Texas Hazing Law & Fraternity Abuse: A Comprehensive Guide for San Angelo Families

If you’re a parent in San Angelo, Texas, and your worst fear is that phone call in the night—your child hurt, humiliated, or hospitalized because of what a fraternity, sorority, athletic team, or campus organization called “tradition”—you are not alone, and you are not powerless. Right now, across Texas, families like yours are facing the devastating reality of modern hazing, seeking answers and accountability.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for San Angelo families—parents whose children may attend Angelo State University right here in Tom Green County, or who have ventured to Texas Tech University in Lubbock, the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University in College Station, or any other Texas campus. We will show you what hazing really looks like in 2025, explain your legal rights under Texas law, and detail exactly how our firm, Attorney911 (The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC), uses groundbreaking data and litigation experience to hold powerful institutions accountable.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We provide immediate help – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

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

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:
Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses). Universities move quickly to control the narrative. We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

The Reality We’re Fighting Right Now: The Leonel Bermudez UH Pi Kappa Phi Case

Before we discuss the broader patterns, you need to understand the case we’re litigating right now—because it shows exactly what Texas families are up against, and how seriously we take hazing accountability.

In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, the UH System Board of Regents, and 13 fraternity leaders. What happened to Leonel wasn’t “horseplay” or “team building”—it was systematic abuse that nearly killed him.

The Hazing Methods Were Systematic and Sadistic:

Humiliation: The “pledge fanny pack” rule required pledges to carry condoms, a sex toy, nicotine devices, and humiliating items 24/7, with noncompliance triggering punishment threats.
Forced Labor: Enforced dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, weekly interviews, and overnight chauffeuring duties for members.
Physical Torture: Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills in cold weather while wearing only underwear, lying in vomit-soaked grass.
Water Torture: Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” with threats of actual waterboarding.
Forced Consumption: Being made to drink milk, eat hot dogs and peppercorns until vomiting, then being forced to immediately run sprints.
Extreme Exercise: The November 3 “workout” where Leonel was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats while reciting the fraternity creed under threat of expulsion.

The Medical Catastrophe That Followed:
Leonel 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 damage. He faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage and long-term physical and psychological harm.

The Institutional Response:
On November 6, 2025, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters suspended the Beta Nu chapter. On November 14, chapter members voted to surrender their charter. The University of Houston called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion and cooperation with law enforcement.

This is happening right now in Texas. This is what we fight. Detailed coverage of this case is available in the Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case and ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For San Angelo families, understanding modern hazing means looking beyond the old stereotypes of “hell week” pranks. Today’s hazing is sophisticated, digitally enabled, and often disguised as “tradition” or “team building.”

Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing means any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. In Texas law—which governs cases involving San Angelo families—”consent” is not a defense when there’s peer pressure and power imbalance.

Main Categories of Hazing

Alcohol and Substance Hazing:

Forced or coerced drinking games like “lineups,” “century club,” or “Big/Little” nights
Chugging challenges requiring rapid consumption
Being pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances
“Bible study” or trivia games where wrong answers mean forced drinking

Physical Hazing:

Paddling and beatings (still occurring despite national prohibitions)
Extreme calisthenics, “workouts,” or “smokings” far beyond normal conditioning
Sleep deprivation, food/water deprivation
Exposure to extreme cold/heat or dangerous environments
Rhabdomyolysis risk: Extreme exercise causing muscle breakdown and kidney failure

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing:

Forced nudity or partial nudity
Simulated sexual acts, “roasted pig” positions, degrading costumes
Acts with racial or sexist overtones, slurs, or role-play

Psychological Hazing:

Verbal abuse, threats, isolation
Manipulation or forced confessions
Public shaming in meetings or ceremonies

Digital/Online Hazing (The New Frontier):

Group chat dares, “challenges” on GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord
Public humiliation via Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok
Pressure to create or share compromising images/videos
24/7 availability demands with instant response requirements
Location tracking via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Texas

Fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC / military-style groups (especially relevant to Texas A&M families)
Spirit squads and tradition clubs (like Texas Cowboys, Saddle Tramps)
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer, etc.)
Marching bands and performance groups
Some service, cultural, and academic organizations

The common thread? Social status, tradition, and secrecy keep these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Texas Law & Liability Framework: What San Angelo Families Need to Know

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code Chapter 37)

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in the Education Code that apply whether your child attends Angelo State University here in San Angelo or any other Texas campus.

§ 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.

Plain English for San Angelo Parents:
If someone makes your child do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they meant to do it or were reckless about the risk, that’s hazing under Texas law.

Key Points:

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 (knew the risk and did it anyway)
“Consent is not a defense” (Texas Education Code § 37.155): Even if your child said “yes” or “I want to do this,” it’s still a crime if it meets the definition

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

Class B Misdemeanor (default): Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, fine up to $2,000)
Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes injury that requires medical treatment
State Jail Felony: If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death

Also criminal:

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

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability:
Organizations (fraternities, sororities, clubs, teams) can be criminally prosecuted for hazing if:

The org authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
An officer or member acting in official capacity knew about hazing and failed to report it

Penalties for organizations:

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

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:
A person who in good faith reports a hazing incident to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from the report. In medical emergencies, Texas law and many university policies provide amnesty for students who call 911, even if they were drinking underage or involved in the hazing themselves.

Criminal vs Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (prosecutor)
Aim: punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical hazing-related criminal charges can include:
- Hazing offenses
- Furnishing alcohol to minors
- Assault, battery, or even manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: monetary compensation and accountability
Focus on:
- Negligence and gross negligence
- Wrongful death
- Negligent hiring/supervision
- Premises liability
- Emotional distress

Both types can run side-by-side, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case.

Federal Overlay: Stop Campus Hazing Act, Title IX, Clery

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
Requires colleges that receive federal aid (including all Texas public universities) to:

Report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthen hazing education and prevention
Maintain public hazing data (phased in by around 2026)

Title IX / Clery:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations can be triggered. Clery requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics; hazing incidents often overlap with those categories when there are assaults or alcohol/drug crimes.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

1. Individual Students:
The ones who planned, supplied the alcohol, carried out the acts, or helped cover them up.

2. Local Chapter / Organization:
The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if it’s a legal entity). Individuals acting as officers or “pledge educators” can be key.

3. National Fraternity/Sorority:
Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Liability can hinge on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents.

4. University or Governing Board:
The school or regents may be sued under certain negligence or civil-rights theories. Key questions: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference.

5. Third Parties:
Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces. Bars or alcohol providers (under dram shop theories). Security companies or event organizers.

Every case is fact-specific; not every party is liable in every situation.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Can Learn

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):
Bid-acceptance event with heavy drinking. Severe falls captured on chapter cameras; hours delayed before medical help. Dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members; civil litigation; new Pennsylvania anti-hazing law named after him. Takeaway: Extreme intoxication, delay in calling 911, and a culture of silence can be legally devastating.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017):
Big/little event; pledge given a handle of liquor; drank to dangerous levels; died. Criminal hazing charges against members; FSU temporarily suspended Greek life and overhauled policies. Takeaway: Formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a repeating script for disaster.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
“Bible study” drinking game; forced to drink when answering questions incorrectly. Death led to felony hazing law in Louisiana (Max Gruver Act). Takeaway: Legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
Pledge night; forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey; died from alcohol poisoning. Multiple criminal convictions; BGSU agreed to nearly $3 million settlement with the family; other settlements with fraternity/individuals. Takeaway: Universities can face significant financial and reputational consequences along with fraternities.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
Pledge at a fraternity retreat subjected to a violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual. Suffered fatal head injuries; help was delayed. Multiple members convicted; fraternity banned from Pennsylvania. Takeaway: Off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous or worse than parties, and national orgs can face serious sanctions.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University football (2023–2025):
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program. Multiple lawsuits against the university, staff; head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired and later settled a wrongful-termination suit confidentially. Takeaway: Hazing is not limited to Greek life; big-money athletic programs can harbor systemic abuse.

What These Cases Mean for San Angelo Families

Common threads: forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed or denied medical care, cover-ups. Reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after tragedy and litigation. San Angelo families facing hazing at Angelo State, Texas Tech, UT Austin, Texas A&M, or Baylor are not alone and are operating in a landscape shaped by these national lessons.

Texas University Focus: Where San Angelo Families Send Their Kids

Angelo State University (Right Here in San Angelo)

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
As part of the Texas Tech University System, Angelo State University sits right here in Tom Green County and serves as the primary higher education institution for many San Angelo families. With growing Greek life and campus organizations, ASU represents both opportunity and potential risk for local students.

Documented Greek Organizations at Texas Tech System Campuses (Including ASU):
Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks the formal organizations behind Greek life. For example:

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (EIN: 820644459, Lubbock, TX 79430)
Frank Heflin Foundation (Phi Delta Theta alumni support) (EIN: 203507402, Canyon, TX 79015)
Kappa Alpha Order – Gamma Sigma Chapter at West Texas A&M (Canyon, TX)
Chi Omega – Upsilon Zeta Building Association (EIN: 752290669, Amarillo, TX 79118)

What San Angelo Parents Should Know About ASU:

Proximity means involvement: When hazing occurs at ASU, San Angelo families are immediately affected—this is your community, your local hospitals, your law enforcement.
Texas Tech system connection: Issues at the flagship campus in Lubbock often influence policies and oversight at ASU.
Small campus dynamics: Sometimes mean less scrutiny but also tighter-knit communities that may be reluctant to report.

How an ASU Hazing Case Might Proceed:

Involved agencies may include ASU Police Department and/or San Angelo Police Department
Civil suits might be filed in Tom Green County courts
Potential defendants include individual students, the chapter, national organizations, and potentially Texas Tech University System

Texas Tech University (Common Destination for San Angelo Graduates)

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Many San Angelo high school graduates head to Lubbock to attend Texas Tech University, a major public research university with substantial Greek life and campus organizations.

Documented Greek Organizations in Lubbock Metro:
Our data shows 59 Greek-related organizations in the Lubbock metro area, including:

Texas Tech Chapter of Phi Delta Theta Housing (Lubbock, TX)
Kappa Alpha Order – Texas Tech (Gamma Chi) (Lubbock, TX)
Alpha Phi Omega – TTU Chapter (Lubbock, TX)
Epsilon Nu Housing Corporation (EIN: 237359384, Lubbock, TX 79401)
TKE OP Housing (EIN: 475033161, Lubbock, TX 79423)
Alpha Omega Epsilon-Beta Alpha Chapter (EIN: 473967233, Lubbock, TX 79416)

Recent Incident Patterns:
Texas Tech has faced hazing allegations involving extreme physical exercise leading to rhabdomyolysis (similar to the UH Pi Kappa Phi case), forced drinking, and other traditional hazing methods. The university’s size and Greek life prominence mean patterns seen nationally often manifest here.

University of Texas at Austin (Flagship Destination)

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
UT Austin represents the flagship destination for many academically competitive San Angelo students. With approximately 60 fraternity/sorority chapters, it’s a hub of Greek life activity.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page – A Model of Transparency:
Unlike many universities, UT Austin maintains a public Hazing Violations page that lists organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions. This transparency can be a powerful tool for families investigating patterns.

Example Violations Relevant to San Angelo Families:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; found to be hazing; chapter placed on probation and required to implement new hazing-prevention education.
Texas Wranglers (spirit organization): Sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing.
Multiple other groups cited for alcohol hazing, physical abuse, or punishment-based practices.

How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed:

Involves UTPD and/or Austin PD depending on location
Prior violations on UT’s public log can strongly support civil suits by showing patterns and knowledge
Travis County courts typically have jurisdiction

Texas A&M University (Corps of Cadets & Greek Life)

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Texas A&M’s unique culture includes both robust Greek life and the nationally recognized Corps of Cadets, creating multiple potential hazing environments.

Corps of Cadets Hazing Lawsuit (2023):
A cadet alleged degrading hazing, including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million. Texas A&M stated it handled the matter under its rules, but the case highlighted systemic issues.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):
Pledges alleged being covered in substances including an industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring emergency skin grafts. The fraternity was suspended for two years; pledges sued for $1 million.

Documented Greek Organizations in College Station Metro:
Our data shows 42 Greek-related organizations in the College Station-Bryan metro area, including:

Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon Chapter (College Station, TX)
Omega Psi Phi – Tau Tau Chapter (College Station, TX)
Beta Theta Pi – Eta Chapter House Corp. (College Station, TX)
Delta Sigma Theta – Brazos Valley Alumnae (College Station, TX)
Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc. (EIN: 133048786, College Station, TX 77845)

Baylor University (Private University Option)

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Baylor’s religious identity and history of scrutiny over football and Title IX issues create a complex environment for hazing accountability.

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):
14 players suspended following a hazing investigation; suspensions staggered over the early season. This incident reminded the community that hazing extends beyond Greek life.

Baylor’s Cultural Context:

Religious branding creates particular expectations about conduct
Prior scandals (sexual assault) have led to increased scrutiny
“Zero tolerance” policies exist alongside recurring misconduct

The Greek Ecosystem Serving San Angelo Families: Public Records Reality

When we represent San Angelo families in hazing cases, we don’t start from scratch. We maintain what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database built from public records that shows exactly who’s behind the Greek letters at Texas campuses.

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

Why This Matters for San Angelo Parents:
If your child was hazed, you deserve to know who really stands behind the organizations connected to their campus. These aren’t just “college clubs”—they’re legal entities with tax IDs, insurance policies, and national organizations that can be held accountable.

Sample from Our Texas-Wide Database (125+ IRS-Registered Entities):

Texas-Based House Corporations & Alumni Chapters:

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc. (EIN: 133048786, College Station, TX 77845) – IRS B83 filing
Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Inc. – Zeta Rho HCB (EIN: 161675890, The Woodlands, TX 77382) – IRS B83 filing
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc. (EIN: 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035) – IRS B83 filing
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc. – Theta Delta Chapter (EIN: 475370943, Houston, TX 77204) – IRS B83 filing
Chi Omega Fraternity – House Corporation (EIN: 740555581, Austin, TX 78705) – IRS B83 filing
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter (EIN: 746084905, Houston, TX 77204) – IRS B83 filing

West Texas & Regional Entities Relevant to San Angelo Families:

Frank Heflin Foundation (Phi Delta Theta alumni) (EIN: 203507402, Canyon, TX 79015) – IRS B83 filing
Chi Omega – Upsilon Zeta Building Association (EIN: 752290669, Amarillo, TX 79118) – IRS B83 filing
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Mu Zeta Chapter (EIN: 752609909, Commerce, TX 75428) – IRS B83 filing
Kappa Sigma Fraternity – Theta Chapter (EIN: 756067776, Fort Worth, TX 76109) – IRS B83 filing

Metro-Level Context for San Angelo Region:
While San Angelo is developing its own metropolitan identity, families here are connected to broader Texas Greek ecosystems:

Lubbock Metro (59 Greek organizations): Serves Texas Tech, where many San Angelo students attend
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro (510 Greek organizations): Major hub for national headquarters and alumni networks
Austin-Round Rock Metro (154 Greek organizations): Serves UT Austin
College Station-Bryan Metro (42 Greek organizations): Serves Texas A&M
Statewide Total: 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros

What This Means for Your Case:
When we take a hazing case, we already know:

The legal names and EINs of potentially liable organizations
Where their headquarters and insurance are located
How national brands operate across multiple Texas campuses
Where to find the entities that actually have assets and insurance

This isn’t theoretical—in the Leonel Bermudez UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we identified and sued not just the local chapter, but the national headquarters, the housing corporation (EIN: 462267515, Frisco, TX), the university, the board of regents, and 13 individual members. This comprehensive approach maximizes accountability and recovery.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages & Strategy

Critical Evidence in Modern Hazing Cases

Digital Communications (The #1 Evidence Source):

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, fraternity apps: These show planning, intent, knowledge, patterns, who was involved
Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok comments: Social media coordination and boasting
Recovered/deleted messages: Digital forensics can often restore what members tried to destroy

Photos & Videos:

Content filmed by members during events (often shared in group chats)
Security camera or doorbell footage at houses and venues
Social media posts documenting activities

Internal Organization Documents:

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, ritual “traditions” lists
Emails/texts from officers about activities
National policies and training materials showing what should have been prevented

University Records:

Prior conduct files, probation/suspensions, letters of warning
Incident reports to campus police or student conduct offices
Clery reports and similar disclosures

Medical and Psychological Records:

Emergency room and hospitalization records
Surgery and rehab notes
Toxicology reports (blood alcohol levels, drug screens)
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidality)

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges, members, roommates, RAs, coaches, trainers, bystanders
Former members who quit or were expelled

Damages: What Can Be Recovered in a Hazing Case

Medical Bills & Future Care:

Immediate care (ER, ICU, hospitalization)
Surgeries, ongoing treatment, physical therapy, medications
Long-term care for catastrophic injuries: Brain injuries, organ damage (like kidney damage from rhabdomyolysis), permanent disabilities

Lost Earnings / Educational Impact:

Missed semesters or withdrawal from school
Setbacks in entering the workforce
Reduced earning capacity if injuries are permanent
Lost scholarships or academic standing

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation, PTSD
Loss of enjoyment of life
Damage to reputation and relationships

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of companionship, love, and support
Emotional harm to parents and siblings
Loss of financial support and future earnings

Punitive Damages (When Available):

To punish especially reckless, willful, or malicious conduct
To deter future hazing
Available when defendants had prior warnings and ignored them, or showed callous indifference

How Insurance Coverage Complicates Hazing Cases

National fraternities and universities often have insurance policies that may come into play, but insurers frequently argue:

Hazing or intentional acts are excluded from coverage
The policy doesn’t cover certain defendants or conduct
Claims should be denied based on “expected or intended injury” exclusions

Our Insider Advantage:
Mr. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, 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 to pressure families
Fight coverage under exclusions
Negotiate settlements

This insider knowledge is invaluable when navigating the insurance battles that inevitably follow serious hazing incidents.

Practical Guide for San Angelo Parents & Students

For Parents: Warning Signs & Immediate Action

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Physical Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries
Extreme fatigue, exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight loss or gain (from food/water restriction or stress)
Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, calls at 3 AM)
Injuries to hands, back, legs from paddling or forced exercise
Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage
Signs of alcohol poisoning or drug use they don’t normally display

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-group 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

Academic & Financial Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep in class
Unexpected large expenses (forced purchases, “fines”)
Buying excessive alcohol or items for older members

Digital/Social 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

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing:

Immediate Safety First: If your child is in physical danger (intoxicated, injured, threatened), call 911 or campus police immediately.
Get Medical Attention: Prioritize health over “getting in trouble.”
Document Everything: Write down dates, times, what your child tells you. Screenshot texts, photograph injuries.
Preserve Evidence: Don’t let your child delete messages or “clean up.”
Report Strategically: Contact Dean of Students, campus police, or local police depending on severity.
Consult an Attorney Early: Even if you’re not sure about lawsuit, legal guidance helps preserve evidence and navigate systems.

Critical Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally):

“How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
“Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
“What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”

For Students: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Quick Assessment:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would the university or my parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?

If you answered YES to any, it’s likely hazing.

How to Exit Safely:

Immediate danger: Call 911, get to safe location
Wanting to quit: You have the legal right to leave at any time
Send written resignation to chapter president
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
Report retaliation to Dean of Students and campus police

Evidence Collection for Students:

Screenshots: Capture full group chats with timestamps, participant names
Recordings: Texas is a one-party consent state – you can record conversations you’re part of
Photos: Injuries, locations, objects used in hazing
Medical documentation: Tell providers you were hazed – get it in the record
Save everything: Don’t delete anything, even if embarrassed

For Former Members / Witnesses:

If you participated and now regret it, or witnessed hazing:

Your testimony and evidence may prevent future harm
Cooperating can be an important step toward accountability
We can help navigate your role as a witness
Good-faith reporting often has protections

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly

What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
What to do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation

MISTAKE #3: Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms

What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements
Why it’s wrong: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often far below case value
What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing it first

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

What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

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

What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally”
Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute of limitations runs
What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

Watch our video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case for more guidance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Frequently Asked Questions for San Angelo Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (like Angelo State, Texas Tech, UT Austin, Texas A&M) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in personal capacity. Private universities (like Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

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

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears fast. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

Watch our video on Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities 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.

“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
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.

“How do contingency fees work?”
We work on a contingency fee basis—we don’t get paid unless we win your case. You pay no upfront costs. This makes justice accessible to families who couldn’t otherwise afford representation against wealthy fraternities and universities.

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

Why Attorney911 for San Angelo Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing case, 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):

Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”
View Mr. Peña’s complete background at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello):

One of the 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 and won.”
View Mr. Manginello’s complete credentials at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience:

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
Experience valuing lifetime care needs (brain injury, permanent disability)
Economists, life care planners, medical experts on our team
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 & Data Advantage:

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: 1,423 Greek organizations tracked across 25 Texas metros
Network of experts: digital forensics, medical, psychological, Greek life culture
Experience obtaining hidden evidence through discovery
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Spanish-Language Services:

Se habla Español – Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish
Serving Hispanic families throughout Texas
Cultural understanding of Texas demographics

Our Approach to Hazing Cases:

Immediate Evidence Preservation: We move fast to secure digital evidence before it’s deleted
Comprehensive Defendant Identification: Using our database to identify ALL potentially liable parties
Insider Insurance Navigation: Leveraging Mr. Peña’s defense background to counter insurance tactics
Expert Collaboration: Medical, psychological, economic experts to fully document harm
Trial Readiness: We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial—because that’s what gets results

Call to Action for San Angelo Families

If you or your child has experienced hazing at Angelo State University here in San Angelo, Texas Tech University in Lubbock, the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, Baylor University, or any other Texas campus—we want to hear from you.

Families in San Angelo, Goodfellow AFB, Christoval, Miles, and throughout Tom Green County have the right to answers and accountability when hazing destroys lives.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation:

What to expect in your free consultation:

We’ll listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
Answer your questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
No pressure to hire us on the spot—take time to decide
Everything you tell us is confidential

Contact Information:

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

Spanish-Language Services:
Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish

Serving All of Texas from Our Houston, Austin & Beaumont Offices:

While we’re based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including San Angelo and the surrounding West Texas region. We understand the unique dynamics of Texas campuses and the particular challenges facing families far from major metropolitan areas.

Whether you’re in San Angelo or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions behind hazing count on silence and fear. We provide the alternative: experienced legal advocacy, relentless investigation, and a commitment to accountability that can prevent future tragedies.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s discuss how we can help your family find answers, achieve justice, and make sure no other family endures what yours has.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Click2Houston (KPRC 2) — “‘Urine was brown’: Pledge sues over severe hazing at University of Houston’s shut down Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”
https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
ABC13 Eyewitness News (KTRK) — “Waterboarding, forced eating, physical punishment: Lawsuit alleges abuse faced by injured pledge at UH’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”
https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
Hoodline — “University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Face $10M Lawsuit Over Alleged Hazing and Abuse”
https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:

“📱 Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case? | Attorney911 Explains”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
“Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case? | Attorney911 with Injury Lawyer Ralph Manginello”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
“Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case | Attorney911 with Ralph Manginello”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
“📢 How Do Contingency Fees Work? Injury Lawyer Explains!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website & Practice Areas:

Attorney911 — Main Website & Contact
https://attorney911.com
Wrongful Death Practice Area
https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Criminal Defense Practice Area
https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/
Ralph Manginello Profile
https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
Lupe Peña Profile
https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

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 | lupe@atty911.com