The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits, Liability & Fraternity/Sorority Accountability for Como, Texas Families

1. Hook + Overview

1.1 A Como Parent’s Worst Nightmare

For families in Como, Texas, and throughout Hopkins County, sending your child to college represents a lifetime of hopes and dreams. You’ve worked hard, supported them through high school at Como-Pickton CISD, and trusted that the university you chose would provide a safe environment for growth. The conversation about “fitting in” and joining campus organizations often comes with mixed feelings—you want your child to find community, but you’ve heard the stories.

Now imagine this: Your son, a freshman at a Texas university just a few hours from your home in Como, accepted a bid to join a fraternity. What began as exciting “new member education” has become something darker. Late-night phone calls reveal exhaustion you can’t explain. Weekend visits home show unexplained bruises. His personality has changed—he’s anxious, secretive, and defensive when you ask about his fraternity brothers. Then comes the call no parent wants: he’s in the emergency room with kidney failure from a condition called rhabdomyolysis, caused by forced extreme exercise and humiliation rituals. The fraternity members delayed calling for help because they were worried about “getting the chapter in trouble.”

This is not a hypothetical scenario. This is exactly what happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter in late 2025—a case our firm is litigating right now. For families in Como, Sulphur Springs, Winnsboro, and across Northeast Texas, this reality hits close to home. Whether your child attends a nearby university like Texas A&M University-Commerce or travels farther to UT Austin, Texas A&M College Station, or the University of Houston, they enter ecosystems where Greek life and campus traditions carry hidden dangers.

1.2 What This Guide Covers for Como Families

This comprehensive guide to hazing law in Texas was written specifically for parents and students in Como, Hopkins County, and across Northeast Texas who need clear, accurate information about:

• What modern hazing actually looks like in 2025—beyond the stereotypes
• Texas hazing laws and how they protect (or sometimes fail) students
• The landmark cases that have shaped national hazing litigation, including the current University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case we’re leading
• What’s happening at Texas universities where Como students commonly attend: University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, and closer campuses like Texas A&M University-Commerce
• The organizational networks behind Greek life—what our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine reveals about who’s really responsible
• Practical steps for families facing a hazing crisis
• Why Attorney911 brings unique Texas-based expertise to these complex institutional cases

Como families sending students to college face particular challenges. You’re trusting institutions hours from home, navigating systems you didn’t create, and often dealing with university responses that prioritize reputation over student safety. This guide empowers you with knowledge, patterns, and proven legal strategies.

1.3 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)
  1-888-AT
• 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

2. Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

2.1 Beyond “Boys Will Be Boys”: The Modern Definition

For Como families who may remember college traditions from decades past, today’s hazing bears little resemblance to harmless pranks. Modern hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—on or off campus—directed against a student for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in any organization. The key elements that distinguish hazing from legitimate team-building are coercion, power imbalance, and endangerment.

What parents in Como need to understand most urgently: “Consent” is not a defense in Texas. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, even if they wanted to “prove themselves,” the law recognizes that power dynamics, social pressure, and fear of exclusion create environments where true voluntary consent is impossible. This legal principle, codified in Texas Education Code §37.155, forms the foundation of civil hazing claims.

2.2 The Five Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the deadliest form of hazing, responsible for most fatalities. It includes forced consumption of excessive alcohol during “Big/Little” nights, “bid acceptance” parties, or drinking games like the “Bible study” that killed Max Gruver at LSU. At the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi chapter, pledges were forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediately forced to sprint. The normalization of extreme drinking as “tradition” creates predictable tragedies.

2. Physical Hazing
Beyond paddling (which still occurs despite national prohibitions), physical hazing now includes extreme calisthenics disguised as “workouts.” In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, Leonel Bermudez was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats in a single session, leading to rhabdomyolysis—a severe muscle breakdown that flooded his kidneys with toxins. Other physical hazing includes sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, exposure to extreme temperatures, and dangerous “tests” like blindfolded tackles.

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This category includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts (“elephant walk,” “roasted pig” positions), wearing degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. The “pledge fanny pack” in the UH case—containing condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items that pledges had to carry 24/7—represents psychological warfare disguised as tradition.

4. Psychological Hazing
Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members, forced confessions, and public shaming during “grilling” sessions create lasting trauma. The psychological impact often outlasts physical injuries, leading to diagnosed PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders that require years of treatment.

5. Digital/Online Hazing
This emerging category includes group chat dares, forced social media posts, cyberstalking via location-sharing apps, and humiliation spread across TikTok, Instagram, or Discord. The 24/7 nature of digital communication means pledges never escape the pressure—their phones become instruments of control.

2.3 Where Hazing Happens: Beyond Fraternity Row

Como families should understand that hazing extends far beyond traditional Greek life:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural councils)
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups (particularly relevant for Texas A&M families)
• Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer—as seen in Northwestern University’s $75M scandal)
• Spirit and Tradition Organizations (Texas Cowboys, song leaders, mascot programs)
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups
• Academic and Honors Societies
• Cultural and Service Organizations

The common thread isn’t the type of organization but the dynamics of power, tradition, and secrecy. When new members must “earn” status through suffering, when alumni defend “how it’s always been,” and when institutions prioritize tradition over safety, hazing flourishes.

3. Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

3.1 Texas Hazing Law: Education Code Chapter 37

For Como families navigating a hazing crisis, understanding Texas law provides both clarity and leverage. The Texas Education Code contains specific anti-hazing provisions in Chapter 37, Subchapter F:

§37.151 Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for purposes of initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization if the act:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of the student, OR
• Involves brutality of a physical nature, OR
• Involves forced consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or other substances

Key Points for Como Families:

• Location doesn’t matter—hazing off-campus, at retreats, or in private residences is still illegal
• “Reckless” is enough—they don’t need to have intended harm, just disregarded obvious risks
• Mental harm counts—emotional and psychological abuse qualifies

§37.152 Criminal Penalties:

• Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing not causing serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
• Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
• State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

§37.153 Organizational Liability:
Organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report it.

§37.155 Consent Not a Defense:
This is critical: “It is not a defense to prosecution that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.”

§37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:
Those who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability—a protection designed to overcome the “code of silence.”

3.2 Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Two Tracks

CRIMINAL CASES:

• Brought by: The State of Texas (district attorney)
• Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Process: Investigation → charges → plea deals or trial → sentencing
• Como consideration: Jurisdiction depends on where hazing occurred—could involve campus police, city PD (like Sulphur Springs if incident occurred there), or county sheriff

CIVIL CASES:

• Brought by: Victims or surviving families
• Goal: Compensation and accountability
• Legal theories: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, premises liability, negligent supervision
• Process: Investigation → demand → negotiation → lawsuit if needed → discovery → settlement or trial
• Como consideration: Cases typically filed in county where injury occurred or defendant resides, but our Houston-based firm litigates statewide

Critical Understanding: These tracks run parallel. A criminal conviction isn’t required for civil success. In fact, many hazing cases see civil lawsuits progressing while criminal investigations continue. The evidentiary standards differ too: civil cases require “preponderance of evidence” (more likely than not), while criminal needs “beyond reasonable doubt.”

3.3 Federal Law Overlay: Title IX, Clery, and the Stop Campus Hazing Act

STOP CAMPUS HAZING ACT (2024):
This federal legislation requires colleges receiving federal aid to:

• Publicly report hazing incidents
• Maintain hazing violation databases (phased implementation by 2026)
• Strengthen prevention education
• For Como families: This means universities like Texas A&M-Commerce must eventually provide more transparency about which organizations have violations

TITLE IX:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX imposes specific obligations on universities:

• Prompt investigation
• Protective measures for victims
• Potential institutional liability for “deliberate indifference”
• For Como families: Even if your child’s hazing wasn’t overtly sexual, if it created a hostile environment based on gender, Title IX may apply

CLERY ACT:
Requires universities to report certain crimes and maintain public crime logs. Hazing incidents involving assault, alcohol crimes, or other reportable offenses must appear in these statistics.

3.4 Who Can Be Liable: The Circle of Responsibility

Understanding liability helps Como families recognize that multiple entities share responsibility:

INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS:

• Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
• Officers who knew and failed to report
  高三
• Members who participated or encouraged

LOCAL CHAPTER:

• As a legal entity (if incorporated)
• Chapter funds and assets
• For Como families: Many chapters have Texas-registered entities we track in our intelligence engine

NATIONAL FRATERNITY/SORORITY:

• Headquarters that set policies and receive dues
• Often insured with substantial coverage
• Can be liable for negligent supervision or failure to act on prior knowledge
• For Como families: Nationals often try to distance themselves, but pattern evidence connects them

UNIVERSITY/BOARD OF REGENTS:

• Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity but exceptions exist
• Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections
• Liability theories: negligent supervision, premises liability, Title IX violations
• For Como families: Universities often claim “we didn’t know,” but discovery can reveal prior warnings

THIRD PARTIES:

• Property owners (landlords of off-campus houses)
• Alcohol providers (dram shop liability)
• Security companies
• Alumni advisors

HOUSE CORPORATIONS & ALUMNI ORGANIZATIONS:
This is where our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine becomes critical. Beyond the visible chapter, complex networks of Texas-registered entities hold assets and insurance. For example, from our IRS B83 data:

• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035)
• Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation (EIN 371768785, Missouri City, TX 77459)
• Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (Houston metro entity from Cause IQ data)

These entities often control property, hold insurance, and provide the financial backbone that makes litigation recovery possible.

4. National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Texas Families

4.1 The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern

STONE FOLTZ – BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY, PI KAPPA ALPHA (2021)
The 20-year-old pledge was forced to drink an entire bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” event. He died from alcohol poisoning. The fallout: multiple criminal convictions, $10 million in total settlements ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU), and strengthened Ohio laws.

Texas Connection for Como Families: Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) has chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, and other Texas schools. The national pattern of alcohol hazing during “Big/Little” events creates foreseeability—if they knew it was happening in Ohio, they should have prevented it in Texas.

MAX GRUVER – LSU, PHI DELTA THETA (2017)
The 18-year-old pledge died during a “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers meant forced drinking. His blood alcohol level reached 0.495%. The result: criminal convictions, civil settlements, and Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act creating felony hazing penalties.

Texas Connection for Como Families: Phi Delta Theta operates at UT Austin, Texas A&M, and other Texas campuses. The “drinking game” hazing method is now documented nationally, increasing liability for chapters that repeat it.

4.2 Physical and Ritualized Violence

CHUN “MICHAEL” DENG – BARUCH COLLEGE, PI DELTA PSI (2013)
The pledge was blindfolded, weighted with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual at a Pennsylvania retreat. He died from traumatic brain injuries. The national fraternity was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter—a rare instance of organizational criminal liability.

Texas Connection for Como Families: This case proves hazing liability extends to off-campus retreats and that nationals can face direct criminal charges, not just civil liability.

DANNY SANTULLI – UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI, PHI GAMMA DELTA (2021)
The 18-year-old pledge suffered permanent brain damage during a “pledge dad reveal” drinking event. He cannot walk, talk, or see and requires 24/7 care for life. Settlements with 22 defendants reached multi-millions.

Texas Connection for Como Families: Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) has chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, and other Texas schools. This case shows catastrophic non-fatal injuries can yield substantial recoveries for lifetime care.

4.3 Athletic Program Hazing

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL (2023–2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program. Multiple lawsuits led to coach firings and confidential settlements. The university faced hundreds of millions in potential liability.

Texas Connection for Como Families: Major athletic programs at UT Austin, Texas A&M, and Baylor carry similar risks. Hazing isn’t confined to Greek life—any power-imbalanced organization can develop abusive traditions.

4.4 What National Patterns Mean for Como Litigation

These cases establish critical precedents that benefit Texas families:

1. Foreseeability Doctrine: If a national fraternity had prior incidents elsewhere, they can’t claim “we didn’t know this could happen”
2. Punitive Damages: Particularly egregious conduct or cover-ups can justify punishment beyond compensation
3. Institutional Liability: Universities can be liable for failing to address known patterns
4. Insurance Coverage: Multiple insurance policies often exist (national, chapter, university, individual homeowners)
5. Settlement Values: Recent cases establish benchmarks: $1M–$14M for deaths, multi-millions for catastrophic injuries

For Como families, these national cases aren’t just news stories—they’re roadmaps showing what successful litigation looks like and what institutions fear most: public accountability, financial consequences, and systemic reform.

5. Texas University Focus: Where Como Students Attend

5.1 University of Houston: The Current Battleground

CAMPUS SNAPSHOT FOR COMO FAMILIES:
UH sits approximately 200 miles from Como in Houston’s Harris County—a common destination for Northeast Texas students seeking urban opportunities without leaving the state. With over 46,000 students and active Greek life across four councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, MGC), UH represents both opportunity and risk.

THE FLAGSHIP CASE: LEONEL BERMUDEZ V. UH & PI KAPPA PHI
Right now, we’re leading one of Texas’s most significant hazing cases. In late 2025, Leonel Bermudez—a UH student—suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after enduring systematic hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. The $10 million lawsuit details:

• “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation (condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices carried 24/7)
• Extreme physical abuse (100+ push-ups, 500 squats, “save-your-brother” drills, vomiting rituals)
• Psychological torture (hose spraying “similar to waterboarding,” threats, isolation)
• Medical catastrophe (brown urine, hospitalization, ongoing kidney damage risk)
• Institutional failure (UH’s delayed response despite prior warnings)

The defendants include: UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. Media coverage from Click2Houston and ABC13 documented the chapter’s suspension and eventual charter surrender.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR COMO FAMILIES:

1. UH has hazing problems—this isn’t an isolated incident
2. Pattern evidence matters—prior incidents at UH include:
   • 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case (lacerated spleen from physical abuse)
   • Multiple alcohol-related hospitalizations in other chapters
3. Legal precedents are being set now—our active litigation shapes what’s possible for future cases
4. Geographic considerations: Cases against UH typically proceed in Harris County courts, where our firm has extensive experience

5.2 Texas A&M University: Tradition and Risk

CAMPUS SNAPSHOT FOR COMO FAMILIES:
Located approximately 180 miles from Como in College Station, Texas A&M represents a popular choice for Hopkins County students. With massive Greek life (over 60 chapters) and the Corps of Cadets, A&M’s tradition-rich environment carries specific hazing risks.

DOCUMENTED INCIDENTS:

SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON CHEMICAL BURNS CASE (2021)
Pledges alleged being covered with industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and other substances causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts. The chapter was suspended, and lawsuits sought over $1 million. This case matters for Como families because SAE has chapters across Texas, and the “substance pouring” hazing method now has documented precedent.

CORPS OF CADETS “ROASTED PIG” CASE (2023)
A cadet alleged being bound between beds in a humiliating “roasted pig” position with an apple in his mouth during hazing rituals. The lawsuit sought over $1 million and highlighted systemic issues within the Corps tradition system.

TEXAS A&M HAZING POLICY & RESPONSE:
A&M maintains detailed conduct policies but faces criticism for inconsistent enforcement. The university’s size (over 70,000 students) creates challenges in monitoring hundreds of student organizations.

FOR COMO FAMILIES CONSIDERING TEXAS A&M:

1. Both Greek life and Corps carry risks—investigate both environments
2. University transparency varies—A&M publishes some conduct outcomes but not at UT’s level
3. Geographic considerations: Brazos County courts have experience with hazing cases
4. National patterns repeat here—SAE, Phi Delta Theta, and other nationals with problematic histories operate at A&M

5.3 University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Patterns

CAMPUS SNAPSHOT FOR COMO FAMILIES:
UT Austin sits approximately 250 miles from Como—a reach for daily commuting but within reasonable distance for semester visits. As Texas’s flagship university with elite Greek life, UT offers both prestige and documented hazing problems.

UT’S HAZING TRANSPARENCY ADVANTAGE:
Unlike most universities, UT maintains a public Hazing Violations page listing organizations, conduct, and sanctions. Recent entries include:

• PI KAPPA ALPHA (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics → probation and mandatory education
• TEXAS WRANGLERS: Multiple violations for forced workouts and alcohol hazing
• VARIOUS IFC CHAPTERS: Alcohol-related hazing, sleep deprivation, humiliation rituals

SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON ASSAULT CASE (2024)
An Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members resulting in dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose. The lawsuit seeks over $1 million, and the chapter had prior suspensions.

WHAT COMO FAMILIES SHOULD KNOW ABOUT UT:

1. Use their transparency—check the violations page before your child joins any organization
2. Patterns are documented—repeat offenders are identifiable
3. Legal advantages exist—public records support civil discovery
4. Geographic considerations: Travis County courts see frequent university litigation

5.4 Southern Methodist University: Private Campus Challenges

CAMPUS SNAPSHOT FOR COMO FAMILIES:
SMU in Dallas sits approximately 100 miles from Como—the closest elite private option for Hopkins County families. With affluent student demographics and strong Greek influence (about 35% participation), SMU represents a different risk profile.

DOCUMENTED INCIDENTS:

KAPPA ALPHA ORDER (2017)
New members reported paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation. The chapter was suspended until 2021, highlighting SMU’s willingness to impose meaningful sanctions.

SMU’S PRIVATE UNIVERSITY DYNAMICS:
As a private institution, SMU has fewer public records requirements but also less sovereign immunity protection than public universities. Their internal processes can be both more secretive and more flexible.

FOR COMO FAMILIES CONSIDERING SMU:

1. Greek life dominates social life—harder to avoid if seeking social connection
2. Private means different rules—both advantages and disadvantages in litigation
3. Dallas legal venue—experienced with complex institutional cases
4. Wealthier defendants—often means better insurance coverage but more aggressive defense

5.5 Baylor University: Reformation and Residual Risk

CAMPUS SNAPSHOT FOR COMO FAMILIES:
Baylor in Waco sits approximately 150 miles from Como—a manageable distance with strong regional draw. Following its sexual assault scandal, Baylor has undergone extensive reform, but hazing risks persist.

DOCUMENTED INCIDENTS:

BAYLOR BASEBALL HAZING (2020)
14 players suspended following hazing investigation, with staggered suspensions affecting team performance. The incident highlighted that hazing extends beyond Greek life to athletic programs.

BAYLOR’S REFORM CONTEXT:
Post-scandal, Baylor implemented the “Baylor Improvement Plan” with new reporting systems and oversight. However, cultural change takes years, and traditional power structures (Greek life, athletics) resist reform.

FOR COMO FAMILIES CONSIDERING BAYLOR:

1. Mixed transparency—improved but still selective in disclosures
2. Religious identity factor—can influence internal handling of misconduct
3. McLennan County venue—less experience with complex hazing litigation than Harris or Travis
4. National patterns still apply—Baylor chapters of nationals with hazing histories face same risks

5.6 Texas A&M University-Commerce: The Local Option

CAMPUS SNAPSHOT FOR COMO FAMILIES:
Located just 35 miles from Como in Commerce, Texas, A&M-Commerce represents the most accessible university option for Hopkins County families. With approximately 12,000 students and growing Greek life, it offers proximity but not immunity from hazing risks.

DOCUMENTED GREEK LIFE AT COMMERCE:
From our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine data, we track Greek entities in the Commerce area:

• Sigma Chi Fraternity Zeta Eta (EIN 756060974, Commerce, TX 75429) – “Zeta Eta Chapter TX A&M Univ Commerce” per IRS records
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (EIN 752609909, Commerce, TX 75428) – “Mu Zeta” chapter

WHAT COMO FAMILIES SHOULD KNOW ABOUT A&M-COMMERCE:

1. Proximity doesn’t guarantee safety—hazing occurs on all campuses
2. Smaller campus dynamics—can mean closer faculty oversight or tighter organizational secrecy
3. Hunt County jurisdiction—different legal venue than major metropolitan counties
4. Part of Texas A&M System—some policies and oversight mechanisms shared with College Station

6. Fraternities & Sororities: Organizational Histories and Texas Presence

6.1 The National Pattern Evidence

When Como families face a hazing incident, understanding the national history of the involved organization provides critical leverage. Here’s what our research reveals about nationals operating at Texas universities:

PI KAPPA ALPHA (PIKE)

• National History: Stone Foltz death (Bowling Green, $10M settlement), David Bogenberger death (Northern Illinois, $14M settlement)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, Texas Tech, others
• Texas Entities from Our Data:
  • Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (EIN 746064445, Nederland, TX 77627) – “Epsilon Kappa Chapter”
  • Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (Houston metro from Cause IQ)
• Pattern: Alcohol hazing during “Big/Little” events is documented nationally

SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON (SAE)

• National History: Multiple deaths nationwide, traumatic brain injury case (Alabama), chemical burns case (Texas A&M)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, SMU, others
• Texas Entities from Our Data:
  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Sigma Incorporated (EIN 882755427, San Marcos, TX 78666)
• Pattern: Physical abuse and substance hazing documented across multiple chapters

PI KAPPA PHI

• National History: Andrew Coffey death (Florida State), now Leonel Bermudez case (UH)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, others
• Texas Entities from Our Data:
  • Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035)
  • Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation (EIN 371768785, Missouri City, TX 77459)
• Pattern: Physical endurance hazing and alcohol coercion

PHI DELTA THETA

• National History: Max Gruver death (LSU, $6.1M verdict)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, others
• Texas Entities from Our Data:
  • Texas Nu-Phi Delta Theta Fraternity (EIN 814123811, College Station, TX 77840)
  • Phi Delta Theta Fraternity (EIN 900927378, San Antonio, TX 78249) – “Texas Xi”
• Pattern: Drinking game hazing well-documented

6.2 The Texas Greek Ecosystem: What Our Intelligence Engine Reveals

For Como families, understanding that Greek organizations exist within complex legal and financial networks is crucial. Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks:

IRS B83 TEXAS-REGISTERED ENTITIES (125 ORGANIZATIONS):
These tax-exempt organizations include house corporations, alumni chapters, and honor societies. Examples relevant to Como students’ campuses:

University of Houston Area:

• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter (EIN 746084905, Houston, TX 77204)
• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc (EIN 475370943, Houston, TX 77204) – “Theta Delta”
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated – Sigma Gamma Chapter (EIN 392352450, Houston, TX 77254)

Texas A&M Area:

• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (EIN 133048786, College Station, TX 77845)
• Eta Alpha House Corporation of Kappa Delta Sorority (EIN 742930349, College Station, TX 77840)
• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc (EIN 812525354, College Station, TX 77845) – “Theta Rho”

UT Austin Area:

• Chi Omega Fraternity (EIN 740555581, Austin, TX 78705) – “Chi Omega House Corporation”
• Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi (EIN 746047117, Austin, TX 78705)
• Texas Rho Chapter of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity (EIN 741942292, Waco, TX 76706)

CAUSE IQ METRO ORGANIZATIONS (1,423 ACROSS 25 TEXAS METROS):
This data shows the scale of Greek infrastructure:

• Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510 organizations
• Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188 organizations
• Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154 organizations
• San Antonio Metro: 86 organizations

BRAND OVERLAP ANALYSIS (36 CONFIRMED MATCHES):
When the same organization appears in both IRS and Cause IQ data, it confirms active Texas operations with both legal entities and physical presence.

6.3 What This Means for Como Litigation

1. Multiple Defendants: Beyond the visible chapter, house corporations, alumni associations, and national entities may share liability
2. Insurance Coverage: These entities often carry insurance—critical for recovery
3. Asset Tracing: Property ownership through housing corporations can provide recovery sources
4. Pattern Evidence: National histories combined with Texas incident patterns strengthen negligence claims

7. Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

7.1 The Evidence Pyramid: What Wins Cases

DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS (MOST CRITICAL):

• Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord—screenshot immediately before deletion
• Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok videos documenting events
• Location Data: Find My Friends, Snapchat Maps, geotagged posts
• Deleted Recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “deleted” messages

PHOTO & VIDEO EVIDENCE:

• Injuries: Photograph immediately and daily to show progression
• Scenes: Locations where hazing occurred
• Objects: Paddles, alcohol bottles, props used
• Medical Documentation: ER reports, lab results (especially creatinine kinase for rhabdomyolysis)

ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS:

• Pledge Manuals: Often contain coded hazing instructions
• Chapter Records: Meeting minutes, financial records showing alcohol purchases
• National Files: Risk management reports, prior incident documentation

UNIVERSITY RECORDS:

• Conduct Files: Prior violations of same organization
• Police Reports: Both campus and local PD
• Title IX Files: If sexualized hazing occurred
• Clery Reports: Crime statistics

MEDICAL & PSYCHOLOGICAL RECORDS:

• Physical Injuries: Documentation of acute harm
• Psychological harm: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
• Economic Impact: Lost semester, transfer costs, therapy expenses

7.2 Damages: What Texas Law Allows

ECONOMIC DAMAGES (QUANTIFIABLE):

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost educational opportunity (tuition, delayed graduation)
• Lost earning capacity (for permanent injuries)
• Therapy and rehabilitation costs

NON-ECONOMIC DAMAGES:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Humiliation and reputational harm

WRONGFUL DEATH DAMAGES (FOR FAMILIES):

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship and support
• Emotional suffering of family members
• Loss of guidance for younger siblings

PUNITIVE DAMAGES (WHEN APPROPRIATE):

• For particularly reckless or intentional conduct
• To punish and deter future behavior
• Texas has caps but exceptions exist for gross negligence

7.3 The Attorney911 Approach: Why It Matters for Como Families

INSURANCE INSIDER KNOWLEDGE (LUPE PEÑA’S BACKGROUND):
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers:

• Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
• Use delay tactics to pressure families
• Argue coverage exclusions
• Manipulate independent medical exams
  For Como families, this means we negotiate from understanding, not guessing.

COMPLEX INSTITUTIONAL LITIGATION (RALPH MANGINELLO’S EXPERIENCE):
Our involvement in BP Texas City explosion litigation proves we can face billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. Universities and national fraternities use the same playbook:

• Overwhelm with discovery requests
• Delay with procedural motions
• Attack victims’ credibility
• Claim sovereign immunity (for public universities)
  We’ve seen these tactics before and know how to counter them.

TEXAS HAZING INTELLIGENCE ENGINE:
While other firms start from zero, we begin with:

• 125 Texas-registered Greek entity profiles
• 1,423 organization metro mapping
• Campus-specific chapter histories
• Insurance coverage pattern analysis
  For Como families, this means faster investigation and stronger leverage.

DUAL CRIMINAL/CIVIL CAPABILITY (HCCLA MEMBERSHIP):
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association means we understand:

• Criminal hazing charges and defenses
• Witness cooperation agreements
• How criminal cases affect civil strategy
• Protecting clients with potential dual exposure

8. Practical Guides & FAQs for Como Families

8.1 For Parents: Recognizing and Responding

WARNING SIGNS YOUR CHILD MAY BE BEING HAZED:

• Unexplained injuries or repeated “accidents”
• Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
• Secretive phone use, fear of missing messages
• Financial pressures (unexplained large expenses)
• Academic decline (missing classes, dropping grades)
• Defensive when asked about the organization

HOW TO TALK TO YOUR CHILD:

1. Choose the right time: Private, calm, not rushed
2. Use open questions: “How are things really going with [organization]?”
3. Listen without judgment: They may fear disappointing you
4. Emphasize safety: “Your health matters more than any group”
5. Offer unconditional support: “We’ll figure this out together”

IF YOU SUSPECT HAZING:

1. Document everything: Write down what you observe, screenshot messages they show you
2. Encourage medical care: Even if they resist, insist on evaluation
3. Contact an attorney BEFORE reporting: We can help preserve evidence and plan strategy
4. Avoid confrontation: Don’t contact the organization directly—they’ll destroy evidence
5. Understand university limitations: Internal processes often protect the institution first

8.2 For Students: Safety and Rights

IS THIS HAZING? DECISION GUIDE:

• Are you being pressured to do something unsafe?
• Would you do this if you truly had a free choice?
• Are older members making you do things they don’t do themselves?
• Are you told to keep secrets from university or family?
• Does the activity feel degrading or dangerous?
  If YES to any, it’s likely hazing.

YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS IN TEXAS:

• Consent is not a defense: Even if you “agreed,” it’s still hazing
• Good-faith reporter protection: You won’t get in trouble for calling 911 in an emergency
• Right to leave: You can quit any organization at any time
• Right to safety: Universities have a duty to protect students

EXITING SAFELY:

1. Tell someone first: Parent, trusted friend, RA—create a record
2. Send written notice: Email chapter president: “I resign effective immediately”
3. Avoid “one last meeting”: This is where pressure and retaliation happen
4. Document retaliation: Save any threats or harassment
5. Seek support: Counseling centers, victim advocates, attorneys

8.3 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. DELETING EVIDENCE

• What happens: “I don’t want to get in more trouble” leads to deleting group chats
• Why it’s devastating: Looks like cover-up, destroys case value
• Better approach: Screenshot everything, back up to cloud, contact attorney

2. CONFRONTING THE ORGANIZATION

• What happens: Parents angrily call the chapter president
• Why it’s devastating: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• Better approach: Document everything, let attorney handle communication

3. SIGNING UNIVERSITY AGREEMENTS

• What happens: University offers “internal resolution” with quick settlement
• Why it’s devastating: Waives right to sue, settlements are typically lowball
  罫
• Better approach: “I need my attorney to review this first”

4. POSTING ON SOCIAL MEDIA

• What happens: Venting on Facebook feels cathartic
• Why it’s devastating: Defense attorneys screenshot everything, inconsistencies hurt credibility
• Better approach: Private documentation only, let attorney control public messaging

5. WAITING “TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS”

• What happens: Trusting university investigation process
• Why it’s devastating: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
• Better approach: Preserve evidence immediately, consult attorney within 48 hours

8.4 Frequently Asked Questions

“CAN WE SUE A TEXAS UNIVERSITY FOR HAZING?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in their personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case requires specific analysis—call 1-888-ATTY-911 for case evaluation.

“IS HAZING A FELONY IN TEXAS?”
It can be. Under Texas Education Code §37.152, hazing is a Class B misdemeanor by default but becomes a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face misdemeanor charges for failing to report hazing.

“WHAT IF MY CHILD ‘AGREED’ TO THE HAZING?”
Texas law specifically states: “It is not a defense to prosecution that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity” (§37.155). Courts recognize that power imbalance and social pressure make true consent impossible.

“HOW LONG DO WE HAVE TO FILE A LAWSUIT?”
Generally two years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm wasn’t immediately apparent. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears quickly.

“WHAT IF THE HAZING HAPPENED OFF-CAMPUS?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. The Pi Delta Psi case (Baruch College retreat) resulted in convictions despite occurring hours from campus.

“WILL MY CHILD’S NAME BE PUBLIC?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize client privacy through sealed records, confidential settlements, and strategic media management. However, some public disclosure may be necessary to achieve accountability.

“HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HIRE ATTORNEY911?”
We work on a contingency fee basis—no upfront costs, no fee unless we recover compensation for you. This makes quality representation accessible regardless of financial situation. Watch our video explaining contingency fees at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

9. About Attorney911 + Call to Action for Como Families

9.1 Why Texas Families Choose Attorney911 for Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. For Como families and students across Northeast Texas, Attorney911 brings unique qualifications:

INSURANCE INSIDER KNOWLEDGE (MR. LUPE PEÑA):
As a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm, Mr. Peña knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers operate. He understands their:

• Valuation formulas and reserve-setting practices
• Delay tactics to pressure vulnerable families
• Coverage exclusion arguments
• Settlement strategies and negotiation patterns
  For Como families, this means we negotiate from understanding, not guessing. As Mr. Peña says: “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

COMPLEX INSTITUTIONAL LITIGATION (RALPH MANGINELLO):
Our involvement in BP Texas City explosion litigation proves we can face billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. Universities and national fraternities use the same tactics:

• Overwhelming discovery requests
• Procedural delays
• Attacks on victim credibility
• Sovereign immunity claims (for public universities)
  We’ve defeated these strategies before. As Ralph explains: “We’ve taken on corporations that thought they were untouchable. We’re not intimidated by fraternity lawyers or university general counsels.”

ACTIVE TEXAS HAZING LITIGATION:
Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi case—a $10 million lawsuit that has already forced chapter closure and institutional accountability. We’re not theorizing about hazing litigation; we’re doing it. The media coverage from Click2Houston and ABC13 documents our aggressive approach.

TEXAS HAZING INTELLIGENCE ENGINE:
While other firms start from zero, we begin with comprehensive data:

• 125 Texas-registered Greek entity profiles with EINs and addresses
• 1,423 organization metro mapping across 25 Texas metros
• Campus-specific chapter histories and violation patterns
• Insurance coverage analysis based on entity structures
  For Como families, this means faster investigation, stronger leverage, and better outcomes.

DUAL CRIMINAL/CIVIL CAPABILITY:
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can:

• Advise witnesses with potential criminal exposure
• Navigate parallel criminal and civil proceedings
• Protect clients during university disciplinary processes
• Challenge unlawful searches or due process violations

MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR RESULTS:
Our track record includes:

• Multi-million dollar wrongful death settlements
• Catastrophic injury recoveries for lifetime care
• BP Texas City explosion litigation experience
• Complex institutional liability cases

9.2 Call to Action for Como Families

YOU DON’T HAVE TO FACE THIS ALONE.

If you or your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether at nearby Texas A&M-Commerce, regional universities, or schools across the state—we want to hear from you. Families in Como, Sulphur Springs, Winnsboro, and throughout Hopkins County have the right to answers, accountability, and justice.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN YOUR FREE CONSULTATION:

1. We Listen Without Judgment: Tell us what happened in complete confidence
2. Evidence Review: We’ll examine any documentation you have (photos, texts, medical records)
3. Legal Options Explained: We’ll outline potential paths: civil lawsuit, criminal report, both, or neither
4. Realistic Assessment: We’ll discuss likely timelines, challenges, and potential outcomes
5. Cost Transparency: Contingency fee explanation—no recovery, no fee
6. No Pressure: Take time to decide—we’re here when you’re ready

CONTACT ATTORNEY911 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 or lupe@atty911.com

SPANISH-LANGUAGE SERVICES:
Hablamos Español—Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

FOR URGENT MATTERS:
If you’re within the critical 48-hour evidence preservation window, call our emergency line: (713) 443-4781. We provide immediate guidance on evidence preservation before it disappears.

SERVING ALL OF TEXAS:
From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including Como and all of Hopkins County. Distance doesn’t matter—we handle cases across the state and have co-counsel relationships nationwide.

YOUR CHILD’S SAFETY AND FUTURE MATTER.
Hazing isn’t “tradition”—it’s abuse. It isn’t “team-building”—it’s trauma. And it isn’t “consensual”—it’s coercion. Texas law provides remedies, but you need experienced guides through the complex legal landscape. We’ve helped families like yours find justice, recovery, and peace. Let us help you too.

Call Attorney911 now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

NEWS COVERAGE OF THE LEONEL BERMUDEZ / UH PI KAPPA PHI HAZING LAWSUIT:

Click2Houston (KPRC 2) Coverage: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/

ABC13 Eyewitness News Coverage: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

Hoodline Coverage: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

ATTORNEY911 EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS:

Using Your Cellphone to Document Evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Texas Statutes of Limitations Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

How Contingency Fees Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

ATTORNEY911 MAIN WEBSITE:
https://attorney911.com

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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