The Liberty County Family Guide to Hazing, Fraternity Lawsuits, and Campus Accountability in Texas

For Parents in Dayton, Daisetta, Hardin, Kenefick, and Across Liberty County: When Campus “Tradition” Becomes Child Endangerment

It’s a Thursday night in your child’s dorm at a Texas university. Their phone buzzes incessantly—a GroupMe alert for a “mandatory” chapter event. They’re exhausted from weeks of late-night “study sessions,” unexplained aches, and a newfound anxiety they won’t discuss. You notice a receipt for two cases of liquor on their bank statement; your straight-A student now struggles to stay awake in class. When you ask, they deflect: “It’s just part of the process, everyone goes through it.” For families in Liberty County—from the quiet streets of Dayton to the tight-knit communities of Daisetta and Hardin—this scenario is not a distant abstraction. It is the lived reality for Texas parents when fraternity, sorority, Corps, or athletic team “traditions” cross the line into illegal and dangerous hazing.

Right now, just an hour’s drive from Liberty County in Harris County, our firm is actively litigating one of the most severe hazing cases in the country. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered acute kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis after brutal hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. This is not a historical case study; it is a current, multi-million-dollar lawsuit demonstrating precisely how modern hazing operates and how institutions often fail to stop it. For parents in Liberty and surrounding counties like Chambers, Montgomery, and Harris, this case serves as a critical warning and a proof of what dedicated legal advocacy can achieve.

This guide is written specifically for you—the parents, grandparents, and families of Liberty County. Whether your child attends Liberty High School and is looking at colleges, or is already a student at UH, Texas A&M, Sam Houston State, or any Texas campus, you deserve to know the truth about hazing in 2025: what it looks like, the laws designed to protect your child, and how to respond when those protections fail. We will provide a clear roadmap through Texas hazing law, analyze the major universities your children attend, and explain the legal strategies that hold powerful fraternities and universities accountable.

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:

1. Get Medical Attention: Even if your child insists they are “fine,” seek professional evaluation. Conditions like rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) may not show immediate symptoms.
2. Preserve Evidence BEFORE It’s Deleted:
   • Screenshot all group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage), texts, and DMs immediately.
   • Photograph injuries from multiple angles with good lighting.
   • Save any physical items (clothing, paddles, receipts for alcohol).
3. Write Down Everything: Document who, what, when, and where while memories are fresh.
4. 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” their phone.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours. Evidence vanishes quickly. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.

A Liberty County Case in Point: The Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi Lawsuit

To understand the stakes for Texas families, one need look no further than the active litigation unfolding at the University of Houston—a flagship campus where many Liberty County students pursue their education. This is not a historical footnote; it is Attorney911’s current case and a stark illustration of systemic failure.

The Victim: Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter in Fall 2025.

The Hazing Conduct: The lawsuit alleges a regime of humiliation, forced labor, and physical abuse, including:

• The “pledge fanny pack” rule, requiring pledges to carry condoms, a sex toy, and nicotine devices at all times.
• Enforced dress codes, hours-long “study” blocks, overnight chauffeuring duties, and weekly interviews under threat of punishment.
• Extreme physical abuse at locations including the UH chapter house, a Culmore Drive residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park. This included:
  • Sprints, bear crawls, and “save-your-brother” drills.
  • Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.”
  • Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by immediate sprints.
  • A November 3, 2025, workout involving 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion.

The Medical Catastrophe: Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis—a severe skeletal muscle breakdown that floods the kidneys with toxins. He passed brown urine, could not stand without help, and was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels confirming acute kidney failure. He faces an ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

The Institutional Response & Defendants: The lawsuit names a universe of defendants, demonstrating where true accountability lies:

• University of Houston and the UH System Board of Regents.
• Pi Kappa Phi National Fraternity Headquarters.
• The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Housing Corporation.
• 13 individual fraternity leaders/members, including the chapter president, pledgemaster, and risk manager.

After media exposure, Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended the chapter on November 6, 2025. On November 14, chapter members voted to surrender their charter, effectively shutting it down. UH called the alleged conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised cooperation with law enforcement.

This case, covered by Click2Houston and ABC13, is the flagship proof that Attorney911 is leading the fight against serious hazing in Texas. We use it as a blueprint for investigating institutional knowledge, insurance coverage, and liability for every family we represent.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like on Texas Campuses

Hazing is no longer just about “hell week” paddling. It has evolved into a sophisticated, often digitally-facilitated form of coercion that endangers mental and physical health. Texas law (Education Code Chapter 37) defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation.

For Liberty County families, understanding the modern forms is critical:

1. Alcohol & Substance Hazing: The most common and deadly form.

• Forced or coerced drinking games (“lineups,” “century club,” “Big/Little” reveals).
• Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol or unknown mixed substances.
• The Pattern: This led to the deaths of Timothy Piazza (Penn State), Max Gruver (LSU), and Stone Foltz (Bowling Green).

2. Physical Hazing:

• Extreme, punitive exercise (“smokings,” calisthenics until collapse)—exactly as alleged in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case.
• Paddling, beatings, or “tackling” rituals.
• Sleep, food, or water deprivation.
• Exposure to extreme elements.

3. Psychological & Digital Hazing:

• 24/7 digital control via GroupMe, with demands for immediate response at all hours.
• Social media humiliation, forced embarrassing posts, or “challenge” videos.
• Verbal abuse, isolation from non-members, and threats of expulsion from the group.
• Geolocation tracking requiring pledges to share their live location.

4. Sexualized & Humiliating Hazing:

• Forced nudity or simulated sexual acts.
• Degrading costumes or roles.
• Acts with racist, sexist, or homophobic overtones.

Hazing occurs in fraternities, sororities, Corps of Cadets programs, athletic teams, spirit groups (like cheer or dance), marching bands, and other campus organizations. The common thread is an imbalance of power where new members are coerced into compliance.

The Texas Legal Framework: Your Child’s Rights and Institutional Liability

Parents in Liberty County operate under Texas law. Understanding this framework is the first step toward accountability.

Texas Education Code, Chapter 37 (The Hazing Law):

• Definition: An intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers physical or mental health for purposes of initiation/affiliation. Consent is not a defense.
• 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.
• Organizational Liability: Fraternities, sororities, and clubs can be fined up to $10,000 per violation.
• Immunity for Good-Faith Reporters: Those who report hazing or call for help in an emergency are protected from liability.

Civil Liability Beyond Criminal Charges:
A criminal case is pursued by the state for punishment. A civil lawsuit, which our firm handles, is filed by the victim or family to secure compensation and accountability. They are separate but can proceed simultaneously. Key legal theories include:

• Negligence & Gross Negligence: Failure to exercise reasonable care.
• Negligent Supervision: Universities or national headquarters failing to oversee chapters.
• Premises Liability: Property owners (house corporations, landlords) failing to keep premises safe.
• Wrongful Death: When hazing results in a fatality.

Federal Overlays: Title IX, Clery, and the Stop Campus Hazing Act:

• Title IX: If hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination, federal Title IX obligations are triggered.
• Clery Act: Requires universities to report certain crimes, including assaults that may occur during hazing.
• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires greater transparency in hazing reporting and prevention by 2026.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Hazing Case?

1. Individual Students who planned, executed, or covered up the hazing.
2. The Local Chapter as an entity.
3. The National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters for failing to supervise and enforce policies.
4. The University for deliberate indifference to a known, substantial risk.
5. Housing Corporations & Landlords who own properties where hazing occurs.
6. Third-Party Vendors (e.g., bars, alcohol suppliers under dram shop laws).

The Texas Hazing Landscape: Where Liberty County Students Attend College

Liberty County families send their children to a diverse array of Texas institutions. Our firm’s Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a proprietary database built from public IRS records, university filings, and metro organization data—allows us to understand the specific Greek ecosystems at these schools. Here is what parents need to know about major destinations for local students.

The University of Houston (UH) – A Primary Destination

Many Liberty County students choose UH for its proximity, programs, and value. The recent Pi Kappa Phi case underscores serious risks within its Greek system. UH has multiple Greek councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, MGC) with chapters of national organizations with documented hazing histories, including Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and Kappa Alpha Order.

For Liberty County Parents: Incidents at UH typically fall under the jurisdiction of UHPD and Houston Police Department, with civil lawsuits filed in Harris County District Courts. The university’s public disciplinary records, while limited, can be a starting point. Immediate reporting should go to the UH Dean of Students and Office of Student Conduct.

Texas A&M University – Tradition & Heightened Risk

The culture of tradition at Texas A&M extends to its powerful Greek life and the Corps of Cadets. This environment can normalize abusive behaviors under the guise of “building character.”

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges alleged being doused with industrial cleaner, causing severe burns requiring skin grafts. The chapter was suspended.
• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A cadet alleged degrading hazing, including being bound in a “roasted pig” position. The case sought over $1 million.

For Liberty County Parents: A&M’s Student Conduct office and Corps commanders handle internal complaints. Civil cases may be filed in Brazos County. The pattern of severe physical hazing here is well-established.

Sam Houston State University (Huntsville) – A Regional Hub

Located in neighboring Walker County, SHSU is a common choice. Its Greek life includes chapters of national fraternities with hazing histories. University policies prohibit hazing, but enforcement is key.

Other Texas Universities & The “Big 5”

Liberty County students also attend schools across the state, including:

• University of Texas at Austin: Maintains a public hazing violations log, showing repeated sanctions against groups like Pi Kappa Alpha for forced consumption and strenuous exercise.
• Texas State University (San Marcos): Has active Greek life with known national chapters.
• Lamar University (Beaumont): Another regional option with Greek organizations.
• Community Colleges (Lee College, etc.): While less common, club hazing can occur.

The Organizations Behind the Letters: A Data-Driven Look

When harm occurs, it’s not just “a few bad apples.” It’s often part of a national pattern. Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks over 1,423 Greek-related entities across 25 Texas metros. For Liberty County, part of the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro (which has 188 such organizations), this data is crucial.

We maintain a private directory of entities that may carry insurance or liability. For example, public IRS B83 filings show Texas-registered Greek organizations like:

• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc | EIN: 46-2267515 | Frisco, TX 75035
• Sigma Phi Epsilon Texas Eta | EIN: 82-4398421 | Richmond, TX 77406
• Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation | EIN: 37-1768785 | Missouri City, TX 77459
• Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc | EIN: 27-3662583 | Lufkin, TX 75904

These entities, alongside national headquarters, form the chain of liability we investigate in every case. National histories matter because they establish foreseeability. For instance:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): Responsible for the alcohol poisoning death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green ($10M+ settlement).
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): Multiple deaths and injuries nationwide; sued at Texas A&M for chemical burns.
• Phi Delta Theta: Responsible for the alcohol poisoning death of Max Gruver at LSU.
• Pi Kappa Phi: Responsible for the alcohol poisoning death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State.

When a chapter at UH or Texas A&M engages in similar conduct, it demonstrates the national organization knew or should have known of the risk and failed to prevent it.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages

For families in Liberty County navigating this crisis, understanding the legal process is empowering. We approach each case with a systematic, evidence-driven strategy honed from our experience in complex litigation against institutions like BP.

Phase 1: Immediate Evidence Preservation & Investigation
The first 48 hours are critical. We guide families to secure:

• Digital Evidence: All group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord), text messages, social media posts, and emails. We work with digital forensic experts to recover deleted material. As we explain in our video on using your phone to document evidence, proper documentation is key.
• Physical Evidence: Photographs of injuries, locations, and objects; preserved clothing; medical intake forms.
• Medical Documentation: Complete records from ER visits, hospitalizations, and follow-up care, explicitly noting the cause as “hazing.”
• Witness Identification: Names and contact information for other pledges, members, roommates, and RAs.

Phase 2: Uncovering Institutional Knowledge
We use legal discovery to obtain:

• The chapter’s prior conduct history with the university.
• Communications between the local chapter and national headquarters.
• The national organization’s internal incident reports from other chapters.
• University emails and reports concerning prior warnings or incidents.

Phase 3: Calculating Damages & Building Leverage
Hazing causes profound harm, compensable under Texas law. We work with economists and life-care planners to document:

• Economic Damages: All medical bills (past and future), lost wages, lost educational opportunity, and diminished earning capacity.
• Non-Economic Damages: Physical pain, emotional distress, PTSD, humiliation, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Wrongful Death Damages (if applicable): Funeral costs, loss of companionship, and family’s emotional suffering.

We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which creates maximum leverage for a fair settlement. We are not afraid to take on universities or national fraternities in court.

A Practical Guide for Liberty County Parents & Students

Warning Signs Your Child Is Being Hazed

• Physical: Unexplained injuries, bruises, burns; extreme fatigue; sudden weight change; signs of alcohol poisoning.
• Behavioral: Increased secrecy; withdrawal from family/friends; personality changes (anxiety, depression); defensiveness about the group; constant phone anxiety.
• Academic: Sudden drop in grades; missing classes; falling asleep in school.
• Financial: Unexplained large expenses for alcohol, “fines,” or gifts for older members.

Critical Steps to Take If You Suspect Hazing

1. Talk to Your Child: Use open, non-judgmental questions. “Are you safe?” “Is anything making you uncomfortable?”
2. Secure Medical Care: Health comes first. A medical record also creates crucial evidence.
3. Preserve Evidence: Follow the steps outlined above. Do not delete anything.
4. Report Strategically: You can report to campus police, the Dean of Students, and/or local law enforcement. Consult with an attorney first to understand the implications.
5. Consult a Hazing Attorney Early: Before speaking with university administrators or insurance adjusters. We can protect your rights and navigate the process. Time is limited due to statutes of limitation, as we discuss in our video on Texas statutes of limitations.

Critical Mistakes That Can Harm Your Case

• Deleting Evidence: It may feel protective, but it undermines your credibility and case.
• Confronting the Fraternity Directly: This triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching.
• Signing University “Resolution” Forms: These often contain waivers of your right to sue.
• Posting on Social Media: Defense attorneys monitor everything; inconsistencies can be exploited.
• Waiting Too Long: Evidence disappears, witnesses scatter, and deadlines pass. For more on common pitfalls, see our guide on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case.

Why Attorney911 Is the Right Firm for Liberty County Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need advocates who understand both the emotional trauma and the complex legal battlefield. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911) is not a high-volume personal injury mill. We are Texas-based complex litigation specialists with a proven track record of taking on powerful institutions.

Our Competitive Advantages for Hazing Litigation:

1. Insider Insurance Knowledge: Our attorney, Mr. Lupe Peña (he/him), spent years as an insurance defense attorney for a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value claims, deploy delay tactics, and fight coverage. We know their playbook because we used to run it. You can learn more about Mr. Peña’s background here.

2. Experience Against Billion-Dollar Defendants: Managing partner Ralph Manginello was one of the few Texas lawyers involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation. We are not intimidated by the deep pockets and aggressive defense teams of national fraternities or university systems. Learn about Ralph’s experience here.

3. Active, High-Stakes Hazing Litigation: We are not theorists. We are currently litigating the Leonel Bermudez v. UH Pi Kappa Phi case, a $10 million lawsuit that is forcing institutional accountability. This is the level of seriousness we bring to every case.

4. The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: We invest in proprietary data and investigation. We don’t start from zero; we use our database of Texas Greek entities, national histories, and campus patterns to build unshakeable cases.

5. Dual Civil & Criminal Capability: Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand the criminal implications of hazing and can effectively advise clients navigating both civil and criminal proceedings.

6. Spanish-Language Services: Mr. Peña is a fluent Spanish speaker, ensuring we can serve the diverse families of Texas with comfort and clarity.

7. A Commitment That Goes Beyond Settlement: We believe in accountability that leads to change. Our goal is to secure just compensation for your family while also forcing the institutional reforms that can prevent the next tragedy.

We work on a contingency fee basis: You pay no upfront fees. Our payment is contingent on us successfully recovering compensation for you. Learn how this works in our video on contingency fees.

A Direct Message to Liberty County Families

From Dayton to Daisetta, from Hardin to the shores of Lake Livingston, the families of Liberty County share a common bond: we protect our own. When the institutions meant to educate and safeguard our children betray that trust through indifference to hazing, you have the right—and the power—to demand accountability.

You do not have to navigate this nightmare alone. The university’s primary interest is often in controlling the narrative and limiting liability. The fraternity’s national headquarters will deploy teams of lawyers to protect their brand and assets. You need a dedicated, experienced team fighting solely for your family’s justice and your child’s future.

If you suspect your child is being hazed, or if they have already been injured, contact us immediately. We will listen to your story with compassion, explain your legal options with clarity, and help you make the best decision for your family’s healing and future.

Contact Attorney911 Today for a Free, Confidential Consultation

Call the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ 24/7:
1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

Direct Lines:
(713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781

Email:
ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com

Website:
https://attorney911.com

We serve families throughout Texas, with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. We are here for Liberty County.

Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is fact-specific, and outcomes depend on the unique circumstances, evidence, and applicable law. If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly urge you to consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation. The information is current as of late 2025.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources:

• Click2Houston coverage of UH Pi Kappa Phi case: 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 UH Pi Kappa Phi case: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• Attorney911 Video: Using Your Cellphone to Document Evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Attorney911 Video: Texas Statutes of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Attorney911 Video: Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• Attorney911 Video: How Contingency Fees Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc
• Attorney911 Main Website: https://attorney911.com