Hazing in Texas: A Comprehensive Legal Guide for Stephenville Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at Tarleton State University or Any Texas Campus, You’re Not Alone

For families here in Stephenville, Texas—where Tarleton State University stands as our community’s educational heart—the nightmare often begins with a late-night phone call. Your student sounds different: exhausted, evasive, maybe injured. They mention “mandatory” events that keep them out until 3 AM, or show you concerning group chat messages. Perhaps they’ve returned home with unexplained bruises, or you notice their personality has changed—withdrawn, anxious, no longer the confident young person you sent to college.

Right now, just a few hours east of Stephenville in Houston, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after extreme hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. His urine turned brown. He was hospitalized for four days. And the hazing details are chilling: forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion; and the degrading “pledge fanny pack” rule requiring constant carrying of condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items.

This $10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, and 13 fraternity leaders isn’t just a Houston story. It’s proof of what’s happening across Texas campuses—including right here in Erath County at Tarleton State University, and at every major Texas school where Stephenville families send their children. The Pi Kappa Phi chapter at UH has been shut down, but the same national organizations operate at Tarleton, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and throughout Texas.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Stephenville parents and families—whether your child attends Tarleton here in Erath County, commutes to Texas A&M in College Station, or studies at any Texas campus. We’ll explain what modern hazing really looks like, your legal rights under Texas law, and how our firm’s unique expertise can help families in Stephenville and throughout Texas seek accountability.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES IN STEPHENVILLE:

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

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

The Modern Definition: Coercion Disguised as Tradition

For Stephenville families unfamiliar with modern Greek life dynamics, hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypes of “harmless pranks” or “boys will be boys” behavior. Today, hazing is systematically disguised, digitally coordinated, and psychologically sophisticated.

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. The critical element Stephenville parents must understand: “I agreed to it” does not make it safe or legal when there’s peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of social exclusion.

The Four Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common—and most deadly—form of hazing. At Texas campuses, this includes:

“Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor to finish
“Lineup” drinking games with rapid consumption requirements
“Bible study” or trivia games where wrong answers mean forced drinking
Coerced consumption of unknown substances or dangerous combinations

2. Physical Hazing
From Tarleton State to UT Austin, physical hazing includes:

Extreme calisthenics (“smokings”) beyond normal conditioning
Paddling and beatings (despite national prohibitions)
Sleep and food deprivation for days
Exposure to extreme elements (outdoor activities in inappropriate conditions)
Forced strenuous activity leading to injuries like rhabdomyolysis

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This category causes deep psychological trauma:

Forced nudity or partial nudity in group settings
Simulated sexual acts or degrading positions
Racist, sexist, or homophobic role-playing
Public humiliation through social media or group gatherings

4. Digital/Online Hazing
The newest and fastest-growing category:

24/7 group chat monitoring with required immediate responses
Social media humiliation through forced posts or challenges
Geo-tracking demands via Find My Friends or similar apps
Coerced sharing of compromising content

Where Hazing Happens: It’s Not Just Fraternities

Stephenville families should understand that hazing occurs across multiple campus organizations:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC (particularly relevant for Texas A&M connections)
Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
Spirit Groups and Tradition Organizations
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Some Academic and Service Organizations

The Psychological Dynamics That Keep Hazing Alive

Why do students participate in—or submit to—hazing when they “know better”? Several factors converge:

Tradition Rationalization: “Everyone before us did it”
Social Bonding Misconception: “This brings us closer together”
Power Dynamics: Older members exert control over new members
Fear of Exclusion: The terror of being “cut” or socially ostracized
Cognitive Dissonance: “I suffered through it, so they should too”

For Stephenville parents, understanding these dynamics is crucial when talking to your child. They’re not making “bad choices”—they’re navigating complex social pressures that adults often underestimate.

Texas Hazing Law: What Stephenville Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Foundation

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in the Education Code that govern cases involving Stephenville students at Tarleton State and other Texas campuses. The law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for purposes of initiation or affiliation that:

Endangers physical health or safety (e.g., beating, forced exercise, alcohol consumption)
Substantially affects mental health or safety (e.g., extreme humiliation, intimidation)

Key Provisions Stephenville Parents Must Understand:

§ 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

§ 37.155 Consent is NOT a Defense:
This is critically important for Stephenville families to understand. The law explicitly states that the victim’s “consent” does NOT make hazing legal. Courts recognize that consent given under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion isn’t true voluntary consent.

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability:
Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be criminally prosecuted if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report it. Organizations face fines up to $10,000 per violation.

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:
Students who report hazing in good faith are protected from civil or criminal liability. Many Texas campuses (including Tarleton State) also have medical amnesty policies protecting those who call for help in alcohol emergencies.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (district attorney)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
Outcome affects the perpetrator’s criminal record

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: Compensation and accountability
Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, institutional liability
Outcome: Monetary damages to compensate for harm

Important for Stephenville Families: These cases can run simultaneously, and you don’t need a criminal conviction to pursue a civil case. In fact, many families choose civil litigation when criminal prosecution is slow, uncertain, or fails to provide adequate accountability.

Federal Laws That Apply to Texas Hazing Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
This new federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid (including Tarleton State and all public Texas universities) to:

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

Title IX:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations are triggered. This can provide additional legal avenues and requires specific institutional responses.

Clery Act:
Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics. Hazing incidents often overlap with reportable crimes when they involve assaults or alcohol/drug offenses.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Stephenville families pursuing accountability should understand the potential defendants:

1. Individual Students:

Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
Officers who knew or should have known

2. Local Chapter/Organization:

The fraternity/sorority or club as a legal entity
Housing corporations that own chapter properties

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters:

Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents

4. University or Governing Board:

Schools may be liable under negligence or civil rights theories
Key questions: Prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference
Both Tarleton State University (Texas A&M System) and larger systems have been sued

5. Third Parties:

Landlords/owners of off-campus houses
Bars or alcohol providers (under dram shop theories)
Security companies or event organizers

6. Alumni Advisors and Housing Corporations:

Adults who should have been supervising
Entities that control chapter properties

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Stephenville Families

Alcohol Poisoning & Death: The Most Common Tragedy

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
During a bid-acceptance event, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza consumed dangerous amounts of alcohol in a drinking game, fell repeatedly, and died from traumatic brain injuries. Fraternity members delayed calling for help for 12 hours. The case resulted in:

28 fraternity members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts
Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
Multi-million dollar civil settlements

For Stephenville families: This case shows how alcohol hazing combined with delayed medical response creates lethal outcomes. The patterns seen at Penn State—forced consumption, supervision failures, cover-up culture—exist at Texas campuses too.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
Max died from alcohol poisoning after a “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers meant forced drinking. His blood alcohol content was 0.495%. The aftermath included:

Felony hazing convictions
Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act strengthening hazing penalties
Chapter closure and institutional reforms

For Stephenville families: Note that Phi Delta Theta operates chapters at multiple Texas universities. The “drinking game” format is common across campuses.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Stone died after being forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” event. The case resulted in:

Multiple criminal convictions
$10 million total settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, $3M from BGSU)
Individual chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million personally

For Stephenville families: This case demonstrates that individuals—not just organizations—can face massive personal liability. Pi Kappa Alpha has chapters throughout Texas.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: Violence Disguised as Tradition

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
Michael died from traumatic brain injuries during a blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a fraternity retreat. Members delayed calling 911, instead searching online for medical advice. The outcomes:

Multiple members convicted of manslaughter and assault
Pi Delta Psi banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
National fraternity convicted of organizational crimes

For Stephenville families: This shows hazing happens at off-campus retreats—not just chapter houses. The same organizations that operate in New York have chapters in Texas.

Northwestern University Football Program (2023-2025)
Former players alleged systemic sexualized and racist hazing within the football program. The fallout:

Multiple lawsuits against the university
Head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired
Confidential settlements and program reforms

For Stephenville families: Hazing isn’t limited to Greek life. Major athletic programs—including those in Texas—can harbor similar abuse.

What These National Cases Mean for Stephenville

These patterns matter because:

The same national organizations operate at Texas campuses
The same behaviors occur at Tarleton State, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and throughout Texas
The same legal strategies that succeeded nationally can work in Texas courts
The same institutional failures (cover-ups, inadequate supervision) happen here too

When a Texas chapter repeats behaviors that caused deaths elsewhere, that shows foreseeability—a key element in negligence cases.

Texas Campus Focus: Where Stephenville Students Face Risk

Understanding Stephenville’s Educational Landscape

Stephenville families typically have students at:

1. Local/Regional Campuses:

Tarleton State University (right here in Stephenville, Erath County)
Texas A&M University-Central Texas (Killeen, ~90 minutes away)
McMurry University (Abilene, ~90 minutes away)

2. Major Statewide Universities (common destinations for Stephenville graduates):

Texas A&M University (College Station)
University of Texas at Austin
Texas Tech University (Lubbock)
University of North Texas (Denton)
Baylor University (Waco)
Texas State University (San Marcos)

3. Specialized Programs:

Texas A&M Corps of Cadets (particularly relevant given Stephenville’s military-connected families)
UT Austin’s competitive programs
Greek life across all major campuses

Tarleton State University: Stephenville’s Home Campus

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot
Tarleton State University, part of the Texas A&M System, serves approximately 14,000 students here in Stephenville. With growing Greek life and traditional campus organizations, Tarleton represents both the opportunities and risks facing Stephenville students.

Greek Life at Tarleton includes:

Multiple fraternities and sororities under Tarleton’s Greek Council
Organizations with national affiliations
Growing membership in recent years

5.1.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting
Tarleton State prohibits hazing under Texas A&M System policy and Texas law. Reporting channels include:

Dean of Students Office
Tarleton Police Department
Online reporting systems
Title IX Office for gender-based hazing

5.1.3 How a Tarleton Hazing Case Might Proceed
For Stephenville families dealing with hazing at Tarleton:

Initial reports typically go to Tarleton Police (campus jurisdiction) or Stephenville Police (for off-campus incidents)
Civil cases would generally be filed in Erath County courts
Potential defendants include individual students, local chapters, national organizations, and potentially the university
The proximity to home means Stephenville families can work closely with local counsel while accessing statewide expertise

5.1.4 What Tarleton Students & Parents Should Do

Document everything immediately (Stephenville medical providers can be crucial)
Report to both Tarleton administration and local authorities if crimes occurred
Understand that as part of the Texas A&M System, Tarleton follows system-wide policies
Consider that national organization involvement may mean cases extend beyond Erath County

Texas A&M University: Where Many Stephenville Students Attend

5.2.1 The Corps of Cadets & Greek Life Intersection
Texas A&M’s unique culture combines strong Greek life with the nationally recognized Corps of Cadets. Stephenville students in both environments face specific risks:

Corps Hazing Incidents:

2023 lawsuit alleged cadet was subjected to “roasted pig” treatment—bound between beds with an apple in his mouth
Tradition-heavy environment where hazing can be disguised as “discipline”
Multi-million dollar lawsuit sought accountability

Greek Life Hazing at A&M:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon lawsuit (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts
Multiple other fraternities facing suspensions for hazing violations
Consistent pattern of alcohol hazing and physical abuse

5.2.2 A&M’s Hazing Response Framework

Student Conduct Office handles investigations
Corps has separate disciplinary systems
Public transparency varies—some suspensions are public, others confidential
History of significant settlements in hazing cases

5.2.3 For Stephenville Families with Students at A&M

College Station is approximately 3.5 hours from Stephenville
Cases may involve Brazos County courts and jurisdiction
A&M’s size and tradition can make accountability challenging
Our firm’s experience with large institutional defendants is particularly valuable here

University of Texas at Austin: Academic Excellence with Greek Life Risks

5.3.1 UT’s Relatively Transparent System
UT Austin maintains a public Hazing Violations page—one of the more transparent systems in Texas. Recent entries show ongoing issues:

Documented Violations Include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Texas Wranglers (spirit group): Multiple hazing violations
Various fraternities and sororities with alcohol hazing, forced activities

5.3.2 Sigma Alpha Epsilon Incident (2024)
An Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at an SAE party suffered:

Dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
Lawsuit seeking over $1 million
Chapter already under suspension for prior violations

5.3.3 For Stephenville Families at UT

Austin is approximately 3 hours from Stephenville
Travis County courts typically handle cases
UT’s transparency can actually help civil cases by documenting patterns
The university’s wealth and legal resources make experienced counsel essential

Southern Methodist University & Baylor University: Private School Considerations

SMU (Dallas) and Baylor (Waco) present different challenges for Stephenville families:

Key Differences from Public Universities:

Less transparency due to private status
Different disciplinary processes
Religious identity at Baylor adds complexity
Still subject to Texas criminal hazing laws

Recent Incidents:

SMU’s Kappa Alpha Order suspended for paddling and forced drinking
Baylor baseball team hazing suspensions
Both schools have faced Title IX and hazing controversies

For Stephenville Families:

Waco is approximately 1.5 hours from Stephenville
Dallas is approximately 2 hours
Private school cases require different strategic approaches
Insurance coverage and institutional responses differ from public universities

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories Behind Texas Letters

Why National Histories Matter for Stephenville Cases

When your Stephenville student is hazed by a fraternity at Tarleton State or Texas A&M, you’re not just dealing with local students. You’re facing national organizations with known patterns of misconduct.

These organizations have:

Multi-million dollar insurance policies
Experienced defense attorneys
Decades of experience defending hazing cases
Sophisticated strategies to limit liability

National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

Stone Foltz death (Bowling Green State University, 2021): $10 million settlement
David Bogenberger death (Northern Illinois University, 2012): $14 million settlement
Multiple chapters at Texas schools including Tarleton State
Pattern of alcohol hazing during “Big/Little” events

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

Multiple hazing deaths nationally
Texas A&M chapter lawsuit (2021): Chemical burns requiring skin grafts
UT Austin chapter lawsuit (2024): Assault causing multiple fractures
Known for resisting anti-hazing reforms

Pi Kappa Phi

Andrew Coffey death (Florida State University, 2017)
Leonel Bermudez case (University of Houston, 2025): Our firm’s active $10 million lawsuit
Pattern of physical hazing and forced consumption

Phi Delta Theta

Max Gruver death (LSU, 2017): Led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act
Multiple chapters throughout Texas
Known for drinking game hazing

Kappa Alpha Order

Multiple hazing suspensions including at SMU
Tradition-heavy with historical ties to problematic practices
Active throughout Texas

The Legal Power of Pattern Evidence

For Stephenville families pursuing cases, national patterns matter because:

They show foreseeability: If SAE had hazing deaths in other states, they should have known Texas chapters might repeat the behavior
They undermine “rogue chapter” defenses: Nationals can’t claim “we didn’t know this could happen”
They support punitive damages: Repeated violations despite knowledge can justify punishment beyond compensation
They help overcome insurance defenses: Patterns show systemic issues, not isolated incidents

House Corporations and Alumni Networks: Hidden Liability

Behind every active chapter are additional entities that may share liability:

Texas Greek Organizations in Public Records:
From IRS B83 filings, examples near Stephenville and statewide:

Sigma Phi Lambda Inc – Corinth, TX 76210 (IRS B83 filing)
Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc – Lufkin, TX 75904 (IRS B83 filing)
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Houston, TX 77204 (Theta Delta chapter)
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Nederland, TX 77627 (Epsilon Kappa chapter)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – Fort Worth, TX 76147
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – Frisco, TX 75035

Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Area (which includes Stephenville’s region) has 510 Greek-related organizations according to Cause IQ data. These include:

House corporations that own chapter properties
Alumni associations that fund and advise chapters
Educational foundations that support chapters
National headquarters with Texas presence

For Stephenville Families: These entities often have insurance coverage and assets that can provide compensation in hazing cases. Our firm’s Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks these organizations precisely so we know who to hold accountable.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages

Critical Evidence in Modern Hazing Cases

Digital Communications (Most Important Category):

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage threads: Show planning, coordination, admissions
Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “disappeared” content
Social media posts and DMs: Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok evidence
Location data and timestamps: Prove who was where and when

Our firm’s evidence video explains proper documentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Photographic & Video Evidence:

Injuries documented over time (bruises evolve)
Event photos/videos members thought were “funny”
Security camera footage from houses and venues
Social media stories and posts

Medical Documentation:

ER records clearly stating “hazing” as cause
Toxicology reports showing alcohol/drug levels
Specialist evaluations for ongoing conditions
Psychological assessments for PTSD, trauma

Organizational Documents:

Pledge manuals and “tradition” documents
National risk management policies
Email correspondence between chapters and nationals
University conduct records showing prior violations

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges experiencing same treatment
Former members willing to speak up
Roommates, friends, bystanders
Medical providers and first responders

The Damages Hazing Victims Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical bills (past and future)
Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Lost earning capacity (for permanent injuries)
Therapy and rehabilitation costs

Non-Economic Damages (Human Cost):

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress and psychological harm
Loss of enjoyment of life
Humiliation and damage to reputation

Wrongful Death Damages (for families):

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship and guidance
Emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages (when appropriate):
Acad designed to punish especially reckless conduct

Available when defendants show conscious indifference
Particularly relevant in hazing with prior warnings

Case Valuation Factors:

Severity and permanency of injuries
Egregiousness of the conduct
Defendants’ resources and insurance
Strength of evidence
Jurisdiction and venue

Strategic Considerations for Stephenville Families

Timing is Critical:
Texas generally has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, but:

The clock may start when you discover the harm
Fraud or cover-ups can extend deadlines
Don’t wait—evidence disappears quickly

Insurance Coverage Battles:
Fraternities and universities have insurance, but insurers often:

Deny coverage claiming hazing is “intentional”
Argue multiple policies and exclusions apply
Delay payments hoping families will settle cheaply

Our firm’s insurance insider advantage: Attorney Lupe Peña (he/him) spent years as an insurance defense attorney. He knows exactly how insurers value claims, use IMEs (independent medical exams) to reduce value, and deploy delay tactics. This knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with fraternity and university insurers.

Multiple Defendant Strategy:
We typically pursue all potentially liable parties:

Individual perpetrators
Chapter officers who knew or should have known
Local chapters as entities
National headquarters
Universities and their governing boards
Housing corporations and property owners
Alumni advisors and adult supervisors

This approach maximizes potential recovery and ensures accountability at all levels.

The University Response: What Stephenville Families Should Expect

Universities typically follow a pattern:

Initial concern and promises of investigation
Internal process control through conduct hearings
Minimal discipline (probation, short suspensions)
Pressure to accept internal resolution
Stonewalling if legal action is threatened

Important: University conduct processes are not substitutes for legal action. They’re designed to protect the institution, not fully compensate victims.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Stephenville Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Response Strategies

Red Flags Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained injuries or frequent “accidents”
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Personality changes: anxiety, withdrawal, irritability
Secretive behavior about organization activities
Constant phone checking for group chat messages
Financial strain from unexpected “fees” or purchases
Academic decline from missed classes/assignments

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing:

Choose the right time: Private, calm, no pressure
Use open-ended questions: “How are things with [organization]?”
Express concern without judgment: “I’ve noticed you seem really tired…”
Emphasize safety over status: “Your health matters more than membership”
Offer unconditional support: “We’ll help you no matter what”

If Your Child Is Injured:

Medical care first: Even if they resist, serious injuries need evaluation
Document everything: Photos, notes of what they tell you
Preserve evidence: Don’t let them delete messages or “clean up”
Contact an attorney before reporting: Strategic timing matters
Avoid university pressure: Don’t sign anything without legal review

For Students: Recognizing and Escaping Hazing

Is This Hazing? Simple Test:

Would you do this if you had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is the activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would your parents/university approve if they knew details?
Are only new members required to do this?
Are you told to keep it secret?

If You’re Being Hazed:

Your safety comes first: Leave dangerous situations immediately
Medical emergencies: Call 911—Texas has good-faith reporter protections
Document discreetly: Screenshot messages, note details
Talk to someone: Parent, trusted professor, campus counselor
Know your rights: You can leave any organization at any time

Exiting Safely:

Tell someone outside the organization first
Send a clear resignation message (email/text for documentation)
Don’t attend “exit meetings” where you might be pressured
Report retaliation to campus authorities immediately
Consider a no-contact order if threatened

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence
What seems embarrassing today becomes crucial evidence tomorrow. Never delete:

Group chats or messages
Photos or videos
Social media posts
Emails about events

2. Confronting the Organization Directly
This triggers their defense preparations: evidence destruction, witness coaching, legal retention.

3. Signing University “Resolution” Agreements
These often include liability waivers and confidentiality clauses that limit your options.

4. Posting on Social Media
Defense attorneys monitor everything. Inconsistencies hurt credibility.

5. Waiting for University Investigations
Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitations run.

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Unprepared
Recorded statements are used against you. Early settlement offers are lowballs.

7. Letting Your Child Return to “One Last Meeting”
This is where intimidation and damaging statements happen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions from Stephenville Families

“Can we sue Tarleton State University for hazing?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and certain other claims. Each case requires specific analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law makes hazing a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Texas law explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. The power imbalance and peer pressure mean “consent” isn’t truly voluntary.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury in Texas, but exceptions exist. The discovery rule may extend deadlines if harm wasn’t immediately known. Time is critical—call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability.

“Will my child’s name be public?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize client privacy while pursuing accountability.

“How much will this cost?”
We work on contingency fee—no upfront costs, and we only get paid if we win. Watch our fee explanation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

“Can we afford to sue a national fraternity?”
Yes. Their insurance typically covers defense costs and settlements. Our firm has taken on billion-dollar corporations (like BP in the Texas City explosion litigation) and won.

Why Attorney911 for Stephenville Hazing Cases

Texas-Based Hazing Litigation Specialists

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

Our Active Texas Hazing Litigation:
Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi case—a $10 million lawsuit alleging severe hazing causing rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. This isn’t hypothetical; it’s active, current, and demonstrates our front-line experience with Texas hazing cases.

Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Lupe Peña):
Mr. Peña (he/him) 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
Deploy IMEs (independent medical exams) to reduce settlements
Fight coverage under exclusions
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello):

One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
法是 Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
25+ years taking on billion-dollar defendants
Not intimidated by national fraternities or university legal teams

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability:

Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
Understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil cases
Ability to advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Investigative Depth:

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: We track 1,423 Greek organizations across Texas
Digital forensics expertise for recovering deleted evidence
Network of medical experts, psychologists, economists
Experience obtaining hidden university and national fraternity records

Multi-Million Dollar Results:

Wrongful death settlements in the millions
Catastrophic injury cases with lifetime care planning
Experience valuing young lives and future potential

How We Investigate Hazing Cases Differently

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation:
Within hours of contacting us, we guide you through proper evidence preservation—screenshots, photo documentation, witness lists. Evidence disappears quickly; we move faster.

2. Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:
We maintain a proprietary database of Texas Greek organizations, including:

IRS B83 filings for 125+ Texas-registered Greek entities
Campus-specific chapter rosters
Metro-level organization tracking
Insurance coverage intelligence

3. Pattern Evidence Development:
We don’t just look at your incident. We investigate:

Prior violations at the same chapter
National organization hazing histories
University knowledge and response patterns
Similar incidents at other campuses

4. Multiple Defendant Strategy:
We identify all potentially liable parties:

Individuals who planned/executed hazing
Chapter officers who failed to prevent it
National headquarters with oversight duty
Universities with safety obligations
Housing corporations and property owners
Alumni advisors who should have supervised

Our Commitment to Stephenville Families

Geographic Accessibility:
While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including Stephenville and Erath County. We understand:

Tarleton State University’s unique position in our community
The Texas A&M System’s policies and procedures
Local court jurisdictions and procedures
The concerns of rural Texas families facing institutional defendants

Spanish Language Services:
Hablamos Español. Attorney Lupe Peña provides consultations in Spanish, ensuring all Stephenville families can access experienced legal counsel.

Contingency Fee Structure:
No upfront costs. We only get paid if we win your case. This makes quality legal representation accessible to all families regardless of financial situation.

Privacy Protection:
We understand the sensitivity of hazing cases. We pursue accountability while protecting your family’s privacy through:

Confidential settlements when possible
Sealed court records requests
Strategic media management
Client-focused decision making

Call to Action: Stephenville Families, You Have Rights

If Hazing Has Impacted Your Family

Whether your child attends Tarleton State University here in Stephenville, Texas A&M in College Station, UT Austin, or any Texas campus, you have legal rights. The Manginello Law Firm is here to help Stephenville families navigate this difficult journey.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We listen without judgment: Tell us what happened in complete confidence
Evidence review: We’ll examine what documentation you have
Legal options explained: Criminal reporting, civil litigation, both, or neither
Realistic assessment: We’ll discuss strengths, challenges, and potential outcomes
No pressure decision: Take time to decide what’s right for your family
Clear next steps: If you choose to proceed, we’ll outline the process

Contact Information:

24/7 Emergency Line: 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

Understanding Texas Statutes of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

Why Act Now?

Time is your enemy in hazing cases:

Group chats are deleted within days
Witnesses graduate and become unreachable
Universities complete internal processes that limit options
Statutes of limitations continue running
Organizations coordinate their defense strategies

Evidence preservation must begin immediately. Even if you’re unsure about legal action, preserving evidence protects your options. Once evidence is gone, it’s gone forever.

A Final Word to Stephenville Parents

We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. The betrayal of trust, the physical and emotional harm to your child, the institutional resistance—it’s overwhelming.

But you’re not alone. We’ve helped Texas families through this before. We understand the unique dynamics of Texas universities, Greek life, and institutional accountability.

Our goal isn’t just compensation—though that’s important for medical care and recovery. Our goal is accountability that prevents this from happening to another family. The Bermudez case against University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi isn’t just about one student; it’s about changing systems that allow hazing to continue.

Whether you’re in Stephenville proper, Dublin, Huckabay, or anywhere in Erath County, if hazing has touched your family, call us today. Let us help you understand your rights, your options, and the path forward.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:

Evidence preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website:

https://attorney911.com

Legal Disclaimer

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

Hazing laws, 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
Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com