Hazing in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for Mustang Ridge Families Seeking Justice and Accountability

If Your Child Was Hazed in Texas, You Are Not Alone

Imagine receiving a call in the middle of the night. Your child, a student at a Texas university, is in the emergency room. The story emerges in fragments: a “pledge event,” forced drinking, extreme physical exertion, pressure to remain silent. As parents in Mustang Ridge, Lockhart, Bastrop, and across Caldwell County, you sent your child to college with dreams of their future. Now you’re facing a nightmare of injury, trauma, and institutional stonewalling.

This scenario is not hypothetical. Right now, in Harris County, our firm is actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. In late 2025, we filed a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after alleged hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. According to the complaint and subsequent media coverage, Bermudez was subjected to:

• A degrading “pledge fanny pack” rule requiring him to carry condoms, a sex toy, nicotine devices, and humiliating items at all times
• Extreme physical hazing including sprints, bear crawls, “save-your-brother” drills, and lying in vomit-soaked grass
• Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” and threats of actual waterboarding
• A November 3, 2025, workout involving 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion, which led to his medical crisis
• Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by immediate sprints

The results were catastrophic: Bermudez passed brown urine, could not stand without help, and was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels indicating severe muscle breakdown and acute kidney injury. He faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. The defendants in this ongoing lawsuit include the University of Houston, the UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders.

This is happening here in Texas. And if your family in Mustang Ridge is facing a similar crisis—whether at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or any Texas campus—you need to know that the legal landscape for holding organizations accountable has never been stronger.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for families in Mustang Ridge, Lockhart, Bastrop, and across Caldwell and Travis Counties who need to understand:

• What modern hazing really looks like in 2025 (far beyond old stereotypes)
• How Texas law and federal statutes protect your child and create liability for organizations
• What we’ve learned from major national hazing cases and how they apply to Texas families
• What’s happening at University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor—schools where Central Texas families commonly send their children
• What legal options victims and families in Mustang Ridge and the surrounding Hill Country region actually have
• How Attorney911’s data-driven investigation and litigation approach works for Texas hazing cases

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES IN MUSTANG RIDGE

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 for Texas Students

Hazing is no longer just about “kid stuff” or “harmless pranks.” For Mustang Ridge families with children at Texas universities, understanding the modern reality of hazing is critical. The definition under Texas law is broad and clear: any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that endangers mental or physical health or safety for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in an organization.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Tradition”)

• Mandatory servitude: Being on call 24/7 for older members’ errands, cleaning, or chauffeuring
• Social control: Requiring permission to socialize with non-members or family
• Deception demands: Being told to lie to parents, RAs, or university officials
• Digital monitoring: Required constant response to group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp), location sharing via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
• The “It’s Optional” loophole: Activities framed as voluntary but with clear social consequences for non-participation

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Creates Hostile Environment)

• Sleep deprivation: Late-night “meetings,” 3 AM wake-ups, multi-day events with minimal rest
• Verbal abuse: Yelling, screaming, degrading language, threats of expulsion from the group
• Forced consumption: Eating disgusting food combinations or excessive amounts of bland food
• Public humiliation: Being forced to wear degrading costumes, perform embarrassing acts in public, or endure “roasting” sessions
• Extreme “workouts”: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, runs beyond safe limits

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (High Potential for Injury or Death)

• Forced alcohol consumption: “Lineup” drinking games, Big/Little nights with handles of liquor, “Bible study” trivia with wrong answers = drinking
• Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, kicking, “branding” with burns or cuts
• Dangerous “tests”: Blindfolded tackle rituals (“glass ceiling”), forced fights, swimming while intoxicated
• Sexualized hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault or coercion
• Chemical exposure: Industrial cleaners poured on skin (as alleged in Texas A&M SAE case causing chemical burns requiring skin grafts)
• Restraint and kidnapping: Being tied up, transported blindfolded to remote locations

Where Hazing Happens at Texas Schools

While fraternities and sororities dominate headlines, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural councils)
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC (Texas A&M Corps traditions with documented abuse allegations)
• Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheerleading – see Northwestern University football scandal)
• Spirit & Tradition Groups (Texas Cowboys, drill teams, spirit organizations)
• Marching Bands & Performance Groups (see Florida A&M fatal hazing case)
• Academic & Service Organizations

The common thread across all these groups: power imbalance, tradition justification, and enforced secrecy. For Mustang Ridge parents, the key insight is that hazing adapts to avoid detection. What was paddling decades ago is now “extreme fitness challenges.” What was forced drinking at the frat house is now “retreat bonding” at remote Airbnbs. The harm remains the same.

Texas Hazing Law: What Mustang Ridge Families Need to Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes in the Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. Understanding this framework is crucial for families in Mustang Ridge, Lockhart, and Bastrop who are considering legal action.

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37 Summary

§ 37.151 Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that endangers mental or physical health or safety for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership.

Key Points for Parents:

• Location doesn’t matter: On-campus, off-campus, at a remote Airbnb – all covered
• Mental OR physical harm: Psychological trauma qualifies alongside physical injury
• Reckless is enough: Doesn’t require malicious intent – just conscious disregard of risk
• “Consent is NOT a defense”: § 37.155 explicitly states victim agreement doesn’t legalize hazing

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

• Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing without serious injury (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
• Also criminal: Failing to report hazing, retaliating against reporters

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability:
Organizations (fraternities, sororities, clubs) can be prosecuted if they authorized/encouraged hazing or if officers knew and failed to report it. Penalties include fines up to $10,000 per violation and university revocation of recognition.

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:
Persons who report hazing in good faith to university or law enforcement are immune from civil or criminal liability. This protects bystanders who call 911 in medical emergencies.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases (State vs. Individuals/Orgs):

• Brought by: District Attorney or County Attorney
• Purpose: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Common charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Burden of proof: Beyond reasonable doubt

Civil Cases (Victim/Family vs. Responsible Parties):

• Brought by: Injured student or surviving family
• Purpose: Compensation and accountability
• Claims: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
• Burden of proof: Preponderance of evidence (more likely than not)

Critical Insight: These cases can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction is NOT required to pursue a civil case. Many of the largest hazing recoveries (like the $10M Foltz settlement) involved civil claims regardless of criminal outcomes.

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

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

• Requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents
• Strengthens hazing education and prevention requirements
• Phased implementation through 2026 means more transparency coming

Title IX:

• Triggered when hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility
• Creates additional liability for universities that fail to respond appropriately
• May waive sovereign immunity for public universities

Clery Act:

• Requires reporting of certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics
• Hazing incidents often overlap with Clery-reportable crimes (assault, alcohol violations)

Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Hazing Lawsuit?

1. Individual Students: Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
2. Local Chapter: The fraternity/sorority as a legal entity (often a housing corporation)
3. National Headquarters: For failure to supervise, enforce policies, or respond to prior incidents
4. University/Regents: For negligent supervision, deliberate indifference, or policy failures
5. Property Owners: Landlords of off-campus houses, Airbnb hosts, venue owners
6. Alcohol Providers: Bars or individuals who furnished alcohol to minors (Texas Dram Shop Act)
7. Security Companies: If hired for events and failed to protect attendees

The Leonel Bermudez case against UH and Pi Kappa Phi demonstrates this multi-defendant approach perfectly: we sued the university, the regents, the national fraternity, the housing corporation, and 13 individual members.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Precedents Tell Us

The national landscape of hazing litigation provides critical precedents for Texas families. These cases show patterns, establish liability theories, and demonstrate what’s possible in holding institutions accountable.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern (Most Common Fatal Scenario)

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

• Incident: 20-year-old pledge forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
• Outcome: $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
• Texas Relevance: Same national fraternity (Pi Kappa Alpha) operates at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor

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

• Incident: Bid-acceptance night with extreme drinking, falls captured on chapter cameras, delayed medical care
• Outcome: 18 members charged with 1,000+ criminal counts; Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law”
• Texas Relevance: Beta Theta Pi operates at Texas A&M and UT Austin

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

• Incident: “Bible study” drinking game, wrong answers = forced drinking, BAC 0.495%
• Outcome: Max Gruver Act (Louisiana felony hazing statute)
• Texas Relevance: Phi Delta Theta operates at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor

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

• Incident: “Big Brother Night” with handles of hard liquor
• Outcome: FSU suspended all Greek life temporarily; national scrutiny
• Texas Relevance: Same national fraternity (Pi Kappa Phi) involved in Leonel Bermudez UH case

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

• Incident: Blindfolded, weighted “glass ceiling” ritual at remote retreat, fatal head injuries
• Outcome: National fraternity criminally convicted, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
• Texas Relevance: Shows off-campus retreat liability

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

• Incident: “Pledge dad reveal” night, forced excessive drinking, permanent severe brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see)
• Outcome: Settlements with 22 defendants; lifetime care needed
• Texas Relevance: Phi Gamma Delta operates at Texas A&M and UT Austin

Athletic Program Hazing Pattern

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):

• Incident: Systemic sexualized, racist hazing within football program
• Outcome: Multiple lawsuits, head coach fired, confidential settlements
• Texas Relevance: Major athletic programs at Texas schools face similar risks

What These Cases Mean for Mustang Ridge Families

1. Patterns are predictable: The same scripts (Big/Little nights, drinking games, extreme workouts) repeat across campuses
2. Nationals have notice: Organizations know these activities cause death and injury
3. Multi-million dollar accountability is possible: Settlements range from $1M to $14M+
4. Legislative change follows tragedy: Texas could see its own “Leonel Bermudez Act” if cases continue
5. You’re not starting from zero: There are established legal paths for Texas families

Texas University Focus: Where Mustang Ridge Families Send Their Children

Mustang Ridge and Caldwell County families regularly send students to major Texas universities. Understanding each campus’s unique hazing landscape, policies, and incident history is crucial for prevention and response.

University of Houston (UH) – Houston, Harris County

For Mustang Ridge Families:

• Distance: Approximately 140 miles (~2.5 hours drive)
• Connection: Many Central Texas students choose UH for its urban opportunities and strong programs
• Jurisdiction: Cases would involve Harris County courts and potentially local counsel coordination

Campus Snapshot:

• Large urban commuter/residential mix
• Active Greek life with 50+ fraternities/sororities across multiple councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, MGC)

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting:

• Prohibits hazing on or off campus
• Reporting through Dean of Students, Student Conduct, UHPD
• Public hazing statement online but limited disciplinary transparency

Documented Incidents & Response:

• 2025 Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi Case: Our firm’s active $10M lawsuit alleging rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from hazing
• 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha Incident: Pledge suffered lacerated spleen during hazing; chapter suspended
• Pattern: UH has suspended multiple chapters for hazing violations involving alcohol, physical abuse, and humiliation

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds:

• Agencies: UHPD and/or Houston Police Department
• Courts: Harris County district courts
• Potential Defendants: Students, chapter, national, UH, property owners
• Evidence Sources: UH conduct files, chapter records, medical records from Texas Medical Center

What UH Students & Mustang Ridge Parents Should Do:

1. Report immediately to UH Dean of Students and UHPD
2. Document everything before UH “internal investigation” begins
3. Request prior conduct history of the organization (may require legal demand)
4. Understand that UH, as a public institution, has sovereign immunity arguments but can still be sued under exceptions
5. Contact Texas hazing attorneys familiar with Harris County courts and UH administration

Texas A&M University – College Station, Brazos County

For Mustang Ridge Families:

• Distance: Approximately 90 miles (~1.5 hours drive)
• Connection: Strong Aggie tradition draws many Central Texas students
• Unique Risk: Corps of Cadets adds military-style hazing dimension

Campus Snapshot:

• Tradition-heavy culture with strong Greek life and Corps presence
• ​​​​​​​Over 60 fraternities/sororities with historic ties to campus

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting:

• Zero-tolerance policy covering all student organizations
• Reporting through Student Conduct, Corps leadership for cadet issues
• Anonymous reporting available

Documented Incidents & Response:

• 2021 Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case: Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner causing severe burns requiring skin grafts; chapter suspended; $1 million lawsuit
• 2023 Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case: Cadet allegedly bound between beds with apple in mouth, simulated sexual acts; $1M+ lawsuit
• 2023 Kappa Sigma Rhabdomyolysis Allegations: Ongoing investigation into extreme physical hazing causing muscle breakdown

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Proceeds:

• Agencies: Texas A&M PD, College Station PD, Corps leadership
• Courts: Brazos County district courts
• Unique Elements: Corps leadership liability, military tradition defenses
• Evidence Challenges: Strong “code of silence” in Corps and Greek life

What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do:

1. Recognize that Corps hazing requires specialized legal understanding
2. Report to both university AND local police (jurisdiction often unclear)
3. Document Corps-specific traditions and chain of command involvement
4. Act quickly – Corps and Greek organizations circle wagons rapidly
5. Seek attorneys with experience against Texas A&M’s extensive legal resources

University of Texas at Austin – Austin, Travis County

For Mustang Ridge Families:

• Distance: Approximately 30 miles (~40 minutes drive)
• Connection: Many Mustang Ridge students commute to UT Austin
• Jurisdiction: Cases would be in Travis County, potentially accessible for local families

Campus Snapshot:

• Flagship campus with 60+ Greek organizations
• Relatively high transparency compared to other Texas schools
• Active spirit organizations (Texas Cowboys, etc.) with hazing histories

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting:

• Public Hazing Violations page listing organizations, conduct, sanctions
• Transparent disciplinary process with published outcomes
• Reporting through Office of the Dean of Students

Documented Incidents & Response:

• 2023 Pi Kappa Alpha Sanction: New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation
• 2024 Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Allegation: Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted, suffering dislocated leg, broken nose; $1M+ lawsuit
• Multiple spirit organization sanctions: Texas Cowboys, Texas Angels, etc. disciplined for hazing

How a UT Austin Hazing Case Proceeds:

• Agencies: UTPD, Austin Police Department
• Courts: Travis County district courts
• Advantage: UT’s public violation history provides pattern evidence
• Strategic Note: UT’s transparency can help plaintiffs prove prior notice

What UT Austin Students & Mustang Ridge Parents Should Do:

1. Check UT’s public hazing violations page for organization history
2. Report through official channels but preserve independent evidence
3. Understand UT’s sovereign immunity as a public institution
4. Consider that local Austin attorneys may have relationships with UT administration
5. Document everything – UT’s process can be lengthy and bureaucratic

Southern Methodist University (SMU) – Dallas, Dallas County

For Mustang Ridge Families:

• Distance: Approximately 220 miles (~3.5 hours drive)
• Connection: SMU draws Central Texas students for business, arts, and private education
• Consideration: Private university status changes legal dynamics

Campus Snapshot:

• Affluent private university with strong Greek presence
• Approximately 30% of students participate in Greek life
• Historic issues with selective organization hazing

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting:

• Zero-tolerance policy with anonymous reporting options
• Real Response anonymous texting system
• Private university = less public transparency

Documented Incidents & Response:

• 2017 Kappa Alpha Order Incident: New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived; chapter suspended until 2021
• Multiple NPHC Organization Sanctions: Historically Black fraternities/sororities disciplined for tradition-based hazing
• Pattern: SMU has suspended multiple chapters but details often remain confidential

How an SMU Hazing Case Proceeds:

• Agencies: SMU PD, Dallas Police Department
• Courts: Dallas County district courts
• Key Difference: No sovereign immunity (private university)
• Challenge: Less public information, more confidentiality agreements

What SMU Students & Parents Should Do:

1. Use anonymous reporting but maintain independent evidence
2. Understand that private settlements often include confidentiality clauses
3. Recognize SMU’s incentive to protect reputation as private institution
4. Consider national organization liability as primary target
5. Act before evidence disappears into SMU’s confidential processes

Baylor University – Waco, McLennan County

For Mustang Ridge Families:

• Distance: Approximately 100 miles (~1.75 hours drive)
• Connection: Baylor’s Christian mission attracts Central Texas families
• Context: Recent sexual assault scandal informs university’s approach to misconduct

Campus Snapshot:

• Private Christian university with Greek life and strong athletic programs
• Approximately 30% Greek participation
• History of sexual assault scandal affects current response protocols

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting:

• Zero-tolerance policy aligned with Christian values
• Reporting through Student Conduct, Title IX office
• Increased scrutiny after athletic and sexual misconduct scandals

Documented Incidents & Response:

• 2020 Baseball Hazing Incident: 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Multiple Greek Organization Sanctions: Various fraternities disciplined for alcohol and hazing violations
• Pattern: Baylor’s heightened sensitivity post-scandal may affect response aggressiveness

How a Baylor Hazing Case Proceeds:

• Agencies: Baylor PD, Waco Police Department
• Courts: McLennan County district courts
• Consideration: Baylor’s religious affiliation may influence jury pools
• Strategy: Leverage Baylor’s recent history of institutional failure on student safety

What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do:

1. Document meticulously – Baylor is under federal monitoring for Title IX compliance
2. Report through official channels but preserve evidence independently
3. Understand that Baylor’s Christian mission may affect internal resolution preferences
4. Consider timing relative to Baylor’s ongoing institutional reform efforts
5. Seek attorneys familiar with Waco courts and Baylor’s unique culture

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Mapping the Organizational Landscape

At Attorney911, we maintain what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations, their legal entities, insurance coverage, and incident histories. This investigative foundation allows us to immediately identify all potentially liable parties when a Mustang Ridge family comes to us with a hazing case.

Why National Histories Matter for Texas Cases

When a Pi Kappa Phi chapter at UH allegedly hazes a student, that’s not an isolated incident. It’s part of a national pattern:

• Pi Kappa Phi: Andrew Coffey death at FSU (2017), multiple chapter suspensions nationwide
• Pi Kappa Alpha: Stone Foltz death at BGSU ($10M settlement), David Bogenberger death at NIU ($14M settlement)
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon: Chemical burns at Texas A&M, traumatic brain injury at Alabama, assault at UT Austin
• Phi Delta Theta: Max Gruver death at LSU (Louisiana felony hazing law)
• Kappa Alpha Order: SMU chapter suspension, multiple paddling incidents nationwide

This pattern evidence establishes foreseeability—the national organization knew or should have known this conduct was occurring and failed to prevent it. For Texas families, this means we can often establish liability against deep-pocketed national headquarters, not just local chapters with limited assets.

Texas Public Records Directory: The Organizations Behind the Letters

Through IRS B83 filings and other public records, we track over 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metros. For Mustang Ridge families concerned about organizations at their children’s schools, here’s a snapshot of the entities we monitor:

IRS B83 Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (Sample):

• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515) – Frisco, TX 75035
• Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (EIN 746064445) – Nederland, TX 77627 (Epsilon Kappa Chapter)
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Sigma Incorporated (EIN 882755427) – San Marcos, TX 78666
• Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc (EIN 273662583) – Lufkin, TX 75904
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN 741380362) – Fort Worth, TX 76147
• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc (EIN 475370943) – Houston, TX 77204 (Theta Delta Chapter)
• Phi Delta Theta Fraternity (EIN 900927378) – San Antonio, TX 78249 (Texas Xi Chapter)

Metro Concentration Data:

• Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington: 510 total Greek organizations
• Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land: 188 total Greek organizations
• Austin-Round Rock: 154 total Greek organizations
• San Antonio: 86 total Greek organizations
• College Station-Bryan: 42 total Greek organizations

What This Means for Mustang Ridge Families:
When hazing occurs, there are typically multiple legal entities behind the chapter letters—housing corporations, alumni associations, educational foundations. Each may carry insurance, have assets, and bear responsibility. Our directory ensures we don’t miss any potential sources of recovery or accountability.

Campus-Specific Rosters: Where National Organizations Operate in Texas

University of Houston (Selected High-Risk Organizations):

• Pi Kappa Phi (Bermudez case)
• Pi Kappa Alpha (2016 lacerated spleen case)
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (national pattern of injuries)
• Phi Delta Theta (Gruver precedent)
• Kappa Alpha Order (multiple paddling incidents)

Texas A&M University (Selected High-Risk Organizations):

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (chemical burns case)
• Phi Delta Theta
• Pi Kappa Alpha
• Corps of Cadets (unique military-style hazing risk)
• Kappa Sigma (rhabdomyolysis allegations)

UT Austin (Selected High-Risk Organizations):

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon ($1M+ assault case)
• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023 sanction)
• Texas Cowboys & spirit organizations
• Phi Gamma Delta (Santulli brain damage precedent)
• Beta Theta Pi (Piazza death precedent)

SMU (Selected High-Risk Organizations):

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017 suspension)
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon
• Pi Kappa Alpha
• NPHC organizations with tradition-based hazing histories

Baylor (Selected High-Risk Organizations):

• Baseball program (2020 hazing suspensions)
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon
• Pi Kappa Alpha
• Phi Delta Theta

The critical insight for parents: the same dangerous national organizations operate across multiple Texas campuses. Patterns repeat because prevention fails.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages for Texas Families

When Mustang Ridge families contact us after a hazing incident, we immediately implement a comprehensive investigation strategy built on years of complex litigation experience. Here’s what that process looks like.

Evidence Collection: The Digital Crime Scene

Modern hazing leaves digital footprints. Our evidence preservation protocol includes:

Digital Communications:

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, fraternity-specific apps
• Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat (screenshot before disappearance), TikTok, Facebook
• Recovery of deleted messages: Digital forensics experts can often recover “deleted” content
• Metadata: Timestamps, participant lists, edit histories

Photographic & Video Evidence:

• Event footage: Videos taken by participants during hazing
• Injury documentation: Progressive photos showing bruise development, swelling, healing
• Location evidence: House photos, room layouts, identifiable landmarks
• Social media posts: Even “joking” posts can establish timeline and participant knowledge

Internal Organization Documents:

• Pledge manuals: “Tradition” documentation often includes hazing scripts
• Risk management plans: National organization policies showing knowledge of risks
• Chapter communications: Emails, texts about “what we do to pledges”
• Financial records: Receipts for alcohol purchases, event supplies

University Records (Obtained via Discovery or Public Records):

• Prior conduct files: Previous hazing violations by same organization
• Incident reports: Campus police reports, resident advisor reports
• Clery Act reports: Annual crime statistics
• Internal emails: Administration discussions about organization risks

Medical & Psychological Records:

• Emergency care: ER reports, ambulance records, toxicology results
• Hospitalization: ICU records, surgery notes, specialist consultations
• Ongoing treatment: Physical therapy, mental health counseling
• Expert evaluations: Psychologists for PTSD diagnosis, economists for life care planning

Witness Testimony:

• Other pledges: Often afraid but may cooperate with protection
• Former members: Those who quit over hazing concerns
• Roommates & friends: Noticed behavioral changes, physical injuries
• Medical providers: Documentation of patient statements about cause of injuries

Damages: What Texas Families Can Recover

In hazing cases, damages typically fall into these categories:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses):

• Medical expenses: Past and future (ER, hospitalization, surgery, therapy, medications)
• Lost income: Wages lost during recovery, parents’ time off work
• Educational costs: Tuition for semesters missed, lost scholarships, delayed graduation
• Future earning capacity reduction: For permanent disabilities (brain injury, organ damage)
• Life care plans: Catastrophic injury cases requiring lifetime care like Danny Santulli

Non-Economic Damages (Compensating Human Harm):

• Physical pain & suffering: From injuries, medical procedures, recovery
• Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation, loss of dignity
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Can’t participate in sports, hobbies, normal college experience
• Reputational harm: Social stigma, difficulty transferring schools

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

• Funeral & burial costs
• Loss of financial support: Future earnings deceased would have contributed
• Loss of companionship & love: Parents, siblings, spouse
• Grief & emotional suffering: Family’s trauma
• Parental consortium: Loss of child’s love, affection, companionship

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Egregious):

• Purpose: Punish defendants and deter future conduct
• When awarded: Reckless disregard for safety, prior warnings ignored, cover-up attempts
• Texas caps: Generally limited but exceptions for intentional conduct

Recent Settlement & Verdict Benchmarks:

• Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha): $10M total settlement
• David Bogenberger (Pi Kappa Alpha): $14M settlement
• Max Gruver (Phi Delta Theta): $6.1M verdict plus confidential settlements
• Collin Wiant (Sigma Pi): Confidential but reportedly substantial
• Chad Meredith (Kappa Sigma): $12.6M jury verdict
• Sigma Chi (College of Charleston): $10M+ damages

Insurance Coverage Strategy: The Hidden Battle

Fraternity and university insurance fights are where Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney proves invaluable. Insurers typically argue:

1. “Hazing is excluded as intentional conduct”
2. “This policy doesn’t cover this defendant”
3. “The claim exceeds policy limits”
4. “Notice wasn’t timely provided”

Our approach:

• Identify all policies: Chapter, national, university, umbrella, individual homeowners
• Counter “intentional act” arguments: Frame as negligent supervision versus intentional hazing
• Bad faith claims: When insurers wrongfully deny coverage
• Settlement within limits: Strategic demands within policy maximums

The Bermudez case against UH and Pi Kappa Phi involves exactly these insurance coverage battles—and our insider knowledge changes the negotiation dynamic.

Practical Guides: What Mustang Ridge Families Should Do NOW

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

• Physical: Unexplained bruises, burns, injuries; extreme fatigue; weight changes; sleep deprivation
• Behavioral: Secretiveness about activities, withdrawal from family/friends, personality changes, defensiveness
• Academic: Grades dropping, missing classes, losing scholarships
• Financial: Unexpected large expenses, requests for money without explanation
• Digital: Constant phone use for group chats, anxiety about messages, deleted conversations

If You Suspect Hazing:

1. Prioritize safety: If in immediate danger, call 911
2. Document everything: Write down what your child tells you with dates/times
3. Preserve evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries, save physical items
4. Medical attention: Even if they resist, get professional evaluation
5. Contact attorney: Before reporting to university or confronting organization
6. Avoid mistakes: Don’t delete evidence, don’t confront fraternity, don’t sign university agreements

48-Hour Action Checklist for Mustang Ridge Parents:

• Hour 1-6: Medical care, safety removal, evidence preservation, notes, call Attorney911
• Hour 6-24: Digital preservation, medical records, witness list, document university contact
• Hour 24-48: Legal consultation, reporting decisions, evidence backup, avoid insurance contact
• Week 1: Medical follow-up, evidence gathering, witness interviews, strategy session

For Students: Self-Protection & Safe Exit Strategies

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

• Am I being forced or pressured?
• Would I do this if I had real choice?
• Is it dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would my parents/university approve if they knew?
• Am I being told to keep secrets?

Safe Exit Strategies:

• Immediate danger: Call 911, get to safe location
• Quitting: Tell someone outside first, send written resignation, avoid “one last meeting”
• Retaliation protection: Document threats, report to university/police, seek protective order

Evidence Collection for Students:

• Screenshots: Full conversations with timestamps
• Recordings: Texas is one-party consent state
• Photos: Injuries, locations, objects
• Medical: Tell providers you were hazed for documentation
• Witnesses: Names and contact information

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

1. Deleting evidence: Looks like cover-up, obstruction of justice
2. Confronting the organization: Triggers evidence destruction, witness coaching
3. Signing university agreements: May waive legal rights, accept low settlements
4. Posting on social media: Defense attorneys screenshot everything, hurts credibility
5. “One last meeting”: Opportunity for intimidation, pressure, damaging statements
6. Waiting for university process: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
7. Talking to insurance adjusters: Recorded statements used against you

Essential FAQs for Mustang Ridge Families

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

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law makes hazing a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

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

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from injury or death in Texas, but the discovery rule may extend this. In cover-up cases, the statute may be tolled. Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if it happened off-campus?”
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) occurred off-campus.

“Will this be confidential?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

About Attorney911: Why Texas Hazing Families Choose Our Firm

At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™), we bring unique qualifications to hazing cases that most Texas personal injury firms simply cannot match.

Our Competitive Advantages for Texas Hazing Cases

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.”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello):

• One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
• Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
• “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience:

• Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
• Economist collaboration for lifetime care valuation
• “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:

• Ralph’s HCCLA membership (Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association)
• Understands criminal hazing charges interacting with civil litigation
• Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Investigative Depth & Data Intelligence:

• Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: 1,423 Greek organizations tracked across 25 metros
• Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
• Experience obtaining hidden evidence (deleted messages, chapter records, university files)
• “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Current Active Hazing Litigation:

• Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi: $10M active lawsuit we’re litigating right now
• This isn’t theoretical—we’re in court today fighting the same institutions your family may be facing

Our Approach: Empathy, Investigation, Accountability

We understand that hazing cases involve more than legal claims. They involve:

• Trauma recovery for students who trusted organizations that betrayed them
• Family anguish for parents who feel they failed to protect their children
• Institutional betrayal when universities prioritize reputation over student safety
• Social isolation for victims who lose friend groups during litigation

Our approach balances:

1. Empathetic support through one of life’s most difficult experiences
2. Thorough investigation leaving no stone unturned in evidence collection
3. Strategic litigation targeting all responsible parties, not just obvious ones
4. Accountability focus to prevent future harm to other students

Serving Mustang Ridge and All of Texas

From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including Mustang Ridge, Lockhart, Bastrop, and across Caldwell, Travis, and surrounding counties. Whether your child attends school near home or hours away, Texas hazing law and our statewide experience can help.

Call to Action: Your Next Step as a Mustang Ridge Family

If you’re reading this guide because hazing has touched your family, we want you to know three things:

1. You are not alone. What happened to your child has happened to others, and there are established legal paths forward.
2. Time matters. Evidence disappears quickly, witnesses get coached, and statutes of limitations run.
3. You have options. You don’t have to accept the university’s “internal resolution” or the organization’s minimization.

What to Expect in Your Free Confidential Consultation

When you contact Attorney911, you’ll receive:

• A compassionate listening ear without judgment
• Case analysis based on 25+ years of complex litigation experience
• Evidence preservation guidance specific to your situation
• Legal options explanation: criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
• Realistic timeline and expectation setting
• Cost transparency: contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win
• No pressure to hire us immediately

Contact Attorney911 Today

For Mustang Ridge and Central Texas Families:

• Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct: (713) 528-9070
• Cell: (713) 443-4781
• Website: https://attorney911.com
• Email Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com
• Email Lupe Peña: lupe@atty911.com

Spanish Language Services Available:

• Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña for consultation in Spanish
• Servicios legales en español disponibles

Whether your child was hazed at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any Texas campus, we can help you navigate this crisis. The call is free. The consultation is confidential. The time to act is now.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on 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