Hazing at Texas Universities: A Comprehensive Legal Guide for Aransas Pass Families

The Nightmare That Hits Close to Home: When Tradition Turns Tragic

If you’re a parent in Aransas Pass, watching your child head off to college should be filled with pride and excitement. You’ve taught them well—shown them the values of our Coastal Bend community, where we look out for one another, work hard, and respect others. But what happens when they encounter a different culture just hours from home? A culture where “tradition” can become torture, where “brotherhood” can become brutality, and where the very institutions meant to protect students sometimes look the other way?

Picture this scenario, which could happen at any Texas campus your Aransas Pass student might attend: It’s “big brother night” at an off-campus fraternity house. Your child, eager to fit in and make friends, is told this is a “sacred tradition.” They’re handed a bottle of whiskey and told to finish it. Older members are filming on their phones, laughing as pledges struggle. Someone starts vomiting, but the senior members just yell “Keep going!” Another pledge collapses, but nobody wants to call 911 because they’re afraid of “getting the chapter shut down.” Your child, trapped between loyalty to their new “family” and their own survival instinct, doesn’t know what to do.

This isn’t just a dramatic story—it’s exactly what happened at the University of Houston in fall 2025. And right now, our firm is leading the fight for justice in that very case. We’re The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™), and we specialize in holding fraternities, sororities, and universities accountable when their traditions turn dangerous.

This Guide Is For You, Aransas Pass

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for families in Aransas Pass, Port Aransas, Rockport, Ingleside, and throughout Nueces County. Whether your child attends Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi right here in our region, or has ventured further to the University of Houston, Texas A&M in College Station, UT Austin, or other Texas campuses, you need to understand:

• What modern hazing really looks like (beyond the stereotypes)
• How Texas law protects—and sometimes fails—our students
• The shocking patterns that repeat across campuses
• What’s happening right now at universities where Aransas Pass students commonly attend
• Your family’s legal rights when things go wrong

We’re based in Houston but serve families throughout Texas, including right here in the Coastal Bend. We understand that when your child is hurt at school, distance doesn’t matter—justice does.

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 Beyond the Stereotypes

The Changing Face of Campus Abuse

When Aransas Pass parents think of hazing, many imagine the old stereotypes: silly pranks, harmless initiations, maybe some excessive drinking. But in 2025, hazing has evolved into something far more systematic, psychologically complex, and dangerous. Today’s hazing often involves digital surveillance, sophisticated coercion techniques, and deliberate efforts to evade detection by universities and law enforcement.

A Modern Definition That Every Parent Should Know

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or intensely pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior:

• Endangers physical or mental health
• Involves humiliation or degradation
• Exploits the power imbalance between new and established members

Crucially, “I agreed to it” does not make it legal or safe. Texas law recognizes that when there’s peer pressure, fear of exclusion, and power imbalance, true voluntary consent often doesn’t exist.

The Five Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the deadliest form. It includes forced chugging challenges, “lineup” drinking games, coerced consumption of unknown substances, and traditions like “Big/Little nights” where pledges are given handles of liquor to finish. The blood alcohol content in some fatal cases has exceeded 0.40%—five times the legal driving limit.

2. Physical Hazing
Beyond traditional paddling, this now includes:

• Extreme calisthenics called “smokings” (hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse)
• Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or 3 AM wake-up calls
• Food and water restriction
• Exposure to extreme temperatures
• “Workouts” disguised as conditioning but actually punitive

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This category has seen alarming evolution:

• Forced nudity or partial nudity for “inspections”
• Simulated sexual acts like the “elephant walk” or “roasted pig” positions
• Degrading costumes and public humiliation
• Acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones
• Coerced creation of compromising photos or videos

4. Psychological Hazing
The invisible wounds can be deepest:

• Systematic verbal abuse and degradation
• Social isolation from non-members
• “Grilling” sessions where members tear down pledges’ self-esteem
• Forced confessions of personal secrets used as blackmail
• Manipulation through fear of letting down “the brotherhood/sisterhood”

5. Digital Hazing
A 21st-century evolution that particularly affects our tech-savvy Aransas Pass students:

• 24/7 group chat monitoring with immediate response demands
• Social media dares and challenges on Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat
• Geo-tracking requirements via Find My Friends or Life360
• Coerced creation and sharing of humiliating content
• Digital “scavenger hunts” that cross into illegal activities

Where Hazing Happens: Moving Beyond Greek Life

While fraternities and sororities dominate hazing headlines, Aransas Pass parents should know these practices occur in:

• Corps of Cadets and military-style programs
• Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
• Spirit and tradition organizations (like Texas A&M’s Corps or UT’s spirit groups)
• Marching bands and performing arts groups
• Academic honor societies and professional clubs
• Cultural and service organizations

The common threads across all groups: hierarchy, tradition, secrecy, and the dangerous belief that “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

The Case That Changed Everything: Leonel Bermudez at University of Houston

Why This Case Matters to Every Texas Family

Right now, as you read this, our firm is leading one of the most significant hazing cases in Texas history. The Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi case isn’t just another lawsuit—it’s a window into exactly how modern hazing operates and why traditional oversight fails.

In fall 2025, Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student hoping to find community at UH, accepted a bid from the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. What followed was a systematic campaign of abuse that nearly killed him and exposed gaping holes in university supervision.

The “Pledge Fanny Pack” and Systematic Humiliation

From day one, Bermudez was subjected to what the fraternity called “pledge education”:

• A mandatory “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms, a sex toy, nicotine devices, and other humiliating items he had to carry 24/7
• Enforced dress codes and appearance standards
• Hours-long “study/work” blocks that were actually psychological conditioning
• Weekly interviews where he was grilled about fraternity knowledge
• Overnight and late-night driving duties for senior members

Physical Torture Disguised as Tradition

The physical abuse escalated at multiple locations:

• The Pi Kappa Phi chapter house near UH
• A Culmore Drive residence owned by a former member
• Yellowstone Boulevard Park for early-morning workouts

Specific acts included:

• Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races until collapse
• “Save-your-brother” drills that were actually violent tackling
• Cold-weather exposure in only underwear
• Lying in vomit-soaked grass as punishment
• Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” with threats of actual waterboarding
• Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed immediately by more sprints

The November 3 Workout That Nearly Killed Him

On November 3, 2025, Bermudez was forced through:

• 100+ push-ups
• 500 squats
• Creed recitation under threat of expulsion

He left unable to stand without help. Over the next three days, his condition deteriorated until he was passing brown urine—a classic sign of rhabdomyolysis, a deadly muscle breakdown condition.

Medical Catastrophe and Hospitalization

On November 6, his mother rushed him to the hospital where tests confirmed:

• Critically high creatine kinase levels (measuring muscle damage)
• Rhabdomyolysis – severe skeletal muscle breakdown
• Acute kidney failure requiring four days of hospitalization
• Ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage

Institutional Response and Chapter Closure

The fallout was rapid but revealing:

• November 6: Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters suspended the Beta Nu chapter
• November 14: Chapter members voted to surrender their charter, effectively shutting down
• University of Houston called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary action up to expulsion
• UH pledged cooperation with law enforcement

Why This Case Is Your Case Too

For Aransas Pass families, the Bermudez case demonstrates:

1. This happens at major Texas universities where our children attend
2. Multiple oversight systems failed simultaneously
3. The medical consequences can be lifelong
4. Justice requires aggressive legal action against all responsible parties

We’re representing Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against:

• University of Houston
• UH System Board of Regents
• Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
• The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation
• 13 individual fraternity leaders (president, pledgemaster, risk manager, and others)

This case proves we’re not just talking about hazing—we’re actively fighting it in Texas courts right now.

Texas Hazing Law: What Aransas Pass Families Must Know

The Texas Legal Framework: Education Code Chapter 37

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws in the Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. Here’s what every Aransas Pass parent needs to understand:

Definition (Section 37.151):
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

• Endangers mental or physical health or safety
• Occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any student organization

Key points for Aransas Pass families:

• Location doesn’t matter—off-campus hazing is still illegal
• Mental harm counts as much as physical harm
• “Reckless” behavior qualifies—they don’t need to intend harm
• “Consent is not a defense” (Section 37.155) – even if your child “agreed,” it’s still illegal

Criminal Penalties (Section 37.152)

• Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
• Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury needing medical treatment
• State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

Additional crimes:

• Failing to report hazing (if you’re a member/officer who knew): misdemeanor
• Retaliating against reporters: misdemeanor

Organizational Liability (Section 37.153)

Organizations can be prosecuted if:

• They authorized or encouraged the hazing
• An officer/member acting officially knew and failed to report

Penalties include:

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

Protections for Reporters (Section 37.154)

• Good-faith immunity for those who report to university/law enforcement
• Many universities have medical amnesty policies for 911 callers, even if underage drinking was involved

How Texas Compares to Other States

Texas has decent laws but isn’t the strongest:

• Pennsylvania (Piazza Law): Enhanced penalties, easier felony charges
• Louisiana (Max Gruver Act): Serious felony provisions
• Ohio (Collin’s Law): Felony when drugs/alcohol cause harm
• Florida (Chad Meredith Law): Criminalized hazing after drowning death

Texas falls in the middle—adequate but not exemplary. Cases like Bermudez’s may drive future reforms.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by the state (prosecutor)
• Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Common charges: hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter
• Standard: Beyond reasonable doubt

Civil Cases:

• Brought by victims/families (that’s where we help)
• Goal: Compensation and accountability
• Focus: negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress
• Standard: Preponderance of evidence (more likely than not)

Critical point: You can pursue a civil case even if no criminal charges are filed. The standards and purposes are different.

Federal Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

• Requires colleges receiving federal aid to:
  • Report hazing incidents transparently
  • Strengthen prevention education
  • Maintain public hazing data (phasing in through 2026)
• This means more public information for Aransas Pass families researching schools

Title IX:

• Triggered when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
• Creates additional reporting and investigation requirements
• Can provide another legal avenue for redress

Clery Act:

• Requires reporting certain campus crimes
• Hazing incidents often overlap with reportable offenses
• Creates transparency through annual crime statistics

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Lawsuit?

1. Individual Students:

   • Those who planned, participated, or covered up
   • Officers who knew or should have known

2. Local Chapter/Organization:

   • The fraternity/sorority as an entity
   • Housing corporations that own facilities

3. National Headquarters:

   • For failure to supervise, enforce policies, or respond to prior incidents
   • Often have deep pockets through insurance

4. University/Board of Regents:

   • For negligent supervision
   • Failure to enforce policies
   • Deliberate indifference to known risks

5. Third Parties:

   • Property owners/landlords
   • Alcohol providers under dram shop laws
   • Security companies or event organizers

Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys know how to identify all potential defendants.

National Hazing Patterns: What History Teaches Us About Texas Risks

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Deadliest Pattern

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

• Bid acceptance night with forced drinking
• Suffered multiple falls captured on chapter cameras
• Hours delayed before calling 911
• 18 members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts
• Pennsylvania passed Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
• Takeaway: Delayed medical care dramatically increases lethality and liability

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

• Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
• Died from alcohol poisoning
• Multiple criminal convictions
• $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
• Chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million personally
• Takeaway: Individuals can face massive personal liability beyond organizational responsibility

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

• “Bible study” drinking game – wrong answers meant forced drinking
• Blood alcohol content: 0.495% (six times legal limit)
• Multiple criminal convictions
• Louisiana passed Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
• $6.1 million verdict for family
• Takeaway: “Games” and “traditions” don’t protect organizations from liability

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

• Big Brother night with handle of liquor
• Died from acute alcohol poisoning
• FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life
• Florida strengthened hazing laws
• Takeaway: Universities will take drastic action after tragedies

Physical and Ritualized Hazing

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

• “Glass ceiling” ritual at Pocono Mountains retreat
• Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled
• Fatal traumatic brain injury
• National fraternity criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
• Pi Delta Psi banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
• Takeaway: Nationals can face criminal liability, not just civil

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)

• “Pledge dad reveal” night with forced drinking
• Suffered permanent, severe brain damage
• Cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care
• Settlements with 22 defendants, reportedly multi-million dollar
• Takeaway: Non-fatal injuries can still be catastrophically life-altering

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

• Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing over multiple years
• Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
• Head coach fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially
• Takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to big-money athletic programs

What These Cases Mean for Aransas Pass Families

1. Patterns repeat – the same behaviors recur across campuses
2. Delayed care kills – fear of consequences prevents life-saving 911 calls
3. Cover-ups compound liability – destruction of evidence creates additional legal exposure
4. National organizations know the risks – their policies exist because they’ve seen these outcomes before
5. Substantial compensation is possible – verdicts and settlements reach millions for serious injuries/deaths

These cases create legal precedents and settlement benchmarks that benefit Texas families pursuing justice.

Texas Universities: A Close Look at Campuses Where Aransas Pass Students Study

Understanding Our Local Educational Landscape

Aransas Pass families send their children to universities throughout Texas, but certain patterns emerge. Many stay close to home at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, just across the bay. Others venture to Texas A&M University in College Station, University of Houston, UT Austin, or private institutions like Baylor and SMU. Each campus has its own Greek life culture, historical issues, and reporting systems.

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi: Our Local Campus

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Located just minutes from Aransas Pass, TAMU-CC serves as the primary university for many Coastal Bend families. As a growing commuter campus with increasing residential options, Greek life has expanded in recent years. The island location creates both opportunities and unique challenges for supervision.

Hazing Policy & Reporting:

• Prohibits hazing both on and off campus
• Reports go through Dean of Students or campus police
• Part of Texas A&M system policies

Documented Greek Presence from Public Records:
Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine shows these Corpus Christi-area organizations:

Alpha Sigma Phi – Iota Phi Chapter
IRS EIN: 831418972 | Corpus Christi, TX 78412
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi chapter

Kappa Sigma Fraternity – Rho-Psi Colony
Corpus Christi, TX | TAMU-CC colony/chapter
(cross-referenced with IRS EIN 756067776)

Sigma Chi Fraternity – Zeta Pi Chapter
Kingsville, TX 78363 | Texas A&M-Kingsville chapter

Phi Kappa Phi – TAMU Corpus Christi Chapter
Corpus Christi, TX | Academic honor society

What Aransas Pass Families Should Know:

1. Proximity matters – incidents here affect our community directly
2. Commuter campus dynamics can make hazing harder to detect
3. University police and Corpus Christi PD may both have jurisdiction
4. Medical care typically goes through Corpus Christi hospitals familiar to our community

University of Houston: Where the Bermudez Case Unfolded

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
As Texas’s third-largest university with over 46,000 students, UH has massive Greek life encompassing IFC fraternities, Panhellenic sororities, NPHC (Divine Nine), and multicultural groups. The urban Houston location means activities spread across the city.

Hazing Policy & Reporting:

• Detailed prohibition in Student Code of Conduct
• Reporting through Dean of Students (713-743-5470)
• Online reporting forms available
• UHPD handles criminal aspects

Documented Organizations from Public Records:
Our data shows these Houston-area Greek entities:

Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity
Houston, TX | Alumni/house corporation
(IRS EIN 746064445 shows Pi Kappa Alpha in Nederland, TX)

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter
Houston, TX | Graduate chapter

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter
Houston, TX | Undergraduate chapter
(cross-verified with IRS EINs 364091267 & 752609909)

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae
Houston, TX | Graduate chapter

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity – Eta Rho Sigma Chapter
Houston, TX | Graduate chapter

The Bermudez Case Context:
For Aransas Pass families with students at UH, the Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates:

1. Severe hazing occurs at major Texas universities
2. Multiple locations were used (chapter house, off-campus residence, parks)
3. Medical response went through Houston hospitals
4. Legal proceedings will occur in Harris County courts
5. The same national organizations operate at multiple Texas campuses

Texas A&M University in College Station

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
The flagship campus with enormous Greek life and the Corps of Cadets. Traditions run deep here, creating both positive community and potential for abuse normalization.

Hazing Policy & Reporting:

• Strong anti-haying stance publicly
• Multiple reporting channels
• Corps has separate but parallel systems
• Student Conduct Office handles investigations

Documented Incidents:

1. Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

   • Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, spit
   • Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
   • $1 million lawsuit filed
   • Fraternity suspended for two years

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

   • Cadet alleged being bound between beds in degrading position
   • Simulated sexual acts, apple in mouth
   • Over $1 million lawsuit
   • A&M stated it handled internally under its rules

Organizations from Public Records:
Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc
IRS EIN: 133048786 | College Station, TX 77845-6681

Gentlemen of Aggie Tradition
IRS EIN: 880537463 | College Station, TX 77845-6681

Beta Theta Pi – Eta Chapter House Corp
College Station, TX | Texas A&M chapter

Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon Chapter
College Station, TX | Texas A&M chapter

What Aransas Pass Aggie Families Should Know:

1. Corps and Greek life both have hazing histories
2. College Station police and university police share jurisdiction
3. Medical care typically goes through Bryan-College Station hospitals
4. Tradition arguments are common defenses but rarely successful in court

University of Texas at Austin

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
UT’s massive Greek system includes some of the oldest chapters in Texas. The university’s relative transparency about violations provides unique insight.

Hazing Policy & Reporting:

• Public hazing violations log at hazing.utexas.edu
• Detailed reporting procedures
• UTPD handles criminal aspects
• Student Conduct investigates

Documented Violations (Public Log Examples):

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Sanction: probation and required hazing prevention education.
• Texas Wranglers (Multiple years): Various hazing violations including forced physical activity.
• Multiple other groups with alcohol-related hazing, humiliation, or punishment-based practices.

Organizations from Public Records:
Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp
Austin, TX | UT chapter house corporation

Delta Tau Delta – Gamma Iota Chapter
Austin, TX | UT chapter house

Building Corporation – Alpha Delta Pi (Delta)
Austin, TX | UT chapter property
(cross-verified with IRS EIN 812724215)

Chi Omega Fraternity
IRS EIN: 740555581 | Austin, TX 78705-4018
Chi Omega House Corporation

Key Insight for Aransas Pass Families:
UT’s transparency means:

1. Prior violations are public – you can research organizations
2. Patterns are documented – helps prove institutional knowledge
3. Sanctions are public – shows university response history
4. This information strengthens civil cases dramatically

Southern Methodist University

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Private university with affluent student body and strong Greek presence. Less public transparency than state schools but subject to same Texas laws.

Hazing Policy & Reporting:

• Prohibits hazing in student policies
• Anonymous reporting through systems like Real Response
• Private university processes less transparent

Documented Incident:
Kappa Alpha Order (2017):

• New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived
• Chapter suspended
• Recruitment restricted until approximately 2021

Organizations from Public Records:
Tri Delta Educational Fund of SMU
Dallas, TX | Southern Methodist University

Delta Delta Delta – Arlington Alumnae Chapter
Dallas, TX | Serving SMU area

Kappa Delta Sorority – Gamma Beta Chapter
Denton, TX | Texas Woman’s University (regional connection)

Considerations for Aransas Pass Families:

1. Private university status affects transparency
2. Dallas-Fort Worth metro jurisdiction complex
3. Civil discovery can uncover internal records
4. Same Texas laws apply regardless of private status

Baylor University

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Private Christian university with historical scrutiny over handling of misconduct. Greek life and athletics both significant.

Hazing Policy & Reporting:

• “Zero tolerance” publicly stated
• Reporting through Student Conduct
• History of internal handling criticized in past scandals

Documented Incident:
Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):

• 14 players suspended following investigation
• Suspensions staggered over season
• Limited public details typical of private university

Organizations from Public Records:
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority
IRS EIN: 364091267 | Waco, TX 76710-4154 | Xi Chi chapter

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority – Nu Iota Chapter
IRS EIN: 521346485 | Waco, TX 76703-2033 | Baylor University chapter

Phi Gamma Delta – Tau Deuteron Chapter
Waco, TX | Baylor University chapter

Baylor Panhellenic Alumnae Association
Waco, TX | Baylor support organization

Important Context:
Baylor’s history with scandal means:

1. Increased scrutiny on handling of misconduct
2. Potential for stronger claims if oversight failures proven
3. Private status doesn’t eliminate liability
4. Waco/McLennan County courts handle local cases

The Greek Ecosystem: How National Histories Impact Local Chapters

Why National Organizations Matter to Aransas Pass Families

When your child joins a fraternity or sorority at a Texas university, they’re not just joining a local club—they’re joining a national organization with decades of history, policies, and unfortunately, patterns of misconduct. These national histories matter because:

1. They show foreseeability – nationals knew or should have known the risks
2. They demonstrate pattern – the same behaviors recur across chapters
3. They reveal policy failures – despite written rules, enforcement often lags
4. They affect insurance coverage – national policies may provide recovery sources

Major National Organizations Present at Texas Universities

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – The Deadliest Pattern

• Stone Foltz (2021): Bowling Green State, alcohol poisoning death, $10M settlement
• David Bogenberger (2012): Northern Illinois University, alcohol poisoning death, $14M settlement
• Multiple Texas chapters with violations including UT Austin (2023 milk/calisthenics case)
• Our data shows: Pi Kappa Alpha entities across Texas including Texas District in Houston (IRS EIN 746064445), Epsilon Kappa Alumni in Beaumont, Lambda Lambda Chapter at Lamar

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Chemical and Physical Abuse

• Texas A&M (2021): Chemical burns requiring skin grafts, $1M lawsuit
• University of Alabama (2023): Traumatic brain injury lawsuit
• UT Austin (2024): Assault causing broken bones, dislocated leg, $1M+ lawsuit
• Nationwide: Multiple alcohol poisoning deaths leading to 2014 pledge process elimination
• Our data shows: Texas Rho Corp in Austin (UT chapter), multiple metro entities

Pi Kappa Phi – The UH Case Organization

• Andrew Coffey (2017): Florida State University, alcohol poisoning death
• Leonel Bermudez (2025): University of Houston, rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
• National suspended UH chapter within days of report
• Our data shows: Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (IRS EIN 462267515 in Frisco, TX), Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation (IRS EIN 371768785 in Missouri City, TX)

Phi Delta Theta – Drinking Game Tragedy

• Max Gruver (2017): LSU, “Bible study” drinking game death, $6.1M verdict
• Louisiana passed Max Gruver Act creating felony hazing
• Our data shows: Texas Nu-Phi Delta Theta Fraternity (IRS EIN 814123811 in College Station), Phi Delta Theta Fraternity – Texas Xi (IRS EIN 900927378 in San Antonio)

How National Histories Strengthen Texas Cases

When we represent Aransas Pass families, we use national histories to show:

1. Foreseeability: The national organization knew these activities were occurring
2. Pattern Evidence: The same behaviors kept happening despite “policies”
3. Inadequate Response: Previous sanctions didn’t prevent recurrence
4. Corporate Knowledge: Headquarters received prior reports and complaints

This transforms a “local chapter gone rogue” narrative into “systematic institutional failure.”

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

The Evidence That Wins Cases

Digital Communications (Most Critical):

• GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage threads – showing planning, participation, cover-up attempts
• Social media messages – Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok
• Recovered deleted messages – digital forensics can often retrieve “permanently” deleted content
• Location data – geotags, Find My Friends histories
• Shared documents – Google Docs, Dropbox files with “pledge education” materials

Photos & Videos:

• Event footage – parties, initiations, “traditions”
• Injury documentation – immediate and follow-up photos
• Location evidence – houses, parks, venues
• Social media posts – even deleted posts often exist in backups

Internal Organization Documents:

• Pledge manuals – often contain prohibited activities
• Meeting minutes – showing knowledge and planning
• National communications – emails from headquarters
• Financial records – showing alcohol purchases, party funding

University Records:

• Prior conduct files – showing pattern of violations
• Incident reports – campus police, conduct office
• Clery Act reports – required crime statistics
• Internal emails – obtained through discovery or public records requests

Medical Documentation:

• Emergency room records – initial treatment
• Hospitalization records – ongoing care
• Specialist reports – long-term damage assessments
• Psychological evaluations – PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
• Toxicology reports – blood alcohol content, drug screens

Witness Testimony:

• Other pledges – experiencing same treatment
• Former members – who quit over concerns
• Roommates/friends – observing changes
• Medical providers – treating injuries
• University staff – with relevant knowledge

Damage Categories in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

• Medical expenses – past and future
• Lost income – time off work for recovery
• Educational costs – tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships
• Future earning capacity – if disability affects career prospects
• Therapy/treatment costs – ongoing mental health care

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real):

• Physical pain and suffering – from injuries
• Emotional distress – anxiety, depression, PTSD
• Humiliation and loss of dignity – particularly important in hazing cases
• Loss of enjoyment of life – inability to participate in normal activities
• Damage to reputation – social and academic consequences

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support – deceased’s future earnings
• Loss of companionship and society – emotional value of relationship
• Parental grief and suffering – recognized under Texas law
• Mental health care – therapy for surviving family

Punitive Damages (When Available):

• Punish egregious conduct
• Deter future misconduct
• Available when defendants acted with malice, fraud, or gross negligence
• Capped in Texas but exceptions exist for certain intentional conduct

Insurance Coverage: The Financial Reality

Common Insurance Arguments:

• Intentional acts exclusion – insurers claim hazing is intentional, not covered
• Criminal acts exclusion – hazing is illegal, therefore excluded
• Lack of timely notice – claim reported too late

How We Counter These Arguments:

1. Negligent supervision claims – even if hazing was intentional, failure to supervise was negligent
2. Bad faith claims – if insurer unreasonably denies coverage
3. Multiple policy sources – chapter, national, university, individual homeowner policies
4. Timely notice defenses – showing reasonable reporting timing

Mr. Lupe Peña’s Insider Advantage:
As a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm, Mr. Peña knows exactly how insurers:

• Value (and undervalue) claims
• Use Independent Medical Exams to reduce settlements
• Deploy delay tactics to pressure plaintiffs
• Fight coverage under exclusions

This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with fraternity and university insurance companies.

Realistic Timelines and Outcomes

Typical Case Progression:

1. Initial consultation – we evaluate your case (free)
2. Evidence preservation – immediate action to secure digital/physical evidence
3. Pre-litigation investigation – gathering records, interviewing witnesses
4. Demand package – presenting case to defendants/insurers
5. Negotiation period – most cases settle here
6. Filing lawsuit – if settlement not reached
7. Discovery – formal evidence exchange, depositions
8. Mediation – court-ordered settlement conference
9. Trial – if no settlement reached (rare, but we’re always prepared)

Settlement vs. Trial:

• 90%+ of cases settle before trial
• Confidential terms common but not required
• Trial readiness improves settlement leverage
• We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial

Realistic Compensation Ranges:
While every case is unique, historical outcomes show:

• Wrongful death cases: $1M-$14M+ settlements/verdicts
• Severe injury cases: $375K-multi-million depending on permanency
• Psychological trauma cases: Significant compensation for PTSD, especially with documented treatment

Practical Guidance for Aransas Pass Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Actions

Physical Warning Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent stories
• Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Weight changes (gain or loss) without explanation
• Sleep deprivation symptoms – falling asleep in class, constant fatigue
• Injuries to hands/back/buttocks from paddling
• Chemical burns or unusual rashes
• Signs of alcohol poisoning or substance use in non-users

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

• Sudden secrecy about organization activities
• Withdrawal from family and old friends
• Personality shifts – anxiety, depression, irritability
• Defensive about the organization
• Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”
• Obsession with pleasing senior members
• Talking about “just getting through this”

Academic Red Flags:

• Grades dropping suddenly
• Missing classes or assignments
• Falling asleep in class
• Losing scholarships or academic standing

Digital/Social Behavior:

• Constant phone monitoring for group chats
• Anxiety when phone alerts sound
• Deleting messages or browser history obsessively
• Receiving calls/texts at all hours requiring immediate response
• Social media posts showing concerning activities

Questions to Ask Your Child:

1. “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
2. “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
3. “What kinds of activities do they have new members do?”
4. “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
5. “Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
6. “Do you feel like you could leave if you wanted to?”
7. “Are they asking you to keep secrets from me or the university?”

Immediate Actions if You Suspect Hazing:

1. Medical first – if injured/intoxicated, get to ER immediately
2. Document everything – write down what they tell you with dates/times
3. Preserve evidence – screenshot messages, photograph injuries
4. Do NOT confront the organization directly
5. Contact an attorney within 24-48 hours
6. Consider reporting to campus authorities with legal guidance

For Students: Safety Planning and Rights

Is This Hazing? Self-Assessment:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something unsafe?
• Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would my parents/university approve if they knew details?
• Are older members exempt from what they make us do?
• Am I being told to keep secrets or lie?

If You Answer Yes to Any:

• It’s likely hazing
• Your “consent” may not be legally valid
• You have rights and protections

Exiting Safely:

• Immediate danger: Call 911, get to safe location
• Planning to quit: Tell someone outside first, send clear resignation
• Avoid “one last meeting” where pressure/retaliation may occur
• Document any threats or harassment
• File complaints if retaliation occurs

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

• Cannot be punished for calling 911 in good faith (even if underage drinking involved)
• Hazing is a crime – you’re the victim, not perpetrator
• Can pursue civil case even without criminal charges
• Can request no-contact orders through university

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Evidence Be Destroyed

• Mistake: Allowing deletion of messages, photos, social media
• Reality: Looks like cover-up, may be obstruction of justice
• Solution: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

• Mistake: “Giving them a piece of your mind”
• Reality: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• Solution: Document everything, call attorney before any confrontation

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

• Mistake: Signing waivers or internal resolution agreements
• Reality: May waive right to sue; settlements often far below value
• Solution: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media

• Mistake: Sharing details publicly “to get the truth out”
• Reality: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
• Solution: Document privately; let attorney control public messaging

5. Letting Your Child Return “To Talk”

• Mistake: Sending child to “one last meeting to work things out”
• Reality: They’re pressured, intimidated, or extract damaging statements
• Solution: Once considering legal action, all communication through attorney

6. Waiting for University Investigation

• Mistake: “Letting the university handle it internally”
• Reality: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
• Solution: Preserve evidence NOW; consult attorney immediately

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters

• Mistake: Giving recorded statements “to process the claim”
• Reality: Statements used against you; early settlements are lowball
• Solution: Politely decline: “My attorney will contact you”

Frequently Asked Questions from Aransas Pass Families

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

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law makes basic hazing a Class B misdemeanor, but it becomes a state jail felony if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. 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 prosecution for hazing.” Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t truly voluntary.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately known. In cover-up cases, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

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

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

Why Attorney911 for Your Aransas Pass Hazing Case

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. Here’s why Aransas Pass families choose us:

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):

• Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
• Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) claims
• Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies
• “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”
• Fluent Spanish services for Hispanic families (Se habla Español)

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (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, universities, or their defense teams
• 25+ years practicing, founding firm in 2001
• “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience:

• Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
• Experience collaborating with economists on lifetime care needs
• Understanding of both economic and non-economic damage valuation
• “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:

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

Investigative Depth and Resources:

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

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Unmatched Data Advantage

While other firms start from scratch, we begin with the most comprehensive Greek organization database in Texas:

125+ Texas-Registered Organizations:
From IRS B83 filings, we track entities like:

• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (EIN 133048786, College Station)
• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515, Frisco)
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (EIN 364091267, Waco)
• And 122+ more with names, EINs, and locations

96 Texas Campuses Mapped:
We know exactly which organizations operate where:

• University of Houston (Harris County)
• Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (Nueces County)
• Texas A&M University (Brazos County)
• All other major Texas universities

Metro-Level Intelligence:
For Corpus Christi/Aransas Pass area:

• 21 Greek organizations in Corpus Christi metro
• 22 organizations in Beaumont-Port Arthur metro
• Detailed listings showing house corporations, alumni chapters, and honor societies

Brand Overlap Analysis:
We track organizations like Sigma Gamma Rho appearing in both IRS data and metro listings, showing how national brands operate across Texas.

Why This Matters for Your Case:

1. We don’t start from zero – we know the organizational landscape
2. We identify all potential defendants – not just obvious ones
3. We trace insurance coverage – through organizational relationships
4. We prove patterns – across chapters and campuses

How We Handle Your Aransas Pass Case

Initial Consultation (Free and Confidential):

• We listen to your story without judgment
• Review any evidence you’ve preserved
• Explain your legal options clearly
• Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
• Answer all your questions about process and costs
• No pressure to hire us – take time to decide

Investigation Phase:

• Immediate evidence preservation actions
• Digital forensics for deleted content
• Public records requests
• Witness interviews
• Expert consultations (medical, economic, psychological)
• Organizational research using our Intelligence Engine

Case Development:

• Identifying all potentially liable parties
• Documenting damages comprehensively
• Building compelling narrative from evidence
• Consulting with specialists as needed
• Preparing for settlement negotiations or trial

Resolution Options:

• Negotiated settlement (most common)
• Mediation (facilitated settlement discussions)
• Arbitration (binding decision by neutral party)
• Trial (when settlement isn’t possible or adequate)

Throughout Your Case:

• Regular updates (every 2-3 weeks minimum)
• Clear explanations of legal developments
• Respect for your family’s privacy needs
• Sensitivity to emotional trauma involved
• Commitment to both compensation and accountability

Your Next Steps: Contact Us Today

A Direct Message to Aransas Pass Families

If you’re reading this because hazing has touched your family, please know: You’re not alone, and this isn’t your fault. The transition from our tight-knit Coastal Bend community to the complex world of college organizations can be treacherous, and sometimes institutions fail our children.

Whether your student attends Texas A&M-Corpus Christi right here in our region, or has ventured to University of Houston, Texas A&M College Station, UT Austin, or any other Texas campus, we can help.

What to Expect When You Contact Us

Free, Confidential Consultation:

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 anytime
• Speak directly with an attorney
• No obligation to proceed
• Complete privacy protected

During Your Consultation, We’ll:

1. Listen carefully to your situation
2. Explain your legal rights in plain English
3. Discuss the evidence you have
4. Outline potential legal strategies
5. Answer all your questions honestly
6. Explain our contingency fee structure (no fee unless we win)

If We Take Your Case:

• Immediate evidence preservation actions
• Comprehensive investigation begins
• Regular communication updates
• Aggressive advocacy on your behalf
• Commitment to both compensation and accountability

Our Commitment to Aransas Pass and Surrounding Communities

We serve families throughout Texas, including:

• Aransas Pass, TX
• Port Aransas, TX
• Rockport, TX
• Ingleside, TX
• Corpus Christi, TX
• All of Nueces County and the Coastal Bend
• Every Texas community affected by campus hazing

Contact Information

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Legal Emergency Lawyers™

24/7 Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

Direct Office: (713) 528-9070

Cell: (713) 443-4781

Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello)

Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Website: https://attorney911.com

Practice Areas: Hazing Litigation, Wrongful Death, Catastrophic Injury, Campus Abuse

Serving: Aransas Pass, Corpus Christi, Houston, Austin, Beaumont, and throughout Texas

Final Thought

From our work on the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case to representing families across Texas, we’ve seen how hazing devastates lives and how institutions often prioritize reputation over responsibility. But we’ve also seen how determined families, armed with strong legal representation, can force accountability and prevent future harm.

Your child’s safety and future matter. The traditions that hurt them aren’t “just how it is”—they’re choices made by individuals and organizations that should know better. Texas law gives you rights, and our experience gives you power.

Call us today at 1-888 Second-ATTY-911. Let’s discuss how we can help your family.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

• Click2Houston report: 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: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• Hoodline summary: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

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

Attorney911 Main Website: https://attorney911.com

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