The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits & Student Safety for San Diego, Texas Families

If Your Child is in a Hazing Emergency Right Now

Call 911 for immediate medical help, then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, and we provide immediate help for hazing crises.

In the First 48 Hours:

Get medical attention immediately—even if your child insists they’re “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it disappears:
- Screenshot all group chats, texts, and DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority directly
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let messages be deleted or evidence “cleaned up”

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours. Evidence disappears rapidly—deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses. Universities move quickly to control narratives. We help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

What Every San Diego Family Needs to Know About Campus Hazing

For parents in San Diego and across Duval County, sending a child to college represents hope, opportunity, and Texas pride. You’ve worked hard, supported their dreams, and trusted that universities would provide a safe environment for learning and growth. But for some San Diego families, that trust is shattered by a phone call in the middle of the night—a call saying their child has been hospitalized, injured, or worse, because of what universities call “hazing” and what prosecutors increasingly recognize as criminal assault.

Right now, just hours from San Diego at the University of Houston, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after enduring extreme physical abuse as a Pi Kappa Phi pledge. He was forced through hundreds of push-ups and squats, sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” made to lie in vomit-soaked grass, and required to carry a humiliating “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms and sex toys. His urine turned brown, he couldn’t stand without help, and he spent four days in the hospital with critically elevated creatine kinase levels confirming severe muscle breakdown. This $10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, and 13 fraternity leaders shows what can happen when traditions turn toxic.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for San Diego families—parents who may have children at Texas A&M-Kingsville, UTSA, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, or the major flagships like Texas A&M, UT Austin, and University of Houston. We’ll explain what modern hazing really looks like, how Texas law protects (or fails) your child, what’s happening at campuses across our state, and what legal options exist when institutions fail in their duty to protect students.

Hazing in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

What “Hazing” Actually Means in Texas Law

Many San Diego parents remember hazing as “boys will be boys” pranks or harmless initiation rituals. That outdated understanding can be dangerously misleading. Under Texas Education Code Chapter 37, hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student that:

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

Critical Texas provision: Section 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, even if they wanted to “prove themselves,” the law recognizes that power imbalances, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion create coercive environments where true voluntary consent is impossible.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Tradition”)
eep deprivation, and digital surveillance. Pledges in San Diego might experience:

24/7 digital control: Constant GroupMe demands, required location sharing via Snapchat Maps
Servitude requirements: Acting as designated drivers at all hours, cleaning members’ rooms
Social isolation: Being told to cut contact with non-members, requiring permission to socialize
“Voluntary” but mandatory events: Late-night meetings during exam periods, weekend “retreats”

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Crossing into Illegal Territory)

Forced physical exertion: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse
Food/water manipulation: Being forced to drink gallons of milk, eat excessive amounts until vomiting
Public humiliation: Wearing degrading costumes in public, performing embarrassing acts
Sleep deprivation: 3 AM wake-up calls for “mandatory” activities, multi-day events with minimal rest

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (Criminal Conduct)

Forced alcohol consumption: “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, drinking games where wrong answers mean chugging
Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, “gladiator” matches between pledges
Sexualized abuse: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, “roasted pig” positions
Dangerous environments: Locked in freezing rooms, left outside in extreme weather, forced swimming while intoxicated

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

While fraternities receive most media attention, San Diego families should know hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Fraternities & Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural Greek councils)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC programs with military-style traditions
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer, swimming)
Spirit organizations (Texas Cowboys, Silver Spurs, and similar groups)
Marching bands and performance ensembles
Academic and service organizations

The common thread: tradition, secrecy, and power imbalance allow these practices to continue even when everyone “knows” hazing is wrong.

Texas Hazing Law: Criminal Penalties & Civil Liability

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Foundation

For San Diego families, understanding Texas law starts with these key provisions:

§ 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: Hazing without serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability: Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can face fines up to $10,000 per violation and university expulsion.

§ 37.155 Consent Defense: Explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing charges.

§ 37.156 University Reporting Requirements: Texas colleges must publish annual hazing violation reports—a critical resource for San Diego families researching organizations.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases (Brought by the State)

Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Prosecutors: District Attorneys in the county where hazing occurred
Burden of proof: Beyond a reasonable doubt

Civil Cases (Brought by Victims/Families)

Aim: Compensation and accountability
Legal theories: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
Filed by: Hazing victims or surviving family members
Burden of proof: Preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not)

Critical Insight: These cases can proceed simultaneously. A criminal conviction isn’t required for civil litigation, and a criminal acquittal doesn’t prevent civil recovery.

Federal Framework: Title IX, Clery, and the Stop Campus Hazing Act

Title IX Implications
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, federal Title IX obligations trigger. Universities receiving federal funds must:

Investigate promptly and thoroughly
Protect complainants from retaliation
Provide interim measures (housing changes, no-contact orders)
Sanction violations appropriately

Clery Act Requirements
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires universities to:

Report certain crime statistics annually
Issue timely warnings about ongoing threats
Maintain public crime logs
Develop prevention and response programs

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

Report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthen prevention education
Maintain public hazing data (phased implementation through 2026)
For San Diego families, this means better information about which organizations have histories of violations

Who Can Be Held Liable in Texas Hazing Cases?

1. Individual Students

Those who planned, executed, or supervised hazing
Members who supplied alcohol or controlled the environment
Officers who failed to stop known hazing

2. Local Chapters & Organizations

The fraternity/sorority chapter as an entity
Housing corporations that own chapter houses
Alumni associations that fund or advise chapters

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters

Organizations that set policies, collect dues, and supervise chapters
Liable when they knew or should have known about dangerous traditions

4. Universities & Governing Boards

Public universities (limited by sovereign immunity but not immune from gross negligence claims)
Private universities (fewer immunity protections)
Liable for negligent supervision, deliberate indifference, or failure to enforce policies

5. Third Parties

Landlords of off-campus houses who ignore known hazing
Bars/alcohol providers under Texas dram shop laws
Security companies hired for events

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Mirror Texas Realities

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: Too Many Similar Stories

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
The 20-year-old pledge was forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” event. He died from alcohol poisoning. The case resulted in criminal convictions, a $10 million total settlement ($7 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national, approximately $3 million from BGSU), and strengthened Ohio anti-hazing laws.

Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
During a “Bible study” drinking game, Gruver was forced to drink when answering questions incorrectly. His blood alcohol content reached 0.495%. His death led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony and resulted in a $6.1 million verdict for his family.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
The pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” where pledges were given handles of hard liquor. The case led to FSU temporarily suspending all Greek life and nationwide scrutiny of alcohol hazing traditions.

What This Means for San Diego Families: These cases show predictable patterns—specific event types (Big/Little nights, bid acceptance parties) with foreseeable risks. When Texas chapters repeat these same scripts, national organizations cannot claim they “didn’t know” the dangers.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: When Traditions Turn Violent

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
The pledge was blindfolded, weighted with a heavy backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual at a Pennsylvania retreat. He suffered fatal head injuries while members delayed calling for help. The case resulted in:

Multiple criminal convictions
Pi Delta Psi banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
Over $110,000 in fines

Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
The 19-year-old died from traumatic brain injuries after a bid acceptance night involving extreme drinking. Security cameras captured his falls and the hours-long delay before fraternity brothers called for help. The case led to:

18 members facing over 1,000 criminal counts
Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
Permanent ban of Beta Theta Pi from Penn State
One of the largest hazing prosecutions in U.S. history

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football Program (2023–2025)
Former players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the football program over multiple years. The scandal resulted in:

Multiple lawsuits against the university and coaching staff
Head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired, then settling a wrongful termination suit
Institutional reforms and ongoing litigation
Takeaway for San Diego families: Hazing extends beyond Greek life into major athletic programs with similar patterns of abuse and cover-up

What These National Cases Mean for Texas

These cases establish critical precedents that benefit San Diego families:

Foreseeability: National organizations cannot claim ignorance when the same hazing methods cause injuries nationwide
Institutional Liability: Universities can be held accountable for failing to protect students
Criminal Consequences: Individuals face real jail time for hazing resulting in injury or death
Civil Recovery: Multi-million dollar settlements show what serious cases are worth
Legislative Response: Public outrage drives legal reform—Texas could see similar changes

Texas University Focus: Where San Diego Students Attend

University of Houston: The Current Frontier in Texas Hazing Litigation

For San Diego Families: UH is a common destination for South Texas students, just a 3.5-hour drive from San Diego. Its urban campus and growing Greek life make understanding its hazing landscape essential.

The Leonel Bermudez / Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Case
Right now, we’re actively litigating what may become Texas’s landmark hazing case. Here’s what every San Diego parent should know:

The Hazing Conduct:

“Pledge fanny pack” rule: Required 24/7 carrying of condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices
Enforced servitude: Overnight chauffeuring, hours-long “study/work” blocks, weekly interviews
Physical abuse: Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills
Extreme conditions: Cold-weather exposure in underwear, lying in vomit-soaked grass
Water torture: Sprayed in face with hose “similar to waterboarding,” threats of actual waterboarding
Forced consumption: Made to drink milk, eat hot dogs and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediate sprints
The November 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, creed recitation under expulsion threats

Medical Catastrophe:
Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, couldn’t stand without help, and was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels. He faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

Defendants & Institutional Response:

University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents
Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
Beta Nu housing corporation
13 individual fraternity leaders (president, pledgemaster, risk manager, etc.)
November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends Beta Nu chapter
November 14, 2025: Chapter members vote to surrender charter; chapter closed
UH statement: Called conduct “deeply disturbing,” promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion, cooperation with law enforcement

Media Coverage:

UH’s Greek Landscape:
With 30+ fraternities and sororities across four governing councils, UH represents both opportunity and risk for San Diego students. The campus has seen prior incidents including a 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case where a pledge suffered a lacerated spleen.

Texas A&M University: Tradition, Corps, and Greek Life

For San Diego Families: Texas A&M in College Station attracts students from across Texas, including many from South Texas. Its Corps of Cadets and strong Greek system create unique hazing risks.

Corps of Cadets Hazing Incident (2023)
A former cadet sued Texas A&M alleging degrading hazing including:

Being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” position with an apple in his mouth
Simulated sexual acts and humiliation
Physical abuse under the guise of “training”
Seeking over $1 million in damages
Texas A&M stated it handled the matter under its rules

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. The lawsuit sought $1 million, and the fraternity received a two-year suspension.

Texas A&M’s Response Systems:

Student Conduct office handles hazing complaints
Corps has separate disciplinary procedures
Public reporting less transparent than UT Austin’s system
For San Diego parents: Document everything and understand that “internal handling” may prioritize institutional protection over victim justice

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Ongoing Issues

For San Diego Families: UT Austin represents academic excellence but also significant Greek life risks. Its public hazing violations page provides valuable information but also reveals ongoing problems.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page
Unlike many universities, UT maintains a public listing of sanctioned organizations:

Recent Examples:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation with required hazing-prevention education
Texas Wranglers (spirit organization): Multiple violations for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing
Various fraternities sanctioned for alcohol hazing, physical abuse, and policy violations

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (January 2024)
An Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members at a party, suffering dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose. The student sued for over $1 million, noting the chapter was already under suspension for prior violations.

What San Diego Parents Should Know:

UT’s transparency is better than most Texas schools
Repeated violations show systemic issues despite sanctions
Research organizations before your child joins: Check https://hazing.utexas.edu
Document any incidents immediately—prior violations strengthen your case

Southern Methodist University: Affluence and Accountability

For San Diego Families: SMU’s private status and affluent student body create different dynamics but similar risks.

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

SMU’s Systems:

Private university with less public transparency
Hazing reporting through Dean of Students and anonymous systems
Civil lawsuits can compel discovery even when internal reports aren’t public

For San Diego Families Considering SMU:

Understand that private universities often prioritize reputation management
Documentation becomes even more critical without public records
Legal counsel experienced with private institutions is essential

Baylor University: Reformed but Still Risking

For San Diego Families: Baylor’s religious identity and history of scandal create complex dynamics around accountability and transparency.

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

Broader Context:

Baylor’s football sexual assault scandal revealed systemic institutional failures
“Zero tolerance” policies exist alongside recurring misconduct
Religious branding doesn’t eliminate hazing risks

What San Diego Parents Should Consider:

Document everything—institutions with prior scandals may be particularly defensive
Understand that internal “Christian community” resolutions may not provide real accountability
Legal counsel familiar with religious institutions can navigate unique challenges

Regional Universities Relevant to San Diego Families

Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Just 90 minutes from San Diego, TAMUK serves many South Texas students. While smaller than flagships, it has active Greek life with organizations including:

Alpha Sigma Phi (Iota Rho Chapter)
Sigma Chi (Zeta Pi Chapter at TAMUK)
Various honor societies and professional organizations

University of Texas at San Antonio
Three hours from San Diego, UTSA’s growing Greek system includes:

Sigma Chi fraternity chapters
Multiple Panhellenic and IFC organizations
Active multicultural Greek councils

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Two hours from San Diego, TAMU-CC’s coastal campus hosts:

Kappa Sigma (Rho-Psi Colony)
Alpha Sigma Phi (Iota Phi Chapter)
Various honor and professional societies

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
While further south, UTRGV serves many South Texas families and has growing Greek life that San Diego students might consider.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: What We Know About Greek Organizations

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Entities Serving Texas Families

At Attorney911, we maintain what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations across our state. For San Diego families, understanding this landscape is crucial. Here’s what public records show:

IRS B83 Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (125+ Entities)
These tax-exempt organizations include house corporations, alumni chapters, and honor societies:

KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC
EIN: 133048786 | 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845-6681
Source: IRS B83 public filing

GAMMA PHI BETA SORORITY INC
EIN: 161675890 | 115 Wild Wick Way, The Woodlands, TX 77382-1822 | Zeta Rho HCB
Source: IRS B83 public filing

PI KAPPA PHI DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER BUILDING CORPORATION
EIN: 371768785 | 4102 Eastshore St, Missouri City, TX 77459-1820
Source: IRS B83 public filing

BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC
EIN: 462267515 | 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035-6629
Source: IRS B83 public filing

SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER
EIN: 746084905 | 4300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204-3067
Source: IRS B83 public filing

TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC
EIN: 741380362 | PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147-0061
Source: IRS B83 public filing

HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI (Multiple Chapters)

EIN: 263170920 | 411 Texas St Rm 219, Denton, TX 76204 | Texas Woman’s University
EIN: 352335400 | 3900 University Blvd, Tyler, TX 75799 | University of Texas at Tyler
EIN: 383742830 | 500 W University Ave, El Paso, TX 79968 | UT El Paso
EIN: 463831593 | 2307 Vanderbilt Cir, Austin, TX 78723 | Texas State University
EIN: 820644459 | 3601 4th Street, Lubbock, TX 79430 | Texas Tech Health Sciences
EIN: 900293166 | 114 Henderson Hall 4233 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843 | Texas A&M
Source: IRS B83 public filings

Texas Universities Greek Landscape
Based on campus rosters and public records:

University of Houston

Interfraternity Council: Alpha Epsilon Pi, Alpha Sigma Phi, Beta Theta Pi, Delta Upsilon, Kappa Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha, Lambda Phi Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Sigma Nu, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Sigma Pi, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Theta Chi
Panhellenic Council: Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Delta Gamma, Delta Zeta, Phi Mu, Zeta Tau Alpha
NPHC (Divine Nine): Full complement including Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Phi Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, etc.
Multicultural Greek Councils: Multiple organizations serving diverse student populations

Texas A&M University

Interfraternity Council: 19+ fraternities including Alpha Gamma Rho, Alpha Sigma Phi, Alpha Tau Omega, Beta Theta Pi, Delta Tau Delta, Kappa Alpha Order, Kappa Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Phi Gamma Delta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Sigma Nu, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Theta Chi
Panhellenic Council: 14 sororities including Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Epsilon Phi, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Delta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Pi Beta Phi, Zeta Tau Alpha
Corps of Cadets: Separate structure with its own traditions and risks
Multicultural & NPHC: Active councils with multiple organizations

Metro-Level Greek Presence
Corpus Christi Metro Area (Relevant to San Diego Families):

21+ Greek organizations according to Cause IQ data
Includes: Delta Zeta Sorority Corpus Christi Alumnae, Delta Gamma Fraternity Corpus Christi Alumnae, Psi Chi TAMU-CC Chapter, Sigma Chi Fraternity Zeta Pi (TAMUK), Alpha Sigma Phi Iota Phi Chapter (TAMU-CC), Kappa Sigma Rho-Psi Colony (TAMU-CC)

San Antonio Metro Area (UTSA & Other Schools):

86+ Greek organizations across the metro
Includes NPHC graduate chapters, honor societies, and undergraduate organizations

Why This Data Matters for San Diego Families:

Insurance Coverage: House corporations and alumni associations often carry insurance that can cover hazing claims
Organizational Structure: Understanding who controls chapters helps identify all liable parties
Pattern Evidence: Organizations operating across multiple campuses may have prior incidents
Financial Resources: These entities have assets that can satisfy judgments

National Fraternity & Sorority Histories: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

Why National Histories Matter in Your Case

When a San Diego family faces hazing at Texas A&M-Kingsville or UTSA, the national organization’s history becomes critical evidence. Courts consider whether:

The national knew or should have known about dangerous traditions
Prior incidents established foreseeable risks
Policies were genuinely enforced or merely window-dressing
Training addressed real risks or taught how to avoid getting caught

Organization-Specific Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

Stone Foltz (BGSU 2021): Alcohol poisoning death during Big/Little event; $10M settlement
David Bogenberger (NIU 2012): Alcohol poisoning death; $14M settlement
Pattern: Big/Little nights with forced drinking are predictable, preventable risks

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

University of Alabama (2023): Traumatic brain injury lawsuit
Texas A&M (2021): Chemical burns requiring skin grafts; $1M lawsuit
UT Austin (2024): Assault causing multiple fractures; $1M+ lawsuit
Pattern: Multiple Texas incidents show ongoing problems despite national “reforms”

Phi Delta Theta

Max Gruver (LSU 2017): “Bible study” drinking game death; Louisiana felony hazing law
Pattern: Drinking games framed as “education” or “tradition”

Pi Kappa Phi

Andrew Coffey (FSU 2017): Big Brother Night alcohol poisoning death
Leonel Bermudez (UH 2025): Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from physical abuse
Pattern: Both alcohol and physical hazing risks within the same national

Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI)

Danny Santulli (Missouri 2021): Permanent brain damage from alcohol hazing; settlements with 22 defendants
Pattern: Catastrophic non-fatal injuries requiring lifetime care

How This Affects Texas Cases

For San Diego families, these national histories:

Establish foreseeability: Nationals cannot claim “we didn’t know this could happen”
Support punitive damages: When organizations ignore known risks
Affect insurance coverage: Prior knowledge can trigger exclusions or bad faith claims
Increase settlement value: Pattern evidence makes trial riskier for defendants

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Damages

Critical Evidence Categories

1. Digital Communications (The Most Important Evidence)

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity-specific apps
Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook Messenger
Recovery of deleted messages: Digital forensics can often retrieve “permanently” deleted content
Metadata: Timestamps, participant lists, edit histories
Watch our video on using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

2. Photos & Videos

Injury documentation: Multiple angles, progression over days, scale references
Event footage: Party videos, initiation recordings, security camera footage
Social media content: Posted humiliating acts, “challenge” videos
Preservation: Cloud backups, original files, metadata intact

3. Medical Documentation

ER records: Initial treatment, toxicology reports, injury descriptions
Hospital records: Treatment plans, specialist consultations, discharge summaries
Lab results: Blood alcohol content, creatine kinase levels (rhabdomyolysis), kidney function
Psychological records: PTSD diagnoses, therapy notes, medication prescriptions
Future care plans: Specialist recommendations, therapy schedules, medication needs

4. Organizational Documents

Pledge manuals: Required reading, “traditions” lists, rules
Meeting minutes: Discussions of events, planning documents
National communications: Emails from headquarters, policy updates
Financial records: Dues payments, alcohol purchases, event budgets

5. University Records

Prior violations: Previous hazing incidents involving same organization
Disciplinary files: Probation letters, suspension notices, sanctions
Internal reports: Investigation documents, hearing transcripts
Clery reports: Published crime statistics

6. Witness Information

Other pledges: Contact information, what they witnessed
Former members: Those who quit or were expelled
Roommates/neighbors: Observations of behavior changes, injuries
Medical personnel: EMTs, nurses, doctors who treated injuries

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical expenses: Past and future treatment, therapy, medications
Lost income: Wages from missed work, reduced earning capacity
Educational costs: Tuition for withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships
Life care plans: For catastrophic injuries requiring lifetime care

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real Harm)

Physical pain & suffering: From injuries, medical procedures, ongoing pain
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment: Can’t participate in sports, hobbies, normal college life
Reputational harm: Social stigma, difficulty transferring schools

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragedy Strikes)

Funeral & burial costs
Loss of financial support: Deceased’s future earnings potential
Loss of companionship: For parents, siblings, spouses
Emotional suffering: Grief, trauma, lost future together

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Especially Bad)

Purpose: Punish defendants and deter future hazing
When awarded: Reckless disregard for safety, prior incidents ignored, cover-ups
Texas caps: Generally limited but exceptions for gross negligence

Case Strategy: From Investigation to Resolution

Phase 1: Immediate Response (0–48 Hours)

Evidence preservation before deletion
Medical documentation establishment
Witness identification and initial interviews
Cease-desist letters to prevent evidence destruction

Phase 2: Investigation (Days 3–90)

Digital forensics on phones and devices
Public records requests to universities
Preservation letters to national organizations
Expert consultations (medical, psychological, economic)

Phase 3: Demand & Negotiation (Months 3–12)

Comprehensive demand package with evidence
Settlement negotiations with all defendants
Mediation sessions with experienced neutrals
Evaluation of settlement vs. trial risks

Phase 4: Litigation (If Settlement Fails)

Filing lawsuit in appropriate venue
Discovery process (depositions, document production)
Expert witness preparation
Trial readiness preparation

Why Attorney911’s Approach Matters:

Insurance insider knowledge: Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney means we know how fraternity and university insurers fight claims
Complex litigation experience: Our involvement in BP Texas City explosion litigation proves we can take on institutional defendants
Digital forensics network: We work with experts who can recover deleted evidence
Economic analysis: We collaborate with economists to properly value lifelong impacts

Practical Guides for San Diego Families

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Physical: Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries; extreme exhaustion; weight changes
Behavioral: Sudden secrecy about activities; withdrawal from family/friends; personality changes
Academic: Grades dropping; missing classes; losing scholarships
Digital: Constant phone monitoring; anxiety about messages; deleted histories
Financial: Unexpected large expenses; maxed credit cards; requests for money

How to Talk to Your Child:

Choose the right time: Private, calm, uninterrupted
Ask open questions: “How are things with your fraternity/sorority?” not “Are they hazing you?”
Listen without judgment: They may feel shame or fear
Express concern for safety: “I’m worried about you, not angry”
Offer unconditional support: “No organization is worth your health”

If Your Child Is Hurt:

Get medical attention immediately: Even if they resist
Document everything: Photos, notes, saved messages
Contact a lawyer before reporting: Evidence preservation is critical
Do NOT confront the organization: They’ll destroy evidence and lawyer up
Watch our video on client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Dealing with the University:

Document all communications: Emails, calls, meetings
Ask specific questions: “What prior incidents involve this organization?”
Understand their priorities: Universities often protect institutional reputation first
Get everything in writing: Verbal promises are worthless
Consult legal counsel before signing anything: University “resolutions” often protect the school, not your child

For Students: Safety, Evidence, & Rights

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would the university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie about activities?
If yes to any, it’s likely hazing

How to Exit Safely:

If in immediate danger: Call 911 first
Tell someone outside the organization: Parent, RA, trusted friend
Send written resignation: Email/text to chapter president: “I resign effective immediately”
Do NOT go to “one last meeting”: This is often a pressure/retaliation opportunity
Document any retaliation: Screenshots, recordings (Texas is one-party consent)

Evidence Collection Guide:

Screenshots: Full conversations with timestamps and participants visible
Photos: Injuries from multiple angles with scale references; locations where hazing occurred
Medical records: Tell providers you were hazed so it’s documented
Witness information: Names and contact details for others who saw what happened
Physical evidence: Clothing, objects used in hazing, receipts

Your Texas Legal Rights:

Consent is not a defense to hazing charges (Education Code § 37.155)
Good-faith reporter immunity: You generally won’t be punished for calling 911 in an emergency
Civil lawsuit option: Even if no criminal charges are filed
No-contact orders: Available through university or courts if harassed
Statute of limitations: Generally 2 years from injury—act quickly

For Witnesses & Former Members: Doing the Right Thing

If You Participated and Now Regret It:

Get your own legal advice: You may have criminal exposure
Consider cooperation: Your testimony could prevent future injuries
Document what you know: Write down everything while memory is fresh
Preserve evidence: Don’t delete messages or photos
Understand whistleblower protections: Texas law protects some reporters

If You Witnessed Hazing:

Document what you saw: Detailed notes with dates, times, participants
Preserve any evidence: Photos, videos, messages
Report anonymously if needed: Many campuses have anonymous tip lines
Consider coming forward: Your testimony could save lives
Consult an attorney: Understand your rights and risks

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

1. Letting Evidence Be Destroyed

Mistake: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble” so you allow message deletion
Result: Case becomes impossible to prove; looks like cover-up; potential obstruction charges
Solution: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

Mistake: Showing up at the fraternity house angry
Result: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, prepare defenses
Solution: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

Mistake: Trusting the university’s “internal handling”
Result: Waiving your right to sue; accepting minimal settlements; letting real accountability slide
Solution: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media

Mistake: Venting on Facebook or Instagram
Result: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility; waiving privacy
Solution: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

5. Letting Your Child Attend “One Last Meeting”

Mistake: Believing the fraternity’s “we just want to talk”
Result: Pressure, intimidation, extracting statements that hurt the case
Solution: Once considering legal action, all communication goes through your lawyer

6. Waiting for University “Investigation”

Mistake: “Let’s see how the school handles it first”
Result: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs, university controls narrative
Solution: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately; university process ≠ real justice

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters

Mistake: “They just need my statement to process the claim”
Result: Recorded statement used against you; early lowball settlement accepted
Solution: “My attorney will contact you” is the only response

Frequently Asked Questions for San Diego Families

Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity protections but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals personally. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer protections. Every case is fact-specific—contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case analysis.

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

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

How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately known. In cover-up cases, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Watch our statute of limitations video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

What if hazing happened off-campus?
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus with multi-million-dollar results.

Will this be public? Will my child’s name be in the news?
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlements.

How much does a hazing lawyer cost?
We work on contingency fee—no upfront costs, no fee unless we win. We advance case expenses and are repaid from recovery. This makes justice accessible to all families. Watch our contingency fee explanation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

What’s the average hazing settlement?
Cases vary dramatically based on injury severity, liability clarity, and defendant resources. National cases show:

Death cases: $1M–$14M (Foltz $10M, Bogenberger $14M, Gruver $6.1M)
Severe injury: $375K–multi-million (Santulli lifetime care, SAE chemical burns)
Factors: Medical costs, lost earnings, pain/suffering, punitive potential

Why Attorney911 for San Diego Hazing Cases

Our Texas Hazing Litigation Credentials

When your San Diego 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.

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

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Settle cheaply versus trying cases
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello)

BP Texas City explosion litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar defendants
Federal court admitted: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
HCCLA membership: Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association signals elite criminal defense capability
25+ years practice: Since 1998, handling high-stakes cases
“We’ve taken on corporations with unlimited legal budgets. Fraternities and universities don’t intimidate us.”

Dual Civil/Criminal Hazing Expertise

Civil litigation: Wrongful death, negligence, negligent supervision claims
Criminal defense: Advising witnesses/former members with exposure
Interaction understanding: How criminal cases affect civil suits and vice versa
“We navigate both tracks because hazing cases often involve both.”

Investigative Depth & Resources

Digital forensics network: Experts who recover deleted messages and metadata
Medical expert collaborations: For rhabdomyolysis, TBI, PTSD, kidney injury cases
Economic analysis: Life care planning for catastrophic injuries
Organizational research: Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine with 1,423 Greek entities tracked
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

How We Handle San Diego Cases Specifically

Understanding South Texas Dynamics
We recognize that San Diego families may have students at:

Regional campuses: Texas A&M-Kingsville, UTSA, TAMU-CC, UTRGV
Flagship universities: Texas A&M, UT Austin, University of Houston
Private schools: Baylor, SMU, Trinity, others

Each campus has different Greek landscapes, disciplinary systems, and local legal venues. We understand these variations and how they affect case strategy.

Spanish Language Services
Mr. Lupe Peña speaks fluent Spanish. For San Diego’s predominantly Hispanic community, this means:

Consultation in your preferred language
Cultural understanding of family dynamics
Clear communication without translation barriers
Hablamos Español—contact Mr. Peña at lupe@atty911.com

Geographic Reach
While based in Houston, we serve families across Texas including:

South Texas: San Diego, Duval County, Jim Wells County, Brooks County
Gulf Coast: Corpus Christi, Kingsville, Alice, Beeville
Major metros: Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas-Fort Worth
Statewide: Any Texas campus where hazing occurs

For San Diego families: We understand the drive to Houston for consultation. We make the process as accessible as possible through:

Initial consultations by phone/video
Travel to you when necessary
Local counsel coordination if preferred
Clear communication about logistics

Our Approach: Empathy Meets Aggressive Advocacy

What We Believe:

Hazing isn’t “tradition”—it’s abuse
Institutions must be held accountable, not just individuals
Prevention requires real consequences, not just policy manuals
Families deserve answers, not cover-ups

How We Work:

Listen first: We hear your full story without judgment
Investigate thoroughly: Leave no stone unturned
Build strategically: Identify all liable parties and insurance coverage
Fight aggressively: Negotiate from strength, try if necessary
Protect always: Your child’s wellbeing comes first

What Makes Us Different:

We try cases: Insurers know we’ll go to trial, improving settlement leverage
We understand institutions: BP experience translates to university/fraternity litigation
We know insurance: Mr. Peña’s defense background is invaluable
We care about prevention: Real accountability deters future hazing

Your Next Steps: Contact Attorney911 Today

Free, Confidential Consultation for San Diego Families

If hazing has affected your family—whether your child attends Texas A&M-Kingsville, UTSA, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or any Texas campus—we want to hear from you. Families in San Diego and throughout South Texas have the right to answers and accountability.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We listen: Your story, your concerns, your questions—no time limits
We review: Any evidence you have (photos, messages, medical records)
We explain: Your legal options clearly in plain English
We analyze: The strengths of your case and potential challenges
We advise: Recommended next steps for your specific situation
No pressure: Take time to decide—we never push immediate retention

During your consultation, we’ll cover:

Evidence preservation needs
Statute of limitations deadlines
Potential defendants and insurance coverage
Realistic timelines and expectations
Cost structure (contingency fee—no win, no fee)
Communication plans and family involvement

Contact Attorney911 Now

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) or lupe@atty911.com (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Hablamos Español: Mr. Lupe Peña provides consultations in Spanish. Contact him at lupe@atty911.com.

Office Locations Serving Texas Families

Houston Office (Main)
Serving Greater Houston, South Texas, and statewide

Austin Office
Serving Central Texas and Hill Country

Beaumont Office
Serving East Texas and Golden Triangle

For San Diego Families: We offer flexible consultation options including phone, video, or in-person meetings. Distance won’t prevent us from helping your family seek justice.

Why Time is Critical

Evidence disappears: Messages get deleted, witnesses forget, phones get replaced
Statutes run: Texas generally allows 2 years from injury—but the clock starts immediately
Institutions prepare: Universities and fraternities start building defenses immediately
Medical documentation: Early evaluation establishes injury baselines
Witness memory: Fresh recollections are most accurate

Don’t wait for the university to “handle it.” Internal processes often prioritize institutional protection over victim justice. Contact us within 24–48 hours if possible.

Final Message to San Diego Families

Hazing shatters the college experience you envisioned for your child. It turns campuses from places of growth into sources of trauma. It makes you question institutions you trusted.

But you are not powerless. Texas law provides avenues for accountability. National precedents show that institutions can be held responsible. And experienced legal counsel can navigate this complex landscape to seek justice for your family.

At Attorney911, we’ve seen the worst of what hazing can do—from the UH case with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure to national cases with permanent brain damage and death. We’ve also seen families find answers, accountability, and closure through the legal process.

Whether your child attends school in Kingsville, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, College Station, Austin, or Houston, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, and we provide immediate help for hazing crises. Let us listen to your story, explain your rights, and help you decide on the best path forward for your family.

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
Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com (Mr. Lupe Peña)