Hazing at Texas Universities: A Comprehensive Guide for Morgan and Bosque County Families

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

Imagine receiving a call from your child, a student at a Texas university. Their voice is strained, afraid. They tell you about an “initiation” event that went too far—forced drinking, humiliating acts, physical exhaustion until they collapsed. They’re in pain, scared of retaliation, and don’t know who to trust. The university seems more concerned with protecting its reputation than protecting your child. If you’re a parent in Morgan, Clifton, or anywhere in Bosque County, this nightmare scenario could touch your family just as easily as any urban Texas community.

Right now, we’re actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas: the Leonel Bermudez $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. Our client, a UH student, suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after enduring what news outlets have described as “waterboarding-like” hose spraying, forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, and degrading “pledge fanny pack” requirements. He was hospitalized for four days with brown urine indicating severe muscle breakdown. As reported in the Click2Houston coverage, this case represents exactly what Texas families fear: systemic abuse hidden behind Greek letters and university indifference.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Morgan, Bosque County, and throughout Central Texas who need to understand:

• What modern hazing really looks like (beyond stereotypes)
• Texas hazing laws and your family’s rights
• How national hazing patterns repeat at Texas universities
• What’s happening at campuses where Morgan families send their children
• What legal options exist for accountability and recovery

Whether your child attends Baylor University in Waco (just over an hour from Morgan), Texas State University in San Marcos, or any Texas campus, the risks are real. We serve families across Texas from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices, bringing big-firm capability to rural Texas communities like yours.

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’re “fine”
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted using techniques from our evidence documentation video
• 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

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 Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

The Modern Definition: Coercion Disguised as Tradition

For families in Morgan and across rural Texas, hazing might seem like distant “frat boy” behavior at big universities. The reality is more insidious. Hazing in 2025 is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining or maintaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. Crucially, “I agreed to it” does not make it legal or safe when there’s peer pressure and power imbalance.

The Four Categories of Modern Hazing

Alcohol and Substance Hazing

• Forced or coerced drinking games (“lineups,” “century club,” “family tree”)
• Chugging challenges with hard liquor
• Pressure to consume unknown or mixed substances
• Big/Little nights where handles of alcohol are given as “gifts”

Physical Hazing

• Paddling and beatings (still occurring despite national bans)
• Extreme calisthenics (“smokings”) beyond safe limits
• Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions”
• Food/water restriction or forced consumption of disgusting substances
• Exposure to extreme temperatures

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

• Forced nudity or partial nudity
• Simulated sexual acts (“elephant walk,” “roasted pig” positions)
• Degrading costumes and public embarrassment
• Acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones

Digital/Online Hazing

• 24/7 group chat monitoring with instant response demands
• Social media humiliation through TikTok challenges or Instagram dares
• Geo-tracking requirements via Find My Friends or Life360
• Forced creation of compromising content

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

Morgan families should understand that hazing extends far beyond stereotypical fraternity parties:

Greek Life Organizations

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

Military and Leadership Programs

• Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M
• ROTC programs across Texas campuses
• Leadership academies and honor societies

Athletic Teams

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

Other Student Organizations

• Spirit groups (like Texas Cowboys at UT)
• Service organizations
• Academic and cultural clubs

The common thread? Social status, tradition, and secrecy keep these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Texas Hazing Law: What Morgan Families Need to Know

The Texas Education Code Framework

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in Education Code Chapter 37, Subchapter F. For Bosque County families, understanding this framework is crucial because it governs cases whether your child attends school in Waco, San Marcos, or anywhere in Texas.

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

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
• Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization

Plain English Translation:
If someone makes your child do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they meant to do it or were reckless about the risk, that’s hazing under Texas law.

Key Points for Morgan Parents:

• Location doesn’t matter – on or off campus
• Harm can be mental or physical
• “Reckless” is enough – they don’t need malicious intent
• “Consent is not a defense” – Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law

§ 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 Criminal Provisions:

• Failing to report hazing if you’re a member/officer: misdemeanor
• Retaliating against someone who reports: misdemeanor

Organizational Liability in Texas

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability
Organizations (fraternities, sororities, clubs) can be prosecuted if:

• The org authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
• An officer/member acting officially knew and failed to report

Penalties for organizations:

• Fine up to $10,000 per violation
• University can revoke recognition and ban from campus

Critical Protections for Reporting

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting
A person who in good faith reports hazing to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result.

For Morgan Families:
This means your child can call 911 or report hazing without fear of underage drinking charges. Many Texas universities extend this to medical amnesty policies – the priority is safety, not punishment.

The “Consent is Not a Defense” Rule

§ 37.155 Consent Not a Defense
It is not a defense to prosecution that the person being hazed consented to the activity.

Why This Matters for Your Case:
When fraternities argue “your child wanted to be part of this,” Texas law explicitly rejects that defense. The power imbalance in pledge relationships means true consent is impossible.

University Reporting Requirements

§ 37.156 Reporting by Educational Institutions
Texas colleges must:

• Provide hazing prevention education
• Publish hazing policies
• Maintain and publish annual reports of hazing violations

Transparency in Action:
UT Austin leads with its public hazing violations page. Other Texas schools are following. These reports help families see patterns before their child joins an organization.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases

• Brought by the state (district attorney)
• Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical charges: hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil Cases

• Brought by victims/families
• Aim: Compensation and accountability
• Focus: negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, institutional liability

Key Insight for Morgan Families:
You can pursue a civil case even without criminal charges. The standards of proof differ, and civil cases can uncover institutional failures that criminal cases might miss.

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to:

• Report hazing incidents more transparently
• Strengthen prevention programs
• Maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026)

Title IX & Clery Act

• When hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, Title IX obligations trigger
• Clery requires reporting certain crimes – hazing often overlaps with assaults/alcohol crimes

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students

• Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up

Local Chapter/Organization

• The fraternity/sorority itself (if incorporated)
• Officers and “pledge educators”

National Fraternity/Sorority

• Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, supervise chapters
• Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents

University or Governing Board

• Schools may be sued under negligence or civil rights theories
• Key questions: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference

Third Parties

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

For Bosque County Families:
Every case is fact-specific. We investigate all potential defendants to ensure full accountability.

National Hazing Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

Alcohol Poisoning & Death: The Most Common Fatal Pattern

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

• Bid-acceptance event with dangerous drinking games
• Severe falls captured on chapter security cameras
• 18+ hour delay before calling for help
• Result: Dozens of criminal charges, civil litigation, Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
• Texas Relevance: Shows how delay in calling 911 and culture of silence create criminal and civil liability

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

• Big/Little event where pledge given handle of liquor
• Drank to dangerous levels, died from alcohol poisoning
• Result: Criminal hazing charges, FSU suspended all Greek life temporarily
• Texas Relevance: Formulaic “tradition” drinking nights repeat across campuses

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

• “Bible study” drinking game – wrong answers = forced drinking
• Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
• Result: Multiple convictions, Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
• Texas Relevance: Legislative change follows public outrage and clear proof

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

• Pledge night, forced to drink nearly entire bottle of whiskey
• Died from alcohol poisoning
• Result: Multiple criminal convictions, $10 million total settlements ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
• Texas Relevance: Universities face significant financial consequences alongside fraternities

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Patterns

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
• Fatal head injuries, delayed medical care
• Result: Multiple convictions, national fraternity criminally convicted, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
• Texas Relevance: Off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous as parties, nationals face serious sanctions

Athletic Program Hazing Scandals

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

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

What National Cases Mean for Morgan Families

These cases establish critical legal precedents:

• Pattern evidence from other states can support Texas cases
• Multi-million dollar settlements show what’s possible
• Institutional reforms often follow only after tragedy and litigation
• Cover-up attempts (destroying evidence, witness intimidation) create additional liability

Texas Universities: Where Morgan Families Send Their Children

Geographic Reality for Bosque County

Morgan families typically have students at:

• Baylor University (Waco – ~1 hour drive)
• Texas State University (San Marcos – ~2 hours)
• University of Texas at Austin (~2.5 hours)
• Texas A&M University (~3 hours)
• Tarleton State University (Stephenville – ~1.5 hours)
• McLennan Community College (Waco – ~1 hour)

Plus community colleges and other regional campuses. Wherever your child attends, hazing risks exist.

Baylor University: Waco’s Premier Campus

Campus & Culture Snapshot

• Private Christian university with strong Greek life
• Approximately 30% of undergraduates in Greek organizations
• Religious identity intersects with social pressures
• Morgan families often choose Baylor for its proximity and reputation

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting

• Baylor prohibits hazing in all forms
• Reporting through Office of Student Conduct, Campus Safety, or anonymous systems
• Religious context sometimes complicates reporting – students may fear “letting down” spiritual community

Documented Incidents & Responses

• Baseball Team Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Multiple Greek Life Suspensions: Various chapters disciplined for alcohol, harassment violations
• Pattern: Like many religious-affiliated schools, Baylor faces tension between its moral branding and student behavior realities

How a Baylor Hazing Case Proceeds

• Jurisdiction: Waco Police Department and McLennan County courts
• Baylor as private university has different liability considerations than public schools
• Religious affiliation can affect public perception and legal strategy

What Baylor Families in Morgan Should Do

1. Understand Baylor’s unique religious-cultural context
2. Report through multiple channels: Campus Safety (254-710-2222), Dean of Students
3. Document everything – Baylor’s internal processes can be opaque
4. Seek independent legal counsel early – don’t rely solely on university resolution

Texas State University: San Marcos’ Growing Campus

Campus & Culture Snapshot

• Fast-growing university with active Greek life
• River culture contributes to party atmosphere
• Increasing numbers of Central Texas students, including from Bosque County

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting

• Comprehensive hazing prohibition in Student Code of Conduct
• Reporting through Dean of Students, University Police, online forms
• Publishes some disciplinary outcomes

Documented Incidents

• Multiple Greek Life Suspensions: Various sanctions for alcohol, hazing violations
• Athletic Team Disciplines: Periodic investigations into team culture
• Trend: Growing pains as university expands

Jurisdiction for Morgan Families

• Hays County courts and university systems
• San Marcos Police Department for off-campus incidents
• Texas State University Police for on-campus matters

University of Texas at Austin: Flagship Campus Realities

Campus & Culture Snapshot

• Massive Greek system with deep traditions
• Public hazing transparency leader among Texas schools
• Many Central Texas students, though fewer directly from rural Bosque County

Public Hazing Transparency
UT Austin leads Texas with its public hazing violations page. Recent examples:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics → probation + education requirements
• Texas Wranglers (2022): New member activities including forced workouts → suspension
• Multiple organizations: Various alcohol, physical, psychological hazing violations

Why UT’s Transparency Matters for Morgan Families

• You can research organizations before your child joins
• Pattern evidence is publicly documented
• Shows what behaviors universities actually punish

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Beyond

Geographic Reality for Morgan
While College Station is farther than Waco or San Marcos, many Texas families choose A&M for its reputation and traditions.

Corps of Cadets Culture

• Military-style environment with reported discipline issues
• 2023 Lawsuit: Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts, being bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth
• A&M stated it handled matter under its rules

Greek Life Incidents

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts → fraternity suspended, $1 million lawsuit
• Multiple other chapter suspensions for hazing violations

Unique Considerations for A&M Families

• Corps and Greek life interactions
• Strong tradition culture that can enable hazing
• University’s historical handling of misconduct cases

Southern Methodist University: Dallas’ Private Campus

Relevance to Morgan Families
While fewer Bosque County students attend SMU, understanding private university dynamics helps all Texas families.

Private University Dynamics

• Less public transparency than state schools
• Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived → chapter suspended
• SMU’s affluent reputation sometimes insulates from public scrutiny

Key Insight:
Private universities like SMU and Baylor have different legal exposures than public schools like UT and A&M. Their internal processes are often less transparent.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories, Texas Realities

Why National Histories Matter for Morgan Families

When your child joins a fraternity or sorority at a Texas university, they’re joining a national organization with a history that may span decades and multiple campuses. That history creates legal precedents that can help or hurt your case.

Critical Legal Concept: Foreseeability
If a national organization has seen deaths or injuries from specific hazing practices at other campuses, they arguably should have known the risks and taken preventive measures. This can support negligence claims.

National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

• Stone Foltz: Bowling Green State, 2021 – alcohol poisoning death, $10 million settlements
• David Bogenberger: Northern Illinois, 2012 – alcohol poisoning death, $14 million settlement
• Pattern: Big/Little drinking nights, forced alcohol consumption

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

• Multiple hazing-related deaths nationwide
• University of Alabama: Traumatic brain injury lawsuit (2023)
• Texas A&M: Chemical burns case requiring skin grafts (2021)
• UT Austin: Assault lawsuit involving exchange student (2024)
• Pattern: Physical abuse, dangerous initiations

Phi Delta Theta

• Max Gruver: LSU, 2017 – drinking game death, Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act
• Multiple chapter suspensions nationwide
• Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games, alcohol hazing

Pi Kappa Phi

• Andrew Coffey: Florida State, 2017 – Big/Little night death
• Leonel Bermudez: University of Houston, 2025 – rhabdomyolysis/kidney failure (our active case)
• Pattern: Physical endurance hazing, forced consumption

Kappa Alpha Order

• Multiple chapter suspensions including SMU (2017)
• Historical ties to problematic traditions
• Pattern: Paddling, physical punishment

How We Use National Histories in Texas Cases

Evidence of Notice
Showing that nationals knew or should have known about:

• Specific hazing methods used at their chapters
• Prior incidents with similar facts
• Inadequate responses to prior violations

Pattern and Practice Evidence
Demonstrating that:

• The organization has systemic issues
• Their “anti-hazing policies” were window dressing
• They prioritized expansion/membership over safety

Punitive Damages Arguments
In egregious cases where national organizations showed:

• Deliberate indifference to known risks
• Failure to implement meaningful reforms
• Prioritization of reputation over student safety

Texas-Specific Greek Organization Tracking

Through our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain data on over 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. For Bosque County families, this means we can quickly identify:

• Legal entities behind local chapters (house corporations, alumni associations)
• Insurance coverage sources
• Prior incidents at Texas chapters
• National organization connections

Example Entities Relevant to Central Texas:

• Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity – Fort Worth, TX 76244 (IRS EIN: 742911848)
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – Fort Worth, TX 76147 (IRS EIN: 741380362)
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – multiple Texas campuses
• Various chapter housing corporations across Waco, San Marcos, and Austin

This investigatory depth means Morgan families don’t start from zero when pursuing accountability.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

The Evidence That Wins Cases

Digital Communications (Most Critical)

• GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage: Screenshot entire threads with timestamps
• Snapchat, Instagram DMs: Capture before messages disappear
• Discord, Slack: Export channels if possible
• Fraternity-specific apps: Preserve all content

Watch our evidence preservation video for proper documentation techniques.

Photos & Videos

• Injuries immediately after and over several days
• Event locations (houses, parks, venues)
• Objects used (paddles, alcohol bottles, props)
• Social media posts/stories from the event

Internal Organization Documents

• Pledge manuals, “tradition” documents
• Emails/texts planning events
• National policies and training materials
• Chapter meeting minutes

University Records

• Prior conduct files on the organization
• Incident reports to campus police
• Clery Act reports
• Internal emails about the organization

Medical & Psychological Records

• ER/hospitalization records (crucial for rhabdomyiosis cases like Bermudez)
• Surgical notes, rehabilitation records
• Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
• Toxicology reports

Witness Testimony

• Other pledges (often afraid but may cooperate)
• Former members who quit
• Roommates, RAs, bystanders
• Medical personnel who treated injuries

Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages/income
• Educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
• Future earning capacity reduction (for permanent injuries)

Non-Economic Damages

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

Wrongful Death Damages

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of companionship and support
• Emotional harm to family
• Lost future earnings/support

Punitive Damages (When Available)

• To punish especially reckless or intentional conduct
• To deter future hazing
• Available in cases showing gross negligence or malice

Navigating Insurance Coverage Issues

Common Defense Tactics

• Insurers argue hazing is “intentional conduct” excluded from coverage
• They claim only certain defendants are covered
• They delay and lowball hoping families will settle cheaply

How We Counter Insurance Defenses

• Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background: He knows their playbook
• Argue negligent supervision even if hazing was intentional
• Identify all potential policies (chapter, national, university, individual)
• Pursue bad faith claims when insurers wrongfully deny coverage

Statute of Limitations: Act Fast

Watch our statute of limitations video for full details.

Texas Generally: 2 Years from Injury/Death
BUT exceptions exist:

• Discovery rule: Clock may not start until harm/cause is known
• Tolling for minors: Paused if victim under 18
• Fraudulent concealment: If defendants hid evidence

Critical for Morgan Families:
Evidence disappears fast. Witnesses graduate. Memories fade. Contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 to protect your rights.

Practical Guides for Morgan Families

For Parents: Warning Signs & Response

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Hazed

• Unexplained injuries (bruises, burns, fractures)
• Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Personality changes (anxiety, depression, withdrawal)
• Secretive about organization activities
• Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
• Financial strain (forced purchases, “fines”)
• Academic decline (missing classes, dropping grades)

How to Talk to Your Child

1. “How are things with [organization]? Are they respecting your time?”
2. “What do they ask new members to do?”
3. “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
4. “Have you or others been hurt?”
5. “Do you feel you could leave without consequences?”

If You Suspect Hazing

1. Safety first: Medical attention if injured/intoxicated
2. Document everything: Write down what they tell you, screenshot messages, photograph injuries
3. Preserve evidence: Don’t let them delete messages or “clean up”
4. Report strategically: Consult us before reporting to university
5. Legal consultation: Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 within 48 hours

For Students: Is This Hazing? What to Do

Self-Assessment Questions

• Am I being forced or pressured to do this?
• Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
• Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would my parents/university approve if they knew?
• Am I being told to keep secrets?

If You’re in Immediate Danger

• Call 911 – you won’t get in trouble for seeking help
• Get to a safe location
• Contact a trusted adult

Safe Exit Strategies

• Tell someone outside the organization first
• Send written resignation to chapter president
• Do NOT go to “one last meeting”
• Report retaliation to campus police immediately

Evidence Collection

1. Screenshots: Full conversations with timestamps
2. Photos: Injuries, locations, objects
3. Medical records: Tell providers you were hazed
4. Witness info: Names/contacts of others involved
5. Save everything: Don’t delete, even if embarrassed

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

Watch our client mistakes video for complete guidance.

MISTAKE #1: Deleting Evidence

• What happens: Looks like cover-up, destroys your case
• Solution: Preserve everything immediately

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the Organization

• What happens: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• Solution: Document quietly, let your attorney handle communication

MISTAKE #3: Signing University Agreements

• What happens: You may waive legal rights, accept low settlements
• Solution: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

MISTAKE #4: Social Media Posts

• What happens: Defense attorneys screenshot everything, inconsistencies hurt credibility
• Solution: Stay off social media about the incident

MISTAKE #5: Waiting on University Investigation

• What happens: Evidence disappears, statute runs, university controls narrative
• Solution: Preserve evidence NOW, consult attorney immediately

MISTAKE #6: Talking to Insurance Adjusters

• What happens: Recorded statements used against you, early lowball settlements
• Solution: “My attorney will contact you”

MISTAKE #7: Letting Your Child Return to Meetings

• What happens: Pressure, intimidation, statements that hurt your case
• Solution: Once considering legal action, all communication through attorney

Frequently Asked Questions for Morgan Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UT, A&M, Texas State) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities (Baylor, SMU) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts.

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

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

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from injury or death in Texas, but exceptions exist. The discovery rule may extend time if harm/cause wasn’t immediately known. Time is critical – call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

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

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

“How much does this cost?”
We work on contingency fee – we don’t get paid unless we win. Watch our fee explanation video for details.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

We Fight Institutional Power with Institutional Experience

When your Morgan 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.

Our Competitive Advantages

Insurance Insider Knowledge (Lupe Peña)

• Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
• Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers value (and undervalue) claims
• Understands their delay tactics, coverage arguments, and settlement strategies
• “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello)

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

Multi-Million Dollar Catastrophic Injury Experience

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

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise

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

Investigative Depth with Texas-Specific Data

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

Our Active Texas Hazing Litigation

Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez $10 million hazing lawsuit against University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi. As reported by ABC13, this case involves:

• Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure from extreme physical hazing
• “Waterboarding-like” hose spraying
• Forced consumption until vomiting
• Chapter suspension and charter surrender

This isn’t theoretical expertise. This is active, high-stakes Texas hazing litigation right now.

Empathy Meets Aggressive Advocacy

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

• Compassionate support through traumatic times
• Aggressive investigation to uncover the truth
• Strategic litigation to maximize accountability
• Respect for your privacy throughout the process

Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another Central Texas family.

Contact Attorney911 Today: Morgan Families, You Have Options

Your Confidential Consultation Awaits

If your child experienced hazing at Baylor, Texas State, or any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Morgan, Clifton, and throughout Bosque County have the right to answers and accountability.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

• We listen to your story without judgment
• Review evidence (photos, texts, medical records)
• Explain your legal options clearly
• Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
• Answer questions about costs (contingency fee – no win, no fee)
• No pressure to hire us – take time to decide
• 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 Services Available
Hablamos Español – Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish

Serving All Texas from Multiple Offices

Houston Office (Primary)
Serving Greater Houston, Harris County, and statewide

Austin Office
Serving Central Texas, Travis County, and surrounding regions

Beaumont Office
Serving East Texas, Jefferson County, and Golden Triangle

Morgan Families: We regularly serve clients from rural Texas communities. Distance is no barrier to justice.

Clear Expectations

Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Every case is unique, and we cannot guarantee specific outcomes.
An experienced attorney must review your specific facts to explain your rights and options.

Whether you’re in Morgan, Clifton, Meridian, or anywhere in Bosque County, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Immediate help. That’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

Plain Text Resources for Morgan Families

Attorney911 Contact Information:

• Main Phone: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Website: https://attorney911.com
• Ralph Manginello Email: ralph@atty911.com
• Lupe Peña Email: lupe@atty911.com

Educational Videos:

• Evidence Preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Statute of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client Mistakes to Avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• Contingency Fee Explanation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

UH Pi Kappa Phi Case Coverage:

• 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/

Texas University Hazing Resources:

• UT Austin Hazing Violations: https://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/sfl/hazingviolations.php
• Texas A&M Student Rules: https://studentrules.tamu.edu/
• Baylor Student Policies: https://www.baylor.edu/studentpolicies/
• Texas State Code of Conduct: https://studenthandbook.txstate.edu/

National Resources:

• StopHazing.org: https://stophazing.org
• National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)

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