The Definitive Guide to Hazing Lawsuits & Campus Accountability for Families in the City of Blossom

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

Imagine receiving a late-night call from your child, a student at a Texas university. Their voice is strained with fear and exhaustion. They tell you about “mandatory” events that have stretched into the early morning hours, about being forced to consume things that made them sick, about relentless physical exertion framed as “team building.” They show you unexplained bruises or talk about persistent anxiety. When you ask why they don’t just leave, they whisper, “I can’t. They said I’d ruin it for everyone, and I have nowhere else to go.” For parents in the City of Blossom, in DeKalb, in Powderly, and across Lamar County who send their children to universities across Texas, this nightmare scenario is a real and present danger. Hazing is not a relic of the past; it is a current, evolving crisis happening on campuses your family trusts.

We are The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™. Right now, we are actively fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history, representing Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. This case, unfolding just hours from your community, proves that severe, injurious hazing is happening today at Texas institutions. This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in the City of Blossom, Lamar County, and throughout Northeast Texas. We will explain what modern hazing truly looks like, the Texas laws designed to protect your child, the sobering national patterns that repeat here, and the practical, legal steps you can take if your family is facing this crisis. You deserve answers, accountability, and the peace of mind that comes from experienced legal guidance.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies in the City of Blossom Area

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

• Call 911 for any medical emergency.
• 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: Insist on an ER visit or urgent care, even if injuries seem minor. Conditions like rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) may not be immediately apparent.
• Preserve Evidence BEFORE It’s Deleted:
  • Screenshot all group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage), texts, and social media DMs immediately.
  • Photograph any injuries from multiple angles with good lighting.
  • Save any physical items (specific clothing, receipts, objects used).
• Document Everything: Write down a detailed timeline—who, what, when, where—while memories are fresh.
• DO NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or team directly.
  • Sign any document from the university or an insurance company.
  • Post details on public social media.
  • Allow your child to delete messages or “clean up” their phone.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours. Evidence disappears quickly, and universities often move to control the narrative. We can help secure evidence and protect your child’s rights from the start. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, immediate, and confidential consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like on Texas Campuses

For families in the City of Blossom, the term “hazing” might conjure images of outdated movie scenes. The reality in 2025 is more insidious, often disguised as tradition, bonding, or leadership development. Texas law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in a group. Crucially, your child’s “consent” is not a defense.

Main Categories of Modern Hazing:

• Alcohol & Substance Hazing: Forced or coerced drinking games (“lineups,” “family tree,” “Bible study”), chugging challenges, consumption of unknown or harmful mixtures. This remains the leading cause of hazing deaths nationwide.
• Physical Hazing: Paddling, beatings, extreme calisthenics (“smokings” with hundreds of push-ups/squats), sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme elements.
• Sexualized & Humiliating Hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes or positions, acts involving racial or sexist slurs and role-play.
• Psychological Hazing: Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members, forced confessions, and public shaming.
• Digital Hazing: Group chat dares and harassment, forced posting of compromising content on social media, 24/7 digital monitoring, and location-sharing demands.

Hazing is not confined to fraternities. It occurs in sororities, Corps of Cadets programs, athletic teams (from football to cheerleading), spirit groups like bands and drill teams, and other campus organizations. The common threads are an imbalance of power, secrecy, and the exploitation of a desire to belong.

Texas Law & Liability Framework: What City of Blossom Families Must Know

The legal landscape for hazing in Texas provides specific tools for accountability. Understanding this framework is the first step toward justice for your family.

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37 (Hazing):
Texas has a dedicated anti-hazing statute. Key provisions include:

• Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor. If it causes serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a state jail felony. Individuals who fail to report hazing or who retaliate against reporters also face criminal charges.
• Organizational Liability: The fraternity, sorority, or team itself can be prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 per violation if it authorized or encouraged the hazing.
• Consent is NOT a Defense: Section 37.155 explicitly states that a victim’s consent is irrelevant. The law recognizes that “agreement” under peer pressure and coercion is not valid.
• Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting: Those who report hazing or call for medical help in an emergency are generally protected from related civil or criminal liability.

Civil Lawsuits vs. Criminal Cases:

• Criminal Cases: Brought by the state (DA’s office) to punish offenders with jail, fines, or probation. A criminal conviction is not required to file a civil suit.
• Civil Lawsuits: Brought by the victim and their family to seek financial compensation and institutional accountability. These cases address:
  • Negligence & Gross Negligence: Failure to exercise reasonable care.
  • Wrongful Death: In tragic cases where hazing leads to loss of life.
  • Negligent Supervision: Claims against nationals or universities for failing to oversee chapters.
  • Premises Liability: Claims against property owners where hazing occurred.
  • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress.

Federal Overlays: Title IX, Clery, and the Stop Campus Hazing Act
Federal laws add another layer of potential liability and require specific institutional responses, especially if hazing involves sexual harassment, discrimination, or occurs on campus property.

A National Crisis, A Texas Reality: Lessons from Landmark Cases

The devastating hazing incidents that make national news are not abstract; they are blueprints for the patterns we see in Texas. They establish legal precedents and demonstrate the severe consequences institutions now face.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern:

• Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi, 2017): Died from traumatic brain injuries after a bid-acceptance night of forced drinking. The delayed 911 call, captured on chapter house cameras, led to over 1,000 criminal charges and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.
• Max Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta, 2017): Died from alcohol toxicity after a “Bible study” drinking game. His death prompted Louisiana’s felony hazing statute, the Max Gruver Act.
• Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021): Forced to drink a bottle of whiskey; died from alcohol poisoning. His family secured a $10 million settlement ($7M from national Pi Kappa Alpha, ~$3M from the university).

The Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern:

• Chun “Michael” Deng (Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi, 2013): Died from brain injuries during a blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a remote retreat. The national fraternity was criminally convicted and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

The Athletic Program Pattern:

• Northwestern University Football (2023-2025): Widespread allegations of sexualized and racist hazing led to multiple lawsuits, the firing of the head coach, and confidential settlements, proving hazing permeates billion-dollar athletic programs.

What This Means for You: These cases show that juries and courts are holding organizations financially and criminally responsible. They create a playbook of evidence (security footage, group chats, prior incidents) that we use to build powerful cases for Texas families.

Texas University Focus: Where City of Blossom Families Send Their Kids

Parents in the City of Blossom and Lamar County often have students at regional schools like Texas A&M University-Commerce or the University of Texas at Tyler, as well as at the major flagship campuses across the state. Hazing risks exist at all these institutions.

University of Houston: A Current, Local Case Study

Our Active Litigation: The Leonel Bermudez / Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Case
Right now, we are leading the litigation in a case that exemplifies the brutal reality of modern hazing. In fall 2025, UH transfer student Leonel Bermudez pledged the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter.

• The Hazing: Allegations include being forced to carry a “pledge fanny pack” with humiliating items, endless chauffeuring duties, and extreme physical abuse. This included being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, and a November 3 workout of 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion. Another pledge was allegedly hog-tied face-down on a table for over an hour.
• The Catastrophic Injury: Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, was hospitalized for four days, and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.
• The Lawsuit: We filed a $10 million lawsuit against UH, the UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the chapter housing corporation, and 13 individual members. Following the allegations, the chapter was suspended and its members voted to surrender their charter. As reported by Click2Houston and ABC13, this case is a stark warning to all Texas families.

For UH Families: Reporting channels run through the Dean of Students and UHPD. Civil cases typically fall under Harris County jurisdiction.

Texas A&M University (College Station)

The A&M culture, including its robust Greek life and famed Corps of Cadets, has seen serious hazing allegations.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges alleged being doused with a mixture containing industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The chapter was suspended, and lawsuits were filed.
• Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Lawsuit (2023): A cadet alleged degrading hazing, including being bound between beds in a simulated sexual position with an apple in his mouth. He sought over $1 million in damages.

For Texas A&M & Corps Families: The university’s Student Conduct office and the Corps’ own command structure handle investigations. These cases demonstrate that liability extends beyond traditional Greek life.

University of Texas at Austin

UT Austin maintains a public “Hazing Violations” log, offering a transparent look at recurring issues.

• Public Log Patterns: The log shows repeated sanctions against groups for forced drinking, extreme calisthenics, and humiliation. For example, Pi Kappa Alpha was placed on probation in 2023 for directing new members to consume milk and perform strenuous exercise.
• SAE Assault Lawsuit (2024): An Australian exchange student sued an SAE chapter for over $1 million after allegedly being assaulted at a party, suffering a broken nose, dislocated leg, and fractured tibia.

For UT Austin Families: The public violation log can be critical evidence in a civil case, showing a pattern of known behavior the university or national organization failed to curb.

Southern Methodist University & Baylor University

These private institutions have also faced significant hazing incidents, from paddle-based hazing in SMU fraternities to team-based hazing within Baylor’s athletic programs. Their private status affects transparency but not liability.

The Greek Ecosystem in Texas: A Data-Driven Look for Blossom Families

Hazing litigation requires understanding the complex network of organizations behind a simple fraternity house facade. We maintain the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, built from public records, to track this network.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Connected to Texas Campuses
If you are a parent in the City of Blossom, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. Below is a snapshot of the thousands of Texas-registered entities we track.

• A Sample from IRS Public Filings (B83 Organizations):

  • Beta Upsilon Chi, EIN 742911848, Fort Worth, TX 76244 (IRS B83 filing)
  • Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc., EIN 741380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147 (IRS B83 filing)
  • Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Epsilon Kappa Chapter, EIN 746064445, Nederland, TX 77627 (IRS B83 filing)
  • Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Texas A&M University Chapter, EIN 900293166, College Station, TX 77843 (IRS B83 filing)
  • Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc. – Theta Delta Chapter, EIN 475370943, Houston, TX 77204 (IRS B83 filing)

• Metro-Level Presence (From Cause IQ Data):

  • The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro has over 510 Greek-related organizations.
  • The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro has over 188.
  • The Austin-Round Rock metro has over 154.

• National Brands with Texas Footprints (IRS-Cause IQ Overlap):

  • Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority appears in IRS data (EIN 364091267, Waco) and Cause IQ metro listings for Houston and Beaumont.
  • Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity appears in IRS data (EIN 746064445, Nederland) and Cause IQ listings for Houston and Beaumont alumni chapters.
  • Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity appears in IRS data (EIN 237279532, Prairie View) and Cause IQ listings for Beaumont alumni chapters.

This detailed mapping is not academic. In litigation, it allows us to identify every potentially liable entity—the local chapter, its housing corporation, its alumni association, and its national headquarters—each of which may carry insurance and bear responsibility.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages

Successfully pursuing accountability requires a meticulous, strategic approach from day one.

Critical Evidence Categories:

1. Digital Communications: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram DMs. We use digital forensics to recover deleted messages.
2. Photos & Videos: Content shot by participants, security footage from houses or nearby cameras.
3. Internal Documents: Pledge manuals, “tradition” lists, emails between officers.
4. University Records: Prior conduct files, Clery Act reports, internal investigation notes obtained through discovery or public records requests.
5. Medical Records: ER reports, hospitalization records, toxicology screens, and psychological evaluations diagnosing PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
6. Witness Testimony: Other pledges, former members, roommates, and RAs.

Understanding Damages in a Hazing Case:
Civil lawsuits seek to compensate for all harms, which can include:

• Economic Damages: All medical bills (past and future), lost wages, costs of psychological care, diminished future earning capacity if injuries are permanent.
• Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, trauma, humiliation, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Wrongful Death Damages: In the worst cases, families can seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and the profound grief and loss of companionship.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of especially reckless or malicious conduct, courts can award damages intended to punish the defendant and deter future behavior.

The Insurance Battle: Fraternities and universities carry insurance, but insurers often argue hazing is an “intentional act” excluded from coverage. Our insider knowledge—Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney—is invaluable in navigating these disputes and fighting for the coverage your family deserves.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Blossom Parents and Students

For Parents: Warning Signs and Action Steps

Warning Signs:

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns.
• Extreme fatigue, sleep deprivation, or drastic weight change.
• Withdrawal from family and old friends; intense secrecy about group activities.
• Constant, anxious phone use related to group chats.
• Personality changes: new anxiety, depression, or irritability.
• Sudden academic decline or loss of scholarship.

What to Do:

1. Prioritize Safety & Health: Get medical attention immediately.
2. Preserve Evidence: Help your child screenshot everything before messages are deleted. Photograph injuries.
3. Document: Write a detailed, dated narrative of what your child tells you.
4. Seek Legal Counsel Early: Contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 before reporting to the university or police. We can guide you on protecting evidence and navigating the process.
5. Understand University Reporting: You can report to the Dean of Students or campus police, but understand that the university’s primary interest may be limiting its own liability.

For Students: Is This Hazing?

Ask yourself:

• Am I being pressured or coerced?
• Would I do this if there were no social consequences for saying no?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Are we told to keep it secret from the university, advisors, or parents?
  If you answer “yes,” it is hazing. Your consent is not a legal defense for them.

How to Exit Safely:

• If in immediate danger, call 911.
• Tell a trusted person outside the group (parent, RA, friend) first.
• Submit your resignation in writing (email/text) to the chapter president. Do not attend a “final meeting.”
• Report any retaliation to campus authorities and your attorney.

Critical Mistakes That Can Damage a Case

• Deleting Evidence: Preserve all messages, even embarrassing ones.
• Confronting the Organization Directly: This triggers their legal defense and evidence destruction.
• Signing University Documents Without an Attorney: Universities may offer quick “resolutions” that waive your right to sue.
• Posting on Social Media: Defense lawyers scour social media for inconsistencies.
• Waiting to Act: Evidence disappears, witnesses become unavailable, and statutes of limitations apply.

FAQs for Texas Families

“Can we sue a public university like UH or Texas A&M?”
Yes. While sovereign immunity offers some protection, exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individual employees. These cases often result in substantial settlements.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Typically, two years from the date of injury in Texas, but this can vary based on specific circumstances. Do not delay. Our video on statutes of limitations explains the urgency.

“What if it happened off-campus at a rental house?”
Location does not eliminate liability. National fraternities and universities can still be responsible based on their sponsorship and control of the chapter.

“Will this be public? We want privacy.”
Most civil hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy while aggressively pursuing accountability.

Why Attorney911 for Your Hazing Case: Texas-Based, Nationally Relevant Expertise

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need attorneys who understand both the profound human toll and the complex legal battlefield against well-funded institutions. Here is why our firm is uniquely equipped to help families from the City of Blossom and across Texas:

1. We Are Fighting a Major Texas Hazing Case Right Now.
Our active representation of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi is not a past example—it is current, high-stakes litigation. This gives us immediate, firsthand experience with the tactics used by Texas universities and national fraternities in 2025.

2. Insider Insurance Knowledge from a Former Defense Attorney.
Mr. Lupe Peña (he/him) spent years as an attorney for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers value claims, dispute coverage, and use delay tactics. This insider perspective is a decisive advantage in maximizing your recovery. You can learn more about Mr. Peña’s background at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

3. Proven Experience Against Billion-Dollar Institutions.
Managing Partner Ralph Manginello was one of the few plaintiff attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation. We have fought corporate giants with unlimited legal budgets and won. We are not intimidated by national fraternity headquarters or university regents. Learn more about Ralph’s career at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

4. A Data-Driven Investigative Approach.
We don’t start from scratch. Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, with thousands of tracked organizations, allows us to immediately identify all potentially liable parties and uncover patterns of prior misconduct. We employ digital forensics experts, medical specialists, and economists to build an unassailable case.

5. Dual Civil & Criminal Capability.
Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand the criminal hazing process. We can effectively advise clients navigating both criminal investigations and civil lawsuits, protecting their rights at every turn.

6. Contingency Fee Basis.
We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis—you pay no upfront costs. Our fee comes only from the recovery we secure for you, aligning our success directly with yours. Watch our video explaining how contingency fees work.

Call to Action for City of Blossom and Lamar County Families

If you suspect your child has been hazed at any Texas campus—whether it’s a nearby school like Texas A&M-Commerce or a flagship like UT Austin—you have the right to seek answers and accountability. The path forward may feel overwhelming, but you do not have to walk it alone.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911) today for a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation. We serve families throughout Texas from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont.

In your consultation, we will:

• Listen carefully to your story and review any evidence you have.
• Explain the legal options specific to your situation.
• Discuss the realistic timeline and process.
• Answer all your questions about costs and what to expect.
• Provide the compassionate, expert guidance you need to make an informed decision.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) right now. You can also reach us directly at (713) 528-9070 or via email at ralph@atty911.com.

Se habla Español. For consultation in Spanish, please contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com.

Time is of the essence. Evidence fades, memories blur, and institutions close ranks. Take the first step toward protection and justice for your child. Call Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

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 (Español)