The Definitive Guide to Hazing in Texas: Protecting Your Child at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU & Baylor – A Resource for Kirvin Parents

Understanding This Guide for Kirvin, Texas Families

To the parents, families, and students in Freestone County and the Town of Kirvin: this comprehensive guide exists because the nightmare of campus hazing has reached our Texas communities. Right now, just a few hours from Kirvin in Houston, our law firm is actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered near-fatal injuries during his Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledging period in fall 2025.

Mr. Bermudez’s case illustrates what families across Texas—including those in Kirvin who send their children to major state universities—must understand about modern hazing. After being forced through extreme physical abuse, humiliating rituals, and dangerous “traditions,” he developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, passing brown urine and requiring four days of hospitalization. The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter was suspended, then shut down completely after members voted to surrender their charter.

This isn’t an isolated incident. It’s part of a pattern that affects Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor, SMU, and campuses across our state. If your child attends any Texas university, whether they’re commuting from Kirvin or living on campus hours away, you deserve to know the realities of hazing, your legal rights under Texas law, and what experienced Texas counsel can do to protect your family.

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 for Texas Families

Beyond the Stereotypes: Modern Hazing Realities

For parents in Kirvin and across Freestone County, understanding contemporary hazing requires looking beyond outdated stereotypes of “harmless pranks” or “boys being boys.” In 2025, hazing represents a sophisticated, often digitally-enabled system of coercion that endangers students’ physical and mental health while being deliberately hidden from university oversight.

Modern hazing falls into three escalating categories that every Texas parent should recognize:

Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Just Tradition”)
This includes servitude requirements where pledges act as 24/7 chauffeurs, mandatory “study blocks” that interfere with academics, enforced dress codes, and social isolation from non-members. The “pledge fanny pack” from the UH Pi Kappa Phi case—containing condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items that must be carried constantly—represents this category. Digital control is now central: geo-tracking through apps like Find My Friends, mandatory instant responses to group chats at all hours, and social media policing.

Harassment Hazing (Crossing Into Abuse)
This includes sleep deprivation through 3 AM “meetings,” forced consumption of unpleasant substances (like the milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns in the Bermudez case), extreme calisthenics beyond safe limits, and public humiliation. The “waterboarding” simulation with a hose spray to the face reported in the UH case falls here, as do the 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion. Digital humiliation through forced TikTok challenges or embarrassing social media posts has become commonplace.

Violent Hazing (High Risk of Serious Injury or Death)
This category includes forced alcohol consumption like “Big/Little” nights that killed Stone Foltz at Bowling Green, physical beatings with paddles, dangerous “tests” like blindfolded tackles, sexualized hazing including forced nudity, and racist or homophobic abuse. The chemical burns from industrial cleaner at Texas A&M’s SAE chapter and the rhabdomyolysis that nearly killed Leonel Bermudez at UH represent this most dangerous tier.

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

While fraternities receive substantial attention, hazing permeates multiple campus organizations that Kirvin students may join:

Traditional Greek Life: IFC fraternities, Panhellenic sororities, NPHC “Divine Nine” organizations, multicultural Greek groups
Corps of Cadets & Military Programs: Texas A&M’s Corps has faced multiple hazing allegations, including the “roasted pig” binding case
Athletic Teams: From football to swimming, team initiation rituals sometimes cross into abuse
Spirit & Tradition Groups: Organizations like Texas Cowboys at UT or similar groups at other campuses
Performance Groups: Marching bands, theater troupes, and a cappella groups
Academic & Service Organizations: Even groups focused on scholarship or community service

The common thread across all these organizations isn’t the letters they wear but the power dynamics they create: older members controlling new members through traditions that prioritize loyalty over safety.

Texas Hazing Law: What Kirvin Families Need to Know

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

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in the Education Code that provide both criminal penalties and civil liability pathways. For parents in Kirvin, understanding these laws is crucial because they govern cases regardless of whether hazing occurs on campus in College Station, Austin, Houston, or at an off-campus retreat.

§ 37.151 Definition: What Actually Constitutes Hazing
Texas law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students, if the act:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
This includes forced alcohol consumption, physical brutality, sleep deprivation, and psychological manipulation

Critical understanding for Kirvin parents: This definition applies on or off campus. The location doesn’t matter—what matters is the conduct and its connection to organizational affiliation.

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties: Serious Consequences

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious bodily injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing bodily injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

Additionally, failing to report hazing or retaliating against someone who reports are separate misdemeanor offenses.

§ 37.155 The Most Important Protection: Consent Is NOT a Defense
Texas law explicitly states that “it is not a defense to prosecution that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to the hazing activity.” This legal principle recognizes what every parent knows: when there’s power imbalance, peer pressure, and fear of social exclusion, “consent” isn’t truly voluntary.

§ 37.154 Good-Faith Reporting Protections
Individuals who report hazing in good faith receive immunity from civil or criminal liability. Many Texas universities extend this to medical amnesty—encouraging students to call 911 in alcohol emergencies without fear of underage drinking charges.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

When hazing occurs, two parallel legal tracks may develop:

Criminal Prosecution (State vs. Individuals/Organization)

Brought by county or district attorneys
Aims for punishment: jail, fines, probation
Common charges: hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
Example: The multiple criminal convictions following Stone Foltz’s death at Bowling Green

Civil Litigation (Victim/Family vs. Responsible Parties)

Brought by injured students or surviving families
Aims for compensation and accountability
Legal theories: negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision
Example: The $10 million lawsuit in the Leonel Bermudez UH Pi Kappa Phi case

These tracks aren’t mutually exclusive. A criminal conviction isn’t required to pursue civil justice, though criminal findings can strengthen civil claims.

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections

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

Publicly report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthen hazing education and prevention programs
Maintain public hazing data archives (phased implementation through 2026)

Title IX & Clery Act Implications
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. The Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes in campus safety statistics—hazing often overlaps with assault, alcohol, or drug offenses that must be disclosed.

Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Hazing Case?

Our experience in cases like Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi shows that multiple parties often share responsibility:

Individual Students
Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or participated in cover-ups. In the UH case, 13 individual fraternity leaders were named alongside the organizations.

Local Chapter/Organization
The fraternity or sorority chapter itself, often through its housing corporation or local entity. For example, the “Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc” (EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX) represents the type of local entity that can be held liable.

National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters
National organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters is a defendant in the UH case because they had oversight responsibility.

Universities & Governing Boards
Schools may face liability based on what they knew or should have known. The University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents are defendants in the Bermudez case alleging insufficient supervision.

Third Parties
Property owners of off-campus houses, alcohol providers (under Texas dram shop law), security companies, or retreat facility operators.

For Kirvin families, understanding this multi-defendant approach is crucial. We don’t just target the individual students—we identify every entity that enabled or failed to prevent the harm.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: A Preventable Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
A bid-acceptance night with forced drinking led to Piazza suffering multiple falls captured on chapter security cameras. Fraternity members delayed calling 911 for hours. The criminal prosecution resulted in dozens of charges against members, and Pennsylvania enacted the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. For Texas parents: This case established that delayed medical response dramatically increases liability.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
During a “Big/Little” night, Foltz was forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey. He died from alcohol poisoning. Multiple criminal convictions followed, and Bowling Green State University paid nearly $3 million in settlement. The fraternity president was later ordered to pay $6.5 million personally. For Kirvin families: This shows individual officers can face massive personal liability.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
A “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers meant forced drinking resulted in Gruver’s death from acute alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%). Louisiana responded with the Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony. For Texas context: This demonstrates how state legislatures respond to high-profile tragedies with stronger laws.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: Beyond Alcohol

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
At a fraternity retreat, Deng was blindfolded, weighted with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual. He suffered fatal traumatic brain injury while members delayed calling 911. The national fraternity was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter—a rare instance of organizational criminal liability. For Kirvin parents: Off-campus “retreats” can be particularly dangerous with reduced oversight.

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hacing within the football program spanning years. Multiple lawsuits led to head coach Pat Fitzgerald’s firing and confidential settlements. For Texas context: This demonstrates hazing permeates big-money athletic programs with the same power dynamics as Greek life.

What These Cases Mean for Kirvin Families

Common threads across national cases:

Forced consumption patterns (alcohol, food, substances)
Delayed medical response due to fear of consequences
Cover-up attempts including destroyed evidence
Institutional knowledge of prior similar incidents
Multi-million dollar settlements when cases reach resolution

These national precedents directly influence how Texas courts view hazing cases and what compensation juries may award.

Texas University Focus: Where Kirvin Students Attend

University of Houston: Current Crisis & Historical Patterns

Campus Snapshot for Kirvin Families
UH represents a major destination for students from across Texas, including those from Freestone County seeking opportunities in Houston’s vibrant economy. With active Greek life across multiple councils and numerous student organizations, UH’s urban campus presents both opportunities and risks that Kirvin parents should understand.

The Active Crisis: Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi
Right now, our firm is litigating this $10 million hazing lawsuit that reveals systemic issues. The allegations include:

The “pledge fanny pack” humiliation system
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
Extreme workouts leading to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
Hose spraying “similar to waterboarding”
Multiple hazing locations: Pi Kappa Phi house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park

The medical outcome was catastrophic: Bermudez passed brown urine, was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels, and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. The institutional response included Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspending the chapter on November 6, 2025, followed by members voting to surrender their charter on November 14, 2025.

UH’s Greek Ecosystem & Your Child’s Safety
UH hosts numerous organizations that appear in Texas public records, including:

Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc (EIN 475370943, Houston, TX – IRS B83 filing)
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter (EIN 746084905, Houston, TX)
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated – Sigma Gamma Chapter (EIN 392352450, Houston, TX)

What UH Parents in Kirvin Should Know

Reporting Channels: Dean of Students Office, UHPD, online reporting forms
Prior Incidents: UH has disciplined multiple organizations for hazing violations
Legal Venue: Cases typically proceed in Harris County courts
Evidence Preservation: Critical in urban settings where digital evidence is abundant but easily deleted

Texas A&M University: Tradition Meets Accountability

Campus Snapshot for Kirvin Families
Many students from Central Texas, including Freestone County, choose Texas A&M for its academic programs and unique traditions. The Corps of Cadets and extensive Greek life create environments where hazing risks exist alongside educational opportunities.

Documented Incidents & Institutional Responses
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges alleged being covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The chapter was suspended, and pledges filed a $1 million lawsuit.

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023): A cadet alleged degrading hazing including being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” position with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million, with A&M stating it handled the matter under internal rules.

Texas A&M’s Greek Landscape in Public Records
The College Station area hosts numerous Greek entities recorded in IRS and organizational data:

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

Practical Guidance for A&M Families

Dual Systems: Understand both Greek life and Corps disciplinary processes
Medical Resources: Know where to seek immediate care in Bryan/College Station
Local Counsel: College Station/Brazos County courts handle most cases
Tradition Awareness: Some “traditions” may cross into illegal hazing

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency & Persistent Problems

Campus Snapshot for Kirvin Families
UT Austin attracts students from every Texas county, including Freestone, with its academic reputation and vibrant campus life. UT’s relatively transparent hazing violation reporting provides insight but doesn’t eliminate risks.

Public Hazing Violations Log
UT maintains a public database showing repeated patterns:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation and mandatory education
Multiple organizations: Sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, punishment-based practices

Austin-Area Greek Entities in Public Records

Chi Omega Fraternity (EIN 740555581, Austin, TX – house corporation)
Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi (EIN 746047117, Austin, TX)
Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp (Austin, TX – Cause IQ metro listing)

What UT Austin Parents Should Do

Check the Database: Review UT’s public hazing violations before your child joins organizations
Document Everything: Austin’s tech-savvy environment means digital evidence is crucial
Legal Preparation: Travis County courts have experience with campus-related litigation
Medical Documentation: Utilize UT’s extensive medical resources for proper documentation

Southern Methodist University: Private Campus Challenges

Campus Snapshot for Kirvin Families
SMU’s private university status and affluent student population create unique dynamics. Greek life is particularly prominent, and disciplinary processes may differ from public institutions.

Historical Incidents
Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep; chapter suspended until approximately 2021.

SMU’s Organizational Landscape

Tri Delta Educational Fund of SMU (Dallas, TX – Cause IQ metro listing)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN 741380362, Fort Worth, TX)

Considerations for SMU Families

Private vs. Public: Different rules, protections, and transparency levels
Dallas Resources: Access to major medical centers for documentation
Legal Strategy: May involve different insurance carriers and defense approaches
Confidentiality: Private settlements are common but require experienced negotiation

Baylor University: Faith-Based Context & Accountability

Campus Snapshot for Kirvin Families
Baylor’s religious identity and recent history with institutional accountability create a complex environment. Greek life exists alongside faith-based organizations, all with potential hazing risks.

Documented Cases
Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation; staggered suspensions throughout the season.

Baylor’s Greek Presence in Public Records

Texas Rho Chapter of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity (EIN 741942292, Waco, TX)
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated Nu Iota Chapter Baylor University (EIN 521346485, Waco, TX)

Guidance for Baylor Families

Dual Accountability: Both university honor code and legal standards apply
Medical Documentation: Baylor’s medical resources should document injuries properly
Institutional History: Baylor’s past accountability issues may influence current responses
Local Legal Landscape: McLennan County courts handle Baylor-related cases

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: What Public Records Reveal

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Data-Driven Accountability

Our firm maintains what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations across Texas compiled from IRS records, university rosters, and organizational data. For Kirvin parents, understanding this landscape is crucial because the same national organizations appear across multiple Texas campuses.

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

Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc (EIN 273662583, Lufkin, TX)
Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation (EIN 371768785, Missouri City, TX)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (multiple EINs across Texas campuses)

Metro Concentrations: Where Risk Clusters

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

Cross-Validated Brands: National Patterns in Texas
Organizations appearing in both IRS and metro data show how national brands operate across Texas:

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (multiple Texas locations)
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity (Prairie View, Dallas, other locations)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (virtually every major Texas campus)

National Histories Matter: Foreseeability in Texas Courts

When a Texas chapter repeats conduct that caused injuries or deaths elsewhere, that history creates “foreseeability”—the legal concept that the harm was predictable and preventable. For Kirvin families, this means national patterns directly impact local cases.

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ): The Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green (2021) followed similar “Big/Little” alcohol hazing patterns seen at other chapters. When Texas chapters use similar scripts, national headquarters cannot claim ignorance.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ): Multiple deaths nationwide, including Carson Starkey at Cal Poly (2008), established clear patterns of alcohol hazing. The Texas A&M chemical burns case fits within this documented history.

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): Max Gruver’s death at LSU (2017) from “Bible study” drinking games revealed organizational patterns. Similar activities at Texas chapters trigger enhanced liability.

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Andrew Coffey’s death at Florida State (2017) during a “Big Brother” night established dangerous traditions. The current UH case involving Leonel Bermudez shows these patterns continue.

Why National Liability Matters for Kirvin Families

When we investigate hazing cases, we don’t just look at individual students. We examine:

National Policy Manuals: What the headquarters told chapters to do (or not do)
Prior Incident Reports: What the national organization knew about similar conduct
Risk Management Files: How nationals supervised (or failed to supervise) chapters
Insurance Coverage: What policies might provide compensation

This comprehensive approach is why cases like Bermudez v. UH name Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters alongside the local chapter and university. Each entity shares responsibility based on their knowledge, control, and failure to prevent foreseeable harm.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages & Strategy

Evidence Collection: The Digital Crime Scene

Modern hazing leaves digital footprints that skilled investigators can reconstruct. For Kirvin families, understanding what evidence matters can mean the difference between accountability and cover-up.

Digital Communications (Most Critical Evidence)

Group Messaging Apps: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage groups, Discord servers
Social Media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat stories (screenshot immediately), TikTok messages
Email Chains: Chapter communications, national headquarters correspondence
Fraternity/Sorority Apps: Organization-specific platforms with event planning

Preservation Protocol for Parents:

DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING: Even embarrassing content is evidence
Screenshot Comprehensively: Capture full threads with timestamps and participant names
Cloud Backup: Upload to secure storage immediately
Document Deletions: Note if messages disappear (Snapchat, Instagram vanish mode)

Physical & Medical Evidence

Injury Documentation: Photograph bruises, burns, cuts from multiple angles with scale reference
Medical Records: ER reports, hospitalization records, lab results (like creatine kinase levels showing rhabdomyolysis)
Physical Items: Clothing with stains, paddles, “pledge packs,” alcohol bottles
Location Evidence: Photos of houses, rooms, retreat venues

Institutional Records

University Discipline Files: Prior violations involving the same organization
Campus Police Reports: Incident documentation
National Fraternity Records: Obtained through discovery in litigation
Insurance Policies: Coverage documents showing who might pay compensation

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Texas law recognizes multiple categories of damages in hazing cases. Understanding these helps Kirvin families recognize the full impact beyond immediate medical bills.

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical Expenses: Past and future care, including hospitalization, surgery, therapy
Lost Educational Opportunity: Tuition for interrupted semesters, lost scholarships
Diminished Earning Capacity: Reduced lifetime earnings from permanent injuries
Other Expenses: Counseling, relocation costs, property damage

Non-Economic Damages (Compensating Harm)

Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries sustained during hazing
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in college life or activities
Reputational Harm: Social stigma from publicized incidents

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

Funeral & Burial Costs
Loss of Companionship & Support
Parents’ & Siblings’ Emotional Suffering
Economic Support the deceased would have provided

Punitive Damages (When Conduct Warrants)
In cases involving particularly reckless, willful, or malicious conduct, Texas courts may award punitive damages to punish defendants and deter future misconduct.

Strategic Considerations for Texas Cases

Insurance Coverage Battles
Fraternity and university insurers often argue hazing is excluded as “intentional conduct.” Our insider knowledge from Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as an insurance defense attorney helps navigate these arguments. We identify all potential coverage sources:

National fraternity liability policies
University insurance programs
Chapter house corporation policies
Individual members’ homeowners insurance

Multi-Defendant Approach
Like in the Bermudez case, we typically name multiple defendants to ensure accountability reaches all responsible parties:

Individual students who participated
Chapter officers who organized or allowed hazing
Local chapter entities (housing corporations, alumni associations)
National headquarters
Universities and their governing boards
Third parties (property owners, alcohol providers)

Preserving Evidence Before Destruction
Hazing cases involve rapid evidence destruction. We move immediately to:

Send preservation letters to all potential defendants
Obtain temporary restraining orders if necessary
Image digital devices before deletion
Secure physical evidence before disposal

Practical Guides & FAQs for Kirvin Families

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical Indicators: Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries; extreme exhaustion; weight changes; sleep deprivation
Behavioral Changes: Sudden secrecy about organization activities; withdrawal from family/friends; personality shifts (anxiety, depression, irritability)
Academic Red Flags: Grades dropping; missing classes; losing scholarships
Digital Patterns: Constant phone monitoring for group chats; anxiety about messages; deleting communications
Financial Signs: Unexplained large expenses; buying excessive alcohol or gifts for older members

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing

Choose a Calm, Private Setting
Use Open-Ended Questions:
- “How are things going with [organization]?”
- “What do new members typically do?”
- “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
Listen Without Judgment: Avoid “Why would you do that?” in favor of “Help me understand what happened”
Emphasize Safety Over Status: “Your health matters more than any organization”
Plan Together: If hazing is occurring, develop an exit strategy

If You Suspect Hazing: Immediate Action Steps

Ensure Physical Safety: Remove from dangerous situations
Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor
Document Everything: Write down what your child tells you with dates/times
Preserve Evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries
Contact an Attorney Before Reporting: We can guide you through preserving rights while reporting
Avoid Common Mistakes: Don’t confront the organization, don’t sign university agreements without review

For Students: Safety & Self-Advocacy

Is This Hazing? Self-Assessment Questions

Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie about activities?
Are only new members doing this while older members watch or direct?

How to Exit Safely

Tell Someone First: Trusted friend, RA, family member—create a record
Formal Resignation: Email/text to chapter president: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Avoid “One Last Meeting”: This is often a pressure/retaliation opportunity
Document Retaliation: Save any threatening messages or incidents
Utilize University Resources: Dean of Students can help with housing/class changes if needed

Evidence Collection for Students

Screen Recordings: Texas is a one-party consent state—you can record conversations you participate in
Photographic Evidence: Injuries, locations, objects used in hazing
Witness Information: Names/contacts of others who saw what happened
Medical Documentation: Tell healthcare providers you were hazed so it’s in records

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Digital Evidence
What families think: “We don’t want this embarrassing stuff saved”
Why it’s devastating: Looks like cover-up; may be obstruction of justice; destroys most powerful evidence
Instead: Preserve everything; your attorney will manage sensitive content

2. Confronting the Organization Directly
What families think: “I’ll give them a piece of my mind”
Why it backfires: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Instead: Document quietly, then let your attorney handle communication

3. Signing University “Resolution” Agreements
What universities do: Pressure quick settlements with minimal compensation
Why it’s harmful: You may waive rights to sue; settlements are often far below case value
Instead: “I need to consult with an attorney before signing anything”

4. Posting on Social Media
What families feel: “I want people to know what happened”
Why it hurts your case: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies damage credibility
Instead: Document privately; let your attorney control public messaging

5. Waiting “To See How the University Handles It”
What universities promise: “We’re investigating internally”
What actually happens: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Instead: Preserve evidence now; university process ≠ real accountability

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can we sue a Texas public university for hazing?”
Yes, but with complexities. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing employees in personal capacity. Every case requires specific analysis—call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 to discuss your situation.

“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 serious bodily injury or death results. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the activities?”
Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to the hazing activity.” Courts recognize that power imbalances and peer pressure negate true consent.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally two years from the date of injury or discovery in Texas, but numerous factors can affect this timeline. The “discovery rule” may extend deadlines if harm wasn’t immediately apparent, and fraudulent concealment by defendants may toll (pause) the statute. Do not wait—call immediately to preserve your rights.

“Will this be confidential or public?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability. Court filings can often be sealed, and settlement terms typically include confidentiality provisions.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national organizations can still be responsible based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeable risks. Many major cases (like Pi Delta Psi’s retreat death) occurred off-campus.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Kirvin Families

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. Here’s why families across Texas, including those in Kirvin and Freestone County, choose Attorney911:

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”
Negotiate settlements from a position of institutional power

We know their playbook because we used to run it. This insider knowledge helps us counter lowball offers and navigate complex insurance battles.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience
Ralph Manginello’s involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation demonstrates our capability against billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. Universities and national fraternities deploy similar tactics:

Overwhelming document discovery
Teams of defense attorneys
Aggressive motion practice
Attempts to delay and outspend plaintiffs

We’re not intimidated because we’ve faced this before—and won.

Active Texas Hazing Litigation
Right now, we’re leading one of Texas’s most significant hazing cases: Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi. This isn’t historical experience—it’s current, active litigation against a major Texas university and national fraternity. We understand exactly how these cases unfold in Texas courts in 2025.

Comprehensive Investigative Resources
Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks over 1,400 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. When we take your case, we don’t start from scratch—we already understand:

The organizational structure behind the letters
Prior incidents and patterns
Insurance coverage likely available
Defense strategies these organizations typically employ

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability
Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can:

Advise on criminal exposure for involved students
Navigate parallel civil and criminal proceedings
Protect your child’s rights if they face charges
Coordinate with criminal defense counsel when needed

Proven Results in Catastrophic Cases
We’ve recovered millions for clients in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We work with economists, life care planners, and medical experts to ensure settlements or verdicts account for:

Lifetime medical needs
Lost earning capacity
Comprehensive pain and suffering
Future care requirements

Our Approach: Empathy Meets Aggressive Advocacy

We understand that hazing cases involve more than legal issues—they represent broken trust, institutional failure, and personal trauma. Our approach balances:

Thorough Investigation
We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does. This means:

Digital forensics to recover deleted messages
Subpoenaing national fraternity records
Obtaining university discipline files
Consulting medical and psychological experts

Strategic Case Development
We build cases that force accountability, not just settle quickly. This involves:

Identifying all potentially liable parties
Preserving evidence before destruction
Developing compelling narratives for judges and juries
Calculating comprehensive damages

Client-Centered Communication
You’ll work directly with our attorneys, not paralegals or case managers. We:

Return calls within 24 hours
Explain legal processes in plain English
Involve you in strategic decisions
Prepare you for every stage of the process

Contact Attorney911 Today

For Families in Kirvin and Throughout Texas:

If hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have experienced legal teams—you should too.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We Listen Without Judgment: Tell us what happened in complete confidence
Evidence Review: We’ll examine any documentation you have
Legal Options Explained: We’ll outline potential paths forward
Realistic Expectations: We’ll discuss timelines, challenges, and potential outcomes
No Pressure Decision: Take time to decide if we’re the right firm for you

Contact Information:

24/7 Crisis Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Office: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

Spanish Language Services:
Hablamos Español. Contacte a Lupe Peña a lupe@atty911.com para una consulta en español.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of 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”

Published: November 21, 2025 | Authors: Bryce Newberry & Holly Galvan Posey
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”

Published: November 22, 2025 | Author: Nick Natario
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”

Published: November 22, 2025 | Author: Alyssa Ford
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”

Content: How to properly use smartphones to document evidence after injury or hazing
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

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

Content: Texas statutes of limitations for personal injury cases
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

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

Content: Common errors that damage personal injury claims
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

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

Content: Contingency fee model explanation – no fee unless we win
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website

Attorney911 — Main Website & Contact

Content: Full-service Texas personal injury and criminal defense law firm
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 the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified Texas attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com