Understanding Texas Hazing Laws: A Definitive Guide for Families in Clyde and Across Texas

When a “Tradition” Becomes a Life-Threatening Crime: What Every Clyde Family Needs to Know About Modern Hazing

Your son called you from college last weekend. His voice was different—exhausted, distant, like he hadn’t slept in days. He mentioned “mandatory pledge events” that kept him out until 3 AM, but he quickly changed the subject when you asked for details. He has unexplained bruises on his back that he says are from “intramurals.” His texts now include cryptic phrases like “just gotta get through this week” and show him in group photos wearing humiliating costumes. You’re a parent in Clyde, Texas, watching the bright young man you sent off to University of Houston or Texas A&M slowly disappear into a world of secrecy, sleep deprivation, and danger. You suspect something is terribly wrong, but you don’t know what to call it or where to turn.

Right now, in our own state, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in recent Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered acute kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis after enduring brutal hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. According to the Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case, Bermudez was forced to complete extreme workouts, consume excessive food until vomiting, and was sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.” His urine turned brown—a classic sign of rhabdomyolysis—and he required a four-day hospitalization. The fraternity chapter has been shut down, but the physical and psychological damage to this young man continues. This is not an isolated incident from some distant state; this happened right here in Texas, at a public university, to a student whose story could easily be your child’s.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for families in Clyde, Abilene, Taylor County, and throughout Texas who need to understand the harsh realities of modern hazing. We will explain what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law defines and punishes it, what major cases teach us about institutional accountability, and what legal options exist when your child becomes a victim. At The Manginello Law Firm, we’ve made hazing litigation a core part of our practice because we’ve seen firsthand how these “traditions” destroy lives and how universities and national organizations often prioritize their reputations over student safety.

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.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like Beyond the Stereotypes

For families in Clyde who may associate hazing with outdated images of paddle-wielding fraternity brothers, the reality in 2025 is far more sophisticated, dangerous, and digitally enabled. Hazing is no longer just “boys being boys” during Hell Week—it’s a calculated system of control that exploits psychological vulnerabilities, uses technology for constant surveillance, and often masquerades as “team building” or “tradition.”

The Modern Definition: Coercion Disguised as Community

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. The critical element that Clyde parents must understand is that “I agreed to it” does not make it safe or legal when there is inherent peer pressure and power imbalance. In the Bermudez case, he “agreed” to wear a “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms and sex toys, “agreed” to be sprayed with a hose, and “agreed” to complete hundreds of squats—but Texas law rightly recognizes this as coercion, not consent.

Five Categories of Modern Hazing Every Clyde Family Should Recognize

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing (The Most Deadly)

• Forced or coerced drinking games like “Big/Little” nights, “bible study” drinking quizzes, or “family tree” consumption rituals
• Chugging challenges where pledges must finish entire bottles of liquor
• Being pressured to consume unknown substances or dangerous drug mixtures
• In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, Bermudez was forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediately forced to sprint

2. Physical Hazing (Beyond “Tough Workouts”)

• Paddling, beating, or “smokings” disguised as conditioning
• Extreme calisthenics designed for failure, not fitness
• Sleep deprivation through mandatory all-night “study sessions” or 3 AM wake-up calls
• Food/water deprivation as punishment
• Exposure to extreme temperatures or dangerous environments

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing (Psychological Warfare)

• Forced nudity or partial nudity during “inspections”
• Simulated sexual acts like “roasted pig” positions or “elephant walks”
• Degrading costumes and public humiliation rituals
• Acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones designed to break down identity

4. Psychological Hazing (The Invisible Injury)

• Systematic verbal abuse, gaslighting, and threats of exclusion
• Forced confessions or sharing of personal traumas
• Social isolation from non-members, including family
• Public shaming in meetings or on social media platforms

5. Digital/Online Hazing (The 24/7 Pressure Cooker)

• Group chat dares and “challenges” on GroupMe, WhatsApp, or Discord
• Mandatory social media posts showing humiliation
• Geo-tracking requirements via Find My Friends or Life360
• Sleep disruption through all-hour message demands with immediate response expectations

Where Hazing Actually Happens: It’s Not Just Fraternities

While Greek organizations dominate headlines, Clyde families should know hazing occurs across campus:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural chapters)
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups (particularly relevant at Texas A&M)
• Athletic Teams from football to cheerleading to baseball
• Spirit Squads and Tradition Groups like Texas Cowboys or Aggie Bonfire crews
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups
• Academic Clubs and Honor Societies

The common thread isn’t the type of organization but three dangerous elements: social status pressure, tradition justification, and enforced secrecy. These create environments where otherwise good young people participate in or tolerate behavior they would never accept outside the group context.

Texas Law & Liability Framework: What Clyde Families Need to Know

When hazing happens to a student from Clyde attending a Texas university, several layers of law come into play. Understanding this framework is crucial for knowing your rights and the potential for accountability.

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37: Your State’s Anti-Hazing Shield

Texas has specific, robust anti-hazing provisions that apply to all educational institutions. For Clyde families, this means your child is protected by law whether they’re at University of Houston, Texas A&M, or any other Texas campus.

§ 37.151 Definition: What Actually Qualifies as Hazing
Texas law defines hazing as 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 for Clyde Parents:
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. Location doesn’t matter—off-campus houses, retreats like the one in the Pi Delta Psi case, or even virtual spaces can still be hazing venues. The law protects against both physical and mental harm, recognizing that psychological trauma can be as devastating as physical injury.

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties: The Real Consequences

• Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing without serious injury (up to 180 days jail, fine up to $2,000)
• Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
• State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death (like Bermudez’s kidney failure)

Additional Criminal Provisions:

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

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability: Holding the Group Accountable
This crucial provision means the entire organization can face criminal prosecution if:

• The organization authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
• An officer or member acting in official capacity knew about hazing and failed to report it

Penalties for organizations include:

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

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting: The “Call 911” Protection
A person who in good faith reports a hazing incident to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from the report. This is critical for Clyde parents to emphasize to their children: calling for help in an emergency won’t get them in trouble, even if they were drinking underage.

§ 37.155 Consent is NOT a Defense: The Most Important Provision
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 number one defense used by organizations: “They wanted to do it.” The law recognizes that consent under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t true voluntary consent.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases (The State’s Response)

• Brought by prosecutors representing Texas or local counties
• Aim: Punishment through jail time, fines, probation
• Typical charges: hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, or manslaughter in fatal cases
• Example: The Pi Delta Psi members convicted in the Chun Deng case served jail time

Civil Cases (Your Family’s Path to Justice)

• Brought by victims or surviving families like the Bermudez family
• Aim: Compensation for damages and institutional accountability
• Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
• Critical distinction: A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)

• Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently
• Mandates strengthened hazing education and prevention programs
• Creates public hazing databases (phased in by 2026)
• This means Clyde families will eventually have better access to information about organizations’ histories

Title IX & Clery Act Implications

• When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger
• Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes—many hazing incidents overlap with these categories
• These federal laws provide additional avenues for accountability beyond Texas statutes

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Understanding potential defendants is crucial for Clyde families considering legal action:

1. Individual Students

• Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or participated in cover-ups
• In the UH case, 13 individual fraternity leaders/members are named as defendants

2. Local Chapter / Organization

• The fraternity/sorority or club itself as a legal entity
• Chapter officers acting in official capacity

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters

• Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
• Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents nationwide
• Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters is a defendant in the Bermudez case

4. University or Governing Board

• Schools may be liable under negligence or civil rights theories
• Key questions: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference
• University of Houston and the UH System Board of Regents are defendants in the current lawsuit

5. Third Parties

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

National Hazing Case Patterns: What History Teaches Clyde Families

The Bermudez case at UH isn’t an anomaly—it’s part of a national pattern that has resulted in deaths, life-altering injuries, and multi-million-dollar settlements. Understanding these patterns helps Clyde families recognize warning signs and understand what’s at stake.

The Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

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

• Bid-acceptance event with forced heavy drinking
• Severe falls captured on chapter cameras; 12-hour delay before calling for help
• Result: Dozens of criminal charges, new Pennsylvania anti-hazing law, multi-million-dollar civil settlements
• For Clyde Families: The delay in seeking medical help is a recurring, deadly pattern

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

• “Big/little” event where pledge was given a handle of liquor
• Drank to dangerous levels while member filmed instead of helping
• Result: FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life, criminal charges, confidential settlement
• For Clyde Families: This is the same national fraternity involved in the UH case

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

• “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking
• Died with a 0.495% BAC (six times legal limit)
• Result: Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony in Louisiana, $6.1 million verdict
• For Clyde Families: “Games” involving alcohol are particularly dangerous and common

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

• Pledge forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey
• Died from alcohol poisoning
• Result: $10 million total settlement ($7M from national fraternity, $3M from university), multiple criminal convictions
• For Clyde Families: This settlement shows the substantial financial accountability possible

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

• Pledge at a fraternity retreat subjected to violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual
• Suffered fatal head injuries while help was delayed
• Result: National fraternity banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years, multiple prison sentences
• For Clyde Families: Off-campus retreats are common hazing venues designed to avoid detection

Athletic Program Hazing Pattern

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

• Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program
• Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
• Result: Head coach fired, confidential settlements, program in turmoil
• For Clyde Families: Hazing extends far beyond Greek life into athletic programs

What These Cases Mean for Clyde Families

Common threads emerge that should alarm every parent in Taylor County:

1. Forced drinking remains the most common fatal hazing method
2. Delayed medical care consistently worsens outcomes
3. Cover-up culture is institutionalized in many organizations
4. Multi-million-dollar settlements are becoming standard for serious injuries/deaths
5. Legislative reforms often follow only after tragedy and litigation

These national precedents directly impact how Texas courts view hazing cases and what Clyde families can expect when pursuing accountability.

Texas Focus: Where Clyde Families Send Their Kids to College

Families in Clyde, Abilene, and throughout Taylor County typically send their children to a mix of regional campuses and major Texas universities. Understanding the hazing landscape at these schools is essential for prevention and response.

Regional Campuses Serving Clyde Families

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (Abilene Campus)

• Located just 17 miles from Clyde in Abilene
• Health-focused campus with graduate programs
• While less traditional Greek life exists, professional organizations and cohort groups can still engage in hazing behaviors under the guise of “team building” or “professional socialization”

Abilene Christian University

• 20 miles from Clyde in Abilene
  A private Christian university with Greek life presence
• Religious affiliation doesn’t eliminate hazing risk—faith-based groups can still engage in harmful initiation practices

Hardin-Simmons University & McMurry University

• Both located in Abilene, serving the Clyde community
• Smaller campuses but still with organizational life that requires vigilance

Major Texas Universities: Where Clyde Students Often Continue Education

University of Houston – The Bermudez Case Campus

Campus Culture & Recent History:
The University of Houston represents a stark warning for Clyde families. As a large urban commuter school, UH has active Greek life that sometimes operates with less university oversight than residential campuses. The Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates how quickly hazing can escalate to life-threatening levels, even at a public university with anti-hazing policies.

Documented Incident & Response:

• November 2025: Leonel Bermudez develops rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after Pi Kappa Phi hazing
• Specific Allegations per ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit:
  • “Pledge fanny pack” with humiliating contents required 24/7
  • Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
  • 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion
  • Hose spraying in face “similar to waterboarding”
  • Another pledge hog-tied face-down with object in mouth
• University Response: UH called conduct “deeply disturbing,” Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended chapter, members voted to surrender charter
• Legal Action: $10 million lawsuit filed, ongoing litigation

What Clyde Families Should Know:

• UHPD and Houston Police Department share jurisdiction depending on location
• Civil suits typically filed in Harris County courts
• The university has prior hazing incidents in its history, showing pattern potential

Texas A&M University – Corps Culture & Greek Life

Campus Culture:
Texas A&M’s unique Corps of Cadets culture and strong Greek life create overlapping hazing risks. For Clyde families considering A&M, understanding both environments is crucial.

Documented Incidents:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. Pledges sued for $1 million.
• Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth. Sought over $1 million in damages.

What Clyde Families Should Know:

• College Station police and university authorities handle cases
• Both Greek life and Corps traditions require scrutiny
• A&M’s “traditions” can sometimes mask abusive behaviors

University of Texas at Austin – Transparency & Patterns

Campus Distinction:
UT Austin maintains one of the most transparent hazing reporting systems in Texas, providing Clyde families with valuable public information.

Documented Incidents from UT’s Public Hazing Log:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Sanction: probation and mandatory hazing prevention education.
• Texas Wranglers & Other Spirit Groups: Multiple sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, punishment-based practices.

What Clyde Families Should Know:

• UTPD and Austin PD handle cases depending on location
• Public hazing violation logs provide evidence of patterns in civil cases
• Despite transparency, recurring violations show ongoing issues

Southern Methodist University – Private Campus Dynamics

Campus Profile:
As a private university with affluent student population and strong Greek presence, SMU presents unique challenges for accountability.

Documented Incident:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep. Chapter suspended for years.

What Clyde Families Should Know:

• Private university status affects transparency and public records access
• Dallas police and campus authorities coordinate response
• Civil suits can compel discovery even when internal reports aren’t public

Baylor University – Religious Context & History

Campus Context:
Baylor’s religious identity and history of institutional challenges create complex dynamics for hazing accountability.

Documented Incident:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation. Suspensions staggered over season.

What Clyde Families Should Know:

• Baylor’s religious branding doesn’t eliminate hazing risk
• Waco police and university authorities handle cases
• Prior institutional scandals may affect how hazing cases are managed

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Clyde Families

At The Manginello Law Firm, we maintain what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations, their legal entities, insurance carriers, and historical patterns. For Clyde families, understanding this organizational landscape is crucial because liability often extends through complex corporate structures. Below are examples from public records showing the infrastructure behind campus Greek life.

Clyde-Area & Regional Greek Entities

From IRS B83 Filings & Cause IQ Metro Data:

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – TTU Health Sciences Center Chapter

• IRS EIN: 820644459 (also appears in multiple records)
• Location: Clyde, TX (specifically serving Texas Tech Health Sciences Center)
• Data Source: IRS B83 filing and Cause IQ Abilene Metro listing
• Note: Academic honor societies can still engage in hazing behaviors

Delta Kappa Gamma Society – Zeta Phi Chapter

• Location: Clyde, TX
• Data Source: Cause IQ Abilene Metro listing
• Note: Educators’ society showing Greek organizations exist beyond undergraduate chapters

Additional Regional Entities from Public Filings:

• Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity – Epsilon Tau Chapter: Abilene, TX
• Psi Chi – McMurry University Chapter: Abilene, TX (Psychology honor society)
• Alpha Phi Omega – Omicron Delta Chapter: Abilene, TX (Service fraternity at Abilene Christian)

Major Texas University Greek Infrastructure

University of Houston Area Entities:

• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter: Houston, TX (EIN: 746084905)
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated – Sigma Gamma Chapter: Houston, TX (EIN: 392352450)
• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Theta Delta Chapter: Houston, TX (EIN: 475370943)

Texas A&M University Area Entities:

• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc: College Station, TX (EIN: 133048786)
• Eta Alpha House Corporation of Kappa Delta Sorority: College Station, TX (EIN: 742930349)
• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Theta Rho Chapter: College Station, TX (EIN: 812525354)

UT Austin Area Entities:

• Chi Omega Fraternity – House Corporation: Austin, TX (EIN: 740555581)
• Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi: Austin, TX (EIN: 746047117)
• Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Inc – Alpha Mu Chapter: Austin, TX (EIN: 741130606)

Statewide Snapshot: The Scale of Greek Infrastructure in Texas

Our database tracks 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metros. This includes:

By Metro Concentration:

• Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington: 510 organizations
• Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land: 188 organizations
• Austin-Round Rock: 154 organizations
• San Antonio: 86 organizations
• Lubbock: 59 organizations (relevant for Clyde families considering Texas Tech)
• Abilene Metro: 9 organizations (documented above)

What This Means for Clyde Families:
Every fraternity or sorority your child encounters is backed by this complex infrastructure of house corporations, alumni associations, educational foundations, and national headquarters—each potentially carrying insurance coverage and liability. When hazing occurs, we don’t just sue the individual students; we identify and pursue every entity in the chain of responsibility.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus Presence & National Histories

The organizations present on Texas campuses don’t operate in isolation—they’re chapters of national brands with documented histories of hazing incidents across the country. For Clyde families, understanding these national patterns is crucial because they establish “foreseeability”—the legal concept that organizations should have known certain activities were dangerous based on past incidents.

Major National Organizations with Texas Chapters

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ) – Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin

• National Hazing History: Andrew Coffey death at Florida State (2017)
• Texas Chapter Status: Beta Nu chapter at UH shut down after Bermudez case
• Pattern: Forced drinking, physical endurance tests, humiliation rituals

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

• National Hazing History: Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green ($10M settlement), David Bogenberger death at Northern Illinois ($14M settlement)
• Texas Pattern: UT Austin chapter sanctioned (2023) for milk consumption and calisthenics hazing
• Legal Significance: National organization had prior notice of dangerous “Big/Little” drinking traditions

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

• National Hazing History: Multiple deaths nationwide, traumatic brain injury lawsuit at Alabama, chemical burns case at Texas A&M
• Texas Incidents: Chemical burns case (2021), UT Austin assault case (2024)
• Pattern: Physical violence, forced consumption, dangerous “traditions”

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ) – Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor

• National Hazing History: Max Gruver death at LSU ($6.1M verdict, Louisiana felony law)
• Texas Presence: Multiple chapters across major campuses
• Pattern: Drinking games disguised as “education” or “tradition”

Why National Histories Matter in Your Clyde Child’s Case

When we represent families like the Bermudezes, we subpoena national headquarters for their “risk management files”—internal documents showing:

1. Prior hazing incidents at other chapters
2. Warnings sent to all chapters about specific dangerous practices
3. Training materials that were (or weren’t) implemented
4. Insurance coverage information and claims history

This documentation proves foreseeability—that the national organization knew or should have known that certain activities (like forced drinking games) were likely to cause harm. In legal terms, this can transform ordinary negligence into gross negligence, potentially triggering punitive damages and overcoming insurance coverage arguments.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy for Clyde Families

When hazing affects a student from Clyde, building a successful case requires immediate action, strategic evidence collection, and understanding the full scope of damages. Here’s what we do for families like yours.

Critical Evidence Categories

1. Digital Communications (The Modern Paper Trail)

• GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord chats: These often contain planning discussions, threats, and admissions
• Social Media DMs and Posts: Evidence of events, injuries, or boasting about hazing
• Deleted Message Recovery: Through digital forensics experts, we can often recover “disappearing” messages
• In the Bermudez Case: Group chats reportedly contained discussions about “watering down” reports to nationals

2. Photos & Videos

• Content filmed during events (often shared in group chats)
• Security camera footage from houses or venues
• Injury documentation with timestamps
• Preservation Tip: Watch our video on using your phone to document evidence for proper techniques

3. Internal Organization Documents

• Pledge manuals, “tradition” books, or initiation scripts
• Emails between chapter officers and national headquarters
• Risk management reports and incident documentation

4. University Records

• Prior conduct files for the same organization
• Incident reports to campus police or conduct offices
• Clery Act reports and annual security disclosures
• For Clyde Families: These can show patterns that the university knew about

5. Medical & Psychological Records

• Emergency room and hospitalization records (like Bermudez’s 4-day stay)
• Surgical and rehabilitation notes
• Toxicology reports showing alcohol/drug levels
• Psychological evaluations documenting PTSD, depression, anxiety

6. Witness Testimony

• Other pledges who experienced same hazing
• Former members who quit over concerns
• Roommates, RAs, or bystanders who observed changes or incidents

Damages: What Clyde Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

• Medical Expenses: Past and future care, including potential lifelong needs for conditions like kidney damage from rhabdomyolysis
• Lost Earnings & Educational Impact: Missed semesters, transfer costs, delayed career entry
• Other Financial Losses: Property damage, relocation expenses, therapy costs

Non-Economic Damages (Human Costs)

• Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries like burns, broken bones, or organ damage
• Emotional Distress & Psychological Harm: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Inability to participate in sports, social activities, or normal college experience
• For Bermudez: Ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage represents significant future harm

Wrongful Death Damages (In Tragic Cases)

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support and companionship
• Emotional suffering of family members
• Precedent: Settlements in cases like Stone Foltz ($10M) and Max Gruver ($6.1M) show potential ranges

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Egregious)

• Designed to punish particularly reckless or malicious behavior
• Available when defendants show “conscious indifference” to known risks
• In Texas: Subject to statutory caps but can be substantial in gross negligence cases

The Insurance Coverage Battle

One of our unique advantages for Clyde families comes from Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney. He knows how fraternity and university insurers operate:

Common Insurance Defense Tactics We Anticipate:

1. “Intentional Act” Exclusion Arguments: Claiming hazing is intentional and therefore not covered
2. “Rogue Chapter” Defense: Arguing nationals didn’t know and shouldn’t be liable
3. “Assumption of Risk” Claims: Saying the student voluntarily participated
4. Lowball Settlement Offers: Early offers designed to resolve cases before discovery reveals full damages

Our Counter-Strategy:

• Identify all potential insurance policies (national, chapter, university, individual homeowners)
• Use pattern evidence to show nationals had notice and duty to act
• Develop expert testimony on group dynamics and coercion to counter “consent” arguments
• Prepare for trial readiness to maximize settlement leverage

Practical Guides & FAQs for Clyde Families

For Parents: Warning Signs & Action Steps

Red Flags Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns with inconsistent explanations
• Extreme exhaustion or sleep patterns different from normal college stress
• Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
• Personality changes: increased anxiety, depression, or withdrawal
• Constant phone checking/response demands from group chats
• Financial strain from unexplained “fines,” “dues,” or purchases for older members
• Academic decline due to “mandatory” events interfering with studies

How to Talk to Your Child:

• Use open questions: “How are the new member activities going? Are they respectful of your time?”
• Avoid judgment: “I’m concerned about your safety, not judging your choices”
• Emphasize support: “No group is worth your health or safety. We’ll support you whatever you decide”

If You Suspect Hazing:

1. Document Everything: Write down dates, observations, and what your child shares
2. Preserve Evidence: Help them screenshot messages before deletion
3. Seek Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor, create a medical record
4. Consult an Attorney Before Reporting: We can help navigate university processes
5. Do NOT Confront the Organization: This triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching

For Students: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

• Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
• Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would my parents/university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
• Am I being told to keep secrets or lie about activities?
• Are older members making me do things they don’t have to do?

If You’re Being Hazed:

• Your Safety Comes First: Call 911 for medical emergencies
• Texas Law Protects Reporters: You have immunity for good-faith reporting
• Document Everything: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries, save evidence
• Exit Safely: You can resign membership at any time—send an email for documentation
• Seek Support: Talk to trusted adults, counselors, or attorneys

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Messages or “Cleaning Up” Evidence

   • What seems embarrassing now is crucial evidence later
   • Digital forensics can often recover deleted content, but original screenshots are best
   • Watch our video on common client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

   • Triggers immediate evidence destruction and witness coaching
   • Allows them to prepare legal defenses before you’re ready

3. Signing University “Resolution” Agreements

   • Universities often pressure quick settlements that waive legal rights
   • These agreements typically offer far less than case value
   • Never sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting Details on Social Media

   • Defense attorneys monitor social media for inconsistencies
   • Public posts can waive privacy protections and attorney-client privilege

5. Waiting for University “Internal Processes”

   • Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, memories fade
   • Universities often prioritize institutional protection over victim justice
   • Statutes of limitations continue running during internal reviews

Frequently Asked Questions for Clyde Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes. 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. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. The UH case shows public universities can and are being sued successfully.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law makes hazing a state jail felony when it causes serious bodily injury or death. Bermudez’s kidney failure would likely qualify as serious bodily injury.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to participate?”
Consent is not a defense to hazing in Texas. Education Code §37.155 explicitly states this. The law recognizes that “consent” under peer pressure isn’t voluntary.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from date of injury or discovery of harm in Texas, but exceptions exist. The statute can be “tolled” (paused) in cases of fraud or cover-up. Time is critical—call us immediately to preserve your rights. Learn more in our video on 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, and foreseeability. The Pi Delta Psi case (fatal retreat) and many others established off-campus liability.

“Will my child’s name be public?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize family privacy while pursuing accountability. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms.

“How much will this cost?”
We work on contingency fee basis for hazing cases—no upfront costs, no fee unless we win. This makes justice accessible to all families. Watch our video explaining how contingency fees work.

About The Manginello Law Firm: Why Choose Us for Your Clyde Family’s Hazing Case

When your family faces the trauma of hazing, you need more than a general personal injury attorney. You need advocates who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Clyde, Abilene, Taylor County, and all surrounding communities.

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, their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello)
We’re one of the few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—we’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We’re not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams. Our federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) means we’re equipped for the most complex hazing cases.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Results
We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases, working with economists to value lifetime care needs for brain injuries, permanent disabilities, and catastrophic harm. We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force real accountability.

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise
Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. We can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure and navigate the intersection of these legal realms.

Investigative Depth & Expert Network

• Digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages and social media evidence
• Medical experts specializing in conditions like rhabdomyolysis, traumatic brain injury, PTSD
• Greek life culture experts to explain coercion dynamics and organizational patterns
• Economists for lifetime care planning and damage valuation
• We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

Spanish-Language Services
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish—we can serve Hispanic families throughout Texas in their preferred language.

Our Approach: Empathy Meets Aggressive Advocacy

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

• Get you answers about what really happened
• Hold the right people and institutions accountable
• Secure compensation for medical care, therapy, and future needs
• Help prevent this from happening to another family

We’re not about bravado or quick settlements. We’re about thorough investigation, strategic litigation, and real accountability. The Bermudez case represents exactly this approach—taking on a major university and national fraternity to seek justice for life-altering injuries.

Call to Action: Your Next Steps as a Clyde Family

If you or your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether at University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any other institution—we want to hear from you. Families in Clyde, Abilene, Taylor County, and throughout the surrounding region 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 for your family.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

• We’ll listen to your story without judgment
• Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
• Explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
• Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
• Answer your questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
• No pressure to hire us on the spot—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 (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)

Spanish-Language Services:

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

Whether you’re in Clyde or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters ready to protect themselves. You deserve advocates who will fight just as hard for you.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re here to help, and we’re ready to listen.

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 Leonel Bermudez UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

• Click2Houston investigation: 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 detailed timeline: 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/

Attorney911 Educational 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

Main Firm Website:

• Attorney911 homepage: https://attorney911.com