The Complete Guide to Hazing Laws in Texas: A Resource for Sunray Families Seeking Justice

If Your Child Was Hazed in Texas: Immediate Help for Sunray Families

It starts with a phone call you never wanted to make. Your student at Texas A&M or the University of Houston texts you, their voice shaky in a late-night call, describing something that happened at the fraternity house. They mention being forced to drink, or extreme exercises, or threats if they tell anyone. You feel a cold dread—this isn’t just “college fun.” This is hazing, and your child is in danger.

For families in Sunray, the Texas Panhandle, and across Moore County, this nightmare scenario connects directly to the universities where you send your children. Whether they’re at West Texas A&M in nearby Canyon, Texas Tech in Lubbock, or major hubs like the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M, or the University of Houston, hazing remains a devastating reality in Texas Greek life, athletic programs, and campus organizations.

Right now, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history: Leonel Bermudez’s $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. The details are harrowing—forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by sprints; 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under expulsion threats; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; and the medical catastrophe that followed: rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure requiring four days of hospitalization with brown urine and critically high creatine kinase levels. The chapter was shut down, but for Bermudez and his family, the physical and psychological harm continues.

This case isn’t an isolated incident. It’s proof of what can happen at Texas universities, and it’s why families in Sunray need to understand their rights when hazing strikes close to home.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES IN SUNRAY, TEXAS

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’re “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 in hazing cases—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.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything Sunray families need to know about hazing in Texas: what it really looks like today, the Texas and federal laws that apply, the national cases that set precedents, what’s happening at specific Texas universities, how fraternity and sorority national histories matter, how to build a strong case, and practical steps for parents, students, and witnesses. Whether your child attends school in the Panhandle or hours away in Houston or Austin, Texas law and experienced Texas counsel can help.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like for Texas Students

Hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypical “hell week” paddlings. For Sunray students at Texas campuses today, hazing often involves sophisticated psychological pressure, digital coercion, and carefully disguised “traditions” that administrators struggle to detect until someone gets hurt.

The Modern Definition of Hazing

In plain English, 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. Crucially, “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there’s peer pressure and power imbalance. Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.

Five Main Categories of Hazing Affecting Texas Students

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the deadliest form. At Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor alike, we see forced drinking rituals: “lineups” where pledges must finish drinks in sequence, “Big/Little” nights where new members are given handles of liquor, drinking games like “Bible study” where wrong answers mean forced consumption. The Leonel Bermudez UH case included forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting.

2. Physical Hazing
Beyond traditional paddling (still present despite national bans), physical hazing now includes extreme “workouts” disguised as conditioning. At Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets, we’ve seen binding and degrading positioning. At UT Austin, Pi Kappa Alpha directed new members to perform strenuous calisthenics after milk consumption. The physical toll can be catastrophic—Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis, a severe muscle breakdown that causes kidney failure.

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. The Texas A&M Corps lawsuit described “roasted pig” positioning with an apple in the mouth. Such acts create profound psychological trauma alongside physical violation.

4. Psychological Hazing
Verbal abuse, threats, isolation, manipulation, forced confessions, and public shaming during meetings. This “mental warfare” is designed to break down individuality and ensure compliance, often leaving deeper scars than physical injuries.

5. Digital/Online Hazing
The newest frontier: group chat dares, social media “challenges,” pressure to create compromising content, 24/7 availability demands via GroupMe or WhatsApp, location tracking via Find My Friends, and public humiliation on Instagram or TikTok. Digital evidence often becomes the most critical proof in modern hazing cases.

Where Hazing Happens Across Texas Campuses

While fraternities and sororities dominate headlines, hazing occurs in many organizations:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups (especially at Texas A&M)
Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer—as seen in the Northwestern football scandal)
Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs (like UT Austin’s Texas Cowboys)
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Some Academic, Service, and Cultural Organizations

For Sunray families with students at West Texas A&M, Texas Tech, or other Panhandle schools, understanding that hazing isn’t limited to “frat parties” is crucial. The social status, tradition, and secrecy that keep these practices alive operate in many campus contexts.

Texas Hazing Law: What Sunray Families Need to Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in the Education Code that provide both criminal penalties and civil liability pathways. Understanding this framework helps Sunray families navigate what comes next.

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37, Subchapter F (Hazing)

§ 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 Translation: 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. Location doesn’t matter—it can happen on or off campus. The harm can be mental or physical. The person doesn’t need malicious intent—”reckless” (knowing the risk and doing it anyway) is enough.

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties

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

Additional criminal provisions:

Failing to report hazing (if you’re a member/officer and 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, and the 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.

§ 37.155 Consent Not a Defense
Texas law explicitly states: It is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity. This directly rebuts the common defense of “they agreed to it.”

§ 37.156 Reporting by Educational Institutions
Texas colleges and universities must provide hazing prevention education, publish hazing policies, and maintain annual reports of hazing violations and disciplinary actions. UT Austin already does this publicly at hazing.utexas.edu.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases

Brought by the state (district attorney)
Aim: punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Proof required: “beyond a reasonable doubt”

Civil Cases

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: monetary compensation and accountability
Focus on: negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring/supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
Proof required: “preponderance of the evidence” (more likely than not)

Both types can run side-by-side, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. Many families pursue civil actions even when criminal charges aren’t filed or result in acquittal.

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

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently, strengthen hazing education and prevention, and maintain public hazing data (phased in by around 2026).

Title IX
When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations are triggered. Universities must investigate and respond appropriately.

Clery Act
Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics; hazing incidents often overlap with these categories when there are assaults or alcohol/drug crimes.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students
Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover them up.

Local Chapter/Organization
The fraternity/sorority club itself (if incorporated) and officers acting in official capacity.

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

University or Governing Board
Schools may be liable under negligence or civil-rights theories. Key questions: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference.

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, but experienced hazing attorneys know how to identify all potentially liable parties.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Precedents That Affect Texas Families

The national landscape of hazing litigation provides crucial precedents and patterns that directly impact cases involving Sunray students at Texas universities.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
Bid-acceptance event with heavy drinking led to severe falls captured on chapter cameras; hours delayed before medical help. Dozens of criminal charges, civil litigation, and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law resulted.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
“Big/Little” event where pledge was given a handle of liquor, drank to dangerous levels, and died. Criminal hazing charges followed; FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
“Bible study” drinking game forced drinking for wrong answers. Death led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act creating felony hazing statutes. Family later won a $6.1 million verdict.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Pledge forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night, died from alcohol poisoning. Multiple criminal convictions; BGSU agreed to $3 million settlement; additional settlements with fraternity/individuals totaled approximately $10 million.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
Pledge subjected to violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat, suffered fatal head injuries with delayed help. Multiple members convicted; fraternity banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years; national organization criminally convicted.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within football program. Multiple lawsuits against university; head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired and later settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially. Shows hazing extends beyond Greek life into major athletic programs.

What These Cases Mean for Sunray Families

Common threads in fatal hazing cases: forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, cover-ups. Reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after tragedy and litigation. Texas families facing hazing at their children’s universities are operating in a landscape shaped by these national lessons—and the legal strategies that succeeded in holding institutions accountable.

Texas University Focus: Where Sunray Students Are Affected

Sunray families send students to universities across Texas, from nearby Panhandle institutions to major hubs hours away. Understanding the hazing landscape at each campus is crucial.

West Texas A&M University (Canyon, TX – 30 miles from Sunray)

For Sunray families, West Texas A&M represents the closest four-year university, with many local students attending. The campus has active Greek life and tradition-focused organizations.

Campus Culture & Greek Life
WTAMU, part of the Texas A&M University System, maintains Greek organizations including fraternities like Alpha Tau Omega (Zeta Kappa Chapter), Lambda Chi Alpha (Iota Xi Zeta), Phi Delta Theta (Texas Theta), and Kappa Sigma, along with sororities like Chi Omega (Upsilon Zeta). The Frank Heflin Foundation, a Phi Delta Theta alumni fund, is based in Amarillo, showing active alumni involvement.

Hazing Policy & Reporting
WTAMU prohibits hazing under both Texas law and university policy. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students Office, Campus Police, and anonymous reporting options. As a public university within the A&M System, WTAMU must comply with Texas Education Code hazing reporting requirements.

Documented Incidents & Historical Context
While major publicized incidents have been less frequent than at larger campuses, the presence of national fraternities with hazing histories creates inherent risk. The university’s smaller size doesn’t eliminate hazing risk—it may simply mean incidents are less publicly reported.

How a WTAMU Hazing Case Might Proceed
Jurisdiction would involve Randall County courts (where Canyon is located) or Potter County if parties reside in Amarillo. Local police (Canyon PD) and WTAMU Campus Police would have jurisdiction. Given WTAMU’s A&M System affiliation, system-wide policies and potential system liability could come into play.

What Sunray Students & Parents at WTAMU Should Do

Document any concerning incidents immediately
Utilize WTAMU’s Dean of Students office for reporting
Understand that proximity to home doesn’t reduce legal rights or remedies
Contact experienced Texas hazing counsel who understand the A&M System’s structure

Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX – 100 miles from Sunray)

For many Sunray students, Texas Tech represents a popular choice within reasonable driving distance. As a major university with extensive Greek life, understanding Tech’s hazing landscape is crucial for Panhandle families.

Campus Culture & Greek Life
Texas Tech hosts over 40 Greek organizations with thousands of members. The campus has seen hazing incidents involving both fraternities and sororities. IRS B83 records show multiple Texas-registered Greek entities in Lubbock, including Epsilon Nu Housing Corporation, Alpha Omega Epsilon-Beta Alpha Chapter, and TKE OP Housing.

Documented Incidents
Texas Tech has faced hazing allegations across multiple organizations. The university maintains disciplinary records, though public transparency varies. The presence of national fraternities with documented hazing histories at other campuses (Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, etc.) creates pattern evidence that can support negligence claims.

How a Texas Tech Hazing Case Might Proceed
Jurisdiction would involve Lubbock County courts. Both Texas Tech Police and Lubbock Police Department could have involvement depending on location. Texas Tech’s status as a public university in the Texas Tech University System creates potential sovereign immunity considerations that require careful legal navigation.

What Sunray Families with Students at Texas Tech Should Know

Texas Tech’s size and Greek life prominence increase statistical hazing risk
The university’s anti-hazing policies are online, but enforcement records require formal requests
Distance from Sunray doesn’t prevent effective legal representation—we serve families statewide
Digital evidence (GroupMe, texts, social media) is especially critical given Tech’s tech-savvy student body

Texas A&M University (College Station, TX)

Though farther from Sunray, Texas A&M attracts Panhandle students through its agricultural programs, Corps of Cadets, and strong Texas identity. The university’s size and tradition-heavy culture create unique hazing risks.

Campus Culture & Greek Life
Texas A&M hosts one of the nation’s largest Greek systems alongside the renowned Corps of Cadets. IRS B83 records show multiple Greek entities registered in College Station, including Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (EIN: 133048786), Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Theta Rho Chapter (EIN: 812525354), and Texas Nu-Phi Delta Theta Fraternity (EIN: 814123811).

Corps of Cadets Hazing History
The Corps has faced multiple hazing allegations, including a 2023 lawsuit alleging cadets were bound between beds in a “roasted pig” position with an apple in the mouth. The case sought over $1 million, with A&M stating it handled the matter under its rules. This highlights that hazing extends beyond Greek life at A&M.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)
Two pledges alleged forced strenuous activity with substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit poured on them, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The lawsuit sought $1 million; the fraternity was suspended for two years.

How an A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed
Jurisdiction involves Brazos County courts. Both A&M Police and College Station PD could be involved. As a public university, A&M enjoys some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing employees in personal capacity.

What Sunray Families with Aggies Should Know

The Corps and Greek life represent dual hazing risk environments
A&M’s “traditions” can sometimes mask or justify harmful behaviors
The university’s agricultural focus may attract Panhandle students unfamiliar with urban Greek life risks
Early evidence preservation is critical given A&M’s strong organizational loyalty culture

University of Texas at Austin

UT Austin attracts top students from across Texas, including academically competitive Panhandle students. The university’s relatively transparent hazing violation reporting provides unique insights.

Campus Culture & Greek Life
UT hosts approximately 60 fraternity/sorority chapters. The university maintains a public Hazing Violations page (hazing.utexas.edu) that lists organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions—a transparency level exceeding many peers.

Documented Violations from Public Records

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; found to be hazing; chapter placed on probation with required hazing-prevention education
Texas Wranglers & Other Spirit Groups: Multiple sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, punishment-based practices
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024): Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members at party; injuries included dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose; lawsuit sought over $1 million

How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed
Jurisdiction involves Travis County courts. UTPD and Austin PD might both have involvement. UT’s public status creates sovereign immunity considerations, but the university’s detailed public violation records can provide powerful pattern evidence in civil cases.

What Sunray Families with UT Students Should Know

Review UT’s public hazing violations page to check organizations your child considers joining
UT’s urban Austin location means many events occur off-campus in private homes, complicating university oversight
The university’s transparency is a double-edged sword: helpful for pattern evidence, but potentially embarrassing for victims
Academic pressure at UT can make students reluctant to report hazing that might disrupt their educational trajectory

University of Houston

UH serves as a case study in serious contemporary hazing, as demonstrated by our firm’s active representation in the Leonel Bermudez case. For Sunray families with students in Houston, understanding this landscape is critical.

The Leonel Bermudez / Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Case
In fall 2025, transfer student Leonel Bermudez endured horrific hazing as a Pi Kappa Phi pledge: forced “pledge fanny pack” humiliation (condoms, sex toy, nicotine devices), enforced dress codes and overnight driving duties, extreme physical hazing including sprints, bear crawls, cold-weather exposure in underwear, lying in vomit-soaked grass, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, and the November 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats.

The medical aftermath: rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, brown urine, four-day hospitalization, critically high creatine kinase levels, and ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. The chapter was suspended November 6, 2025, and members voted to surrender their charter November 14, 2025. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion and cooperation with law enforcement.

Our firm filed a $10 million lawsuit against UH, the UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. This case demonstrates what serious hazing litigation looks like in Texas today.

UH’s Greek Ecosystem
UH hosts multiple Greek councils including Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and Multicultural Greek Council. IRS B83 records show Houston-area Greek entities like Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter (EIN: 746084905), Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc – Alpha Omega Chapter (EIN: 746084912), and multiple NPHC organizations.

How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed
Jurisdiction involves Harris County courts. Both UHPD and Houston PD could be involved. As a public university, UH has sovereign immunity considerations, but the Bermudez case demonstrates viable pathways for accountability.

What Sunray Families with UH Students Should Know

UH’s urban commuter-campus dynamic creates different social pressures than residential colleges
The Bermudez case proves serious having occurs at UH right now
Houston’s size means events may occur at distant locations (like the Yellowstone Boulevard Park and Culmore Drive residence in Bermudez’s case)
Medical resources in the Texas Medical Center are world-class but documenting hazing causation in medical records is crucial

Southern Methodist University and Baylor University

These private universities, while farther from Sunray, attract Panhandle students through academic programs and athletic recruiting.

SMU’s Greek Culture
SMU’s affluent campus has strong Greek presence. The Kappa Alpha Order faced suspension in 2017 for paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation. As a private university, SMU has fewer sovereign immunity protections but potentially greater control over internal disciplinary processes.

Baylor’s Context
Baylor’s religious identity and history of scrutiny over football and Title IX issues create a complex environment. The 2020 baseball hazing incident saw 14 players suspended. Baylor’s “zero tolerance” policies face scrutiny given past institutional failure patterns.

What Sunray Families at Private Universities Should Know

Private universities may offer different settlement dynamics than public institutions
Religious affiliations can complicate reporting and institutional response
Athletic hazing risks exist alongside Greek life risks
Alumni networks at private schools can create pressure against coming forward

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Matter in Texas Cases

For Sunray families, understanding that local chapters at Texas universities are part of national organizations with documented hazing histories is crucial for building strong cases.

Why National Histories Matter Legally

When a Pi Kappa Phi chapter at UH repeats the same forced drinking patterns that killed Andrew Coffey at Florida State, that shows foreseeability. When a Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter at Texas A&M uses chemical substances in hazing after similar incidents elsewhere, that demonstrates pattern and practice. National headquarters’ knowledge of these patterns creates liability.

Organization Mapping: National Brands with Texas Presence

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike)

National History: Stone Foltz death (BGSU, $10M settlement), David Bogenberger death (NIU, $14M settlement)
Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, with documented violations including UT’s 2023 milk/calisthenics hazing
Legal Significance: National PIKE had notice of “Big/Little” alcohol hazing risks but failed to prevent similar conduct at Texas chapters

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE)

National History: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide; elimination of pledge process in 2014 due to pattern
Texas Incidents: Texas A&M chemical burns case (2021), UT Austin assault case (2024), traumatic brain injury case at University of Alabama (2023)
Legal Significance: Pattern evidence across states supports negligence claims against national SAE

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

National History: Andrew Coffey death (FSU)
Texas Incident: Leonel Bermudez case at UH (our firm’s active litigation)
Legal Significance: National had notice from Coffey death but failed to prevent similar extreme physical hazing at UH

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

National History: Max Gruver death (LSU, $6.1M verdict, Max Gruver Act legislation)
Texas Presence: Chapters across Texas including at WTAMU (Texas Theta Chapter)
Legal Significance: National awareness of “Bible study” drinking game risks creates duty to prevent similar practices

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ)

National History: Multiple hazing suspensions including at SMU (2017)
Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas Tech, other campuses
Legal Significance: Pattern of physical hazing including paddling despite national policies

How National Patterns Strengthen Texas Cases

Discovery Power
In litigation, we can subpoena national headquarters for:

Prior incident reports from other chapters
Risk management files and training materials
Communications about known hazing “traditions”
Insurance policies and coverage information

Negligence Arguments
We can demonstrate that nationals:

Knew or should have known about specific hazing methods
Failed to enforce their own anti-hazing policies meaningfully
Provided inadequate supervision or training
Maintained relationships with problem chapters despite repeated violations

Punitive Damages Potential
When national organizations ignore clear patterns, Texas courts may award punitive damages to punish reckless disregard for student safety.

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

When hazing affects your family, understanding how cases are built helps you make informed decisions and preserve critical evidence.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Communications

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, fraternity-specific apps
Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok comments, Facebook Messenger
Recovery potential: Digital forensics can often recover deleted messages—don’t assume deletion means evidence is gone
Our video on using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Photos & Videos

Content filmed by members during events
Footage shared in group chats or posted to social media
Security camera or doorbell footage at houses and venues
Medical documentation of injuries photographed over time

Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, ritual “traditions” lists
Emails/texts from officers about activities
National policies and training materials obtained through discovery

University Records

Prior conduct files, probation/suspension letters
Incident reports to campus police or student conduct offices
Clery reports and similar disclosures
Internal emails among administrators about the organization

Medical and Psychological Records

Emergency room and hospitalization records (crucial: ensure they document hazing causation)
Surgery and rehabilitation notes
Toxicology reports
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidality)

Witness Testimony

Other pledges, members, roommates, RAs, coaches, trainers, bystanders
Former members who quit or were expelled
Emergency responders and medical personnel

Damages: What Can Be Recovered

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical bills: ER, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing treatment, medications
Future medical expenses: Projected care needs, especially for permanent injuries
Lost earnings/educational impact: Missed semesters, delayed workforce entry, reduced earning capacity
Other economic losses: Property damage, relocation costs, therapy expenses

Non-Economic Damages

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
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 suffering of family members
Loss of financial support and guidance

Punitive Damages
In cases of particularly reckless or egregious conduct, Texas courts may award punitive damages to punish defendants and deter future misconduct.

Insurance Coverage Dynamics

Fraternities, sororities, and universities typically have insurance policies, but insurers often argue:

Hazing constitutes “intentional acts” excluded from coverage
Certain defendants aren’t covered under the policy
The policy has lapsed or doesn’t apply to the location

Our insider knowledge from Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney is invaluable here. We know how insurers value claims, use Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to reduce settlements, deploy delay tactics, and argue coverage exclusions. We identify all potential coverage sources and fight to maximize recovery within available policies.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Sunray Families

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme fatigue or exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water restriction or stress
Sleep deprivation (late-night calls, 3 AM wake-ups, inability to sleep)
Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-organization activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability, defensiveness
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring, anxiety about missing messages
Academic decline, missing classes, losing scholarships

How to Talk to Your Child

Ask open questions: “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
Express concern without judgment: “I’m worried because you seem exhausted/stressed/different.”
Emphasize safety over status: “Your health matters more than any group.”
Assure support: “You can always come home. We’ll help you through this.”

If Your Child Is Hurt

Get medical attention immediately, even if they insist they’re “fine”
Document everything: Photos of injuries, screenshots of texts, notes of what they tell you
Save physical evidence: Clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
Write detailed notes while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24-48 hours

Dealing with the University

Document every communication with administrators
Ask specifically about prior incidents involving the same organization
Request copies of anti-hazing policies and violation histories
Don’t sign anything without attorney review

When to Talk to a Lawyer

If your child has significant physical or psychological harm
If the university or organization is minimizing or hiding what happened
If criminal charges are being considered

For Students: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide
Ask yourself:

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 my parents/university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do themselves?
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

In immediate danger: Call 911
You have the legal right to leave at any time
Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
Send written resignation (email/text) to chapter leadership
Don’t go to “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
If fearing retaliation, report to Dean of Students and campus police

Evidence Collection While It’s Happening

Screenshots of group chats with timestamps and participant names
Voice memos/recordings (Texas is one-party consent)
Photos/videos of injuries, locations, objects
Save everything digital—don’t delete even if embarrassed
Medical documentation: Tell providers you were hazed
Witness information: Names/contacts of others who saw what happened

Your Legal Rights in Texas

You cannot be punished for calling 911 in an emergency (good-faith reporter immunity)
Hazing is a crime—you’re the victim, not perpetrator
Consent is not a legal defense to hazing
You can request no-contact orders if harassed after reporting

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

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

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

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 below true value
What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

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

5. Letting Your Child Go Back to “One Last Meeting”
What fraternities say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic”
Why it’s wrong: They pressure, intimidate, or extract damaging statements
What to do instead: Once considering legal action, all communication goes through your lawyer

6. 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

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer
What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim”
Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball
What to do instead: Politely decline: “My attorney will contact you”

Our video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Frequently Asked Questions for Sunray Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT, Texas Tech, WTAMU) have sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as Class B misdemeanor by default, but becomes state jail felony if 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 consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm/cause wasn’t immediately known. In cover-up cases, statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical.

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

“What if hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus with successful judgments.

“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 much does a hazing lawyer cost?”
We work on contingency fee basis: no upfront costs, no fee unless we win. Fees are percentage of recovery; case expenses may be advanced and repaid from recovery. This makes justice accessible regardless of financial means.

Our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

About Attorney911: Why Sunray Families Choose Us for 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. From our Texas offices, we serve Sunray families and students across the state, bringing unique qualifications to hazing litigation.

Our Competitive Advantages in Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims, their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. As he says, “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)
Ralph is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation, taking on billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal budgets. That same capability applies to national fraternities and university systems. His federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) and HCCLA membership signal we’re not intimidated by powerful defendants.

Active, High-Stakes Hazing Litigation Experience
Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez $10 million lawsuit against UH and Pi Kappa Phi. We’re not theorizing about hazing cases—we’re actively litigating one of Texas’s most serious contemporary hazing matters. We understand the medical complexities (rhabdomyolysis, kidney injury), institutional dynamics, and evidence challenges specific to hazing.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience
We’ve recovered millions for families in complex wrongful death cases, working with economists to value lifetime care needs for brain injuries and permanent disabilities. We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force accountability from institutions that prioritize reputation over student safety.

Dual Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand criminal hazing charges and how they interact with civil litigation. We can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure, navigate cooperation agreements, and handle cases where criminal and civil proceedings overlap.

Investigative Depth & Expert Networks
We deploy the right experts for each case: medical professionals for rhabdomyolysis and kidney injury, digital forensics specialists for recovering deleted messages, Greek life culture experts, institutional policy analysts, economists for damages, and psychologists for trauma assessment. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

Spanish-Language Services
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, serving Hispanic families across Texas who might face language barriers in navigating complex legal systems. Hablamos Español—contact Lupe at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

How We Approach Hazing Cases Differently

We Start with Evidence Preservation
Before discussing theories or strategies, we secure evidence: guiding families to screenshot group chats before deletion, photograph injuries, obtain medical records documenting hazing causation, and identify witnesses before they’re coached or disappear.

We Follow the Money and the Structure
Using our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—built from IRS B83 records, university data, and organizational research—we identify all potentially liable entities: not just individuals and local chapters, but national headquarters, housing corporations, alumni associations, insurance policies, and university departments that failed in their duties.

We Understand Texas Universities Specifically
From UT Austin’s public violation database to Texas A&M’s Corps culture, UH’s urban dynamics, and private school nuances at SMU and Baylor, we know how different Texas campuses operate. We’ve reviewed policies, incident reports, and disciplinary histories across the state.

We Prioritize Both Accountability and Prevention
While pursuing compensation for your family, we also seek institutional reforms that prevent future harm. Whether through settlement conditions requiring policy changes or public litigation that exposes dangerous practices, we believe real justice includes making campuses safer for all students.

Our Commitment to Sunray Families

We know hazing cases involve more than legal claims—they’re family tragedies. The embarrassment, fear, trauma, and institutional betrayal compound the physical injuries. We approach each case with:

Empathy without pity: We listen to your story without judgment
Thoroughness without delay: We move quickly to preserve evidence while conducting comprehensive investigations
Transparency without oversimplification: We explain legal complexities in plain English while being honest about challenges
Advocacy without exploitation: We fight fiercely for your family while respecting your privacy and emotional needs

Call to Action: Next Steps for Sunray Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether nearby at West Texas A&M or Texas Tech, or at universities across the state—we want to hear from you. Families in Sunray, Moore County, the Texas Panhandle, and throughout Texas 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:

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 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 (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)

Spanish Language Services:

Hablamos Español—Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish
Servicios legales en español disponibles

Final Thoughts for Sunray Families

Hazing thrives in silence, shame, and institutional protection. Breaking that cycle requires courage from victims and families, supported by experienced legal advocates who know how to navigate these complex cases. The national hazing cases we’ve discussed—from Penn State to LSU to Bowling Green—show that accountability is possible, but it typically requires skilled legal representation against well-resourced opponents.

The Leonel Bermudez case at UH proves serious hazing is happening in Texas right now. The Texas A&M Corps lawsuits show hazing extends beyond Greek life. The UT Austin violation database reveals ongoing patterns despite policies and education.

Whether you’re in Sunray or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. Contact us today to discuss your situation confidentially.

Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, and we’re here to help.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Using cellphone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes that can ruin your case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Website:

Main site: https://attorney911.com
Wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Criminal defense: 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 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