Texas Hazing Lawsuit Guide for Hughes Springs Families: University of Houston, A&M, UT Austin & Campus Abuse
If Your Child Was Hazed in Hughes Springs or at Any Texas Campus, This Guide Explains Your Rights
We understand the nightmare. You sent your child to college—perhaps from right here in Hughes Springs in Cass County to a nearby university like Texas A&M, or to a major urban campus like the University of Houston or UT Austin—with dreams of their future. Then the phone call comes: they’re in the hospital, or they’re traumatized, or worse. What was marketed as “brotherhood,” “sisterhood,” or “tradition” turned into forced drinking, physical abuse, humiliation, or life-threatening injury.
Right now, our firm is actively litigating one of the most severe hazing cases in Texas: Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi (Beta Nu chapter). This $10 million lawsuit alleges systematic hazing that left a pledge with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being forced through extreme workouts, humiliating rituals, and abuse so severe it was described as “similar to waterboarding.” The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter has been shut down, but for families in Hughes Springs whose children attend Texas universities, this case proves that dangerous hazing isn’t just something that happens elsewhere—it’s happening here in Texas, at schools your children attend.
This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Hughes Springs, Cass County, and throughout East Texas who need to understand what modern hazing really looks like, how Texas law protects victims, and what legal options exist when universities and fraternities fail to keep students safe.
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 Hughes Springs Families Need to Recognize
Modern hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypes. For families in Hughes Springs whose children may attend Texas A&M Commerce, UT Tyler, or other regional universities, understanding these patterns is critical.
Clear Definition Under Texas Law
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
Key insight for Hughes Springs families: Even if your child “agreed” to participate, consent is NOT a defense under Texas law. The power imbalance in fraternity/sorority relationships means true voluntary consent rarely exists.
Modern Hazing Methods Affecting Texas Students
Alcohol and Substance Hazing:
- Forced consumption games (“century club,” “family tree,” “Big/Little” drinking rituals)
- Mandatory drinking as punishment for incorrect answers
- Coerced consumption of unknown or mixed substances
Physical Hazing:
- Extreme calisthenics (“smokings”) far beyond normal conditioning
- Paddling, beating, or physical punishment
- Sleep deprivation, food/water restriction
- Exposure to extreme conditions (cold weather in minimal clothing)
Psychological and Digital Hazing:
- 24/7 group chat monitoring with immediate response demands
- Public humiliation on social media platforms
- Forced isolation from family and non-member friends
- Degrading nicknames, verbal abuse, threats of expulsion from the group
Sexualized Hazing:
- Forced nudity or partial nudity
- Simulated sexual acts or positions
- Coerced sharing of compromising images
Where Hazing Happens in Texas
Fraternities and sororities remain the most common setting, but Hughes Springs families should know hazing also occurs in:
- Corps of Cadets and military-style organizations
- Athletic teams (from football to cheerleading)
- Spirit and tradition groups (Texas Cowboys, song leaders, etc.)
- Marching bands and performance groups
- Academic and service organizations
The common thread across all settings: abuse of power, secrecy, and tradition used to justify dangerous behavior.
Texas Hazing Law: What Hughes Springs Families Need to Know
Texas Education Code Chapter 37 – The Foundation
Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes that govern cases involving Hughes Springs students at both public and private institutions.
§ 37.151 Definition: Hazing includes any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of initiation or affiliation.
§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:
- Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (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
§ 37.155 Critical Protection: Consent of the victim is NOT a defense. This is especially important for Hughes Springs families to understand – your child saying “yes” under peer pressure doesn’t make the hazing legal.
§ 37.154 Reporter Immunity: Those who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability. This “Good Samaritan” protection encourages emergency calls.
Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Different Paths to Accountability
Criminal Cases:
- Prosecuted by the state (District Attorney’s office)
- Focus on punishment: jail time, fines, probation
- Burden of proof: “beyond a reasonable doubt”
- Hughes Springs students may face charges in the county where the hazing occurred
Civil Cases:
- Filed by victims and their families
- Focus on compensation and accountability
- Burden of proof: “preponderance of evidence” (more likely than not)
- Can proceed even if no criminal charges are filed
Many hazing cases involve both tracks simultaneously. Our firm’s dual expertise in criminal defense (Ralph Manginello’s HCCLA membership) and civil litigation allows us to navigate this complexity for Hughes Springs families.
Federal Law Overlay
Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
- Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently
- Mandates public hazing data by approximately 2026
- Strengthens prevention education requirements
Title IX Implications:
- When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger
- Universities must investigate and address hostile environments
- Special procedures and protections apply
Clery Act Reporting:
- Requires universities to disclose campus crime statistics
- Hazing incidents often overlap with assault, alcohol, or drug crime reporting
National Hazing Cases: Patterns that Matter for Hughes Springs Families
Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Most Common Fatal Pattern
Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):
- Bid acceptance night with forced drinking
- Multiple falls captured on chapter security cameras
- Hours-long delay before calling 911
- Result: Multiple criminal convictions, civil settlements, Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law”
Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
- “Bible study” drinking game with wrong answers = forced drinking
- Blood alcohol content of 0.495% at death
- Result: Felony hazing convictions, Louisiana’s “Max Gruver Act”
Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
- Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey
- $10 million settlement ($7M from national fraternity, $3M from university)
- Chapter president personally ordered to pay $6.5 million
Physical and Ritualized Hazing
Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
- Blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at off-campus retreat
- Fatal head injuries after repeated tackling
- National fraternity criminally convicted, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021):
- “Pledge dad reveal” night with coerced excessive drinking
- Permanent severe brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see)
- Settlements with 22 defendants, reportedly multi-million dollar amounts
Athletic Program Hazing
Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):
- Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing within the program
- Multiple lawsuits against university and coaching staff
- Head coach fired, then settled wrongful termination confidentially
- Demonstrates hazing extends far beyond Greek life
What These Cases Mean for Hughes Springs
These national patterns establish crucial legal precedents that apply to Texas cases:
- Foreseeability: National fraternities knew or should have known about risks
- Institutional Liability: Both local chapters and national headquarters can be held responsible
- Cover-Up Consequences: Delaying medical care dramatically increases liability
- Pattern Evidence: Prior incidents at other chapters strengthen negligence claims
Texas University Focus: Where Hughes Springs Students Attend
University of Houston: Active Litigation in Our Backyard
Current Case – Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi:
We are actively representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter. The allegations include:
- “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation rule carrying condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices
- Extreme physical hazing: sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills
- Waterboarding simulation: Sprayed in face with hose, threatened with actual waterboarding
- Forced consumption: Milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting, then immediate sprints
- Medical catastrophe: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, 4-day hospitalization
- Chapter closure: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended chapter November 6, 2025; members surrendered charter November 14, 2025
This case demonstrates exactly what Hughes Springs families face when hazing occurs at Texas universities. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary action, but only after a student suffered life-threatening injuries.
UH’s Greek Ecosystem:
- 20+ fraternities and sororities across multiple councils
- Active Pi Kappa Phi chapter until November 2025 closure
- Multiple other national organizations with hazing histories
For Hughes Springs Students at UH:
- Reporting channels: Dean of Students Office, UHPD, online reporting forms
- Jurisdiction: Harris County courts for civil cases
- Evidence preservation critical: Houston-area locations include chapter houses, off-campus residences, and public parks used for hazing
Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life
Corps of Cadets Hazing Cases:
- 2023 lawsuit alleging “roasted pig” positioning, simulated sexual acts, binding between beds
- Traditional military-style discipline crossing into abuse
- University statements emphasizing internal handling under Corps regulations
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case:
- Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, causing severe chemical burns
- Skin graft surgeries required
- Fraternity suspended for two years
- Civil lawsuit seeking $1+ million
For Hughes Springs Students at Texas A&M:
- College Station/Bryan metro hosts 42+ Greek organizations
- Brazos County jurisdiction for legal proceedings
- Dual systems: University student conduct and Corps discipline procedures
- Evidence often at off-campus houses and remote “retreat” locations
University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Repeated Violations
Public Hazing Violations Log:
UT maintains one of Texas’ most transparent hazing disclosure systems at hazing.utexas.edu. Recent entries include:
- Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation, mandatory education
- Multiple spirit organizations sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing
- Repeated violations showing ongoing issues despite transparency
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024):
- Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party
- Injuries: dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
- Lawsuit seeking over $1 million
- Chapter already under suspension for prior violations
For Hughes Springs Students at UT:
- Travis County court jurisdiction
- 60+ fraternity/sorority chapters across multiple councils
- Prior violation records publicly available to support pattern evidence
- Austin-area off-campus houses common hazing locations
Southern Methodist University: Private University Challenges
Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):
- New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived
- Chapter suspended until approximately 2021
- Restrictions on recruiting and activities
SMU’s Greek Landscape:
- Private university with affluent student population
- Greek life deeply embedded in campus culture
- Less public transparency than state schools
- Dallas County jurisdiction for legal matters
Baylor University: Religious Context and Historical Challenges
Baseball Hazing (2020):
- 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
- Staggered suspensions affecting team performance
- Part of broader institutional scrutiny following Title IX controversies
Baylor’s Unique Position:
- Religious affiliation creating distinct disciplinary frameworks
- Waco-based (McLennan County jurisdiction)
- History of institutional response challenges
- Greek life integrated with religious campus culture
Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Matter for Hughes Springs Families
Why National Patterns Matter Legally
When a fraternity chapter at a Texas university repeats the same dangerous behaviors that caused deaths or injuries at other campuses, that establishes foreseeability – the national organization knew or should have known the risks. This strengthens negligence claims and can support punitive damages.
Organizations Present at Texas Universities with National Hazing Histories
Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):
- Stone Foltz death (BGSU, 2021) – $10 million settlement
- David Bogenberger death (NIU, 2012) – $14 million settlement
- Multiple chapters suspended nationwide
- Present at: UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):
- Multiple hazing-related deaths nationwide
- Traumatic brain injury lawsuit (Alabama, 2023)
- Chemical burns case (Texas A&M, 2021)
- Assault case (UT Austin, 2024)
- Present at: UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU
Pi Kappa Phi:
- Andrew Coffey death (FSU, 2017)
- Current active litigation at University of Houston
- Present at: UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin
Phi Delta Theta:
- Max Gruver death (LSU, 2017) – Louisiana felony hazing law
- Present at: UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
Kappa Alpha Order:
- SMU chapter suspension (2017)
- Multiple paddling and alcohol incidents nationwide
- Present at: Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU
The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Data-Driven Accountability
Our firm maintains comprehensive data on Texas Greek organizations, including:
IRS B83 Registered Texas Greek Entities (125+ organizations):
- Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (EIN: 133048786, College Station, TX 77845)
- Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN: 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035)
- Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (EIN: 364091267, Waco, TX 76710)
- Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN: 741380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147)
- Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (EIN: 746064445, Nederland, TX 77627)
Cause IQ Metro Organizations Affecting Hughes Springs Region:
- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510+ Greek organizations
- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188+ Greek organizations
- College Station-Bryan Metro: 42+ Greek organizations serving Texas A&M
- Waco Metro: 27+ Greek organizations serving Baylor
Texas Universities Database (96 campuses):
- Major hubs: UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
- Regional campuses: Texas A&M Commerce, UT Tyler, others serving East Texas
- Professional schools with Greek life affiliations
This data allows us to quickly identify all potentially liable entities when Hughes Springs students are hazed – not just the active chapter, but housing corporations, alumni associations, educational foundations, and national headquarters.
Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy for Hughes Springs Families
Critical Evidence Categories
Digital Evidence (Most Important):
- Group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord)
- Social media posts and DMs (Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok)
- Deleted message recovery through digital forensics
- Location data and timestamps
Physical Evidence:
- Photographs of injuries (multiple angles, progressive documentation)
- Medical records (ER reports, lab results, imaging)
- Objects used in hazing (paddles, alcohol containers, props)
- Clothing with stains or damage
Institutional Records:
- University disciplinary files (prior incidents involving same organization)
- National fraternity risk management reports
- Training materials and policy documents
- Insurance policies and coverage information
Witness Testimony:
- Other victims/pledges
- Former members who quit or were expelled
- Roommates, RAs, bystanders
- Medical professionals who provided treatment
Damages Available in Hazing Cases
Economic Damages:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost educational opportunities (tuition, scholarships)
- Diminished earning capacity (for permanent injuries)
- Therapy and rehabilitation costs
Non-Economic Damages:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Humiliation and reputational harm
Wrongful Death Damages (when applicable):
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of companionship and support
- Emotional suffering of family members
- Lost financial contributions
Punitive Damages:
- Available for particularly reckless or intentional conduct
- Designed to punish defendants and deter future hazing
- Subject to Texas statutory caps in many cases
Strategic Considerations for Hughes Springs Cases
Insurance Coverage Issues:
- Fraternities and universities often have complex insurance policies
- Insurers may argue hazing is excluded as “intentional conduct”
- Multiple policies may apply (chapter, national, university, individual members)
- Our insider knowledge from Mr. Lupe Peña’s defense background is crucial here
Sovereign Immunity Challenges (Public Universities):
- UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin have some immunity protections
- Exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations
- Individual employees may be sued in personal capacity
- Settlement often occurs despite immunity arguments
Statute of Limitations:
- Generally 2 years from injury or discovery in Texas
- Tolling possibilities for minors, fraud, or cover-ups
- Immediate action preserves evidence and witness memories
Practical Guides for Hughes Springs Parents, Students, and Witnesses
For Parents: Recognizing and Responding
Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:
- Unexplained injuries or “accidents”
- Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
- Personality changes: anxiety, withdrawal, irritability
- Secretive behavior about group activities
- Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
- Financial requests for unexplained “dues” or purchases
- Academic performance decline
Immediate Response Checklist:
- Safety First: Get medical attention if injured
- Evidence Preservation: Screenshot everything before deletion
- Documentation: Write down details while fresh
- Legal Consultation: Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
- University Reporting: Document all communications with school
- Do NOT: Confront the organization, sign releases, post on social media
For Students: Safety and Rights
Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:
- Do I feel pressured or coerced?
- Would I do this if I could truly say no without consequences?
- Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
- Would my parents/university approve if they knew the details?
- Am I being told to keep secrets?
Safe Exit Strategies:
- Have an exit plan before attending questionable events
- Use the “buddy system” with trusted friends
- Know emergency contacts and locations
- Remember: calling 911 for medical emergencies has Good Samaritan protections
Evidence Collection for Students:
- Screenshot group chats immediately
- Photograph injuries as they develop
- Save all related communications
- Document dates, times, locations, participants
- Seek medical care and mention hazing to healthcare providers
For Witnesses and Former Members
If You Participated and Now Regret It:
- Your testimony can prevent future harm
- Legal protections may be available
- Cooperation can be part of accountability
- Consult an attorney about your specific situation
If You Witnessed Hazing:
- Document what you saw/heard
- Consider anonymous reporting options
- Your information could save lives
- Witness intimidation is illegal – document any threats
Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case
- Deleting Evidence: Messages may be embarrassing but are crucial evidence
- Direct Confrontation: Alerts organizations to destroy evidence and prepare defenses
- Signing University Agreements: May waive legal rights for inadequate compensation
- Social Media Posts: Defense attorneys monitor everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
- Delaying Medical Care: Injuries worsen and documentation becomes more difficult
- Talking to Insurance Adjusters: Recorded statements are used against victims
- Waiting for University “Resolution”: Evidence disappears, statutes run, leverage diminishes
Frequently Asked Questions for Hughes Springs Families
“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities have sovereign immunity limitations, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individual employees. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity barriers. Every case requires individual analysis – call 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific guidance.
“What if the hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national organizations can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Many major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus and resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.
“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from injury or discovery in Texas, but exceptions exist. Evidence preservation is time-sensitive regardless of statutory deadlines – call immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
“Will this be public? We want privacy.”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. Our priority is your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.
“What will this cost us?”
We work on contingency – no fee unless we recover compensation. Initial consultations are free and confidential.
Why Attorney911 for Hughes Springs Hazing Cases
Texas-Based Hazing Litigation Experts
From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including Hughes Springs in Cass County and all of East Texas. Our current active litigation in the Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates our serious commitment to hazing accountability right here in Texas.
Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases
Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):
- Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
- Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers fight claims
- Understands coverage exclusion arguments and settlement tactics
- “We know their playbook because we used to run it”
Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (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 or university defense teams
- “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”
Multi-Million Dollar Results:
- Catastrophic injury and wrongful death case experience
- Economist collaboration for lifetime care valuation
- Proven track record against well-funded defendants
Dual Civil/Criminal Capability:
- Ralph’s HCCLA membership provides criminal defense insight
- Understanding of how criminal charges interact with civil litigation
- Ability to advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
Investigative Depth:
- Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, Greek life culture, economists
- Experience obtaining hidden evidence through discovery
- Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine with 1,400+ organization database
Spanish Language Services:
- Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish
- Servicios legales disponibles en español
- Cultural understanding of Texas Hispanic communities
Our Approach for Hughes Springs Families
We understand that hazing cases involve more than legal claims – they involve trauma, disrupted education, family stress, and the search for accountability. Our approach includes:
- Immediate Response: Evidence preservation starts now
- Comprehensive Investigation: Identifying all potentially liable parties
- Expert Collaboration: Medical, psychological, economic experts as needed
- Strategic Litigation: Balancing settlement opportunities with trial readiness
- Client Communication: Regular updates and clear explanations
- Privacy Protection: Minimizing public exposure while maximizing accountability
Contact Attorney911 for Hughes Springs Hazing Cases
Free Confidential Consultation
If your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus, we offer a free, confidential consultation to:
- Listen to your experience without judgment
- Explain your legal rights and options
- Discuss the investigation process
- Answer questions about costs and timelines
- Help you make informed decisions about next steps
Immediate Contact Information
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com
Hablamos Español: Spanish services available with Mr. Lupe Peña
What to Expect When You Call
- Immediate Response: We understand hazing emergencies require urgent attention
- Compassionate Listening: We know this is difficult and traumatic
- Practical Guidance: Evidence preservation steps you can take immediately
- Clear Explanation: Your legal options in plain English
- No Pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family
- Confidentiality: Everything you share is protected
Serving Hughes Springs and All of Texas
While we’re based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including Hughes Springs in Cass County and all East Texas communities. Whether your child attends a local university like Texas A&M Commerce or a major campus like UT Austin, Texas hazing law provides protections, and experienced Texas counsel can help enforce them.
Hazing thrives in secrecy and silence. By coming forward, you not only pursue justice for your family but also help prevent future harm to other students. The national cases show that accountability changes behavior – stronger policies, better supervision, and sometimes the elimination of dangerous traditions.
You don’t have to face this alone. The university may have expensive lawyers. The fraternity may have national resources. But you have rights, and you have experienced advocates who understand both the legal complexities and the human impact of hazing.
Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us help you navigate this difficult situation, protect your child’s rights, and pursue the accountability that can prevent other families from experiencing this pain.
Plain Text Links to Key Resources
News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing Lawsuit
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 Case Summary:
https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face