Hazing Lawsuits & Fraternity Abuse in Texas: A Complete Guide for Yoakum Families

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

Picture this: Your son from Yoakum, having graduated from Yoakum High School with pride, arrives at his chosen Texas university, full of promise. He decides to join a fraternity, hoping for brotherhood and campus connection. Weeks later, you get a call from a hospital in College Station or Houston. Your child is being treated for acute kidney failure after being forced through hundreds of squats and push-ups until he passed dark urine. Or perhaps your daughter from Lavaca County is subjected to humiliating rituals, sleep deprivation, and coerced drinking as part of her sorority “pledge education.” The university’s response is slow, defensive, and focused more on protecting its reputation than your child’s wellbeing.

This is not hypothetical. Right now, we’re fighting exactly this kind of case. In November 2025, we filed a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The allegations are shocking in their brutality: forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; hose spraying in the face “similar to waterboarding”; 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion; and the degrading “pledge fanny pack” rule requiring pledges to carry condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items at all times. Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, was hospitalized for four days, and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

If you’re a parent in Yoakum, Shiner, or anywhere across Lavaca County and the Crossroads region, this guide is for you. We’ll explain what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects your child, what’s happening at Texas universities where Yoakum families send their children, and what legal options you have when institutions fail to protect students.

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

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

For Yoakum families who may be unfamiliar with modern Greek life or campus traditions, hazing has evolved far beyond the “harmless pranks” of decades past. Today’s hazing is systematic, often digitally coordinated, and psychologically sophisticated.

Modern Hazing Definition

Hazing 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 make it legal when there’s peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion.

Five Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common and deadly form. Texas A&M families have seen cases where pledges were forced to consume entire bottles of liquor, participate in “family tree” drinking games where wrong answers mean forced drinks, or endure “big/little” nights with handles of hard alcohol. The Pi Kappa Phi case at UH involved forced consumption until vomiting, then immediate sprints.

2. Physical Hazing
From the Pi Kappa Phi “workouts” that caused kidney failure to Texas A&M Corps traditions that have led to lawsuits, physical hazing includes:

• Paddling and beatings (still prevalent despite national prohibitions)
• Extreme calisthenics (“smokings”) far beyond normal conditioning
• Sleep and food deprivation
• Exposure to extreme elements

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
The “pledge fanny pack” in the UH case exemplifies this category. Other examples include forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. These cause deep psychological harm that often outlasts physical injuries.

4. Psychological Hazing
Verbal abuse, threats, isolation, manipulation, and public shaming. This includes “roasting” sessions where members tear down pledges’ self-worth, often justified as “building character.”

5. Digital/Online Hazing
For Yoakum students who grew up with smartphones, this is particularly invasive:

• Group chat dares and challenges on GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord
• Public humiliation via Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok
• Pressure to create or share compromising content
• 24/7 availability demands with immediate punishment for delayed responses

Where Hazing Happens: Beyond Fraternity Row

While fraternities and sororities dominate hazing discussions, Yoakum families should know these practices occur in:

• Corps of Cadets/ROTC programs (particularly relevant for Texas A&M)
• Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
• Spirit squads and tradition clubs (Texas Cowboys, Singing Cadets)
• Marching bands and performance groups
• Service, cultural, and academic organizations

The common threads are power imbalance, tradition justification, and secrecy enforced through social pressure.

Texas Hazing Law: What Yoakum Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Foundation

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in the Education Code that protect students at both public and private institutions. For Yoakum families, understanding these laws is crucial.

§ 37.151 Definition
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

• Endangers mental or physical health or safety, AND
• Occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership

Key points for Yoakum parents:

• Location doesn’t matter (on-campus, off-campus, at retreats)
• Can be mental OR physical harm
• “Reckless” is enough – they don’t need malicious intent
• “Consent is not a defense” (Texas Education Code § 37.155)

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties

• Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing without 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
Fraternities, sororities, clubs, and universities can face:

• Fines up to $10,000 per violation
• Revocation of campus recognition
• Criminal prosecution if they authorized hazing or knew and failed to report

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting
Students who report hazing or call 911 in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability. Texas law and most university policies provide amnesty even for underage drinking when seeking medical help.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases

• Brought by the state (prosecutor)
• Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Common charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter
• Example: In the Pi Kappa Phi UH case, criminal referrals were made to law enforcement

Civil Cases

• Brought by victims or families
• Aim: Compensation and accountability
• Claims: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
• Important: Criminal conviction is NOT required for civil case

Yoakum families can pursue both tracks simultaneously. The Pi Kappa Phi case we’re litigating is a civil lawsuit seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and punitive damages to deter future conduct.

Federal Law Overlay

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

• Report hazing incidents transparently
• Strengthen hazing education and prevention
• Maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026)

Title IX & Clery Act
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. Clery requires reporting certain crimes – hazing often overlaps with assaults or alcohol crimes.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

1. Individual Students
Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up.

2. Local Chapter/Organization
The fraternity/sorority itself if incorporated. Officers and “pledge educators” often bear particular responsibility.

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters
Our Pi Kappa Phi case names the national headquarters because they:

• Set policies and receive dues
• Could and should have known about pattern violations
• Failed to adequately supervise the Beta Nu chapter

4. University or Governing Board
Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity but can be sued for gross negligence or deliberate indifference. Private schools (SMU, Baylor) have fewer protections.

5. Third Parties

• Landlords of event spaces
• Bars/alcohol providers (dram shop liability)
• Security companies

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The tragedies at other universities aren’t abstract news stories – they’re blueprints for what happens when institutions fail to protect students. Yoakum families should understand these patterns because the same fraternities, the same excuses, and the same cover-ups happen in Texas.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

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

• What happened: Pledge forced to drink entire bottle of whiskey during “big/little” night
• Legal outcome: $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
• Texas connection: Pi Kappa Alpha has chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, Baylor

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

• What happened: Pledge forced to drink during “Bible study” game; died with BAC of 0.495%
• Legal outcome: Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
• Texas connection: Phi Delta Theta has chapters at all major Texas universities

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

• What happened: Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking; fatal falls; delayed 911 call
• Legal outcome: Dozens of criminal charges; Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
• Pattern evidence: Delayed medical care, chapter cameras capturing abuse

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

• What happened: Pledge blindfolded, weighted down, tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat
• Legal outcome: National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
• Key lesson: Off-campus “retreats” are common hazing venues

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

• What happened: Players alleged sexualized, racist hazing over years
• Legal outcome: Multiple lawsuits; head coach fired; confidential settlements
• Texas relevance: Shows hazing extends beyond Greek life to big-money sports

What These Cases Mean for Yoakum Families

These national cases establish critical legal precedents that benefit Texas families:

1. Pattern evidence proves foreseeability
2. Multi-million dollar settlements show what cases are worth
3. Organizational liability extends to nationals and universities
4. Criminal convictions of organizations are possible

When we represent Yoakum families, we use these precedents to show that what happened to your child wasn’t an “isolated incident” but part of a predictable, preventable pattern.

Texas University Focus: Where Yoakum Students Attend

Yoakum families send their children to universities across Texas. Understanding each campus’s specific hazing landscape, reporting procedures, and historical incidents is crucial. We’ll focus on the five universities where we see the most hazing cases, starting with Texas A&M given its proximity to Yoakum.

Texas A&M University: Aggie Traditions and Hidden Dangers

Campus & Culture Snapshot

For many Yoakum students, Texas A&M in College Station is the natural choice – close enough to visit, prestigious enough to build a future. The Aggie culture emphasizes tradition, loyalty, and community. But within this culture exists the Corps of Cadets, over 60 Greek chapters, and numerous spirit organizations where hazing can hide behind “tradition.”

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting

Texas A&M prohibits hazing under University Rule 24.06.02 and Student Rule 24. The Office of Student Conduct investigates allegations. Notably, A&M has struggled with transparency compared to UT Austin’s public violations log.

Documented Incidents & Responses

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)

• What happened: Pledges allegedly forced to have industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit poured on them
• Injuries: Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
• Lawsuit: Pledges sued for $1 million
• University response: Chapter suspended for two years

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023)

• What happened: Cadet alleged being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth, subjected to simulated sexual acts
• Lawsuit: Sought over $1 million
• University response: Stated matter was handled under Corps regulations

Kappa Sigma Rhabdomyolysis Case (2023, ongoing)

• What happened: Allegations of extreme physical hazing causing rhabdomyolysis
• Status: Ongoing litigation
• Medical significance: Rhabdomyolysis – the same condition Leonel Bermudez suffered at UH – involves severe muscle breakdown that can cause kidney failure

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Proceeds

For Yoakum families, jurisdiction matters:

• Criminal: College Station PD or Texas A&M University PD
• Civil: Brazos County courts initially, potentially moved to federal court
• Potential defendants: Individuals, chapter, national fraternity, Texas A&M University System

What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

1. Report immediately to Office of Student Conduct AND College Station PD
2. Document everything – A&M’s large Greek community means rapid information spreading
3. Request prior conduct records of the organization through public records requests
4. Don’t rely solely on Corps or Greek life internal processes – they prioritize system protection

University of Houston: Urban Campus, Systemic Issues

Campus & Culture Snapshot

As Texas’s third-largest university, UH draws students from across the state, including Yoakum families seeking metropolitan opportunities. With over 40 Greek chapters and a diverse student body, hazing risks span traditional fraternities, multicultural organizations, and professional societies.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting

UH prohibits hazing under SAM 01.D.19. Reporting channels include Dean of Students, UHPD, and online forms. Notably, UH’s response to our Pi Kappa Phi case included calling the conduct “deeply disturbing” and cooperating with law enforcement.

The Flagship Case: Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi

Timeline of Abuse:

• Sept 16, 2025: Bermudez accepts bid
• Sept-Oct: Forced dress codes, overnight chauffeuring, degrading “pledge fanny pack”
• Oct 13: Another pledge hog-tied face-down with object in mouth for over an hour
• Nov 3: Bermudez forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
• Nov 6: Pi Kappa Phi national suspends chapter
• Nov 6-9: Bermudez hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure

Hazing Locations:

• Pi Kappa Phi chapter house at UH
• Culmore Drive residence (former member’s property)
• Yellowstone Boulevard Park for dawn workouts

Medical Catastrophe:

• Brown urine indicating muscle breakdown
• Critically high creatine kinase levels
• Four-day hospitalization
• Ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage

Defendants Include:

• University of Houston
• UH System Board of Regents
• Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
• Beta Nu housing corporation
• 13 individual fraternity leaders/members

Institutional Response:

• Chapter suspended Nov 6, 2025
• Charter surrendered Nov 14, 2025
• UH statement: “deeply disturbing” conduct

Previous UH Hazing Incidents:

Pi Kappa Alpha Lacerated Spleen Case (2016)

• What happened: Pledges deprived of food, water, sleep; one suffered lacerated spleen
• Outcome: Misdemeanor hazing charges; chapter suspension

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds

• Criminal: UHPD or Houston PD depending on location
• Civil: Harris County courts (where our Pi Kappa Phi case is filed)
• Strategic advantage: Houston’s legal community knows our firm’s reputation for complex litigation

What UH Students & Parents Should Do

1. Preserve digital evidence immediately – Houston’s large legal market means defendants act quickly
2. Report to both UHPD AND Houston PD – jurisdictional clarity matters
3. Request Clery Act reports showing prior incidents
4. Consult Houston-based hazing attorneys with federal court experience

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Continued Problems

Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin represents the pinnacle of Texas public education for many Yoakum families. With over 60 Greek chapters, elite spirit organizations like Texas Cowboys, and massive athletic programs, hazing risks are distributed across campus life.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting

UT stands out for its public Hazing Violations page (hazing.utexas.edu), listing organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions. This transparency benefits victims but also shows how pervasive hazing remains despite public shaming.

Documented Incidents & Responses

Public Violations Log Examples:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023)

• Conduct: New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
• Sanction: Probation, hazing-prevention education requirement
• Pattern: Similar to Pi Kappa Phi milk consumption at UH

Texas Wranglers Spirit Organization

• Conduct: Multiple hazing violations involving forced workouts, alcohol
• Significance: Shows hazing extends beyond Greek life

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024)

• What happened: Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party
• Injuries: Dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
• Lawsuit: Suing for over $1 million
• Context: Chapter already under suspension for prior violations

How a UT Austin Hazing Case Proceeds

• Criminal: UTPD or Austin PD
• Civil: Travis County courts, potentially removed to federal court
• Advantage: Public violations log provides ready-made pattern evidence

What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

1. Check the public violations log before your child joins any organization
2. Screen capture the log – it changes as cases resolve
3. Use UT’s transparency against them – if they knew about patterns, liability increases
4. Consider Austin and Houston counsel – we handle cases statewide

Southern Methodist University: Private Prestige, Private Problems

Campus & Culture Snapshot

For Yoakum families seeking private education, SMU’s Dallas campus offers prestige and strong Greek life (about 35% of students join fraternities/sororities). As a private institution, SMU has different legal responsibilities and transparency standards than public universities.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting

SMU prohibits hazing under Student Code of Conduct Section 5.3. Reporting channels include anonymous systems like Real Response. However, as a private school, SMU isn’t subject to Texas Public Information Act requests, making evidence gathering more challenging.

Documented Incidents & Responses

Kappa Alpha Order Paddling Case (2017)

• What happened: New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived
• Sanction: Chapter suspended until at least 2021
• Pattern: Paddling persists despite national prohibitions

Multiple Chapter Suspensions
SMU regularly suspends chapters for hazing but rarely discloses details publicly. This “private handling” can obscure patterns and protect the institution at victims’ expense.

How an SMU Hazing Case Proceeds

• Criminal: SMU PD or Dallas PD
• Civil: Dallas County courts
• Key difference: No sovereign immunity claims available against private university
• Challenge: Less public information means more aggressive discovery required

What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

1. Assume nothing is public – act quickly to preserve evidence
2. Use internal reporting systems but don’t rely on them exclusively
3. Prepare for institutional resistance – private schools protect their brands aggressively
4. Seek counsel with private university experience

Baylor University: Faith, Football, and Recurring Scandals

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor’s Waco campus attracts Yoakum families with its Christian identity and academic reputation. However, Baylor’s recent history includes major athletic scandals that reveal institutional protection patterns relevant to hazing cases.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting

Baylor prohibits hazing under Student Conduct Policy. Reporting goes through Student Conduct Administration. However, Baylor’s handling of the football sexual assault scandal suggests potential institutional protection tendencies.

Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020)

• What happened: 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Response: Staggered suspensions during early season
• Pattern: Athletic program hazing continuing despite national scrutiny

Multiple Greek Life Incidents
While less publicly documented than UT’s log, Baylor has suspended multiple fraternities for haizing over the years, often with minimal public explanation.

How a Baylor Hazing Case Proceeds

• Criminal: Baylor PD or Waco PD
• Civil: McLennan County courts
• Consideration: Baptist affiliation doesn’t limit liability but may affect jury pools
• Strategy: Use Baylor’s prior scandal responses as pattern evidence

What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

1. Document meticulously – Baylor’s closed culture means information control
2. Report to multiple channels simultaneously
3. Consider Waco and Houston counsel – we serve families statewide
4. Don’t be swayed by religious appeals to “handle internally”

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

If you’re a parent in Yoakum, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. Below is a sampling from our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine – a proprietary database tracking 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. These are public records, and we maintain this directory so families never start from zero.

Tier 1: Lavaca County & Crossroads Region Organizations

While Yoakum itself doesn’t host university campuses, these regional Greek entities serve families throughout the Crossroads:

Educational Honor Societies with Lavaca County Presence:

• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – University of Houston-Victoria, 3001 N Ben Wilson, Victoria, TX 77901 (IRS EIN: 900293167)
• Delta Kappa Gamma Society chapters serving the Victoria metro area (Cause IQ records)

Regional Alumni Chapters:

• Gulf Coast Alumni organizations with connections to regional universities
• Various NPHC (Divine Nine) alumni chapters serving Central Texas

Tier 2: Major Texas Universities Yoakum Families Actually Attend

These examples show the organizational infrastructure behind fraternities at schools where Yoakum students enroll:

Texas A&M University System (Closest Major University to Yoakum):

• Gentlemen of Aggie Tradition, 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S Ste 100, College Station, TX 77845 (IRS EIN: 880537463)
• Beta Theta Pi – Eta Chapter House Corporation, College Station, TX (Cause IQ: College Station Metro)
• Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon Chapter, College Station, TX (Cause IQ listing)
• Texas Nu-Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, 1016 Fairview Ave, College Station, TX 77840 (IRS EIN: 814123811)

University of Houston System:

• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035 (IRS EIN: 462267515)
• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter, 4300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204 (IRS EIN: 746084905)
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae, Houston, TX (Cause IQ: Houston Metro)
• Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity – Eta Rho Sigma, Houston, TX (Cause IQ graduate chapter)

University of Texas System:

• Chi Omega House Corporation, 2711 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705 (IRS EIN: 740555581)
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp, Austin, TX (Cause IQ: Austin Metro)
• Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi, 2620 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705 (IRS EIN: 746047117)

Baylor University:

• Texas Rho Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, 3217 S 3rd St, Waco, TX 76706 (IRS EIN: 741942292)
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Nu Iota Chapter, PO Box 2033, Waco, TX 76703 (IRS EIN: 521346485)
• Phi Gamma Delta – Tau Deuteron Chapter, Waco, TX (Cause IQ: Waco Metro)

Southern Methodist University:

• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc, PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147 (IRS EIN: 741380362)
• Chi Omega Educational Corporation, Fort Worth, TX (Cause IQ: DFW Metro)
• Tri Delta Educational Fund of SMU, Dallas, TX (Cause IQ listing)

Tier 3: Texas-Wide Greek Infrastructure

Our database tracks 125 Texas-registered IRS B83 organizations plus 129 Cause IQ metro organizations across 15 metros. Here are additional examples showing the scale:

Academic Honor Societies (Present at Multiple Campuses):

• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, 411 Texas St Rm 219, Denton, TX 76204 (IRS EIN: 263170920) – Texas Woman’s University
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, 3900 University Blvd, Tyler, TX 75799 (IRS EIN: 352335400) – UT Tyler
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, 500 W University Ave, El Paso, TX 79968 (IRS EIN: 383742830) – UT El Paso
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, 3601 4th Street, Lubbock, TX 79430 (IRS EIN: 820644459) – Texas Tech Health Sciences

Multicultural & NPHC Organizations:

• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, 1101 Melrose Dr, Waco, TX 76710 (IRS EIN: 364091267)
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, PO Box 2142, Prairie View, TX 77446 (IRS EIN: 237279532)
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Alpha Kappa Omega, Houston, TX (Cause IQ graduate chapter)
• Omega Psi Phi Fraternity – Theta Chi Chapter, Houston, TX (Cause IQ graduate chapter)

Professional & Service Organizations:

• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Inc, PO Box 271704, Houston, TX 77277 (IRS EIN: 760221936)
• Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity chapters at multiple campuses (Cause IQ listings)
• Delta Kappa Gamma Society educators’ chapters across Texas metros

Why This Directory Matters for Yoakum Families:

1. Identifies liable entities beyond the undergraduate chapter
2. Shows organizational depth – housing corporations, alumni associations, foundations
3. Reveals insurance sources – each entity may have separate coverage
4. Proves pattern capability – national brands operate consistently across Texas

We already know the names, EINs, and mailing addresses of the organizations that may hold insurance and responsibility. If your child was hazed anywhere in Texas—whether here in Yoakum or on a campus hours away—call 1-888-ATTY-911. We start investigations with this data in hand.

National Fraternity & Sorority Histories: Patterns That Predict Texas Behavior

The same national organizations operating at Texas universities have hazing histories across the country. For Yoakum families, understanding these patterns is crucial because what happened at Bowling Green or Penn State predicts what can happen at Texas A&M or UH.

Why National Histories Matter Legally

When a Texas chapter repeats conduct that caused death or injury elsewhere, that shows:

1. Foreseeability – The national knew or should have known the risks
2. Pattern evidence – This wasn’t an “isolated incident”
3. Negligent supervision – Nationals failed to prevent predictable harm

Major National Organizations with Texas Presence

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – Chapters at UT, Texas A&M, UH, Baylor

• Stone Foltz death (BGSU 2021): $10 million settlement
• David Bogenberger death (NIU 2012): $14 million settlement
• Texas pattern: Multiple chapter suspensions at UT, other schools

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Chapters at all major Texas universities

• Multiple deaths nationwide: Called “the deadliest fraternity” by some analysts
• Traumatic brain injury lawsuit (Alabama 2023)
• Texas incidents: Chemical burns at Texas A&M, assault at UT Austin

Pi Kappa Phi – Chapter at UH (now closed)

• Andrew Coffey death (FSU 2017)
• Leonel Bermudez injury (UH 2025): Our active $10 million lawsuit
• Pattern: Alcohol hazing during “big/little” events

Phi Delta Theta – Chapters throughout Texas

• Max Gruver death (LSU 2017): Led to Louisiana felony hazing law
• Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games

Beta Theta Pi – Texas chapters

• Timothy Piazza death (Penn State 2017): 18 members charged, new Pennsylvania law
• Pattern: Delayed medical care, chapter camera evidence

Sigma Chi – Strong Texas presence

• College of Charleston case (2024): $10+ million settlement for physical/psychological hazing
• UT Arlington case (2020): Hospitalization from alcohol poisoning

Sorority Hazing: Not Just “Fraternity Problem”

While less publicized, sorority hazing occurs and includes:

• Kappa Kappa Gamma: DePauw University branding incident (1997)
• Multiple sororities: Sleep deprivation, forced drinking, psychological abuse
• Texas reality: Our firm handles sorority hazing cases regularly

How We Use National Histories in Texas Cases

1. Discovery demands: We subpoena national headquarters for prior incident reports
2. Pattern arguments: “You knew this could happen because it happened at 10 other chapters”
3. Punitive damages: Repeated warnings ignored = reckless disregard
4. Insurance coverage: Nationals’ knowledge affects policy application

For Yoakum families, the takeaway is clear: The fraternity that hazed your child likely has a history of similar conduct elsewhere. That history becomes your leverage for accountability.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

When Yoakum families come to us after a hazing incident, we follow a systematic approach honed over 25+ years of complex litigation. Here’s what building a serious hazing case involves.

Critical Evidence Categories

1. Digital Communications (Most Important Today)

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack
• Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook
• Recovery capability: We work with digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages
• Example: In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, group chats showed planning and coercion

2. Photos & Videos

• Member-recorded content: Often shared in group chats
• Security footage: Chapter house cameras, doorbell cameras
• Social media posts: Even deleted posts can sometimes be recovered
• Injury documentation: Timeline photos showing progression

3. Internal Organization Documents

• Pledge manuals/”bibles”: Often contain required activities
• National policies: Show what should have been prevented
• Chapter communications: Emails, texts about “tradition”
• Risk management files: Nationals’ documentation

4. University Records

• Prior conduct files: Obtained through discovery or public records requests
• Clery Act reports: Required crime statistics
• Internal investigations: Often poorly documented but discoverable
• UT Austin’s public log: Ready-made evidence source

5. Medical & Psychological Records

• Emergency treatment: ER records, ambulance reports
• Specialist care: Nephrologists for kidney damage, psychiatrists for PTSD
• Toxicology reports: Blood alcohol levels, drug screens
• Psychological evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses

6. Witness Testimony

• Other pledges: Often afraid but may cooperate with protection
• Former members: Those who quit over hazing concerns
• Roommates/RA’s: Observed changes or injuries
• Medical providers: Documented statements about cause

Damages: What Yoakum Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable)

• Medical expenses: Past and future (ER, hospitalization, therapy, medications)
• Lost income: Time off work for student or parent
• Educational costs: Withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships
• Future earning capacity: If injuries cause permanent disability

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain & suffering: From injuries during and after hazing
• Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment: Can’t participate in college life normally
• Reputational harm: Social stigma

Wrongful Death Damages

• Funeral/burial costs
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship, love, society
• Parents’/siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages

• Purpose: Punish especially reckless conduct, deter future hazing
• When awarded: Prior warnings ignored, particularly cruel conduct, cover-ups
• Texas caps: Generally limited but can be substantial

Settlement Values: What Serious Cases Are Worth

Based on national precedents relevant to Texas cases:

Death Cases: $1M–$14M

• Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha): $10M total
• David Bogenberger (Pi Kappa Alpha): $14M
• Max Gruver (Phi Delta Theta): $6.1M verdict plus confidential settlements
• Timothy Piazza (Beta Theta Pi): Multiple confidential settlements

Severe Injury Cases: $375K–Multi-Million

• Danny Santulli brain injury (Phi Gamma Delta): Settlements with 22 defendants
• Sigma Chi College of Charleston: $10M+ for physical/psychological hazing
• SAE chemical burns (Texas A&M): $1M lawsuit (confidential settlement likely)

Individual Officer Liability

• Pi Kappa Alpha president Daylen Dunson: Personally ordered to pay $6.5M

Insurance Coverage Battles

Why This Matters:
Fraternities, sororities, and universities carry insurance that may cover hazing claims. However, insurers often argue:

1. Intentional acts exclusion: “Hazing was intentional, not covered”
2. Criminal acts exclusion: “Hazing is a crime, excluded”
3. Policy limits: “We only cover up to $X”

Our Insurance Insider Advantage:
Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows:

• How insurers value (and undervalue) claims
• Their delay and denial tactics
• How to counter coverage arguments
• When to pursue bad faith claims

Multiple Policy Sources We Investigate:

1. National fraternity/sorority general liability
2. Chapter/house corporation policies
3. University liability coverage
4. Individual member homeowner’s policies
5. Umbrella/excess coverage

Practical Guides & FAQs for Yoakum Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Action Steps

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical signs:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts (especially if excuses don’t add up)
• Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Weight changes from food/water restriction
• Sleep deprivation (late-night calls, 3 AM “meetings”)
• Chemical burns, rashes, skin damage
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (slurred speech, vomiting, confusion)

Behavioral & emotional changes:

• Sudden secrecy about organization activities
• Withdrawal from family and old friends
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
• Defensive when asked about the group
• Fear of “getting the chapter in trouble”
• Constant phone monitoring for group chat demands

Academic red flags:

• Grades dropping suddenly
• Missing classes or falling asleep in class
• Skipping assignments for “mandatory” events
• Losing scholarships

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing

1. Ask open questions: “How are things going with [organization]?”
2. Focus on safety: “Are they respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
3. Be non-judgmental: If they open up, listen without anger at them
4. Emphasize support: “Nothing you tell me will make me love you less”
5. Ask directly if needed: “Have you been hurt or made to do things that scare you?”

48-Hour Action Checklist for Parents

Hour 1–6 (Immediate Crisis):
✅ Get medical attention if injured/intoxicated
✅ Remove from dangerous situation
✅ Screenshot any messages shown to you
✅ Photograph visible injuries
✅ Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911

Hour 6–24 (Evidence Preservation):
✅ Help child preserve ALL digital evidence (don’t delete anything)
✅ Secure physical evidence (clothing, objects, receipts)
✅ Request medical records
✅ Write down witness names/contact info
✅ Note university communications (don’t respond yet)

Hour 24–48 (Strategic Decisions):
✅ Consult experienced hazing attorney (1-888-ATTY-911)
✅ Decide on reporting to police/campus (with attorney guidance)
✅ Refer university to your attorney
✅ Do NOT talk to insurance adjusters
✅ Backup all evidence to cloud storage

For Students: Is This Hazing? What Are My Rights?

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something unsafe?
• Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would my parents/university approve if they knew exactly what’s happening?
• Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do themselves?
• Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this?

If You Answered YES: It’s likely hazing. You have rights.

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

1. You cannot be punished for calling 911 in a medical emergency (good-faith immunity)
2. Hazing is a crime – you’re the victim, not the perpetrator
3. “Consent” is not a defense under Texas law
4. You can request no-contact orders through the university
5. You have 2 years generally to file a civil lawsuit (but act much sooner)

How to Exit Safely:

1. If in immediate danger: Call 911
2. To quit/de-pledge: Email/text chapter president: “I resign effective immediately”
3. Do NOT go to “one last meeting” – that’s where pressure/intimidation happens
4. Tell someone outside the org first (parent, RA, friend) for safety
5. Document any retaliation – it’s illegal

For Witnesses/Former Members: Coming Forward

If you witnessed hazing or participated and now regret it:

Why Your Testimony Matters:

• Prevents future harm to others
• Provides crucial evidence for victims
• Can be part of your own healing/accountability

Legal Protections:

• Good-faith reporter immunity in Texas
• Whistleblower protections at many universities
• Confidentiality options in civil cases
• Possible immunity agreements in criminal cases

How to Come Forward Safely:

1. Consult your own attorney first (we can refer you)
2. Document what you know while memory is fresh
3. Preserve any evidence you have (texts, photos, videos)
4. Understand your potential exposure (if you participated)
5. Consider the moral imperative – your testimony could save lives

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

Mistake #1: Letting Your Child Delete Evidence

• What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
• Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice
• What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

Mistake #2: Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly

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

Mistake #3: Signing University “Resolution” Forms

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

Mistake #4: Posting on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer

• What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
• Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
• What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

Mistake #5: Waiting “To See How the University Handles It”

• What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally”
• Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
• What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

Frequently Asked Questions for Yoakum Families

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

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law makes hazing a Class B misdemeanor default, but it becomes a state jail felony if causing serious bodily injury or death. Our Pi Kappa Phi case involves felony-level injuries.

“My child ‘agreed’ to the initiation – do we have a case?”
Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure isn’t voluntary.

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

“What if hazing happened off-campus at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat) occurred off-campus with massive liability.

“Will my child’s name be public?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed records and confidential settlements. We prioritize family privacy while pursuing accountability.

“How much does it cost to hire your firm?”
We work on contingency fee – no upfront costs, no fee unless we win. We advance case expenses and get repaid from recovery. This makes justice accessible to all families.

“Do you handle cases outside Houston?”
Yes. We’re based in Houston but serve families statewide. We have offices in Austin and Beaumont, and handle cases wherever Texas hazing occurs. Yoakum families receive the same dedicated representation.

Why Attorney911 for Texas 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. Here’s why Yoakum families choose The Manginello Law Firm.

Our Competitive Advantages for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Knowledge (Mr. Lupe Peña)

• Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
• Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers value (and undervalue) claims
• Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, settlement strategies
• “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello)

• BP Texas City explosion litigation – one of few Texas firms involved
• Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
• “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Results

• Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
• Economist collaboration for lifetime care valuation
• Experience with brain injury, permanent disability cases
• “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise

• Ralph’s Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) membership
• Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
• Can advise witnesses/former members with dual exposure
• Knows when to push for criminal referrals

Investigative Depth & Resources

• Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
• Experience obtaining hidden evidence (group chats, chapter records, university files)
• Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine with 1,423 Greek organizations tracked
• “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Spanish-Language Services

• Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish
• Full service available for Hispanic families
• Cultural understanding of Texas demographics

Our Approach: Empathy Meets Aggression

We understand this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our approach balances:

For the Family:

• Compassionate, patient guidance through trauma
• Regular communication (we update every 2-3 weeks)
• Respect for privacy and healing process
• No pressure tactics – you control the decisions

For the Case:

• Aggressive evidence preservation and discovery
• Strategic pressure on all liable parties
• Preparation for trial from day one (most cases settle when defendants know we’re ready)
• Maximum leverage through thorough investigation

For Accountability:

• Pursuing policy changes to prevent future harm
• Public accountability when appropriate
• Financial compensation that reflects true harm
• Deterrence through substantial recoveries

Call to Action for Yoakum Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether Texas A&M just up Highway 77-A, UH in Houston, UT in Austin, or any other school—we want to hear from you. Families in Yoakum, Shiner, Hallettsville, and throughout Lavaca County and the Crossroads region have the right to answers and accountability.

Your Free, Confidential Consultation

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to what happened, explain your legal options, and help you decide the best path forward.

What to expect:

1. We listen without judgment – Your story matters
2. Evidence review – We’ll look at any photos, texts, medical records you have
3. Legal options explained – Criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
4. Realistic expectations – Timelines, challenges, potential outcomes
5. Cost discussion – Contingency fee means no upfront costs
6. No pressure – Take time to decide
7. Complete confidentiality – Everything you tell us is protected

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 (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Spanish Services:
Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish
Servicios legales en español disponibles

Serving All Texas:
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices
Families throughout Texas, including Yoakum and Lavaca County

Final Message to Yoakum Families

Whether your child attends Texas A&M in College Station, UH in Houston, UT in Austin, or any Texas campus, hazing is never acceptable, never “just tradition,” and never the victim’s fault. The institutions that should protect students—universities, national fraternities, alumni boards—often prioritize reputation over safety.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. We’re fighting these battles right now (see our Pi Kappa Phi UH case), and we have the experience, resources, and determination to help your family find accountability and closure.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Let’s discuss what happened, what we can do about it, and how we can help prevent this from happening to another Yoakum family.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

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

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

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

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:

1. Evidence Preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

2. Statute of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

3. Client Mistakes to Avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

4. Contingency Fees Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website:

1. Main Site & Contact: 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) 4437-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com