The Complete Guide to Hazing in Texas: What Town of Opdyke West Families Need to Know About University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin & Beyond

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

Picture this: Your child from Town of Opdyke West leaves for college excited to make friends and find community. They join a fraternity, sorority, Corps program, or athletic team—something you supported as part of the college experience. Then the calls change. They’re exhausted, secretive, making excuses for bruises or strange behavior. You learn they’re being forced to carry a degrading “pledge fanny pack” 24/7, subjected to overnight driving duties, or enduring extreme workouts until they collapse. When they finally confess what’s happening, they’re hospitalized with brown urine and diagnosed with kidney failure.

This isn’t hypothetical. Right now, in Houston, we’re fighting exactly this case.

Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student, is represented by our firm in a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, housing corporation, the UH System Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The hazing included forced humiliation, physical abuse, and extreme workouts that caused rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, requiring four days of hospitalization. According to the complaint, Bermudez was sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then made to sprint immediately after. On November 3, 2025, he was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion from the pledge process.

This case is happening right now in Texas, and it shows what families in Town of Opdyke West and across Hockley County need to understand: hazing isn’t just “bad behavior”—it’s institutionalized abuse that causes catastrophic injuries, and powerful organizations will fight to avoid accountability.

If you’re a parent in Town of Opdyke West whose child has been hazed or injured in connection with fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, athletics, or other campus organizations, this comprehensive guide explains:

What modern hazing really looks like (beyond the stereotypes)
Texas hazing laws and your family’s rights
National patterns that predict what happens at Texas universities
Specific risks at University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, and other schools where Town of Opdyke West students attend
How fraternity and sorority national histories create foreseeable danger
How to build a strong case with evidence that survives institutional cover-ups
Practical steps for parents and students facing hazing right now
Why Attorney911 (The Manginello Law Firm) brings unique advantages to Texas hazing cases

⚠️ IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

In the first 48 hours:

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

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
Universities move quickly to control the narrative
We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas Universities

Beyond the Stereotypes: Modern Hazing Tactics

For families in Town of Opdyke West who may not be familiar with contemporary Greek life or campus organization dynamics, hazing has evolved far beyond the “animal house” stereotypes. Today’s hazing blends traditional abuse with digital coercion and psychological manipulation. Here’s what actually happens:

Alcohol and Substance Hazing remains the most common—and most deadly—form:

Forced “Big/Little” drinking nights where pledges must consume entire bottles of liquor
“Lineup” games requiring rapid consumption of beer, wine, or hard alcohol
Pressure to consume unknown substances or dangerous combinations
The Leonel Bermudez UH Pi Kappa Phi case involved forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediate sprints

Physical Hazing has become more disguised but equally dangerous:

“Workouts” or “conditioning” that are actually punishment: hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races
Sleep deprivation through late-night “meetings” or 3 AM wake-up calls
Exposure to extreme elements (cold weather in underwear, lying in vomit-soaked grass)
In the UH case, Bermudez suffered rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown that floods the kidneys with toxins—from extreme physical hazing

Psychological and Sexualized Hazing creates lasting trauma:

Forced nudity or simulated sexual acts (“elephant walk,” “roasted pig” positions)
Degrading costumes or required carrying of humiliating items (like the “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms and sex toys in the UH case)
Racial, homophobic, or sexist role-playing and slurs
Social isolation from non-members and family

Digital Hazing is the new frontier of coercion:

24/7 group chat monitoring with required instant responses
Geo-tracking through Find My Friends or Life360
Forced embarrassing social media posts or TikTok challenges
Recorded humiliation shared in private groups

Where Hazing Happens: Not Just Fraternities

While fraternities receive the most attention, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Sororities: Often psychological and alcohol-focused, though physical hazing occurs
Corps of Cadets Programs: Especially at Texas A&M, where tradition meets military discipline
Athletic Teams: From football to cheerleading, “initiation” rituals can cross into abuse
Spirit Groups & Tradition Organizations: Texas Cowboys, Singing Cadets, and similar groups
Marching Bands & Performance Groups
Academic and Honor Societies

The common thread? Power imbalance, secrecy, and tradition used to justify behavior that would be criminal in any other context.

Texas Hazing Law: What Town of Opdyke West Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Legal Framework

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes that govern cases involving students at our state universities. For families in Town of Opdyke West dealing with hazing at Texas Tech, West Texas A&M, or other Texas schools, understanding this framework is essential.

§ 37.151 Definition of Hazing:
Hazing means 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
Occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students

Key implications for Town of Opdyke West families:

Location doesn’t matter: Hazing at an off-campus house, Airbnb, or retreat is still hazing
“Consent” is not a defense: Texas law explicitly states that victim consent doesn’t excuse hazing (§ 37.155)
Mental health harm counts: Psychological trauma qualifies as hazing
Recklessness is enough: They don’t need to have intended harm—just been reckless about known risks

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (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 (like the kidney failure in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case)
Additional crimes: Failure to report hazing, retaliation against reporters

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability:
Fraternities, sororities, clubs, and universities themselves can face:

Criminal prosecution if they authorized or encouraged hazing
Fines up to $10,000 per violation
Loss of university recognition

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (DA or prosecutor)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in deaths
Example: In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, the university referred the matter to law enforcement for potential criminal charges

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or families
Aim: Compensation and institutional accountability
Legal theories: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
Example: Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez seeks compensation for medical care, pain and suffering, and to force systemic changes

Both can proceed simultaneously, and you don’t need a criminal conviction to pursue civil justice.

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

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently
Mandates public hazing data by approximately 2026
Strengthens prevention education
Applies to all Texas public universities and most privates

Title IX:

When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
Creates additional obligations for universities to investigate and remedy
Can provide alternative enforcement path when campuses resist action

Clery Act:

Requires reporting of certain campus crimes
Hazing incidents involving assault, alcohol crimes, or other reportable offenses trigger Clery obligations
Creates public safety statistics that can show patterns

National Hazing Case Patterns: What History Tells Us About Texas Risks

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: Foreseeable and Preventable

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

20-year-old pledge 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)
Takeaway for Texas families: The same “Big/Little” drinking tradition exists at Texas chapters

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):

Pledge forced to participate in “Bible study” drinking game
Wrong answer = forced drinking
Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
$6.1 million verdict plus confidential settlements
Takeaway: Louisiana passed “Max Gruver Act” making hazing a felony—Texas has similar provisions

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017):

“Big Brother Night” with handles of hard liquor given to pledges
Died from acute alcohol poisoning
FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life
Takeaway: Same national fraternity involved in the UH case—proving pattern knowledge

Physical and Ritualized Hazing: Extreme Consequences

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

Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking
Multiple falls captured on chapter security cameras
18 fraternity members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts
Pennsylvania passed “Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law”
Takeaway: Delayed medical care dramatically increases liability

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

“Glass ceiling” ritual at Pocono Mountains retreat
Pledge blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled
Fatal traumatic brain injury; help delayed
National fraternity criminally convicted
Takeaway: Off-campus retreats are high-risk environments

What These Patterns Mean for Town of Opdyke West Families

History repeats: The same scripts (Big/Little nights, drinking games, extreme workouts) recur across campuses
Nationals know the risks: These organizations have anti-hazing policies precisely because they’ve seen deaths
Cover-ups increase liability: Delaying medical care or destroying evidence creates additional legal exposure
Settlements are substantial: $1M–$14M ranges show juries take hazing seriously

Texas Focus: Where Town of Opdyke West Students Attend & What Parents Must Know

Understanding Town of Opdyke West’s College Connections

Town of Opdyke West in Hockley County sends students to universities across Texas. While Texas Tech University in Lubbock is the closest major institution, families also send children to:

Regional & Statewide Destinations:

Texas Tech University (Lubbock): Primary destination for many South Plains students
West Texas A&M University (Canyon): Nearby option with active Greek life
University of Texas at Austin: Flagship institution drawing students statewide
Texas A&M University (College Station): Especially for Corps of Cadets participation
University of Houston: Urban campus with significant Greek presence
Other Texas schools: Baylor, SMU, Texas State, UNT, and community colleges

The reality for Town of Opdyke West parents: Your child doesn’t need to be at an “Ivy League” school to face serious hazing risks. The same national fraternities and sororities operate at Texas Tech, West Texas A&M, and other regional campuses where your children enroll.

Public Records: The Texas Greek Ecosystem Serving Town of Opdyke West Families

At Attorney911, we maintain a Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine that tracks over 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. This isn’t theoretical—we use this data to identify every entity behind campus chapters. For Town of Opdyke West families, here’s what the public records show:

Lubbock Metro Area (Closest to Town of Opdyke West):

59 Greek-related organizations in the Lubbock metro area
Examples from public IRS B83 filings and Cause IQ data:
- Texas Tech Chapter of Phi Delta Theta Housing Corporation | EIN 203507402 | Canyon, TX 79015
- Kappa Alpha Order – Gamma Chi Chapter | Lubbock, TX
- Delta Kappa Gamma Society – Lubbock Chapter | Lubbock, TX
- Alpha Phi Omega – TTU Chapter | Lubbock, TX

Statewide Organizations Relevant to Town of Opdyke West Students:

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity | EIN 742911848 | Fort Worth, TX 76244
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc | EIN 741380362 | Fort Worth, TX 76147
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Epsilon Kappa Chapter | EIN 746064445 | Nederland, TX 77627
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority | EIN 364091267 | Waco, TX 76710
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Texas Tech Health Sciences | EIN 820644459 | Lubbock, TX 79430

Why this matters for your case: When hazing occurs, multiple entities may share liability:

Undergraduate chapter (the students)
House corporation (owns the property)
Alumni associations (may fund or advise)
National headquarters (sets policies, collects dues)
University (provides recognition, oversight)

Our data engine helps identify all potentially responsible parties—not just the obvious ones.

University-Specific Risks for Town of Opdyke West Families

Texas Tech University (Most Relevant to Town of Opdyke West)

For Town of Opdyke West parents: Texas Tech is where many local students enroll. With 59 Greek organizations in the Lubbock metro, hazing risks are real.

Documented Incidents & Patterns:

Rhabdomyolysis cases: Multiple fraternities have faced allegations of extreme workouts causing the same kidney-threatening condition seen in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case
Alcohol hazing: Consistent reports of forced drinking in lineups and Big/Little events
Corps of Cadets: While separate from Greek life, similar power dynamics exist

Texas Tech’s Hazing Response:

Office of Student Conduct handles investigations
Public reporting less transparent than UT Austin’s system
Critical gap: Prior incidents often handled internally without public disclosure

What Town of Opdyke West parents should do if hazing occurs at Texas Tech:

Document immediately: Screenshot all communications with Tech administrators
Request prior incident reports: Ask for this specific chapter’s disciplinary history
Preserve digital evidence: Group chats often use GroupMe, Instagram, Snapchat
Contact Attorney911: We know Texas Tech’s specific procedures and can navigate them effectively

University of Houston (Site of Our Active Pi Kappa Phi Litigation)

The Leonel Bermudez case proves systemic failure:

What happened at UH Pi Kappa Phi (Beta Nu Chapter):

September 2025: Bermudez accepts bid, begins pledging
Immediate hazing: Required “pledge fanny pack” with degrading contents (condoms, sex toy, nicotine devices)
Forced dress codes, hours-long “study blocks,” weekly interviews, overnight chauffeuring
October 13: Another pledge hog-tied face-down on table with object in mouth for over an hour
November 3: Bermudez forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threat
November 6-9: Hospitalization for rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure (brown urine, critically high creatine kinase levels)

Institutional Response:

November 6: Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters suspends Beta Nu chapter
November 14: Chapter members vote to surrender charter; chapter shut down
UH statement: Conduct “deeply disturbing,” cooperation with law enforcement promised
Our lawsuit: Targets UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national, housing corporation, and 13 individual members

Why this matters for all Texas families:

Pattern recognition: The same tactics occur at other Texas campuses
Institutional knowledge: UH had oversight responsibilities they failed to exercise
Medical catastrophe: Rhabdomyolysis is becoming more common in hazing cases

Media Coverage of the UH Case:

Texas A&M University

Corps of Cadets & Greek Life Dual Risk:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

Two pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, spit
Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
Pledges sued for $1 million
Chapter suspended for two years
Takeaway: Hazing methods evolve to include dangerous substances

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023):

Cadet allegedly bound between beds in humiliating position with apple in mouth
Simulated sexual acts, degradation
Sought over $1 million in damages
Texas A&M claimed handled internally under Corps rules
Takeaway: Military-style organizations have unique hazing risks

For Town of Opdyke West families with children in the Corps:

Different chain of command but similar power dynamics
Tradition often used to justify abuse
Reporting may go through military rather than civilian channels

University of Texas at Austin

Transparency with Limits:

UT Austin maintains a public hazing violations page—more transparency than most Texas schools:

Recent Examples from UT’s Public Log:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics → Probation + hazing prevention education required
Texas Wranglers (spirit group): Multiple violations for forced workouts, alcohol hazing
Various fraternities: Alcohol-related hazing, sleep deprivation, humiliation

What UT’s transparency reveals:

Recurring patterns: Same organizations appear repeatedly
Minimal consequences: Probation and education often the only sanctions
Knowledge problem: UT knows which groups are problematic but hasn’t eliminated the risk

UT’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024):

Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at fraternity party
Injuries: Dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
Student sued SAE chapter for over $1 million
Chapter already under suspension for prior violations
Takeaway: Repeat offenders continue operating with minimal intervention

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Private University, Different Rules:

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):

New members paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived
Chapter suspended until approximately 2021
Limited public details due to private university status

SMU’s Challenge:

Wealthy donor alumni sometimes protect problematic chapters
Less public reporting than state schools
Legal strategy must adapt: Different discovery rules, potentially different insurance structures

Baylor University

Religious Identity & Accountability Questions:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):

14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Suspensions staggered during season
Limited public details despite Baylor’s past transparency promises

Context Matters:

Baylor’s history with football sexual assault scandal
Religious branding versus institutional conduct
For families: Don’t assume religious affiliation guarantees ethical treatment

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Predict Texas Outcomes

Why National Patterns Matter for Your Case

When a Texas chapter hazes, it’s rarely inventing new methods. They’re following scripts written by decades of national tradition. This becomes crucial evidence in litigation:

Foreseeability: If Pi Kappa Phi nationals knew about the Andrew Coffey alcohol death at FSU in 2017, they should have known similar “Big/Little” events at UH were dangerous in 2025.

Pattern Evidence: When Sigma Alpha Epsilon has alcohol hazing deaths at Cal Poly (2008), Penn State (2017), and allegations at Texas A&M (2021) and UT Austin (2024), that’s a national pattern that supports negligence claims.

Negligent Supervision: National headquarters that collect dues, provide training, and maintain oversight have duty to prevent foreseeable harm.

Organization-Specific Histories Relevant to Texas Campuses

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – At Most Texas Campuses:

Stone Foltz (Bowling Green, 2021): $10 settlement million
David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois, 2012): $14 million settlement
Multiple Texas chapters on probation for hazing violations
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol nights, forced drinking games

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Widespread in Texas:

Traumatic Brain Injury (Alabama, 2023): Ongoing lawsuit
Chemical Burns (Texas A&M, 2021): $1 million lawsuit
Assault (UT Austin, 2024): Over $1 million lawsuit
Pattern: Physical violence, dangerous substances, repeat violations

Phi Delta Theta – Texas Presence:

Max Gruver (LSU, 2017): $6.1 million verdict, “Max Gruver Act” legislation
Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games, alcohol poisoning

Pi Kappa Phi – Now in Texas News:

Andrew Coffey (Florida State, 2017): Death from alcohol poisoning
Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025): Our active $10 million lawsuit
Pattern: Big Brother nights, forced alcohol, extreme physical hazing

Kappa Alpha Order – SMU & Texas Schools:

SMU suspension (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation
Pattern: Physical hazing traditions, minimal national intervention

The Insurance Reality: Why Nationals Fight So Hard

What Town of Opdyke West families should understand about fraternity insurance:

Layers of coverage:
- Chapter liability policies
- National umbrella policies
- University policies
- Individual homeowner’s policies (for off-campus houses)
Standard insurance defenses:
- “Intentional acts exclusion” (arguing hazing is intentional, not negligent)
- “Criminal acts exclusion”
- “Failure to supervise” arguments against nationals
Why Mr. Lupe Peña’s background matters:
- He spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm
- He knows exactly how insurers value claims, set reserves, and fight coverage
- We know their playbook because we used to run it

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages & Strategy for Town of Opdyke West Families

Evidence Collection: The Digital Battlefield

Group Chats & Messaging Apps (Most Critical Evidence):

GroupMe: Most common for fraternity/sorority communication
iMessage/SMS group texts
WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram (often for “secret” communications)
Discord servers
Fraternity-specific apps

What to preserve and how: Watch our video on using your cellphone to document a legal case for best practices.

Social Media Evidence:

Instagram stories showing events
Snapchat (screenshot immediately—disappears after 24 hours)
TikTok challenges or dares
Facebook events and Messenger planning

University Records to Request:

Prior disciplinary history of the specific chapter
Incident reports filed with campus police
Clery Act reports showing patterns
Internal emails about the organization

Medical Documentation:

ER records (critical for proving timing and causation)
Lab results (creatine kinase levels for rhabdomyolysis, BAC for alcohol poisoning)
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses)
Pro tip: Tell medical providers “I was hazed” so it’s documented in the record

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical expenses: Past and future (ER, hospitalization, therapy, medications)
Lost educational costs: Tuition for semesters missed, lost scholarships
Lost earning capacity: If injuries affect future career prospects
Example: In rhabdomyolysis cases like Bermudez’s, future kidney monitoring and potential dialysis costs are substantial

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real):

Physical pain and suffering: From injuries, medical procedures
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life: Can’t participate in activities they loved
Reputational harm: Social stigma after public hazing incident

Wrongful Death Damages (If Tragedy Occurs):

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship, love, guidance
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Appropriate):

To punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
To deter future hazing
Available when defendants knew risks and ignored them

Case Strategy: Overcoming Institutional Defenses

Common defenses and how we counter them:

Defense: “The pledge consented.”

Our response: Texas law § 37.155 says consent is not a defense. Power imbalance and coercion invalidate “consent.”

Defense: “This was a rogue chapter—national didn’t know.”

Our response: Pattern evidence from other chapters shows foreseeable risk. Nationals have duty to supervise.

Defense: “It happened off-campus—not our responsibility.”

Our response: Location doesn’t eliminate duty when organizations sponsor, fund, or recognize the activity.

Defense: “We have anti-hazing policies.”

Our response: Paper policies without enforcement are meaningless. Show prior incidents with minimal consequences.

Defense: “University has sovereign immunity.”

Our response: Exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations. Also sue individuals in personal capacity.

Defense: “Insurance doesn’t cover intentional acts.”

Our response: Negligent supervision claims may be covered even if hazing was intentional. Multiple policy layers exist.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Town of Opdyke West Parents & Students

For Parents: Warning Signs & Immediate Actions

Red Flags Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Physical signs: Unexplained bruises, burns, limping, extreme fatigue
Behavioral changes: Secretiveness, withdrawal, anxiety about phone notifications
Academic decline: Falling grades, missing classes, losing scholarships
Financial patterns: Unexpected large expenses, requests for money without clear reasons
Digital behavior: Constantly on group chats, anxious about response times, deleting messages

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing:

Choose the right time: Private, no distractions, when you have time to listen
Use open questions: “How are things with your fraternity/sorority/team?” not “Are they hazing you?”
Listen without judgment: If they start to open up, let them talk
Emphasize safety: “Your health is more important than any organization”
Offer unconditional support: “We’ll help you through this no matter what”

If Your Child Confirms Hazing:

Medical first: Get them evaluated immediately—hidden injuries can be serious
Preserve evidence: Help them screenshot messages, photograph injuries
Document everything: Write down what they tell you with dates and names
Contact Attorney911: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 before talking to the university or organization

For Students: Your Rights & Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? A Simple Test:

Would you do this if you had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Would your parents/university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Are older members making you do things they don’t have to do?
Are you being told to keep secrets or lie about activities?

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

How to Exit Safely:

Tell someone first: Parent, trusted friend, RA—create a record
Send written notice: Email/text chapter president: “I resign effective immediately”
Do NOT go to “one last meeting”: This is where pressure and retaliation happen
Document threats: Save any retaliation messages for police/university report
Seek support: University counseling centers are confidential and can help

Good Faith Reporting Protection:

Texas law provides immunity for good faith reporting
Most universities have amnesty policies for reporting emergencies
You won’t get in trouble for calling 911 in a medical emergency

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

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

Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up, can be obstruction of justice, makes case nearly impossible
What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly

Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
What to do instead: Document everything, call a lawyer before any confrontation

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

Why it’s wrong: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often far below case value
What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing it first

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

Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

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

Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

Watch our video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case for more guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions for Town of Opdyke West Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (Texas Tech, UT, A&M, UH) have sovereign immunity limitations, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals personally. Private schools (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case is fact-specific—call 1-888-ATTY-911 for case analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Basic hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, but becomes a state jail felony if causing serious bodily injury or death (like the kidney failure in the UH case). Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure isn’t voluntary.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but exceptions exist if the harm wasn’t immediately discovered or if there was fraud/cover-up. Time is critical—evidence disappears fast. Watch our video on Texas statutes of limitations.

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

“Will this be confidential?”
Most 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 will this cost us?”
We work on contingency fee—no upfront costs, no fee unless we win. Watch our video explaining how contingency fees work.

About Attorney911 (The Manginello Law Firm): Why Texas Hazing Families Choose Us

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing case against a university or national fraternity, 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 insurers value (and undervalue) 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 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 with unlimited legal budgets
“We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience:

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

Dual 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
“We see the whole legal picture, not just one piece.”

Investigative Depth & Expert Network:

Digital forensics for recovering deleted messages
Medical experts (rhabdomyolysis specialists, nephrologists, psychiatrists)
Greek life culture experts
Economists and life-care planners
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

The UH Pi Kappa Phi Case: Proof of Our Active Hazing Litigation

Right now, we’re fighting one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases:

Our representation of Leonel Bermudez against University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi demonstrates exactly what we bring to hazing litigation:

Immediate action: Filed $10 million lawsuit to preserve evidence and prevent cover-up
Comprehensive defendant targeting: Suing university, nationals, housing corp, and 13 individual members
Medical expertise: Understanding rhabdomyolysis and kidney injury complexities
Media management: Coordinated with Click2Houston, ABC13, Hoodline to raise awareness
Institutional pressure: Forcing UH and Pi Kappa Phi to confront systemic failures

This isn’t theoretical—this is what we’re doing right now for a Texas family.

How We Serve Town of Opdyke West & All Texas Families

Geographic Reach:

Home office: Houston, Texas
Additional offices: Austin and Beaumont
Service area: All of Texas, including Town of Opdyke West and Hockley County
Virtual consultations: Available for families throughout Texas

Spanish Language Services:

Hablamos Español
Mr. Lupe Peña speaks fluent Spanish
Consultations, documents, and representation available in Spanish

Contingency Fee Structure:

No upfront costs
No fee unless we win your case
Transparent expense explanation
Risk-free evaluation of your case

Your Next Step: Confidential Consultation for Town of Opdyke West Families

What to Expect When You Contact Attorney911

Free, No-Obligation Consultation:

We listen without judgment: Tell us what happened in complete confidence
Evidence review: We’ll examine any photos, messages, medical records you have
Legal options explained: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Realistic assessment: What your case might achieve, potential timelines
Cost transparency: How contingency fees work, what expenses to expect
No pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

If You Hire Us:

Immediate evidence preservation: We’ll secure digital evidence before it disappears
Comprehensive investigation: Identify all potentially liable parties
Expert collaboration: Bring in medical, economic, and Greek life experts as needed
Strategic negotiation: Deal with universities, insurers, defense attorneys from position of strength
Trial readiness: Prepare to go to court if fair settlement isn’t offered
Regular updates: You’ll never wonder what’s happening with your case

Contact Information

Call Attorney911 Today:

24/7 Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Office: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781

Email:

Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com
Mr. Lupe Peña: lupe@atty911.com (Spanish services available)

Website: https://attorney911.com

Practice Area Pages:

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

A Final Word to Town of Opdyke West Families

Hazing preys on our best instincts: our children’s desire to belong, our trust in respected institutions, our belief that colleges prioritize safety. When that trust is broken—when a university looks away, when a national fraternity values tradition over safety, when your child suffers kidney failure or psychological trauma—you need advocates who understand both the human cost and the legal battlefield.

We’ve seen what hazing does to families. We’ve seen the medical records, the deleted messages, the institutional cover-ups. We’ve also seen what accountability can achieve: policy changes that protect future students, compensation that helps victims heal, and justice that acknowledges real harm was done.

Whether your child attends Texas Tech, University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or any Texas campus, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone.

Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s discuss what happened, explore your options, and help you make the best decisions for your family’s future.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Click2Houston (KPRC 2) — “‘Urine was brown’: Pledge sues over severe hazing at University of Houston’s shut down Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”

URL: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/

ABC13 Eyewitness News (KTRK) — “Waterboarding, forced eating, physical punishment: Lawsuit alleges abuse faced by injured pledge at UH’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”

URL: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

Hoodline — “University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Face $10M Lawsuit Over Alleged Hazing and Abuse”

URL: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos

“📱 Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case? | Attorney911 Explains”

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

“Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case? | Attorney911 with Injury Lawyer Ralph Manginello”

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

“Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case | Attorney911 with Ralph Manginello”

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

“📢 How Do Contingency Fees Work? Injury Lawyer Explains!”

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website & Practice Areas

Attorney911 — Main Website & Contact

URL: https://attorney911.com

Wrongful Death Claim Lawyer

URL: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/

Criminal Defense Lawyers

URL: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/

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