)
• Southern Methodist University (Dallas, TX)

At each of these campuses, the Greek organizations listed in our database—and many more—operate chapters. When your child joins a fraternity or sorority at Texas A&M or West Texas A&M, they’re not just joining the local group. They’re connecting to a national network with its own history, insurance policies, and legal exposure.

The National Brands Operating in Texas

Our cross-referenced data shows how the same national brands appear across Texas:

Examples of National Organizations with Texas Presence:

• Beta Upsilon Chi – Found in IRS records (EIN 742911848, Fort Worth, TX 76244) and Cause IQ Dallas-Fort Worth listings
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation – EIN 741380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147
• Pi Kappa Alpha – Multiple Texas entities including EIN 746064445 in Nederland, TX
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Multiple Texas chapters including in Waco, Commerce, and Houston
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Chapters at nearly every major Texas university

This overlap matters because it shows we can track specific national brands across Texas metros and campuses. When hazing occurs in a Pi Kappa Alpha chapter at Texas A&M, we can immediately identify the national organization’s Texas-registered entities, their insurance carriers, and their prior history—without starting from scratch.

Why This Data-Driven Approach Matters for Your Case

Most families facing hazing start with zero information about who’s really responsible. They see their child’s injuries and the local chapter members, but they don’t see:

• The national headquarters that collects dues and sets policies
• The housing corporation that owns the property
• The alumni association that funds operations
• The insurance policies that may provide coverage
• The prior incidents at other chapters that show patterns

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine changes this. Before we even begin formal discovery, we already have:

1. EIN numbers for Texas-registered Greek entities
2. Mailing addresses for service of process
3. Organizational networks showing connections between locals and nationals
4. Metro-level mapping of where these organizations operate
5. Brand continuity evidence showing the same organizations operate across Texas

For Moore County families, this means we’re not learning about Greek life as we investigate your case. We already know the landscape. We know which national organizations have the worst hazing histories. We know how they structure their Texas operations. And we know how to find every potentially liable entity from day one.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

Hazing has evolved. It’s not just paddling and forced drinking anymore—though those still happen. Modern hazing incorporates digital control, psychological manipulation, and sophisticated cover-up tactics. Moore County parents need to recognize all the forms hazing can take.

The Three Tiers of Hazing

Based on hazing prevention research, we categorize hazing into three escalating tiers:

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing
These behaviors emphasize power imbalances and often get dismissed as “harmless tradition”:

• Deception and secrecy: “Don’t tell your parents/administration about this”
• Servitude requirements: Acting as 24/7 designated driver, cleaning members’ rooms, running errands
• Social isolation: Cutting off contact with non-members, requiring permission to socialize
• Digital control: Mandatory immediate responses to group chats, location tracking demands
• “Optional” events that are actually mandatory for social acceptance

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing
Behaviors that cause emotional or physical discomfort:

• Sleep deprivation: Late-night “meetings,” 3 AM wake-up calls, multi-day events with minimal sleep
• Food/water restriction: Limiting meals, forced consumption of unpleasant substances
• Forced physical activity: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse
• Public humiliation: Embarrassing acts in public, degrading costumes, “roasting” sessions
• Digital humiliation: Forced embarrassing social media posts, TikTok challenges

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

• Forced/coerced alcohol consumption: “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, drinking games with wrong-answer penalties
• Forced drug use: Coercion to consume marijuana, pills, or other substances
• Physical beatings: Paddling, punches, kicks, branding
• Dangerous physical “tests”: Blindfolded tackle rituals, “gladiator” matches, swimming while intoxicated
• Sexualized hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault
• Extreme environments: Locked in freezing rooms, left outside in extreme weather

Modern Hazing Tactics Moore County Parents Should Recognize

Digital Hazing Evolution:

• 24/7 group chat monitoring: Pledges expected to respond instantly at all hours
• Location tracking: Required sharing of live location via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
• Social media control: What pledges can post, required “liking” of organizational content
• Evidence destruction coaching: Instructions on deleting messages, what to say if questioned

“Loophole” Tactics Organizations Use:

1. The “It’s Optional” Framing: Announcing activities as “voluntary” while making clear non-participation means social exclusion
2. Off-Campus Venue Shifting: Moving hazing to Airbnbs, private rentals, or members’ family properties to avoid campus oversight
3. “Unofficial” Status: Operating “underground” after losing official recognition
4. Euphemistic Language: Calling hazing “tradition,” “bonding,” “new member education”
5. The “Anti-Hazing Policy” Shield: Pointing to policy manuals while ignoring enforcement

Who’s Vulnerable Beyond Greek Life:

• Corps of Cadets / ROTC units (especially at Texas A&M)
• Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
• Spirit organizations (Texas Cowboys, Silver Spurs, etc.)
• Marching bands and performance groups
• Academic and service organizations

Warning Signs Your Moore County Student May Be Being Hazed

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
• Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
• Weight loss or gain from food restriction or stress
• Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, calls at odd hours)
• Injuries to hands, back, or legs from paddling or forced exercise
• Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (even if your child doesn’t normally drink)

Behavioral and Emotional Changes:

• Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
• Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-organization activities
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability, anger
• Defensive when asked about the organization
• Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”
• Sudden obsession with pleasing older members
• Talking about “just having to get through this”

Academic and Financial Red Flags:

• Grades dropping suddenly
• Missing classes or falling asleep in class
• Skipping exams/assignments for “mandatory” events
• Unexpected large expenses (forced purchases, “fines,” excessive dues)
• Buying excessive alcohol or items for older members

Digital Behavior:

• Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
• Anxiety when phone buzzes or pings
• Deleting messages or clearing browser history obsessively
• Receiving calls/texts at all hours demanding immediate response
• Social media posts showing concerning activities

Texas Hazing Law: What Moore County Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws governing hazing, and Moore County families should understand both criminal and civil aspects. Whether your child attends West Texas A&M in Canyon or Texas A&M in College Station, these laws apply.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

§ 37.151 Definition:
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
• Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Key Points for Moore County Families:

• Can happen on or off campus (location doesn’t matter)
• Can be mental or physical harm
• Intent: Doesn’t have to be malicious; “reckless” is enough
• “Consent” is not a defense (critical protection for pressured students)

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

• Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing without serious injury (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

Additional Criminal Provisions:

• Failing to report hazing (if you’re a member/officer and knew): misdemeanor
• Retaliating against someone who reports: misdemeanor

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability:
Organizations can be prosecuted if:

• The org authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
• An officer/member acting officially knew and failed to report

Penalties for organizations:

• Fine up to $10,000 per violation
• University can revoke recognition and ban from campus

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:
A person who in good faith reports hazing to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result.

§ 37.155 Consent Not a Defense:
It is not a defense to prosecution that the person being hazed consented.

How Texas Law Compares to Other States

Texas is strong but not the strongest:

• Pennsylvania (Piazza Law): Enhanced penalties, felony provisions
• Louisiana (Max Gruver Act): Felony hazing with serious prison time
• Ohio (Collin’s Law): Felony when drugs/alcohol cause physical harm
• Florida (Chad Meredith Law): Hazing criminalized after drowning death

Texas falls in the middle:

• Has criminal hazing statute ✓
• Allows felony prosecution for injury/death ✓
• Clear “consent not a defense” provision ✓
• Good-faith reporter protections ✓

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: What Moore County Families Should Understand

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by the state (prosecutor)
• Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical charges: hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter
• Burden of proof: Beyond a reasonable doubt

Civil Cases:

• Brought by victims or families
• Aim: Compensation and accountability
• Focus: negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
• Burden of proof: Preponderance of evidence (more likely than not)

Critical Point: These can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction is NOT required for a civil case. Many hazing cases involve both tracks.

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

• Requires colleges receiving federal aid to:
  • Report hazing incidents transparently
  • Strengthen hazing education and prevention
  • Maintain public hazing data (phasing in by 2026)

Title IX and Clery Act:

• Title IX triggered when hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility
• Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes; hazing often overlaps with assaults or alcohol crimes

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

1. Individual Students:

• Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
• Personal liability possible even if organization also liable

2. Local Chapter/Organization:

• The fraternity/sorority/club itself (if a legal entity)
• Officers, pledge educators, risk managers

3. National Fraternity/Sorority:

• Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, supervise chapters
• Liability based on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents

4. University or Governing Board:

• Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity but exceptions exist
• Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections
• Liability based on: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference

5. Third Parties:

• Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces
• Bars/alcohol providers (dram shop liability)
• Security companies or event organizers

Sovereign Immunity: Special Consideration for Public Universities

Public universities (University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, West Texas A&M) have sovereign immunity under Texas law, but exceptions exist:

How plaintiffs overcome immunity:

1. Gross negligence or willful misconduct (not just ordinary negligence)
2. Ministerial vs. discretionary acts: Some duties (enforcing published policies) are ministerial
3. Title IX waivers: When hazing involves sex discrimination
4. Individual liability: Sue employees in personal capacity, not official capacity

Practical reality: Even with potential immunity arguments, universities often settle to avoid bad publicity, discovery, and trial (see Bowling Green State University’s $3M settlement in Stone Foltz case).

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Moore County Families

The national hazing cases you’ve heard about aren’t just tragedies elsewhere—they’re blueprints for what can happen to Texas students and legal precedents that apply to cases involving Moore County families.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

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

• Incident: 20-year-old pledge forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
• Medical: Died from alcohol poisoning
• Legal: Multiple criminal convictions; $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
• Impact: Strengthened Ohio anti-hazing laws; chapter permanently removed
• Moore County relevance: Pi Kappa Alpha operates at Texas A&M, UT Austin, and other Texas campuses

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

• Incident: 19-year-old pledge died from traumatic brain injuries after bid acceptance night with extreme drinking
• Key factor: Hours delayed before calling for help, captured on chapter cameras
• Legal: 18 members charged with 1,000+ criminal counts; civil settlements; Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
• Impact: One of largest hazing prosecutions in U.S. history
• Moore County relevance: Beta Theta Pi has chapters at Texas A&M and UT Austin

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

• Incident: Pledge forced into “Bible study” drinking game; died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
• Legal: Multiple criminal convictions; $6.1 million verdict; Max Gruver Act (Louisiana felony hazing law)
• Moore County relevance: Phi Delta Theta operates at Texas A&M, UT Austin, Texas Tech

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

• Incident: Pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night”
• Legal: Multiple prosecutions; confidential civil settlements; FSU suspended all Greek life
• Moore County relevance: Pi Kappa Phi is the fraternity in our current UH lawsuit; chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

• Incident: Pledge subjected to violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat
• Medical: Fatal head injuries; help delayed
• Legal: Multiple convictions; national fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter; fraternity banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
• Key precedent: Organizational criminal liability for nationals

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)

• Incident: 18-year-old pledge forced to consume excessive alcohol; suffered permanent brain damage
• Medical: Cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care
• Legal: Multiple criminal charges; settlements with 22 defendants (reportedly multi-million dollar)
• Impact: National example of catastrophic non-fatal injury
• Moore County relevance: Phi Gamma Delta operates at Texas A&M and UT Austin

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

• Incident: Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within football program
• Legal: Multiple lawsuits against university; head coach fired and settled wrongful-termination suit
• Impact: Demonstrated hazing extends beyond Greek life to major athletic programs

What These Cases Mean for Moore County Families

Common Threads:

1. Forced drinking as central component
2. Delay in seeking medical help exacerbates injuries
3. Cover-up culture and evidence destruction
4. Repeat patterns across chapters of same national organization

Legal Precedents That Apply in Texas:

• National organizational liability established in multiple jurisdictions
• Multi-million dollar settlements becoming standard for serious injuries/deaths
• Individual officer liability (Pi Kappa Alpha president ordered to pay $6.5M personally)

For Moore County families with children at:

• Texas A&M: These patterns have already appeared in SAE chemical burn case and Corps lawsuits
• West Texas A&M: Same national organizations, same risks
• Any Texas campus: The legal framework for holding organizations accountable is established

Texas University Hazing Landscape: Where Moore County Students Are

Moore County families send students across Texas. Here’s what you need to know about hazing at major Texas universities.

West Texas A&M University (Canyon, TX)

For Moore County Families: Located just 45 minutes from Dumas, WTAMU is the primary university destination for many Moore County students. Its Greek life, while smaller than major state schools, carries the same risks.

Campus & Culture Snapshot:

• Public university in Canyon, serving the Panhandle region
• Active Greek life with traditional fraternities and sororities
• Strong agricultural and business programs attracting Moore County students

Documented Greek Organizations at WTAMU:
From our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine data:

• Kappa Alpha Order – Gamma Sigma Chapter (Canyon, TX)
• Phi Delta Theta – Texas Theta Chapter (Canyon, TX)
• Alpha Tau Omega – Zeta Kappa Chapter (Canyon, TX)
• Lambda Chi Alpha – Iota Xi Zeta Chapter (Amarillo, serving WTAMU)
• Chi Omega – Upsilon Zeta Building Association (Amarillo, serving WTAMU)

Hazing Policy & Reporting:

• Prohibits hazing per Texas Education Code
• Reporting through Dean of Students, campus police
• Subject to same Texas laws as larger universities

What WTAMU Students & Parents Should Do:

1. Recognize that size doesn’t eliminate risk: Small chapters can have intense hazing
2. Document everything: Photos of injuries, screenshots of messages
3. Report through proper channels: WTAMU administration, then consider legal counsel
4. Understand jurisdictional issues: Cases may involve Potter/Randall County courts

Texas A&M University (College Station, TX)

For Moore County Families: Many Moore County students attend Texas A&M, drawn by its agricultural programs, engineering, and tradition. The scale of Greek life and Corps activities creates significant hazing risks.

Campus & Culture Snapshot:

• One of nation’s largest universities with massive Greek system
• Corps of Cadets with military-style traditions
• Highly traditional culture that can normalize hazing as “earning your place”

Documented Incidents at Texas A&M:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

• Incident: Pledges allegedly forced through strenuous activity; substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, spit poured on them
• Medical: Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
• Legal: Pledges sued fraternity for $1 million; fraternity suspended for two years
• Status: Outcome not publicly disclosed

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Lawsuit (2023):

• Incident: Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth
• Legal: Sought over $1 million; A&M stated it handled matter under its rules
• Impact: Highlighted Corps hazing risks beyond Greek life

Texas A&M’s Public Records:
From our data, Texas A&M-registered organizations include:

• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (EIN 900293166, College Station, TX 77843)
• Gentlemen of Aggie Tradition (EIN 880537463, College Station, TX 77845)
• Numerous national fraternity housing corporations serving A&M chapters

Hazing Policy & Reporting:

• Comprehensive anti-hazing policy
• Multiple reporting channels: Student Conduct, Corps leadership, campus police
• Transparency gap: Less public data than UT Austin’s violations page

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed:

1. Jurisdiction: Brazos County courts
2. Potential defendants: Individuals, local chapter, national, university, Corps leadership
3. Special considerations: Corps cases involve military-style chain of command issues

What Texas A&M Parents Should Do:

1. Ask specific questions about Corps or Greek activities
2. Monitor for sudden personality changes indicating hazing trauma
3. Preserve all digital evidence before A&M or organization investigates
4. Consult attorney familiar with A&M’s unique culture and legal defenses

University of Texas at Austin

For Moore County Families: UT Austin attracts Moore County students to its prestigious academic programs. Its large Greek system and transparent violation reporting provide both risk and accountability tools.

Campus & Culture Snapshot:

• Flagship UT campus with extensive Greek life
• Public hazing violations page (hazing.utexas.edu) provides transparency
• Spirit organizations (Texas Cowboys, etc.) with hazing history

UT’s Hazing Violations Page – Documented Cases:
Pi Kappa Alpha (2023):

• Conduct: New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
• Sanction: Chapter probation, required hazing-prevention education

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (January 2024):

• Incident: Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members
• Medical: Dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
• Legal: Student sued SAE chapter for over $1 million
• Status: Chapter already under suspension for prior violations

Other Sanctioned Groups:

• Texas Wranglers, spirit organizations, other fraternities for forced workouts, alcohol hazing

UT’s Transparency Advantage:
Unlike many schools, UT publishes:

• Organization names
• Dates of violations
• Specific conduct
• Sanctions imposed

How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed:

1. Jurisdiction: Travis County courts
2. Evidence advantage: Public violation records establish pattern evidence
3. Potential defendants: Individuals, chapter, national, university

What UT Parents Should Do:

1. Check hazing.utexas.edu for organization’s history
2. Use UT’s transparency to build pattern evidence
3. Move quickly: Evidence preservation critical in large university environment

Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX)

For Moore County Families: Texas Tech’s proximity to Moore County (under 2 hours) makes it a common choice. Its Greek system is substantial and carries documented risks.

Documented Organizations at Texas Tech:
From our data:

• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (EIN 820644459, Lubbock, TX 79430 – Texas Tech Health Sciences)
• Epsilon Nu Housing Corporation (EIN 237359384, Lubbock, TX 79401)
• Alpha Omega Epsilon-Beta Alpha Chapter (EIN 473967233, Lubbock, TX 79416)
• Farm House Fraternity Inc. (EIN 751565336, Lubbock, TX 79416 – Texas Tech chapter)

Texas Tech Hazing Context:

• Major Panhandle/South Plains university
• Greek life integrated into campus culture
• Subject to same Texas laws and risks as other campuses

Other Texas Universities Moore County Students Attend

University of Houston:

• Current site of our Leonel Bermudez/Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit
• Large urban campus with commuter/residential mix
• Documented Pi Kappa Alpha case (2016) with lacerated spleen injury

Baylor University:

• Private Christian university with Greek life
• Baseball hazing incident (2020): 14 players suspended
• Context of prior Title IX scandals affecting institutional response

Southern Methodist University:

• Private affluent campus with strong Greek presence
• Kappa Alpha Order incident (2017): paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation
• Private university transparency challenges

Fraternity & Sorority National Histories: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

When hazing happens at a Texas university, it’s rarely the first time that national organization has faced similar allegations. These patterns matter legally and practically for Moore County families.

Why National Histories Matter Legally

Foreseeability Doctrine:
If a national organization has seen chapters engage in forced drinking at other campuses, they should have taken steps to prevent it at all chapters. Failure to do so can establish negligence.

Pattern Evidence:
Multiple similar incidents across chapters show the behavior isn’t “rogue individuals” but a pattern the national knew or should have known about.

Punitive Damages Potential:
Willful disregard of known risks can support punitive damages in some jurisdictions.

Major National Organizations Operating in Texas

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike) – High-Risk Pattern:

• Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021): Death from forced drinking; $10M settlement
• David Bogenberger (NIU, 2012): Death from alcohol poisoning; $14M settlement
• Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, Texas Tech, UH
• Legal Significance: Multiple nine-figure settlements establish national liability precedent

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE) – Widespread Issues:

• Multiple campuses: Alabama TBI case, Texas A&M chemical burns, UT Austin assault
• Pattern: Repeated physical hazing and alcohol incidents across chapters
• 2014 Reform: Eliminated traditional pledge process nationally after Carson Starkey death
• Texas Presence: Major chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ) – Current Texas Litigation:

• Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017): Death from alcohol poisoning
• Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025): Our current lawsuit, rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
• Pattern: “Big Brother” nights with forced drinking
• Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, UH (now closed)

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ) – Legislative Impact:

• Max Gruver (LSU, 2017): Death from drinking game; $6.1M verdict
• Impact: Max Gruver Act (Louisiana felony hazing law)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, Texas Tech

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ) – Tradition-Risk Balance:

• SMU incident (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation
• Pattern: Physical hazing tied to “Southern tradition” identity
• Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, Texas Tech, West Texas A&M

How We Use National Histories in Texas Cases

In Investigation Phase:

1. Subpoena national’s incident reports from other chapters
2. Document prior warnings nationals received
3. Compare hazing methods to known patterns

In Litigation Phase:

1. Establish foreseeability: “They knew this could happen based on Chapter X in 2020”
2. Show inadequate response: “Their ‘training’ didn’t prevent the same conduct here”
3. Support punitive claims: “Willful disregard of known risks”

For Moore County Families: When we take your case, we’re not starting from zero. We already know which national organizations have the worst histories, how they typically defend cases, and what evidence we need to prove they should have prevented your child’s injuries.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

When hazing causes serious injury or death, building a strong case requires specific expertise. Moore County families should understand what goes into these complex cases.

Critical Evidence Categories

1. Digital Communications (Most Important):

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
• Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook
• Recovered data: Digital forensics for deleted messages
• What it shows: Planning, intent, knowledge, cover-up attempts

2. Photos & Videos:

• Member-recorded content: Often exists but gets deleted
• Security footage: House cameras, Ring doorbells, venue cameras
• Social media posts: Even “joking” posts can be evidence
• Injury documentation: Progressive photos showing bruise development

3. Internal Organization Documents:

• Pledge manuals: “Traditions” lists, requirements
• Officer communications: Emails/texts about activities
• National policies: Risk management manuals, training materials
• Financial records: Dues payments to nationals

4. University Records:

• Prior conduct files: Previous hazing violations
• Incident reports: Campus police, student conduct offices
• Clery reports: Annual crime statistics
• Internal emails: Administrator discussions about the organization

5. Medical & Psychological Records:

• Emergency care: ER records, ambulance reports
• Hospitalization: ICU notes, surgery reports
• Lab results: Blood alcohol, toxicology, kidney function (for rhabdomyolysis)
• Psychological: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses

6. Witness Testimony:

• Other pledges: Often afraid but may cooperate once case is filed
• Former members: Those who quit or were expelled
• Roommates/RA’s: Observed changes in behavior
• Medical personnel: Treatment providers

Evidence Preservation: What Moore County Families Must Do NOW

Watch our video on evidence preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Immediate Steps (First 48 Hours):

1. DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING: Messages, photos, social media posts
2. Screenshot properly: Capture full threads with timestamps, sender names
3. Photograph injuries: Multiple angles, include ruler for scale, document progression
4. Write contemporaneous notes: Who, what, when, where, while memory fresh
5. Secure physical evidence: Clothing, objects used in hazing, receipts

If Evidence Was Already Deleted:

• Cloud backups: iCloud, Google Drive may have copies
• Digital forensics: Experts can often recover deleted data
• Witness devices: Others in group chats may still have messages
• Phone records: Metadata showing communication patterns

Damages: What Can Be Recovered

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

• Medical expenses: Past and future care
• Lost income: Current and future earning capacity
• Educational costs: Tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships
• Therapy/treatment: Physical, psychological, rehabilitation

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Reputational harm

Wrongful Death Damages (for families):

• Funeral/burial costs
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship, love, society
• Grief and emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (when available):

• Purpose: Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
• When awarded: Prior warnings ignored, particularly cruel conduct, cover-up attempts
• Texas caps: Statutory limits except in certain intentional tort cases

Settlement vs. Trial Reality

Most Cases Settle:

• Confidential terms common
• Public amounts like Foltz $10M, Gruver $6.1M represent minority
• Settlement often includes institutional reforms

Why Settlements Happen:

• Universities/fraternities avoid bad publicity
• Insurers want predictable outcomes
• Families get closure without trial stress

When Cases Go to Trial:

• Liability or damages strongly disputed
• Defendant refuses reasonable settlement
• Principle demands public accountability

Insurance Coverage Fights

Common Insurance Defenses:

1. “Intentional act exclusion”: Hazing was intentional, not covered
2. “Criminal act exclusion”: Hazing is a crime
3. “No duty to defend”: Policy doesn’t cover certain defendants

How We Overcome These:

• Negligent supervision theory: Even if hazing was intentional, failure to supervise was negligent
• Multiple policies: Identify all potential coverage sources
• Bad faith claims: Sue insurer for wrongful denial

Why Mr. Lupe Peña’s Background Matters:
As a former insurance defense attorney, Mr. Peña knows exactly how insurers:

• Value (and undervalue) claims
• Use delay tactics
• Fight coverage exclusions
• This insider knowledge is invaluable for hazing cases

Practical Guides & FAQs for Moore County Families

For Parents: Step-by-Step Response Guide

If You Suspect Hazing:

1. Talk to your child: Open, non-judgmental questions
2. Look for warning signs (listed in Section 2)
3. Document everything you observe and are told

If Your Child Is Injured:

1. Medical care first: ER if needed, thorough evaluation
2. Preserve evidence (follow steps above)
3. Contact Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance

Dealing with the University:

1. Document all communications: Emails, calls, meetings
2. Ask specific questions:
   • “What prior incidents involve this organization?”
   • “What steps did you take after those incidents?”
   • “What is your hazing prevention training curriculum?”
3. DO NOT sign anything without attorney review

When to Get Legal Help:

• Serious physical or psychological injury
• University minimizing or covering up
• Organization threatening or intimidating
• Need for comprehensive investigation

For Students: Is This Hazing? Decision Guide

Ask yourself:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
• Is this activity hidden from university officials or parents?
• Are older members making us do things they don’t have to do?
• Am I being told to keep secrets or lie?

If you answered YES, it’s likely hazing.

Your Rights in Texas:

• You cannot be punished for calling 911 or seeking medical help (good-faith immunity)
• Consent is not a defense to hazing charges
• You can request no-contact orders if harassed after reporting
• You have 2 years typically to file a civil lawsuit

How to Exit Safely:

1. Tell someone outside the org first (parent, RA, friend)
2. Send written resignation to chapter president
3. DO NOT go to “one last meeting” where pressure may occur
4. Report retaliation immediately to university and police

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

Watch our video on client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

MISTAKE #1: Deleting evidence to “protect” your child

• Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice
• What to do: Preserve everything, even embarrassing content

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly

• Why it’s wrong: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• What to do: Document everything, call attorney first

MISTAKE #3: Signing university “resolution” forms

• Why it’s wrong: May waive right to sue; settlements often lowball
• What to do: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

MISTAKE #4: Posting on social media before talking to lawyer

• Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt case
• What to do: Document privately; let lawyer control public messaging

MISTAKE #5: Waiting “to see how university handles it”

• Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
• What to do: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

MISTAKE #6: Talking to insurance adjusters without lawyer

• Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements used against you; early settlements lowball
• What to do: “My attorney will contact you”

FAQs for Moore County Families

Q: Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?
A: Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities have sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals personally. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case is fact-specific—call 1-888-ATTY-911 for case analysis.

Q: Is hazing a felony in Texas?
A: It can be. Texas law makes hazing a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

Q: What if my child “agreed” to the initiation?
A: Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t truly voluntary.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: Generally 2 years from date of injury or death in Texas, but exceptions exist if the harm wasn’t immediately discovered or there was fraud/cover-up. Time is critical—evidence disappears fast. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

Q: What if hazing happened off-campus at a private house?
A: Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

Q: Will this be confidential or will my child’s name be public?
A: Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

Learn about Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

Why Attorney911 for Moore County Hazing Cases

When your 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. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Moore County and the entire Panhandle region.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

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
• Deploy settlement strategies that pressure families
• “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello):

• One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
• Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
• “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience:

• Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
• Economist collaboration for lifetime care valuation
• Experience with catastrophic injuries: brain damage, permanent disability
• “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:

• Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
• Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
• Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Investigative Depth:

• Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
• Experience obtaining hidden evidence: group chats, chapter records, university files
• “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

Unlike other firms, we don’t start from zero with your case. Our proprietary database includes:

• 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations with EINs and addresses
• 1,423 organizations across 25 Texas metros
• Brand overlap analysis showing national networks
• Campus-specific rosters for major Texas universities

This means when you come to us with a hazing case, we already know:

• Which national organizations have worst hazing histories
• How they structure their Texas operations
• Where to find insurance coverage information
• What pattern evidence exists from other chapters

How We Work with Moore County Families

Step 1: Immediate Crisis Response

• 24/7 availability: 1-888-ATTY-911
• Evidence preservation guidance
• Medical care coordination
• University communication management

Step 2: Comprehensive Investigation

• Digital forensics for deleted messages
• Subpoenas for organizational records
• Witness interviews
• Pattern evidence development

Step 3: Strategic Case Development

• Identify all potentially liable parties
• Navigate insurance coverage issues
• Develop damages model with experts
• Prepare for settlement or trial

Step 4: Resolution with Accountability

• Pursue maximum compensation for your family
• Demand institutional reforms to prevent future harm
• Protect your privacy throughout process

Watch how contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Free Consultation: What Moore County Families Can Expect

When you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, you’ll get:

1. Immediate attention from our legal team
2. Confidential consultation about what happened
3. Evidence review of what you’ve preserved
4. Clear explanation of your legal options
5. Realistic assessment of your case strengths
6. No pressure to hire us immediately
7. Spanish services available (Hablamos Español – contact Mr. Lupe Peña)

We serve on contingency fee: No upfront costs. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If hazing has hurt your child at any Texas university—from West Texas A&M to Texas A&M, from Texas Tech to UT Austin—you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have lawyers protecting them. You deserve the same protection.

For Moore County families specifically: We understand the values of this community—family, integrity, accountability. When those values are violated by organizations that promised to uphold them, we know how to fight back.

Call us now for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

Direct lines:

• Office: (713) 528-9070
• Ralph Manginello cell: (713) 443-4781

Email:

• Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com
• Lupe Peña: lupe@atty911.com (Spanish services available)

Website: https://attorney911.com

Practice areas relevant to hazing cases:

• Wrongful Death Claims: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
• Criminal Defense (for witnesses/members): https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/

We’re here 24/7 because legal emergencies don’t wait for business hours. That’s why we’re Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

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