Texas Hazing & Campus Abuse Guide: Protecting DeKalb County College Students & Families

A Message to DeKalb County, Alabama Families About Hazing

Parents across DeKalb County know the feeling—the mix of pride and anxiety as your son or daughter heads to college. You’ve worked hard to provide opportunities, and now they’re embarking on their own journey at universities across Alabama and the South. But when that late-night call comes about something that happened at a fraternity house, sorority event, or team initiation, the world stops. You’re suddenly navigating a crisis filled with unfamiliar terms: “hazing,” “pledge process,” “risk management,” and institutions that often seem more concerned with protecting their reputation than your child.

Right now, we’re actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in the country—the Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit—where a young man suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after extreme hazing. This isn’t a historical case; it’s happening right now in court. Whether your student attends the University of Alabama, Auburn, or any Southeastern campus, the same dangerous dynamics exist, and the same national fraternities operate with the same troubling histories.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for DeKalb County families to help you understand what modern hazing really looks like, what your legal rights are, and how to seek accountability when institutions fail to protect students. We serve families nationwide from our Texas base, bringing specialized hazing litigation experience to help parents in DeKalb County and across Alabama navigate these complex cases.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like Beyond the Stereotypes

Many parents imagine hazing as “boys will be boys” pranks or harmless traditions. The reality in 2025 is far more dangerous and sophisticated. Hasing has evolved into systematic abuse that operates in the shadows of digital communication and off-campus properties.

Modern Hazing Takes Three Primary Forms

Alcohol and Substance Hazing remains the most lethal category. This includes forced consumption games like “century club” (100 shots of beer), “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor, and trivia games where wrong answers mean drinking. The medical reality is brutal: alcohol poisoning can cause respiratory depression, hypothermia, and brain damage. In cases like Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University, it caused death.

Physical Hazing has moved beyond simple paddling to include extreme physical exertion designed to cause harm. We’ve documented cases involving:

• “Rhabdomyolysis workouts” – forced calisthenics to the point of muscle breakdown that floods the kidneys with toxins
• Sleep deprivation spanning multiple days
• Exposure to extreme temperatures
• Chemical burns from substances poured on skin
• Restraint and bondage scenarios

Psychological and Digital Hazing represents the newest frontier. This includes:

• 24/7 group chat monitoring where pledges must respond immediately to commands
• Social media humiliation campaigns
• Geographic tracking through apps like Find My Friends
• Coerced creation of compromising digital content
• Systematic isolation from family and non-Greek friends

Where Hazing Happens

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

• Sororities – though often less physically violent, psychological hazing, sleep deprivation, and forced consumption are common
• Athletic Teams – from football to swimming, initiation rituals frequently cross into hazing
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups
• Corps of Cadets and ROTC Programs
• Spirit Organizations and tradition clubs
• Cultural and Service Organizations

For DeKalb County families, understanding that hazing isn’t limited to “frat parties” is crucial. Your student athlete or band member faces similar risks in their team dynamics.

Understanding Hazing Laws: Alabama Statutes and National Frameworks

Alabama Hazing Law

Alabama Code § 16-1-23 defines hazing and establishes penalties. The law makes it clear that “consent” is not a defense—even if your child participated willingly under peer pressure, the activity may still be illegal hazing. Alabama law classifies hazing as a Class C misdemeanor, but serious injuries or deaths can lead to felony charges.

Key provisions DeKalb County families should understand:

1. Broad Definition: Hazing includes any action that recklessly endangers physical health or causes substantial mental stress for purposes of initiation or membership
2. Institutional Liability: Schools and organizations can face penalties for allowing hazing to occur
3. Reporter Protections: Those who report hazing in good faith may receive immunity from certain violations

The Federal Legal Landscape

Several federal laws intersect with hazing cases:

The Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024) requires colleges receiving federal funding to publicly report hazing incidents and strengthen prevention programs. By 2026, most campuses will have more transparent reporting systems.

Title IX applies when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination. This federal law requires schools to investigate and address these incidents promptly.

The Clery Act mandates reporting of certain crimes, including assaults and alcohol-related incidents that often accompany hazing events.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

Parents often confuse these two legal pathways:

Criminal Cases are brought by the state (prosecutor) against individuals. These focus on punishment—fines, probation, or jail time. In Alabama, hazing charges might be accompanied by assault, providing alcohol to minors, or even manslaughter charges in fatal cases.

Civil Cases are what families file to seek compensation and institutional reform. These lawsuits can target:

• Individual students who participated
• Fraternity/sorority chapters
• National headquarters
• Universities and their administrators
• Property owners where hazing occurred
• Insurance companies providing coverage

The crucial understanding for DeKalb County families: A criminal case is not required to file a civil lawsuit. Many of the largest hazing settlements occur without any criminal convictions.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat at Alabama Campuses

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: A Predictable Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (2021)
The Pi Kappa Alpha pledge was forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” night. He died from alcohol poisoning. The resulting $10 million settlement ($7M from the national fraternity, $3M from the university) shows how institutions share liability.

Max Gruver – Louisiana State University (2017)
A Phi Delta Theta pledge died during a “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers meant forced drinking. His blood alcohol level reached 0.495%. The case led to Louisiana’s “Max Gruver Act” making hazing a felony.

What This Means for Alabama Families: The same fraternities involved in these deaths—Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Alpha Epsilon—have active chapters at Alabama universities. Their national organizations knew these drinking rituals were killing students but failed to eliminate them.

Physical Hazing with Lasting Injury

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri (2021)
A Phi Gamma Delta pledge suffered permanent brain damage during a hazing event, leaving him unable to walk, talk, or see. Twenty-two defendants settled in what became one of the most catastrophic non-fatal hazing cases in history.

Texas A&M Sigma Alpha Epsilon Case (2021)
Pledges were covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and other substances, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The case settled for confidential terms but demonstrated how physical hazing causes lifelong injuries.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)
Multiple players alleged systemic, sexualized hazing within the football program. The resulting lawsuits and confidential settlements demonstrated that hazing isn’t limited to Greek life—it permeates athletic departments with the same destructive patterns.

Alabama University Hazing Landscape: Where DeKalb County Students Attend

University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa

With one of the largest Greek systems in the country, UA has faced repeated hazing challenges. The university maintains a public hazing report log showing multiple organizations sanctioned annually for violations ranging from alcohol hazing to physical abuse.

Recent Incidents Include:

• Multiple fraternity suspensions for forced drinking and physical hazing
• Sorority disciplinary actions for psychological hazing and sleep deprivation
• Ongoing monitoring of organizations with repeat violations

For DeKalb County Families: UA’s proximity and popularity with Alabama students means many local families have children affected by this system. The university’s response mechanisms and disciplinary processes matter directly to our community.

Auburn University

Auburn’s Greek life represents a significant part of campus culture, with similar hazing patterns to other SEC schools. The university has strengthened reporting systems in recent years but continues to face challenges with off-campus hazing events.

Notable Patterns:

• Recurrent alcohol hazing incidents during fall recruitment
• Physical hazing allegations in traditionally high-risk organizations
• Increased university intervention in chapter operations following incidents

Jacksonville State University and Other Regional Campuses

Closer to DeKalb County, regional campuses face their own hazing challenges, often with fewer resources for prevention and response. Smaller Greek systems can actually intensify hazing risks due to less oversight and more insular cultures.

National Fraternity Histories: The Same Organizations, Repeated Patterns

When DeKalb County parents see fraternity letters, they’re often unaware of the national organization’s history behind them. These patterns matter in litigation because they establish “foreseeability”—the national headquarters knew or should have known their chapters were engaging in dangerous conduct.

High-Risk National Organizations Present in Alabama

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – Multiple hazing deaths including Stone Foltz (Bowling Green) and prior incidents nationwide. Known for “Big/Little” alcohol hazing traditions.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Multiple fatalities and catastrophic injuries across the country. Faced numerous lawsuits alleging inadequate supervision of chapters.

Phi Delta Theta – Max Gruver’s death at LSU led to felony hazing legislation. Similar drinking rituals documented at multiple chapters.

Pi Kappa Phi – Andrew Coffey’s death at Florida State University involved forced alcohol consumption during initiation events.

Kappa Alpha Order – Repeated hazing violations including physical beatings and alcohol-related incidents at multiple campuses.

These national organizations maintain insurance policies, risk management manuals, and attorney networks specifically because they expect hazing incidents. When they fail to prevent predictable harm, they share liability with local chapters.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Realistic Expectations

Critical Evidence That Makes or Breaks Cases

Digital Communications (The Modern Paper Trail)

• GroupMe and WhatsApp chats: Where hazing is planned, discussed, and covered up
• Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often retrieve “disappearing” messages
• Social media posts and stories: Event documentation, injury photos, celebratory posts
• Location data and timestamps: Proving who was where and when
• Chapter roster and communication apps: Fraternity-specific platforms with membership data

Physical Evidence

• Medical records documenting injuries (ER visits, hospitalization, specialist care)
• Toxicology reports showing blood alcohol levels or substance presence
• Photographs of injuries taken immediately after incidents
• Physical objects used in hazing (paddles, alcohol containers, props)
• Clothing with stains or damage from incidents

Institutional Records

• University disciplinary files on the organization
• National fraternity risk management reports
• Previous complaint records from other students
• Insurance policies and coverage documents
• Training materials showing what the organization knew about hazing risks

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

• Medical expenses past and future
• Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, transferred schools)
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Therapy and counseling costs
• Life care expenses for permanent disabilities

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and psychological trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Humiliation and damage to reputation

Wrongful Death Damages

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

Punitive Damages (in appropriate cases)

• Designed to punish especially reckless conduct
• Deter future similar behavior
• Available when defendants show conscious disregard for safety

Practical Guide for DeKalb County Parents: Step-by-Step Action Plan

If You Suspect Your Child Is Being Hazed

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Unexplained injuries or frequent “accidents”
• Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
• Sudden personality changes (anxiety, depression, withdrawal)
• Secretive behavior about organizational activities
• Constant phone monitoring for group chat messages
• Financial strains from unexplained expenses
• Academic performance decline

How to Have the Conversation:

1. Choose a private, calm setting
2. Use open-ended questions: “I’ve noticed you seem exhausted lately. Is everything okay with your [fraternity/sorority/team]?”
3. Express concern without accusation: “I’m worried about you, not disappointed.”
4. Listen more than you speak
5. Emphasize safety over loyalty: “No organization is worth your health or life.”

If Your Child Has Been Injured

Immediate Steps (First 48 Hours):

1. Medical Care First: Get to an emergency room or urgent care immediately
2. Document Everything:
   • Photograph injuries from multiple angles
   • Screenshot any relevant messages before they’re deleted
   • Write down everything your child remembers (names, dates, locations)
   • Preserve clothing or objects involved
3. Secure Evidence:
   • Do NOT let your child delete any messages
   • Back up phone data to a computer or cloud storage
   • Save medical records and bills
4. Contact an Attorney: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance on evidence preservation

What NOT to Do:

• Don’t confront the organization directly (they’ll destroy evidence)
• Don’t post details on social media
• Don’t sign anything from the university or insurance companies
• Don’t let your child return to “one last meeting”
• Don’t assume the university will handle it fairly

Navigating University Processes

When you report hazing to a university, understand their competing priorities:

1. Student safety (their stated priority)
2. Institutional reputation (their actual often-primary concern)
3. Legal liability minimization (their risk management focus)
4. Greek system preservation (their alumni and donor consideration)

Protect Your Family’s Interests:

• Document all communications with university officials
• Ask specific questions about prior incidents with the same organization
• Request written copies of all policies and procedures
• Consult with an attorney before participating in disciplinary hearings
• Understand that university processes are not designed to compensate victims

Critical Mistakes That Destroy Hazing Cases

Mistake #1: Waiting to See How the University Handles It
Universities often delay, minimize, or cover up hazing incidents to protect their reputation. While you wait, evidence disappears, witnesses are coached, and statutory deadlines approach.

Mistake #2: Letting Your Child Delete Messages
“Cleaning up” text messages and social media posts looks like evidence destruction and can be considered obstruction of justice. Preserve everything, even embarrassing content.

Mistake #3: Confronting the Organization Directly
When parents angrily contact fraternity leaders, they immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, and prepare defenses. All communication should go through your attorney.

Mistake #4: Signing University Resolution Agreements
Schools often pressure families into quick settlements that waive legal rights for minimal compensation. Never sign anything without legal review.

Mistake #5: Posting Details on Social Media
Defense attorneys monitor social media for inconsistencies and admissions that can undermine your case. Keep details private until your attorney advises otherwise.

Mistake #6: Missing the Statute of Limitations
Alabama has strict deadlines for filing lawsuits. The clock starts ticking from the date of injury, and once time expires, your case is gone forever.

Why Attorney911 for Alabama Hazing Cases

Our Active Hazing Litigation: Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston

Right now, we’re leading one of the nation’s most serious hazing cases. Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student, suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after Pi Kappa Phi hazing that included:

• Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
• Extreme physical workouts (100+ push-ups, 500 squats)
• “Save-your-brother” drills and bear crawls
• Hose spraying in the face “similar to waterboarding”
• Humiliating “pledge fanny pack” requirements

The case filed in late 2025 seeks $10 million in damages and names 13 individual fraternity members plus the university and national organization. This isn’t historical—it’s active, current litigation demonstrating our frontline experience with exactly the type of cases DeKalb County families face.

Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Knowledge
Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

• Value and undervalue claims
• Use delay tactics to pressure families
• Argue coverage exclusions
• Set reserves and negotiate settlements

When you’re facing national fraternity legal teams, having an attorney who used to be on their side is invaluable.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience
Ralph Manginello’s work on the BP Texas City explosion litigation proves our capability against billion-dollar defendants. Universities and national fraternities have unlimited legal budgets—we’ve faced similar resources before and won.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Results
We’ve obtained substantial settlements and verdicts in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. We work with economists, life care planners, and medical experts to build cases that force serious settlement discussions.

Dual Civil & Criminal Expertise
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association means we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can advise on criminal exposure while pursuing civil accountability—a crucial combination when hazing involves potential criminal charges.

National Reach with Local Understanding
While based in Texas, we serve families nationwide through:

• Lead counsel representation for cases with national connections
• Co-counsel arrangements with local Alabama attorneys
• Consultation and case evaluation for families anywhere
• Spanish-language services available through Mr. Peña

Our Investigation Process

When we take a hazing case, we investigate with depth and precision:

1. Digital Forensics: Recovering deleted messages, social media evidence, and organizational communications
2. National Pattern Research: Documenting prior incidents within the same fraternity/sorority nationwide
3. University Records Analysis: Obtaining disciplinary history through public records requests
4. Expert Consultation: Working with medical specialists, toxicologists, and Greek life experts
5. Witness Development: Interviewing other pledges, members, and bystanders
6. Insurance Coverage Mapping: Identifying all potential sources of recovery

Your Next Steps: Free, Confidential Consultation for DeKalb County Families

What to Expect When You Contact Us

Your Free Consultation Includes:

1. Compassionate Listening: We understand this is traumatic for your family
2. Case Evaluation: Honest assessment of your legal options
3. Evidence Review: Guidance on preserving and documenting what happened
4. Strategy Discussion: Explanation of possible paths forward
5. Cost Transparency: Clear explanation of our contingency fee structure (you pay nothing unless we recover compensation)
6. No Pressure Decision: Time to think about your options

How We Serve Alabama Families

For DeKalb County Specific Cases:

• Understanding of Alabama hazing laws and university systems
• Coordination with local counsel when appropriate
• Familiarity with University of Alabama, Auburn, and regional campus dynamics
• Respect for the values and concerns of Alabama families

Our Commitment to Your Family:

• We return calls and emails promptly (within 24 hours)
• We explain legal concepts in plain English
• We protect your privacy and your child’s dignity
• We fight for accountability, not just settlement checks
• We help prevent future harm through institutional reform

Contact Attorney911 Today

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for Immediate Assistance

Also Available:

• Direct Line: (713) 528-9070
• Cell: (713) 443-4781
• Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello) or lupe@atty911.com (Mr. Lupe Peña)
• Website: https://attorney911.com

Spanish-Language Services Available
Hablamos Español – Mr. Lupe Peña provides consultations in Spanish

Serving Families Nationwide from Texas
With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we help families across the country, including DeKalb County, Alabama.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Active Hazing Case:

• Click2Houston coverage of Leonel Bermudez UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing lawsuit: 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 coverage of the $10M UH hazing case: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• Hoodline summary of the Pi Kappa Phi hazing lawsuit: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Educational Videos from Attorney911:

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

Main Website:

• Attorney911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™: https://attorney911.com

Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information about hazing laws and cases. It does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Every case depends on specific facts and circumstances. Hazing laws vary by state and evolve over time. If you need legal assistance with a hazing matter, consult with a qualified attorney who can review your specific situation. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC serves clients nationwide from Texas offices. Contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a confidential consultation regarding your potential case.