The Definitive Guide to Hazing, Texas Law, and University Accountability: A Resource for Families in Wickett and Across Texas
If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You Are Not Alone
It starts with a phone call no parent in Wickett ever wants to receive. Your child, who left for college with excitement, sounds distant and exhausted. Their texts are cryptic, filled with mentions of “mandatory events” at all hours. They come home to Ward County on a rare break with unexplained bruises or a hollow look in their eyes. When you ask what’s wrong, they shut down, muttering about “tradition” and not wanting to let their “brothers” or “sisters” down.
This is the quiet, terrifying reality for families across West Texas and the nation. Hazing isn’t a relic of the past; it’s a present and dangerous crisis unfolding on campuses right now, masked by secrecy and institutional protection.
Right here in Texas, we are witnessing the severe consequences of this abuse. Our firm, Attorney911, is currently fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country: the $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and 13 individual fraternity leaders.
This case is a stark example of what can happen. Bermudez, a UH student, endured months of alleged abuse during his fall 2025 pledge period. This included carrying a degrading “pledge fanny pack,” forced overnight driving duties, and extreme physical hazing. The conduct culminated in a brutal workout on November 3, 2025, where he was forced through over 100 push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion. He developed rhabdomyolysis—a deadly muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown, he could not stand, and he was hospitalized for four days with the risk of permanent kidney damage. As reported by Click2Houston and ABC13, the chapter was suspended and then shut down.
If you are a parent in Wickett, Monahans, or anywhere in Ward County, this is not a distant headline. The universities where your children study—whether at regional schools like the University of Texas of the Permian Basin or major hubs like Texas A&M, Texas Tech, or UT Austin—host the same national organizations. The same dangerous patterns exist. This guide is for you. We will explain what hazing truly looks like today, the Texas laws designed to protect your child, the histories of the organizations involved, and the legal pathways to accountability and healing. You have the right to answers, and your child has the right to safety.
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: Even if your child insists they are “fine,” seek medical care. Conditions like rhabdomyolysis can be fatal.
- Preserve Evidence BEFORE It’s Deleted:
- Screenshot all group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage), texts, and DMs immediately.
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles. Place a coin or ruler in the shot for scale.
- Save any physical items (torn clothing, paddles, receipts for forced purchases).
- Write Down Everything: While memories are fresh, document who, what, when, and where. Note the names of all involved members and witnesses.
- DO NOT:
- Confront the fraternity, sorority, or team directly.
- Sign anything from the university or an insurance company.
- Post details on public social media.
- Allow your child to delete messages or “clean up” evidence.
Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours. Evidence disappears fast. Universities and national organizations move quickly to control the narrative. We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an immediate, confidential consultation.
Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas
Hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypical “prank.” It is a calculated system of control, humiliation, and abuse designed to test loyalty through suffering. For Wickett families, understanding its modern forms is the first step in recognizing if your child is at risk.
Hazing is defined under Texas law as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership. Crucially, a victim’s “consent” is not a defense.
Today’s hazing falls into three escalating tiers:
1. Subtle Hazing: The Foundation of Control
This establishes power dynamics and seems “harmless,” making victims doubt their own concern.
- Mandatory Servitude: Being on call 24/7 as a designated driver, cleaning members’ apartments, or running personal errands.
- Social Isolation & Control: Being told they cannot socialize with non-members, family, or romantic partners without permission.
- Psychological Manipulation: Answering to a derogatory nickname, being silenced in meetings, or carrying a humiliating item (like the “pledge fanny pack” in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case).
- Digital Tethering: Required to respond instantly to group chats at all hours, share live phone location, and have social media monitored.
2. Harassment Hazing: Inflicting Discomfort and Fear
These acts cause clear emotional or physical distress.
- Sleep & Nutrient Deprivation: “Midnight meetings,” 3 AM wake-up calls, or being denied adequate food and water.
- Forced Physical Stress: So-called “smokings” or “workouts” involving hundreds of push-ups, wall-sits until collapse, or prolonged calisthenics under threat.
- Public Humiliation: Being forced to wear embarrassing costumes in public, perform degrading skits, or endure verbal “roasts.”
- Exposure to Disgusting Conditions: Being covered in spoiled food, raw eggs, or other substances.
3. Violent Hazing: High Risk of Catastrophic Injury or Death
These are the acts that lead to hospitalization, lifelong disability, and lawsuits.
- Forced/Coerced Alcohol Consumption: This is the most common fatal hazing method. “Big/Little” nights, “family tree” drinking games, lineups, keg stands, and being forced to finish a bottle of liquor.
- Physical Assault: Paddling, punching, kicking, or “tackle” rituals like the “glass ceiling” exercise.
- Sexualized Abuse: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault, or being forced to watch pornography.
- Dangerous Environments: Being locked in a freezing room or car trunk, abandoned in a remote location, or subjected to chemical exposure (like the industrial cleaner burns in a Texas A&M SAE case).
- Extreme Physical Tests: “Kidnapping” pledges, dangerous driving assignments, or forced drug consumption.
Where Hazing Happens: While fraternities and sororities are often the focus, hazing pervades many groups:
- Corps of Cadets and ROTC units
- Athletic teams (varsity and club sports)
- Marching bands and spirit groups (like cheerleading)
- Academic clubs, honor societies, and service organizations
The common thread is a toxic combination of tradition, secrecy, and a power imbalance that convinces victims they must endure abuse to belong.
Texas Hazing Law & Liability: What Wickett Families Need to Know
Texas has specific statutes to combat hazing, but the legal landscape involves both state criminal law and civil liability. Understanding this framework is crucial for pursuing accountability.
Texas Criminal Hazing Law (Education Code Chapter 37)
The Texas hazing statute provides clear definitions and penalties:
- Definition (§37.151): Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed at a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation, that endangers mental or physical health or safety.
- Criminal Penalties (§37.152):
- Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine).
- Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing that causes bodily injury.
- State Jail Felony: Hazing that causes serious bodily injury or death.
- Organizational Liability (§37.153): The fraternity, sorority, or club itself can be fined up to $10,000 per violation if it authorized or encouraged the hazing.
- Consent is NOT a Defense (§37.155): This is critical. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it is still a crime under Texas law. Courts recognize that consent under peer pressure is not voluntary.
- Immunity for Good Faith Reporting (§37.154): Individuals who report hazing in good faith are protected from civil or criminal liability. Many universities also have medical amnesty policies to encourage calling 911.
Civil Liability: The Path to Accountability and Compensation
A criminal case is brought by the state to punish wrongdoing. A civil lawsuit, which our firm handles, is brought by the victim or their family to recover damages and force institutional change. The two can proceed simultaneously.
In a civil hazing case, we build claims around several legal theories:
- Negligence & Gross Negligence: The organization failed to exercise reasonable care (e.g., not enforcing its own anti-hazing policies).
- Negligent Supervision: The national headquarters or university failed to properly supervise the local chapter, despite known risks.
- Premises Liability: A property owner (like a fraternity housing corporation) allowed dangerous activities on their property.
- Wrongful Death: If hazing results in a fatality.
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Hazing Case?
A thorough investigation seeks to identify every responsible party, which may include:
- The Individual Perpetrators: The members who planned, executed, or covered up the hazing.
- The Local Chapter: As an organization, it can be sued for creating a dangerous culture.
- The National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters: Often the deepest pocket. We hold them accountable for failing to supervise chapters, ignoring prior incidents, and fostering a culture where hazing is an “open secret.”
- The University: Public universities like UH or Texas A&M have certain legal immunities, but can be sued for gross negligence, Title IX violations (if sexual harassment is involved), or failing to act on known dangers. Private schools like SMU or Baylor have fewer immunity protections.
- Third Parties: Landlords of off-campus houses, alumni advisors, or even alcohol providers under Texas’s dram shop law.
Federal Law Overlay: The Stop Campus Hazing Act, Title IX, and Clery
- Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This new federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid to improve hazing transparency, reporting, and prevention. By 2026, they must maintain public, searchable databases of hazing violations.
- Title IX: If hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, it triggers the university’s Title IX obligations to investigate and provide a safe environment.
- Clery Act: Requires universities to report certain campus crime statistics, which can include hazing-related assaults.
National Hazing Case Patterns: The Scripts That Repeat in Texas
The tragic cases below are not isolated incidents. They are blueprints that repeat because national organizations fail to eradicate known, deadly traditions. For Wickett families, these cases show the foreseeable dangers that universities and fraternities are aware of—and often fail to prevent.
The Forced Drinking Death Pattern
Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): A bid-acceptance night with a drinking game led to Piazza consuming a fatal amount of alcohol. He fell repeatedly, captured on chapter house cameras, while brothers delayed calling 911 for over 12 hours. The case resulted in numerous criminal convictions and Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.”
Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): During a “Bible study” game, Gruver was forced to drink when he answered questions incorrectly. He died of alcohol poisoning with a BAC of 0.495%. His death led to Louisiana’s felony hazing “Max Gruver Act.”
Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): On “Big/Little” night, Foltz was forced to drink an entire bottle of whiskey. He died from alcohol poisoning. His family reached a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). The chapter president was later ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.
Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): At a “Big Brother” reveal party, Coffey was given a handle of liquor. He died from acute alcohol poisoning, leading to a temporary suspension of all Greek life at FSU.
Why This Matters for Texas: The “Big/Little” night, the drinking game, the handle of liquor—these are standardized scripts. When a Texas chapter follows the same script, it demonstrates foreseeability. National headquarters cannot claim they didn’t know this could happen.
The Violent Ritual Pattern
Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): At a retreat, Deng was blindfolded, weighted with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled in a “glass ceiling” ritual. He died from traumatic brain injuries. The national fraternity was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.
Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021): Santulli was forced to drink a fatal amount of alcohol during a “pledge dad reveal.” He survived but suffered severe, permanent brain damage, leaving him unable to walk, talk, or see, requiring 24/7 care for life. His family settled with 22 defendants.
Why This Matters for Texas: Retreats and off-campus houses are chosen to avoid university oversight. This case proves nationals and chapters are liable for off-campus conduct. The catastrophic, lifelong injury in Santulli’s case shows the immense damages at stake beyond wrongful death.
The Athletic and Institutional Hazing Pattern
Northwestern University Football (2023-2025): Former players alleged widespread, sexualized hazing within the program. The head coach was fired, and the university faces multiple lawsuits, demonstrating hazing is not confined to Greek life but exists in multi-million-dollar athletic departments.
Robert Champion – Florida A&M Marching Band (2011): A drum major died from severe beatings during a hazing ritual on a band bus. FAMU was held fully liable, settling for over $1 million, proving liability extends to any university-sanctioned group.
Why This Matters for Texas: From the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets to university spirit squads, the same dynamics of power, tradition, and silence exist. Universities have a duty to protect students in all affiliated organizations.
Texas Universities: A Close Look at Campuses Wickett Families Rely On
Parents in Wickett and Ward County send their children to a range of Texas institutions, from regional universities to major flagship campuses. Each has its own Greek life ecosystem and history with hazing. Holding these universities accountable requires understanding their specific policies, past failures, and legal postures.
University of Houston (UH)
For Wickett Families: While Houston is across the state, UH attracts students from all over Texas. Its recent high-profile Pi Kappa Phi case is a critical example of the legal fight for accountability happening right now in our state’s courts.
Official Policy & Response: UH prohibits hazing and provides reporting channels through the Dean of Students and UHPD. In the Bermudez case, UH labeled the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised cooperation with law enforcement and disciplinary action. However, the lawsuit alleges UH knew or should have known about the systemic hazing and failed to intervene.
Documented History & Litigation: The Leonel Bermudez case is active and ongoing. It alleges not just individual acts but a system of abuse supervised by chapter officers. This follows other incidents, such as a 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case where a pledge suffered a lacerated spleen. These patterns are what we investigate.
How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds: Cases may involve UHPD, Houston Police Department, and Harris County courts. Defendants can include individuals, the local chapter, the Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters (based in Charlotte, NC), the UH System Board of Regents, and the chapter’s housing corporation.
Texas A&M University
For Wickett Families: As a premier Texas institution, Texas A&M is a common destination. Its unique Corps of Cadets culture and powerful Greek life system present specific hazing risks that parents should understand.
Official Policy & Response: A&M has strict anti-hazing policies for both Greek life and the Corps. Violations are handled by Student Conduct and the Corps’ own command structure. However, internal processes often prioritize the institution’s reputation.
Documented History & Litigation:
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges alleged they were doused with a mixture containing industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The chapter was suspended, and lawsuits were filed.
- Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Lawsuit (2023): A former cadet alleged brutal hazing, including being bound between beds in a simulated sexual position with an apple in his mouth. He sued for over $1 million in damages.
How a Texas A&M Case Proceeds: Cases can involve Texas A&M PD, Brazos County Sheriff, and Brazos County courts. The university, as a state entity, may assert sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence. The Corps adds a layer of military-style hierarchy that can complicate reporting.
University of Texas at Austin
For Wickett Families: UT Austin’s size and prestige make it a top choice. It also has one of the most transparent hazing violation logs in the state, which can be a powerful tool for families building a case.
Official Policy & Transparency: UT maintains a public Hazing Violations website listing organizations, infractions, and sanctions. This public record is invaluable for proving a pattern of known misconduct.
Documented History from Public Logs:
- Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): Sanctioned for hazing that included directing new members to consume excessive milk and perform strenuous calisthenics.
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (Ongoing): Faced lawsuits and investigations, including a 2024 case where an Australian exchange student alleged an assault at a party resulting in a broken nose, dislocated leg, and fractured tibia.
- Spirit Groups: Organizations like the Texas Wranglers have been sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing.
How a UT Austin Case Proceeds: Jurisdiction may involve UTPD, Austin Police, and Travis County courts. UT’s public log provides direct evidence of prior incidents that can defeat claims of lack of foreseeability.
Texas Tech University
For Wickett Families: As the major university hub of West Texas, Texas Tech in Lubbock is a logical and common choice for students from Wickett and the surrounding Permian Basin region. Its prominent Greek life and spirited campus culture come with associated risks.
Official Policy & Environment: Texas Tech has a large and active Greek community governed by university policies prohibiting hazing. Reporting goes through the Office of Student Conduct and the Fraternity & Sorority Life office.
Documented History & Context: Texas Tech has faced hazing incidents across various organizations. The campus environment, while further from home for Wickett families, operates under the same Texas laws and legal precedents. Incidents here would fall under the jurisdiction of Lubbock County courts and may involve Texas Tech PD or Lubbock Police.
Why This Matters for Wickett: The geographic proximity and cultural ties make Texas Tech a primary university destination. Understanding that the same national fraternities and sororities present at Tech have hazing histories elsewhere is crucial for local parents.
Other Regional Universities (UT Permian Basin, Midwestern State, etc.)
For Wickett Families: Schools like UT Permian Basin in Odessa or Midwestern State in Wichita Falls offer closer-to-home options. Hazing is not exclusive to large Greek systems; it can occur in athletic teams, bands, and academic clubs on any campus.
The Legal Framework is Consistent: Regardless of campus size, Texas hazing law (Chapter 37) applies. The duty of the university to provide a safe environment and the liability of organizations for reckless acts remain the same.
The Greek Ecosystem: Public Records and National Histories That Fuel Liability
When hazing occurs, it is rarely the first time. National fraternities and sororities have decades of incident data, and a complex web of legally registered organizations in Texas supports the campus chapters. Our firm maintains the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a proprietary database built from public records—to map this ecosystem and establish liability. For Wickett families, this means we don’t start from zero; we know how to find the organizations behind the letters.
Public Records Directory: The Texas Greek Backbone
Below is a sampling of the public records we utilize to identify every potentially liable entity—from housing corporations to alumni chapters. These are not accusations but illustrations of the documented infrastructure we investigate.
Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Texas Families – A Public Records Snapshot:
- Pi Kappa Phi – Beta Nu Housing Corporation Inc, EIN 46-2267515, Frisco, TX 75035 (IRS B83 Filing).
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Sigma Incorporated, EIN 88-2755427, San Marcos, TX 78666 (IRS B83 Filing).
- Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc, EIN 27-3662583, Lufkin, TX 75904 (IRS B83 Filing).
- Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity, 12650 N Beach St, Fort Worth, TX 76244 (Cause IQ Metro Listing).
- Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc, EIN 74-1380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147 (IRS B83 Filing).
- Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Theta Delta Chapter, 5019 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX 77204 (IRS B83 Filing).
- Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Mu Zeta Chapter, 1205 Monroe St, Commerce, TX 75428 (IRS B83 Filing).
- Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Texas A&M Chapter, 114 Henderson Hall, College Station, TX 77843 (IRS B83 Filing).
What This Directory Shows: There are over 1,400 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metros. For example, the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro has 188 such entities, and Dallas-Fort Worth has 510. Each is a potential node for insurance coverage, responsibility, and evidence.
National Histories: Proving “They Knew”
In litigation, we connect the local chapter’s conduct to the national organization’s long history of similar incidents. This establishes foreseeability and pattern and practice. For instance:
- Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ): National history includes the Stone Foltz death ($10M settlement) and the David Bogenberger death ($14M settlement). When a Pike chapter at UH or UT engages in forced drinking, the national cannot plausibly claim it was unforeseeable.
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ): One of the deadliest fraternities historically, SAE has faced countless hazing deaths and injuries nationwide, including the chemical burns case at Texas A&M. Their national risk management files are filled with prior warnings.
- Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): The Max Gruver death at LSU led to felony hazing laws. Any Texas chapter of Phi Delt is operating in the shadow of this known, deadly pattern.
- Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): The Andrew Coffey death at FSU and now the Leonel Bermudez kidney failure case at UH show a dangerous pattern within this national organization.
When we take a case, we subpoena the national’s “risk management” files, which often contain a shocking record of repeated, ignored warnings about the exact behaviors that hurt your child.
Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Attorney911’s Strategic Advantage
Pursuing a hazing case against a national fraternity and a major university is a complex fight. They have deep pockets, experienced defense counsel, and playbooks designed to minimize payouts. Winning requires an equally sophisticated, aggressive, and data-driven strategy from the start.
The Evidence That Wins Cases
Modern hazing leaves a digital trail. Preserving it is the single most important step.
- Digital Communications: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, and Instagram/Snapchat DMs. We use digital forensics to recover deleted messages that show planning, boasting, and cover-ups.
- Photos & Videos: Content filmed by members during events is damning evidence. We also seek security footage from houses, doorbell cameras, and nearby businesses.
- Internal Chapter Documents: Pledge manuals, “big/little” assignment sheets, meeting minutes, and ritual scripts.
- University Records: Through discovery, we obtain prior conduct files on the chapter, incident reports, and internal emails showing what administrators knew and when.
- Medical & Psychological Records: These document the full extent of harm—from ER reports for alcohol poisoning to psychiatrist diagnoses of PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
- National Fraternity Records: The most critical evidence often comes from the national HQ’s files on prior chapter violations, warning letters, and internal risk assessments.
Recoverable Damages in a Hazing Case
The law allows families to seek compensation for the full scope of harm, which can include:
- Economic Damages: All medical bills (ER, hospitalization, surgery, therapy), future medical care costs, lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity if injuries are permanent.
- Non-Economic Damages: Physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, humiliation, PTSD, loss of enjoyment of life, and damage to reputation.
- Wrongful Death Damages (if applicable): Funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the profound loss of companionship, love, and guidance for the family.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of particularly egregious or reckless conduct, courts can award damages to punish the defendant and deter future behavior.
Case values range significantly based on injury. Settlements and verdicts in severe injury or death cases routinely reach the multi-million dollar range, as seen in the national cases discussed earlier.
Attorney911’s Unique Strategic Advantages
We are not a general personal injury firm. We are complex litigation specialists built for fights against powerful institutions.
- Insurance Insider Knowledge: Our attorney, Mr. Lupe Peña, spent years as an insurance defense attorney for a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers value claims, employ delay tactics, and argue coverage exclusions. We know their playbook because we used to run it. Learn more about Mr. Peña’s background at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.
- Proven Institutional Litigation Experience: Managing Partner Ralph Manginello was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, taking on a billion-dollar corporate defendant. We are not intimidated by university regents or national fraternity legal teams. See Ralph’s track record at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.
- The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: We don’t start investigations from scratch. Our proprietary database, built from the public records shown earlier, maps the entire Texas Greek ecosystem. We immediately identify housing corporations, alumni associations, and national links that other firms might miss.
- Dual Civil & Criminal Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand the interplay between criminal hazing charges and civil lawsuits. We can effectively advise clients and navigate both systems.
- Spanish-Language Services: Mr. Peña is a fluent Spanish speaker, ensuring we can serve all Texas families with comfort and clarity.
Practical Guides & FAQs for Wickett Families
For Parents: A Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Recognize the Signs: Unexplained injuries, severe fatigue, personality changes (anxiety, withdrawal), secretive phone use, constant “mandatory” events, and sudden academic decline.
- Talk to Your Child: Approach with empathy, not anger. Say, “I’m worried about you. Your safety is my only concern. You can tell me anything.”
- Seek Medical Care: This is non-negotiable. It protects health and creates a professional record of injuries.
- Preserve Evidence: Use your phone to document. Follow our guide in our video on using your phone to document evidence.
- Report Strategically: You can report to campus police, the Dean of Students, and local police. However, consult an attorney first to understand the implications. Universities often have a conflict of interest.
- Contact a Hazing Attorney Early: Do not wait for the university’s internal process. Evidence disappears, witnesses are coached, and statutes of limitations run.
For Students: Your Rights and Safety
- You Have the Right to Be Safe. No tradition is worth your life or health.
- “Consent” is Not a Defense in Texas. You cannot legally agree to be assaulted or endangered.
- To Exit Safely: Tell a trusted person outside the group (parent, RA, friend) first. Then send a clear, written resignation to the chapter president. Do not go to a “final meeting.”
- To Report Anonymously: Use the National Anti-Hazing Hotline at 1-888-NOT-HAZE or your university’s anonymous tip line.
- If You Call 911: Most Texas schools have “Good Samaritan” or medical amnesty policies. You are unlikely to face minor conduct charges for calling to save a life.
Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin a Hazing Case
- Deleting Evidence: Telling your child to “clean up” their phone destroys the case. Preserve everything.
- Confronting the Fraternity Directly: This triggers their defense lawyers and leads to evidence destruction.
- Signing University Paperwork: Universities may offer “quick resolutions” that waive your right to sue. Do not sign anything without an attorney.
- Posting on Social Media: Defense attorneys scour social media for inconsistencies. Let your lawyer control the narrative.
- Waiting Too Long: Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, but critical evidence vanishes in days. Understand the deadlines in our video on Texas statutes of limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
“Can we sue the university in Texas?”
Yes, but it is complex. Public universities have sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and certain other claims. Private universities like Baylor and SMU have fewer protections. The specific facts of your case determine the strategy.
“How much does a lawyer cost?”
We work on a contingency fee basis. This means we only get paid if we win your case, receiving a percentage of the recovery. You pay no upfront fees. Learn how this works in our video explaining contingency fees.
“Will my child’s name be public?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We aggressively protect our clients’ privacy and can often get court records sealed. Your family’s well-being is our priority.
“What if the hazing happened off-campus?”
Location does not matter. Liability is based on the organization’s sponsorship and control of the activity, not the property line. Major cases like the Pi Delta Psi retreat death prove this.
“We already reported it to the school. Is that enough?”
No. University internal processes are designed to manage institutional risk, not to maximize accountability or compensation for your family. They rarely result in the transparency or justice families deserve.
Why Attorney911 is the Right Firm for Texas Hazing Cases
If your family in Wickett is facing the nightmare of hazing, you need advocates who understand both the profound human cost and the complex legal battlefield. You need attorneys who have faced billion-dollar defendants and insider insurance tactics—and won.
We are currently leading the fight in the Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case because we have the expertise, resources, and determination to take on powerful institutions. We investigate with a data-driven strategy, litigate with trial-ready preparation, and advocate with unwavering compassion for victims and families.
We serve clients from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, representing Texas families from the Panhandle to the Gulf Coast, from big cities to close-knit communities like Wickett.
Take the First Step Toward Answers and Accountability
You do not have to navigate this alone. Contact us for a free, confidential, and no-obligation consultation.
What to expect when you call 1-888-ATTY-911:
- We will listen to your story with empathy and without judgment.
- We will explain your legal rights and options in clear, straightforward terms.
- We will review any evidence you have and outline the investigative process.
- We will answer your questions about timing, costs, and what comes next.
- There is no pressure. Our goal is to empower you with information so you can make the best decision for your family.
Call Attorney911 Today: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell/Text: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
Se habla Español. Contact Mr. Lupe Peña directly for consultation in Spanish.
For families in Wickett, Odessa, Midland, and across West Texas, we are here to help you find the truth, secure justice, and prevent this from happening to another student. Call us now.
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
