The Complete Guide to Hazing Litigation and Accountability for Families in City of Mount Calm, Hill County, Texas

A Message to Parents in City of Mount Calm: When Your Child’s College Dream Becomes a Nightmare

It starts with a phone call no parent in City of Mount Calm ever expects to receive. Your child, the one you sent off to college with pride and hope, is in the hospital. The story emerges in fragments: late-night “exercises,” forced drinking, humiliating rituals, and a system that values tradition over safety. You learn terms like “rhabdomyolysis” and “acute kidney failure” that shouldn’t apply to a healthy young person. The institution you trusted seems more concerned with protecting its reputation than your child’s wellbeing. Right now, our firm is fighting exactly this battle for a Texas family in a case that should alarm every parent in Hill County.

In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and thirteen individual fraternity leaders. The details are harrowing: forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by immediate sprints; 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; and the constant humiliation of a “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms, sex toys, and nicotine devices. The physical toll was catastrophic—Bermudez developed severe rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, passed brown urine, and was hospitalized for four days, with ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

This isn’t happening in some distant state—it’s happening at the University of Houston, a school where families from City of Mount Calm, Hillsboro, and throughout Hill County send their children. The Pi Kappa Phi chapter involved has since been suspended and surrendered its charter, but the damage to this young man’s health and future may be permanent.

If you’re a parent in City of Mount Calm, this guide exists for you. We’ll explain exactly what hazing looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects (or fails to protect) your child, what’s happening at Texas universities where your children might be studying, and most importantly, what you can do if your family faces this crisis. We serve families throughout Texas, including here in Hill County, and we understand the unique concerns of parents in our community who want to protect their children from harm while they pursue their education.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We provide immediate help – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
Universities move quickly to control the narrative
We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas

Many parents in City of Mount Calm remember hazing as “boys will be boys” pranks from decades past. Today’s reality is different—more organized, more dangerous, and better hidden. Hazing in 2025 is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. Crucially, “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there is peer pressure and power imbalance.

Modern Hazing Categories Every Hill County Parent Should Recognize

Alcohol and Substance Hazing

This remains the most common and deadly form of hazing. At Texas universities, this includes forced chugging challenges during “Big/Little” nights, “lineup” drinking games where pledges must consume alcohol rapidly, and pressure to drink unknown or mixed substances. The Pi Kappa Phi case at UH involved forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting—a dangerous practice that can lead to aspiration and severe gastrointestinal damage.

Physical Hazing

Beyond traditional paddling, today’s physical hazing includes extreme calisthenics disguised as “workouts” or “smokings.” In the UH case, Bermudez was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats in a single session, leading to rhabdomyolysis. Other methods include sleep deprivation during “hell weeks,” food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme cold/heat. The hog-tying incident described in the UH lawsuit—where another pledge was restrained face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour—represents extreme physical restraint hazing.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

This includes forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (like the “roasted pig” positions reported in Texas A&M Corps cases), degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. The “pledge fanny pack” requirement at UH—forcing pledges to carry condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items 24/7—represents psychological and sexualized humiliation.

Psychological Hazing

Verbal abuse, threats, social isolation, manipulation, forced confessions, and public shaming in meetings or on social media. The constant threats of expulsion for non-compliance in the UH case created a coercive environment where pledges felt they had no choice but to comply with dangerous demands.

Digital/Online Hazing

Today’s hazing happens in digital spaces: group chat dares on GroupMe or Discord, “challenges” shared on Instagram or TikTok, pressure to create or share compromising images/videos. The 24/7 monitoring and immediate response demands documented in the UH case show how technology enables constant control and humiliation.

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Texas

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

Fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural organizations)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC / military-style groups (significant history at Texas A&M)
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer teams)
Spirit squads and tradition clubs (like Texas Cowboys at UT Austin)
Marching bands and performance groups
Some service, cultural, and academic organizations

For families in City of Mount Calm, understanding that hazing isn’t limited to “frat parties” is crucial. The social status, tradition, and secrecy surrounding these practices keep them alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Texas Hazing Law: What City of Mount Calm Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37: Your Child’s Legal Protections

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in the Education Code that govern cases involving your child, whether they attend school in Houston, College Station, Austin, or elsewhere. Under Texas law, 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.

In plain English: 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.

Key points for Hill County families:

Can happen on or off campus (location doesn’t matter—retreats, off-campus houses, and remote locations are all covered)
Can be mental or physical harm
Intent: Doesn’t have to be malicious; “reckless” is enough (they knew the risk and did it anyway)
“Consent” is not a defense: Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that even if the victim “agreed,” it’s still hazing if it meets the definition

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law

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

The UH Pi Kappa Phi case involving rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure would likely qualify for felony charges given the serious bodily injury involved.

Also criminal:

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

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases

Brought by the state (prosecutor in Harris County, Travis County, Brazos County, etc.)
Aim: punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical hazing-related criminal charges can include:
- Hazing offenses
- Furnishing alcohol to minors
- Assault, battery, or even manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil Cases

Brought by victims or surviving families (that’s where we help)
Aim: monetary compensation and accountability
Focus on:
- Negligence and gross negligence
- Wrongful death
- Negligent hiring/supermission
- Premises liability
- Emotional distress

Both types can run side-by-side, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. In fact, civil cases often achieve what criminal cases cannot: full discovery of internal documents, financial accountability, and institutional reform.

Federal Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)

Requires colleges that receive federal aid (including all Texas public universities) to:
- Report hazing incidents more transparently
- Strengthen hazing education and prevention
- Maintain public hazing data (phased in by around 2026)

Title IX / Clery Act

When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations can be triggered
Clery requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics; hazing incidents often overlap with those categories when there are assaults or alcohol/drug crimes

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students

The ones who planned, supplied the alcohol, carried out the acts, or helped cover them up. In the UH case, we named 13 individual fraternity leaders/members including the chapter president, pledgemaster, sorority relations chair, and risk manager.

Local Chapter / Organization

The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if it’s a legal entity). The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation was named as a defendant in the UH case.

National Fraternity/Sorority

Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters is a defendant in our UH case. Liability can hinge on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents.

University or Governing Board

The school or regents may be sued under certain negligence or civil-rights theories. The University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents are defendants in our case. Key questions: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference.

Third Parties

Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces
Bars or alcohol providers (under dram shop theories)
Security companies or event organizers

Every case is fact-specific; not every party is liable in every situation. That’s why immediate investigation is critical.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Texas Families

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern: Lessons from Tragedy

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

A 20-year-old pledge was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” night and died from alcohol poisoning. Multiple fraternity members were convicted of hazing-related charges. The family reached a $10 million settlement in 2023 ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). This case strengthened Ohio anti-hazing laws and shows how national fraternities face significant liability.

Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

A pledge forced to participate in a “Bible study” drinking game died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%). Multiple members were charged; one convicted of negligent homicide. The case led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act creating felony hazing statutes.

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

A 19-year-old pledge died from traumatic brain injuries after a bid acceptance night with extreme alcohol consumption. Brothers delayed calling for help despite falls captured on security cameras. Eighteen fraternity members faced over 1,000 criminal counts total. The case resulted in Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

What this means for City of Mount Calm families: These cases establish clear patterns that Texas courts recognize. When a Texas chapter repeats the same “Big/Little” drinking script that killed Stone Foltz, that pattern evidence supports negligence arguments against the national organization.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

A pledge was blindfolded, weighted down with a heavy backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual at a Pennsylvania retreat. He died from traumatic brain injury after fraternity members delayed calling 911. Multiple members were convicted, and the national fraternity was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter. Pi Delta Psi was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

What this means for Texas families: Off-campus “retreats” don’t protect organizations from liability. National fraternities can face criminal convictions, not just civil liability.

Severe Injury Pattern: Non-Fatal but Life-Altering

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)

An 18-year-old pledge forced to consume excessive alcohol during “pledge dad reveal” night suffered severe, permanent brain damage. He cannot walk, talk, or see and requires 24/7 care. The family settled with 22 defendants, including the fraternity, with reportedly multi-million-dollar settlements.

Texas A&M Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)

Two pledges alleged being covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. They sued the fraternity for $1 million; the fraternity was suspended for two years by the university.

What this means for Hill County families: Even non-fatal hazing can result in lifetime disabilities and multi-million-dollar settlements. Universities will suspend chapters, but civil litigation is often necessary for full compensation.

Athletic Program Hazing: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football Hazing Scandal (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 coaching staff. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired and later settled a wrongful-termination suit confidentially.

What this means: Hazing extends beyond Greek life into major athletic programs with significant institutional oversight failures.

What These National Cases Mean for Texas Families

Common threads emerge: forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, and institutional cover-ups. Reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after tragedy and litigation. Texas families facing hazing at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor are not alone and are operating in a landscape shaped by these national lessons. The patterns established in these cases—what national fraternities knew, when they knew it, and how they failed to act—provide powerful evidence for Texas cases.

Texas Focus: Universities Where City of Mount Calm Families Send Their Children

Understanding the Local Landscape

Families in City of Mount Calm and throughout Hill County typically have children attending universities across Texas. Some attend nearby institutions like Hill College or commute to larger universities, while others go to major campuses hours from home. Wherever your child attends school, understanding that university’s specific hazing landscape is crucial.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving City of Mount Calm Families

As part of our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain detailed records of Greek organizations operating in Texas. This isn’t speculative—it’s based on public IRS filings, university records, and organizational databases. For families in City of Mount Calm, understanding this landscape is the first step in holding organizations accountable.

Why we share this information: If you’re a parent in City of Mount Calm, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. These public records show the network of house corporations, alumni chapters, and national entities that may share liability when hazing occurs.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Records)

The IRS maintains records of tax-exempt organizations classified as “B83” (Student Sororities, Fraternities). Here are examples of Texas-registered Greek entities that could be involved in cases affecting Hill County families:

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc | EIN: 133048786 | 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845-6681 | IRS B83 filing
Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Inc | EIN: 161675890 | 115 Wild Wick Way, The Woodlands, TX 77382-1822 | Zeta Rho HCB | IRS B83 filing
Sigma Phi Lambda Inc | EIN: 201237505 | 4251 FM 2181 Ste 230 PMB 480, Corinth, TX 76210-4202 | Beta Chapter | IRS B83 filing
Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation | EIN: 371768785 | 4102 Eastshore St, Missouri City, TX 77459-1820 | IRS B83 filing
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc | EIN: 462267515 | 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035-6629 | IRS B83 filing
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc | EIN: 475370943 | 5019 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX 77204-7005 | Theta Delta | IRS B83 filing
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter | EIN: 746084905 | 4300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204-3067 | IRS B83 filing
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc | EIN: 741380362 | PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147-0061 | IRS B83 filing
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity | EIN: 237279532 | PO Box 2142, Prairie View, TX 77446-2142 | 646 Prairie View Alumni | IRS B83 filing
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi | EIN: 263170920 | 411 Texas St Room 219, Denton, TX 76204-0000 | 229 Texas Womens University | IRS B83 filing

Major Texas Universities Serving Hill County Families

Based on our Texas Universities database, here are campuses where City of Mount Calm families commonly send students:

Near Hill County/Regional Campuses:

Hill College | Hillsboro, TX | Hill County
Baylor University | Waco, TX | McLennan County (approximately 45 minutes from City of Mount Calm)
University of Texas at Arlington | Arlington, TX | Tarrant County
Texas A&M University-Central Texas | Killeen, TX | Bell County
Tarleton State University | Stephenville, TX | Erath County

Major Statewide Hubs (Common Destinations):

University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX | Travis County
Texas A&M University | College Station, TX | Brazos County
University of Houston | Houston, TX | Harris County
Texas Tech University | Lubbock, TX | Lubbock County
Texas State University | San Marcos, TX | Hays County

Greek Organizations in Relevant Metro Areas

From our Cause IQ metro data, here are examples of Greek organizations in regions relevant to Hill County families:

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro (510 total Greek organizations):

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity | Fort Worth, TX | 12650 N Beach St #30, Suite 114, Fort Worth, TX 76244
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation | Fort Worth, TX | Fraternity foundation in Fort Worth
Delta Delta Delta – Arlington Alumnae Chapter | Dallas, TX | Alumnae chapter serving Arlington/Dallas

Waco Metro (27 total Greek organizations):

Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity – Tau Deuteron Chapter | Waco, TX | Chapter at Baylor University
Kappa Kappa Gamma – Baylor House Board | Waco, TX
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority | Waco, TX | Xi Chi chapter

Cross-Validated Brands (Appearing in Both IRS and Cause IQ Data):

Beta Upsilon Chi: Appears in IRS records (EIN: 742911848) and Cause IQ Dallas-Fort Worth listings
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation: Appears in IRS records (EIN: 741380362) and Cause IQ Dallas-Fort Worth listings
Sigma Gamma Rho: Multiple IRS listings match Cause IQ metro listings in Houston, Beaumont, and Waco

This directory represents just a fraction of the 1,423 Greek organizations we track across 25 Texas metros. When hazing occurs, we already know how to identify every entity behind the letters—house corporations, alumni chapters, national headquarters, and insurance carriers.

University of Houston: Current Active Litigation & Historical Context

Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Houston is a large urban campus with active Greek life spanning multiple councils. As the home of our current Pi Kappa Phi litigation, UH represents both the dangers of hazing and the potential for accountability. Families in City of Mount Calm with children at UH should know that hazing incidents here can have Harris County jurisdiction, with cases potentially heard in Houston courts.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting

UH prohibits hazing whether on-campus or off-campus, explicitly forbidding forced consumption of alcohol/food/drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and mental distress as initiation. Reporting channels exist through the Dean of Students, conduct offices, and campus police. However, as our current case shows, policies alone don’t prevent hazing without enforcement.

The Leonel Bermudez Case: A Watersmoment Moment

Our ongoing $10 million lawsuit against UH and Pi Kappa Phi represents one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas. Key details every parent should know:

Timeline: Bermudez accepted a bid on September 16, 2025. From September through October, he endured forced dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, weekly interviews, overnight chauffeuring, and the humiliating fanny-pack rule.
October 13 Incident: Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
November 3 Workout: Bermudez was forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, and creed recitation under threat of expulsion.
Medical Crisis: He developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, passed brown urine, and was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels.
Institutional Response: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended the Beta Nu chapter on November 6. Chapter members voted to surrender their charter on November 14. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion and cooperation with law enforcement.

Media coverage includes the Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case and ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit.

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds

Cases may involve UHPD and/or Houston Police Department depending on location. Civil suits typically file in Harris County courts. Potential defendants include individual students, the chapter, the national fraternity/sorority, the university, and property owners. Our approach in the Bermudez case demonstrates comprehensive defendant identification.

What UH Students & Parents Should Do

Report immediately to UH Dean of Students and UHPD
Preserve all digital evidence (GroupMe chats are crucial)
Seek medical attention immediately—rhabdomyolysis requires urgent treatment
Contact counsel experienced in Houston-based hazing cases to navigate complex institutional defendants

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture & Greek Life Intersection

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M’s unique Corps of Cadets culture and strong Greek life create overlapping hazing risks. For families in City of Mount Calm with children at A&M, understanding both environments is crucial. The university’s historical “traditions” can sometimes mask abusive behaviors.

Documented Incidents & Responses

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):
Two pledges alleged being covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. They sued the fraternity for $1 million. The chapter was suspended for two years by the university.

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. He sought over $1 million in damages. Texas A&M stated it handled the matter under its rules.

How A&M Hazing Cases Proceed

Cases may involve Texas A&M University Police Department and/or College Station Police Department. Brazos County courts typically hear civil cases. Both Greek organizations and the Corps of Cadets administration can be defendants. The university’s sovereign immunity as a public institution requires specific legal strategies to overcome.

What A&M Students & Parents Should Do

Understand both Greek life and Corps reporting channels
Document everything—A&M’s tradition-heavy culture can normalize abusive behaviors
Seek medical attention for any injuries, no matter how “minor” they seem
Contact counsel experienced with Texas A&M’s unique institutional dynamics

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency & Repeated Violations

Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin maintains one of Texas’s most transparent hazing violation databases, yet violations continue. For Hill County families with children at UT, this transparency is a double-edged sword: while you can research organizations’ histories, the repeated violations show systemic issues.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page

UT lists organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions publicly. Examples include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; found to be hazing; chapter placed on probation and required to implement new hazing-prevention education.
Texas Wranglers (multiple years): Sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, or punishment-based practices.

How UT Hazing Cases Proceed

Cases may involve UTPD and/or Austin Police Department. Travis County courts handle civil litigation. UT’s public violation records provide powerful pattern evidence for civil cases, showing institutional knowledge of recurring problems.

What UT Students & Parents Should Do

Check UT’s hazing violations database before allowing your child to join any organization
Report violations through both university channels and, when appropriate, Austin PD
Use UT’s transparency to your advantage in building cases
Document how organizations violate their probation terms

Baylor University: Religious Identity & Accountability Challenges

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor’s religious identity and history of scrutiny over football and Title IX issues create a complex accountability landscape. For families in City of Mount Calm with children at Baylor (just 45 minutes away), understanding this context is important.

Documented Incidents

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):
14 players were suspended following a hazing investigation; suspensions were staggered over the early season. The incident highlighted hazing risks even in coached athletic programs.

How Baylor Hazing Cases Proceed

As a private university, Baylor has fewer sovereign immunity protections than public institutions. McLennan County courts typically hear cases. Baylor’s religious branding and prior scandals can affect how cases are perceived and mediated.

What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

Don’t assume religious affiliation guarantees ethical behavior
Report through both athletic departments (for sports teams) and student conduct offices
Understand that “zero tolerance” policies require evidence to trigger
Document any disparities between Baylor’s stated values and actual responses

Southern Methodist University: Affluent Campus, Persistent Problems

Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU’s reputation as a private, affluent campus with strong Greek presence doesn’t immunize it from hazing. For Hill County families with children at SMU, understanding that resources don’t guarantee safety is crucial.

Documented Incidents

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):
New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, and deprived of sleep. The chapter was suspended with restrictions on recruiting until around 2021.

How SMU Hazing Cases Proceed

As a private university in Dallas County, SMU cases may involve Dallas PD and Dallas County courts. Limited public transparency means discovery requests are often necessary to uncover internal reports.

What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

Utilize SMU’s anonymous reporting systems (like Real Response)
Don’t be intimidated by institutional prestige—accountability is still possible
Document everything, as private universities control information carefully
Understand that “internal resolution” may prioritize the institution over individuals

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

Why National Histories Matter for Texas Cases

When your child is hazed at a Texas university, you’re not just dealing with a local chapter—you’re confronting a national organization with its own history, policies, and patterns. This matters legally because:

Foreseeability: If Pi Kappa Alpha nationals knew about deadly “Big/Little” drinking at Bowling Green (Stone Foltz case), they should have known the same risk existed at Texas chapters.
Pattern Evidence: Multiple incidents across states show the organization knew or should have known about dangerous traditions.
Negligent Supervision: Nationals that collect dues and provide charters have a duty to supervise chapters adequately.

Organization Mapping: National Histories with Texas Presence

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike)

National History: Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green ($10M settlement); David Bogenberger death at Northern Illinois ($14M settlement)
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, others
Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking nights with forced alcohol consumption

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE)

National History: Multiple hazing deaths nationally; traumatic brain injury lawsuit at University of Alabama; eliminated traditional pledge process in 2014 after pattern of deaths
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M (chemical burns case), UT Austin
Pattern: Physical abuse, forced drinking, chemical hazing

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

National History: Andrew Coffey death at Florida State; our current UH case with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
Texas Presence: Chapter at UH (now closed), other Texas campuses
Pattern: Extreme physical hazing, forced consumption, psychological abuse

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

National History: Max Gruver death at LSU (led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act)
Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, others
Pattern: Drinking games disguised as “Bible study” or quizzes

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ)

National History: Multiple hazing suspensions including SMU chapter (2017)
Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, SMU, others
Pattern: Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation

How National Histories Strengthen Texas Cases

When we take a hazing case in Texas, we subpoena national headquarters for:

Prior incident reports at the same chapter
Complaints about similar conduct at other chapters
Risk management training materials (or lack thereof)
Communications showing what nationals knew and when

This pattern evidence is powerful in settlement negotiations and at trial. It transforms “this was a rogue chapter” into “this was a predictable failure of a national system.”

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

Evidence: The Digital Paper Trail

Modern hazing cases are won or lost on digital evidence. Here’s what matters:

Digital Communications

GroupMe: The most common fraternity/sorority communication platform. Screenshot entire threads with timestamps visible.
WhatsApp/iMessage/Discord: Other platforms used for planning and coordination.
Social Media DMs: Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook Messenger.
Recovery: Even deleted messages can often be recovered through digital forensics or cloud backups.

Watch our video on using your phone to document evidence for best practices on preserving digital evidence.

Photos & Videos

Content filmed by members during events (often shared in group chats)
Social media posts/stories showing hazing activities
Security camera or doorbell footage at houses and venues
Medical documentation of injuries (photograph from multiple angles over several days)

Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” documents
Emails/texts from officers about activities
National policies and training materials (obtained through discovery)

University Records

Prior conduct files obtained through public records requests
Incident reports to campus police
Clery Act reports showing pattern of violations

Medical Records

Emergency room and hospitalization records (crucial for rhabdomyolysis cases)
Toxicology reports
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety)

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical expenses: Past and future care, including potential lifetime treatment for permanent injuries
Lost income & earning capacity: Missed semesters, delayed career entry, reduced earning potential for permanent disabilities
Educational costs: Tuition for withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships

Non-Economic Damages

Physical pain & suffering: From injuries and treatment
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in college experiences

Wrongful Death Damages (for families)

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of companionship and support
Emotional harm to parents and siblings

Punitive Damages

Available when defendants show reckless disregard or intentional misconduct
Designed to punish and deter future conduct
In Texas, subject to statutory caps except in certain intentional tort cases

Case Strategy: Our Approach

Immediate Evidence Preservation

Contact us within 24-48 hours: 1-888-ATTY-911
We guide you through proper evidence preservation before deletion occurs
We engage digital forensics experts when necessary

Comprehensive Defendant Identification

Using our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we identify all potentially liable parties:
- Individual perpetrators
- Chapter officers
- Housing corporations
- National headquarters
- University entities
- Third-party property owners

Insurance Coverage Analysis

Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney is invaluable here. He knows how fraternity and university insurers:

Value (and undervalue) claims
Use delay tactics
Argue coverage exclusions
We identify all potential insurance policies and fight coverage disputes aggressively.

Pattern Evidence Development

We subpoena national organizations for prior incident records showing they knew or should have known about dangerous traditions. This pattern evidence is crucial for proving negligence and securing punitive damages.

Settlement vs. Trial Strategy

Most cases settle, but preparation for trial is what drives fair settlements. Our experience in federal court and with complex institutional defendants means universities and nationals know we’re prepared to go to trial if necessary.

Practical Guides & FAQs for City of Mount Calm Families

For Parents: Warning Signs & Response Guide

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical signs:

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

Behavioral & emotional changes:

Sudden secrecy about fraternity/sorority activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-Greek activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability, anger
Defensive when asked about the organization
Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”
Sudden obsession with pleasing older members
Talking about “just having to get through this” or “everyone did it before me”

Academic red flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep in class
Skipping exams or assignments to attend “mandatory” events
Losing scholarships or academic standing

Digital/social behavior:

Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Anxiety when phone buzzes or pings
Deleting messages or clearing browser history obsessively
Receiving calls/texts at all hours demanding immediate response
Social media posts showing humiliating or concerning activities
Geo-location tracking apps newly installed (Find My Friends, Life360 demanded by the org)

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally)

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

If your child opens up, listen without judgment. If they shut down, don’t force it—but monitor closely and stay ready to intervene.

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 any messages they show you; photograph visible injuries
✅ Notes: Write down everything they tell you (date, time, what happened, who was there)
✅ 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 anything)
✅ 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, bystanders
✅ University: Note any communications from school but do NOT respond yet

HOUR 24–48 (STRATEGIC DECISIONS):

✅ Legal consultation: Speak with experienced hazing attorney (1-888-ATTY-911)
✅ Reporting decision: Decide whether to report to campus police, local police, Dean of Students (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 or email to yourself

For Students: Self-Assessment & 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, no fear of being “cut”)?
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?
Is this “tradition” really about initiation / earning membership, or is it just fun for older members?
Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?

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

How to Exit Safely

If you’re in immediate danger:

Call 911 or campus police
Get to a safe location (your dorm, a friend’s place, a public area)
You will not get in trouble for calling for help in a medical emergency (Texas law and university policies generally protect good-faith reporters)

If you want to quit/de-pledge:

You have the legal right to leave at any time
Tell someone outside the org first (parent, RA, friend) so there’s a record
Send an email or text to the chapter president stating: “I am resigning my pledge/membership effective immediately”
Do not go to “one last meeting” where they might pressure or retaliate
If you fear retaliation, report that fear to the Dean of Students and campus police

Evidence Collection for Students

While it’s happening or immediately after:

Screenshots of group chats: Capture full conversations with timestamps
Voice memos/recordings: Texas is a one-party consent state—you can record conversations you’re part of
Photos/videos: Injuries, locations, objects used in hazing
Save everything digital: Don’t delete anything even if embarrassed
Medical documentation: Tell providers you were hazed so it’s in the record
Witness information: Names and contact info for others who saw what happened

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

MISTAKES THAT CAN RUIN YOUR HAZING CASE:

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 a cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content
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, and prepare defenses
What to do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation
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 your right to sue; settlements are often far below case value
What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing it first
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; can waive privilege
What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging
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 you’re considering legal action, all communication goes through your lawyer
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 of limitations runs, university controls narrative
What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately; university process ≠ real accountability
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 and say, “My attorney will contact you”

Watch our video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case for more guidance on avoiding these errors.

Frequently Asked Questions for City of Mount Calm Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”

Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in 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.

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”

Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”

Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. Learn more in our video on Texas statutes of limitations.

“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.

“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.

“How much will this cost? We can’t afford a lawyer.”

We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Learn how this works in our video on contingency fees.

About The Manginello Law Firm: Why Choose Us for Your Hazing Case

Our Texas Roots, Your Hill County Neighbors

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including here in City of Mount Calm and across Hill County. We understand the values of Texas families—the importance of education, the hope we invest in our children’s futures, and the devastation when institutions betray that trust.

Why Attorney911 for Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway.

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions
Set reserves and negotiate settlements

“We know their playbook because we used to run it.” This insider knowledge is invaluable when fighting for full compensation. Learn more about Mr. Peña’s background at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello)

Ralph is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal budgets. This experience translates directly to hazing cases where we face:

National fraternities with deep pockets
University legal teams
Multiple insurance carriers
Sophisticated defense strategies

Our federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) means we’re not intimidated by institutional defendants. Learn more about Ralph’s credentials at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience

We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases, working with economists to value:

Lifetime care needs for permanent injuries
Lost earning capacity
Non-economic damages (pain, suffering, emotional distress)

Our experience with catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain damage, spinal cord injuries, and permanent organ damage (like the rhabdomyolysis in our UH case) means we understand the medical complexities and long-term costs.

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise

Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand:

How criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
How to advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
Criminal defense strategies that inform our civil approach

This dual capability is rare and valuable in hazing cases that often involve both criminal and civil proceedings.

Investigative Depth: Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

We maintain detailed records on Texas Greek organizations—not as an academic exercise, but as a litigation tool. When we take your case, we already know:

The network of house corporations, alumni chapters, and national entities
Prior incidents at the same chapter and similar chapters
Insurance carriers and coverage limits
University disciplinary histories

This head start means we investigate efficiently and thoroughly, identifying all potentially liable parties from day one.

Spanish-Language Services

Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can serve Hispanic families in their preferred language. “Hablamos Español” isn’t just a tagline—it’s our commitment to serving all Texas families.

Our Approach: Empathy Meets Aggressive Advocacy

We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. The emotional toll of seeing your child harmed, the frustration with institutional responses, the fear about the future—we understand because we’ve walked this path with other Texas families.

Our approach balances:

Compassionate support through a traumatic process
Aggressive investigation to uncover the full truth
Strategic litigation to maximize leverage
Respect for your family’s privacy throughout the process

We’re not about bravado or quick settlements. We’re about thorough investigation, real accountability, and helping prevent this from happening to another family.

Call to Action: Your Next Step as a City of Mount Calm Parent

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether it’s UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor, SMU, or any other school—we want to hear from you. Families in City of Mount Calm, Hillsboro, and throughout Hill County have the right to answers and accountability.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you contact us, you’ll receive a confidential, no-obligation consultation. Here’s what that means:

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

Contact Us Today

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

Spanish-language services:
Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish

Serving All of Texas from Our Houston Base

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas. If you’re in City of Mount Calm, we can:

Consult by phone or video conference
Travel to meet you in Hill County when necessary
Handle cases in courts throughout Texas
Coordinate with local counsel when needed

Final Thoughts for Hill County Families

The case we’re currently litigating against UH and Pi Kappa Phi shows that hazing isn’t abstract—it’s happening at Texas universities right now. The physical harm to Leonel Bermudez, the psychological trauma, the institutional failures—these are real consequences affecting real Texas families.

You sent your child to college with hope and pride. If that trust has been broken through hazing, you don’t have to navigate this alone. You don’t have to accept institutional stonewalling. You have rights, and there are paths to accountability.

Whether you’re in City of Mount Calm or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s discuss your situation, your options, and how we can help your family move forward.

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 the Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing Lawsuit:

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:

Using your phone 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 Website:

Main website: https://attorney911.com
Ralph Manginello profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
Lupe Peña profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/
Wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/