The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits in Texas: What College Station Families Need to Know Now

For Aggie Parents: When the Dream Becomes a Nightmare

Your child worked incredibly hard to join the over 70,000 students who call Texas A&M University home. They navigated the competitive admissions process, perhaps moved from College Station to College Station, and embraced the Aggie spirit. You supported their excitement about joining a campus organization—a fraternity, sorority, the Corps of Cadets, a spirit group, or a club sport—believing it would provide community, leadership, and lifelong friendships.

Then you receive a phone call that changes everything.

Maybe you notice your student returning home to College Station with unexplained bruises or burns. Perhaps they’re experiencing extreme exhaustion that goes beyond typical academic stress. Their personality has changed—they’re withdrawn, anxious, or defensive about their activities. They’re receiving texts at all hours, their grades are slipping, and they’re being pressured into activities that make you deeply uncomfortable.

This is the reality for too many Texas families. Hazing isn’t just about “pranks” or “old traditions”—it’s dangerous, often criminal behavior that injures and kills students every year. Right now, families across Texas are learning this painful truth firsthand.

If you’re a parent in College Station, Bryan, or anywhere in Brazos County whose child has been harmed by hazing, you need to understand your rights, the legal landscape, and what experienced hazing attorneys can do.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies in College Station

If Your Student 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 at St. Joseph Health Regional Hospital or Texas A&M Health Science Center, even if your student insists they’re “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot GroupMe chats, texts, DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Contact an experienced Texas hazing attorney within 24-48 hours

Do NOT:

Confront the fraternity/sorority directly
Sign anything from Texas A&M or any insurance company
Post details on public social media
Let your student delete messages or “clean up” evidence

The University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi Case: Texas’s Wake-Up Call

Right now, in our own state, we’re handling one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. In November 2025, our firm filed a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter, its housing corporation, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, the UH System Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity leaders and members.

This isn’t an abstract example from another state. This is happening in our backyard, and it shows exactly what Texas families are up against when hazing goes wrong.

What Actually Happened at UH

Leonel Bermudez accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi in September 2025. What followed was not the leadership development and community service the fraternity advertised, but a systematic campaign of humiliation, abuse, and violence that nearly killed him.

The Hazing Included:

“Pledge fanny pack” rule: Carrying condoms, a sex toy, nicotine devices, and other humiliating items 24/7 under threat of punishment
Extreme physical abuse: Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills, and cold-weather exposure in underwear
Forced consumption rituals: Made to drink milk, eat hot dogs and peppercorns until vomiting, then forced to immediately run sprints
Waterboarding simulation: Sprayed in the face with a hose and threatened with actual waterboarding
The Nov 3 workout: Forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, and creed recitation under threat of expulsion
Other pledges abused: Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour

The Medical Catastrophe

After the November 3rd hazing session, Bermudez’s condition deteriorated rapidly. He passed brown urine, couldn’t stand without help, and his mother rushed him to the hospital. He was hospitalized for four days with diagnoses of:

Rhabdomyolysis: Severe skeletal muscle breakdown
Acute kidney failure: Critically high creatine kinase levels confirming kidney injury
Risk of permanent kidney damage: Ongoing medical treatment and monitoring required

The Institutional Response

November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters suspended the Beta Nu chapter
November 14, 2025: Chapter members voted to surrender their charter, effectively shutting down
University of Houston statement: Called the conduct “deeply disturbing,” promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion, and vowed cooperation with law enforcement

Why This Matters for College Station Families: If this can happen at a major public university like UH with a nationally recognized fraternity like Pi Kappa Phi, it can—and does—happen anywhere in Texas, including at Texas A&M, which has its own documented hazing history. The same national organizations operate here. The same insurance companies defend them. The same institutional pressures to protect reputations exist.

Media Coverage of the UH Case:

Hazing in 2025: What Texas A&M Parents Really Need to Understand

Hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypes of “harmless pranks” or “team bonding.” In 2025, hazing is sophisticated, often digitally coordinated, and designed to evade detection by universities and law enforcement.

The Modern Definition of Hazing

Under Texas law (Education Code Chapter 37), hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

Endangers mental or physical health or safety AND
Occurs for initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization

Crucially: Consent is not a defense in Texas. Even if your student “agreed” to participate, if there was peer pressure, power imbalance, or fear of exclusion, it’s still legally considered hazing.

The Five Main Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing

This remains the most common—and most deadly—form of hazing. In College Station, this might include:

“Big/Little” nights with forced handle consumption
Drinking games like “Bible study” or “family tree” where wrong answers mean drinking
Lineup challenges where pledges chug alcohol in sequence
Forced consumption of unknown substances or dangerous mixtures

2. Physical Hazing

At Texas A&M specifically, physical hazing manifests in several ways:

“Smokings” or extreme calisthenics: Hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, bear crawls across campus
Corps of Cadets rituals: Documented cases of simulated sexual acts, binding, and humiliation
Sleep and food deprivation: All-night “study sessions,” withheld meals as punishment
Paddling and beatings: Still occurs despite national prohibitions

3. Psychological and Humiliating Hazing

“Pledge duties”: 24/7 on-call status for older members’ errands
Public humiliation: Forced embarrassing performances at Northgate bars or campus locations
Identity attacks: Derogatory names, forced role-playing of stereotypes
Social isolation: Cutting off contact with non-members, required permission to socialize

4. Sexualized Hazing

This occurs in both Greek life and athletic programs:

Forced nudity or partial nudity
Simulated sexual acts (“elephant walk,” “roasted pig” positions)
Sexually degrading costumes or performances
Coerced sharing of intimate images

5. Digital Hazing (The New Frontier)

This is where hazing has evolved most dramatically:

24/7 GroupMe monitoring: Immediate response demands at all hours
Social media humiliation: Forced TikTok challenges, Instagram story dares
Location tracking: Required sharing via Find My Friends or Life360
Digital degradation: Creating memes mocking specific pledges
Evidence destruction coaching: Instructions on how to delete incriminating messages

Where Hazing Happens in College Station

College Station families need to understand that hazing extends beyond stereotypical fraternity houses:

Texas A&M University Fraternities and Sororities: Over 60 Greek organizations operate here
Corps of Cadets: Military-style traditions with documented hazing incidents
Athletic Teams: Club sports and even varsity programs
Spirit Organizations: Texas Aggie Sprit, Yell Leaders, and other tradition groups
Academic and Honor Societies: Even these groups have documented cases
Off-Campus Locations: Airbnb rentals, members’ family properties, rural retreats

The “Loophole” Tactics Organizations Use

Hazing organizations have become sophisticated at avoiding detection:

The “It’s Optional” Defense
Chapters announce activities as “voluntary” to create legal cover, but not participating means social exclusion and denial of status.

Off-Campus Venue Shifting
Moving hazing to houses not owned by the university or fraternity (common in the neighborhoods around Texas A&M) to avoid campus police jurisdiction.

Unofficial/Underground Operations
Chapters continue operating after losing recognition, then nationals claim “we revoked their charter, not our responsibility.”

Euphemistic Language
Calling hazing “tradition,” “bonding,” “new member education,” or “team building” to avoid the legal label.

The “Anti-Hazing Policy” Shield
Pointing to policy manuals as proof they prohibit hazing while simultaneously ignoring or minimally punishing violations.

Texas Hazing Law: What College Station Families Must Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Foundation

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions that protect students at both public and private institutions. Key provisions include:

§ 37.151 Definition of Hazing
Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers physical or mental health for purposes of initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership.

§ 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

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability
Organizations can be criminally prosecuted if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report it. Penalties include fines up to $10,000 and university expulsion.

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting
Individuals who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability.

§ 37.155 Consent Not a Defense
Explicitly states that victim consent doesn’t justify or excuse hazing.

§ 37.156 Institutional Reporting Requirements
Texas colleges must provide hazing prevention education, publish policies, and maintain annual reports of violations.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases (Brought by the State)

Purpose: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical Charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter
Prosecutor: Brazos County District Attorney for A&M cases
Standard: Beyond a reasonable doubt

Civil Cases (Brought by Victims/Families)

Purpose: Compensation and accountability
Typical Claims: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision
Filed in: Brazos County courts or federal court
Standard: Preponderance of evidence

Important: These cases can run simultaneously, and a criminal conviction isn’t required for a civil case.

Federal Laws That Apply

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

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

Title IX
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger additional reporting and response requirements.

Clery Act
Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics that may include hazing-related assaults.

Who Can Be Liable in a College Station Hazing Case?

Individual Students
Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing activities.

Local Chapter/Organization
The Texas A&M chapter itself and its officers.

National Fraternity/Sorority
Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters.

Texas A&M University
The institution may be liable for negligent supervision or deliberate indifference.

Third Parties
Landlords of off-campus houses, property owners, alcohol providers.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Precedents Teach Us

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Most Common Pattern

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

Forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Lesson: “Big/Little” drinking traditions are predictable and preventable

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

“Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant drinking
Died with 0.495% BAC
$6.1 million verdict against fraternity members
Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act created felony hazing statute
Lesson: Drinking games with academic veneers are still deadly

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

“Big Brother Night” handle consumption
Died from acute alcohol poisoning
FSU suspended all Greek life temporarily
Lesson: Even “tradition” doesn’t excuse lethal conduct

Physical and Ritualized Hazing

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

Blindfolded, weighted “glass ceiling” ritual at remote retreat
Fatal traumatic brain injury
National fraternity criminally convicted
Banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Lesson: Off-campus retreats don’t eliminate liability

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

Systemic sexualized, racist hazing in football program
Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
Head coach fired, then received confidential settlement
Lesson: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to big-money athletics

What These Cases Mean for College Station

These national precedents matter because:

The same national organizations operate at Texas A&M
Texas courts consider these patterns when assessing foreseeability
Settlement amounts set expectations for Texas cases
Legislative responses in other states influence Texas law

Texas Universities: A Campus-by-Campus Guide for College Station Families

Texas A&M University: Your Local Reality

Campus & Culture Snapshot
Texas A&M isn’t just College Station’s largest employer and economic driver—it’s where your children live, study, and potentially face hazing risks. With over 70,000 students and robust Greek life, Corps of Cadets, and athletic programs, A&M has multiple environments where hazing can occur.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels
Texas A&M prohibits hazing through Student Rule 24, which applies to all students and organizations. Reporting options include:

Office of Student Conduct
Corps of Cadets Commandant’s Office
Texas A&M University Police Department
Anonymous reporting through EthicsPoint

Documented Incidents & Responses

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)

Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner
Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
Pledges sued for $1 million
Fraternity suspended for two years
For College Station families: This happened right here at A&M

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023)

Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts
Bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth
Sought over $1 million in damages
Texas A&M stated it handled the matter under its rules
For College Station families: The Corps isn’t immune to abuse allegations

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Proceeds

Jurisdiction: Brazos County courts or federal court
Investigating agencies: Texas A&M PD, College Station PD, Brazos County Sheriff
Potential defendants: Individuals, local chapter, national organization, Texas A&M University System
Evidence locations: GroupMe chats, Snapchat messages, Kyle Field security footage, residence hall records

What A&M Parents Should Do

Document everything immediately: Messages disappear quickly
Seek medical care at: St. Joseph Health, Baylor Scott & White, or A&M Student Health
Report through multiple channels: Don’t rely solely on internal A&M processes
Consult an attorney before speaking to A&M administrators: They have institutional interests to protect
Preserve physical evidence: Clothing, paddles, receipts for forced purchases

University of Houston: Our Flagship Case Location

Campus & Culture Snapshot
As a major urban commuter campus, UH has different dynamics than A&M, but similar Greek life risks.

The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Case
Our firm’s ongoing litigation shows:

Hazing can cause rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
National organizations suspend chapters only after catastrophic injury
Universities describe conduct as “deeply disturbing” while fighting liability
Individual members face personal financial ruin from judgments

For College Station Families: The same national fraternities at A&M have chapters at UH. What happens in Houston establishes legal precedents that affect Aggie cases.

University of Texas at Austin

Public Transparency Advantage
UT Austin maintains a public Hazing Violations page showing:

Organization names
Violation dates and descriptions
Sanctions imposed

Example Entries Include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Texas Wranglers: Multiple hazing violations over years
Various spirit and service organizations with alcohol-related hazing

Why This Matters for College Station Families:

Pattern evidence: Repeated violations help prove negligence
Notice: Public records show universities knew about problems
Precedent: UT’s transparency sets expectations for other Texas schools

Southern Methodist University

Private University Dynamics
As a private institution, SMU has:

Less public transparency than public universities
Different liability considerations
Significant Greek life influence on campus culture

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017)

New members reportedly paddled and forced to drink
Chapter suspended until around 2021
Lesson: Even affluent private schools face serious hazing issues

Baylor University

Religious Identity & Historical Context
Baylor’s history with institutional response to misconduct adds complexity to hazing cases.

Baseball Hazing Incident (2020)

14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Staggered suspensions affected team competitiveness
Lesson: Athletic programs aren’t immune from hazing scrutiny

Fraternities and Sororities: National Histories That Affect College Station Students

Why National Histories Matter

When your Aggie student joins a fraternity or sorority at Texas A&M, they’re not just joining a local club—they’re becoming part of a national organization with a documented history of hazing incidents across the country. These histories matter because:

Foreseeability: If the same organization had hazing deaths at other campuses, they should have anticipated risks at A&M
Pattern Evidence: Repeated incidents show systematic problems, not “rogue chapters”
Punitive Damages: Knowledge of prior incidents can support claims for punishment beyond compensation

Organizations with Documented Histories at Texas Campuses

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

Stone Foltz: Bowling Green State, 2021 – $10M settlement
David Bogenberger: Northern Illinois, 2012 – $14M settlement
Texas A&M Presence: Active chapter subject to university oversight

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

Traumatic Brain Injury Case: University of Alabama, 2023 – ongoing litigation
Chemical Burns Case: Texas A&M, 2021 – $1M lawsuit, chapter suspension
Assault Case: UT Austin, 2024 – over $1M lawsuit, prior suspensions
Texas Presence: Chapters at A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor, UH

Phi Delta Theta

Max Gruver: LSU, 2017 – $6.1M verdict, Louisiana felony hazing law
Texas Presence: Multiple Texas campuses including A&M

Pi Kappa Phi

Andrew Coffey: Florida State, 2017 – death led to Greek life suspension
Leonel Bermudez: University of Houston, 2025 – our firm’s $10M lawsuit
Texas Presence: Chapter at UH (now closed), others potentially

Kappa Alpha Order

SMU Incident: 2017 paddling and drinking hazing, multi-year suspension
Texas Presence: SMU and other campuses

Texas-Specific Public Records: Who’s Behind the Organizations?

Through our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain detailed records of Greek organizations serving College Station families. Here are examples of entities that might be involved in an A&M hazing case:

IRS B83 Texas-Registered Organizations (Sample)

KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC | EIN: 133048786 | 3007 EARL RUDDER FWY S, COLLEGE STATION, TX 77845-6681 | IRS B83 filing
GENTLEMEN OF AGGIE TRADITION | EIN: 880537463 | 3007 EARL RUDDER FWY S STE 100, COLLEGE STA, TX 77845-6681 | IRS B83 filing
HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 900293166 | 114 HENDERSON HALL 4233 TAMU, COLLEGE STATION, TX 77843-0001 | Texas A&M University chapter
ETA ALPHA HOUSE CORPORATION OF KAPPA DELTA SORORITY | EIN: 742930349 | 404 UNIVERSITY DR E STE D, COLLEGE STA, TX 77840-1743 | Housing corporation
ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 812525354 | 3989 N GRAHAM RD, COLLEGE STA, TX 77845-6803 | THETA RHO OF ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATER

Texas A&M University Fraternity/Sorority Presence
Based on official rosters, Texas A&M hosts numerous national organizations with documented hazing histories nationwide, including Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, and others discussed in this guide.

Why This Directory Matters for College Station Families
When hazing occurs, these organizations—not just individual students—may hold insurance policies and assets that can provide compensation for victims. We track these entities so families don’t start from zero in their investigations.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

Critical Evidence That Wins Cases

Digital Communications (The Most Important Category)

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage: Planning, execution, and cover-up discussions
Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok: Humiliating content, location verification
Fraternity-specific apps: Internal communications platforms
Recovered deleted messages: Digital forensics can often retrieve “permanently” deleted content

Photos & Videos

Injury documentation: Progressive photos showing bruise development
Event footage: Content recorded by participants
Security camera footage: From houses, neighboring properties, campus cameras
Social media posts: Even deleted posts may exist in backups

Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals: Official and unofficial “tradition” documentation
Risk management materials: Nationals’ policies that chapters ignored
Financial records: Dues payments showing national involvement
Discipline history: Prior incidents at same chapter

University Records

Prior conduct files: Showing pattern of violations
Clery Act reports: Documented crimes near Greek housing
Internal emails: Administration discussions about the organization
Title IX records: If sexualized hazing occurred

Medical Documentation

ER records: Immediate treatment documentation
Lab results: Blood alcohol, tox screens, kidney function tests
Psychological evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
Future care plans: For permanent injuries

Witness Testimony

Other pledges: Often afraid initially but may cooperate as case develops
Former members: Those who quit or were expelled
Roommates and friends: Observed changes or heard details
Medical providers: Documented injuries and patient statements

Damages: What College Station Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, ongoing treatment
Future medical needs: Physical therapy, psychological counseling, medications
Lost educational costs: Tuition for withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships
Diminished earning capacity: If injuries affect career prospects

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective But Real Harm)

Physical pain and suffering: From injuries during hazing and recovery
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life: Can’t participate in former activities
Damage to reputation: Social and academic consequences

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support: Future contributions deceased would have made
Loss of companionship and guidance: For parents and siblings
Emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages (When Available)

Purpose: Punish especially reckless or intentional conduct
When awarded: Defendants had prior warnings and ignored them
Texas caps: Generally limited but can be substantial in gross negligence cases

Strategic Considerations for Texas A&M Cases

Jurisdictional Issues

State vs. federal court: Depending on parties and claims
Brazos County venue: Local jury pool considerations
Removal potential: Defendants may try to move to federal court

Defense Strategies We Anticipate

“The Pledge Consented”

Our response: Texas law explicitly states consent isn’t a defense
Evidence: Group chat pressure, power imbalance documentation

“This Was a Rogue Chapter”

Our response: National’s history shows pattern, inadequate supervision
Evidence: Prior incidents at other chapters, lack of enforcement

“It Happened Off-Campus”

Our response: Location doesn’t eliminate duty or foreseeability
Evidence: National collected dues, provided materials, exercised control

“We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”

Our response: Policies were window-dressing, not enforced
Evidence: Prior violations with minimal consequences, perfunctory training

Insurance Coverage Battles
Fraternity and university insurers often argue:

Intentional acts exclusion: Hazing was intentional, not covered
No duty to defend: Policy doesn’t apply to these facts
Multiple policies: Determining which insurer(s) must respond

Our approach: We identify all potential policies, fight coverage denials, and pursue bad faith claims when insurers wrongly refuse to defend.

Practical Guides & FAQs for College Station Families

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Aggie Student May Be Being Hazed

Physical Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries (especially on hands, back, legs)
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal academic stress
Weight changes from food/water restriction
Sleep deprivation (late-night texts, 3 AM “mandatory meetings”)
Chemical burns or skin damage
Signs of alcohol poisoning (even if your student doesn’t normally drink)

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

Suddenly secretive about organization activities
Withdrawal from family and non-member friends
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensive when asked about the organization
Fear of “getting the chapter in trouble”
Obsession with pleasing older members

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep in class
Skipping assignments for “mandatory” events
Losing scholarships or academic standing

Financial Red Flags:

Unexpected large expenses (“fines,” forced purchases)
Buying excessive alcohol or gifts for older members
Overdrafts, maxed cards, unexplained money requests

Digital/Social Behavior:

Constant phone checking for group messages
Anxiety when phone buzzes
Deleting messages or browser history obsessively
All-hours response demands
Social media posts showing concerning activities

How to Talk to Your Student

“How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
“Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
“What do they ask new members to do?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”
“Are they asking you to keep secrets from us or the university?”

48-Hour Action Checklist for Parents

HOUR 1-6 (Immediate Crisis):

Get medical attention at St. Joseph Health or Texas A&M Health
Remove student from dangerous situation
Screenshot any messages they show you
Photograph visible injuries with scale reference
Write down everything they tell you
Call Attorney911: 1 888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance

HOUR 6-24 (Evidence Preservation):

Help student preserve all digital communications
Secure physical evidence (clothing, objects, receipts)
Request medical records from all providers
Document witness names and contact information
Note all university communications but don’t respond yet

HOUR 24-48 (Strategic Decisions):

Consult with experienced hazing attorney
Decide on reporting strategy (with attorney guidance)
Refer Texas A&M administrators to your attorney
Do NOT speak to insurance adjusters
Back up all evidence to cloud storage

WEEK ONE PRIORITIES:

Continue medical documentation and specialist referrals
Begin formal evidence gathering through attorney
Interview potential witnesses
Develop comprehensive case strategy
Document any retaliation or pressure

For Students: Self-Assessment and Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide
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 Texas A&M or my parents approve if they knew?
Are older members making new members do things they don’t do?
Is this really about initiation, or just entertainment for older members?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie?

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

How to Exit Safely

Immediate danger: Call 911 or Texas A&M PD (979-845-2345)
Safe locations: Your residence hall, family home in College Station, public area
Good-faith protections: Texas law protects those seeking help in emergencies

If You Want to Quit:

Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
Send email/text to chapter leadership: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
Report any retaliation to Texas A&M and local police

Evidence Collection for Students

Screenshots: Capture full conversations with timestamps
Photos: Injuries from multiple angles with scale reference
Recordings: Texas is one-party consent (legal to record conversations you’re part of)
Medical documentation: Tell providers you were hazed so it’s documented
Witness information: Names and contacts of others who saw what happened

Who to Trust/Report To

Texas A&M Office of Student Conduct: Formal reporting channel
Texas A&M University Police: For criminal conduct
Corps of Cadets Commandant (if applicable): For Corps-specific issues
National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (anonymous, 24/7)
Experienced hazing attorney: Confidential consultation protected by attorney-client privilege

Be Cautious With:

Organization advisors employed by the national
Friends still in the organization (conflicted loyalties)
Anyone asking you to sign anything without attorney review

For Former Members/Witnesses

If you participated in hazing and now regret it, or witnessed abuse and want to help:

Your testimony can prevent future harm
You may need your own legal advice about potential exposure
Cooperation can be an important step toward accountability
We can help navigate your role as witness or cooperating party

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Evidence Be Destroyed
What happens: Messages deleted, injuries heal, witnesses graduate
Result: Case becomes nearly impossible to prove
Instead: Preserve everything immediately. Our video on using your phone to document evidence explains best practices.

2. Confronting the Organization Directly
What happens: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Result: Defense is prepared before you even start
Instead: Document quietly, consult attorney first

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms
What happens: Texas A&M may pressure quick “internal resolution”
Result: You may waive right to sue for inadequate compensation
Instead: Nothing without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media
What happens: Defense attorneys screenshot everything
Result: Inconsistencies hurt credibility, may waive privileges
Instead: Document privately, let attorney control messaging

5. Letting Your Student Attend “One Last Meeting”
What happens: Pressure, intimidation, extracted statements
Result: Student says something that hurts the case
Instead: Once considering legal action, all communication through attorney

6. Waiting “To See How A&M Handles It”
What happens: Evidence disappears, statute runs, university controls narrative
Result: Weakened case, missed deadlines
Instead: Preserve evidence now, consult attorney immediately

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters
What happens: Recorded statements used against you
Result: Early lowball settlement, admissions of fault
Instead: “My attorney will contact you”

FAQs for College Station Families

“Can we sue Texas A&M for hazing?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities have some sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals personally. Every case is fact-specific. Contact us at 1 888-ATTY-911 for case analysis.

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

“What if my student ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and fear of exclusion isn’t true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from injury or death in Texas, but the discovery rule may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately known. In cover-up cases, the statute may be tolled. Time is critical—call 1 888-ATTY-911 immediately. Learn more about Texas statutes of limitations.

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

“Will this be confidential?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlements.

“How much will this cost?”
We work on contingency—no fee unless we recover compensation. Our video explains how contingency fees work. Initial consultations are always free.

“What common mistakes should we avoid?”
Watch our video on client mistakes for comprehensive guidance. Most importantly: preserve evidence, don’t sign anything, and consult an attorney immediately.

Why Attorney911 for College Station Hazing Cases

Texas-Based Hazing Specialists with Aggie Community Understanding

When your Texas A&M family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand:

How powerful institutions fight back: Universities and national fraternities have unlimited legal budgets and experienced defense teams
The specific dynamics of Texas A&M: Corps culture, Greek life, athletic programs, and institutional pressures unique to Aggieland
How to win anyway: Proven strategies against billion-dollar defendants

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. 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
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Set reserves and negotiate settlements
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello)

BP Texas City explosion litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar defendants
Federal court experience: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
Not intimidated by national fraternities or universities
“We’ve taken on corporations with deeper pockets than any fraternity.”

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, and life care planning
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise

Ralph’s HCCLA membership signals elite criminal defense capability
Understands interaction between criminal charges and civil litigation
Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
“We see the whole board, not just one piece.”

Investigative Depth

Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
Experience obtaining hidden evidence: group chats, chapter records, university files
Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Detailed organizational tracking
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Aggie Community Understanding
While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas and understand:

Texas A&M’s unique culture and institutional dynamics
Brazos County courts and procedures
The emotional toll on College Station families
How to navigate both university processes and legal systems

What Sets Us Apart in Hazing Litigation

1. Data-Driven Investigation
We don’t start from scratch. Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine already tracks:

125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations with EINs and addresses
1,423 fraternities/sororities across 25 Texas metros
National hazing histories and patterns
Campus-specific violation records

2. Institutional Memory Against National Patterns
When we see Pi Kappa Alpha at Texas A&M, we know about:

Stone Foltz at Bowling Green ($10M settlement)
David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois ($14M settlement)
Multiple other alcohol-related deaths
This pattern evidence establishes foreseeability and supports punitive damages.

3. Digital Evidence Mastery
We know how to:

Recover deleted GroupMe and Snapchat messages
Authenticate social media content
Use digital forensics to reconstruct events
Preserve evidence before it disappears

4. Strategic Insurance Navigation
We identify all potential coverage:

National fraternity policies
University liability insurance
Chapter house policies
Individual member homeowners policies
We fight coverage denials and pursue bad faith claims when insurers wrongly refuse to defend.

Call to Action for College Station Families

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

If your Texas A&M student has experienced hazing—whether in a fraternity, sorority, Corps of Cadets, athletic program, or other organization—you have rights. Texas law provides protections, and experienced legal counsel can help you navigate this complex situation.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you contact Attorney911, we’ll:

Listen to your story without judgment or interruption
Review any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, messages, medical records)
Explain your legal options: criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect at each stage
Answer all your questions about process, costs, and potential outcomes
Provide clear next steps whether you hire us or not

No pressure to hire us on the spot. Take time to make the right decision for your family. Everything you tell us is confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege.

Contact Attorney911 Today

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

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

Serving All of Texas from Our College Station Perspective

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including College Station, Bryan, and all of Brazos County. We understand the unique dynamics of Texas A&M and are admitted to practice in all Texas courts where your case might proceed.

Final Word to College Station Parents

Hazing thrives in silence and shame. It continues because institutions prioritize reputation over safety, and because victims and families fear coming forward. By taking action, you’re not only seeking justice for your child—you’re potentially preventing future injuries and deaths at Texas A&M and beyond.

The national fraternities and sororities operating at A&M have seen this pattern before. They know the risks. They have the policies. When they fail to prevent predictable harm, Texas law holds them accountable.

Your child’s safety and wellbeing matter more than any organization’s tradition or reputation. If hazing has impacted your family, reach out today. Let us help you understand your options and make informed decisions about the path forward.

Call Attorney911 now: 1 888-ATTY-911 (1 888-288-9911)
Available 24/7 for immediate hazing emergencies

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

Attorney911 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

Attorney911 Main Website:

Contact and information: https://attorney911.com

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