The Houston Family’s Guide to Hazing: Laws, Cases, and Accountability at Texas Universities

A Parent’s Worst Nightmare: When Campus “Tradition” Turns to Trauma

It’s a Tuesday night in the Third Ward, just south of the University of Houston campus. Your son, a transfer student full of promise, hasn’t answered his phone in hours. The last time you spoke, he mentioned a “pledge event” at the Pi Kappa Phi house. Now, at 3 AM, your phone finally rings. It’s a hospital in the Texas Medical Center. Your child is in the ER with brown urine, unable to stand, suffering from acute kidney failure. The diagnosis: rhabdomyolysis caused by extreme physical hazing. The fraternity brothers who drove him there have already left, warning him not to “say too much.”

This isn’t a hypothetical scenario. This is exactly what happened to Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student, in November 2025. His story, detailed in a Click2Houston investigation, represents every Houston parent’s deepest fear when their child joins a campus organization. Right now, our firm—The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911)—represents Leonel in a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, and 13 fraternity leaders. We’re fighting this battle in Harris County courts, just miles from where the abuse occurred at the chapter house, a Culmore Drive residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park.

If you’re a parent in Houston, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Katy, or anywhere across Harris County, this guide is for you. We’ll explain what modern hazing really looks like, how Texas law applies to cases at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, and what legal options your family may have when campus “tradition” crosses into abuse.

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 Houston and Across Texas

For Houston families, understanding hazing means looking beyond outdated stereotypes of harmless pranks or “boys will be boys” behavior. Modern hazing is systematic, often digitally coordinated, and designed to create psychological dependency while evading detection. At universities like UH, where Greek houses blend into residential neighborhoods like Montrose and the Medical Center area, hazing has evolved into a sophisticated pattern of abuse.

Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. In Texas, the legal definition (Education Code Chapter 37) specifically states that “consent” is not a defense. When your child is under peer pressure, facing social exclusion, and desperate to belong, their “agreement” isn’t voluntary in any meaningful sense.

Main Categories of Hazing Affecting Houston Students

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common—and most deadly—form of hazing. At UH parties in the Rice Military area or at Texas A&M gatherings in College Station, forced drinking takes specific forms:

• “Big/Little” nights where pledges must finish entire bottles of liquor
• “Lineup” drinking games with rapid consumption requirements
• “Bible study” or trivia games where wrong answers mean drinking shots
• Coerced consumption of unknown mixtures or drugs

Physical Hazing
The Leonel Bermudez case exemplifies extreme physical hazing: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, forced sprints after vomiting from consuming milk and hot dogs. Other physical hazing includes:

• Paddling and beatings (still prevalent despite national prohibitions)
• Extreme calisthenics or “smokings” far beyond normal conditioning
• Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or 3 AM wake-up calls
• Food/water deprivation or forced consumption of spoiled/inedible substances
• Exposure to extreme cold/heat (like the cold-weather underwear drills at Yellowstone Park)

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This particularly affects sorority members and Corps of Cadets pledges:

• Forced nudity or partial nudity for “inspections”
• Simulated sexual acts, “roasted pig” positions, or degrading costumes
• Racist, sexist, or homophobic role-playing and slurs
• “Pledge fanny packs” containing humiliating items (as in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case)

Psychological Hazing

• Verbal abuse, threats, and systematic humiliation
• Isolation from non-member friends and family
• Forced confessions or blackmail material collection
• Public shaming in meetings or on social media

Digital/Online Hazing
Houston students face 24/7 digital control:

• GroupMe or WhatsApp chats with mandatory immediate responses
• Social media dares on TikTok or Instagram Stories
• Forced sharing of compromising images/videos
• Location tracking via Find My Friends or Life360
• Cyberbullying and coordinated harassment

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Texas

While fraternities and sororities dominate headlines, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural groups at all five major Texas universities)
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC at Texas A&M with its military tradition culture
• Spirit Squads and Tradition Groups like Texas Cowboys at UT or similar organizations at Baylor and SMU
• Athletic Teams from football to cheerleading
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups
• Academic and Service Organizations

The common thread isn’t the type of group but the power dynamics: older members controlling new members through tradition, secrecy, and fear of exclusion.

Law & Liability Framework: Texas Statutes and Federal Overlay

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code Chapter 37)

For Houston families navigating a hazing crisis, understanding Texas law is crucial. The Texas Education Code defines hazing broadly as 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 Provisions for Houston Families:

§ 37.151 Definition: The law covers both physical and mental harm, occurring on or off campus. “Reckless” conduct is enough—they don’t need to have intended harm, just disregarded substantial risk.

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

• Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing without serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
• Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
• State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death (like Leonel Bermudez’s kidney failure)

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability:
Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be prosecuted if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report it. Organizations face fines up to $10,000 per violation.

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:
This is critical for Houston students afraid to report: someone who in good faith reports hazing to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result. Many Texas universities, including UH, extend this to medical amnesty—calling 911 for an alcohol emergency won’t result in underage drinking charges.

§ 37.155 Consent Not a Defense:
The statute explicitly states: It is not a defense that the person being hazed consented. This directly counters the “they wanted to do it” argument fraternities often make.

§ 37.156 Reporting by Educational Institutions:
Texas colleges must provide hazing prevention education, publish policies, and maintain annual reports of violations. UT Austin leads in transparency with its public hazing violations page; other schools are following.

Criminal vs Civil Cases: What Houston Families Need to Know

Criminal Cases

• Brought by the state (Harris County DA for UH cases, Brazos County for A&M, etc.)
• Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Outcome: Criminal record for perpetrators, but no financial compensation for victims

Civil Cases

• Brought by victims or families (like the Bermudez lawsuit)
• Aim: Monetary compensation and institutional accountability
• Legal theories: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
• Outcome: Financial recovery for medical bills, future care, pain and suffering, lost educational opportunity

Crucially: These cases can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. In fact, many hazing cases settle civilly while criminal charges are pending or never filed.

Federal Overlay: Stop Campus Hazing Act, Title IX, Clery

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
This federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid (all five Texas universities discussed here) to:

• Report hazing incidents more transparently
• Strengthen hazing education and prevention
• Maintain public hazing data (phased in by around 2026)
  For Houston families, this means better access to information about which organizations have prior violations.

Title IX
When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. Universities must investigate and potentially provide remedies. This applies whether the conduct occurs on-campus at UH or at an off-campus house in the Heights.

Clery Act
Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics. Hazing incidents often overlap with assault or alcohol/drug crimes that must be disclosed in annual security reports.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Houston families should understand the full spectrum of potential defendants:

Individual Students

• Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
• Including chapter presidents, pledge educators, risk managers

Local Chapter/Organization

• The fraternity/sorority or club itself as a legal entity
• Chapter housing corporations (like the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation)

National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters

• Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
• Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents nationwide

University or Governing Board

• UH System Board of Regents, Texas A&M System, UT System
• May be sued under negligence or civil-rights theories
• Key issues: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference

Third Parties

• Landlords/owners of off-campus houses (common in Houston’s neighborhoods near campuses)
• Bars or alcohol providers (under Texas dram shop laws)
• Security companies or event organizers

Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys investigate all potential sources of liability and insurance coverage.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Houston Families

The national hazing cases making headlines aren’t abstract stories—they establish legal precedents and patterns that directly affect Houston families pursuing justice. These cases show how courts view hazing, what damages juries award, and how institutions respond when faced with litigation.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
Bid-acceptance event with forced drinking captured on chapter cameras. Brothers delayed calling 911 for hours. Result: Dozens of criminal charges, new Pennsylvania anti-hazing law, multi-million-dollar settlements. For Houston families: Shows how security footage and delayed medical response become central evidence.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
Big/little event where pledge drank handle of liquor. Death led to FSU suspending Greek life. For Houston families: Particularly relevant given our ongoing Pi Kappa Phi case—shows national pattern within this organization.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
“Bible study” drinking game led to death, Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing). For Houston families: Demonstrates how one tragedy can change state law—potential for Texas legislation following high-profile cases.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Forced bottle drinking, $10 million total settlement ($7M from national, $3M from university). For Houston families: Shows settlement ranges and that universities pay substantial amounts even when hazing occurs off-campus.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
Blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat caused fatal head injuries. National fraternity convicted criminally and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. For Houston families: Proves nationals face criminal liability, not just civil.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)
Sexualized, racist hazing allegations led to multiple lawsuits, coach firing, confidential settlements. For Houston families: Hazing isn’t just Greek life—major athletic programs at Texas schools have similar risks.

What These Cases Mean for Houston Families

These national precedents create powerful leverage for Texas families:

• Pattern Evidence: When a Texas chapter repeats conduct that caused deaths elsewhere, nationals can’t claim “we didn’t know the risk”
• Settlement Benchmarks: $1M-$14M ranges for deaths, substantial amounts for injuries
• Legal Strategies: Successful arguments about delayed medical care, destruction of evidence, institutional knowledge
• Legislative Impact: Houston families’ cases could drive Texas law reforms like those in Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Ohio

Texas University Focus: UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor

University of Houston: Houston’s Home Campus Crisis

Campus & Culture Snapshot

UH represents Houston’s diverse, ambitious spirit—a large urban campus where commuter students from Katy and international students from across the globe mix with residential life in the Third Ward and Medical Center shadows. Greek life exists alongside hundreds of student organizations, creating both opportunity and risk for Houston families investing in their children’s education at their hometown university.

Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UH prohibits hazing both on and off-campus through its Student Code of Conduct. Reporting channels include:

• Dean of Students Office
• UH Police Department (UHPD)
• Online reporting forms
• Office of Equal Opportunity Services (for Title IX-related hazing)

However, as the Bermudez case shows, policies alone don’t prevent abuse when enforcement is inadequate.

Documented Incidents & Responses

The Pi Kappa Phi Case (2025)
Our firm’s flagship case demonstrates systemic failure:

• Hazing Acts: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, forced consumption leading to vomiting, extreme physical workouts, hose spraying “similar to waterboarding,” hog-tying of another pledge
• Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, four-day hospitalization
• Institutional Response: Chapter suspended Nov 6, 2025; charter surrendered Nov 14, 2025; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”
• Legal Action: $10 million lawsuit filed in Harris County

Prior UH Incidents:

• 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha: Pledge suffered lacerated spleen during hazing; chapter faced misdemeanor charges and suspension
• Multiple other fraternities disciplined for alcohol-related hazing, forced calisthenics, and policy violations

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds in Houston

• Jurisdiction: Harris County courts (Downtown Houston courthouses)
• Police Involvement: UHPD for on-campus incidents; Houston Police Department for off-campus houses in surrounding neighborhoods
• Medical Care: Texas Medical Center hospitals likely receive severely injured students
• Potential Defendants: Individual students, local chapter, national headquarters, UH System Board of Regents, property owners

What UH Students & Houston Parents Should Do

1. Report Immediately: Contact UHPD (713-743-3333) for emergencies, Dean of Students for non-emergencies
2. Document Everything: Houston’s humid climate affects physical evidence—photograph injuries immediately before swelling changes
3. Medical Care: Seek treatment at Memorial Hermann or other Texas Medical Center hospitals with experienced trauma teams
4. Legal Consultation: Contact Houston-based hazing attorneys who know Harris County courts and UH administration patterns
5. Evidence Preservation: Texas heat can degrade physical evidence—store clothing and items properly

Texas A&M University: Tradition, Corps, and Systemic Risk

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M’s College Station campus represents Texas tradition at its most intense. The Corps of Cadets culture, massive Greek system, and Aggie loyalty create environments where hazing can hide behind “tradition.” For Houston families (particularly from The Woodlands, Katy, and Sugar Land who send many students to A&M), understanding this unique culture is essential.

Hazing Policy & Reporting

A&M addresses hazing through:

• Student Rules (Section 27)
• Corps of Cadets regulations
• Anonymous reporting via EthicsPoint
• Student Conduct Office investigations

Documented Incidents & Responses

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)
Two pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. Result: Chapter suspended, $1 million lawsuit filed.

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023)
Cadet alleged being bound between beds in simulated sexual position with apple in mouth during hazing. Sought over $1 million; A&M stated it handled matter internally.

Multiple Other Incidents:

• Various fraternities disciplined for alcohol hazing, physical abuse
• Ongoing concerns about Corps “training” crossing into hazing

How an A&M Case Proceeds

• Jurisdiction: Brazos County courts
• Medical Care: Baylor Scott & White in College Station or transfer to Houston hospitals for severe cases
• Unique Factors: Corps leadership hierarchy, military tradition defenses, Aggie network protection

What A&M Students & Houston Parents Should Do

1. Understand Dual Systems: Greek life and Corps have different reporting chains but similar risks
2. Document Corps-Specific Evidence: Training schedules, leadership communications, uniform issues
3. Medical Attention: Chemical burns and rhabdomyolysis (seen in A&M cases) need immediate specialized care
4. Houston Connection: Many A&M students return to Houston families on weekends—document changes parents observe

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Ongoing Issues

Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin’s size and status create a Greek life environment spanning from West Campus high-rises to off-campus houses in Clarksville and Travis Heights. The university’s relative transparency about hacing violations provides families more information but also reveals ongoing problems.

Hazing Policy & Reporting

UT stands out for its public Hazing Violations page listing organizations, conduct, and sanctions. Reporting through:

• Office of the Dean of Students
• UTPD
• Behavior Concerns Advice Line
• Online reporting forms

Documented Incidents & Responses

Public Hazing Violations (Sample):

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; probation and education required
• Texas Wranglers: Alcohol-related hazing violations
• Multiple Spirit Groups: Forced workouts, punishment-based practices

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024)
Australian exchange student alleged assault at party causing dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose. Chapter already under suspension for prior violations.

How a UT Case Proceeds

• Jurisdiction: Travis County courts (Austin)
• Medical Care: Dell Seton Medical Center or transfer to Houston specialists
• Evidence Advantage: UT’s public violation history helps prove pattern knowledge

What UT Students & Houston Parents Should Do

1. Check Public Database: Review UT’s hazing violations page for organization history
2. Austin-Houston Coordination: Many UT students come from Houston—maintain communication about organization activities
3. Document Digital Evidence: Austin’s tech culture means more app-based communication—preserve carefully
4. Medical Transfer: For serious injuries, consider transfer to Houston specialists at TIRR or other rehabilitation centers

Southern Methodist University: Private University Challenges

Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU’s affluent Dallas campus with strong Greek presence creates unique dynamics. Private university status affects transparency, but hazing risks mirror public institutions.

Hazing Policy & Reporting

• SMU Conduct Code prohibition
• Anonymous reporting via Real Response system
• Office of Student Affairs investigation

Documented Incidents & Responses

Kappa Alpha Order (2017)
New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep. Chapter suspended until approximately 2021.

Multiple other organizations have faced disciplinary action for hazing violations, though SMU’s private status limits public details.

How an SMU Case Proceeds

• Jurisdiction: Dallas County courts
• Medical Care: Dallas hospitals or transfer to Houston for specialized care
• Transparency Challenges: Private university means less public information—requires aggressive discovery

What SMU Students & Houston Parents Should Do

1. Assume Less Transparency: SMU discloses less than public universities—independent investigation crucial
2. Dallas-Houston Connection: Many SMU students come from Houston families—maintain close observation during visits home
3. Social Media Evidence: Preserve Instagram, TikTok content showing events at Dallas venues
4. Private University Strategy: Different legal approaches needed for private vs. public institutions

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Accountability Challenges

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor’s Waco campus combines religious identity with major athletic programs. Recent history of institutional accountability challenges (sexual assault scandal) affects how hazing cases are handled.

Hazing Policy & Reporting

• Student Conduct Code prohibition
• Title IX Office involvement for gender-based hazing
• Anonymous reporting systems

Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020)
14 players suspended following hazing investigation; staggered suspensions affected season.

Multiple Greek organizations have faced disciplinary action, though details often limited due to private university status.

How a Baylor Case Proceeds

• Jurisdiction: McLennan County courts (Waco)
• Medical Care: Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest in Waco or transfer to Houston
• Institutional History: Baylor’s prior scandals affect how current cases are perceived and handled

What Baylor Students & Houston Parents Should Do

1. Understand Baylor’s History: Prior institutional failures may affect current case handling
2. Waco-Houston Distance: 3-hour drive means families may not see changes immediately—maintain open communication
3. Religious Context: Baylor’s identity may affect how hazing is framed and addressed internally
4. Athletic Program Awareness: Major sports programs carry additional hazing risks

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific and National Histories

Why National Histories Matter to Houston Families

When your child is hazed at UH’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter, you’re not just dealing with a local group of students. You’re confronting a national organization with a documented history of fatal hazing incidents across the country. These national patterns create legal liability because they establish foreseeability—the national headquarters knew or should have known this could happen based on prior incidents at other chapters.

Organization Mapping: National Patterns with Local Impact

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

• National History: Andrew Coffey death at Florida State (2017), forced drinking at Big/Little event
• Houston Connection: Our ongoing Bermudez case at UH shows identical patterns—extreme physical hazing combined with forced consumption
• Legal Significance: National had prior notice of fatal risks, failed to implement effective prevention

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / “Pike”)

• National History: Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green ($10M settlement), David Bogenberger death at Northern Illinois ($14M settlement)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at all five major universities, prior incidents at UH and UT
• Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing repeating across chapters

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / “SAE”)

• National History: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide, traumatic brain injury case at Alabama, chemical burns at Texas A&M
• Texas Presence: Chapters at all major schools, ongoing litigation at UT Austin
• Pattern: Physical violence combined with alcohol coercion

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

• National History: Max Gruver death at LSU, led to Louisiana’s felony hazing law
• Texas Presence: Active chapters across state
• Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games

Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ)

• National History: Timothy Piazza death at Penn State, one of most documented hazing cases
• Texas Presence: Chapters at major universities
• Pattern: Delayed medical response, security camera evidence

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ)

• National History: Multiple hazing suspensions including SMU chapter
• Pattern: Paddling, forced drinking traditions

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Track Organizational Liability

Our firm maintains what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations across the state. For Houston families, this means we already know the landscape:

Houston Metro Greek Ecosystem
The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro area contains 188 Greek-related organizations according to Cause IQ data. These include:

• Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (Houston alumni/house corp.)
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae Chapter
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter (Houston grad chapter)
• Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity – Eta Rho Sigma Chapter (Houston grad chapter)
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter (Houston undergrad chapter)

IRS B83 Registered Texas Organizations
Public IRS filings show 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations with EINs and legal addresses. Examples relevant to Houston families:

• 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)
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc – Sigma Gamma Chapter (EIN 392352450, Houston, TX 77254)
• Sigma Phi Epsilon New York Chi Alumni Association Inc (EIN 262710856, Houston, TX 77007)

Why This Data Matters for Your Case
When we take a hazing case, we don’t start from zero. We already know:

• Legal names and EINs of potentially liable organizations
• Insurance coverage sources
• Prior incident patterns across campuses
• National headquarters locations and leadership

This investigatory head start is crucial when evidence disappears quickly—as it always does in hazing cases.

How National Histories Support Civil Litigation

Pattern Evidence
When the same national organization has hazing incidents at multiple chapters, it proves:

1. The risk was foreseeable
2. National policies were inadequate or unenforced
3. The organization benefited (through dues, reputation) while ignoring known dangers

Punitive Damages Arguments
Texas allows punitive damages when defendants act with malice or gross negligence. A national organization ignoring prior fatal incidents may meet this standard.

Insurance Coverage Fights
National organizations carry insurance, but insurers often deny coverage claiming hazing is “intentional” and thus excluded. Pattern evidence showing negligence (not just intentional acts) can preserve coverage.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy for Houston Families

Evidence: The Digital Crime Scene

Hazing cases in 2025 are won or lost on digital evidence. Unlike the BP Texas City explosion cases our firm handled—where physical evidence dominated—hazing cases live on smartphones and cloud servers.

Digital Communications

• Group Messaging: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, fraternity-specific apps
• Social Media DMs: Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook Messenger
• Key Evidence: Planning discussions, assignment of roles, admissions of what happened, cover-up coordination
• Preservation Strategy: Screenshot immediately, use screen recording for disappearing messages, consult digital forensics experts for deleted content recovery

Photos & Videos

• Event Footage: Content filmed by participants during hazing
• Injury Documentation: Progressive photos showing bruising development
• Location Evidence: House interiors, specific rooms, identifiable landmarks
• Social Media Posts: Even “fun” posts can show coercion or dangerous situations

Internal Organization Documents

• Pledge Manuals: Official and unofficial versions
• Initiation Scripts: Ritual language showing planned humiliation
• Chapter Communications: Emails, texts between officers about “tradition”
• National Policies: Risk management manuals showing what should have been prevented

University Records

• Prior Conduct Files: Previous violations by same organization
• Incident Reports: Campus police or conduct office filings
• Clery Reports: Annual security disclosures
• Internal Emails: Administration discussions about the organization

Medical & Psychological Records

• Emergency Care: ER reports, ambulance records, toxicology results
• Hospitalization Records: ICU stays, surgery notes, specialist consultations
• Psychological Evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
• Future Care Plans: Lifelong treatment needs for severe injuries

Witness Testimony

• Other Pledges: Most important but often most frightened witnesses
• Former Members: Those who quit or were expelled
• Roommates & Friends: Observed behavioral changes
• Medical Providers: Treatment observations
• Expert Witnesses: Greek culture experts, psychologists, economists

Damages: What Houston Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

• Medical Expenses: Past and future care, including:
  • Emergency treatment (UH cases often go to Memorial Hermann)
  • Hospitalization (Bermudez had 4-day stay)
  • Surgeries and rehabilitation
  • Psychological therapy (PTSD treatment often lasts years)
  • Lifelong care for permanent injuries (brain damage, organ failure)
• Lost Earnings & Educational Impact:
  • Missed semesters tuition (UH tuition approximately $11,000/year in-state)
  • Delayed workforce entry
  • Reduced earning capacity from permanent disabilities
• Other Economic Losses:
  • Property damage (destroyed clothing, phones)
  • Relocation costs (transferring schools to escape trauma)

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries during and after hazing
• Emotional Distress: Humiliation, fear, trauma, loss of dignity
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Can’t participate in former activities
• Reputational Harm: Social stigma and digital footprint damage

Wrongful Death Damages (for families who lose a child)

• Funeral & Burial Costs: $10,000-$25,000 typically
• Loss of Financial Support: Young adults’ future earnings calculated by economists
• Loss of Companionship: Parents’ and siblings’ emotional loss
• Grief & Suffering: Family members’ psychological trauma

Punitive Damages

• Purpose: Punish reckless or malicious conduct, deter future hazing
• When Awarded: When defendants knew risks but acted anyway, tried to cover up, showed callous indifference
• Texas Caps: Generally limited, but exceptions for particularly egregious conduct

Case Strategy: From Evidence to Accountability

Immediate Action Phase (First 48 Hours)

1. Evidence Preservation: Our team sends immediate guidance on screenshotting, photographing, documenting
2. Medical Coordination: Ensure proper diagnosis and documentation (rhabdomyolysis requires specific blood tests)
3. Witness Identification: Identify other pledges before they’re coached
4. University Communication: Strategic initial contact to preserve rights without compromising position

Investigation Phase (Weeks 1-8)

1. Digital Forensics: Recover deleted messages, analyze metadata
2. Public Records Requests: University disciplinary history, police reports
3. National Organization Research: Prior incidents, insurance coverage, corporate structure
4. Expert Consultation: Medical specialists, psychologists, Greek culture experts
5. Witness Interviews: Formal statements before memories fade

Demand & Negotiation Phase

1. Damage Calculation: Economic and non-economic totals with expert support
2. Demand Package: Comprehensive presentation of evidence and liability
3. Insurance Negotiation: Dealing with multiple insurers (university, national, chapter, individuals)
4. Settlement vs. Trial Analysis: Evaluate risks and benefits of each path

Litigation Phase (If Necessary)

1. Pleadings: Filed in appropriate county (Harris for UH, Brazos for A&M, etc.)
2. Discovery: Formal evidence exchange, depositions, interrogatories
3. Expert Testimony: Medical, psychological, economic experts prepared
4. Trial Preparation: Jury selection, exhibit preparation, witness preparation

Why Experience Matters: Our BP Texas City Parallel

Our firm’s involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation taught us how to fight billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. Universities and national fraternities use the same tactics:

• Delay proceedings hoping families run out of money or will
• Use procedural motions to bury families in paperwork
• Claim “sovereign immunity” (public universities) or “lack of control” (nationals)
• Make lowball early offers hoping families take quick money

We know these tactics because we’ve defeated them before. We don’t get intimidated by institutional power—we develop strategies to overcome it.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Houston Families

For Houston Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

• Physical Signs: Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries (especially symmetrical patterns from paddling); extreme exhaustion; weight changes; sleep deprivation; chemical burns or rashes
• Behavioral Changes: New secrecy about activities; withdrawal from family and non-Greek friends; personality shifts (anxiety, depression, irritability); defensive about the organization; constant phone checking for group messages
• Academic Red Flags: Grades dropping suddenly; missing classes; skipping assignments for “mandatory” events
• Financial Red Flags: Unexplained large expenses; maxed credit cards; requests for money without clear reasons
• Digital Behavior: 24/7 phone attachment; anxiety about missing messages; deleted message history; new location-sharing apps

How to Talk to Your Child

1. Choose the Right Time: When they’re home in Houston for weekend, not during finals
2. Ask Open Questions: “How are things going with your fraternity/sorority?” not “Are they hazing you?”
3. Listen Without Judgment: If they start to open up, don’t interrupt with anger
4. Emphasize Safety: “Your health matters more than any organization”
5. Offer Support: “Whatever’s happening, we’ll handle it together”

If Your Child Is Hurt

1. Medical Care First: Houston has world-class hospitals—use them
2. Document Everything: Photos, notes, receipts
3. Preserve Digital Evidence: Help them screenshot before deletion
4. Contact a Lawyer Before the University: Once you report internally, evidence disappears

Dealing with the University

• Document All Communications: Emails, calls, meetings
• Ask Specific Questions: “What prior incidents involved this organization?” “What disciplinary action was taken?” “What supervision was provided?”
• Don’t Sign Anything: Universities often push quick “resolution” agreements that waive rights
• Know Your Rights: Texas law requires universities to investigate hazing reports

When to Contact a Lawyer

• Immediately if there are serious injuries or hospitalization
• Within 48 hours for any hazing incident (evidence disappears fast)
• Before talking to university administrators or insurance companies
• If you feel the institution is minimizing or covering up

For Houston Students: Self-Protection and Reporting

Is This Hazing? Quick Self-Check

• Are you being pressured to do something dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would you do this if there were no social consequences?
• Are older members making you do things they don’t have to do?
• Are you told to keep secrets or lie about activities?
• Does the activity interfere with academics or health?

If you answered yes to any, it’s likely hazing.

How to Exit Safely

1. Tell Someone First: Parent, trusted friend, RA—create a record
2. Formal Resignation: Email chapter president: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
3. Don’t Go to “One Last Meeting”: That’s where pressure and retaliation happen
4. Document Threats: Save any retaliation messages
5. Report Retaliation: To university and possibly police (harassment is illegal in Texas)

Evidence Collection for Students

1. Screenshots: Full conversations with timestamps
2. Photos: Injuries from multiple angles with coin for scale
3. Voice Memos: Texas is one-party consent—you can record conversations you’re in
4. Medical Records: Tell doctors you were hazed so it’s documented
5. Witness Info: Names and contacts of others who saw what happened

Where to Report in Houston

• Campus Authorities: Dean of Students, campus police
• Local Police: HPD for off-campus incidents
• National Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (anonymous)
• Lawyer: Confidential consultation protects your rights

Your Texas Legal Rights

• Good-Faith Reporter Immunity: You won’t be prosecuted for underage drinking if calling 911 for medical emergency
• Consent Isn’t Defense: Even if you “agreed,” it’s still illegal hazing
• Civil Lawsuit Rights: You can sue for damages even without criminal charges
• No-Contact Orders: Available through university if harassed after reporting

For Witnesses & Former Members

If You Participated and Now Regret It

1. Get Your Own Lawyer: You may have criminal exposure
2. Consider Cooperation: Truthful testimony can help victims and may help your situation
3. Document What You Know: Write everything down with dates while memory is fresh
4. Preserve Evidence: Any photos, messages, or items you have

If You Witnessed Hazing

1. Anonymous Reporting: Most schools have anonymous systems
2. Document What You Saw: Notes with dates and details
3. Offer Support to Victims: Sometimes just believing them helps immensely
4. Talk to a Lawyer: Understand your rights and risks before making statements

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages

• Why Wrong: Looks like cover-up, destroys best evidence
• Right Approach: Screenshot everything immediately, back up to cloud

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly

• Why Wrong: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• Right Approach: Document everything, call lawyer first

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

• Why Wrong: Often waive right to sue, accept minimal settlements
• Right Approach: “I need my attorney to review this first”

4. Posting on Social Media

• Why Wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything, inconsistencies hurt credibility
• Right Approach: Private documentation only, lawyer controls messaging

5. Letting Your Child Go to “One Last Meeting”

• Why Wrong: Pressure, intimidation, coached statements
• Right Approach: Once considering legal action, all communication through lawyer

6. Waiting for University Investigation

• Why Wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
• Right Approach: Parallel investigation—university process doesn’t protect your rights

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters

• Why Wrong: Recorded statements used against you, early lowball offers
• Right Approach: “My attorney will contact you”

Frequently Asked Questions for Houston Families

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

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

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

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups, the statute may be paused. Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Many major cases occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

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

“How much does a hazing lawyer cost?”
We work on a contingency fee basis—no upfront costs, no fee unless we win. Watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

“What if my child is afraid to report because of immigration status?”
We offer Spanish-language services and understand unique concerns for international students and families. Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action for Houston Families

Why Houston Families Choose Attorney911 for Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis at UH, Texas A&M, or any Texas campus, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. As Houston’s Legal Emergency Lawyers™, we bring unique qualifications to hazing litigation:

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”
• We know their playbook because we used to run it. This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with insurers who assume families don’t understand their tactics.

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions
Ralph Manginello’s experience includes being one of the few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal budgets. That same capability applies when suing national fraternities and university systems. We’re not intimidated by institutional power; we develop strategies to overcome it.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience
Our firm has recovered millions for families in complex wrongful death cases. We understand how to:

• Work with economists to value young lives
• Calculate lifelong care needs for brain injuries or organ damage
• Build cases that force accountability, not just settle cheap

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise
Ralph’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 witnesses or participants
• Navigate the interaction between criminal charges and civil lawsuits
• Protect your child if they face pressure from prosecutors or the organization

Investigative Depth: The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine
Unlike firms that start from zero, we maintain comprehensive data on Texas Greek organizations. We already know:

• Legal entities and EINs for potential defendants
• Insurance coverage sources
• Prior incident patterns across campuses
• National headquarters structures and leadership

Houston-Based, Texas-Wide Service
From our Houston office in the heart of Harris County, we serve families throughout Texas. We understand:

• Harris County courts and procedures
• Houston medical systems and expert networks
• University administrations across the state
• The unique dynamics of each campus community

What Sets Us Apart in Hazing Litigation

We Investigate Like Your Child’s Life Depends on It
Because it does. We deploy:

• Digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages
• Medical specialists to document injuries properly
• Greek culture experts to explain organizational dynamics
• Economists to calculate lifelong impacts

We Understand the Human Tragedy Behind the Legal Case
We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our approach balances:

• Aggressive legal strategy to hold perpetrators accountable
• Compassionate support for traumatized victims
• Respect for family privacy and emotional needs
• Commitment to preventing future harm through systemic change

We’re Prepared to Go to Trial
Most hazing cases settle, but settlements only happen when defendants know you’re ready for trial. Our:

• Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• Trial record in complex cases
• Willingness to take cases to verdict changes how institutions negotiate

Our Connection to Houston and Texas Families

We’re not a distant national firm. We’re your Houston neighbors:

• Ralph grew up in Memorial area, attended Houston schools
• Mr. Peña was born and raised in Sugar Land
• Our children attend Texas schools and universities
  a- We understand Texas values, Texas families, and Texas justice

We’ve seen how hazing devastates Houston families—from the Medical Center bedsides to the courtrooms downtown. We’re committed to being the firm Houston turns to when campus traditions become tragedies.

Call to Action for Houston Families

If your child has experienced hazing at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Houston, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Katy, Pearland, and across Harris County have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a Confidential, No-Obligation 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 what’s right for your family
• Everything you tell us is confidential

Contact Us Today:

• Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct: (713) 528-9070
• Cell: (713) 443-4781
• Website: https://attorney911.com
• Email: ralph@atty911.com

Spanish-Language Services Available

• Hablamos Español – Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish
• Servicios legales en español disponibles

Learn More About Our Experience:

• Wrongful Death Practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
• Ralph Manginello’s Background: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
• Lupe Peña’s Insurance Defense Experience: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Educational Resources:

• Evidence Preservation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Statute of Limitations Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client Mistakes to Avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• How Contingency Fees Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Whether you’re in Houston’s urban core or the surrounding suburbs, whether your child attends UH just minutes away or a campus across the state, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions behind these tragedies have lawyers protecting them—you deserve the same protection.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s discuss how we can help your family find answers, achieve accountability, and prevent this from happening to another student.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez Case:

• Click2Houston investigation: 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:

• Evidence preservation: 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

Attorney911 Main Website:

• Homepage: https://attorney911.com
• Contact: https://attorney911.com/contact/

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