The Texas Parent’s Complete Guide to Hazing: Legal Rights, Accountability, and Justice for Yorktown Families

A Yorktown Parent’s Worst Nightmare: When Campus “Tradition” Becomes Abuse

You drove your child to college with pride, whether that campus was in San Antonio, Austin, College Station, or Houston. You trusted the university to provide a safe environment for learning and growth. Then the phone call comes—or doesn’t come. Your child is withdrawn, injured, or hospitalized. They talk about “mandatory” events, secret rituals, and overwhelming pressure. As a parent in Yorktown, DeWitt County, or anywhere in the Texas Hill Country, you suddenly face a terrifying reality: your child may be a victim of hazing.

Right now, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country right here in Texas. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after alleged hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. According to the $10 million lawsuit filed in late 2025, Bermudez endured forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, was sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and was subjected to extreme physical workouts including 100+ push-ups and 500 squats. He was hospitalized for four days with critically elevated creatine kinase levels. The Pi Kappa Phi chapter was suspended on November 6, 2025, and members voted to surrender their charter on November 14, 2025. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing.”

This isn’t an isolated incident in a faraway state. This is happening at Texas universities where Yorktown families send their children. This guide exists because you have the right to understand what hazing looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects your child, and what legal options exist for accountability and justice.

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 Yorktown and across Central Texas, understanding modern hazing requires moving beyond outdated stereotypes. Hazing in 2025 is not just about “boys will be boys” pranks or harmless initiation rituals. It’s a calculated pattern of coercion, abuse, and institutional failure that manifests in increasingly sophisticated ways.

The Three-Tier Reality of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing – The Gateway
What many dismiss as “just tradition” often serves as the foundation for more severe abuse. This includes:

Digital control: 24/7 group chat monitoring, required instant responses, location-sharing demands
Servitude requirements: Mandatory chauffeuring at all hours, cleaning members’ spaces, running personal errands
Social isolation: Cutting off contact with non-members, requiring permission for social activities
Psychological manipulation: “You’re not committed enough” guilt-tripping, creating dependency on the organization

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing – The Escalation
These behaviors cause measurable physical and psychological harm:

Sleep deprivation: Late-night “meetings,” 3 AM wake-up calls, multi-day events with minimal rest
Forced consumption: Spoiled food, excessive amounts of bland substances (like the milk and hot dogs in the UH case), hot sauce challenges
Extreme physical “conditioning”: Calisthenics until collapse, “wall sits” until muscles fail, punitive running
Public humiliation: Embarrassing costumes, forced performances, “roasting” sessions

Tier 3: Violent Hazing – The Catastrophe
These activities have high potential for permanent injury or death:

Forced/coerced alcohol consumption: “Lineup” drinking games, Big/Little nights with handles of liquor, “Bible study” drinking quizzes
Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, kicking – often framed as “tradition”
Dangerous physical tests: Blindfolded tackles, “glass ceiling” rituals, forced fights
Sexualized hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, coerced pornography viewing
Chemical exposure: Industrial cleaners causing burns, dangerous substance ingestion

Where Hazing Happens: Beyond Fraternity Row

While Greek organizations receive significant attention, hazing permeates multiple campus environments:

Fraternities and Sororities: Throughout IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural councils
Corps of Cadets/Military Programs: At Texas A&M and other institutions with military traditions
Athletic Teams: From football to swimming, often under the guise of “team bonding”
Spirit Organizations: Texas Cowboys, cheer squads, and other tradition-heavy groups
Academic Clubs: Honor societies, performance groups, and cultural organizations
Marching Bands and Performing Arts: Where tradition and hierarchy create power imbalances

The common thread across all these environments is power imbalance – older members exploiting new members’ desire for belonging, using tradition as justification for abuse.

Texas Hazing Law: What Yorktown Families Need to Know

Texas has specific legal protections against hazing, but understanding how they apply requires navigating both state statutes and institutional policies.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Child’s Legal Shield

Under Texas law (Chapter 37, Subchapter F of the Education Code), hazing is broadly defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student that:

Endangers mental or physical health or safety
Occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any student organization

Critical Texas Legal Provisions:

§37.155: Consent is NOT a Defense
The law explicitly states that victim “consent” does not excuse hazing. Texas courts recognize that power dynamics, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion create coercive environments where true voluntary consent is impossible.

§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

§37.153: Organizational Liability
Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be prosecuted if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew about it and failed to report.

§37.154: Good-Faith Reporter Immunity
Students who report hazing in good faith are protected from civil or criminal liability. This is crucial for bystanders who want to do the right thing but fear repercussions.

How Texas Law Compares: Stronger Than Some, Room for Growth

While Texas has a solid statutory framework, other states have enacted stronger reforms following high-profile tragedies:

Louisiana (Max Gruver Act): Enhanced felony hazing penalties after the 2017 LSU death
Pennsylvania (Timothy Piazza Law): Comprehensive reforms including mandatory reporting
Ohio (Collin’s Law): Felony hazing when alcohol/drugs cause physical harm
Florida (Chad Meredith Law): Criminalized hazing with enhanced penalties

The Leonel Bermudez case at UH demonstrates why Texas families need to understand that having strong laws doesn’t guarantee prevention – it requires enforcement, institutional accountability, and families willing to demand justice.

Federal Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
This federal legislation requires colleges receiving federal aid to:

Report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthen prevention education
Maintain public hazing data (phased implementation through 2026)

Title IX and Clery Act
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger additional protections and reporting requirements. The Clery Act mandates reporting of certain campus crimes that often overlap with hazing incidents.

The National Pattern: What Major Hazing Cases Teach Texas Families

The tragedies that have made national headlines aren’t random anomalies – they reveal predictable patterns that repeat across campuses, including here in Texas.

Alcohol Poisoning: The Most Predictable Tragedy

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (2021)
The Pi Kappa Alpha pledge was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. He died from alcohol poisoning. His family reached a $10 million settlement ($7 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national, approximately $3 million from BGSU). This case demonstrates how national fraternities continue dangerous traditions despite knowing the risks.

Max Gruver – Louisiana State University (2017)
The Phi Delta Theta pledge died after a “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers meant forced drinking. His blood alcohol level reached 0.495%. This case led to the Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony in Louisiana and resulted in a $6.1 million verdict for his family.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University (2017)
The Pi Kappa Phi pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” where pledges were given handles of hard liquor. Florida State temporarily suspended all Greek life in response.

What These Cases Mean for Yorktown Families:
The same national organizations involved in these tragedies – Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Phi – have active chapters at Texas universities. The “Big/Little” drinking tradition, “Bible study” games, and alcohol-centric initiations are scripted patterns that transfer from campus to campus.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing: Beyond Alcohol

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College (2013)
The Pi Delta Psi pledge died from traumatic brain injuries during a blindfolded, weighted “glass ceiling” ritual at a remote retreat. The national fraternity was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter – a landmark case establishing organizational criminal liability.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State University (2017)
The Beta Theta Pi pledge died from traumatic brain injuries after falling during a bid acceptance party with extreme drinking. Security camera footage showed brothers delaying medical help for hours. This case resulted in the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri (2021)
The Phi Gamma Delta pledge suffered permanent, catastrophic brain damage after being forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol during a “pledge dad reveal.” He requires 24/7 care for life. His family settled with 22 defendants, demonstrating how multiple parties share liability.

Athletic and Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)
Former players alleged systemic, sexualized hazing within the football program. Multiple lawsuits led to coach firings and confidential settlements, proving that hazing extends beyond Greek life to big-money athletic programs.

Western Kentucky University Swim Team (2012-2015)
Hazing investigation revealed years of verbal and physical abuse, leading to program suspension and a $75,000 settlement with a former team member.

Texas University Focus: Where Yorktown Students Are at Risk

Yorktown families send students to universities across Texas. Understanding the specific landscapes at major institutions helps you recognize risks and responses.

University of Houston: Our Current Battlefront

Campus Context:
UH hosts active Greek life with multiple councils including IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural organizations. As an urban commuter campus, hazing often moves to off-campus locations to avoid university oversight.

The Leonel Bermudez Case – Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu (2025):
We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, the housing corporation, and 13 individual members. Key allegations include:

“Pledge fanny pack” humiliation containing condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
Hose spraying “similar to waterboarding” with threats of actual waterboarding
Extreme workouts at Yellowstone Boulevard Park
Medical consequences: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, four-day hospitalization

UH’s Response Pattern:
The university called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised cooperation with law enforcement. The chapter was suspended November 6, 2025, and surrendered its charter November 14, 2025. This pattern – reactive measures after tragedy – is common across institutions.

For UH Students and Yorktown Families:

Report to UHPD or Dean of Students Office
Document off-campus locations (like the Culmore Drive residence in this case)
Understand that university recognition doesn’t guarantee safety

Texas A&M University: Tradition and Risk

Campus Context:
With robust Greek life and the Corps of Cadets, Texas A&M presents multiple environments where hazing can thrive under the banner of “tradition.”

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):
Two pledges alleged they were covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. They sued for $1 million, and the fraternity received a two-year suspension.

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023):
A cadet alleged degrading hazing including being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth during “Hell Week.” He sought over $1 million in damages.

For Texas A&M Families:

The Corps and Greek life represent dual risk environments
Off-campus houses and remote locations are common hazing venues
Documentation is critical – the university’s response often depends on evidence quality

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Patterns

Campus Context:
UT Austin maintains one of Texas’s most transparent hazing reporting systems through its public violations page, giving families unique insight into recurring problems.

Documented Violations Include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Texas Wranglers: Multiple sanctions for forced activities
Various organizations for alcohol hazing, sleep deprivation, and psychological abuse

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024):
An Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members resulting in dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose. He sued for over $1 million, highlighting that even prominent chapters face serious allegations.

UT’s Relative Transparency Advantage:
The public violations log allows families to:

Check organizations for prior sanctions
Identify pattern behaviors
Make informed decisions about group affiliations

Southern Methodist University: Private Campus Challenges

Campus Context:
As a private institution with affluent demographics and strong Greek presence, SMU faces unique challenges with transparency and accountability.

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):
New members reported paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation. The chapter was suspended with recruiting restrictions until approximately 2021.

SMU’s Response Systems:

Anonymous reporting via Real Response system
Private university status means less public disclosure
Civil discovery often reveals what internal processes conceal

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Accountability

Campus Context:
Baylor’s religious identity and history with athletic scandals create complex dynamics for hazing accountability.

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):
14 players suspended following hazing investigation, with staggered suspensions affecting the early season.

Institutional Challenges:

Religious branding can create pressure to minimize scandals
Athletic program priorities may conflict with student safety
Title IX history informs current response patterns

The Organizations Behind the Letters: National Patterns That Predict Local Risk

For Yorktown families, understanding that local chapters are part of national organizations with predictable histories is crucial. These patterns transfer from campus to campus, including to Texas universities.

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ) – The “Big/Little” Pattern

National Pattern: Alcohol-centric “Big/Little” nights have caused multiple deaths including Stone Foltz at BGSU ($10M settlement) and David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University ($14M settlement).

Texas Presence: Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor, and other campuses. The same ritual that killed Stone Foltz could be happening at a Texas chapter.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ) – Multiple Risk Patterns

National Pattern: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide; known for traumatic brain injury cases, chemical burns (as seen at Texas A&M), and assault allegations.

Texas Incidents: Chemical burns case at Texas A&M, assault case at UT Austin, ongoing litigation across multiple campuses.

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ) – The “Bible Study” Script

National Pattern: Max Gruver’s death at LSU from “Bible study” drinking game led to Louisiana’s felony hazing law and $6.1M verdict.

Texas Presence: Chapters across major campuses following similar ritual patterns.

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ) – Our Current Case

National Pattern: Andrew Coffey’s death at FSU from alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night.”

Texas Reality: Our client Leonel Bermudez at UH suffered rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure – showing how the same national organization repeats dangerous patterns.

Public Records: The Greek Organizations Texas Parents Should Know About

As part of our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain comprehensive data on Greek organizations operating in Texas. For Yorktown families, this means knowing who stands behind the letters at your child’s university.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Records)

Our analysis of IRS records reveals 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations including house corporations, alumni chapters, and honor societies. These entities often control insurance coverage and assets. Examples from public records include:

University of Houston Area Entities:

Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter (EIN: 746084905) – Houston, TX 77204
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Theta Delta (EIN: 475370943) – Houston, TX 77204
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter – Houston, TX

Texas A&M Area Entities:

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (EIN: 133048786) – College Station, TX 77845
Beta Theta Pi – Eta Chapter House Corp – College Station, TX
Delta Sigma Theta – Brazos Valley Alumnae – College Station, TX

UT Austin Area Entities:

Chi Omega House Corporation (EIN: 740555581) – Austin, TX 78705
Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi (EIN: 746047117) – Austin, TX 78705
Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp. – Austin, TX

Statewide Network Connections:

Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN: 741380362) – Fort Worth, TX 76147
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Epsilon Kappa Alumni (EIN: 746064445) – Nederland, TX 77627
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Multiple campus chapters across Texas

Metro Area Concentrations

San Antonio-New Braunfels Metro (Relevant to Yorktown Families):

Cause IQ reports approximately 86 Greek-related organizations in the San Antonio metro area
Includes university chapters, alumni groups, and honor societies serving UTSA, Texas A&M-San Antonio, and other institutions

Other Major Texas Metro Counts:

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington: 510+ organizations
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land: 188+ organizations
Austin-Round Rock: 154+ organizations
College Station-Bryan: 42+ organizations
Waco: 27+ organizations

Why This Data Matters for Your Case

When we take a hazing case, we don’t start from zero. We already know:

Legal entity names and EINs for organizations that may hold insurance
Address histories and connections between local chapters and national headquarters
Pattern relationships showing how the same national brands operate across Texas

This investigative headstart is why families choose Attorney911 – we bring institutional knowledge that other firms would need months to develop.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Recovery

When hazing causes harm, building a successful case requires systematic evidence collection, strategic legal positioning, and understanding what true recovery entails.

The Evidence That Wins Cases in 2025

Digital Communications – The Modern Paper Trail:

GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord chats: Show planning, coordination, and real-time documentation of abuse
Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often restore “disappearing” content
Social media posts: “Fun” photos and videos that actually document hazing
Location data: Geo-tags and metadata placing participants at events

Medical Documentation – Connecting Harm to Conduct:

Emergency room records: Immediate aftermath documentation
Toxicology reports: Blood alcohol content, drug screening
Specialist evaluations: Renal specialists for rhabdomyolysis, neurologists for head injuries
Psychological assessments: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
Long-term prognosis: Documentation of permanent injuries

Institutional Records – Proving Prior Knowledge:

University conduct files: Prior violations by the same organization
National fraternity records: Incident reports from other chapters
Insurance policies: Coverage that may apply to hazing incidents
Training materials: What the organization claimed to teach versus what occurred

Witness Networks – Breaking the Silence:

Other pledges: Those who experienced the same conduct
Former members: Those who left the organization over concerns
Roommates and friends: Corroborating observers
Medical personnel: Professional documentation of injuries

Damages: What Hazing Victims Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical expenses: Past and future treatment, including lifelong care for catastrophic injuries
Lost educational opportunity: Tuition for interrupted semesters, lost scholarships
Diminished earning capacity: Reduced lifetime earnings from permanent disabilities
Therapy and counseling: Ongoing mental health treatment for PTSD and trauma

Non-Economic Damages (Compensating Suffering):

Physical pain and suffering: From injuries sustained during hazing
Emotional distress: Humiliation, fear, anxiety, depression
Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in college experiences
Reputational harm: Social stigma and public exposure

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of companionship and support
Emotional suffering of family members
Loss of guidance for younger siblings

Punitive Damages (When Conduct Warrants):
In cases of particularly reckless or intentional conduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish defendants and deter future behavior.

Strategic Considerations for Texas Cases

Sovereign Immunity Challenges:
Public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin have some immunity protections, but exceptions exist for:

Gross negligence or willful misconduct
Title IX violations involving gender discrimination
Individual liability for employees acting outside official capacity

Insurance Coverage Battles:
Fraternity and university insurers often argue that hazing is excluded as “intentional conduct.” Our insurance insider experience (Mr. Peña’s defense background) helps us navigate these disputes and identify all potential coverage sources.

Multiple Defendant Coordination:
Hazing cases typically involve:

Individual perpetrators
Local chapter officers
National headquarters
University entities
Property owners
Third-party vendors

Coordinating claims across these defendants requires experience with complex, multi-party litigation.

Practical Guides for Yorktown Families: What to Do Now

For Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Actions

Red Flags Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained injuries: Bruises, burns, cuts with inconsistent explanations
Extreme exhaustion: Beyond normal college stress, mentioning sleep deprivation
Behavioral changes: Withdrawal, anxiety, depression, defensiveness about the organization
Financial irregularities: Unexplained expenses, requests for money for “fines” or “requirements”
Digital patterns: Constant phone monitoring, anxiety about group chat responses, deleted messages
Academic decline: Falling grades, missed classes, lost scholarships

Questions to Ask (Without Confrontation):

“How are you spending your time with [organization]?”
“Are older members respectful of your academic commitments?”
“Have you had to do anything that made you uncomfortable?”
“Do you feel like you could leave if you wanted to?”
“Are there secrets you’re being asked to keep?”

48-Hour Action Plan:

Medical attention first: Even if injuries seem minor, get professional evaluation
Evidence preservation: Screenshot everything before deletion occurs
Documentation: Write down dates, times, locations, participants
Legal consultation: Contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 before talking to university officials
Strategic reporting: With attorney guidance, determine when and how to report

For Students: Safety, Exit Strategies, and Rights

Is This Hazing? A Quick Self-Assessment:

Are you being pressured or coerced?
Would you do this if there were no social consequences?
Is the activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would your parents/university approve if they knew details?
Are you being told to keep secrets?

How to Exit Safely:

Immediate danger: Call 911, then call us at 1-888-ATTY-911
Safe exit planning: Have a safe place to go, tell someone outside the organization first
Formal resignation: Email chapter president (creates documentation)
Avoid “one last meeting”: This is often a pressure/intimidation tactic
Document retaliation: Any threats or harassment should be recorded and reported

Your Texas Legal Rights:

Good-faith reporter immunity: You won’t get in trouble for calling 911 in an emergency
Consent is not a defense: Even if you “agreed,” hazing is still illegal
Right to medical privacy: You control who sees your medical records
Protection from retaliation: Universities must address retaliatory behavior

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

MISTAKE #1: Deleting Evidence
What happens: “I don’t want this embarrassing stuff on my phone.”
Why it’s devastating: Looks like cover-up, eliminates best evidence, may be obstruction of justice.
Better approach: Screenshot everything, back up to cloud storage, let attorneys determine relevance.

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the Organization
What happens: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind!”
Why it’s devastating: Triggers evidence destruction, witness coaching, defense preparation.
Better approach: Document quietly, consult attorney, strategic communication only through counsel.

MISTAKE #3: Signing University “Resolutions”
What happens: “The Dean promised to handle it internally if we sign this.”
Why it’s devastating: May waive legal rights, settlements are typically minimal, no real accountability.
Better approach: “I need to have my attorney review this before I sign anything.”

MISTAKE #4: Social Media Posting
What happens: “I want people to know what they did!”
Why it’s devastating: Defense attorneys screenshot everything, inconsistencies hurt credibility, may waive privileges.
Better approach: Private documentation only, let your legal team control public messaging.

MISTAKE #5: Waiting for University Investigation
What happens: “The university said they’re investigating, so we should wait.”
Why it’s devastating: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute of limitations runs.
Better approach: Parallel tracks – preserve evidence now while university process proceeds.

Frequently Asked Questions for Texas Families

“Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and individual employee misconduct. Private universities like SMU and Baylor have fewer immunity barriers. Every case requires individual analysis – contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific evaluation.

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

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to participate?”
Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t true voluntary consent. This is a critical protection for victims.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally two years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm wasn’t immediately apparent. In cases involving cover-ups, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical – evidence disappears quickly.

“Will this be confidential or public?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. While we pursue public accountability when appropriate, we prioritize your family’s privacy throughout the process.

“What if it happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national organizations can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases (like the Pi Delta Psi retreat death) occurred off-campus and still resulted in substantial judgments.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases: Our Unique Qualifications

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back – and how to win anyway. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas including Yorktown, DeWitt County, and the entire Central Texas region.

Our Insurance Insider Advantage

Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Set reserves and negotiate settlements

“We know their playbook because we used to run it.” This insider knowledge is invaluable when facing well-funded institutional defendants.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience

Mr. Ralph Manginello’s background includes:

BP Texas City explosion litigation – Taking on billion-dollar corporations
Federal court experience in the Southern District of Texas
Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) membership – Understanding criminal hazing charges
25+ years of complex litigation experience

“We’ve faced defendants with unlimited legal budgets before. We’re not intimidated by national fraternities or universities.”

Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our track record includes:

Multi-million dollar wrongful death settlements
Catastrophic injury cases requiring life-care planning
Experience working with economists to value future damages
Trial readiness that forces fair settlements

“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Investigative Depth and Resources

Our approach includes:

Digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages
Medical specialists to document injuries and prognosis
Greek life culture experts to explain organizational dynamics
Economists to calculate lifetime damages
National database access to identify pattern behaviors

“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it – because it does.”

Spanish-Language Services

Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can provide full legal services en español. This is particularly important for Hispanic families in Texas who may face language barriers when dealing with institutions.

Call to Action: Your Next Step as a Yorktown Parent

If you’re reading this guide because hazing has touched your family, we want you to know three things:

You’re not alone. This happens to families across Texas, including here in Yorktown and DeWitt County.
What happened was not your child’s fault. No one “asks for” hazing, regardless of what organizations claim.
You have options for accountability and justice.

What a Consultation with Us Looks Like

When you contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, you can expect:

A Confidential, No-Obligation Conversation:

We’ll listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you’ve preserved
Explain your legal options clearly
Answer your questions about process and timing

No Pressure, Just Information:

We won’t pressure you to hire us immediately
We’ll help you understand all your options
You’ll leave the consultation better informed

Contingency Fee Basis:

We work on contingency – no fee unless we recover compensation
No upfront costs or retainers
You only pay if we win your case

Contact Information

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Legal Emergency Lawyers™

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
24/7 Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com

Email:

Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com
Lupe Peña: lupe@atty911.com

Hablamos Español: Full Spanish-language services available with Mr. Peña.

Serving Families Throughout Texas:
While based in Houston, we serve families across Texas including Yorktown, DeWitt County, San Antonio, Austin, College Station, and all communities affected by campus hazing.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Click2Houston (KPRC 2) — “‘Urine was brown’: Pledge sues over severe hazing at University of Houston’s shut down Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”

URL: 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 Eyewitness News (KTRK) — “Waterboarding, forced eating, physical punishment: Lawsuit alleges abuse faced by injured pledge at UH’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”

URL: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

Hoodline — “University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Face $10M Lawsuit Over Alleged Hazing and Abuse”

URL: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos

“📱 Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case? | Attorney911 Explains”

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

“Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case? | Attorney911 with Injury Lawyer Ralph Manginello”

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

“Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case | Attorney911 with Ralph Manginello”

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

“📢 How Do Contingency Fees Work? Injury Lawyer Explains!”

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website

URL: 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 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