The Complete Guide to Hazing in Texas: What Wimberley Families Need to Know About Campus Dangers at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU & Baylor

A Message to Wimberley Parents About a Growing Texas Crisis

In the peaceful community of Wimberley, nestled in the heart of Hays County, you send your children to college with hope for their future. You imagine them making friends, joining campus organizations, and building lifelong memories at Texas universities. But right now, just an hour’s drive from Wimberley at Texas State University in San Marcos, and at campuses across our state, students are being systematically abused in the name of “tradition” and “bonding.”

This isn’t distant history. As you read this, we’re actively fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history at the University of Houston, representing Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter. According to detailed reports from Click2Houston and ABC13, Bermudez was subjected to extreme physical hazing that caused rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, leaving him hospitalized for four days and passing brown urine. The alleged hazing included a degrading “pledge fanny pack” rule, forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and being forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion.

This comprehensive guide exists because Wimberley families deserve to understand the reality of hazing in 2025—what it looks like, how Texas law addresses it, what’s happening at major universities where your children might attend, and what legal options exist when traditions turn traumatic. Whether your child attends nearby Texas State University in San Marcos or ventures further to the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M, Baylor, Southern Methodist University, or the University of Houston, this information could protect them.

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 Beyond the Stereotypes

The Modern Definition That Every Wimberley Parent Should Know

Hazing is no longer just about silly pranks or harmless initiations. In 2025, hazing represents 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. For Wimberley families, understanding this definition is crucial because what happens in your child’s group chats and off-campus houses often bears little resemblance to the “official” activities universities promote.

The critical legal and practical reality is this: “I agreed to it” or “I wanted to fit in” does not automatically make dangerous behavior safe or legal when there exists peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of social exclusion. The law recognizes that true consent cannot exist when someone feels they must participate to belong.

The Five Main Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the deadliest form of hazing nationwide and across Texas campuses. It includes forced or coerced drinking during “Big/Little” nights, initiation events, or “family” gatherings. Students may face chugging challenges, “lineup” drinking games where they must consume alcohol rapidly, or being pressured to consume unknown mixed substances. The recent University of Houston case demonstrates how this manifests: pledges forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediately required to run sprints.

2. Physical Hazing
Beyond traditional paddling, today’s physical hazing includes extreme calisthenics or “workouts” far beyond normal conditioning—like the 100+ push-ups and 500 squats forced upon Leonel Bermudez at UH. It encompasses sleep deprivation through late-night “meetings,” food and water restriction, exposure to extreme temperatures, and dangerous physical tests like blindfolded tackles or “glass ceiling” rituals.

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This category includes forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes or positions (like the “roasted pig” position reported in Texas A&M Corps cases), and acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones. These acts create lasting psychological trauma beyond physical harm.

4. Psychological Hazing
Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members, manipulation through “loyalty” tests, forced confessions of personal information, and public shaming during meetings or through social media. This systematic breakdown of self-worth makes victims more compliant to escalating demands.

5. Digital/Online Hazing
The newest and most insidious category includes group chat dares, “challenges” shared via Instagram or TikTok, pressure to create or share compromising images/videos, and public humiliation through coordinated social media campaigns. Digital evidence from these platforms has become crucial in modern hazing litigation.

Where Hazing Actually Happens Across Texas Campuses

While fraternities and sororities receive most public attention, hazing permeates numerous campus organizations:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural groups)
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups (particularly relevant at Texas A&M)
• Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheerleading, and other sports)
• Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs (like the Texas Cowboys at UT Austin)
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups
• Some Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations

The common thread across all these groups is the toxic combination of social status, entrenched tradition, and enforced secrecy that keeps dangerous practices alive even when participants and institutions “know” hazing is illegal. For Wimberley families with children at Texas State University or other Hays County-connected campuses, this reality means vigilance must extend beyond Greek life.

Texas Hazing Law & Liability Framework: What Wimberley Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37: The Foundation of Hazing Law

For families throughout Hays County and across Texas, understanding our state’s specific legal framework begins with the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. The law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student that:

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

In plain language: If someone makes your child do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they meant to do it or were reckless about the risk, that’s hazing under Texas law. The location doesn’t matter—it can happen on campus, at an off-campus house, or during a retreat hours away. The harm can be physical OR mental. Most importantly, “consent” is not a defense—even if your child agreed under pressure, it’s still legally considered hazing.

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law

Texas law establishes escalating penalties based on the severity of harm:

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

Additionally, the law criminalizes:

• Failing to report hazing if you’re a member or officer who knew about it
• Retaliating against someone who reports hazing

Organizational Liability: Holding Groups Accountable

Texas law specifically addresses organizational liability—fraternities, sororities, clubs, and teams can face criminal prosecution if:

• The organization authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
• An officer or member acting in official capacity knew about hazing and failed to report it

Organizations face fines up to $10,000 per violation, and universities can revoke recognition and ban them from campus. This provision is crucial for Wimberley families because it means both individuals AND the organization can be held accountable.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:
Leisure by the state (prosecutor)

• Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical charges: Hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, or manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil Cases:

• Brought by victims or surviving families
• Aim: Monetary compensation and accountability
• Focus on: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring/supervision, premises liability, emotional distress

These cases can run side-by-side, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. Many families in Texas pursue civil litigation to obtain compensation for medical expenses, ongoing care, and to force institutional changes that criminal cases alone may not achieve.

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections and Requirements

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
This federal legislation requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently, strengthen hazing education and prevention, and maintain public hazing data (phased in by around 2026). For Wimberley families, this means increased transparency from universities about what’s happening on their campuses.

Title IX and Clery Act:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations are triggered. The Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics—hazing incidents often overlap with these categories when assaults or alcohol/drug crimes occur. These federal frameworks provide additional avenues for accountability beyond Texas state law.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

For Wimberley families considering legal action, understanding potential defendants is crucial:

• Individual Students: Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover them up
• Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if incorporated)
• National Fraternity/Sorority: Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
• Universities or Governing Boards: Schools may be liable under negligence or civil-rights theories
• Third Parties: Landlords/owners of houses, bars/alcohol providers, security companies

The University of Houston case demonstrates this multi-defendant approach perfectly: the lawsuit names UH, the UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders/members. Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys investigate all potential sources of liability and insurance coverage.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

The Alcohol Poisoning Death Pattern: Repeated Tragedies

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
During a bid-acceptance event with heavy drinking, Piazza suffered severe falls captured on chapter security cameras. Fraternity members delayed calling for help for hours. The case resulted in dozens of criminal charges, civil litigation, and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. For Texas families, this case demonstrates how extreme intoxication combined with a “brotherhood” culture of silence can prove legally devastating and fatal.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
During a “Big Brother Night” event, Coffey was given a handle of liquor, drank to dangerous levels, and died from alcohol poisoning. The case led to criminal hazing charges against members and FSU temporarily suspending all Greek life. This tragedy shows how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights represent a repeating script for disaster across campuses nationwide.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
Gruver died during a “Bible study” drinking game where he was forced to drink when answering questions incorrectly (his BAC reached 0.495%). The case resulted in multiple criminal convictions and Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, which created felony hazing statutes. The lesson for Texas: legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of systematic hazing.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey during a pledge event. The case resulted in multiple criminal convictions and a nearly $3 million settlement with BGSU, plus additional settlements with the fraternity and individuals. This demonstrates that universities face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: Beyond Alcohol

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
During a fraternity retreat, Deng was subjected to a violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual involving repeated tackling while weighted down. He suffered fatal head injuries while members delayed calling for help. The case resulted in multiple convictions, including the national fraternity being convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, and Pi Delta Psi being banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. For Texas families, this shows that off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous as parties, and national organizations can face severe sanctions.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football Program (2023–2025)
Former players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the football program over multiple years. Multiple lawsuits were filed against the university and staff, head coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired (and later settled a wrongful-termination suit confidentially), and the case revealed systemic abuse in a major athletic program. This case teaches Texas families that hazing extends far beyond Greek life into big-money athletic programs.

What These National Cases Mean for Wimberley Families

These national tragedies share common threads that directly inform Texas cases: forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, and coordinated cover-ups. The multi-million-dollar settlements and legislative reforms that followed occurred only after tragedy and litigation. For Wimberley families facing hazing at Texas State University, the University of Texas, Texas A&M, or other campuses, these cases provide both warning and precedent: you are not alone, and the legal landscape has been shaped by these hard lessons.

Texas University Focus: What’s Happening at Campuses Where Wimberley Families Send Students

Geographic Reality for Wimberley Families

Wimberley sits in the heart of Hays County, with Texas State University just 15 miles away in San Marcos. This proximity means many Wimberley students choose Texas State, while others venture further to the University of Texas at Austin (approximately 40 miles), Texas A&M University (about 100 miles), Baylor University (around 110 miles), Southern Methodist University (roughly 200 miles), or the University of Houston (approximately 150 miles). Each campus has distinct Greek life and organizational cultures, but all face hazing challenges that Hays County families should understand.

Texas State University: Your Backyard Campus

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas State University in San Marcos serves as the primary university for many Hays County families. With over 38,000 students, it hosts active Greek life through the Division of Student Affairs, including Interfraternity Council (IFC) fraternities, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) organizations, and United Greek Council groups. The campus culture blends traditional Texas university experience with its unique river location.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas State prohibits hazing as defined by Texas law and provides multiple reporting options: online reporting forms, direct contact with the Dean of Students Office, and coordination with University Police. The university’s policy explicitly states that consent is not a defense and that both individuals and organizations can face disciplinary action.

Jurisdiction Considerations for Wimberley Families

If hazing occurs at Texas State University or in San Marcos, jurisdiction typically involves:

• Texas State University Police Department for on-campus incidents
• San Marcos Police Department for off-campus locations
• Hays County courts for legal proceedings
• Texas State’s Office of Student Conduct for disciplinary matters

Civil lawsuits might be filed in Hays County courts or federal courts with jurisdiction over the region, depending on the defendants and claims involved.

University of Texas at Austin: The Flagship Campus

Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin represents Texas’s flagship public university with one of the nation’s largest and most active Greek systems. Over 60 fraternity and sorority chapters operate within a culture that blends academic prestige, athletic tradition, and significant social competition. The university’s public hazing violation reports provide unprecedented transparency compared to many peer institutions.

Documented Incidents & Transparency

UT Austin maintains a public Hazing Violations page that lists organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions. Recent entries include:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation with mandatory hazing-prevention education
• Various spirit organizations and Greek chapters sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, or punishment-based practices

This transparency benefits Austin-area families and provides valuable pattern evidence for litigation, but the repeated violations indicate ongoing systemic challenges.

What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Know

• The university’s Greek life office oversees approximately 6,500 students in recognized organizations
• Multiple reporting channels exist: Dean of Students, UT Police Department, anonymous online reports
• Prior violations on UT’s public log can strongly support civil litigation by demonstrating patterns and institutional knowledge
• Off-campus hazing remains prevalent despite university policies

Texas A&M University: Tradition and Accountability

Corps of Cadets Culture and Greek Life

Texas A&M’s unique culture combines robust Greek life with the Corps of Cadets tradition, creating multiple environments where hazing can occur. Recent lawsuits have addressed hazing in both contexts, demonstrating that the problem extends beyond traditional fraternity settings.

Documented Cases with Lasting Impact

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Lawsuit (2021):
Pledges alleged being covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring emergency skin grafts. The fraternity was suspended for two years, and lawsuits sought over $1 million in damages. This case demonstrates how physical hazing can cause permanent injury beyond alcohol-related harm.

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023):
A cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million, and Texas A&M stated it handled the matter under its rules. This case highlights hazing risks even in military-style disciplinary environments.

Institutional Response and Challenges

Texas A&M handles hazing through Student Conduct procedures and Corps regulations, but civil cases increasingly focus on both Greek life and Corps traditions. The university’s emphasis on tradition sometimes conflicts with modern safety standards, creating environments where harmful behaviors persist despite official policies.

Southern Methodist University: Private Campus Challenges

Campus Culture and Greek Life Presence

SMU’s reputation as a private, affluent campus includes a strong Greek presence that significantly influences social life. Approximately 35% of undergraduates participate in Greek organizations within a culture that blends academic achievement with social competition.

Documented Incidents and Responses

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):
New members reported being paddled, forced to drink alcohol, and deprived of sleep. The chapter was suspended with restrictions on recruiting until approximately 2021. This case demonstrates that even at private universities with substantial resources, hazing persists.

Institutional Approach:
SMU employs multiple prevention efforts including anonymous reporting systems (like Real Response) and educational programming. However, private university status affects transparency—many incident details remain confidential unless litigation compels disclosure through discovery processes.

Considerations for Civil Litigation

• Private university status means fewer sovereign immunity protections
• Civil suits can compel discovery of internal reports not publicly available
• Insurance coverage disputes often involve complex policy interpretations
• The university’s reputation management may influence settlement dynamics

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Accountability

Campus Culture Amid Recent History

Baylor’s religious identity and recent history of scrutiny over football and Title IX issues create a complex environment for addressing hazing. The university has implemented numerous reforms following past scandals, but hazing persists across multiple organizations.

Documented Hazing Incidents

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):
Fourteen players were suspended following a hazing investigation, with suspensions staggered over the early season. While detailed findings remained confidential, the scope indicated systematic issues within the athletic program.

Ongoing Challenges:
Baylor’s official “zero tolerance” policies sometimes conflict with recurring misconduct reports. The university’s religious branding and prior institutional crises interact uniquely with hazing and abuse claims, affecting both prevention efforts and litigation strategies.

Practical Realities for Families

• Baylor’s religious affiliation may influence disciplinary approaches and public messaging
• Prior institutional scandals have established patterns of external investigation and reform
• Civil litigation must navigate both Baylor’s policies and its broader institutional history
• Evidence preservation is particularly crucial given past institutional responses to crises

University of Houston: Current Crisis and Response

The Leonel Bermudez Case: A Texas Waters Moment

The ongoing litigation we’re handling at Attorney911 represents one of the most serious active hazing cases in Texas. According to the Click2Houston investigation, Bermudez suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after extreme hazing that included:

• The degrading “pledge fanny pack” rule requiring constant carry of humiliating items
• 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
• Hospitalization for four days with brown urine indicating severe muscle breakdown

Institutional Response:

• November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters suspended the Beta Nu chapter
• November 14, 2025: Chapter members voted to surrender their charter
• UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion

What This Case Means for All Texas Families

The Bermudez case demonstrates several critical realities:

1. Severe physical hazing persists despite decades of prevention efforts
2. Multiple entities share liability: UH, the national fraternity, housing corporation, and individual members
3. Medical consequences can be lifelong: Bermudez faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage
4. Institutional responses vary: Rapid chapter closure but litigation continues for accountability and compensation

For Wimberley families, this case shows that hazing can cause permanent physical damage, not just psychological harm, and that comprehensive legal action must address all responsible parties.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Mapping the Greek Ecosystem Serving Wimberley Families

Why This Data Matters for Accountability

When hazing occurs, determining liability requires understanding the complex network of organizations behind campus Greek life. Our firm maintains what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database compiled from IRS records, university registries, and public filings that maps the Greek organizations operating across Texas. For Wimberley families, this means we don’t start investigations from scratch; we already understand the organizational landscape your child enters.

The Austin-Round Rock Metro Greek Ecosystem

Wimberley falls within the broader Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area, which hosts 154 Greek-related organizations according to Cause IQ data. This ecosystem includes not only undergraduate chapters but alumni associations, housing corporations, honor societies, and educational foundations that collectively manage millions in assets and insurance coverage.

Sample Organizations from Our Database Serving the Region:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp. (Austin, TX) – University of Texas house corporation
• Delta Tau Delta – Gamma Iota Chapter (Austin, TX) – University of Texas chapter house
• Beta Xi House Corp. of Kappa Kappa Gamma (Austin, TX) – University of Texas chapter house corporation
• Building Corporation – Alpha Delta Pi (Delta) (Austin, TX) – University of Texas chapter property
• Texas Rho Housing Corporation (ΣAE) (Austin, TX)
• Texas Alpha Phi House Corporation (Austin, TX) – Alpha Phi UT chapter house corporation

IRS-Verified Entities with EINs:

• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (Austin, TX 78723-1542) – EIN 463831593 – Texas State University chapter
• Chi Omega Fraternity (Austin, TX 78705-4018) – EIN 740555581 – Chi Omega house corporation
• Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Inc. (Austin, TX 78705-5318) – EIN 741130606 – Alpha Mu chapter
• Sigma Alpha Omega Christian Sorority Inc. (Austin, TX 78703-0000) – EIN 851262394 – Beta Mu chapter

How This Intelligence Serves Wimberley Families

When we represent a hazing victim, this data enables us to:

1. Immediately identify all potentially liable entities beyond the visible chapter
2. Trace insurance coverage through house corporations and national organizations
3. Establish pattern evidence by connecting local incidents to national histories
4. Navigate jurisdictional issues when organizations operate across county or state lines

For example, if a hazing incident occurs at Texas State University, we can immediately identify not just the local chapter but its housing corporation (if separately incorporated), alumni association, national headquarters, and any related educational foundations—each potentially holding insurance coverage or assets that could provide compensation.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Inform Texas Cases

Why National Patterns Matter for Texas Families

When your child joins a fraternity or sorority at a Texas university, they’re not just joining a local club—they’re connecting to a national organization with decades (sometimes over a century) of history, including documented hazing incidents across the country. These national histories create what the law calls “foreseeability”—if a national organization has seen deaths and injuries from certain activities at other chapters, they’re legally on notice that similar activities at Texas chapters could cause harm.

Major National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike)

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (2021): Pledge forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol; died from alcohol poisoning; $10 million settlement ($7M from national, ~$3M from university)
• David Bogenberger – Northern Illinois University (2012): Pledge died from alcohol poisoning during fraternity event; $14 million settlement
• Texas Presence: Active chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas State, and other Texas campuses

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE)

• University of Alabama Traumatic Brain Injury Case (2023): Pledge allegedly suffered traumatic brain injury during hazing ritual
• Texas A&M Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts; $1 million lawsuit
• University of Texas at Austin Assault Case (2024): Exchange student allegedly assaulted at party with dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose; over $1 million lawsuit
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, SMU, and other Texas universities

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University (2017): Pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night”
• Current Texas Case – Leonel Bermudez at UH (2025): Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure from extreme physical hazing; $10 million lawsuit
• Texas Presence: Chapter at University of Houston (now closed), other Texas campuses

Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI)

• Danny Santulli – University of Missouri (2021): Pledge suffered severe, permanent brain damage from forced drinking; cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care; settlements with 22 defendants
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, and other Texas schools

How National Histories Strengthen Texas Cases

When we represent Texas hazing victims, these national patterns allow us to establish:

1. Prior Notice: The national organization knew or should have known about dangerous practices
2. Inadequate Prevention: Despite knowledge, they failed to implement effective safeguards
3. Pattern and Practice: The same dangerous “traditions” recur across chapters
4. Punitive Damages Grounds: Willful disregard for known dangers may justify punishment beyond compensation

For Wimberley families, this means that if your child is hazed by a national organization with documented incidents elsewhere, we can leverage that history to strengthen your case for accountability and compensation.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy for Texas Families

The Evidence That Wins Modern Hazing Cases

Digital Communications (The Most Critical Category):

• Group chats from GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, fraternity-specific apps
• Social media messages from Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok comments
• Recovered deleted messages through digital forensics (even “disappearing” messages can often be recovered)
• Location data from Find My Friends, Snapchat Maps, or other tracking apps

Photos & Videos:

• Content filmed by members during events (often shared in group chats)
• Security camera or doorbell footage from houses and venues
• Injury documentation with timestamps and progression photos

Internal Organization Documents:

• Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” documents
• Emails/texts from officers about activities
• National policies and training materials showing what should have been prevented

University Records (Obtained Through Discovery):

• Prior conduct files, probation/suspension records
• Incident reports to campus police or conduct offices
• Clery Act reports and similar disclosures
• Internal emails about the organization or similar incidents

Medical & Psychological Records:

• Emergency room and hospitalization records
• Surgery notes and rehabilitation documentation
• Toxicology reports (blood alcohol content, drug screens)
• Psychological evaluations diagnosing PTSD, depression, anxiety

Witness Testimony:

• Other pledges or members
• Roommates, RAs, coaches, trainers
• Former members who quit or were expelled
• Medical professionals who treated injuries

Our educational video on using your phone to document evidence explains best practices for preserving this critical digital evidence before it disappears.

Damages: What Texas Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses):

• Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, ongoing therapy
• Future medical needs: Lifetime care for permanent injuries (like Danny Santulli’s 24/7 care needs)
• Lost income & earning capacity: Missed work, delayed graduation, reduced lifetime earnings
• Educational costs: Tuition for semesters missed, lost scholarships

Non-Economic Damages (Compensation for Suffering):

• Physical pain and suffering from injuries
• Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life (can’t participate in activities they loved)
• Damaged relationships with family and friends

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
• Grief and emotional suffering of family members
• Parents’ and siblings’ mental health treatment

Punitive Damages (When Available):
In cases involving particularly reckless or malicious conduct, Texas courts may award punitive damages to punish defendants and deter future behavior. These require showing willful disregard for known dangers.

The Insurance Coverage Battle: A Critical Front in Hazing Litigation

Fraternities, sororities, and universities typically maintain multiple insurance policies that may provide coverage for hazing claims. However, insurers often argue that:

1. Hazing constitutes “intentional conduct” excluded from coverage
2. The policy doesn’t cover certain defendants or locations
3. Notice requirements weren’t met

Our firm’s unique advantage comes from Associate Attorney Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies value claims, employ delay tactics, and argue coverage exclusions. This insider knowledge is invaluable when navigating the complex insurance landscape surrounding hazing cases.

Why Timing Matters: The Texas Statute of Limitations

Texas generally imposes a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, typically running from the date of injury. However, complications can arise:

• The “discovery rule” may extend time if harm wasn’t immediately apparent
• In cases involving minors, the clock may not start until they reach adulthood
• Fraudulent concealment by defendants may toll (pause) the statute

Our video on Texas statutes of limitations explains these complexities in detail. The critical takeaway for Wimberley families: time is not your friend. Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate and scatter, memories fade, and organizations destroy records. Prompt legal consultation preserves your options.

Practical Guides for Wimberley Families: Immediate Action Steps

For Parents: Warning Signs and Response Strategies

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, burns, or repeated “accidents”
• Extreme exhaustion or sleep deprivation beyond normal college stress
• Drastic mood changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal, irritability
• Constant secret phone use for group chats; fear of missing “mandatory” events
• Sudden obsession with pleasing older members or fear of “letting the chapter down”
• Financial red flags: unexpected large expenses, maxed credit cards, vague requests for money
• Academic decline: dropping grades, missing classes, losing scholarships

How to Talk to Your Child About Concerns:

1. Ask open questions: “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
2. Probe gently: “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
3. Listen without judgment: If they open up, prioritize safety over status
4. Emphasize support: “No group is worth your health or safety. We will support you.”

If Your Child Is Hurt: Immediate Action Steps

1. Get medical attention immediately, even if they insist they’re “fine”
2. Document everything: Photos of injuries, screenshots of texts, detailed notes
3. Preserve physical evidence: Clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
4. Save names, dates, locations while memory is fresh
5. Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24-48 hours

Dealing with the University:

• Document every communication with administrators
• Ask specifically about prior incidents involving the same organization
• Request written copies of all policies and procedures
• Do NOT sign anything from the university or insurance company without legal review

For Students: Recognizing and Escaping Hazing

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
• Would I do this if I had a real choice without social consequences?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would my parents or university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
• Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do themselves?
• Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?

If You Answer “Yes” to Any of These: It’s Likely Hazing

How to Exit Safely:

1. In immediate danger: Call 911 or campus police
2. Get to safety: Your dorm, a friend’s place, a public area
3. You have the legal right to leave at any time, despite what you’ve been told
4. Tell someone outside the org first (parent, RA, friend) for protection
5. Send written notice to chapter leadership: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
6. Do NOT attend “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur

Evidence Collection for Students:

• Screenshot group chats with timestamps and participant names visible
• Voice record meetings (Texas is a one-party consent state)
• Photograph injuries immediately and over several days to show progression
• Save everything digital—don’t delete embarrassing content
• Tell medical providers you were hazed so it’s documented

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Based on our experience handling hazing cases across Texas, these errors can jeopardize accountability and compensation:

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence

• What families think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
• Why it’s wrong: Looks like obstruction of justice; makes cases nearly impossible
• Better approach: 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
• Better approach: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation

3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms

• What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or internal agreements
• Why it’s wrong: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often inadequate
• Better approach: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting Details 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
• Better approach: 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, statute runs, university controls narrative
• Better approach: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

Our video on client mistakes that can ruin injury cases covers these and other critical errors in detail.

Frequently Asked Questions for Wimberley Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas State, UH) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in their personal capacity. 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 or retaliating against those who report.

“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. The recent UH case demonstrates this—even if Bermudez participated in activities, the coercion and power dynamics make consent legally irrelevant.

“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 or fraudulent concealment, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately if you’re considering legal action.

“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 (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments. The UH case involved multiple locations including the chapter house, a Culmore Drive residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park—all potentially within liability scope.

“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. However, some cases (like the ongoing UH litigation) necessarily involve public filings, though we work to protect sensitive personal details.

“How much does it cost to hire a hazing attorney?”
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront, and we only receive a fee if we recover compensation for you. This makes legal representation accessible regardless of financial circumstances. Learn more about how contingency fees work in our educational video.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases: Our Unique Qualifications

For Wimberley Families Facing Institutional Power

When hazing shatters your family’s trust and your child’s wellbeing, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions—universities, national fraternities, insurance companies—fight back, and how to win anyway. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Wimberley and surrounding Hays County communities. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families in your community just as it does in ours.

Insurance Insider Advantage: Knowing Their Playbook

Associate Attorney Mr. Lupe Peña (he/him) brings a unique advantage to hazing cases: he spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

• Value (and deliberately undervalue) hazing claims
• Employ delay tactics to pressure financially strained families
• Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
• Use Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to minimize injuries
• Set reserves and negotiate settlements

As Mr. Peña says, “We know their playbook because we used to run it.” This insider knowledge is invaluable when navigating the complex insurance landscape surrounding hazing litigation.

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions

Managing Partner Ralph Manginello has taken on billion-dollar defendants and won. His involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation—one of the few Texas firms selected for this massive case—demonstrates our capability against institutional defendants with unlimited legal budgets. When we face national fraternities or university systems, we’re not intimidated by their resources or reputation.

Our federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) and Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provide both the civil litigation expertise and criminal law understanding necessary for hazing cases, which often involve parallel criminal and civil proceedings.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience

We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability through:

• Comprehensive economic modeling with expert economists
• Life care planning for permanent injuries (brain damage, organ failure, PTSD)
• Valuing lifetime impacts rather than just immediate medical bills
• Pursuing all liable parties to ensure adequate compensation

Investigative Depth: Building Unassailable Cases

When we take a hazing case, we investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does. Our approach includes:

• Digital forensics to recover deleted messages and social media evidence
• Subpoenaing national fraternity records showing prior incidents and knowledge
• Obtaining university files through discovery and public records requests
• Expert networks: medical specialists, toxicologists, Greek life culture experts, economists, psychologists
• Witness development including former members who’ve left organizations

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine Advantage

While other firms start from scratch, we begin with our proprietary Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of over 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros, including their IRS filings, EINs, insurance carriers, and organizational structures. For Wimberley families, this means we can immediately identify all potentially liable entities and insurance coverage sources.

Bilingual Services for Hispanic Families

Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can provide complete legal services in Spanish. Hablamos Español—contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

Your Next Step: Confidential Consultation

What to Expect When You Contact Us

If hazing has impacted your family, we invite you to contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. Here’s what you can expect:

We’ll Listen Without Judgment:
We understand this may be one of the most difficult experiences your family has faced. We’ll listen to your story compassionately and professionally.

We’ll Review Your Evidence:
Bring any evidence you have—photos, texts, medical records, or just your detailed account. We’ll help you understand what matters legally.

We’ll Explain Your Options:
We’ll outline potential paths forward: criminal reporting, civil litigation, both, or neither. We’ll discuss realistic timelines and what to expect at each stage.

We’ll Answer Your Questions:
About costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win), about privacy, about the process, about anything concerning you.

No Pressure to Hire:
Take time to decide. We believe you should choose counsel you trust, without pressure.

Contact Attorney911 Today

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888.288.9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
24/7 Availability: We understand emergencies don’t wait for business hours

Email:

• Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com
• Lupe Peña (Spanish services): lupe@atty911.com

Website: https://attorney911.com

Serving: Houston, Austin, Beaumont, and families throughout Texas including Wimberley and Hays County

Final Message to Wimberley Families

Whether your child attends nearby Texas State University in San Marcos or ventures further to UT Austin, Texas A&M, Baylor, SMU, UH, or any other Texas campus, hazing represents a betrayal of trust by organizations that promised community and growth. The physical injuries, psychological trauma, and sometimes permanent damage change lives forever.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. You don’t have to accept institutional explanations that minimize harm. You have the right to answers, to accountability, and to compensation that addresses both immediate needs and long-term impacts.

The national cases we’ve discussed—from Timothy Piazza to Stone Foltz to our current representation of Leonel Bermudez at UH—demonstrate that accountability only comes through persistent, knowledgeable legal action. The institutions involved have legal teams, insurance coverage, and public relations strategies designed to protect themselves. Your family deserves equal advocacy.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s discuss what happened, your legal options, and how we can help your family move forward while holding the right people accountable.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of the Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing Lawsuit:

• Click2Houston report: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
• ABC13 coverage: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• Hoodline summary: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:

• Using your cellphone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client mistakes that can ruin your case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website & Contact:

• Main website: https://attorney911.com

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

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

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