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

For Salado Parents: When the College Dream Becomes a Nightmare

It starts with a phone call that every parent in Salado dreads. Your child, who you sent to a respected Texas university with dreams of lifelong friendships and academic success, is now in the emergency room. They’re vomiting, confused, and their urine is brown. The doctors say it’s rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown from extreme overexertion—and acute kidney failure. They ask what happened, but your child is afraid to talk. They whisper about “pledge activities,” about being forced through hundreds of push-ups and sprints until they collapsed, about older fraternity members spraying them with a hose “like waterboarding,” about threats of expulsion if they didn’t comply.

This isn’t a hypothetical scenario. This is exactly what happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston in fall 2025—a case our firm, Attorney911, is actively litigating right now. And it’s a reality that could impact any Salado family whose child joins a fraternity, sorority, Corps program, athletic team, or campus organization at any Texas university.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

In the first 48 hours:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
  • Photograph injuries from multiple angles
  • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
• Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity/sorority
  • Sign anything from the university or insurance company
  • Post details on public social media
  • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

• Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
• Universities move quickly to control the narrative
• We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

What This Guide Offers Salado Families

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Salado, Texas, who need to understand the harsh realities of modern hazing. Whether your child attends the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in nearby Belton, Texas A&M University-Central Texas in Killeen, or any major Texas campus like UT Austin, Texas A&M College Station, Baylor, SMU, or University of Houston, this guide will help you:

• Recognize what hazing really looks like in 2025—beyond the old stereotypes
• Understand Texas hazing laws and how they protect (or fail to protect) students
• Learn from national hazing cases that are shaping legal precedents today
• See what’s been happening at Texas universities where Salado families send their children
• Discover how fraternity and sorority national histories create patterns of liability
• Know what legal options you have if hazing injures your child
• Access practical, immediate steps to protect your child and preserve evidence

We are The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911. We’re Texas personal injury and complex litigation attorneys who handle serious hazing cases across Texas. We’re currently representing Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity—one of the most serious active hazing cases in Texas. We serve families throughout Texas, including right here in Salado and Bell County.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

The Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing isn’t just “boys will be boys” or “harmless tradition.” Under Texas law and in reality, hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—on or off campus—directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization that endangers the student’s mental or physical health or safety.

What Salado families need to understand: The “consent” defense doesn’t work. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that when there’s power imbalance, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion, true voluntary consent doesn’t exist.

The Four Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
Forced or coerced drinking remains the deadliest form of hazing. This includes:

• “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor to finish
• “Bible study” or trivia drinking games where wrong answers mean forced consumption
• Lineups where pledges must chug alcohol rapidly
• Being pressured to consume unknown substances or dangerous mixtures

2. Physical Hazing
This goes beyond “tough workouts” to include:

• Paddling, beatings, or physical assaults
• Extreme calisthenics (“smokings”) that exceed safe limits—like the 100+ push-ups and 500 squats that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez
• Sleep deprivation through all-night or late-night “activities”
• Food/water restriction or forced consumption of disgusting substances
• Exposure to extreme temperatures or dangerous environments

3. Psychological and Humiliating Hazing
This creates lasting trauma and includes:

• Verbal abuse, screaming, threats, and degradation
• Social isolation from non-members
• Forced nudity or sexualized acts
• Racial, sexist, or homophobic harassment
• Public shaming on social media or in group settings

4. Digital Hazing
A 21st-century evolution that includes:

• 24/7 group chat monitoring with immediate response demands
• Social media humiliation through forced posts or challenges
• Geo-tracking requirements via apps like Find My Friends
• Digital “scavenger hunts” that invade privacy

Where Hazing Happens: It’s Not Just Fraternities

While fraternities and sororities account for many hazing incidents, Salado parents should know that hazing occurs in:

• Corps of Cadets and military-style programs
• Athletic teams at all levels
• Spirit groups and tradition organizations
• Marching bands and performance ensembles
• Academic clubs and honor societies
• Service organizations and cultural groups

The common thread isn’t the type of organization—it’s power imbalance, tradition, and secrecy.

Texas Hazing Laws: What Salado Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws in the Education Code. Here’s what Salado parents need to understand:

Definition (§37.151): Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership that endangers mental or physical health or safety. This includes physical brutality, physical activity that adversely affects health, sleep/food deprivation, forced consumption, and any activity that induces stress enough to adversely affect health.

Criminal Penalties (§37.152):

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

Organizational Liability (§37.153): Organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if an officer knew and failed to report it.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§37.155): Even if the victim “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law.

Good-Faith Reporting Protection (§37.154): Those who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

When hazing occurs, two parallel legal processes may unfold:

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by the state (county or district attorney)
• Purpose: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Charges may include: hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter
• Burden of proof: Beyond a reasonable doubt

Civil Cases:

• Brought by victims or their families
• Purpose: Compensation and accountability
• Claims may include: negligence, wrongful death, premises liability, emotional distress
• Burden of proof: Preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not)

Critical Point for Salado Families: A criminal case is not required to pursue a civil case. Even if no criminal charges are filed, you may still have a strong civil case for damages.

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

• Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently
• Mandates public hazing data by 2026
• Strengthens prevention education requirements

Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility, Title IX requires universities to investigate and take appropriate action.

Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain crimes on campus; hazing incidents often overlap with Clery reportable offenses.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Hazing Case?

1. Individual Students: Those who planned, participated in, or covered up the hazing.

2. Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity, sorority, or club itself.

3. National Headquarters: If they knew or should have known about dangerous traditions and failed to intervene.

4. Universities: If they were deliberately indifferent to known risks or failed to enforce their own policies.

5. Property Owners: Landlords of off-campus houses or venues where hazing occurred.

6. Third Parties: Bars or alcohol providers who served underage students.

For Salado families, this means multiple sources of accountability—and potentially multiple sources of insurance coverage—exist when hazing causes injury.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What History Tells Us

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
The 20-year-old pledge was forced to drink an entire bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” event. He died from alcohol poisoning. The case resulted in multiple criminal convictions and a $10 million settlement ($7 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national, $3 million from BGSU).

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
During a “Bible study” drinking game, Max was forced to drink when he answered questions incorrectly. His blood alcohol content reached 0.495%. He died from alcohol poisoning, leading to the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana that made hazing a felony.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017):
At a “Big Brother” event, Andrew was given a handle of liquor. He died from acute alcohol poisoning. The case led to FSU temporarily suspending all Greek life.

What This Means for Salado Families: Forced drinking games aren’t “tradition”—they’re a repeating script for tragedy. When we see the same patterns at Texas universities, we know national organizations had notice of the dangers.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
During a fraternity retreat, Michael was blindfolded, weighted down with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual. He suffered fatal head injuries. Members delayed calling 911. The national fraternity was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter—banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):
After a bid acceptance event involving heavy drinking, Timothy fell multiple times, suffering traumatic brain injuries. Security footage showed members delaying medical help for hours. The case resulted in dozens of criminal charges and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

What This Means for Salado Families: Off-campus retreats and rituals can be especially dangerous because they’re designed to avoid university oversight. Delayed medical care dramatically increases injury severity and legal liability.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):
Former players alleged sexualized and racist hazing within the football program over multiple years. Multiple lawsuits were filed, head coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired, and the university faced significant scrutiny about institutional knowledge and response.

What This Means for Salado Families: Hazing isn’t limited to Greek life. Big-money athletic programs can harbor systemic abuse, and universities may prioritize program success over student safety.

The Patterns That Matter

These national cases show consistent patterns:

1. Forced consumption of alcohol or substances
2. Physical brutality disguised as “tradition” or “conditioning”
3. Delayed medical care due to fear of consequences
4. Institutional knowledge of dangerous practices
5. Cover-ups and destruction of evidence

When Salado families face hazing at Texas universities, these national precedents provide powerful legal arguments about foreseeability, pattern recognition, and institutional accountability.

Texas Universities: What Salado Families Need to Know

Salado is uniquely positioned in the Texas educational landscape. While we’re in Bell County with local institutions like Texas A&M University-Central Texas and University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Salado families regularly send children to major universities across the state. Each campus has its own Greek life ecosystem, hazing history, and response patterns.

Local Bell County Campuses

Texas A&M University-Central Texas (Killeen):
As part of the Texas A&M system, this campus follows system-wide hazing policies. While smaller than the flagship campus, it still hosts student organizations where hazing risks exist. Salado families with students here should know that reported incidents would be handled through the Texas A&M system’s conduct procedures.

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (Belton):
This private Christian university has its own conduct policies. While its religious identity might suggest lower hazing risks, national data shows hazing occurs across all types of institutions. UMHB’s smaller size doesn’t eliminate risk—it may just mean incidents are less public.

Major Texas Universities Salado Families Attend

University of Texas at Austin

Campus Snapshot: UT Austin hosts approximately 60 fraternity and sorority chapters with thousands of members. The university maintains a public hazing violations page—one of the more transparent in Texas.

Recent Incidents from Public Records:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. The chapter was placed on probation and required to implement hazing prevention education.
• Texas Wranglers (Spirit Organization): Sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing.
• Multiple organizations appear on UT’s hazing log for alcohol violations, forced physical activity, and humiliation.

What Salado Families Should Know:

• UT’s transparency means you can research an organization’s history before your child joins
• The university’s size means some hazing may go unreported or under-investigated
• Civil cases involving UT may involve both the university system and individual organizations

If Hazing Happens at UT:

• Reports go to the Dean of Students or UTPD
• Civil cases would typically be filed in Travis County courts
• The university’s public violation history can be powerful evidence in civil litigation

Texas A&M University (College Station)

Campus Snapshot: Texas A&M’s Greek life and Corps of Cadets culture are deeply embedded in campus tradition. This creates both rich community and significant hazing risks.

Documented Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):
Two pledges alleged they were covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. They sued for $1 million. The fraternity was suspended for two years.

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023):
A cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million. Texas A&M stated it handled the matter under its rules.

What Salado Families Should Know:

• The Corps of Cadets has its own disciplinary system separate from general student conduct
• Tradition-heavy environments can normalize dangerous behaviors
• Texas A&M has faced multiple high-profile hazing cases in recent years

If Hazing Happens at Texas A&M:

• Multiple reporting channels exist: Student Conduct, Corps leadership, campus police
• The university’s historical handling of similar cases will influence their response
• Civil cases may involve both the university system and national organizations

Southern Methodist University

Campus Snapshot: SMU’s affluent student body and strong Greek presence create a specific campus culture. As a private university, SMU has different transparency requirements than public institutions.

Documented Incidents:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017):
New members reported paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation. The chapter was suspended and had recruitment restrictions until approximately 2021.

What Salado Families Should Know:

• Private university status means less public information about incidents
• SMU uses anonymous reporting systems like Real Response
• The university’s reputation management may influence how aggressively it addresses hazing

If Hazing Happens at SMU:

• Reports go through the Office of Student Affairs or anonymous hotlines
• Civil cases against SMU don’t face the same sovereign immunity issues as public universities
• Discovery in litigation can uncover internal reports that aren’t publicly available

Baylor University

Campus Snapshot: Baylor’s religious identity and recent history with athletic scandals create a complex environment for addressing misconduct.

Documented Incidents:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):
14 players were suspended following a hazing investigation, with staggered suspensions affecting the early season.

What Salado Families Should Know:

• Baylor’s past sexual assault scandal has led to increased scrutiny of institutional response
• Religious branding doesn’t eliminate hazing risks—it may just change how incidents are framed
• The university has faced criticism for how it handles misconduct reports

If Hazing Happens at Baylor:

• The university’s past conduct will influence how it responds to new allegations
• Civil cases may reference Baylor’s historical handling of similar issues
• The university’s private status affects legal strategies

University of Houston

Campus Snapshot: UH’s large urban campus hosts diverse Greek life through multiple councils. The university has faced significant hazing incidents, including the active case we’re handling.

The Leonel Bermudez Case (Active, Filed 2025):
Our client Leonel Bermudez suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after extreme hazing by Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter. The hazing included:

• 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion
• Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
• Being sprayed with a hose “similar to waterboarding”
• Carrying a “pledge fanny pack” 24/7 with humiliating contents
• Sleep deprivation and overnight driving duties

The $10 million lawsuit names UH, the UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders.

Earlier Pi Kappa Alpha Incident (2016):
Pledges were allegedly deprived of food, water, and sleep during a multi-day event. One student suffered a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and university suspension.

What Salado Families Should Know:

• UH has suspended multiple chapters for hazing violations
• The university’s urban setting means hazing may occur at off-campus locations
• UH’s response to prior incidents will influence how it handles new allegations

If Hazing Happens at UH:

• Reports go to the Dean of Students or UHPD
  gasCivil cases would typically be filed in Harris County courts
• The university’s historical discipline records can be obtained through public records requests

The Common Threads Across Texas Campuses

1. Alcohol remains central to most serious hazing incidents
2. Physical brutality is often framed as “conditioning” or “tradition”
3. Off-campus locations are frequently used to avoid university oversight
4. Delayed reporting is common due to fear of retaliation
5. Institutional responses vary based on publicity, severity, and organizational power

For Salado families, this means knowing your child’s specific campus culture is as important as knowing general hazing risks.

Fraternities and Sororities: National Patterns, Local Chapters

Why National Histories Matter

When a local chapter at UT Austin, Texas A&M, or Baylor engages in hazing, they’re often repeating patterns that have caused injuries and deaths at other chapters nationwide. This isn’t coincidence—it’s predictable based on national organizations’ histories.

National fraternities and sororities create thick anti-hazing manuals precisely because they’ve seen these tragedies before. When they fail to enforce those policies, or when local chapters repeat dangerous traditions despite national “awareness,” that failure becomes evidence in civil cases.

Organization Mapping: Texas Campuses and National Patterns

Using our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—which tracks 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros—we can see how national patterns manifest locally. Here are examples of organizations present at Texas universities with significant national hazing histories:

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

• National History: Stone Foltz death (BGSU, 2021), multiple other alcohol-related deaths
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, SMU, Baylor, others
• Local Incidents: UT Austin probation (2023), UH incident (2016)

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

• National History: Multiple hazing-related deaths nationwide; traumatic brain injury lawsuit at University of Alabama (2023)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, SMU, Baylor, UH
• Local Incidents: Texas A&M chemical burns case (2021), UT Austin assault allegation (2024)

Pi Kappa Phi:

• National History: Andrew Coffey death (FSU, 2017)
• Texas Presence: Chapter at UH (Beta Nu, now closed due to Bermudez case)
• Local Incidents: Active $10 million lawsuit at UH

Phi Delta Theta:

• National History: Max Gruver death (LSU, 2017)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, others
• Local Incidents: Disciplinary actions at multiple Texas campuses

Kappa Alpha Order:

• National History: Multiple hazing suspensions nationwide
• Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, SMU, others
• Local Incidents: SMU suspension (2017)

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: A Data-Driven View

Our investigation of public records reveals the scope of Greek life in Texas:

IRS B83 Registered Organizations in Texas: 125+ tax-exempt Greek organizations with Texas addresses, including house corporations, alumni chapters, and honor societies.

Example Organizations Near Salado and Across Texas:

• 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 (IRS B83 filing)
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC, EIN 475370943, HOUSTON, TX 77204 (IRS B83 filing)
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI, EIN 383742830, EL PASO, TX 79968 (IRS B83 filing)
• TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC, EIN 741380362, FORT WORTH, TX 76147 (IRS B83 filing)

Metro Area Greek Organization Counts (from Cause IQ Data):

• Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington: 510 organizations
• Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land: 188 organizations
• Austin-Round Rock: 154 organizations
• San Antonio: 86 organizations
• College Station-Bryan: 42 organizations
• Waco: 27 organizations

What This Means for Salado Families:
This isn’t just a few “bad apples.” It’s a massive ecosystem of organizations with complex legal structures. When hazing occurs, identifying all potentially liable entities—local chapters, housing corporations, alumni associations, national headquarters—requires investigative depth that most families don’t have on their own.

How National Patterns Support Civil Cases

In litigation, we use national histories to establish:

Foreseeability: National organizations knew or should have known that certain traditions (Big/Little nights, forced drinking games, extreme physical hazing) were dangerous based on incidents at other chapters.

Notice: National headquarters often receive reports, complaints, or incident notifications from multiple chapters but fail to take adequate action.

Pattern and Practice: When the same dangerous behaviors recur across different chapters of the same organization, it shows systemic issues rather than isolated incidents.

Punitive Damages Grounds: Repeated warnings ignored, weak enforcement of policies, or prioritizing recruitment over safety can support claims for punitive damages.

For Salado families, this means that what happened at a fraternity chapter in Pennsylvania or Louisiana in 2017 can directly impact the value and strategy of your case in Texas in 2025.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

Critical Evidence in Modern Hazing Cases

Digital Communications (The Most Important Category):

• Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord, Slack, fraternity-specific apps
• Text Messages: Screenshot entire conversations with timestamps
• Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat snaps, TikTok videos, Facebook posts
• Deleted Messages: Digital forensics can often recover deleted content

Visual Evidence:

• Photos and videos of the hazing activities
• Security camera footage from houses or venues
• Medical photographs of injuries over time

Documentary Evidence:

• Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” documents
• Chapter meeting minutes or planning documents
• University conduct records for prior incidents
• National organization policy manuals

Medical Records:

• Emergency room reports and hospitalization records
• Lab results (blood alcohol, toxicology, kidney function)
• Psychological evaluations for trauma, PTSD, anxiety
• Future care plans for permanent injuries

Witness Testimony:

• Other pledges who experienced the same hazing
• Former members who left the organization
• Roommates, friends, or bystanders
• Medical providers who treated injuries

The Evidence Preservation Imperative

For Salado families, the first 48 hours are critical:

1. DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING: Even embarrassing messages are evidence
2. SCREENSHOT COMPREHENSIVELY: Capture full conversations with timestamps
3. PHOTOGRAPH INJURIES: Multiple angles, include a ruler for scale
4. DOCUMENT WITNESSES: Names and contact information for everyone involved
5. MEDICAL DOCUMENTATION: Tell healthcare providers exactly what happened

Our video on using your phone to document evidence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains best practices for preserving digital evidence.

Types of Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages or earning capacity
• Educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
• Therapy and rehabilitation costs

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm):

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Damage to reputation and relationships

Wrongful Death Damages (When Applicable):

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

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Especially Reckless):

• To punish defendants for particularly egregious conduct
• To deter similar behavior in the future
• Available under certain circumstances in Texas

Case Strategy: Multiple Defendants, Multiple Theories

Successful hazing litigation requires pursuing all potentially liable parties:

Against Individuals:

• Assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress
• Individual officers may have personal liability exposure

Against Local Chapters:

• Negligence in supervision and training
• Premises liability for dangerous conditions
• Vicarious liability for members’ actions

Against National Organizations:

• Negligent hiring, training, and supervision
• Failure to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Ratification of dangerous traditions

Against Universities:

• Deliberate indifference to known risks
• Negligent supervision of recognized organizations
• Title IX violations when applicable

Insurance Coverage Strategies:

• Identifying all applicable insurance policies
• Navigating “intentional act” exclusions
• Pursuing bad faith claims when insurers wrongfully deny coverage

This multi-defendant approach maximizes potential recovery and accountability. It’s also why having an attorney with experience against institutional defendants matters—we know how to identify and pursue all sources of liability.

Practical Guides and FAQs for Salado Families

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

1. Physical Signs:

   • Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
   • Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
   • Weight changes (from food/water restriction or stress)
   • Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, 3 AM calls)

2. Behavioral Changes:

   • Sudden secrecy about organization activities
   • Withdrawal from family and old friends
   • Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
   • Defensive when asked about the organization

3. Academic Red Flags:

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

4. Digital Behavior:

   • Constant phone monitoring of group chats
   • Anxiety when phone buzzes
   • Deleting messages obsessively

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing:

1. Ask Open Questions:

   • “How are things going with [organization]?”
   • “What do new members typically do?”
   • “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”

2. Listen Without Judgment: If they start to open up, don’t interrupt or get angry

3. Emphasize Safety: “Your health is more important than any organization”

4. Offer Support: “We’ll figure this out together, no matter what”

If You Confirm Hazing:

1. Prioritize Safety: Get medical attention if needed
2. Preserve Evidence: Follow the 48-hour checklist above
3. Report Strategically: Consult an attorney before reporting to understand implications
4. Document Everything: Write down what happened while memory is fresh

For Students: Self-Assessment and Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

1. Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
2. Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
3. Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
4. Would the university or my parents approve if they knew?
5. Am I being told to keep secrets or lie about this?

If You Want to Quit/De-Pledge Safely:

1. Tell Someone First: A parent, trusted friend, or RA
2. Send Written Notice: Email the chapter president: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
3. Don’t Go to “One Last Meeting”: This is where pressure or retaliation may occur
4. Document Any Retaliation: Screenshot threats, save voicemails

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

1. You cannot be punished for calling 911 in a medical emergency
2. Hazing is a crime—you are the victim, not the perpetrator
3. You can file a civil lawsuit even if no criminal charges are filed
4. You can request a no-contact order if you’re being harassed

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence:
What families think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like a cover-up; may be obstruction of justice
What to do instead: Preserve everything, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Organization Directly:
What families think: “I’ll give them a piece of my mind”
Why it’s wrong: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
What to do instead: Document quietly, then call an attorney

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms:
What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or agreements
Why it’s wrong: You may waive your right to sue or accept inadequate compensation
What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media:
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 attorney control messaging

5. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”:
What universities promise: “We’re investigating internally”
Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitation run
What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult an attorney immediately

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters:
What adjusters say: “We just need your statement”
Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball
What to do instead: “My attorney will contact you”

Our video on client mistakes that can ruin your case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY) covers these and other critical errors.

Frequently Asked Questions for Salado Families

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

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

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states that 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 the date of injury or death in Texas, but exceptions exist. The “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm wasn’t immediately known. In cases with cover-ups, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—call us immediately.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national organizations can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Many major hazing cases occurred off-campus.

“Will my child’s name be in the news?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy.

“How much does it cost to hire an attorney?”
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win. We cover case expenses upfront and get reimbursed from the recovery. Watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

“What’s the first step?”
Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and help you decide on the best path forward.

Why Attorney911 for Salado Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

When your family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway.

Insurance Insider Advantage (Lupe Peña):
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. He understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. As he says, “We know their playbook because we used to run it.” His profile is at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello):
Mr. Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations and winning. He has federal court experience and isn’t intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams. His profile is at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/

Active Hazing Litigation Experience:
Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez case—a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi. This isn’t theoretical knowledge; it’s active, current experience fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience:
We’ve recovered millions for families in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. We know how to work with economists, life care planners, and medical experts to build cases that force accountability. Our wrongful death practice page is at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:
Mr. Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. We can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure.

Investigative Depth and Resources:
We maintain a Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracking 1,423 Greek organizations across Texas. We have a network of experts: digital forensics specialists, medical experts, psychologists, economists. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

Our Approach: Empathy, Investigation, Accountability

We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our approach balances:

Empathy First: We listen without judgment. We understand the trauma, fear, and confusion your family is experiencing.

Thorough Investigation: We dig deeper than anyone else. We obtain deleted messages, subpoena national records, uncover university files, and identify all potentially liable parties.

Strategic Accountability: We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force institutional change while securing fair compensation for your family.

Prevention Focus: We believe accountability today prevents tragedies tomorrow. Many families use settlements to establish scholarships or foundations in their child’s name.

Serving Salado and All of Texas

From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including right here in Salado and Bell County. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families across our state, and we’re committed to providing the same level of representation whether you’re down the street or across the state.

Hablamos Español: Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish. Contact him at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

Your Next Step: Contact Us Today

If you or your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether it’s the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor here in Bell County, Texas A&M University-Central Texas in Killeen, or any major university across the state—we want to hear from you.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

1. We Listen: You tell your story without interruption or judgment
2. We Review Evidence: We look at any photos, messages, or documents you have
3. We Explain Options: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
4. We Discuss Realistic Expectations: Timelines, potential challenges, possible outcomes
5. We Answer Questions: Costs, privacy concerns, what happens next
6. No Pressure: Take time to decide—we never pressure immediate hiring

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 or lupe@atty911.com

Remember:

• This article is educational information, not legal advice
• Reading it doesn’t create an attorney-client relationship
• Every case depends on specific facts and evidence
• Texas laws and university policies can change

But one thing remains constant: when hazing injures or kills Texas students, families deserve answers, accountability, and justice. We’re here to help you fight for all three.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re listening.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

Attorney911 Main Website: https://attorney911.com

Wrongful Death Practice Page: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/

Criminal Defense Practice Page: 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/

Educational Videos:

• Using Your Phone to Document Evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Statute of Limitations Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• How Contingency Fees Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

News Coverage of the Leonel Bermudez Case:

• Click2Houston Report: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
• ABC13 Coverage: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• Hoodline Summary: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

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 | lupe@atty911.com