Hazing at Texas Universities: A Complete Guide for La Porte Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You Are Not Alone

For parents in La Porte, Texas, the call you never want to receive might start with: “Mom, Dad… something happened at the fraternity house.” Maybe your student at the University of Houston comes home with unexplained bruises and exhaustion. Maybe your Texas A&M cadet describes humiliating “traditions” that sound more like abuse. Or maybe you’re reading news about another hazing hospitalization and wondering, “Could this happen to my child?”

Right now, just miles from La Porte in Houston, our firm is fighting one of the most severe 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 in fall 2025. What started as “pledging” ended with him passing brown urine, hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, facing potential permanent kidney damage. The alleged hazing included forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion; and constant humiliation through a mandatory “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms, sex toys, and nicotine devices. This $10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, and 13 fraternity leaders shows exactly how quickly “tradition” becomes tragedy.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for La Porte families—parents who might have children at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or other Texas campuses. We’ll explain what modern hazing really looks like, break down Texas hazing laws, examine national patterns that repeat here in Texas, and show how experienced legal counsel can help families seek accountability and prevent future harm.

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

Beyond the Stereotypes: Modern Hazing Tactics

Many La Porte parents remember hazing as “pranks” or “initiation rituals,” but today’s hazing has evolved into systematic abuse that often leaves physical and psychological scars. What makes modern hazing particularly dangerous is how it’s disguised as “tradition,” “bonding,” or “team building”—and how effectively organizations cover their tracks.

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. Critically, “I agreed to it” does not make it safe or legal when there’s peer pressure and power imbalance—a fact Texas law recognizes explicitly.

The Five Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most deadly form. At Texas universities, we see:

Forced chugging contests and “lineup” drinking games
“Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor
“Bible study” or trivia games where wrong answers mean drinking
Pressure to consume unknown mixtures or dangerous substances

2. Physical Hazing
Beyond traditional paddling, today’s physical hazing includes:

Rhabdomyolysis-inducing workouts: Extreme calisthenics like the 100+ push-ups and 500 squats in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case that cause severe muscle breakdown
Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or 3 AM wake-up calls
Food/water manipulation: forced overeating until vomiting, or intentional deprivation
Exposure to extreme elements: left outside in cold weather, locked in hot spaces

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
Some of the most psychologically damaging tactics:

Forced nudity or partial nudity during initiations
Simulated sexual acts or degrading positions
“Roasted pig” binding or other restraint-based humiliation
Acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones

4. Psychological Hazing
The invisible wounds that last longest:

Verbal abuse, constant criticism, and degradation
Social isolation from non-members
Manipulation and forced “confessions”
Threats of expulsion from the group for non-compliance

5. Digital/Online Hazing
A new frontier that’s particularly prevalent among Texas college students:

24/7 group chat monitoring with instant response demands
Social media dares and public humiliation on Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat
Forced creation of compromising content
Location tracking via Find My Friends or similar apps

Where Hazing Happens at Texas Universities

La Porte families should understand that hazing isn’t limited to “frat parties.” It occurs in:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC at Texas A&M and other military-style programs
Athletic Teams from football to swimming
Spirit Groups like cheer squads, dance teams, and tradition organizations
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Academic and Honor Societies

The common thread across all these groups is social status, tradition, and secrecy—exactly what keeps these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Texas Hazing Law: What La Porte Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Legal Foundation

Texas has some of the nation’s most comprehensive anti-hazing statutes, designed specifically to protect students like yours at UH, Texas A&M, and other campuses. Understanding these laws is crucial for La Porte families considering legal action.

§ 37.151: The Texas Definition of Hazing
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Key protections for La Porte families:

Location doesn’t matter: hazing at off-campus houses, Airbnbs, or retreats still counts
Mental OR physical harm qualifies: PTSD and psychological trauma are recognized
“Reckless” is enough: they don’t need to have intended harm, just disregarded clear risks

§ 37.152: Criminal Penalties

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

§ 37.155: Consent Is NOT a Defense
This is perhaps the most important provision for La Porte parents to understand. The law explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity.” Texas recognizes that “consent” under peer pressure isn’t true voluntary consent.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

When hazing occurs, La Porte families typically have two legal avenues:

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (Harris County DA, Brazos County DA, etc.)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
Example: In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, criminal referrals were made to law enforcement

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: Compensation and institutional accountability
Focus on: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability
Example: Our $10 million lawsuit for Leonel Bermudez seeks compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and institutional reform

These cases can run side-by-side, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. Many families pursue both to ensure full accountability.

Federal Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
This federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid (all Texas public universities and most privates) to:

Report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthen hazing education and prevention
Maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026)

Title IX & Clery Act
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, additional federal protections apply. Universities must investigate and take appropriate action under Title IX. The Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes—many hazing incidents overlap with assault or alcohol crimes that must be disclosed.

Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Hazing Case?

One of the most important lessons from the UH Pi Kappa Phi case is how many parties can share responsibility:

1. Individual Students
The members who planned, executed, or covered up the hazing. In the UH case, 13 individual fraternity leaders were named, including the chapter president, pledgemaster, and risk manager.

2. Local Chapter/Organization
The fraternity/sorority or club itself, if it’s a legal entity. The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation was specifically named in our lawsuit.

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters
National organizations like Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Their liability often hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents at other chapters.

4. Universities and Governing Boards
The University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents are defendants in our case based on allegations of negligent supervision and failure to protect students.

5. Third Parties
Landlords of off-campus houses, alcohol providers under dram shop laws, security companies, or event organizers.

Every case is fact-specific, but the pattern is clear: when hazing causes serious harm, multiple parties often share responsibility.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

Alcohol Poisoning & Death: A Repeating Script

The tragic patterns we see nationally are exactly what La Porte families should watch for at Texas campuses:

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)

Bid-acceptance event with extreme drinking captured on chapter cameras
Hours delayed before calling 911
Takeaway for Texas families: Delayed medical response dramatically increases liability and tragedy

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

“Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant drinking
Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
Result: Louisiana enacted the Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony
Takeaway: Legislative change often follows public outrage over clear hazing deaths

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

Forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night
$10 million settlement ($7M from national fraternity, ~$3M from university)
Takeaway for La Porte families: Universities can face significant financial consequences alongside fraternities

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: Beyond Alcohol

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)

Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
National fraternity convicted criminally and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Takeaway: Off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous as parties, and national organizations face serious sanctions

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program
Multiple lawsuits, head coach fired, confidential settlements
Takeaway for Texas: Hazing extends beyond Greek life into major athletic programs with big budgets and institutional protection

What These Cases Mean for La Porte Families

The national patterns show consistent threads: forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, and cover-ups. Reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements typically follow only after tragedy and litigation. Texas families facing hazing at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor are operating in a landscape shaped by these national lessons—and should know that precedent supports holding institutions accountable.

Texas Universities: What La Porte Families Need to Know

Understanding Your Child’s Campus Environment

La Porte families often send students to multiple Texas universities. Each campus has its own Greek life culture, reporting systems, and hazing history. Understanding these differences is crucial when assessing risk and response options.

University of Houston: Minutes from La Porte

Campus & Culture Snapshot
For many La Porte families, UH is the most accessible major university—just a 30-minute drive away. As Texas’s third-largest university with over 47,000 students, UH has active Greek life with approximately 50 fraternities and sororities across four governing councils. The urban campus setting means much hazing occurs in off-campus houses in the surrounding neighborhoods, like the Pi Kappa Phi house and Culmore Drive residence involved in our Bermudez case.

UH Hazing Policy & Reporting
UH prohibits hazing both on and off campus. The university’s policy specifically bans forced consumption of alcohol/food/drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and actions causing mental distress as initiation. Students can report through:

Dean of Students Office
Finn
UH Police Department
Online reporting forms
Center for Fraternity & Sorority Life

Recent UH Hazing History
Beyond the current Pi Kappa Phi case, UH has faced other serious incidents:

2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case: Pledges allegedly deprived of food, water, and sleep during multi-day event; one student suffered lacerated spleen
Multiple other fraternities have faced suspensions for alcohol-related hazing and policy violations
Key insight: UH has shown willingness to suspend chapters but often lacks the public transparency of UT Austin’s violation log

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds
For La Porte families, the jurisdictional aspects matter:

Police involvement: UHPD for on-campus incidents, Houston Police Department for off-campus
Court jurisdiction: Harris County district courts typically handle civil cases
University process: Separate student conduct investigations that don’t preclude civil action

What UH Students & La Porte Parents Should Do

Immediate reporting: Document then report to both UHPD and Dean of Students
Evidence preservation: Houston-based digital forensics experts are often needed for deleted group chats
Medical care: Texas Medical Center proximity means world-class care is minutes away
Legal consultation: Houston-based hazing attorneys understand local courts and procedures

Texas A&M University: Tradition and Risk

Campus & Culture Snapshot
Many La Porte families have Aggie connections, whether through family tradition or the university’s strong academic programs. Texas A&M’s distinctive features include:

Corps of Cadets: Approximately 2,400 members with military-style structure and traditions
Strong Greek life: About 7,000 students in 60+ fraternities and sororities
Traditions: Deeply ingrained customs that sometimes blur into hazing

Documented A&M Hazing Incidents
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)

Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
Pledges sued for $1 million; fraternity suspended for two years
Takeaway: Even “elite” fraternities engage in dangerous, non-alcohol hazing

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023)

Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth
Sought over $1 million; A&M stated it handled matters under Corps regulations
Takeaway: Official military-style programs aren’t immune to hazing allegations

Kappa Sigma Rhabdomyolysis Case (2023)

Allegations of extreme physical hazing resulting in rhabdomyolysis (same condition as UH case)
Ongoing litigation demonstrates pattern of dangerous physical initiation

A&M Hazing Response System

Student Conduct Office investigates all hazing reports
Corps has separate disciplinary system under Commandant’s Office
Public reporting less transparent than UT but more than private schools

For La Porte Families with Aggie Students

Dual systems: Understand both university AND Corps procedures if applicable
Medical resources: College Station has good emergency care, but serious cases often transfer to Houston
Legal considerations: Brazos County courts have seen multiple hazing cases; local precedent exists

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Patterns

Campus & Culture Snapshot
UT Austin’s Greek life is among Texas’s largest and most visible, with approximately 6,000 students in 70+ organizations. The university’s relatively high transparency about hazing violations makes it a case study in patterns.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Log
Unlike most universities, UT publishes detailed hazing violations at hazing.utexas.edu. Recent entries show patterns La Porte families should recognize:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023)

New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Found to be hazing; chapter placed on probation with required prevention education
Pattern: Forced consumption + extreme exercise = classic dangerous combination

Texas Wranglers & Other Spirit Groups

Multiple sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, punishment-based practices
Pattern: Non-Greek organizations replicate fraternity hazing methods

What UT’s Transparency Reveals

Hazing isn’t limited to “bad apples”—it’s a systemic issue
Similar violations recur across different organizations and years
Probation and education alone don’t always stop the cycle

For La Porte Families with Longhorns

Use the violation log: Check if your child’s organization has prior sanctions
Austin jurisdiction: Travis County courts are familiar with hazing cases
Medical resources: UT’s proximity to downtown Austin hospitals means good emergency care

Southern Methodist University: Private Campus Challenges

Campus & Culture Snapshot
SMU’s affluent, private campus in Dallas hosts approximately 35% of undergraduates in Greek life. The university’s “country club” reputation sometimes obscures serious hazing risks.

SMU Hazing History
Kappa Alpha Order (2017)

New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep
Chapter suspended; restrictions on recruiting until 2021
Pattern: Traditional physical hazing persists at “elite” fraternities

SMU’s Response Systems

Anonymous reporting via “Real Response” system
Private university status means less public disclosure than public institutions
Greek life office under Division of Student Affairs

Special Challenges at Private Universities

Less transparency: SMU isn’t subject to Texas Public Information Act requests
Different liability standards: Fewer sovereign immunity protections than public universities
Reputation protection: Private schools may prioritize image over transparency

For La Porte Families at SMU

Document everything: You may need to compel discovery through litigation
Dallas jurisdiction: Texas’s business-friendly courts can affect case strategy
Medical documentation: Presbyterian Hospital proximity means good care but also potential institutional connections

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Scrutiny

Campus & Culture Snapshot
Baylor’s Christian identity and recent history of scrutiny over campus safety issues create a unique context for hazing concerns.

Baylor Hashing History
Baseball Team Hazing (2020)

14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Suspensions staggered over early season
Pattern: Athletic team hazing occurs even at religious institutions

Baylor’s Dual Challenges

Recent scandals: The university’s handling of sexual assault cases has led to increased scrutiny of all misconduct responses
Religious branding: “Christian environment” claims can conflict with hazing realities
Greek life size: Approximately 30% of students participate, similar to other Texas privates

For La Porte Families at Baylor

Understand the context: Baylor’s recent history affects how it handles misconduct reports
Waco jurisdiction: McLennan County courts have seen high-profile cases against Baylor
Documentation critical: Given past institutional responses, meticulous evidence preservation is essential

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories Matter for Texas Cases

Why National Patterns Matter in Your Texas Case

When we represent La Porte families in hazing cases, we don’t just look at what happened at UH or Texas A&M—we investigate what the national organization knew about similar incidents elsewhere. This “pattern evidence” can be crucial in establishing liability against national headquarters.

National Organizations Present at Texas Campuses

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ) – Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT

National pattern: Andrew Coffey death at Florida State (2017) from Big/Little night alcohol poisoning
Texas connection: Current UH lawsuit shows identical Big/Little patterns
Legal significance: National knew forced drinking traditions were deadly but didn’t prevent repetition

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ) – Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor

National pattern: Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green (2021); multiple other alcohol hazing deaths
Texas incidents: UH 2016 lacerated spleen case; UT probation for milk/calisthenics hazing
Legal significance: Clear national pattern of alcohol-focused initiations

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ) – Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT

National pattern: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide; eliminated pledging in 2014 due to pattern
Texas incidents: Texas A&M chemical burns case (2021); UT assault lawsuit (2024)
Legal significance: National “reforms” didn’t prevent continued violations

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ) – Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU

National pattern: Max Gruver death at LSU (2017) from “Bible study” drinking game
Legal significance: Louisiana felony law resulted from this case; patterns transfer to Texas

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ) – Active at Texas A&M, UT, SMU

National pattern: Multiple paddling and alcohol hazing incidents
Texas incidents: SMU suspension (2017); other Texas chapter violations
Legal significance: Traditional physical hazing persists despite national policies

How National Histories Support Texas Cases

Foreseeability Argument
When a Texas chapter repeats conduct that caused injury or death elsewhere, we argue the national organization should have foreseen the risk. This strengthens negligence claims and can support punitive damages.

Pattern Evidence in Discovery
We subpoena national headquarters for:

Prior incident reports from other chapters
Risk management communications about known dangerous traditions
Training materials that acknowledge specific risks

Insurance Coverage Implications
National organizations often have insurance policies that may cover claims—but insurers sometimes argue hazing is excluded as intentional conduct. Pattern evidence showing nationals knew of risks but failed to act can help overcome these exclusions.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Why Data Matters

Our firm maintains what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations across Texas. For La Porte families, this means we don’t start from zero when investigating your case.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving La Porte Families

As part of our investigative approach, we track the organizational structures behind Texas Greek life. These are public records that show the complex networks families are up against:

Houston Metro Area Organizations (Sample from IRS B83 Filings):

Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – 5019 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX 77204 (IRS B83 filing)
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – 4300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204 (IRS B83 filing)
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated – Sigma Gamma Chapter – PO Box 540026, Houston, TX 77254 (IRS B83 filing)
Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Houston, TX (Cause IQ metro listing)
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae – Houston, TX (Cause IQ metro listing)

Texas-Wide Greek Infrastructure:

125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations in IRS B83 records
1,423 fraternities/sororities across 25 Texas metros per Cause IQ data
188 Greek-related organizations in Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro alone

Why This Directory Matters for La Porte Families
These aren’t just names—they represent legal entities that may hold insurance, own property, and share liability. When your child is hazed, you’re not just up against “a fraternity”—you’re confronting a network of corporations, alumni associations, housing foundations, and national organizations. We track these relationships so we can identify every potentially liable party from day one.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Recovery

The Evidence That Wins Cases in 2025

Modern hazing leaves digital fingerprints everywhere. The evidence collection approach that works for La Porte families includes:

Digital Communications (The New Smoking Gun)

GroupMe/WhatsApp/Signal: Fraternity “brother chat” and pledge group messages
Instagram DMs/Snapchat: Where much planning and boasting happens
Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often retrieve “disappeared” content
Location data: Geotags and Find My Friends tracking

Photos & Videos

Content filmed during events (often shared in group chats before deletion)
Security camera footage from houses and neighboring properties
Social media posts before takedown

Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals and “tradition” documents
Email chains about initiation planning
National policies vs. local practices

University Records

Prior conduct files (obtained through litigation if not publicly available)
Campus police incident reports
Internal emails about the organization

Medical Documentation

ER records showing alcohol levels or injuries
Specialist reports for long-term conditions like kidney damage or PTSD
Psychological evaluations

Witness Networks

Other pledges (often afraid but potentially cooperative)
Former members who left over hazing concerns
Roommates, RAs, bystanders

The Damages Recovery Framework

When hazing causes harm, Texas law recognizes several categories of damages:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical expenses: ER visits, hospitalization, ongoing treatment, future care needs
Lost educational opportunities: Withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships, transfer costs
Future earning capacity: If injuries cause permanent disability or delay career entry

Non-Economic Damages

Physical pain and suffering: From injuries like rhabdomyolysis, burns, or fractures
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment: Can’t participate in college life, sports, or activities

Wrongful Death Damages (for Families)

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of companionship and support
Emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages
In cases of particularly reckless or intentional conduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish defendants and deter future conduct.

Insurance Coverage Battles: What La Porte Families Should Know

One of our key advantages for Texas families comes from Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney. He knows how fraternity and university insurers fight claims:

Common Insurance Defense Tactics

“Intentional act” exclusions: Arguing hazing is intentional and therefore not covered
“Rogue chapter” arguments: Claiming the national organization didn’t know or authorize
Lowball early settlements: Offering quick, inadequate payments before families hire counsel
Delay tactics: Dragging out proceedings to pressure financially strained families

How We Counter These Tactics

Multiple policy review: Identifying all potential coverage sources
Negligence vs. intentional conduct: Framing cases around negligent supervision rather than just intentional hazing
Pattern evidence: Showing nationals knew or should have known about risks
Bad faith claims: Pursuing insurers who wrongfully deny coverage

Practical Guides for La Porte Families

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your La Porte Student May Be Hazed

Physical signs: Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries; extreme fatigue; weight changes; sleep deprivation
Behavioral changes: Sudden secrecy about activities; withdrawal from family; personality shifts; defensiveness
Academic red flags: Grades dropping; missing classes; losing scholarships
Digital behavior: Constant group chat monitoring; anxiety about phone notifications; deleted messages

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing

Start open-ended: “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
Ask specific but non-accusatory questions: “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
Listen without judgment: If they open up, don’t interrupt with anger
Emphasize safety: “You can always call us, no matter what time or what’s happening”

If You Suspect Hazing: Immediate Steps

Prioritize safety: If in immediate danger, call 911
Document everything: Write down what your child says; photograph any evidence
Preserve digital evidence: Help them screenshot messages before deletion
Seek medical attention: Even if injuries seem minor
Consult an attorney: Before contacting the university or organization

For Students: Protecting Yourself and Your Rights

Is This Hazing? A Quick Self-Test

Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents or the university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?

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

How to Exit Safely

Immediate danger: Call 911 or campus police
De-pledging: Send a clear email/text stating “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Avoid “one last meeting”: Don’t go where they might pressure or retaliate
Document retaliation: Save any threats or harassment

Your Legal Rights in Texas

Good-faith reporter immunity: You generally can’t be punished for calling 911 in an emergency
Consent isn’t a defense: Even if you “agreed,” it’s still illegal
Civil lawsuit rights: You can sue even without criminal charges
No-contact orders: Available through university or courts if harassed

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Your Child Delete Evidence
What families think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
Instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly
What families think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Instead: Document everything, call a lawyer before any confrontation

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms
What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or internal agreements
Why it’s wrong: You may waive right to sue; settlements are often inadequate
Instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer
What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

5. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”
What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally”
Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes run
Instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

Frequently Asked Questions for La Porte Families

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

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, 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, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

“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 or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. 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 national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases (including retreats and unofficial houses) occurred off-campus and still resulted in judgments.

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

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for La Porte Families

When your family faces a hazing case, 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 La Porte families choose Attorney911:

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

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics and coverage exclusion arguments
Approach settlement negotiations
Translation: We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello)

One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation against billion-dollar corporations
Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
Translation: We’ve taken on the biggest defendants and won.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
Economist collaboration for lifetime care valuation
Experience with brain injury, permanent disability, and catastrophic injury cases
Translation: We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise

Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
Understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
Translation: We understand both sides of hazing cases.

Investigative Depth

Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
Experience obtaining hidden evidence (group chats, chapter records, university files)
Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine with 1,423 Greek organizations tracked
Translation: We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

Spanish Language Services for La Porte Families

Hablamos Español – Mr. Lupe Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can provide consultations and representation entirely in Spanish. Contact him directly at lupe@atty911.com for Spanish-language services.

Our Approach: Empathy Meets Accountability

We know hazing cases are among the hardest things a family can face. Our approach balances:

Deep Investigation

Immediate evidence preservation
Digital forensics for deleted content
Subpoena power for hidden records
Expert consultation from day one

Strategic Litigation

Identifying all potentially liable parties
Navigating insurance coverage battles
Balancing settlement opportunities with trial readiness
Protecting family privacy while seeking accountability

Client-Centered Service

Regular communication (we update clients every 2-3 weeks)
Spanish language availability
Contingency fees (no cost unless we win)
Empathetic support through difficult times

Call to Action for La Porte Families

If Hazing Has Impacted Your Family

Whether your student attends UH just minutes away, Texas A&M a few hours north, or any Texas campus, hazing’s impact reaches families throughout our region. The recent UH Pi Kappa Phi case shows that even “normal” pledging can quickly become life-threatening.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation
When you contact Attorney911 for a hazing consultation:

We listen to your story without judgment or interruption
We review any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, texts, medical records)
We explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
We discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
We answer your questions about costs (contingency fee – we don’t get paid unless we win)
No pressure to hire us on the spot – take time to decide with your family
Confidentiality: Everything you tell us is protected

Contact Attorney911 Today

For Immediate Assistance:

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781 (available for urgent matters)

Online and Email:

Website: https://attorney911.com
Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com
Lupe Peña (Spanish services): lupe@atty911.com

Service Areas:
While our main office is in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including La Porte, Harris County, and all surrounding communities. Distance doesn’t matter—we’ll come to you or meet virtually.

Your Next Step

If you’re reading this because hazing has touched your family, take these three steps right now:

Preserve evidence: Don’t let your child delete anything
Document everything: Write down names, dates, locations, injuries
Call us: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance

You don’t have to navigate this alone. The institutions behind hazing have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters. You deserve experienced advocates who will fight for your family’s recovery and work to prevent this from happening to another student.

From our team to your family: We’ve seen the devastation hazing causes. We’ve stood with families through the worst moments. We know the legal pathways to accountability. Let us help you find answers, secure recovery, and ensure no other family suffers what yours has endured.

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