Hazing in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for Fredericksburg Families Seeking Justice & Accountability
If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You Are Not Alone
For parents in Fredericksburg, the Texas Hill Country represents safety, family, and tradition. You’ve raised your children with strong values, perhaps sending them to prestigious universities like Texas State in San Marcos, the University of Texas at Austin, or Texas A&M University to build their futures. The nightmare begins with a phone call, a cryptic text, or a visit home where your once-vibrant child is now withdrawn, injured, or deeply traumatized. You learn that the abuse didn’t come from a stranger, but from an organization they trusted—a fraternity, sorority, athletic team, or campus group that promised brotherhood, sisterhood, and belonging.
Right now, in Houston, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who was hazed by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. The allegations are horrifying: forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; humiliating “pledge fanny pack” rules; and extreme physical workouts that led to rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, and a four-day hospitalization. This is not a historical case—it is active litigation we are leading in Harris County, a $10 million lawsuit against the university, the national fraternity, and 13 individual members. The chapter has been shut down, but the physical and psychological harm to Leonel continues.
This guide is written specifically for parents and families in Fredericksburg, Gillespie County, and the surrounding Texas Hill Country. If your child has been harmed in connection with fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, athletics, or other campus organizations at any Texas university, you deserve to know the truth about hazing, your legal rights, and how to hold powerful institutions accountable.
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 in Texas
Hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypes of “harmless pranks” or “boys will be boys” behavior. For Fredericksburg families, understanding these modern tactics is crucial to recognizing when your child is in danger.
The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing
Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (The Gateway)
This includes behaviors that emphasize power imbalance and create psychological harm: mandatory “pledge fanny packs” with humiliating contents (as in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case), being on call 24/7 as a designated driver, forced servitude like cleaning members’ rooms, social isolation from non-members, and required attendance at events that interfere with academics. These acts condition new members to accept control and set the stage for escalation.
Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (The Abuse)
This involves behaviors causing significant discomfort: sleep deprivation through late-night “meetings,” food and water restriction, forced consumption of unpleasant substances, extreme calisthenics (“smokings” with hundreds of push-ups), public humiliation, and exposure to disgusting conditions. The digital evolution includes forced embarrassing social media posts, livestreamed degradation, and constant group chat monitoring with instant response demands.
Tier 3: Violent Hazing (The Catastrophe)
These are activities with high potential for injury, sexual assault, or death: forced alcohol consumption games like “Big/Little” nights, coerced drug use, physical beatings and paddling, dangerous “tests” like blindfolded tackles, sexualized hazing including forced nudity, kidnapping or restraint, and exposure to extreme environments. Modern tactics disguise these as “retreats” at Airbnbs, “team building” exercises, or “wellness challenges” to avoid detection.
Where Hazing Happens in Texas
While fraternities and sororities receive most attention, hazing permeates many campus organizations:
- Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural chapters)
- Corps of Cadets & ROTC Programs (especially at Texas A&M)
- Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading)
- Spirit & Tradition Groups (like Texas Cowboys, Aggie Bonfire crews)
- Marching Bands & Performance Groups
- Academic & Service Organizations
The common thread is social status, tradition, and secrecy that keep these practices alive despite knowing they’re illegal.
Texas Hazing Law: What Fredericksburg Families Need to Know
Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes in the Education Code that govern cases affecting students from Fredericksburg and across the state.
Texas Education Code Chapter 37, Subchapter F
Definition of Hazing (§37.151):
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:
- Endangers mental or physical health or safety, AND
- Occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership
Key Points for Fredericksburg Families:
- Location doesn’t matter (on-campus, off-campus, at “retreats”)
- Can be mental or physical harm
- “Reckless” is enough – they knew the risk and did it anyway
- “Consent is not a defense” (§37.155) – even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing
Criminal Penalties (§37.152):
- Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing without serious injury (up to 180 days jail)
- Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
- State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death
Organizational Liability (§37.153):
Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be:
- Fined up to $10,000 per violation
- Have university recognition revoked
- Face criminal prosecution if they authorized or encouraged hazing
Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference
Criminal Cases:
- Brought by the state (DA or prosecutor)
- Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
- Typical charges: Hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
Civil Cases:
- Brought by victims or families from Fredericksburg
- Aim: Compensation and accountability
- Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, institutional failure
Both can proceed simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is NOT required to pursue civil justice. Our firm handles both aspects, with Attorney Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) providing unique insight into the intersection of criminal and civil hazing cases.
Federal Overlay: Additional Protections
Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently and strengthen prevention programs (phased in by 2026).
Title IX & Clery Act:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. The Clery Act requires reporting of certain crimes that often overlap with hazing incidents.
The National Hazing Crisis: Patterns That Repeat in Texas
Major national cases establish patterns that Texas courts recognize and that directly affect cases involving Fredericksburg students.
Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern
Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):
Bid-acceptance event with heavy drinking, delayed medical help captured on chapter cameras, dozens of criminal charges, and the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania.
Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
Forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey during pledge night, died from alcohol poisoning. Resulted in $10 million settlement ($7M from national Pi Kappa Alpha, ~$3M from BGSU).
Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
“Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking, died from alcohol toxicity. Led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony.
Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern
Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
Blindfolded, weighted tackle during “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat, fatal head injuries, delayed 911 call. National fraternity criminally convicted, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.
Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021):
Forced excessive drinking during “pledge dad reveal,” suffered severe permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see), requires 24/7 care. Settlements with 22 defendants, multi-million dollar outcomes.
What These Cases Mean for Fredericksburg Families
These national precedents establish that:
- Patterns are foreseeable – National fraternities know certain rituals cause harm
- Delayed medical care increases liability exponentially
- Cover-ups and destruction of evidence lead to enhanced penalties
- Both individuals and organizations can be held accountable
- Multi-million dollar recoveries are possible for serious injuries
Texas Universities: Where Fredericksburg Families Send Their Kids
Fredericksburg students often attend universities across Texas. Understanding each campus’s hazing landscape is crucial for prevention and accountability.
University of Houston: The Active Litigation Frontier
For Fredericksburg Families: While UH is approximately 200 miles east, many Central Texas students choose Houston for its urban opportunities and strong programs. The active Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates what can happen when institutional oversight fails.
Campus Culture & Recent Case:
The Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case alleges systematic abuse culminating in rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. According to media reports, hazing occurred at the chapter house, a Culmore Drive residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park. The “pledge fanny pack” contained condoms, sex toys, and nicotine devices. Physical abuse included sprints, bear crawls, lying in vomit-soaked grass, and forced consumption leading to vomiting. The university called the conduct “deeply disturbing,” and the chapter surrendered its charter on November 14, 2025.
UH’s Greek Ecosystem:
UH hosts multiple councils including IFC fraternities, Panhellenic sororities, NPHC (Divine Nine), and multicultural groups. Fraternities present include Pi Kappa Phi (Beta Nu, now closed), Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others.
What UH Families Should Do:
- Report to UH Dean of Students Office and UHPD
- Document prior complaints through public records requests
- Understand that Houston-based litigation may involve Harris County courts
- Recognize that national fraternity insurance coverage battles often center in Texas
Texas State University (San Marcos): The Local Connection
For Fredericksburg Families: Only 50 miles from Fredericksburg, Texas State represents the most accessible four-year university for many Hill Country families. Its growing Greek life and active campus organizations require particular vigilance.
Campus Profile & Greek Life:
Texas State hosts active IFC fraternities, Panhellenic sororities, and multicultural organizations. The proximity to Fredericksburg means parents can more readily observe changes in their children and intervene sooner.
Historical Context & Risks:
As a growing university with expanding Greek life, Texas State faces increasing hazing risks. The university maintains conduct offices in San Marcos, but like many institutions, may prioritize institutional reputation over victim protection without legal pressure.
Practical Considerations for Fredericksburg Families:
- Jurisdiction: Hazing incidents may involve San Marcos PD, Hays County Sheriff, and Texas State University Police
- Medical Care: Central Texas medical facilities in San Marcos and Austin may treat injuries
- Legal Venue: Civil cases may be filed in Hays County or federal court
- Community Impact: Close-knit Hill Country communities mean cases have local repercussions
University of Texas at Austin: Tradition & Transparency
For Fredericksburg Families: Many high-achieving Fredericksburg students aim for UT Austin, approximately 70 miles east. UT’s size and Greek life prominence require particular awareness.
UT’s Public Hazing Violations Portal:
UT maintains unusual transparency through its public hazing violations page, showing organizations sanctioned for:
- Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
- Various spirit groups and organizations for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing
Austin’s Legal Landscape:
- Jurisdiction: Travis County courts and Austin PD
- Medical Resources: World-class facilities at UT Dell Medical School and Austin hospitals
- Legal Strategy: Prior violations on UT’s public portal provide powerful pattern evidence
Texas A&M University: Corps Culture & Greek Life
For Fredericksburg Families: Many families with military traditions or agricultural backgrounds choose Texas A&M, approximately 150 miles east. The Corps of Cadets presents unique hazing risks alongside traditional Greek life.
Recent Cases & Patterns:
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, causing burns requiring skin grafts
- Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound in “roasted pig” position
College Station Considerations:
- Brazos County jurisdiction for local cases
- A&M’s unique traditions require attorneys who understand Corps culture
- National fraternities at A&M often have deep-pocketed alumni support
Baylor University & Other Texas Schools
Baylor’s Context: Located in Waco (approximately 100 miles northeast), Baylor’s religious identity and recent history with institutional scandals create complex liability landscapes for hazing cases.
Other Texas Universities: Fredericksburg students also attend Texas Tech, University of North Texas, Texas Christian University, and others—each with their own Greek ecosystems and hazing risks.
The Texas Greek Ecosystem: Public Records & Organizational Networks
For Fredericksburg families, understanding that fraternities and sororities are not just social clubs but legal entities with insurance, assets, and organizational hierarchies is crucial to holding them accountable.
Public Records Directory: Greek Organizations Serving Fredericksburg Families
Attorney911 maintains a Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracking over 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metros. This investigative database includes IRS records, university registrations, and organizational networks.
Austin-Round Rock Metro Area Organizations (154 total):
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp. – Austin, TX (University of Texas chapter house corporation)
- Delta Tau Delta – Gamma Iota Chapter – Austin, TX (University of Texas chapter house)
- Beta Xi House Corp. of Kappa Kappa Gamma – Austin, TX (University of Texas chapter house corporation)
- Building Corporation – Alpha Delta Pi (Delta) – Austin, TX (University of Texas chapter property)
- Texas Rho Housing Corporation (ΣAE) – Austin, TX
- Texas Alpha Phi House Corporation – Austin, TX (Alpha Phi UT chapter house corporation)
Texas-Registered Greek Entities (IRS B83 Filings):
- Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc – EIN: 133048786, College Station, TX 77845
- Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Inc – EIN: 161675890, The Woodlands, TX 77382
- Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – EIN: 475370943, Houston, TX 77204 (Theta Delta chapter)
- Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN: 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035
- Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – EIN: 746084905, Houston, TX 77204
- Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – EIN: 237279532, Prairie View, TX 77446
Honor Societies & Professional Organizations:
- Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Multiple Texas chapters including UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas State University
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Inc – EIN: 760221936, Houston, TX 77277
Why National Histories Matter for Texas Cases
When a Pi Kappa Phi chapter at UH engages in forced drinking and physical abuse, and Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters has faced similar allegations at Florida State (Andrew Coffey’s death), that pattern evidence establishes foreseeability. Courts recognize that national organizations:
- Know the risks from prior incidents nationwide
- Have duty to supervise and prevent repeat occurrences
- Can be held liable for failing to enforce their own policies
Fraternities with Nationwide Hazing Patterns:
- Pi Kappa Alpha: Stone Foltz death (BGSU), multiple other alcohol hazing incidents
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon: Chemical burns at Texas A&M, traumatic brain injury at Alabama
- Phi Delta Theta: Max Gruver death (LSU)
- Pi Kappa Phi: Andrew Coffey death (FSU), Leonel Bermudez injury (UH)
- Phi Gamma Delta: Danny Santulli permanent brain injury (Missouri)
Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Damages for Fredericksburg Families
When hazing affects your family, the quality of investigation and legal strategy determines whether you achieve accountability or face institutional cover-up.
Critical Evidence Categories
Digital Evidence (Most Important):
- Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord screenshots
- Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook posts
- Deleted Message Recovery: Digital forensics can often retrieve “disappearing” messages
- Location Data: Geotags, Find My Friends logs, ride-share receipts
Physical & Medical Evidence:
- Injury Documentation: Photos from multiple angles with date stamps
- Medical Records: ER reports, hospitalization records, specialist evaluations
- Toxicology Reports: Blood alcohol content, drug screening
- Psychological Evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
Institutional Records:
- University Disciplinary Files: Prior violations, complaints, sanction history
- National Fraternity Records: Risk management files, incident reports
- Insurance Policies: Coverage details, liability limits
Witness Networks:
- Other pledges and new members
- Former members who quit or were expelled
- Roommates, RAs, bystanders
- Medical providers and first responders
Damages: What Families Can Recover
Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):
- Medical Expenses: Past and future care, hospitalization, therapy, medications
- Lost Income/Earning Capacity: Missed work, delayed career entry, reduced lifetime earnings
- Educational Costs: Tuition for interrupted semesters, lost scholarships
Non-Economic Damages (Compensable Harm):
- Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries and treatment
- Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
- Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in college life, activities
- Reputational Harm: Social stigma, public exposure
Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of companionship, love, and support
- Grief and emotional suffering
- Loss of financial contribution
Punitive Damages (When Available):
- To punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
- Available when defendants show conscious indifference
- Texas has statutory caps with exceptions for certain intentional conduct
The Attorney911 Advantage: Why Experience Matters
Insurance Insider Knowledge (Mr. Lupe Peña):
As a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm, Mr. Peña knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers:
- Value and undervalue hazing claims
- Use delay tactics to pressure families
- Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
- Set reserves and negotiate settlements
Complex Institutional Litigation (Ralph Manginello):
Our involvement in BP Texas City explosion litigation against billion-dollar defendants prepared us for battles against national fraternities and universities with unlimited legal budgets. We understand how to:
- Uncover institutional knowledge of dangers
- Prove systematic failures despite internal policies
- Navigate federal and state court systems
- Manage cases against multiple deep-pocketed defendants
Texas-Specific Expertise:
- Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont serving all Texas
- Understanding of Texas sovereign immunity issues for public universities
- Knowledge of local courts, procedures, and medical providers
- Spanish-language services through Mr. Peña for Hispanic families
Practical Guide for Fredericksburg Parents & Students
Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed
Physical Indicators:
- Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries
- Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
- Weight changes from food/water restriction
- Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, 3 AM calls)
- Signs of alcohol poisoning or drug use
Behavioral Changes:
- Sudden secrecy about organization activities
- Withdrawal from family and non-member friends
- Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
- Defensive when asked about the group
- Fear of “getting the chapter in trouble”
Academic & Digital Red Flags:
- Grades dropping suddenly
- Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
- Anxiety when phone buzzes
- Deleting messages or clearing history obsessively
- Social media posts showing concerning activities
If You Suspect Hazing: 48-Hour Action Plan
HOUR 1–6 (Immediate Crisis):
- Medical: If injured or intoxicated, get to ER immediately
- Safety: Remove from dangerous situation
- Evidence: Screenshot messages shown, photograph injuries
- Notes: Write down everything they tell you (who, what, when, where)
- Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance
HOUR 6–24 (Evidence Preservation):
- Digital: Help preserve all group chats, DMs, texts (DO NOT DELETE)
- Physical: Secure clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
- Medical: Request copies of all ER/hospital records
- Witnesses: Note names and contact info for others involved
- University: Document any communications from school but don’t respond yet
HOUR 24–48 (Strategic Decisions):
- Legal Consultation: Speak with experienced hazing attorney
- Reporting Decision: Decide whether/when to report to authorities
- University Response: Refer school communications to your attorney
- Insurance: Do NOT talk to insurance adjusters without counsel
- Backup: Upload all evidence to cloud storage
Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case
-
Letting Your Child Delete Evidence
- What seems like protecting them actually destroys your case
- Preservation is critical – even embarrassing content
-
Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly
- Triggers immediate evidence destruction and witness coaching
- Let your attorney handle all communications
-
Signing University “Resolution” Forms
- Universities often pressure early settlements far below case value
- Never sign without attorney review
-
Posting on Social Media
- Defense attorneys monitor everything
- Inconsistencies hurt credibility
-
Waiting “To See How the University Handles It”
- Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes run
- University process ≠ real accountability
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Fredericksburg Hazing Case
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.
Our Proven Approach to Hazing Litigation
Investigation First, Litigation Second:
We start with thorough investigation:
- Digital forensics for deleted messages
- Public records requests for prior incidents
- Witness interviews before memories fade
- Medical record analysis for full damage assessment
Institutional Accountability Focus:
We don’t just pursue individual members; we hold entire systems accountable:
- National fraternity/sorority headquarters
- University administrations and boards
- Housing corporations and alumni associations
- Insurance companies providing coverage
Texas-Based, Nationally Relevant:
While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas including Fredericksburg, Gillespie County, and the Hill Country. We understand:
- Texas hazing laws and court procedures
- Local medical providers and expert networks
- The cultural contexts of Texas universities
- How to leverage Texas venues for maximum advantage
Our Commitment to Fredericksburg Families
No Fee Unless We Win:
We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Spanish Language Services:
Mr. Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish services for Hispanic families.
Immediate Response:
As Legal Emergency Lawyers™, we provide 24/7 availability for true emergencies.
Client-Centered Communication:
We maintain regular contact, explain every step, and ensure you’re never in the dark.
Call to Action for Fredericksburg Families
If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether near Fredericksburg at Texas State University in San Marcos, at UT Austin, Texas A&M, or any school across the state—we want to hear from you.
Families in Fredericksburg, Gillespie County, and the Texas Hill Country have the right to answers and accountability when trusted institutions fail to protect their children.
Contact Us for a Free, Confidential Consultation
What to Expect:
- We’ll listen to your story without judgment
- Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
- Explain your legal options clearly
- Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
- Answer questions about costs (contingency fee – we don’t get paid unless we win)
- No pressure to hire us – take time to decide
- Everything you tell us is confidential
Contact Information:
- 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 or lupe@atty911.com
Spanish Services Available:
Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.
Educational Resources
Watch Our Videos:
- Evidence Preservation: Using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
- Statute of Limitations: Texas filing deadlines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
- Client Mistakes: Common errors that hurt cases: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
- Contingency Fees: How our payment structure works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc
Case Coverage:
- Click2Houston Report: Leonel Bermudez UH Pi Kappa Phi case: 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 Coverage: Detailed timeline of UH hazing events: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
Whether you’re in Fredericksburg or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions responsible for your child’s safety must be held accountable. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Plain Text Links to Key Resources
News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:
- Click2Houston Report:
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 Coverage:
https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/ - Hoodline Summary:
https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/
Attorney911 Educational Videos:
4. Evidence Preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
5. Statute of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
6. Client Mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
7. Contingency Fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc
Attorney911 Main Website:
8. Contact & Information: 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 (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)