The Definitive Guide to Hazing Lawsuits & Accountability for Little River-Academy Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You Are Not Alone

A University of Houston student, his body screaming in pain, crawls up the stairs of his home. His urine has turned a frightening shade of brown. Just days before, Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student and pledge of the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, was forced through over 100 push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion. He consumed milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then was made to sprint. He was sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” and threatened with actual waterboarding. He carried a humiliating “pledge fanny pack” everywhere. Now, he is being rushed to the hospital, where doctors will diagnose him with rhabdomyolysis—severe skeletal muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure, requiring a four-day hospitalization with risk of permanent organ damage.

This is not a hypothetical scenario from a decade ago. This is happening right now in Texas. In November 2025, we at The Manginello Law Firm filed a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, the UH System Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The Pi Kappa Phi chapter was suspended on November 6, 2025, and members voted to surrender their charter on November 14, 2025. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing.”

If you are a parent in Little River-Academy, Belton, Temple, Killeen, or anywhere in Bell County, this case matters to you. The universities your children attend—whether nearby Texas A&M University-Central Texas in Killeen, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, or major hubs like Texas A&M in College Station or UT Austin—host the same fraternities, sororities, and organizations that operate at UH. The same national patterns of abuse, cover-up, and institutional failure threaten students everywhere.

This comprehensive guide explains what hazing really looks like in 2025, your legal rights under Texas law, the national cases that shape today’s litigation, what’s happening at Texas universities, and how our firm builds cases that hold powerful organizations accountable. We serve families throughout Texas, including Little River-Academy and all of Bell County.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

• Call 911 for medical emergencies
• Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• We provide immediate help—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

1. Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
2. Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
   • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
   • Photograph injuries from multiple angles
   • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
3. Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
4. 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 evidence, 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 Little River-Academy Families

For families in Little River-Academy who may be unfamiliar with modern Greek life or campus organization culture, understanding what constitutes hazing is critical. Hazing is not just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” Under Texas law, 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.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

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

• Digital control: 24/7 group chat monitoring, required instant responses at all hours, location tracking via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
• Servitude duties: Acting as designated driver at all hours, cleaning rooms for older members, running personal errands, being “on call”
• Social isolation: Cutting off contact with non-members, requiring permission to socialize
• Psychological manipulation: Being given degrading nicknames, required to ask permission to speak

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Creates Hostile Environment)

• Sleep deprivation: Late-night “meetings,” 3 AM wake-up calls, multi-day events with minimal sleep
• Forced consumption: Eating spoiled food, hot sauce, excessive amounts of bland food (milk, bread)
• Extreme physical activity: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, forced runs
• Public humiliation: Forced to perform embarrassing acts in public, wearing degrading costumes
• Digital shaming: Forced to post embarrassing content on TikTok or Instagram, participating in online “challenges”

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (High Risk of Injury or Death)

• Forced alcohol consumption: “Lineup” drinking games, Big/Little nights with handles of liquor, “Bible study” drinking games where wrong answers mean drinking
• Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, kicking, “branding” with burns or cuts
• Dangerous “tests”: “Glass ceiling” blindfolded tackle rituals, forced fights, jumping from heights
• Sexualized hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault or coercion
• Chemical exposure: Texas A&M SAE case where industrial-strength cleaner poured on pledges caused chemical burns requiring skin grafts

Where Hazing Happens at Texas Universities

Fraternities and Sororities:

• Interfraternity Council (IFC) fraternities
• Panhellenic Council sororities
• National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC – “Divine Nine”)
• Multicultural Greek Council organizations

Corps Programs & Military Groups:

• Texas A&M Corps of Cadets
• ROTC programs
• Tradition clubs with military-style discipline

Athletic Teams:

• Football, basketball, baseball programs
• Cheer and spirit squads
• Marching bands and performance groups

Other Campus Organizations:

• Spirit groups (Texas Cowboys, Silver Spurs)
• Service organizations
• Academic and cultural clubs

The common thread across all these groups: social status, tradition, and secrecy keep dangerous practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Texas Law & Liability Framework: What Little River-Academy Families Need to Know

When your child attends a Texas university—whether Texas A&M University-Central Texas just minutes from Little River-Academy in Killeen or a campus hours away—Texas hazing law governs their protection. Here’s what you need to understand.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

§ 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 Bell County Families:

• Location doesn’t matter—on-campus, off-campus, at retreats, all covered
• Mental OR physical harm qualifies
• “Reckless” is enough—they don’t need malicious intent
• § 37.155: Consent is NOT a defense—even if your child “agreed,” it’s still 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 can be criminally prosecuted if they authorized or encouraged hazing OR if officers knew and failed to report
• Penalties: Up to $10,000 fine per violation, plus university can revoke recognition

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:

• Those who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil/criminal liability
• Many universities offer amnesty for calling 911 in medical emergencies

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases (State Brings Charges):

• Brought by prosecutors (Bell County DA, Harris County DA, etc.)
• Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Example: Phi Delta Theta members at LSU convicted of negligent homicide in Max Gruver case

Civil Cases (You Bring Lawsuit):

• Brought by victims or surviving families
• Aim: Monetary compensation and accountability
• Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
• Example: Stone Foltz family’s $10 million settlement with BGSU and Pi Kappa Alpha

Crucial Point: You can pursue a civil case even if no criminal charges are filed. A criminal conviction is not required for civil accountability.

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

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

• Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently
• Strengthens hazing education and prevention
• Public hazing data required by approximately 2026
• Applies to all Texas public universities and private schools receiving federal funds

Title IX Application:

• When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility
• Universities must investigate and take prompt corrective action
• Could apply to sexualized hazing, forced nudity, simulated sexual acts

Clery Act Requirements:

• Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics
• Hazing incidents often overlap with assault, alcohol, or drug crimes

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students:

• Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
• Personal liability: Pi Kappa Alpha president Daylen Dunson ordered to pay $6.5 million personally to Stone Foltz family

Local Chapter/Organization:

• The fraternity/sorority or club itself as a legal entity
• Officers, pledge educators, risk managers

National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters:

• Organizations that set policies, receive dues, supervise chapters
• Liability based on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents
• Example: Pi Kappa Alpha national paid $7 million in Stone Foltz settlement

University or Governing Board:

• Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) under negligence theories
• Private universities (SMU, Baylor) with fewer immunity protections
• Key questions: Prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference

Third Parties:

• Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces
• Bars or alcohol providers under Texas dram shop law
• Security companies or event organizers

Every case is fact-specific—not every party is liable in every situation, but experienced counsel investigates all potential avenues.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

The cases that have shaped hazing law nationally provide crucial context for understanding what can happen at Texas universities and how courts respond.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

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

• Bid-acceptance event with extreme drinking
• Severe falls captured on chapter security cameras
• 19-year-old died from traumatic brain injuries
• Help delayed for hours; brothers worried about “getting chapter in trouble”
• Outcome: 18 fraternity members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts; Pennsylvania enacted Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law

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

• “Big Brother Night” event
• Pledge given handle of liquor, drank to dangerous levels
• 20-year-old died from acute alcohol poisoning
• Outcome: Multiple members prosecuted; FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life

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)
• 18-year-old died from alcohol toxicity
• Outcome: $6.1 million verdict for family; Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)

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

• Pledge forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
• 20-year-old died from alcohol poisoning
• Outcome: $10 million total settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU); chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million personally

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

• Pledge at fraternity retreat subjected to violent “glass ceiling” ritual
• Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled
• 19-year-old died from traumatic brain injury; help delayed
• Outcome: National fraternity criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter; Pi Delta Psi banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

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

• “Pledge dad reveal” night with forced excessive alcohol
• Suffered severe, permanent brain damage
• Cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care
• Outcome: Family settled with 22 defendants; multi-million dollar confidential settlements

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025):

• Former players alleged sexualized and racist hazing within program
• Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
• Head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired, later settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially
• Takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to big-money athletic programs

What These Cases Mean for Little River-Academy Families

Common threads in every major case:

1. Forced drinking as central component
2. Delayed medical care due to fear of consequences
3. Cover-up culture and destruction of evidence
4. Institutional knowledge of patterns but inadequate intervention
5. Multi-million dollar settlements only after tragedy and litigation

Texas families facing hazing at their children’s universities are not alone. These national cases have established legal precedents, plaintiff strategies, and settlement ranges that inform how we approach cases for Little River-Academy families.

Texas University Focus: Where Little River-Academy Families Send Their Kids

Little River-Academy families have children at universities throughout Texas. Whether attending nearby campuses in Bell County or major universities across the state, understanding each school’s hazing landscape is critical.

Local & Regional Campuses Serving Bell County

Texas A&M University-Central Texas (Killeen, Bell County):

• Located just minutes from Little River-Academy in neighboring Killeen
• Growing campus serving Central Texas region
• Campus safety under Texas A&M University System protocols
• Jurisdiction: Bell County courts, Killeen PD, campus police

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (Belton, Bell County):

• Private Christian university in Belton
• Greek life includes local and national organizations
• Religious identity influences conduct policies
• Jurisdiction: Bell County courts, Belton PD, campus security

Major Texas Universities Attended by Bell County Students

While Little River-Academy students attend local campuses, many also choose major universities throughout Texas. These schools have documented hazing histories that every Bell County parent should understand.

University of Houston (UH) – Current Major Litigation

Campus Snapshot for Bell County Families:

• Large urban campus with commuter and residential mix
• Active Greek life with multiple councils
• 45-minute flight or 3.5-hour drive from Bell County
• Harris County jurisdiction for legal proceedings

Current Active Case – Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi:
We are currently litigating this $10 million hazing lawsuit filed in late 2025. The case involves:

• Victim: Leonel Bermudez, UH transfer student
• Organizations: Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, Pi Kappa Phi national, UH, UH System Board of Regents
• Hazing Conduct: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, forced consumption leading to vomiting, hose spraying “similar to waterboarding,” 100+ push-ups/500 squats workout
• Medical Harm: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, 4-day hospitalization
• Defendants: 13 individual fraternity leaders plus organizations
• Media Coverage: Click2Houston report, ABC13 coverage, Hoodline summary

UH Hazing Policy & Reporting:

• Prohibits hazing on and off campus
• Reporting through Dean of Students, conduct offices, campus police
• Maintains some disciplinary transparency
• Key Point: Despite policies, serious hazing continues to occur

Prior UH Incidents:

• 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case: Pledge suffered lacerated spleen after being slammed during initiation; chapter faced misdemeanor charges and suspension
• Multiple fraternity suspensions for “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort”
• Alcohol violations, policy breaches leading to probation

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds:

• Involves UHPD and/or Houston Police Department
• Civil suits in Harris County courts
• Potential defendants: Students, chapter, national, university, property owners
• For Bell County families: Cases may require travel to Houston for proceedings

Texas A&M University – Corps & Greek Life Issues

Campus Snapshot for Bell County Families:

• 90-minute drive from Little River-Academy to College Station
• Massive Greek life system and Corps of Cadets
• Brazos County jurisdiction
• Many Bell County students’ top choice university

Documented Hazing Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

• Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner
• Caused severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
• Pledges sued fraternity for $1 million
• Fraternity suspended for two years by university

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Lawsuit (2023):

• Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts
• Bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth
• Sought over $1 million in damages
• Texas A&M stated it handled matter under its rules

Texas A&M Hazing Policy & Reporting:

• Separate systems for Greek life and Corps
• Student Conduct office investigations
• Corps honor system and regulations
• Transparency gap: Less public reporting than UT Austin

What Bell County A&M Families Should Do:

• Understand both Greek AND Corps hazing risks
• Document through Student Conduct AND Corps systems if applicable
• Preserve evidence immediately—Corps cases often involve tradition-based secrecy
• Consider Brazos County venue for legal proceedings

University of Texas at Austin – Transparent But Persistent

Campus Snapshot for Bell County Families:

• 90-minute drive from Little River-Academy to Austin
• Nation’s largest Greek system by some measures
• Travis County jurisdiction
• UT’s public hazing violations page provides unusual transparency

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page:
UT maintains one of Texas’ most transparent hazing reporting systems at hazing.utexas.edu. Recent entries include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023):

• New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
• Found to be hazing
• Sanction: Chapter probation, required hazing-prevention education

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (January 2024):

• Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at fraternity party
• Injuries: Dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
• Student sued SAE chapter for over $1 million
• Chapter already under suspension for prior violations

Other Sanctioned Organizations:

• Texas Wranglers (spirit group)
• Texas Cowboys (tradition organization)
• Multiple fraternities and sororities

How UT Cases Differ:

• Public record of prior violations strengthens pattern evidence
• UTPD and Austin PD jurisdiction issues
• Civil suits in Travis County courts
• University often argues sovereign immunity as state institution

For Bell County UT Families:

• Check hazing.utexas.edu for organization history
• Use UT’s transparency to your advantage in litigation
• Understand Travis County legal procedures
• Sovereign immunity arguments require experienced counsel to navigate

Southern Methodist University (SMU) – Private University Challenges

Campus Snapshot for Bell County Families:

• 3-hour drive from Little River-Academy to Dallas
• Private, affluent campus with strong Greek presence
• Dallas County jurisdiction
• Different legal standards as private institution

Documented SMU Incidents:

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):

• New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived
• Chapter suspended
• Restrictions on recruiting until approximately 2021

SMU Hazing Policy & Reporting:

• Private university with less public transparency
• Anonymous reporting via systems like Real Response
• Conduct processes less visible than public universities
• Challenge: Obtaining internal records requires litigation pressure

Private vs. Public University Differences:

• No sovereign immunity arguments
• Different insurance coverage structures
• Less public records availability
• Often quicker to settle to avoid discovery

For Bell County SMU Families:

• Expect less initial transparency from university
• Litigation may be necessary to obtain internal records
• Settlement dynamics differ from public universities
• Dallas County venue considerations

Baylor University – Religious Identity & Scandal History

Campus Snapshot for Bell County Families:

• 90-minute drive from Little River-Academy to Waco
• Private Christian university with Greek life
• McLennan County jurisdiction
• History of athletic and Title IX scandals influences response

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):

• 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Suspensions staggered over early season
• Internal discipline without criminal charges

Baylor’s Unique Context:

• Religious identity influences conduct policies
• History of football sexual assault scandal shapes institutional response
• “Zero tolerance” rhetoric vs. recurring misconduct
• Private institution dynamics similar to SMU

For Bell County Baylor Families:

• Understand religious context may influence reporting
• History of institutional protectionism requires aggressive counsel
• Waco/McLennan County venue
• Settlement patterns may reflect desire to avoid additional scandal

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Little River-Academy Families

If you are a parent in Little River-Academy, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. Through our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain an unmatched database of Texas Greek entities. Below are examples of public records showing the organizational backbone behind campus Greek life.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Records)

These are actual Texas-registered entities from IRS public filings. Each represents a potential insurance source or liable party in hazing litigation.

Sigma Phi Lambda Inc – EIN 201237505 – Corinth, TX 76210 – Beta Chapter (IRS B83 filing)
Sigma Phi Lambda Inc – EIN 202203769 – Corinth, TX 76210 – Tau Chapter (IRS B83 filing)
Sigma Phi Lambda Inc – EIN 260805977 – Corinth, TX 76210 – Alpha Alpha Chapter (IRS B83 filing)
Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc – EIN 133048786 – College Station, TX 77845 (IRS B83 filing)
Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Inc – EIN 161675890 – The Woodlands, TX 77382 – Zeta Rho HCB (IRS B83 filing)
Frank Heflin Foundation – EIN 203507402 – Canyon, TX 79015 (IRS B83 filing)
Arlington-Grand Prairie Alumni Chap of Kappa Alpha Psi Frat Inc – EIN 232452759 – Grand Prairie, TX 75054 (IRS B83 filing)
Zeta Beta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc – EIN 237098953 – Prairie View, TX 77446 (IRS B83 filing)
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – EIN 237279532 – Prairie View, TX 77446 – Prairie View Alumni (IRS B83 filing)
Epsilon Nu Housing Corporation – EIN 237359384 – Lubbock, TX 79401 (IRS B83 filing)

Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity – EIN 262025321 – Denton, TX 76201 – Mu Gamma Chapter (IRS B83 filing)
South Texas Cotillon Inc – EIN 262378154 – Brownsville, TX 78523 (IRS B83 filing)
Sigma Phi Epsilon New York Chi Alumni Association Inc – EIN 262710856 – Houston, TX 77007 (IRS B83 filing)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – EIN 263170920 – Denton, TX 76204 – Texas Woman’s University Chapter (IRS B83 filing)
National Pan-Hellenic Council North Dallas Suburbia – EIN 264080411 – Carrollton, TX 75011 (IRS B83 filing)
Friendship-West Mizpah Foundation – EIN 271863731 – Dallas, TX 75232 (IRS B83 filing)
Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc – EIN 273662583 – Lufkin, TX 75904 (IRS B83 filing)
Alpha Tau Omega Housing Corporation of Eta Iota Chapter – EIN 300517788 – Nacogdoches, TX 75965 (IRS B83 filing)
Sigma Phi Lambda Inc – EIN 320217610 – Corinth, TX 76210 – Omega Chapter (IRS B83 filing)
Kappa Theta Pi – Mu Chapter Corporation – EIN 331294470 – Frisco, TX 75033 (IRS B83 filing)

This represents just 20 of the 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations in our database. Each has an Employer Identification Number (EIN), legal name, and mailing address that can be crucial for service of process and insurance identification.

Texas Greek Ecosystem: Metro & Campus Context

For Bell County & Central Texas Families:
Your children likely interact with Greek organizations across multiple metros:

Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154 total Greek organizations per Cause IQ data
College Station-Bryan Metro: 42 total Greek organizations where Texas A&M students participate
Waco Metro: 27 total Greek organizations serving Baylor University
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510 total Greek organizations (largest concentration in Texas)

Example Metro Organizations from Our Database:

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity – Fort Worth, TX – 12650 N Beach St #30, Suite 114, Fort Worth, TX 76244 (Cause IQ metro listing)
Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta) – Arlington, TX – national sorority headquarters in Dallas area (Cause IQ metro listing)
Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity – Tau Deuteron Chapter – Waco, TX – Chapter at Baylor University (Cause IQ metro listing)
Zeta Beta Tau – Texas Lambda Chapter – Austin, TX – Chapter house corporation in Austin (Cause IQ metro listing)
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity – Texas Rho Corp. – Austin, TX – House corporation at University of Texas (Cause IQ metro listing)

Why This Directory Matters for Your Case

When your child is hazed, you need to identify every potentially liable entity. National fraternities often create complex corporate structures:

• Undergraduate chapter (may not be incorporated)
• Housing corporation (owns house, has insurance)
• Alumni chapter (may control funds)
• National headquarters (sets policies, collects dues)
• Educational foundation (separate tax status)

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks these relationships so families never start from zero. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we identified and sued:

1. Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
2. Beta Nu housing corporation (EIN 462267515 – Frisco, TX 75035)
3. 13 individual leaders
4. University of Houston
5. UH System Board of Regents

This comprehensive approach maximizes insurance coverage and accountability.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories Meet Texas Campuses

The fraternities and sororities on Texas campuses are chapters of national organizations with documented hazing histories. This pattern evidence is crucial for establishing foreseeability and negligence.

Why National Histories Matter in Texas Courts

When a Texas chapter repeats conduct that caused deaths or injuries at other chapters, courts consider:

• Foreseeability: The national organization knew or should have known this could happen
• Pattern Evidence: Similar incidents show this wasn’t an isolated “rogue” chapter
• Negligent Supervision: Nationals failed to adequately monitor or intervene
• Punitive Damages: Repeated warnings ignored may justify punishment

Major National Organizations at Texas Universities

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, Baylor:

• Stone Foltz (BGSU 2021): $10 million settlement ($7M national, $3M university)
• David Bogenberger (NIU 2012): $14 million settlement
• National Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing known for decades

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU:

• Traumatic Brain Injury Case (Alabama 2023): Ongoing litigation
• Chemical Burns Case (Texas A&M 2021): $1 million lawsuit, skin grafts
• Assault Case (UT Austin 2024): Over $1 million lawsuit
• National Pattern: Multiple alcohol deaths led to 2014 pledge process elimination

Pi Kappa Phi – Present at UH (Beta Nu chapter sued in our current case):

• Andrew Coffey (FSU 2017): Death from alcohol poisoning at “Big Brother Night”
• Current UH Case: Our active $10 million litigation
• National Pattern: Similar forced drinking traditions

Phi Delta Theta – Present at Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor:

• Max Gruver (LSU 2017): $6.1 million verdict, Max Gruver Act legislation
• National Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games

Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) – Present at Texas A&M:

• Danny Santulli (Missouri 2021): Permanent brain damage, settlements with 22 defendants
• National Pattern: “Pledge dad reveal” drinking traditions

How We Use National Patterns in Texas Cases

In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we demonstrate:

1. Prior Notice: Pi Kappa Phi national knew about Andrew Coffey’s 2017 death
2. Similar Conduct: Forced drinking, humiliation, physical abuse
3. Inadequate Response: Nationals failed to implement effective prevention
4. Foreseeability: This tragedy was predictable and preventable

This approach applies equally to cases involving:

• Little River-Academy students at Texas A&M (SAE chemical burns case)
• Bell County families with children at UT (SAE assault case)
• Any Texas campus with national organization chapters

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages & Strategy for Little River-Academy Families

When hazing harms your child, building a strong case requires immediate action and strategic expertise. Here’s how we approach cases for Texas families.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Communications (Most Important in 2025):

• GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage group chats
• Discord, Slack, fraternity-specific apps
• Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok messages
• Recovered deleted messages via digital forensics
• Our video on using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Photos & Videos:

• Content filmed by members during events
• Social media posts and stories
• Security camera/doorbell footage

1. Photograph injuries immediately from multiple angles
2. Include coin or ruler for scale
3. Document progression over several days

Internal Organization Documents:

• Pledge manuals, initiation scripts
• Officer emails/texts about “traditions”
• National policies and training materials
  .Missing documents often indicate cover-up

University Records:

• Prior conduct files, probation records
• Campus police incident reports
• Clery Act reports
  Key: Universities often resist releasing these without subpoena

Medical & Psychological Records:

• ER/hospitalization records
• Toxicology reports (blood alcohol content)
• Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression)
• Future treatment plans and costs

Witness Testimony:

• Other pledges and members
• Roommates, RAs, bystanders
• Former members who quit
  Challenge: Witnesses often fear retaliation

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical Expenses:

• Past bills: ER, ambulance, hospitalization, medications
• Future care: Ongoing therapy, surgeries, lifelong treatment
• Life care plans for catastrophic injuries (like rhabdomyolysis kidney damage)

Lost Income & Earning Capacity:

• Parental time off work
• Student’s delayed graduation
• Diminished future earnings if permanent disability

Other Economic Losses:

• Property damage
• Relocation costs (transferring schools)
• Educational expenses (lost scholarships)

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective):

Physical Pain & Suffering:

• Pain from injuries
• Ongoing discomfort
• Loss of physical abilities

Emotional Distress:

• PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
• Humiliation, shame, loss of dignity
• Fear, nightmares, flashbacks

Loss of Enjoyment of Life:

• Can’t participate in former activities
• Damaged relationships
• Lost college experience

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

• Funeral/burial costs
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship, love, guidance
• Family members’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Available):

• Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
• Deter future hazing
• Available when defendants ignore prior warnings

Settlement Ranges from National Cases

Death Cases: $1M–$14M+

• Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha): $10M total
• David Bogenberger (Pi Kappa Alpha): $14M
• Max Gruver (Phi Delta Theta): $6.1M verdict
• Chad Meredith (Kappa Sigma): $12.6M jury verdict

Severe Injury Cases: $375K–Multi-Million

• Joseph Snell (Omega Psi Phi): $375K verdict
• Danny Santulli (Phi Gamma Delta): Multi-million settlements with 22 defendants
• Sigma Chi (College of Charleston): $10M+

Individual Officer Liability:

• Daylen Dunson (Pi Kappa Alpha president): Personally ordered to pay $6.5M

Insurance Coverage Strategy

Fraternity and university insurers often argue:

1. “Hazing is intentional act—policy excludes it”
2. “This was rogue chapter—national not responsible”
3. “University has sovereign immunity”

Our approach counters these arguments:

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

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

Multi-Policy Investigation:
We identify all potential coverage:

• National fraternity liability policies
• Chapter/house corporation policies
• University liability coverage
• Individual members’ homeowner/parent policies
• Umbrella and excess policies

Bad Faith Litigation:
If insurers wrongfully deny coverage, we pursue bad faith claims for additional damages.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Little River-Academy Parents & Students

For Parents: Warning Signs & Immediate Response

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts (especially if excuses don’t add up)
• Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Weight loss/gain from food restriction or stress
• Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, 3 AM calls)
• Injuries to hands, back, legs from paddling or exercise
• Chemical burns, rashes, skin damage
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (even if child doesn’t normally drink)

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

• Sudden secrecy (“I can’t talk about it”)
• Withdrawal from family, old friends
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
• Defensive when asked about organization
• Fear of “getting chapter in trouble” or “letting brothers down”
• Sudden obsession with pleasing older members
• “Just have to get through this” mentality

Academic Red Flags:

• Grades dropping suddenly
• Missing classes, falling asleep in class
• Skipping assignments for “mandatory” events
• Losing scholarships

Digital/Social Behavior:

• Constant phone use for group chats
• Anxiety when phone buzzes
• Deleting messages or clearing history obsessively
• Receiving calls/texts at all hours demanding immediate response
• Social media posts showing concerning activities
• Geo-tracking apps newly installed (Find My Friends, Life360)

How to Talk to Your Child (Non-Confrontational Questions):

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 do they ask you to do as a new member?”
4. “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable or you wish you didn’t have to do?”
5. “Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
6. “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”
7. “Are they asking you to keep secrets from me or the university?”

If Your Child Opens Up:

• Listen without judgment
• Prioritize safety over “getting in trouble”
• Get medical attention if injured
• Document everything they tell you
• Call us immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911

For Students: Is This Hazing? Safety & Reporting

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
• Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would my parents or university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
• Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do themselves?
• Is this “tradition” really about initiation/earning membership, or just fun for older members?
• Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?

If You Answered YES to Any: It’s Likely Hazing

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

• You cannot be punished for calling 911 in medical emergencies (good-faith immunity)
• Hazing is a crime—you are the victim, not perpetrator
• You can file civil lawsuit even if no criminal charges
• Consent is NOT a defense under Texas law

How to Exit Safely:

1. Immediate danger: Call 911, get to safe location
2. Want to quit: Tell someone outside org first (parent, RA, friend)
3. Send email/text to chapter president: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
4. Do NOT go to “one last meeting”—they may pressure or retaliate
5. If fear retaliation: Report to Dean of Students AND campus police

Evidence Collection for Students:

1. Screenshots of group chats: Full threads with timestamps, participant names
2. Voice memos/recordings: Texas is one-party consent state—you can record conversations you’re part of
3. Photos/videos: Injuries (multiple angles), locations, objects used
4. Save everything digital: Don’t delete even if embarrassed
5. Medical documentation: Tell providers “I was hazed” so it’s in records
6. Witness information: Names/contacts of others who saw what happened

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

• What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
• Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
• What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content
• Watch our video on evidence preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly

• What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
• Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• What to do instead: Document everything, call lawyer before any confrontation

MISTAKE #3: Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms

• What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements
• Why it’s wrong: You may waive right to sue; settlements often far below case value
• What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

MISTAKE #4: Posting details on social media before talking to lawyer

• What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
• Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
• What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

MISTAKE #5: Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”

• What fraternities say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic”
• Why it’s wrong: They pressure, intimidate, or extract damaging statements
• What to do instead: Once considering legal action, all communication through lawyer

MISTAKE #6: Waiting “to see how the university handles it”

• What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally”
• Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs, university controls narrative
• What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately
• Watch our video on statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

MISTAKE #7: Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer

• What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim”
• Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements used against you; early settlements are lowball
• What to do instead: Politely decline: “My attorney will contact you”
• Watch our video on client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Frequently Asked Questions for Little River-Academy Families

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

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as Class B misdemeanor by default, but becomes state jail felony if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

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

“What if hazing happened off-campus or at private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, foreseeability. 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 in the news?”
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.

“How do contingency fees work?”
We work on contingency—no upfront costs, no fee unless we win. Fees are percentage of recovery. Expenses advanced by firm, repaid from recovery. Watch our fee explanation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action for Little River-Academy Families

When your family faces a hazing case at a Texas university—whether your child attends Texas A&M University-Central Texas in nearby Killeen, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, or any campus across the state—you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back, how national fraternity insurance companies operate, and how to build cases that force accountability.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage – Mr. Lupe Peña’s Defense Background:
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

• Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
• Use delay tactics to pressure families
• Fight coverage under “intentional act” exclusions
• Deploy Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to reduce settlements
  His insight: “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation – Ralph Manginello’s BP Texas City Experience:
Ralph was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation against billion-dollar defendants. That same experience applies to taking on:

• National fraternities with unlimited legal budgets
• University systems with deep-pocketed insurers
• Defense teams that try to outspend and outlast families
  Our approach: We investigate root causes—failed policies, inadequate training, institutional knowledge—not just individual misconduct.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Results:
We have recovered millions for families in complex wrongful death and injury cases. For hazing cases, this means:

• Working with economists to value lifetime care needs (brain injuries, organ damage)
• Building life care plans for permanent disabilities
• Understanding non-economic damages (PTSD, trauma, loss of enjoyment)
• We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force serious compensation.

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:
Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) signals elite criminal defense capability. This matters because:

• We understand criminal hazing charges and penalties
• We can advise witnesses/former members with dual exposure
• We know how criminal and civil cases interact
• We navigate constitutional issues (search warrants for fraternity houses, etc.)

Investigative Depth & Expert Network:
For hazing cases, we deploy:

• Digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages
• Medical experts for rhabdomyolysis, TBI, PTSD testimony
• Greek life culture experts to explain power dynamics
• Economists for lifetime earning loss calculations
• Psychologists for trauma assessment

Texas-Specific Geographic Mastery:
We serve families throughout Texas from offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. For Little River-Academy and Bell County families, this means:

• Understanding Central Texas courts and procedures
• Knowledge of local universities (Texas A&M-Central Texas, UMHB)
• Experience with Bell County, McLennan County, Travis County venues
• Spanish-language services available (Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish)

Our Active Litigation: Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi

Right now, we’re fighting one of Texas’ most serious hazing cases. The $10 million lawsuit we filed in late 2025 alleges:

• Extreme physical hazing leading to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
• Humiliating “pledge fanny pack” requirements
• Hose spraying “similar to waterboarding”
• University and national fraternity failure to intervene
• Media coverage: Click2Houston, ABC13, Hoodline

This isn’t historical—it’s happening now. It shows we’re actively litigating serious hazing cases against major universities and national fraternities.

Call to Action for Little River-Academy Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether Texas A&M University-Central Texas, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Texas A&M College Station, UT Austin, or any school—we want to hear from you.

Families in Little River-Academy, Belton, Temple, Killeen, and throughout Bell County have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a Confidential, No-Obligation Consultation

What to expect in your free consultation:

1. We’ll listen to your story without judgment
2. Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
3. Explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
4. Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
5. Answer questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
6. No pressure to hire us on the spot—take time to decide
7. Everything you tell us is confidential

Contact Information:

• 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

Spanish-Language Services:

• Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish
• Servicios legales en español disponibles

Learn more about our practice:

• Wrongful death experience: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
• Criminal defense capability: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/
• Ralph Manginello profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
• Lupe Peña profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Whether you’re in Little River-Academy or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The same organizations, the same insurance companies, the same institutional cover-up tactics exist everywhere. We have the experience, data resources, and determination to help you fight back.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s discuss how we can help your family find answers, accountability, and justice.

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