A Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits and Accountability for City of Grey Forest, Texas Families

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

For parents in City of Grey Forest and throughout the serene Texas Hill Country, the college dream can transform into a parent’s worst nightmare with one phone call. Imagine your student—who left the quiet, tree-lined streets of Grey Forest for the vibrant life at UT San Antonio, St. Mary’s University, or another Texas campus—now facing something you never anticipated. What begins as joining a fraternity, sorority, Corps program, or athletic team can escalate into forced drinking, physical abuse, humiliating rituals, and life-threatening injuries.

Right now, less than 75 miles from Grey Forest in Harris County, we’re fighting one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases. In November 2025, we filed a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, housing corporation, and 13 fraternity leaders. Bermudez, a transfer student seeking community, endured months of systematic abuse that culminated in rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, requiring four days of hospitalization and facing potential permanent kidney damage.

His ordeal included carrying a humiliating “pledge fanny pack” 24/7, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, extreme physical workouts at Yellowstone Boulevard Park, and constant threats of expulsion for non-compliance. The Pi Kappa Phi chapter has since been suspended and voted to surrender its charter, with UH calling the conduct “deeply disturbing.”

This case isn’t an isolated incident—it’s proof of what we see happening across Texas campuses, including schools where Grey Forest families send their children. Whether your student attends UTSA, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or any Texas university, the patterns of coercion, institutional knowledge, and cover-up tactics are strikingly similar.

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

This comprehensive guide explains what hazing really looks like in 2025, Texas hazing laws, national case patterns, what’s happening at Texas universities Grey Forest families care about, and your legal options. We serve families throughout Texas from our Houston offices, bringing our experience with cases like Bermudez’s to help Grey Forest families navigate these complex situations.

Hazing in 2025: What City of Grey Forest Families Need to Recognize

Hazing has evolved far beyond stereotypical “pranks” or “initiation rituals.” For Grey Forest parents whose children attend Texas universities, understanding modern hazing is critical to recognizing warning signs and taking action.

A Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, maintaining membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. Crucially, “I agreed to it” or “they wanted to fit in” does not make it safe or legal when there’s inherent peer pressure and power imbalance. Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.

The Five Main Categories of Hazing Today

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common and dangerous form. It includes forced or coerced drinking during “Big/Little” nights, “lineup” drinking games, “Bible study” trivia with wrong answers requiring consumption, and being pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances. The Leonel Bermudez case at UH involved forced consumption of excessive milk and hot dogs until vomiting, followed by immediate sprints.

Physical Hazing
Beyond traditional paddling, this now includes extreme calisthenics far beyond normal conditioning—like the 100+ push-ups and 500 squats Bermudez faced—sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme environments. At Texas A&M, we’ve seen cases involving chemical burns from industrial-strength cleaners being poured on pledges.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This involves forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. The “pledge fanny pack” in the UH case containing condoms and sex toys represents this humiliating category.

Psychological Hazing
Verbal abuse, threats, social isolation, manipulation, forced confessions, and public shaming create lasting trauma. The constant threats of expulsion for non-compliance in Bermudez’s case demonstrate psychological coercion.

Digital and Online Hazing
Modern hazing lives on smartphones: group chat dares, “challenges” via Instagram or Snapchat, pressure to create compromising content, and 24/7 monitoring through apps like Find My Friends. Deleting evidence is now part of the cover-up process.

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Texas

While fraternities and sororities receive most attention, hazing occurs in multiple organizations Texas students join:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural groups)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups (particularly at Texas A&M)
Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs (like Texas Cowboys-type organizations)
Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading)
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Some Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations

The common threads are social status, tradition, and secrecy that keep these practices alive despite everyone “knowing” hazing is illegal.

Texas Hazing Law: What Grey Forest Families Need to Understand

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws that govern cases involving students from Grey Forest attending state universities. Understanding this framework is essential for families considering legal action.

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37, Subchapter F

Texas defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that endangers mental or physical health AND occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Key provisions Grey Forest families should know:

§ 37.151 Definition
The law covers both physical and mental harm, can occur on or off campus, and doesn’t require malicious intent—recklessness is sufficient. Location doesn’t matter if the conduct meets the definition.

§ 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
Additional crimes: Failing to report hazing or retaliating against reporters

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability
Organizations can be prosecuted if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report. Organizations face fines up to $10,000 per violation and potential campus bans.

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting
Those who report hazing in good faith to universities or law enforcement are immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result. Many Texas universities also provide amnesty for those calling 911 in alcohol-related emergencies.

§ 37.155 Consent Not a Defense
Texas law explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity.” This directly counters the “they agreed to it” argument.

§ 37.156 Reporting by Educational Institutions
Texas colleges must provide hazing prevention education, publish policies, and maintain annual reports of hazing violations. UT Austin’s public hazing violations page (hazing.utexas.edu) exemplifies this requirement.

Criminal vs Civil Cases in Texas

Criminal Cases

Brought by the state (district attorney)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Example: Harris County prosecutors could bring charges for incidents like those in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case

Civil Cases

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: Monetary compensation and accountability
Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
Example: Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez seeks compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and institutional accountability

Both can proceed simultaneously, and a criminal conviction isn’t required for civil litigation. In fact, civil discovery often uncovers evidence that strengthens criminal cases.

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently, strengthen prevention programs, and maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026). This will increase visibility of incidents at Texas universities.

Title IX and Clery Act
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. The Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics—hazing incidents often overlap with these categories.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Individual Students
Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover them up. In the UH case, we named 13 individual fraternity leaders including the chapter president, pledgemaster, and risk manager.

Local Chapter/Organization
The fraternity/sorority or club itself if it’s a legal entity. The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation is a defendant in our UH case.

National Fraternity/Sorority
Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters is named in our lawsuit based on their knowledge and oversight responsibilities.

University or Governing Board
Schools or regents may be liable under negligence or civil-rights theories. We sued both UH and the UH System Board of Regents for their role in oversight and failure to prevent known risks.

Third Parties
Landlords of event spaces, bars or alcohol providers (under dram shop laws), security companies, or event organizers.

Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys know how to identify all potentially liable parties.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Grey Forest Families

Major hazing cases across the country establish patterns and legal precedents that directly impact Texas cases. These cases show what’s at stake and how courts have responded.

Alcohol Poisoning and Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
Bid-acceptance event with heavy drinking led to fatal falls captured on chapter cameras, with hours-long delay before calling for help. Resulted in dozens of criminal charges, civil litigation, and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. Takeaway for Grey Forest families: Extreme intoxication combined with delay in calling 911 creates devastating liability.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
“Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers required drinking led to fatal alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%). Resulted in criminal convictions and Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony. $6.1 million verdict for the family. Takeaway: Legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Pledge forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night died from alcohol poisoning. Multiple criminal convictions and $10 million total settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). Takeaway: Universities face significant financial consequences alongside fraternities.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
“Big Brother Night” event where pledge drank to dangerous levels died from acute alcohol poisoning. Criminal hazing charges and FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life. Takeaway: Formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are repeating scripts for disaster.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
Pledge subjected to violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat suffered fatal head injuries with delayed medical care. Multiple convictions, fraternity banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years, national organization criminally convicted. Takeaway: Off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous as parties, and national organizations face serious sanctions.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
Pledge forced to consume excessive alcohol during “pledge dad reveal” night suffered severe, permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care). Settlements with 22 defendants reportedly totaling millions. Takeaway: Catastrophic non-fatal injuries result in lifelong care costs and significant liability.

Athletic Program Hazing and Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program over years. Multiple lawsuits, head coach fired, confidential settlements. Takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to major athletic programs with systemic abuse issues.

Robert Champion – Florida A&M Marching Band (2011)
Drum major died after brutal hazing ritual involving severe physical beatings on band bus. Multiple criminal convictions and $1 million settlement with FAMU. Takeaway: Hazing liability extends to marching bands and non-Greek organizations.

What These Cases Mean for Grey Forest Families

Common threads in these cases—forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, cover-ups—mirror what we see in Texas. The multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts demonstrate how seriously courts take institutional accountability. When Grey Forest families face hazing at Texas universities, they’re operating in a legal landscape shaped by these national precedents.

Texas University Focus: Where Grey Forest Students Attend

Grey Forest families send students to universities across Texas, with particular connections to San Antonio-area institutions and major state schools. Understanding the hazing landscape at these campuses is essential.

University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)

Campus and Culture Snapshot
As San Antonio’s largest public university just 20 miles from Grey Forest, UTSA serves many local students. With growing Greek life and Division I athletics, the campus reflects both commuter and residential student dynamics.

Hazing Policy and Reporting
UTSA prohibits hazing on and off campus, with reporting through the Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct, and UTSA Police. The university follows UT System policies and Texas legal requirements.

Documented Incidents and Greek Presence
UTSA’s Greek community includes fraternities and sororities across multiple councils. While public records show fewer high-profile incidents than larger campuses, the presence of national organizations with hazing histories (Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, etc.) means similar risks exist. Grey Forest families should know that proximity doesn’t guarantee safety—the same national organizations operating at UH and UT Austin also have chapters at UTSA.

How a UTSA Hazing Case Might Proceed
Cases involving UTSA students could involve UTSA Police, San Antonio Police Department, or Bexar County Sheriff depending on location. Civil suits would typically be filed in Bexar County courts. Potential defendants include individual students, local chapters, national organizations, and potentially the university depending on knowledge and oversight.

St. Mary’s University and Other San Antonio Institutions

Local Campus Context
St. Mary’s University, Our Lady of the Lake University, Trinity University, and University of the Incarnate Word all have Greek life and student organizations where hazing could occur. These private institutions have their own conduct processes but remain subject to Texas hazing laws.

Geographic Considerations for Grey Forest Families
When incidents occur at San Antonio campuses, families deal with local hospitals, Bexar County courts, and media. Having legal representation familiar with both San Antonio institutions and statewide patterns provides significant advantage.

University of Houston (UH) – Connections to Grey Forest Families

Why UH Matters to Texas Families
While Houston is 200 miles from Grey Forest, many Texas students attend UH, and the current Pi Kappa Phi case establishes critical legal precedents affecting all Texas universities. Our active litigation against UH demonstrates what’s possible when families pursue accountability.

The Leonel Bermudez Case in Detail
Our client’s experience represents modern hazing’s worst aspects: systematic psychological control, physical endangerment, and medical catastrophe. Locations included the Pi Kappa Phi house, a Culmore Drive residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park. Medical records show critically high creatine kinase levels confirming rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury. This case shows what Grey Forest families might face if their student encounters similar practices at any Texas campus.

UH’s Response and Chapter Closure
After reports surfaced, Pi Kappa Phi national suspended the Beta Nu chapter on November 6, 2025. Members voted to surrender their charter on November 14, effectively closing the chapter. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion and cooperation with law enforcement.

Texas A&M University

Corps of Cadets Culture
The tradition-heavy, military-style environment has produced both proud graduates and hazing incidents. Grey Forest families with students in the Corps should be particularly vigilant about “traditional” practices crossing into abuse.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)
Two pledges alleged forced strenuous activity with substances including industrial-strength cleaner poured on them, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. Pledges sued for $1 million; fraternity suspended for two years. Takeaway for Grey Forest families: Hazing methods continue evolving in dangerous directions.

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023)
Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with an apple in his mouth; sought over $1 million. Takeaway: Even highly structured programs aren’t immune to abuse.

University of Texas at Austin

Public Transparency Model
UT Austin’s Hazing Violations page (hazing.utexas.edu) publicly lists organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions—a transparency level exceeding most schools. This public record can provide crucial evidence for civil cases.

Example Sanctions

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation with required hazing-prevention education
Various spirit organizations and fraternities sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, or punishment-based practices

How UT’s Transparency Helps Families
When Grey Forest families consider legal action involving UT organizations, these public records establish pattern evidence and institutional knowledge that strengthens negligence claims.

Southern Methodist University (SMU) and Baylor University

Private University Considerations
As private institutions, SMU and Baylor have different reporting requirements but remain subject to Texas criminal hazing laws. Their religious affiliations (Baylor’s Baptist ties, SMU’s Methodist heritage) can complicate institutional responses to misconduct.

Historical Context
Both universities have faced scrutiny over organizational conduct—Baylor through its football sexual assault scandal, SMU through Greek life incidents. Grey Forest families should know that institutional reputations don’t guarantee student safety.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Grey Forest Families

If you’re a parent in Grey Forest, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your student. We maintain a Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracking over 1,400 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metros. Below are sample public records showing the organizational landscape.

San Antonio Metro Greek Organizations (86 Total per Cause IQ Data)

The San Antonio metropolitan area, which includes Grey Forest in Bexar County, hosts numerous Greek organizations. These entities appear in public filings and registrations:

Sample San Antonio Organizations from Public Records:

Xi Omicron Iota House Association (ΩΧΟ) – San Antonio, TX (Trinity University affiliation)
Alpha Lambda Chapter of Sigma Chi – San Antonio, TX (Trinity University chapter)
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – San Antonio Alumnae – San Antonio, TX (graduate chapter)
Kappa Alpha Psi – San Antonio Alumni – San Antonio, TX (alumni chapter)
Phi Upsilon Zeta of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity – San Antonio, TX (UTSA affiliation, EIN: 741016658)
Iota Beta of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity – San Antonio, TX (St. Mary’s University affiliation, EIN: 815229133)
Texas Xi Chapter of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity – San Antonio, TX (EIN: 900927378)

Texas-Wide Fraternity and Sorority Entities

These organizations registered with Texas addresses appear in IRS B83 filings for student sororities and fraternities:

Sample Statewide Organizations from IRS Records:

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc – College Station, TX 77845 (EIN: 133048786)
Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Inc – The Woodlands, TX 77382 (EIN: 161675890) – Zeta Rho HCB
Sigma Phi Lambda Inc – Corinth, TX 76210 (EIN: 201237505) – Beta Chapter
Arlington-Grand Prairie Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Frat Inc – Grand Prairie, TX 75054 (EIN: 232452759)
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – Frisco, TX 75035 (EIN: 462267515)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Waco, TX 76710 (EIN: 364091267) – Xi Chi chapter
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – Fort Worth, TX 76147 (EIN: 741380362)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Multiple campuses including UT Tyler, UT El Paso, Texas A&M, Texas Tech Health Sciences

What This Directory Means for Grey Forest Families

These public records show that Greek organizations are formal legal entities with Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), registered addresses, and organizational structures. When hazing occurs, these entities—not just individual students—can bear responsibility. Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine helps us identify all potentially liable parties: undergraduate chapters, alumni associations, housing corporations, and national headquarters.

Fraternities and Sororities: National Histories Matter for Texas Cases

When a Grey Forest student encounters hazing at a Texas campus, the national organization’s history becomes critically important to their legal case. Patterns across states show foreseeability and establish negligence.

Why National Histories Matter Legally

National fraternities and sororities maintain anti-hazing policies because they’ve faced deaths and catastrophic injuries. When a Texas chapter repeats the same script that got another chapter shut down or sued in another state, that demonstrates foreseeability and supports negligence claims against national entities. Courts consider whether nationals meaningfully enforced policies and responded aggressively enough to prior incidents.

Organization-Specific Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike)

Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, 2021): Pledge forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol; died from alcohol poisoning; $10 million settlement ($7M national + $3M university)
David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois, 2012): Pledge died from alcohol poisoning; $14 million settlement awarded to family
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, UT Austin, Texas A&M, SMU, Baylor, Texas State, Texas Tech
Takeaway: Repeated “Big/Little” alcohol hazing patterns establish national knowledge

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE)

Texas A&M Chemical Burns (2021): Pledges covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts; $1 million lawsuit
University of Alabama TBI Case (2023): Pledge allegedly suffered traumatic brain injury during ritual
UT Austin Assault Case (2024): Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted with injuries including dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia; $1 million+ lawsuit
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, UT Austin, Texas A&M, SMU
Takeaway: Multiple Texas incidents show statewide pattern within the same national organization

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

Andrew Coffey (Florida State, 2017): Pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night”
Leonel Bermudez (University of Houston, 2025): Our current case involving rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, and systematic abuse
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M
Takeaway: Active litigation in Texas demonstrates ongoing risks within this national organization

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

Max Gruver (LSU, 2017): Pledge died from alcohol toxicity during “Bible study” drinking game; Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act (felony hazing); $6.1 million verdict
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, UT Austin, Texas A&M, SMU, Baylor
Takeaway: Legislative changes following deaths show recognized dangers

How National Patterns Affect Texas Cases

When we represent Grey Forest families, we investigate not just the local incident but the national organization’s complete history. This pattern evidence helps establish that:

The national knew or should have known about specific hazing risks
Their policies were inadequate or inadequately enforced
They failed to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm
Punitive damages may be appropriate for reckless disregard of known dangers

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

Successful hazing litigation requires sophisticated evidence collection, comprehensive damage analysis, and strategic understanding of institutional defense tactics. Here’s how we approach cases for Grey Forest families.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Communications

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, fraternity-specific apps
Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok comments (even disappearing content)
Evidence includes both active and recovered/deleted messages through digital forensics
Example: In the UH case, group chats showed planning, intimidation, and coordination of abusive activities

Photos and Videos

Content filmed by members during events (often shared in group chats)
Social media posts showing injuries, humiliation, or alcohol consumption
Security camera or doorbell footage at houses and venues
Medical documentation of injuries over time

Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” lists
Emails/texts from officers about activities
National policies, training materials, risk management files
Membership rosters and officer contact information

University Records

Prior conduct files, probation/suspension records, warning letters
Campus police incident reports
Clery Act reports and safety disclosures
Internal emails among administrators about the organization

Medical and Psychological Records

Emergency room and hospitalization records (critical for injuries like rhabdomyolysis)
Surgery, rehabilitation, and specialist notes
Toxicology reports and blood alcohol levels
Psychological evaluations documenting PTSD, depression, anxiety, trauma

Witness Testimony

Other pledges experiencing similar treatment
Former members who quit or were expelled
Roommates, RAs, bystanders who observed changes or incidents
Medical providers who treated injuries

Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical expenses (past and future): ER care, hospitalization, surgery, therapy, medications
Lost income and educational impact: Missed semesters, withdrawal costs, delayed graduation
Future earning capacity reduction: For permanent disabilities affecting work ability
Other costs: Property damage, relocation expenses, tutoring

Non-Economic Damages

Physical pain and suffering from injuries
Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation, loss of dignity
Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in activities, withdrawal from college experience
Reputational harm: Social stigma, difficulty transferring schools or finding employment

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support and inheritance
Loss of companionship, love, guidance
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering and mental health treatment

Punitive Damages

When defendants’ conduct is especially reckless, willful, or malicious
2- Requires showing prior warnings ignored, particularly cruel conduct, cover-up attempts, or callous indifference
Texas has statutory caps but exceptions exist for intentional conduct

The Role of Insurance Coverage

National fraternities and universities typically have insurance policies that complicate litigation:

Coverage Disputes: Insurers often argue hazing or intentional acts are excluded
Multiple Policies: Identifying all potential coverage sources (chapter, national, university, homeowners)
Bad Faith Claims: When insurers wrongfully deny coverage or delay in bad faith
Our Advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney gives us insider knowledge of how these companies fight claims

Why Early Legal Involvement Matters

Evidence Preservation

Digital evidence disappears quickly (deleted group chats, formatted phones)
Witnesses get coached on what to say
Organizations destroy physical evidence (paddles, alcohol containers, manuals)

Statute of Limitations

Generally 2 years from injury or death in Texas
Discovery rule may extend if harm wasn’t immediately known
Fraudulent concealment by defendants can toll (pause) the statute

Investigation While Memories Are Fresh

Witnesses remember details accurately
Locations and scenes remain unchanged
Medical documentation is contemporaneous

Practical Guides and FAQs for Grey Forest Families

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme fatigue or exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-organization activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability, anger
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring with anxiety about responses
Financial red flags: unexpected large expenses, requests for money without clear explanation
Academic decline: dropping grades, missed classes, lost scholarships

How to Talk to Your Child

Use open questions: “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
Express concern without judgment: “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
Ask specifically: “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable or that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
Listen without immediate solutions: Sometimes they just need to be heard first
If they shut down, don’t force it—but monitor closely and stay ready to intervene

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing

Immediate safety: If there’s physical danger, call 911 or campus police
Medical attention: Get professional evaluation even if injuries seem minor
Document everything: Write down dates, times, details while fresh; screenshot messages; photograph injuries
Preserve evidence: Don’t let your child delete messages or “clean up”
Reporting options: Campus authorities (Dean of Students), local police, national anti-hazing hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE)
Legal consultation: Contact experienced hazing attorneys early—we can help preserve evidence and navigate processes

Dealing with the University

Document every communication with administrators
Ask specifically about prior incidents involving the same organization
Request copies of conduct policies and reporting procedures
Understand that university processes focus on student conduct, not victim compensation
Do NOT sign settlement agreements or releases without legal review

For Students: Safety Planning and Rights

Is This Hazing or Just Tradition?
Ask yourself:

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 the university or my parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?

If you answered YES to any, it’s likely hazing.

How to Exit Safely

If in immediate danger: Call 911 or campus police first
Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend) so there’s a record
Send written resignation to chapter president/new member educator
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
If fearing retaliation, report those fears to Dean of Students and campus police

Your Legal Rights in Texas

You cannot be punished for calling 911 or seeking medical help in an emergency (good-faith reporter immunity)
Hazing is a crime—you’re the victim, not the perpetrator
Consent is NOT a defense under Texas law
You can request no-contact orders through the university if harassed after reporting

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Letting Evidence Be Destroyed

Mistake: Deleting messages or “cleaning up” digital evidence
Why Wrong: Looks like cover-up; obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
Better Approach: Preserve everything immediately; screenshot before anything disappears

Confronting the Organization Directly

Mistake: Personally confronting fraternity/sorority leadership
Why Wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Better Approach: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation

Signing University Agreements Without Review

Mistake: Signing university “resolution” forms or settlement offers
Why Wrong: May waive right to sue; settlements often far below case value
Better Approach: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

Posting on Social Media
–Mistake: Sharing details publicly before case resolution

Why Wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Better Approach: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

Waiting for University Processes

Mistake: Delaying legal action “to see how the university handles it”
Why Wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitations run
Better Approach: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can we 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 personally. 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 a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. The Leonel Bermudez case involving rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure could support felony charges given the serious bodily injury.

“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, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion isn’t true voluntary consent. Our current UH case proceeds despite any implied consent during pledging.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears quickly. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately if you’re considering legal action.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. The Pi Kappa Phi hazing occurred at multiple off-campus locations but still resulted in liability for UH and the national organization.

“Will this be confidential?”
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. The public aspects of our UH case resulted from media investigation, not our filing strategy.

Why Attorney911 for Grey Forest Hazing Cases

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

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage
Mr. Lupe 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, argue coverage exclusions, and employ settlement strategies. We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience
Our involvement in BP Texas City explosion litigation proves we’re built for cases against massive defendants. We’ve faced billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal budgets and won. Universities and national fraternities use similar defense tactics—deep pockets, delay strategies, and institutional resistance. We’re not intimidated.

Active Texas Hazing Case Leadership
Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case—a $10 million lawsuit establishing critical Texas precedents. We’re not just talking about hazing law; we’re making it through active litigation against a major university and national fraternity.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience
We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, collaborating with economists to value lifetime care needs and future earning capacity. We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force real accountability.

Criminal and Civil Dual Capability
Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) signals elite criminal defense expertise. We understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation and can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure.

Investigative Depth and Expert Networks
We deploy medical experts (for conditions like rhabdomyolysis), digital forensics specialists, psychologists, economists, and Greek life culture experts. We obtain hidden evidence through subpoenas, public records requests, and discovery. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

Spanish-Language Services
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, serving Hispanic families throughout Texas. “Hablamos Español” isn’t just a tagline—it’s our commitment to accessible legal services for all Texas families.

Our Approach for Grey Forest Families

We understand that hazing cases involve more than legal claims—they’re deeply personal crises. Our approach balances:

Thorough Investigation
We start with evidence preservation, then build outward: digital forensics for deleted messages, subpoenas for organizational records, public records requests for university files, and witness interviews while memories are fresh.

Strategic Case Development
We identify all potentially liable parties: individual students, local chapters, housing corporations, alumni associations, national headquarters, universities, and third parties. We navigate insurance coverage disputes and anticipate defense tactics.

Compassionate Client Support
We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. We provide regular updates, explain each step in plain English, and prioritize your family’s emotional wellbeing alongside legal strategy.

Accountability Focus
Our goal isn’t just compensation—it’s preventing this from happening to another family. We pursue institutional reforms, policy changes, and public awareness alongside financial recovery.

Take Action Today: Consultation for Grey Forest Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether at UTSA, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or any university—we want to hear from you. Families in Grey Forest and throughout the Texas Hill Country have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to what happened, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

We Listen Without Judgment
Tell us your story in your own words. We understand the complexity of these situations—the pressure, fear, and institutional dynamics.

Evidence Review
Bring any evidence you have: photos, texts, medical records, correspondence. We’ll explain what matters legally and how to preserve additional evidence.

Legal Options Explained
We’ll outline your options: criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither. We discuss realistic timelines, potential outcomes, and what to expect at each stage.

Cost Transparency
We work on contingency—we don’t get paid unless we win. We explain all potential costs upfront, with no surprises.

No Pressure Decision
Take time to decide. We never pressure families to hire us on the spot. Everything you tell us is confidential whether you hire us or not.

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 (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)

Spanish Language Services:
Hablamos Español – Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish

Service Areas

While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas including Grey Forest, San Antonio, Bexar County, and all Texas communities. We handle cases involving:

University of Houston
University of Texas at San Antonio
Texas A&M University
University of Texas at Austin
Southern Methodist University
Baylor University
And all Texas colleges and universities

Whether you’re in Grey Forest or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions behind these organizations have legal teams and insurance coverage—you need experienced advocates who know how to fight them.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s discuss how we can help your family find answers, achieve accountability, and prevent this from happening to another student.

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

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of the Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing Lawsuit:

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:

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

Attorney911 Main Website:

https://attorney911.com

Practice Area Pages:

Wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Criminal defense practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/

Attorney Profiles:

Ralph Manginello: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
Lupe Peña: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/