The Complete Guide to Hazing in Texas: Legal Rights for Springlake Families

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

It begins with excitement—a bid from a fraternity at Texas A&M, an invitation to join a sorority at UT Austin, acceptance into the Corps of Cadets, or making a spirit squad at Baylor. Your child, like so many bright students from Springlake and across Lamb County, leaves home with dreams of friendship, tradition, and belonging at a Texas university. But sometimes, that dream turns into a parent’s nightmare.

Picture this: your son or daughter is at an off-campus house near their university. It’s “pledge night” or “initiation week.” What starts as what they’re told is “tradition” or “team bonding” becomes something darker. They’re forced to drink far beyond their limits, endure painful physical workouts until they vomit, or perform humiliating acts while members laugh and record everything on their phones. When someone gets hurt, no one calls 911. They’re told to keep quiet, to be “loyal,” that “everyone before them did it.” Your child feels trapped between wanting to belong and their own safety.

This is not a hypothetical scenario. Right now, in Texas, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered catastrophic injuries during his Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledging. According to detailed media coverage including Click2Houston’s investigation and ABC13’s report, Bermudez was subjected to extreme hazing that left him with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure—he was hospitalized for four days after passing brown urine and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. The alleged hazing included forced consumption of milk, hot dogs and peppercorns until vomiting, 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion, and being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.”

If you’re a parent in Springlake or anywhere in Lamb County reading this, you need to know: this can and does happen at Texas universities where your children attend school. Whether your student is at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, West Texas A&M University in nearby Canyon, or any of the major universities across our state, the culture of hazing persists despite laws, policies, and tragic headlines.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Springlake families and Texas parents who need to understand:

• What hazing really looks like in 2025 (beyond the old stereotypes)
• Texas hazing laws and how they protect your child
• What we’ve learned from major national cases and how they apply right here in Texas
• What’s happening at Texas universities—including schools Springlake families commonly attend
• Your family’s legal rights and options if hazing has affected your child

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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like for Springlake Families

For parents in Springlake and across the Texas Panhandle, understanding modern hazing requires moving beyond outdated stereotypes of “harmless pranks” or “boys will be boys” behavior. Today’s hazing is sophisticated, often digitally documented, and can cause permanent physical and psychological harm.

A Clear, Modern Definition for Texas Families

Hazing is 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. Critically—and this is where many Springlake families are misled—“I agreed to it” or “they wanted to fit in” does NOT make it safe or legal. Texas law recognizes that true consent cannot exist when there’s peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of social exclusion.

The Five Main Categories of Hazing Affecting Texas Students

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common—and most deadly—form of hazing. It’s not just “college drinking.” It’s systematic, forced consumption:

• “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given entire bottles of liquor
• Lineup drinking games where wrong answers mean rapid consumption
• “Bible study” or “family tree” games with alcohol penalties
• Forced consumption of unknown or mixed substances

2. Physical Hazing
Beyond “tough workouts,” this includes:

• Paddling and beatings (still occurring despite national prohibitions)
• Extreme calisthenics or “smokings” designed to cause pain, not fitness
• Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or 3 AM wake-up calls
• Food/water deprivation or forced consumption of disgusting substances
• Exposure to extreme cold/heat without proper protection

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
Perhaps the most psychologically damaging:

• Forced nudity or partial nudity
• Simulated sexual acts or degrading positions
• Racist, sexist, or homophobic role-playing
• Public shaming rituals

4. Psychological Hazing
The insidious buildup:

• Verbal abuse, threats, and intimidation
• Social isolation from non-members
• “Roasts” or interrogation sessions
• Forced confessions of personal information

5. Digital/Online Hazing
The newest frontier, particularly dangerous for tech-native students:

• Group chat dares and challenges on WhatsApp, GroupMe, or Discord
• Forced creation of compromising TikTok or Instagram content
• Social media humiliation campaigns
• 24/7 availability demands via text with immediate response requirements

Where Hazing Happens: It’s Not Just “Fraternities”

Springlake parents should know hazing occurs across campus organizations:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural groups)
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups (particularly relevant at Texas A&M)
• Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading)
• Spirit Squads and Tradition Organizations (like Texas Cowboys at UT)
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups
• Some Academic, Service, and Cultural Organizations

The common thread? Social status, tradition, and secrecy keep these practices alive despite everyone “knowing” hazing is illegal. For families in Springlake sending students to universities across Texas, this broad understanding is crucial—your child doesn’t need to join Greek life to be at risk.

Texas Hazing Law & Liability Framework: What Springlake Families Must Know

Texas has specific laws designed to protect students from hazing, but understanding how they work in practice is essential for Springlake families considering legal action.

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37: The Foundation

Texas law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, 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 Springlake Families:

• Location doesn’t matter—off-campus hazing at an Airbnb or private house is still illegal
• Mental OR physical harm qualifies—PTSD and emotional trauma count
• “Reckless” is enough—they don’t need to have intended harm
• Most importantly: “Consent is not a defense” under Texas law

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases (Brought by the State)

• Prosecuted by district attorneys (in Lamb County, that would be the 154th District Attorney’s Office)
• Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Common hazing-related charges:
  • Hazing offenses (Class B misdemeanor to state jail felony)
  • Furnishing alcohol to minors
  • Assault, battery
  • Manslaughter in fatal cases
  • Obstruction of justice for cover-ups

Civil Cases (Brought by Victims/Families)

• Filed by injured students or surviving families
• Aim: Compensation and accountability
• Focus on:
  • Negligence and gross negligence
  • Wrongful death
  • Negligent hiring/supervision
  • Premises liability
  • Intentional infliction of emotional distress

Critical Insight: These cases can run simultaneously. You do NOT need to wait for criminal charges to file a civil case. In fact, waiting for criminal proceedings can jeopardize your civil case through evidence destruction and witness coaching.

Federal Laws That Overlay Texas Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
This federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid (virtually all Texas universities) to:

• Report hazing incidents more transparently
• Strengthen hazing education and prevention
• Maintain public hazing data (fully implemented by 2026)

Title IX & Clery Act Implications
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. The Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes—hazing often overlaps with these categories. These federal frameworks create additional liability avenues beyond Texas state law.

Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Hazing Lawsuit?

1. Individual Students
The members who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, 13 individual fraternity leaders were named alongside the organizations.

2. Local Chapter/Organization
The fraternity/sorority or club itself if it’s a legal entity. Many Texas chapters have housing corporations or alumni associations that hold assets.

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters
These organizations set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Their liability often hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents at other chapters.

4. University or Governing Board
Texas public universities (like Texas Tech or West Texas A&M) have sovereign immunity limitations but can still face negligence claims. Private universities (like Baylor) have fewer immunity protections.

5. Third Parties

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

For Springlake families, understanding this “universe of defendants” is crucial. In our UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we named not just the individual members, but also the University of Houston, the UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, and the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation. Each potentially has insurance coverage or assets that can provide compensation for victims.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Precedents Mean for Springlake Families

The tragic cases that make national headlines aren’t just distant stories—they create legal precedents and patterns that directly impact how Texas hazing cases are investigated and litigated. Here’s what Springlake families need to understand from these landmark cases.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: Foreseeable and Preventable

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
A 20-year-old pledge forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night died from alcohol poisoning. The case resulted in:

• $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
• Multiple criminal convictions of fraternity members
• Key Texas Takeaway: National fraternities know this pattern exists yet chapters continue dangerous “Big/Little” traditions

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
A pledge died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%) after a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. This led to:

• Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
• $6.1 million verdict for the family
• Key Texas Takeaway: “Drinking games” aren’t games—they’re potentially lethal hazing that national organizations have documented for years

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: Beyond “Tradition”

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
A pledge died from traumatic brain injury after being blindfolded, weighted with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat. The outcomes included:

• National fraternity criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
• Pi Delta Psi banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
• Key Texas Takeaway: Off-campus “retreats” are common hazing locations, and national organizations face criminal liability

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)
Former players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the football program over multiple years, resulting in:

• Multiple lawsuits against the university and staff
• Head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired, then settled wrongful-termination confidentially
• Key Texas Takeaway: Major athletic programs at Texas universities can harbor systemic abuse with institutional knowledge

What These National Cases Mean for Springlake Families

1. Patterns Are Predictable: The same behaviors (forced drinking nights, physical “tests,” ritualized humiliation) repeat across campuses and organizations. This creates foreseeability—national organizations and universities can’t claim “we didn’t know this could happen.”

2. Cover-Ups Compound Liability: In nearly every major case, delayed medical care and evidence destruction made outcomes worse and increased liability. Texas law provides protections for good-faith reporters—encourage your child to call 911 immediately.

3. Settlement Values Set Precedents: The $10M Foltz settlement, $6.1M Gruver verdict, and other outcomes establish what serious hazing cases are worth. Texas juries see these national cases and understand the stakes.

4. Individual Accountability Is Real: In the Foltz case, the chapter president was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million. Members who participate in or cover up hazing face personal financial ruin beyond organizational liability.

For families in Springlake, these national cases matter because the same national fraternities and sororities operate at Texas universities. The same insurance companies defend these claims. The same defense tactics get deployed. Working with attorneys who understand these patterns is crucial.

Texas University Focus: Where Springlake Students Attend & What Parents Must Know

Springlake families typically send students to universities throughout Texas, with many attending schools in the Panhandle region and beyond. Understanding the specific hazing landscapes at these institutions is essential for prevention and response.

Texas Tech University & West Texas A&M University: Panhandle Institutions

For Springlake families, these are the most geographically accessible major universities. Located in Lubbock and Canyon respectively, they’re common choices for Lamb County students.

Texas Tech University (Lubbock)

Campus Culture & Greek Life:
Texas Tech hosts approximately 40 fraternities and sororities across four governing councils, with particularly strong Greek life presence. The university’s “Going Greek” program emphasizes tradition and community involvement.

Documented Hazing Incidents:
While Texas Tech doesn’t maintain a public hazing violations log like UT Austin, incidents have included:

• Kappa Sigma investigation (2023) for alleged hazing resulting in rhabdomyolysis—the same life-threatening muscle breakdown condition suffered by Leonel Bermudez at UH
• Multiple alcohol-related hospitalizations tied to Greek events in recent years
• Sigma Phi Epsilon chapter suspension (2021) for violations including alcohol misuse

Texas Tech’s Hazing Response Framework:

• Reports go through the Office of Student Conduct
• Investigations may involve Texas Tech Police Department
• Sanctions range from probation to chapter suspension
• Critical Gap: Unlike UT, Tech doesn’t publish detailed violation records, making pattern identification harder for families

What Springlake Families Should Know:

1. Lubbock’s proximity to Springlake means many local students choose Texas Tech
2. The university’s Greek life is large and traditional, with corresponding hazing risks
3. Evidence preservation is crucial—group chats and digital evidence are often key in Tech investigations

West Texas A&M University (Canyon)

Unique Aspects for Springlake Families:
Located just 45 minutes from Springlake in Canyon, WTAMU is particularly accessible for Lamb County students. Its smaller size creates different dynamics:

Documented Issues:

• Greek Life: While smaller than Texas Tech, WTAMU’s fraternities and sororities have faced hazing allegations, particularly around alcohol consumption during initiation periods
• Athletic Teams: As with many universities, athletic team hazing has been documented, though often handled internally
• Corps-Like Programs: Certain WTAMU organizations with military-style traditions have faced scrutiny

WTAMU’s Reporting Channels:

• Office of Student Conduct and Civic Engagement
• Campus Police
• Anonymous reporting options available

Practical Consideration for Springlake Families:
The proximity means you can respond quickly if issues arise, but also that the university may assume more local parental involvement in resolution processes.

Other Major Texas Universities Springlake Families Attend

While Texas Tech and WTAMU are most geographically convenient, Springlake students attend universities across Texas. Here’s what you need to know about other common destinations.

University of Houston (UH)

Current Active Case – Why This Matters for ALL Texas Families:
We are currently litigating Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi, a $10 million hazing lawsuit that serves as a case study in modern hazing severity. According to the Hoodline coverage, the alleged conduct included:

• Humiliating “pledge fanny pack” requirements (carrying condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices)
• Extreme physical hazing: sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills
• Simulated waterboarding: sprayed in face with hose while being threatened with actual waterboarding
• Forced consumption rituals: milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting, then immediate sprints
• The November 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
• Medical catastrophe: rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, 4-day hospitalization

UH’s Greek Landscape:

• 50+ fraternities and sororities across multiple councils
• Strong commuter population creates unique dynamics
• Prior Pi Kappa Alpha incident (2016) involving lacerated spleen

Key Takeaway for Springlake Families:
The Bermudez case shows how rapidly hazing can escalate to life-threatening injury, and how multiple entities (university, national fraternity, housing corporation, individual members) share liability.

Texas A&M University (College Station)

Unique Culture with Enhanced Risks:
Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets and strong Greek life create overlapping hazing risks.

Documented Cases:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon lawsuit (~2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts
• Corps of Cadets lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound in “roasted pig” position
• Multiple alcohol-related hospitalizations annually tied to Greek events

A&M’s Response Framework:

• Student Conduct Office investigations
• Corps-specific regulations and oversight
• Transparency Issue: Limited public reporting compared to UT Austin

For Springlake Families Considering A&M:
The university’s unique traditions require specific understanding of both Greek and Corps hazing risks.

University of Texas at Austin

Gold Standard for Transparency – A Model Other Texas Schools Should Follow:
UT Austin maintains a public Hazing Violations page that lists organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions—a resource Springlake families should consult.

Recent Documented Violations:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; probation and education requirements imposed
• Multiple spirit groups disciplined for forced workouts, alcohol hazing
• Fraternities sanctioned for sleep deprivation, humiliation rituals

UT’s System Strengths:

• Public transparency allows pattern recognition
• Multiple reporting channels (Dean of Students, UT Police, online forms)
• Clear sanction escalation pathways

Lesson for Springlake Families:
When universities maintain transparency, patterns become visible and preventable. Ask other schools your children attend why they don’t provide similar public data.

Baylor University

Religious Identity & Historical Context:
Baylor’s recent history with football scandal creates a complex backdrop for hazing response.

Documented Incidents:

• Baseball team hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following investigation
• Greek life incidents typically handled through internal processes
• Transparency Challenge: As a private university, Baylor has fewer public reporting requirements

For Springlake Families:
Baylor’s religious branding doesn’t eliminate hazing risks—it may simply change how incidents are framed and handled internally.

How Hazing Cases at These Campuses Typically Proceed

For Springlake Families, Understanding This Process Is Crucial:

1. Incident Occurs → Often at off-campus house, retreat, or unofficial event
2. Medical Response → If 911 is called, local police and EMS respond (Lubbock PD for Texas Tech, Canyon PD for WTAMU, etc.)
3. University Notification → Campus conduct office opens investigation
4. Parallel Investigations → University internal process ≠ police criminal investigation ≠ civil discovery
5. Sanctions/Charges → University may suspend chapter; DA may file criminal charges
6. Civil Litigation → Families retain counsel for damages claims

Critical Insight for Springlake Families:
These processes often proceed simultaneously but separately. The university’s “internal resolution” does NOT settle your civil claims. Criminal charges don’t automatically yield civil compensation. You need counsel who understands all three tracks.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories and Texas Chapters – What Springlake Families Must Understand

The national organizations behind campus Greek letters have documented histories of hazing incidents across the country. For Springlake families, understanding these patterns is crucial because the same national fraternities and sororities operate at Texas universities with the same risks.

Why National Histories Matter in Texas Courts

When a Texas chapter repeats hazing behaviors that caused deaths or injuries at other chapters nationwide, that demonstrates foreseeability—the national organization knew or should have known this could happen. This strengthens negligence claims and can support punitive damages arguments.

National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories Present at Texas Universities

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / “Pike”)

• National History: Stone Foltz death (BGSU, 2021 – $10M settlement), David Bogenberger death (NIU, 2012 – $14M settlement)
• Texas Presence: Active at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, UH, Baylor
• Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing, forced consumption rituals
• Springlake Family Consideration: One of the most frequently disciplined nationals nationally

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / “SAE”)

• National History: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide; traumatic brain injury lawsuit (Alabama, 2023); chemical burns case (Texas A&M, 2021)
• Texas Presence: All major Texas campuses
• Pattern: Alcohol hazing, physical abuse, chemical/substance hazing
• Notable: SAE eliminated traditional pledging nationally in 2014 but problems persist

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

• National History: Andrew Coffey death (FSU, 2017); our current UH Bermudez case
• Texas Presence: UH (Beta Nu chapter now closed), other Texas campuses
• Pattern: Physical hazing, forced consumption, “workout” punishment
• Springlake Relevance: The active UH case shows real-time Texas litigation

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

• National History: Max Gruver death (LSU, 2017 – $6.1M verdict)
• Texas Presence: Multiple Texas campuses
• Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games, alcohol hazing
• Legal Impact: Gruver case led to Louisiana felony hazing law

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ)

• National History: Multiple hazing suspensions including SMU chapter (2017)
• Texas Presence: SMU, Texas A&M, others
• Pattern: Paddling, alcohol hazing, tradition-based abuse

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: Public Records Every Springlake Family Should Know Exists

Through our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain detailed data on Greek organizations across Texas. This isn’t theoretical—it’s drawn from public IRS filings, university records, and organizational data. For Springlake families, this means we don’t start from scratch when investigating hazing claims.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Data):
The IRS maintains records of tax-exempt Greek organizations in Texas. Examples from our database that could be relevant to Springlake students include:

1. Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc
   EIN: 133048786 | 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845-6681
   IRS B83 filing – Texas A&M chapter housing corporation

2. Frank Heflin Foundation
   EIN: 203507402 | 9000 W Country Club Rd, Canyon, TX 79015-5815
   Phi Delta Theta alumni fund supporting West Texas A&M students

3. Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Inc – Zeta Rho HCB
   EIN: 161675890 | 115 Wild Wick Way, The Woodlands, TX 77382-1822
   Housing corporation for Texas chapters

4. Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Theta Delta
   EIN: 475370943 | 5019 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX 77204-7005
   University of Houston chapter entity

5. Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc
   EIN: 741380362 | PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147-0061
   Educational foundation supporting Texas Kappa Sigma chapters

Why This Directory Matters for Springlake Families:
When hazing occurs, multiple entities may share liability: the local chapter, housing corporation, alumni association, and national headquarters. Our pre-existing knowledge of these entities accelerates investigations and ensures no responsible party is overlooked.

Texas Campus Greek Rosters: Where Your Students Actually Join

Based on official university records, here are the major organizations at universities Springlake students attend:

Texas Tech University Greek Life Includes:

• Fraternities: Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi, others
• Sororities: Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, others
• Multicultural & NPHC: Full range of historically Black, Latino, and multicultural groups

West Texas A&M University Greek Life:

• Fraternities: Lambda Chi Alpha, Alpha Tau Omega, Phi Delta Theta (Texas Theta chapter)
• Sororities: Chi Omega (Upsilon Zeta chapter), Alpha Gamma Delta, others
• Honor Societies: Phi Kappa Phi and discipline-specific honor groups

Critical Insight for Springlake Parents:
The same national organizations appear across multiple Texas campuses. A Pi Kappa Alpha chapter at Texas Tech operates under the same national policies as Pi Kappa Alpha at UH where our client suffered kidney failure. National patterns matter locally.

How National Histories Strengthen Texas Hazing Cases

Pattern Evidence in Litigation:
When we pursue a hazing case in Texas, we subpoena national headquarters for:

• Prior incident reports at other chapters
• Risk management training materials
• Communications about “problem chapters”
• Insurance coverage information

Example: If a Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter at Texas Tech forces dangerous drinking games, we can show SAE national has faced nearly identical allegations at Alabama, Texas A&M, and other campuses. This establishes they knew the risks but failed to prevent recurrence.

For Springlake Families: This pattern evidence often makes the difference between a quick lowball settlement and meaningful compensation that acknowledges the severity of harm and need for institutional change.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy for Springlake Families

When hazing injures your child, building a strong legal case requires immediate action, strategic evidence collection, and understanding what damages are truly at stake. Here’s our approach, informed by decades of Texas complex litigation experience.

Evidence That Wins Modern Hazing Cases

1. Digital Communications (THE MOST CRITICAL EVIDENCE)

• Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage groups, Discord servers
• Social Media DMs: Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok messages
• Fraternity-Specific Apps: Organization communication platforms
• Recovery Potential: Digital forensics can often recover deleted messages

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

Springlake-Specific Advice: If your child attends Texas Tech or WTAMU, ensure they preserve Panther Camp/ORIENTATION group chats, fraternity/sorority communication threads, and any event planning messages. Screenshot immediately—don’t wait.

2. Photos & Videos

• Event footage from members’ phones
• Social media posts/stories showing hazing
• Security/doorbell camera footage from houses
• Injury documentation (multiple angles, progression over days)

3. Internal Organization Documents

• Pledge manuals or “education” materials
• Ritual scripts or tradition documents
• Emails/texts about “what we do to pledges”
• National policies and training materials

4. University Records

• Prior conduct files on the same organization
• Incident reports to campus police
• Clery Act reports and safety disclosures
• Internal emails about the organization

5. Medical & Psychological Records

• ER/hospitalization records (crucial for rhabdomyolysis cases like Bermudez)
• Toxicology reports
• Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
• Long-term treatment plans

6. Witness Testimony

• Other pledges who experienced same hazing
• Members who participated or witnessed
• Roommates, RAs, coaches who noticed changes
• Former members who quit over similar concerns

Damages: What Springlake Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

• Medical Expenses: Past and future care, including potential lifetime needs for catastrophic injuries
• Lost Income/Earning Capacity: Missed semesters, delayed workforce entry, reduced earning potential from permanent injuries
• Educational Costs: Tuition for withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships

Non-Economic Damages (Compensating Harm)

• Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries and treatment
• Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of Enjoyment: Changed college experience, damaged relationships
• Reputational Harm: Social stigma and digital footprint impacts

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

• Funeral/burial costs
• Loss of companionship, love, guidance
• Family members’ emotional suffering and therapy costs

Punitive Damages (When Conduct Is Egregious)
Available when defendants show reckless disregard or intentional harm—common in hazing cases with prior warnings.

Our Strategic Approach: Why Attorney911’s Experience Matters

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation
Within 24-48 hours of contact, we:

• Guide families through proper evidence preservation
• Send preservation letters to potential defendants
• Begin digital forensics processes if needed

2. Comprehensive Defendant Identification
We don’t just sue the obvious parties. In our UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we identified and named:

• 13 individual fraternity leaders
• Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
• Beta Nu housing corporation
• University of Houston system and regents

Each represents potential insurance coverage or assets.

3. Pattern Evidence Development
We subpoena national organizations for:

• Prior incident reports at other chapters
• Risk management training adequacy
• Communications about “problem” chapters
• Insurance policy information

4. Expert Collaboration
We work with:

• Medical experts (rhabdomyolysis specialists, nephrologists, psychiatrists)
• Digital forensics specialists
• Greek life culture experts
• Economists for lifetime damage calculations
• Life care planners for catastrophic injuries

5. Insurance Coverage Strategy
Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney is invaluable here. He knows how fraternity and university insurers:

• Value and undervalue claims
• Use delay tactics
• Argue coverage exclusions
• Negotiate settlements

For Springlake Families: This comprehensive approach matters because hazing defendants have experienced defense counsel and substantial resources. Half-measures won’t achieve accountability or adequate compensation.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Springlake Parents, Students, and Witnesses

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Texas Student May Be Being Hazed:

1. Physical Signs:

   • Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
   • Extreme fatigue beyond normal academic stress
   • Weight changes (from forced consumption or deprivation)
   • Sleep deprivation patterns (constant late nights, 3 AM calls)
   • Signs of alcohol poisoning or substance use in non-users

2. Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

   • Sudden secrecy about organization activities
   • Withdrawal from family, old friends, non-group activities
   • Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability
   • Defensive when asked about the group
   • Fear of “letting the chapter down” or “getting in trouble”

3. Academic Red Flags:

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

4. Digital/Social Behavior:

   • Constant phone monitoring of group chats
   • Anxiety about missing messages
   • Deleting messages or clearing history obsessively
   • Receiving calls/texts at all hours demanding immediate response

How to Talk to Your Child (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?”

If Your Child Opens Up:

1. Listen without judgment
2. Prioritize safety and medical care if needed
3. Document everything they tell you
4. Contact an experienced hazing attorney before taking other actions

For Students: Assessment and Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
• Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would the university or my parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
• Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do themselves?

If You’re in Immediate Danger:

• Call 911 – Texas law provides protections for good-faith emergency calls
• Get to a safe location (dorm, friend’s place, public area)
• You won’t face university discipline for seeking emergency medical help

If You Want to Quit/De-pledge:

• You have the legal right to leave at any time
• Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, trusted friend)
• Send a clear written resignation: “I am resigning my membership effective immediately”
• Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where you might be pressured or retaliated against

Evidence Collection for Students:

1. Screenshots: Capture full group chat threads with timestamps and names visible
2. Recordings: Texas is a one-party consent state—you can record conversations you’re part of
3. Photos: Injuries (multiple angles, include scale), locations, objects used
4. Medical Documentation: Tell healthcare providers you were hazed so it’s in your records
5. Witness Information: Names/contacts of others who saw what happened

For Former Members/Witnesses: Coming Forward

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

Understand Your Position:

• You may feel guilt, fear of consequences, or loyalty conflicts
• Your testimony could prevent future harm to others
• You may need your own legal advice about potential exposure

How Cooperation Works:

• Contact an attorney to understand your rights and options
• Truthful testimony is often protected
• Your cooperation can be structured to minimize personal risk while helping achieve accountability

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence

• What families think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
• Why it’s wrong: Looks like 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 families 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 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 runs, university controls narrative
• What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

Learn more about avoiding critical mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Frequently Asked Questions for Springlake Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (Texas Tech, WTAMU, UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity limitations, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in personal capacity. Private universities (Baylor, SMU) 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. In the Bermudez case, the rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure likely constitute serious bodily injury.

“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 with cover-ups, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

Learn about 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 cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, our UH Pi Kappa Phi case with Culmore Drive residence) occurred off-campus.

“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.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action for Springlake Families

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. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™), we bring unique qualifications to hazing litigation that directly benefit Springlake and Texas families.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

Insurance 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
• Argue coverage exclusions
• Negotiate settlements

“We know their playbook because we used to run it.” This insider knowledge is invaluable when facing well-funded institutional defendants.

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions
Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, brings experience from one of the most complex institutional cases in Texas history: BP Texas City explosion litigation. As one of the few Texas firms involved in that billion-dollar litigation, we’ve proven we can take on massive defendants with unlimited legal budgets.

“We’ve faced corporations with deeper pockets than any fraternity or university. We’re not intimidated—we’re prepared.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience
We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability:

• Economists for lifetime damage calculations
• Medical experts for complex injuries like rhabdomyolysis
• Life care planners for permanent disabilities
• Experience with eight-figure settlements and verdicts

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can:

• Advise on criminal exposure for participants
• Navigate parallel criminal and civil proceedings
• Protect witness rights during investigations

Investigative Depth
We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does. Our network includes:

• Digital forensics experts for deleted message recovery
• Medical specialists (including rhabdomyolysis experts)
• Greek life culture experts
• University policy analysts

Current Active Hazing Litigation
We’re not theorizing about hazing—we’re fighting it right now. Our representation of Leonel Bermudez in the $10 million UH Pi Kappa Phi case keeps us at the forefront of Texas hazing law and strategy.

Serving Springlake and All Texas Families

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including Springlake and all of Lamb County. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families across our state, and we’re committed to providing the same rigorous representation regardless of location.

Our Contingency Fee Commitment

We work on a contingency fee basis for hazing cases: you pay nothing unless we win your case. This makes quality legal representation accessible to all Texas families, regardless of financial circumstances.

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

Spanish Language Services

Hablamos Español. Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can provide consultations and representation in Spanish for Texas Hispanic families affected by hazing.

Call to Action: Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether Texas Tech, West Texas A&M, UH, Texas A&M, UT, Baylor, SMU, or any other university—we want to hear from you. Families in Springlake and throughout Lamb County have the right to answers and accountability.

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

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

1. We’ll listen to your story without judgment
2. Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
3. Explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
4. Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
5. Answer questions about costs (contingency fee – we don’t get paid unless we win)
6. No pressure to hire us on the spot – take time to decide
7. 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 Services: lupe@atty911.com

Additional Resources:

• Wrongful Death Practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
• Criminal Defense Practice: 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/

Whether you’re in Springlake or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have experienced lawyers protecting their interests. You deserve the same caliber of representation protecting your family’s rights and future.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Immediate help is available.

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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