A Comprehensive Guide to Hazing and the Law for Rosenberg, Texas Families

If you are a parent in Rosenberg, Texas, and your child is heading to a Texas university, this guide is for you. The nightmare often begins with a phone call, or a late-night text that something has gone terribly wrong. Your student, eager to belong and build a future, may find themselves trapped in a cycle of abuse disguised as tradition. Right now, in our own state, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country, proving that this danger is not abstract—it is a present and violent reality for Texas families.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Rosenberg, Fort Bend County, and across Texas. We will explain what modern hazing truly looks like, break down Texas and federal law, examine major national cases and their implications for our state, and provide a detailed look at the hazing landscape at the universities where Rosenberg students often enroll. Most importantly, we will outline the legal options and practical steps available to you if your family is affected.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

• Call 911 for any medical emergency.
• Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911).

In the first 48 hours:

• Get medical attention immediately.
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot all group chats, texts, and DMs immediately.
  • Photograph injuries from multiple angles.
  • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects used).
• Write down everything they tell you (who, what, when, where).
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or team directly.
  • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company.
  • Post details on public social media.
  • Allow your child to delete messages or “clean up” evidence.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours. Evidence disappears rapidly. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a confidential, immediate consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For Rosenberg families, hazing is no longer the caricature of silly pranks. It is a sophisticated, often digitally-coordinated form of abuse that endangers physical and mental health. Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—on or off campus—directed against a student for the purpose of joining, affiliating with, or maintaining membership in a group, that endangers their health or safety.

Modern Hazing Takes Many Forms:

• Alcohol & Substance Hazing: Forced or coerced consumption during “lineups,” “Big/Little” nights, or drinking games.
• Physical Hazing: Paddling, beatings, “smokings” (extreme calisthenics), sleep deprivation, exposure to extreme elements.
• Sexualized & Humiliating Hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes or roles, acts with racial or sexist overtones.
• Psychological Hazing: Verbal abuse, threats, isolation, manipulation, public shaming.
• Digital Hazing: Group chat dares, forced social media posts, cyberbullying, and location tracking.

This abuse occurs not just in fraternities and sororities, but in Corps of Cadets programs, athletic teams, spirit groups like cheer and drumline, marching bands, and other campus organizations. The common threads are power imbalance, secrecy, and the exploitation of a desire to belong.

Texas Hazing Law & Liability Framework: What Rosenberg Families Must Know

Texas has strong laws against hazing, found in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. Understanding this framework is crucial for holding offenders accountable.

Key Provisions of Texas Hazing Law:

1. Broad Definition: Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers physical or mental health for purposes of initiation or affiliation.
2. Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor. It becomes a Class A misdemeanor if it causes injury requiring medical treatment, and a State Jail Felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death.
3. Consent is NOT a Defense: Texas law (§37.155) explicitly states that a victim’s “consent” to the activity is not a defense against hazing charges. This recognizes the coercive power of peer pressure.
4. Organizational Liability: The student organization itself can be fined up to $10,000 per violation if it authorized or knowingly permitted the hazing.
5. Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting: Individuals who in good faith report hazing or seek medical assistance are immune from civil or criminal liability for their own minor conduct (like underage drinking) related to the reported incident.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases:

• Criminal Cases: Brought by the state (DA) to punish offenders with jail, fines, or probation.
• Civil Cases: Brought by victims and families to obtain compensation for damages and hold all responsible parties accountable. A criminal conviction is not required to file a civil lawsuit.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Hazing Case?
A thorough investigation seeks to identify every responsible entity to ensure full accountability and access to insurance coverage:

• Individual Students who planned or carried out the acts.
• The Local Chapter as an entity.
• The National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters for negligent supervision and failure to prevent known patterns.
• The University for negligent oversight and failure to protect students.
• Housing Corporations & Alumni Boards that own or control properties.
• Third Parties like bar owners or landlords.

Federal Law Overlay: The Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024) requires greater transparency from universities. Title IX may apply if hazing involves sexual harassment, and the Clery Act mandates reporting of certain campus crimes.

A National Pattern of Tragedy: Lessons for Texas

Major hazing deaths have reshaped laws across the country. These are not distant stories; they are blueprints for the risks facing Texas students.

• Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi, 2017): Died from traumatic brain injury after a forced drinking night. Delayed help. Resulted in the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania.
• Max Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta, 2017): Died from alcohol poisoning after a “Bible study” drinking game. Led to Louisiana’s felony Max Gruver Act.
• Andrew Coffey (Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi, 2017): Died after “Big Brother” night. FSU suspended all Greek life.
• Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021): Died after being forced to drink a bottle of alcohol. Resulted in a $10 million settlement.
• Danny Santulli (Univ. of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta, 2021): Suffered permanent, catastrophic brain damage from forced drinking. Settlements with 22 defendants.

The patterns are tragically consistent: forced consumption, delayed medical care, institutional failure, and a culture of secrecy. These cases prove that universities and national organizations can and have been held financially and legally accountable.

The Flagship Case: Attorney911’s Fight at the University of Houston

Right now, we are leading the litigation in one of the most severe hazing cases in Texas, demonstrating our active, high-stakes commitment to holding powerful institutions accountable.

Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi (Beta Nu Chapter)

In late 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a UH student and Pi Kappa Phi pledge. The allegations detail a systematic campaign of abuse during the Fall 2025 pledge period:

• Humiliation: Pledges were forced to carry a “pledge fanny pack” 24/7 containing condoms, a sex toy, nicotine devices, and other degrading items.
• Forced Labor: Mandatory dress codes, hours-long “study” blocks, overnight chauffeuring duties, and weekly interviews under threat.
• Physical Torture: Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, and “save-your-brother” drills. Pledges were made to lie in vomit-soaked grass, stripped to underwear in cold weather, and sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.”
• Extreme “Workouts”: On November 3, Bermudez was forced to perform over 100 push-ups and 500 squats while reciting the fraternity creed, threatened with expulsion if he stopped.
• Forced Consumption: Pledges were forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediately sent on sprints.

The Medical Catastrophe: This abuse led Bermudez to develop rhabdomyolysis—a severe skeletal muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, could not stand, and was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels, confirming permanent kidney injury risk.

The Institutional Response: After reports surfaced, Pi Kappa Phi nationals suspended the chapter on November 6. On November 14, the chapter members voted to surrender their charter. The University of Houston called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised cooperation with law enforcement. This case is actively being litigated in Harris County.

This is not a historical example. This is current, active litigation led by our firm, showing we have the expertise and determination to take on a major Texas university and a national fraternity. For families in Rosenberg and across Fort Bend County, it is stark proof that the most severe hazing is happening at Texas schools right now.

Media Coverage of this Active Case:

• Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case
• ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit

Texas University Focus: Where Rosenberg Families Send Their Kids

Rosenberg students often head to major universities across the state. Understanding the specific hazing landscape at these schools is critical.

University of Houston (UH)

As the home of our flagship Bermudez case, UH is under intense scrutiny. The university has multiple Greek councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, MGC) and a history of incidents.

• Official Policy: UH prohibits hazing on or off-campus and provides reporting channels through the Dean of Students and UHPD.
• Past Incidents: Beyond the Pi Kappa Phi case, other chapters have faced sanctions for alcohol-related hazing and physical mistreatment.
• For Rosenberg Families: UH is a major destination. A hazing case here would involve Harris County courts and potentially Houston Police Department jurisdiction. Evidence of prior university knowledge is a key focus.

Texas A&M University

The Aggie network is strong in Fort Bend County. Texas A&M’s unique culture includes a large Corps of Cadets and robust Greek life, both with documented hazing risks.

• Corps of Cadets Hazing: Lawsuits have alleged severe physical and sexualized hazing, including cadets being bound in “roasted pig” positions.
• Fraternity Hazing: Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) at A&M faced a lawsuit where pledges alleged being doused with industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts.
• For Rosenberg Families: Many Rosenberg students choose A&M. Cases may involve Brazos County courts and A&M’s own disciplinary process, which can be protective of tradition.

University of Texas at Austin

UT Austin sets a standard for transparency with its public online log of hazing violations—a resource we use in building cases.

• Public Violations Log: UT’s website lists sanctioned organizations. Recent entries include Pi Kappa Alpha for forced milk consumption and calisthenics, and spirit groups for forced workouts and alcohol hazing.
• Fraternity Incidents: Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) at UT has also faced litigation, including a 2024 lawsuit by an exchange student alleging assault.
• For Rosenberg Families: UT’s public data is a powerful tool. It shows patterns and proves the university had prior knowledge of specific organizations’ conduct.

Southern Methodist University (SMU) & Baylor University

These private, prestigious schools have active Greek systems and their own hazing histories.

• SMU: Has suspended chapters like Kappa Alpha Order for paddling and forced drinking. As a private institution, its internal records are often shielded until discovered through litigation.
• Baylor: Has faced hazing scandals within its baseball program, resulting in player suspensions. The university’s broader history with institutional response to crisis is a factor in any case.

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: A Data-Driven View for Parents

Parents in Rosenberg deserve to know the scale and structure of the organizations connected to their students’ campuses. Our firm maintains a Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, built from public records, to map this landscape. This isn’t theoretical; it’s the data we use to investigate cases.

Statewide Scale: Public data shows over 1,400 Greek-related organizations operating across 25 Texas metro areas.

The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro (which includes Rosenberg and Fort Bend County) is a major hub, with 188 Greek organizations recorded. This includes undergraduate chapters, alumni associations, honor societies, and housing corporations that may hold insurance and liability.

Public Records Snapshot: Organizations Relevant to Rosenberg & Texas Families
The following are examples of real Texas-registered Greek organizations (from IRS B83 filings and other public records). This illustrates the complex network behind campus letters.

• Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity – Beta Nu Housing Corporation Inc., EIN 46-2267515, Frisco, TX 75035 (IRS B83 filing)
• Sigma Phi Epsilon Texas Eta, EIN 82-4398421, Richmond, TX 77406 (IRS B83 filing)
• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc. – Theta Delta, EIN 47-5370943, Houston, TX 77204 (IRS B83 filing)
• Sigma Chi Fraternity – Epsilon Xi Chapter, EIN 74-6084905, Houston, TX 77204 (IRS B83 filing)
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc., EIN 74-1380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147 (IRS B83/Cause IQ overlap)
• Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity, Fort Worth, TX 76244 (Cause IQ metro listing)
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Texas A&M University Chapter, EIN 90-0293166, College Station, TX 77843 (IRS B83 filing)

This directory represents a fraction of the data we track. When a hazing incident occurs, we don’t start from zero. We already know how to identify the legal entities, their tax IDs, and their insurance carriers behind the Greek letters on campus.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages

If your family is facing this crisis, know that a successful case is built on meticulous investigation and strategic legal action.

Critical Evidence We Pursue:

• Digital Evidence: Group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp), text messages, social media posts/videos, deleted data recovered via forensics.
• Internal Documents: Chapter “pledge manuals,” meeting minutes, emails between members and nationals.
• University Records: Prior conduct violations, Clery Act reports, internal investigation files obtained via discovery.
• Medical Records: Documenting the full extent of physical and psychological injury.
• Witness Testimony: From other pledges, former members, roommates, and advisors.

Types of Recoverable Damages:

• Economic Damages: All medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, loss of future earning capacity.
• Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, humiliation, loss of enjoyment of life.
• Wrongful Death Damages (if applicable): Funeral costs, loss of companionship, financial support, and emotional anguish for the family.

Our Strategic Advantage:
Our approach is informed by unique expertise. Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney for a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers will try to deny, delay, and undervalue claims. Ralph Manginello has experience in federal court complex litigation, including being one of the few firms involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation—proof we can face billion-dollar institutional defendants. This combination of insider insurance knowledge and hard-won litigation experience is what separates our firm in hazing cases.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Rosenberg Parents and Students

For Parents: Warning Signs & Immediate Steps

Warning Signs: Unexplained injuries, extreme fatigue, personality changes (anxiety, withdrawal), sudden secrecy about group activities, constant phone monitoring, declining grades, unexplained financial requests.
What to Do: Prioritize safety and medical care. Preserve ALL evidence. Write down your child’s account. Contact an attorney before reporting to the university to protect your child’s rights and navigate the process strategically. Do not sign any university or insurance documents.

For Students: Is This Hazing?

If you feel coerced, unsafe, or humiliated to gain or keep membership, it likely is. “Consent” under pressure is not a legal defense in Texas. Your safety comes first.

Critical Mistakes That Can Harm a Case:

1. Deleting Evidence: Preserve all messages and photos.
2. Confronting the Organization: This triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching.
3. Signing University Agreements: Never sign without an attorney’s review.
4. Posting on Social Media: Defense teams monitor everything.
5. Waiting Too Long: Evidence disappears, memories fade, and statutes of limitations apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

• “Can we sue a university in Texas?” Yes. While public universities have some immunity, exceptions exist for gross negligence. Private universities like SMU and Baylor can also be sued.
• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?” It can be. Hazing that causes serious bodily injury or death is a state jail felony.
• “What if it happened off-campus?” Location does not matter for liability under Texas law if the activity is for a university organization.
• “How long do we have to file a case?” Generally, two years from the date of injury in Texas, but exceptions exist. Time is of the essence.
• “Will our case be public?” Many cases settle confidentially. We prioritize your family’s privacy while fighting for accountability.

Why Attorney911 for Your Rosenberg Hazing Case

When your family faces the trauma of hazing, you need advocates who understand both the human cost and the legal battlefield. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911) is not a general personal injury firm; we are Texas complex litigation specialists with a dedicated focus on holding powerful institutions—fraternities, sororities, and universities—accountable for hazing abuse.

Our Proven Record in Active Litigation: We are currently leading the Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, a $10 million case that is making headlines and shaping accountability in Texas right now. We are in the fight.

Unique, Insider Expertise:

• Insurance Insider Knowledge: Mr. Lupe Peña knows the defense playbook from his years representing insurance companies. He anticipates their tactics to deny coverage and undervalue claims.
• Institutional Litigation Experience: From the BP Texas City disaster to federal court battles, we have faced well-funded, aggressive institutional defendants and won.
• Data-Driven Investigation: We employ our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—mapping thousands of Greek organizations—to quickly identify all potentially liable parties and their insurance coverage.
• Dual Civil & Criminal Insight: Ralph Manginello’s background with the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand the interplay between criminal charges and civil lawsuits, allowing us to advise families and witnesses comprehensively.
• Spanish-Language Services: Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, ensuring we can serve all Texas families with comfort and clarity.

We serve families across Texas from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. For Rosenberg and Fort Bend County parents, we are your neighbors and your dedicated legal advocates.

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone: Contact Attorney911 Today

If hazing has impacted your child and your family, the path forward can feel overwhelming. You do not have to navigate it alone. The institutions involved will have teams of lawyers; you deserve experienced advocates on your side.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC for a free, confidential, and no-obligation consultation. We will listen to your story, explain your legal options in clear terms, and help you make an informed decision about the best path forward for your family. There is no fee unless we recover compensation for you.

Call us 24/7: 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
Se habla Español.

Legal Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or form an attorney-client relationship. The information is current as of late 2025. Outcomes in any legal matter depend on specific facts and applicable law. If you believe you have a hazing case, please contact an attorney directly to discuss your specific situation.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources:

News Coverage of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

• Click2Houston: 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: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

• Using your phone for evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Statute of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• Contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Main Website:

• Attorney911: https://attorney911.com