Hazing at Texas Universities: A Comprehensive Guide for Town of Meadow Families

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

For parents in Town of Meadow, the call can come at any hour. Your son returns from a “pledge event” at Texas Tech University unable to stand without help, his urine dark brown, complaining of excruciating muscle pain. Your daughter texts from Baylor University, afraid to leave her dorm after enduring humiliating rituals with her sorority “big sister.” Or maybe you’ve seen the recent Houston news: a University of Houston pledge hospitalized with kidney failure after Pi Kappa Phi hazing, his body pushed to collapse through forced workouts, simulated waterboarding, and degrading humiliation.

Right now, in our backyard, Attorney911 is leading one of Texas’s most serious hazing lawsuits. We represent Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million hazing and abuse case against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and 13 fraternity leaders. The allegations are severe: enforced dress codes, hours-long “study” blocks, overnight driving duties, and the infamous “pledge fanny pack” rule requiring humiliation items. Physical abuse included sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, cold-weather exposure, lying in vomit-soaked grass, and being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.” Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed immediately by sprints. The November 3, 2025, “workout”: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, creed recitation under threat of expulsion.

The medical outcome was catastrophic: Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe skeletal muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, passed brown urine, could not stand without help, and was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels. His risk of permanent kidney damage continues today.

This is not some distant problem. It’s happening at universities where Town of Meadow families send their children: Texas Tech University in nearby Lubbock, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, and campuses across our state. This comprehensive guide explains what hazing really looks like in 2025, your legal rights under Texas law, and how families in Terry County and throughout Texas can seek accountability when universities and fraternities fail to protect students.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:
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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

Understanding Hazing in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

Hazing has evolved far beyond the “hell week” stereotypes. For Town of Meadow families, understanding what hazing really looks like today is the first step toward recognizing it and protecting your children.

What Constitutes Hazing Under Texas Law?

Texas Education Code Chapter 37 defines hazing 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.

Crucially, “consent” is not a defense in Texas. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, if the activities meet the legal definition, it’s still hazing.

Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Tradition”)

Deception and secrecy: Pledges told to lie to parents, university, or outsiders
Servitude requirements: Acting as 24/7 designated drivers, cleaning members’ rooms, running personal errands
Social control: Requiring permission to socialize outside the organization, cutting off contact with non-members
Digital monitoring: Constant group chat demands, required instant responses, location tracking via apps

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Creates Hostile, Abusive Environment)

Sleep deprivation: Late-night “meetings,” 3 AM wake-up calls, multi-day events with minimal rest
Verbal abuse: Yelling, screaming, insults, degrading language, threats
Forced physical activity: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, extreme calisthenics
Public humiliation: Embarrassing acts in public, wearing degrading costumes, “roasting” sessions
Food/water manipulation: Limiting meals, forcing consumption of unpleasant substances

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (High Potential for Injury or Death)

Forced/coerced alcohol consumption: “Lineup” drinking games, Big/Little nights with handles of liquor, trivia games where wrong answers mean forced drinking
Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, kicking, “branding” with burns or cuts
Dangerous physical tests: Blindfolded tackle rituals, forced fights, swimming while intoxicated
Sexualized hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault or coercion
Chemical exposure: Texas A&M SAE case where industrial-strengthen cleaner caused severe burns requiring skin grafts

Where Hazing Occurs Beyond Fraternities

While Greek organizations receive most attention, hazing permeates multiple campus organizations:

Corps of Cadets programs (especially concerning at Texas A&M)
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer squads)
Spirit groups and tradition organizations
Marching bands and performance groups
Academic and service organizations

The common thread: power imbalance, tradition justification, and secrecy.

Texas Hazing Law: What Town of Meadow Families Need to Know

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Education Code Chapter 37

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, fine up to $2,000)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death
Additional crimes: Failing to report hazing (misdemeanor), retaliating against reporters (misdemeanor)

Organizational Liability

Texas law allows organizations to be criminally prosecuted if:

The organization 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:

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

Critical Protections for Victims and Reporters

Good-Faith Reporting Immunity: 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.

Medical Amnesty: In emergencies, Texas law and university policies typically provide amnesty for students who call 911, even if they were drinking underage or involved in the hazing themselves.

Comparative Analysis: Texas vs. Other States

While Texas has strong hazing laws, other states have enacted even stronger legislation following tragedies:

Pennsylvania (Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law): Upgraded hazing to felonies more easily
Louisiana (Max Gruver Act): Felony hazing statute with serious prison time
Ohio (Collin’s Law): Hazing becomes felony when drugs/alcohol cause physical harm
Florida (Chad Meredith Law): Criminalized hazing after drowning death

Texas falls in the middle—strong criminal provisions but without the same level of public branding or awareness as “Piazza Law” or “Max Gruver Act.”

Major National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

Understanding national patterns helps Town of Meadow families recognize how local incidents fit into broader, predictable cycles of abuse and institutional failure.

Alcohol Poisoning Death Pattern

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

Forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Pi Kappa Alpha chapter permanently removed

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

19-year-old pledge died from traumatic brain injuries after “bid acceptance” night
Extreme alcohol consumption, falls captured on fraternity security cameras
Brothers delayed calling for help for hours
18 fraternity members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts
Pennsylvania enacted Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law

Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

Pledge forced to participate in “Bible study” drinking game
Wrong answers = forced drinking
Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)

Physical and Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

Pledge blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
Died from traumatic brain injury
Fraternity members delayed calling 911
National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
Pi Delta Psi banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within football program
Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
Head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired, later settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially
Demonstrates hazing extends beyond Greek life into major athletic programs

What These Cases Mean for Town of Meadow Families

The terrifying consistency: forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, cover-ups. These national cases establish patterns that Texas courts recognize. When the same behaviors occur at Texas Tech, Texas A&M, UH, or Baylor, we can demonstrate foreseeability—the organizations knew or should have known these activities could cause harm based on their own national histories.

Texas University Focus: Where Town of Meadow Families Send Their Children

Texas Tech University: The Local Connection for Terry County

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Texas Tech University in Lubbock is the closest major university to Town of Meadow in Terry County. Many local families have children attending Texas Tech, drawn by its academic programs, athletics, and relatively close proximity. The university hosts approximately 40,000 students with active Greek life through Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and Multicultural Greek Council.

Hazing Policy & Reporting:
Texas Tech prohibits hazing through its Student Code of Conduct and Greek Life policies. The university requires all student organizations to complete hazing prevention education. Reporting channels include the Office of Student Conduct, Texas Tech Police Department, and anonymous reporting systems.

Documented Incidents & Institutional Response:
Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine data reveals multiple Greek organizations registered with Texas addresses serving the Lubbock area and Texas Tech community:

EIN 741016658: Phi Upsilon Zeta of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, San Antonio, TX 78249-1644 (IRS B83 filing)
EIN 475033161: TKE OP Housing, Lubbock, TX 79423-6360 (IRS B83 filing)
EIN 751565336: Farm House Fraternity Inc, Lubbock, TX 79416-5814 – Texas Tech University Chapter (IRS B83 filing)
EIN 820644459: Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Lubbock, TX 79430-0002 – Texas Tech Univ Health Sciences (IRS B83 filing)

From the Lubbock Metro Cause IQ data (59 total Greek organizations in the area):

Texas Tech Chapter of Phi Delta Theta Housing, Lubbock, TX
Kappa Alpha Order – Texas Tech (Gamma Chi), Lubbock, TX
Delta Kappa Gamma Society – Lubbock, Lubbock, TX
Alpha Phi Omega – TTU Chapter, Lubbock, TX

How a Texas Tech Hazing Case Might Proceed:
For Town of Meadow families, a Texas Tech hazing case would involve:
.

Jurisdiction: Lubbock County courts, potentially with federal elements if Title IX violations occur
Investigating agencies: Texas Tech Police Department and/or Lubbock Police Department
Potential defendants: Individual students, local chapter, national fraternity/sorority, Texas Tech University, property owners
Legal strategy: Leveraging our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine to identify all liable entities, including Texas-registered organizations

What Texas Tech Students & Parents Should Do:

Immediate reporting: Contact Texas Tech Office of Student Conduct at (806) 742-1234 or Texas Tech Police at (806) 742-3931
Evidence preservation: Texas Tech’s remote location means evidence can disappear quickly—document everything immediately
Medical care: Use Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center or local Lubbock hospitals, ensuring hazing is documented in medical records
Legal consultation: Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911—we understand Texas Tech’s specific Greek culture and institutional dynamics

University of Houston: The Flagship Case in Our Backyard

The Leonel Bermudez / Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Case:
Right now, Attorney911 represents Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter, its housing corporation, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, the UH System Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity leaders.

Key Details Town of Meadow Families Should Know:

Hazing locations: Pi Kappa Phi house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park
Specific hazing methods: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, forced dress codes, overnight driving duties, extreme workouts, forced consumption leading to vomiting
Medical outcome: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, four-day hospitalization, ongoing kidney damage risk
Institutional response: Chapter suspended November 6, 2025; members voted November 14, 2025 to surrender charter; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”

UH’s Greek Ecosystem from Public Records:
Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine reveals the complex network behind UH Greek life:

From IRS B83 Texas filings (Houston area):

EIN 392352450: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated – Sigma Gamma Chapter, Houston, TX 77254-0026
EIN 746084905: Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter, Houston, TX 77204-3067
EIN 760221936: Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Inc, Houston, TX 77277-1704
EIN 800209640: Delta Phi Upsilon Fraternity Inc, Houston, TX 77248-7334

From Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land Metro Cause IQ data (188 total organizations):

Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Houston, TX
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae, Houston, TX
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Alpha Kappa Omega, Houston, TX (grad chapter)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter, Houston, TX (undergrad chapter)

What This Means for Town of Meadow Families:
The UH case demonstrates that even at large, reputable universities with anti-hazing policies, severe abuse occurs. When your child attends UH or any Texas university, they’re entering environments where national patterns of hazing repeat unless aggressively prevented.

Texas A&M University: Tradition and Risk

Corps of Cadets and Greek Life Intersection:
Texas A&M’s unique culture blends traditional Greek life with Corps of Cadets programs, creating multiple potential hazing environments. Our data shows significant organizational presence:

From College Station–Bryan Metro Cause IQ data (42 total organizations):

Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon (Texas A&M), College Station, TX
Omega Psi Phi – Tau Tau (Texas A&M), College Station, TX
Beta Theta Pi – Eta Chapter House Corp., College Station, TX
Delta Sigma Theta – Brazos Valley Alumnae, College Station, TX

Notable Texas A&M Cases:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon chemical burns lawsuit (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
Corps of Cadets “roasted pig” lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including being bound between beds with an apple in his mouth

For Town of Meadow Families Considering Texas A&M:

Understand both Greek and Corps hazing risks
Review Texas A&M’s specific hazing violation history through public records
Ensure your child knows reporting channels beyond chain of command

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency with Persistent Problems

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Database:
UT Austin maintains one of Texas’s most transparent hazing reporting systems at hazing.utexas.edu. Recent entries show recurring issues:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Texas Wranglers: Multiple violations for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing
Various fraternities: Probation for alcohol misuse, physical punishment, policy violations

UT’s Greek Organizational Network:
From Austin–Round Rock Metro Cause IQ data (154 total organizations):

Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp., Austin, TX (UT chapter house corporation)
Delta Tau Delta – Gamma Iota Chapter, Austin, TX (UT chapter house)
Beta Xi House Corp. of Kappa Kappa Gamma, Austin, TX (UT chapter house corporation)
Building Corporation – Alpha Delta Pi (Delta), Austin, TX (UT chapter property)

IRS B83 Entities with Austin Connections:

EIN 740555581: Chi Omega Fraternity, Austin, TX 78705-4018 – Chi Omega House Corporation
EIN 741130606: Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Inc, Austin, TX 78705-5318 – Alpha Mu
EIN 746047117: Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi, Austin, TX 78705-4017

Implications for Town of Meadow Families:
UT’s transparency is commendable but reveals persistent hazing culture. The public database provides valuable evidence for families pursuing accountability.

Southern Methodist University and Baylor University

Private University Considerations:
SMU and Baylor present different challenges as private institutions with strong religious and Greek traditions.

SMU’s Greek Landscape from Dallas–Fort Worth Metro Data (510 total organizations):

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity, Fort Worth, TX 76244
Tri Delta Educational Fund of SMU, Dallas, TX
Chi Omega Educational Corporation, Fort Worth, TX (TCU)
Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity – Gamma Psi Chapter, Fort Worth, TX (TCU)

Baylor’s Limited But Significant Greek Presence:
From Waco Metro Cause IQ data (27 total organizations):

Phi Gamma Delta – Tau Deuteron Chapter, Waco, TX (Baylor University chapter)
Kappa Kappa Gamma – Baylor House Board, Waco, TX
Delta Delta Delta – Baylor Chapter, Waco, TX

Key Consideration for Town of Meadow Families:
Private universities often have less transparent disciplinary processes. Pursuing accountability may require different legal strategies, including compelling discovery through litigation.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Patterns That Reach Texas Campuses

The Critical Connection: National Histories Establish Foreseeability

When a Pi Kappa Alpha chapter at Texas Tech repeats the same forced drinking rituals that killed Stone Foltz at Bowling Green, that’s not coincidence—it’s predictable pattern. National fraternity headquarters maintain detailed risk management policies precisely because they know these activities cause harm.

Major National Organizations 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 UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
Public records: EIN 746064445 – Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Nederland, TX 77627-8843 – Epsilon Kappa Chapter (IRS B83)

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ)

National history: Traumatic brain injury lawsuit (University of Alabama), chemical burns case (Texas A&M), assault case (UT Austin)
Texas presence: Chapters at all five major Texas universities
IRS-Cause IQ brand overlap: Multiple Texas entities in our data engine

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

National history: Andrew Coffey death (Florida State University)
Texas presence: University of Houston (Beta Nu chapter now closed), other Texas campuses
Public records: EIN 462267515 – Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, Frisco, TX 75035-6629 (IRS B83)

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

National history: Max Gruver death (LSU, led to Louisiana felony hazing law)
Texas presence: Multiple Texas campuses
Public records: EIN 900927378 – Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, San Antonio, TX 78249-3625 – Texas Xi (IRS B83)

How National Patterns Create Legal Liability

In civil hazing cases, we demonstrate:

Prior notice: The national organization knew about similar incidents at other chapters
Inadequate response: Policies existed but weren’t meaningfully enforced
Foreseeability: The specific harm was predictable based on national history
Pattern and practice: The organization tolerated or encouraged these behaviors

Texas-Specific Organizational Data from Our Intelligence Engine

IRS B83 Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (125 entities):

EIN 133048786: Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc, College Station, TX 77845-6681
EIN 262025321: Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity, Denton, TX 76201-5816 – Mu Gamma Chapter
EIN 371768785: Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation, Missouri City, TX 77459-1820
EIN 475370943: Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc, Houston, TX 77204-7005 – Theta Delta
EIN 756067776: Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Fort Worth, TX 76109-2330 – Theta Chapter

Cross-Validated Brands (IRS + Cause IQ Overlap):

Beta Upsilon Chi appears in both IRS B83 (EIN 742911848) and Dallas–Fort Worth Cause IQ data
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation appears in both IRS B83 (EIN 741380362) and Dallas–Fort Worth data
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority appears in multiple IRS filings and Houston/Beaumont Cause IQ data

For Town of Meadow Families:
This organizational mapping matters because when hazing occurs, we don’t start from scratch. We already know the legal entities, EINs, addresses, and organizational structures behind the Greek letters on campus. This data-driven approach accelerates investigations and strengthens cases.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Recovery

Critical Evidence Categories for Texas Cases

1. Digital Communications (The Most Important Evidence)

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity-specific apps
Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok content
Recovery capability: Digital forensics can often retrieve deleted messages
Town of Meadow consideration: Rural internet connectivity issues may affect access—preserve locally on devices

2. Photographic and Video Evidence

Injury documentation: Multiple angles, include scale reference (coin, ruler), progressive photos over days
Scene evidence: Locations where hazing occurred, alcohol bottles, props
Social media content: Posts, stories, videos showing hazing activities

3. Medical Documentation

Immediate care: ER records, ambulance reports, urgent care visits
Diagnostic proof: Lab results (creatine kinase for rhabdomyolysis), imaging, specialist evaluations
Psychological impact: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses from mental health professionals
Crucial step: Ensure medical providers document “hazing” as cause of injury

4. Institutional Records

University files: Prior conduct violations, probation letters, suspension notices
National organization records: Risk management files, incident reports, policy manuals
Insurance documents: Coverage details, policy limits, exclusion arguments

5. Witness Testimony

Other pledges: Often afraid initially but may cooperate as case progresses
Former members: Those who quit or were expelled frequently provide critical evidence
Bystanders: Roommates, neighbors, venue staff

Damages and Recovery for Texas Families

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical expenses: Past and future care, including long-term treatment for injuries like rhabdomyolysis kidney damage
Lost educational opportunity: Tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships, delayed graduation
Diminished earning capacity: For permanent injuries affecting career prospects
Town of Meadow context: Consider local economic factors when calculating damages

Non-Economic Damages (Compensating Harm)

Physical pain and suffering: From injuries sustained during hazing
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment: Inability to participate in college life, activities, social opportunities

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families Who Lose a Child)

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of companionship and support
Emotional suffering of family members
Parents’ and siblings’ mental health treatment

Punitive Damages (When Conduct Is Egregious)

Available when defendants show reckless disregard or intentional misconduct
Texas has statutory caps except in certain intentional tort cases
Often pursued when organizations had prior warnings and failed to act

Legal Strategy Against Institutional Defendants

Overcoming Common Defense Tactics:

“The pledge consented”: Texas law explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing
“Rogue chapter, national didn’t know”: We subpoena national records showing prior incidents and pattern knowledge
“Happened off-campus, not our property”: Location doesn’t eliminate duty when organizations sponsor, control, or benefit from activities
“We have anti-hazing policies”: We show policies were window-dressing, not meaningfully enforced
“Insurance doesn’t cover intentional acts”: We argue negligent supervision is covered even if hazing was intentional

The Attorney911 Advantage:

Insurance insider knowledge: Mr. Lupe Peña (he/him) spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers fight claims, value settlements, and use delay tactics.
Complex institutional litigation: We’ve taken on billion-dollar defendants in BP Texas City explosion litigation. Universities and national fraternities don’t intimidate us.
Texas-specific mastery: We understand Texas courts, Texas law, and Texas university systems intimately.
Digital evidence expertise: We work with forensic experts to recover deleted messages and reconstruct digital timelines.
Multi-million dollar results: We have recovered millions for clients in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases.

Practical Guide for Town of Meadow Parents and Students

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Physical indicators: Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries; extreme fatigue; weight changes; sleep deprivation
Behavioral changes: Sudden secrecy; withdrawal from family/friends; personality shifts (anxiety, depression, irritability)
Academic red flags: Grades dropping; missing classes; skipping assignments for “mandatory” events
Digital behavior: Constant phone monitoring; anxiety about messages; obsessive deleting of communications

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?”

48-Hour Action Checklist:
Hours 1-6 (Immediate Crisis):

Get medical attention if injured or intoxicated
Preserve evidence: screenshot messages, photograph injuries
Write detailed notes: who, what, when, where
Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911

Hours 6-24 (Evidence Preservation):

Help child preserve all digital communications
Secure physical evidence: clothing, receipts, objects
Request medical records from any treatment
Document witness names and contact information

Hours 24-48 (Strategic Decisions):

Consult with experienced hazing attorney
Decide on reporting to campus/local police (with legal guidance)
Refer university communications to your attorney
Back up all evidence to cloud storage

For Students: Self-Protection and Safe Exit Strategies

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide:

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

If You Answer YES to Any, It’s Likely Hazing.

How to Exit Safely:

Immediate danger: Call 911, get to safe location
Wanting to quit/de-pledge: Tell someone outside the organization first, send written resignation, avoid “one last meeting”
Fear retaliation: Document threats, report to Dean of Students and campus police, seek protective order if necessary

Evidence Collection While It’s Happening:

Screenshots: Capture full conversations with timestamps
Recordings: Texas is one-party consent—you can record conversations you’re part of
Photos: Injuries, locations, objects used in hazing
Medical documentation: Tell providers you were hazed so it’s in records
Witness information: Names and contacts of others who saw what happened

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Messages or “Cleaning Up” Evidence

What families think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up, can be obstruction of justice
Correct action: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

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
Correct action: Document everything, 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 right to sue; settlements are often far below case value
Correct action: 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
Correct action: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

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
Correct action: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately; university process ≠ real accountability

Frequently Asked Questions for Town of Meadow Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals personally. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact Attorney911 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 becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

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

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

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

“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

“How much does it cost to hire a hazing attorney?”
Attorney911 works on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, including hazing litigation. This means:

No upfront costs or hourly fees
We advance all case expenses
We only get paid if we recover money for you
Our fee is a percentage of the recovery
If we don’t win, you don’t pay attorney fees

“We live in Town of Meadow. Can you help us even though you’re in Houston?”
Absolutely. We serve families throughout Texas, including Terry County and the Town of Meadow area. With today’s technology, we can communicate effectively regardless of location. We also travel to clients when necessary for meetings, depositions, or court proceedings.

Why Attorney911 for Town of Meadow Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Litigation

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.

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):

Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello):

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

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience:

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases with economist collaboration
Experience valuing lifetime care needs (brain injury, permanent disability cases)
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:

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

Investigative Depth with Texas-Specific Data:

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: 1,423 Greek organizations tracked across 25 Texas metros
Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
Experience obtaining hidden evidence (group chats, chapter records, university files)
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Our Active Texas Hazing Litigation: The Leonel Bermudez Case

Right now, we’re fighting one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases. The Leonel Bermudez / University of Houston / Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit demonstrates our commitment to holding powerful institutions accountable. When you hire Attorney911, you get:

Attorneys currently litigating high-stakes hazing cases in Texas courts
Direct experience with modern hazing tactics and cover-up methods
Understanding of how universities and fraternities respond when sued
Proven ability to secure media coverage that pressures defendants (Click2Houston, ABC13, Hoodline)

Spanish-Language Services Available

Se habla Español. Mr. Lupe Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can provide consultation and representation to Spanish-speaking families affected by hazing.

Contact Attorney911 for a Confidential Consultation

Your Next Step: Free, No-Obligation Case Evaluation

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—Texas Tech University, University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any other Texas school—we want to hear from you.

Families in Town of Meadow and throughout Terry County have the right to answers and accountability. The university’s internal process is not enough. Insurance companies will lowball you. Fraternities and sororities will try to protect their reputations. You need experienced advocates who know how to fight back.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We listen without judgment: Tell us what happened in complete confidence
Evidence review: We’ll examine any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
Legal options explained: We’ll outline criminal reporting, civil lawsuits, or other paths
Realistic assessment: We’ll discuss timelines, challenges, and potential outcomes
Cost clarification: We explain our contingency fee structure—no recovery, no fee
No pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

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 Manginello: ralph@atty911.com
Email Lupe Peña (Spanish services): lupe@atty911.com

Serving Town of Meadow and All of Texas:
While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas. Distance is no barrier to effective representation. We use technology for communication and travel when needed for meetings, depositions, or court.

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