Hazing at Texas Universities: A Comprehensive Legal Guide for Berryville Families

If Your Child Was Hazed in Texas, You’re Not Alone—And You Have Rights

For families in Berryville, Henderson County, seeing your child off to college represents both pride and natural worry. You’ve watched them grow through Berryville’s tight-knit community, through Henderson County schools, and now they’re heading to a Texas university—perhaps the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or another campus where Greek life and tradition run deep. The phone call every parent dreads might begin with: “Mom, Dad, something happened at the fraternity house…” or worse, a hospital calling about your unconscious child.

Right now, in Harris County just a few hours from Berryville, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after extreme hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. His urine turned brown, he required four days of hospitalization, and he faces potential permanent kidney damage. This $10 million lawsuit names the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, their housing corporation, the UH System Board of Regents, and 13 fraternity leaders. The hazing included forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion; being sprayed with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; and humiliating “pledge fanny pack” requirements.

If you’re a Berryville parent whose child has been hazed—whether at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any Texas campus—this comprehensive guide explains what hazing looks like in 2025, your legal rights under Texas law, and how experienced hazing attorneys can help your family seek accountability and compensation.

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’re “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

Hazing has evolved far beyond the “Hell Week” stereotypes parents might remember. For Berryville families with children at Texas universities, understanding modern hazing methods is crucial for recognition and intervention.

Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing means 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. Under Texas law (Education Code Chapter 37), hazing includes intentional, knowing, or reckless acts that endanger physical or mental health for purposes of initiation or affiliation.

Critically, “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there’s peer pressure and power imbalance. Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing charges.

Main Categories of Modern Hazing

Alcohol and Substance Hazing

• Forced or coerced drinking games (“lineups,” “Big/Little nights,” “Bible study” drinking)
• Chugging challenges with hard liquor handles
• Pressure to consume unknown or mixed substances
• The Leonel Bermudez UH case involved forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting

Physical Hazing

• Paddling and beatings (still prevalent despite national prohibitions)
• Extreme calisthenics (“smokings,” 100+ push-ups, 500+ squats)
• Sleep deprivation through all-night “meetings” or tasks
• Food/water restriction or forced overconsumption
• Exposure to extreme elements (cold weather in underwear, as in the UH case)

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

• Forced nudity or partial nudity
• Simulated sexual acts (“roasted pig” positions, “elephant walks”)
• Degrading costumes or role-playing
• Acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones

Psychological Hazing

• Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members
• Manipulation or forced confessions
• Public shaming in meetings or group chats
• “Silent treatment” or social ostracization

Digital/Online Hazing

• Group chat dares and “challenges” on GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord
• Public humiliation via Instagram stories, TikTok, Snapchat
• Pressure to create or share compromising images/videos
• 24/7 availability demands with instant response requirements
• Location tracking via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Texas

While fraternities receive most attention, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural councils)
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups (particularly at Texas A&M)
• Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs (Texas Cowboys, cheer teams, dance teams)
• Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, swimming)
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups
• Some Academic, Service, and Cultural Organizations

The common threads: social status, tradition, secrecy, and power imbalances that keep these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

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

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in the Education Code that apply whether your child attends school in Houston, College Station, Austin, or elsewhere. Understanding this framework helps Berryville families recognize their rights and the potential consequences for those who haze.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Hazing Defined and Penalized

§ 37.151 Definition
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 points for Berryville families:

• Can happen on or off campus (location doesn’t matter—retreats, Airbnb rentals, private homes all count)
• Can be mental or physical harm (PTSD, humiliation, trauma qualify)
• Intent: Doesn’t require malicious intent; “reckless” is enough (knew the risk and did it anyway)
• “Consent is not a defense” (§ 37.155): Even if the victim agreed, it’s still hazing if it meets the definition

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties

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

Additional criminal provisions:

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

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability
Fraternities, sororities, clubs, and teams can be criminally prosecuted 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

Penalties for organizations:

• Fine up to $10,000 per violation
• University can revoke recognition and ban the organization from campus

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting
A person who in good faith reports a hazing incident to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from the report. Many Texas universities extend amnesty to students who call 911 in alcohol-related emergencies, even if they were underage drinking.

Criminal vs Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases

• Brought by the state (county or district attorney)
• Aim: punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical hazing-related charges: hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Burden of proof: “beyond a reasonable doubt”

Civil Cases

• Brought by victims or surviving families
• Aim: monetary compensation and accountability
• Focus on: negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
• Burden of proof: “preponderance of the evidence” (more likely than not)
• A criminal conviction is NOT required to pursue a civil case

Both types can run side-by-side. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, criminal investigations may proceed while we simultaneously pursue civil claims for Leonel Bermudez’s medical expenses, pain and suffering, and future care needs.

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

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to:

• Report hazing incidents more transparently
• Strengthen hazing education and prevention
• Maintain public hazing data (phased in by around 2026)
• This means Berryville families will eventually have better access to information about which organizations have hazing violations

Title IX
When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. Universities must:

• Investigate promptly and thoroughly
• Provide supportive measures to victims
• Prevent recurrence
• Remedies can include organizational sanctions, individual discipline, and policy changes

Clery Act
Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics. Hazing incidents often overlap with Clery-reportable crimes when there are assaults, alcohol/drug crimes, or sexual offenses.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students

• Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
• In the UH case, 13 individual fraternity leaders are named defendants

Local Chapter/Organization

• The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if incorporated)
• Housing corporations (like the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Housing Corporation)
• Alumni associations that support or fund activities

National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters

• Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
• Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents
• Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters is named in the UH lawsuit

University or Governing Board

• Schools may be sued under negligence, Title IX, or civil-rights theories
• Key questions: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference
• The University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents are defendants

Third Parties

• Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces
• Bars or alcohol providers (under Texas dram shop laws)
• Security companies or event organizers
• Parents who own properties where hazing occurs

Every case is fact-specific; not every party is liable in every situation, but thorough investigation identifies all potential responsible entities.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

Major hazing cases across the country establish patterns that recur in Texas and provide legal precedents that benefit Berryville families pursuing justice.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
Bid-acceptance event with extreme drinking, severe falls captured on chapter cameras, hours delayed before medical help. Dozens of criminal charges against members; civil litigation; Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. Takeaway for Berryville families: Delay in calling 911 and culture of silence create devastating legal exposure.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
Big/little event, pledge given handle of liquor, died from alcohol poisoning. Criminal hazing charges; FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life. Takeaway: Formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are repeating scripts for disaster.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
“Bible study” drinking game, forced to drink when answering incorrectly, died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%). Multiple criminal convictions; Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing). Takeaway: Legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Forced to drink nearly bottle of whiskey, died from alcohol poisoning. Multiple criminal convictions; $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). Takeaway: Universities face significant financial consequences alongside fraternities.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
Pledge at fraternity retreat subjected to violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual, fatal head injuries, delayed medical help. Multiple members convicted; national fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter; fraternity banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. Takeaway: Off-campus “retreats” can be extremely dangerous, and national organizations face serious sanctions.

Fraternity-Specific Pattern Evidence

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

• Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021): $10M settlement
• David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois, 2012): $14M settlement
• Pattern: Big/Little nights with forced alcohol consumption

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

• Nationwide pattern of alcohol-related deaths and injuries
• Texas A&M chapter: Chemical burns from industrial cleaner poured on pledges (2021)
• UT Austin chapter: Assault causing dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia (2024)
• Pattern: Physical abuse combined with alcohol hazing

Phi Delta Theta

• Max Gruver (LSU, 2017): Drinking game death, $6.1M verdict
• Pattern: “Bible study” or trivia drinking games

Pi Kappa Phi

• Andrew Coffey (Florida State, 2017): Big Brother night death
• Current Texas case: Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025): Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure
• Pattern: Physical endurance hazing combined with forced consumption

What These Cases Mean for Berryville Families

Common threads in successful hazing litigation:

1. Forced drinking despite known risks
2. Humiliation and degradation as “tradition”
3. Physical violence or endurance tests beyond reasonable limits
4. Delayed or denied medical care due to fear of consequences
5. Cover-ups and evidence destruction after incidents

These patterns establish foreseeability—national organizations and universities know these risks exist based on prior incidents, making them potentially liable for failing to prevent recurrences.

Texas Hazing Intelligence: Public Records Directory for Berryville Families

As part of our hazing litigation practice, we maintain a comprehensive database of Texas Greek organizations drawn from public records. For Berryville families, understanding this institutional landscape is crucial when hazing occurs.

Texas University Ecosystems: Where Berryville Students Attend

Berryville families commonly send students to both nearby campuses and major statewide universities:

Near Henderson County & East Texas Campuses:

• University of Texas at Tyler (Smith County)
• Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches County)
• Texas A&M University-Commerce (Hunt County)
• Kilgore College (Gregg County)
• Tyler Junior College (Smith County)

Major Texas Universities (Common Destinations):

• University of Houston (Harris County) – 2.5 hours from Berryville
• Texas A&M University (Brazos County) – 3 hours from Berryville
• University of Texas at Austin (Travis County) – 3.5 hours from Berryville
• Baylor University (McLennan County) – 2 hours from Berryville
• Southern Methodist University (Dallas County) – 2 hours from Berryville

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Berryville Families

If you’re a Berryville parent, you deserve to know who stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. Below are examples from public records showing the institutional complexity behind campus Greek life.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Records)

The IRS maintains records of tax-exempt Greek organizations. Examples include:

• Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 462267515 – 10601 Big Horn Trail, Frisco, TX 75035 (IRS B83 filing)
• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – EIN 475370943 – 5019 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX 77204 (Theta Delta chapter, IRS B83 filing)
• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – EIN 746084905 – 4300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204 (IRS B83 filing)
• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc – EIN 133048786 – 3007 Earl Rudder Freeway South, College Station, TX 77845 (IRS B83 filing)
• Beta Theta Pi – Eta Chapter House Corporation – EIN 814123811 – 1016 Fairview Avenue, College Station, TX 77840 (IRS B83 filing)

Metro-Level Greek Organizations (Cause IQ Data)

The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro (closest major metro to Berryville) shows 510 Greek-related organizations. Examples:

• Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity – 12650 N Beach St #30, Suite 114, Fort Worth, TX 76244
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation – Fort Worth, TX
• Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta) – Arlington, TX (national sorority headquarters in Dallas area)
• Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity – Tau Deuteron Chapter – Waco, TX (Baylor University chapter)

Cross-Validated Brands (IRS + Cause IQ Overlap)

These organizations appear in multiple public data sources:

• Beta Upsilon Chi – IRS EIN 742911848 & Cause IQ Fort Worth listing
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation – IRS EIN 741380362 & Cause IQ Fort Worth foundation
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Multiple Texas IRS listings & Houston/Baytown chapter listings

Why This Directory Matters for Berryville Families

When hazing occurs, identifying all potentially liable entities is crucial. This directory shows that behind every campus chapter stand:

• National headquarters with insurance policies and deep pockets
• Housing corporations that own properties where hazing occurs
• Alumni associations that fund and support chapter activities
• Educational foundations that manage chapter assets

Our firm maintains this data so Berryville families never start from zero. We already know the names, EINs, and addresses of organizations that may hold insurance and responsibility.

University of Houston Hazing: The Flagship Texas Case

The Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi case at the University of Houston represents exactly what Berryville families need to understand about modern hazing, institutional liability, and legal recourse.

Case Summary: Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi

Parties:

• Plaintiff: Leonel Bermudez (UH student, fall 2025 pledge)
• Defendants (18 total):
  • University of Houston
  • UH System Board of Regents
  • Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
  • Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation
  • 13 individual fraternity leaders/members (president, pledgemaster, sorority relations chair, risk manager, others)

Hazing Conduct (Fall 2025):

• “Pledge fanny pack” rule: 24/7 requirement to carry condoms, sex toy, nicotine devices, humiliating items
• Enforced dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, weekly interviews, overnight driving duties
• Extreme physical hazing:
  • Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills
  • Cold-weather exposure in underwear at Yellowstone Boulevard Park
  • Lying in vomit-soaked grass
  • Being sprayed in face with hose “similar to waterboarding”
  • Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting, then repeated sprints
  • November 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, creed recitation under expulsion threat
• Additional acts:
  • Another pledge hog-tied face-down on table with object in mouth for over an hour
  • Pledge losing consciousness during early-morning Yellowstone Park workouts

Medical Catastrophe:

• Developed rhabdomyolysis (severe skeletal muscle breakdown)
• Acute kidney failure requiring four-day hospitalization
• Passed brown urine, couldn’t stand without help
• Lab tests showed critically high creatine kinase levels
• Ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage

Institutional Response:

• November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends Beta Nu chapter
• November 14, 2025: Chapter members vote to surrender charter; chapter shut down
• UH statement: Conduct “deeply disturbing,” promises disciplinary measures up to expulsion, cooperation with law enforcement

Legal Status:

• $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit filed late 2025
• Attorney911 (Ralph Manginello & Lupe Peña) represents Bermudez
• Case establishes active, serious hazing litigation capability in Texas

What the UH Case Means for Berryville Families

1. Hazing Causes Catastrophic Medical Injuries: Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure are life-threatening conditions with potential permanent consequences.

2. Multiple Entities Share Liability: The lawsuit targets not just individual students but the national fraternity, housing corporation, and university.

3. Digital Evidence is Critical: Group chats, social media posts, and deleted messages form the evidence backbone.

4. Timely Legal Action Preserves Rights: Immediate evidence preservation and legal consultation protect claims before universities and organizations control narratives.

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life Risks

For Berryville families with children at Texas A&M, understanding both Greek life and Corps of Cadets hazing risks is essential.

Campus Culture & Hazing Environment

Texas A&M’s unique features include:

• Corps of Cadets with military-style tradition and discipline
• Strong Greek presence with over 60 fraternity/sorority chapters
• Tradition-heavy culture that sometimes normalizes harmful behaviors

Documented Hazing Incidents

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)

• Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner
• Severe chemical burns requiring emergency skin graft surgeries
• Pledges sued fraternity for $1 million
• Fraternity suspended for two years by university

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023)

• Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts
• Bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth
• Sought over $1 million in damages
• Texas A&M stated it handled matter under its rules

Additional Pattern Evidence:

• Multiple fraternities on disciplinary probation for alcohol hazing
• Corps units with history of physical endurance hazing
• Athletic teams with documented initiation rituals

Texas A&M Hazing Policies & Reporting

Official Channels:

• Office of Student Conduct
• Corps of Cadets Commandant’s Office
• Texas A&M University Police Department
• Anonymous reporting via online forms

Policy Highlights:

• Zero tolerance for hazing on or off campus
• Mandatory reporting for university employees
• Amnesty provisions for those seeking medical help

For Berryville Families with A&M Students:

1. Understand both Greek and Corps risks
2. Document everything if hazing suspected
3. Report through multiple channels (university and local police if crimes involved)
4. Consult attorney familiar with A&M’s unique culture

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Persistent Problems

UT Austin maintains one of Texas’ most transparent hazing disclosure systems, providing valuable information for Berryville families.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Portal

UT publishes detailed hazing violations at hazing.utexas.edu, showing:

Recent Examples:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation with mandatory hazing-prevention education
• Texas Wranglers (spirit organization): Sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing
• Multiple fraternities: Probation for alcohol hazing, physical endurance tests, humiliation rituals

Patterns Evident:

• Alcohol hazing remains most common violation
• Physical endurance hazing persists despite education efforts
• Organizations often receive probation rather than permanent suspension for first offenses

UT’s Legal Environment for Hazing Cases

Jurisdictional Considerations:

• UT Police Department for on-campus incidents
• Austin Police Department for off-campus locations
• Travis County courts for civil litigation

Institutional Factors:

• Public university status with sovereign immunity considerations
• Strong legal defense resources
• Public records transparency that can benefit plaintiffs

For Berryville Families with UT Students:

1. Check UT’s hazing portal for organization histories
2. Preserve digital evidence immediately (GroupMe, texts, social media)
3. Consider both criminal and civil options
4. Act before statute of limitations expires (generally 2 years in Texas)

Southern Methodist University and Baylor University: Private Campus Considerations

Private universities like SMU and Baylor present different legal landscapes for Berryville families.

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Documented Incidents:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep; chapter suspended until 2021
• Multiple Greek organizations on disciplinary status for hazing violations

SMU-Specific Factors:

• Private university with less public record transparency
• Affluent student population with high Greek participation
• Dallas location with complex jurisdictional issues (SMU PD, Dallas PD, University Park PD)

Legal Strategy Considerations:

• Subpoena power crucial for obtaining internal university records
• Insurance coverage fights with private institution policies
• Media strategy differences from public universities

Baylor University

Documented Incidents:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Multiple Greek organizations with disciplinary histories

Baylor-Specific Factors:

• Religious affiliation affecting institutional culture
• History of Title IX and sexual assault scrutiny
• Waco location with McLennan County jurisdiction

Legal Strategy Considerations:

• Navigating religious institution defenses
• Parallel Title IX claims when hazing involves sexual elements
• Local counsel coordination for Waco venue cases

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

When hazing injures your child, building a strong case requires systematic evidence collection, comprehensive damages assessment, and strategic legal planning.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Communications (Most Important)

• Group messaging: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack
• Social media DMs: Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook Messenger
• Fraternity-specific apps and communication platforms
• Recovered deleted messages via digital forensics
• In the UH case: Group chats showed planning, coercion, and cover-up attempts

Photos & Videos

• Content filmed by members during hazing events
• Social media posts/stories showing activities
• Security camera footage from houses and venues
• Doorbell camera recordings (Ring, Nest)
• Preservation tip: Screenshot immediately before deletion

Internal Organization Documents

• Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” documents
• Emails/texts from officers about activities
• National policies and risk management materials
• Membership rosters and officer contact information

University Records

• Prior conduct files and disciplinary histories
• Campus police incident reports
• Clery Act reports and safety statistics
• Internal emails among administrators
• Obtained via: Public records requests, subpoenas, discovery

Medical & Psychological Records

• Emergency room and hospitalization records
• Surgery reports and rehabilitation notes
• Toxicology and blood alcohol reports
• Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
• Critical for damages calculation: Documents injury severity and treatment needs

Witness Testimony

• Other pledges experiencing same hazing
• Former members who quit or were expelled
• Roommates, friends, significant others
• Resident advisors, coaches, academic advisors
• Early interviews: Memory freshest before coaching occurs

Damages Recovery Framework

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

• Medical expenses: Past and future care, including:
  • Emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries
  • Physical therapy, psychiatric care, medications
  • Life care plans for catastrophic injuries (brain damage, permanent disability)
• Lost income/earning capacity:
  • Time off work for recovery
  • Delayed graduation and career entry
  • Reduced earning capacity from permanent injuries
• Other economic losses:
  • Property damage (destroyed items during hazing)
  • Educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
  • Relocation expenses (transferring schools)

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harms)

• Physical pain and suffering: From injuries sustained
• Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Can’t participate in college activities
• Reputational harm: Social stigma and digital footprint

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support and inheritance
• Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
• Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Applicable)

• Purpose: Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
• Available when defendants show gross negligence or intentional harm
• In Texas: Subject to statutory caps generally, but exceptions exist

Strategic Case Considerations

Insurance Coverage Issues
Fraternity and university insurers often argue:

• Hazing is “intentional conduct” excluded from coverage
• Policies don’t cover criminal acts
• Certain defendants aren’t insured parties

Our insider advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as an insurance defense attorney means we know exactly how insurers fight claims and how to overcome coverage disputes.

Statute of Limitations

• Generally 2 years from injury date in Texas
• Discovery rule may extend if harm wasn’t immediately apparent
• Tolling possible for minors or if fraud/concealment occurred
• Time is critical: Evidence disappears, witnesses become unavailable

Multi-Defendant Coordination

• Individual students often have minimal personal assets
• National organizations and universities have deeper pockets
• Housing corporations may have insurance coverage
• Strategic approach: Identify all potentially liable entities early

Settlement vs Trial Considerations

• Most cases settle confidentially before trial
• Trial readiness improves settlement leverage
• Public trials increase accountability but reduce privacy
• Our approach: Prepare every case for trial while pursuing fair settlement

Practical Guides & FAQs for Berryville Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Response Strategies

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Hazed

Physical Indicators:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries
• Extreme fatigue, exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Weight loss or gain (from food/water restriction or stress)
• Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, 3 AM calls)
• Injuries to hands, back, legs from paddling or exercise
• Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (even if child doesn’t normally drink)

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

• Sudden secrecy about organization activities
• Withdrawal from family, old friends, non-member activities
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability, anger
• Defensive when asked about the organization
• Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”
• Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
• Anxiety when phone buzzes (fear of missing demands)

Academic & Financial Red Flags:

• Grades dropping suddenly
• Missing classes or falling asleep in class
• Unexpected large expenses (forced purchases, “fines”)
• Buying excessive alcohol or items for older members

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing

Open-Ended Questions:

1. “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
2. “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
3. “What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
4. “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable or that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
5. “Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
6. “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”
7. “Are they asking you to keep secrets from me or the university?”

If They Open Up:

• Listen without judgment
• Emphasize safety over status
• Assure them of your support regardless of membership
• Discuss next steps together

If They Shut Down:

• Don’t force confrontation
• Monitor closely for danger signs
• Be ready to intervene if safety is compromised

48-Hour Action Checklist for Parents

Hour 1–6 (Immediate Crisis):
✅ Medical: If injured or intoxicated, get to ER immediately
✅ Safety: Remove child from dangerous situation
✅ Evidence: Screenshot messages they show you; photograph injuries
✅ Notes: Write down everything they tell you (date, time, details)
✅ Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance

Hour 6–24 (Evidence Preservation):
✅ Digital: Help child preserve all group chats, DMs, texts (DO NOT DELETE)
✅ Physical: Secure clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
✅ Medical records: Request copies of all ER/hospital records
✅ Witnesses: Write down names and contact info for other pledges
✅ University: Note any communications from school but don’t respond yet

Hour 24–48 (Strategic Decisions):
✅ Legal consultation: Speak with experienced hazing attorney
✅ Reporting decision: Decide whether to report to authorities (with lawyer’s guidance)
✅ University response: If school contacts you, refer them to your attorney
✅ Insurance: Do NOT talk to any insurance adjuster without lawyer present
✅ Evidence backup: Upload all screenshots and photos to cloud storage

Week One Priorities:
✅ Medical follow-up: Continue documenting injuries; see specialists
✅ Evidence gathering: Attorney begins subpoenaing records, obtaining deleted messages
✅ Witness interviews: Attorney contacts other pledges and witnesses
✅ Strategy session: Decide on criminal report, civil suit, both, or internal process
✅ Protection: If retaliation occurs, document and report immediately

For Students: Self-Assessment and Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide

Ask yourself:

• 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 (no social consequences)?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would the university or my parents 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 answered YES to any, it’s likely hazing.

How to Exit Safely

If in Immediate Danger:

• Call 911 or campus police
• Get to safe location (dorm, friend’s place, public area)
• You won’t get in trouble for calling for help in medical emergency (Texas has good-faith reporter protections)

If You Want to Quit/De-Pledge:

• You have legal right to leave at any time
• Tell someone outside the org first (parent, RA, friend)
• Send email/text to chapter president: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
• Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur

Evidence Collection for Students

While It’s Happening or Immediately After:

1. Screenshots of group chats: Capture full conversations with timestamps
2. Voice memos/recordings: Texas is one-party consent state (you can record conversations you’re part of)
3. Photos/videos: Injuries (multiple angles), locations, objects used
4. Save everything digital: Don’t delete anything even if embarrassed
5. Medical documentation: Tell providers you were hazed so it’s in records
6. Witness information: Names/contacts for others who saw what happened

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

• What parents 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
• What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly

• What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
• Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• What to do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation

MISTAKE #3: Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms

• What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements
• Why it’s wrong: You may waive right to sue; settlements often far below case value
• What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review first

MISTAKE #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
• What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

MISTAKE #5: Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”

• What fraternities say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic”
• Why it’s wrong: They pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that hurt the case
• What to do instead: Once considering legal action, all communication goes through lawyer

MISTAKE #6: 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
• What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

MISTAKE #7: Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer

• What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim”
• Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball
• What to do instead: Politely decline: “My attorney will contact you”

Short FAQ for Berryville Families

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

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

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

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

“What if hazing happened off-campus or at 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 occurred off-campus with successful judgments.

“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in 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.

About The Manginello Law Firm: Why Texas Hazing Families Choose Attorney911

When your Berryville 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. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™) brings unique qualifications to hazing litigation.

Insurance Insider Advantage: Knowing How Fraternities and Universities Fight Claims

Mr. Lupe Peña’s Defense Background:
‑ Former insurance defense attorney at national firm
‑ Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims
‑ Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies
‑ “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

This insider knowledge is invaluable when:

• Insurers claim hazing is “intentional conduct” excluded from coverage
• Multiple insurance policies require coordinated claims
• Early settlement offers come far below case value
• Institutional defendants try to blame individuals rather than organizations

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions

Ralph Manginello’s BP Texas City Experience:
‑ One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
‑ Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
‑ Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
‑ “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

This experience matters because:

• National fraternities have unlimited legal budgets and experienced defense counsel
• Universities have deep-pocketed insurers and political connections
• Complex corporate structures require sophisticated discovery and liability tracing
• Multi-defendant coordination demands experienced case management

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience

Proven Track Record Includes:

• Logging accident brain injury with vision loss: Multi-million dollar settlement
• Car accident leading to amputation: Millions recovered
• Trucking wrongful death cases: Millions for families
• Maritime back injury: Significant cash settlement
• BP Texas City explosion litigation: Complex institutional case experience

For hazing cases, this means:

• Working with economists to value lifetime care needs (brain injury, permanent disability)
• Understanding catastrophic injury medicine (rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, PTSD)
• Building damages models that reflect true long-term costs
• “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise

Dual-Track Capability:

• Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
• Understanding how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
• Advising witnesses and former members with dual exposure
• Navigating parallel criminal and civil proceedings

This is crucial because:

• Many hazing cases involve both criminal charges and civil claims
• Witnesses may need criminal defense advice while cooperating civilly
• Criminal convictions can strengthen civil cases
• Different strategies apply to each track

Investigative Depth: Uncovering What Institutions Try to Hide

Our Evidence Collection Capabilities:

• Digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages and social media
• Medical experts to document injury causation and future needs
• Greek life culture experts to explain traditions and coercion dynamics
• Economists to calculate lifetime damages
• Private investigators to locate witnesses and preserve evidence

We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does:

• Obtaining hidden university files through public records requests and subpoenas
• Recovering deleted group chats and social media before permanent deletion
• Interviewing witnesses before they’re coached by defense counsel
• Tracing institutional knowledge through national fraternity records
• Documenting prior incidents that show pattern and foreseeability

Spanish-Language Services for Texas Hispanic Families

Mr. Lupe Peña habla Español:

• Fluent Spanish services for Hispanic families
• Cultural understanding of Texas Latino communities
• Bilingual staff and resources
• “Hablamos Español – Servicios legales en español disponibles”

This matters because:

• Texas has large Spanish-speaking population
• Language barriers shouldn’t prevent access to justice
• Cultural understanding improves attorney-client communication
• Bilingual capability helps reach all affected families

Call to Action for Berryville Families: Your Next Steps Toward Accountability

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Berryville, Henderson County, and throughout East Texas have the right to answers and accountability.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911:

1. We’ll listen to your story without judgment
2. Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
3. Explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
4. Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
5. Answer questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
6. No pressure to hire us on the spot—take time to decide
7. Everything you tell us is confidential

Clear Contact Information

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

Spanish Services: Hablamos Español – Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com

Our Commitment to Berryville Families

We Understand This Is Hard:

• One of the most difficult things a family can face
• Mix of anger, fear, guilt, and confusion
• Pressure from multiple directions (university, organization, insurance)

Our Job Is To:

• Get you answers about what really happened
• Hold the right people accountable
• Help prevent this from happening to another family
• Secure compensation for medical care, suffering, and future needs

Not About Bravado or Quick Settlements:

• About thorough investigation and real accountability
• About changing systems that allow hazing to continue
• About honoring victims like Leonel Bermudez by preventing future harm

Final Word to Berryville Families

Whether you’re in Berryville, Henderson County, or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The same organizations that harmed your child have harmed others nationwide. The same insurance companies that minimize claims have patterns we understand. The same universities that prioritize reputation over safety have legal vulnerabilities we know how to exploit.

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Berryville and surrounding East Texas communities. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families across our region, and we have the experience, data, and determination to help you seek justice.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s discuss what happened, your legal rights, and how we can help your family move forward with accountability and compensation.

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

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

1. Click2Houston (KPRC 2) – “‘Urine was brown’: Pledge sues over severe hazing at University of Houston’s shut down Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”
   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/

2. ABC13 Eyewitness News (KTRK) – “Waterboarding, forced eating, physical punishment: Lawsuit alleges abuse faced by injured pledge at UH’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”
   https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

3. Hoodline – “University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Face $10M Lawsuit Over Alleged Hazing and Abuse”
   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:

1. “📱 Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case? | Attorney911 Explains”
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

2. “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case? | Attorney911 with Injury Lawyer Ralph Manginello”
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

3. “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case | Attorney911 with Ralph Manginello”
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

4. “📢 How Do Contingency Fees Work? Injury Lawyer Explains!”
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website:

1. Attorney911 – Main Website & Contact
   https://attorney911.com