A Message to Normangee Families: When Hazing Strikes Close to Home
For parents in Normangee, the image of your child leaving for college is filled with hope—for new friendships, academic growth, and a bright future. You trust the university to be a safe haven. But for some families in Leon County and across Texas, that trust is shattered by a phone call in the night, a trip to a distant hospital, or the devastating realization that their child has been subjected to brutal, systematic abuse in the name of “tradition.”
Right now, in our own state, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after enduring months of alleged hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. The details, as reported in a $10 million lawsuit, are harrowing: a humiliating “pledge fanny pack,” forced overconsumption of food until vomiting, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and extreme workouts culminating in a medical catastrophe. His urine was brown. He was hospitalized for four days. The Pi Kappa Phi chapter has been shut down, but the physical and psychological wounds for Leonel remain.
This isn’t an isolated incident in a faraway state. It happened at the University of Houston. The same national fraternities and sororities that operate at UH also have chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, and campuses across the state where Normangee students proudly enroll. The culture that enables this abuse is not confined by city limits.
This guide is for you—the parents, grandparents, and families in Normangee, Leon County, Madison, and throughout Central Texas. If you suspect your child is being hazed, if they’ve come home injured or changed, or if tragedy has already struck, you are not alone. We will explain what hazing looks like today, the Texas laws designed to protect your child, the national patterns that put every student at risk, and, most importantly, the path toward accountability and healing.
IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENIES:
- 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. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an immediate, confidential consultation.
Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas
Hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypical “prank.” It is a calculated system of control, degradation, and risk-taking disguised as bonding. For Normangee families, understanding its modern forms is the first step in recognizing danger.
A Modern Definition of Hazing:
Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—on or off campus—directed against a student for the purpose of joining, maintaining membership in, or gaining status within a group, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student. Crucially, under Texas law, the victim’s “consent” is not a defense.
Main Categories of Hazing:
- Alcohol & Substance Hazing: The most common and deadly. This includes forced consumption during “lineups,” “Big/Little” reveals (like the Foltz and Coffey cases), drinking games like “Bible study” (the Gruver case), and coerced use of drugs or unknown substances.
- Physical Hazing: This ranges from “smokings” (extreme, punitive calisthenics) and paddling to sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme elements. The alleged “workouts” that led to Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis at UH are a severe example.
- Sexualized & Humiliating Hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes or positions, and acts involving racial or sexist slurs. This creates profound psychological trauma.
- Psychological Hazing: Verbal abuse, intimidation, isolation from friends and family, “silent treatment,” and threats of expulsion from the group.
- Digital Hazing: A 2025 reality. This includes 24/7 monitoring via group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp), forced participation in humiliating social media “challenges,” location tracking, and threats delivered through digital channels.
Where Hazing Happens:
While fraternities and sororities are often the focus, hazing pervades many groups:
- Interfraternity Council (IFC) & Panhellenic Sororities
- National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC – Divine Nine) organizations
- Multicultural Greek Councils (MGC)
- Corps of Cadets, ROTC, and military-style groups
- Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading)
- Spirit and Tradition Groups (like Texas Cowboys or Aggie Bonfire crews)
- Marching Bands and Performance Ensembles
- Academic and Service Clubs
The common thread is a power imbalance between new and existing members, exploited under the guise of tradition.
Law & Liability Framework: Texas and Federal Laws
Texas has specific laws against hazing, and federal statutes add another layer of potential accountability. Understanding this framework is crucial for Normangee families seeking justice.
Texas Education Code – Chapter 37 (Hazing):
- Definition (§37.151): Broadly defines hazing as reckless or intentional acts that endanger physical/mental health for purposes of initiation or affiliation.
- Criminal Penalties (§37.152): Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor. It becomes a Class A misdemeanor if it causes injury and a STATE JAIL FELONY if it causes serious bodily injury or death.
- Organizational Liability (§37.153): The fraternity, sorority, or club itself can be fined up to $10,000 and lose university recognition.
- Consent is NOT a Defense (§37.155): This critical provision means a student “agreeing” to participate does not absolve those who haze.
- Good-Faith Reporting Immunity (§37.154): Those who report hazing or call for medical help in good faith are protected from liability.
Criminal vs. Civil Cases:
- Criminal Cases: Brought by the state (DA’s office). Goal: punishment (jail, fines, probation). Charges can include hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, or manslaughter.
- Civil Cases: Brought by the victim/family. Goal: financial compensation (damages) and accountability. This is where families can recover costs for medical bills, trauma, and future care. A criminal conviction is not required to file a civil lawsuit.
Federal Law Overlay:
- Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents and strengthen prevention programs.
- Title IX: If hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility, the university has a duty to respond under federal law.
- Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain crimes, including some aggravated hazing incidents, in annual campus security reports.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Case?
- Individual Students who planned, executed, or covered up the hazing.
- The Local Chapter as a legal entity.
- The National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters for negligent supervision, failure to enforce policies, or known patterns of abuse.
- The University for negligent oversight, deliberate indifference to known risks, or Title IX violations.
- Third Parties like property owners, landlords of off-campus houses, or alcohol providers.
National Hazing Case Patterns: The Scripts That Repeat
The tragic cases that make national headlines are not anomalies; they are blueprints that repeat. For Normangee families, these stories prove the foreseeable danger universities and national organizations fail to prevent.
The Alcohol Poisoning Script:
- Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi, 2017): A bid-acceptance night with forced drinking, captured on chapter house cameras. Falls, delayed help, death. Result: Dozens of criminal charges, civil suits, and Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.”
- Max Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta, 2017): A “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant drinking. Fatal alcohol poisoning. Result: Criminal convictions and Louisiana’s “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony.
- Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021): Pledge forced to drink a bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. Died from alcohol poisoning. Result: $10 million in total settlements ($7M from national Pike, ~$3M from BGSU), criminal convictions.
- Andrew Coffey (Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi, 2017): Another “Big Brother” night, another fatal alcohol poisoning. The national pattern is undeniable.
The Physical Ritual Script:
- Chun “Michael” Deng (Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi, 2013): Pledge died from traumatic brain injury after a blindfolded, violent “glass ceiling” ritual at a remote retreat. Result: National fraternity criminally convicted, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.
The Athletic Program Script:
- Northwestern University Football (2023-2025): Allegations of widespread sexualized and racist hazing led to multiple lawsuits, the firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald, and confidential settlements. Proof that hazing thrives in high-profile, non-Greek environments.
What This Means for Texas: The same fraternities—Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Phi—that faced these catastrophic failures elsewhere have active chapters at Texas universities. The national organizations already know the risks. When they fail to prevent identical tragedies here, it constitutes powerful evidence of negligence.
Texas Focus: Where Normangee Students Go to School
Normangee families send their children to universities across our great state. The following campuses, their Greek ecosystems, and their documented histories are directly relevant to your family’s safety and legal rights.
For families with students at or considering these schools, this is essential intelligence.
University of Houston (UH) – A Current Crisis
Campus Snapshot: A major public, urban research university with a significant Greek life presence spanning IFC, NPHC, and Multicultural councils.
The Flagship Case – Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi:
This is not a historical case; it is active, current litigation we are leading. The allegations against the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at UH, as detailed in the Click2Houston report and ABC13 coverage, include:
- The degrading “pledge fanny pack” rule.
- Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting.
- Extreme physical hazing: sprints, bear crawls, “save-your-brother” drills in cold weather.
- Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.”
- The November 3rd workout: 100+ push-ups and 500 squats leading to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
- Another pledge being hog-tied face-down for over an hour.
Defendants: UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national HQ, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual members. The chapter was suspended November 6, 2025, and voted to surrender its charter on November 14, 2025.
For UH Families: This case proves severe, life-altering hazing is happening at UH now. It demonstrates the need for aggressive legal action to uncover institutional knowledge and hold every responsible entity accountable.
Texas A&M University – Corps Culture and Greek Life
Campus Snapshot: A university defined by tradition, with a massive Greek system and the nationally renowned Corps of Cadets. Both environments have faced serious hazing allegations.
Documented Incidents:
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Chemical Burns Lawsuit (2021): Pledges alleged they were doused with a mixture including industrial-strength cleaner and raw eggs, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The chapter was suspended; lawsuits sought over $1 million.
- Corps of Cadets – “Roasted Pig” Lawsuit (2023): A cadet alleged brutal hazing including being bound between beds in a simulated sexual position with an apple in his mouth, among other degrading acts. The lawsuit sought over $1 million in damages.
For Texas A&M & Normangee Families: The blend of intense tradition in both Greek and Corps life creates unique risks. Hazing here is often defended as “character building.” The law sees it differently. Our experience includes investigating these closed systems and fighting their insurance carriers.
University of Texas at Austin – Public Records and Patterns
Campus Snapshot: A flagship institution with one of the most transparent hazing disclosure policies in the country via its public Hazing Violations log.
Documented Incidents (From UT’s Own Log):
- Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): Sanctioned for directing new members to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics.
- Texas Wranglers (Spirit Group): Sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing.
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): Faced lawsuits and university scrutiny over alleged assaults and hazing, including a 2024 case where an exchange student suffered a broken nose, dislocated leg, and fractured tibia.
For UT Austin Families: UT’s public log is a double-edged sword. It shows accountability but also reveals patterns. When a chapter has prior violations, it strengthens a civil case by proving the university and national organization had clear notice of dangerous behavior.
Southern Methodist University (SMU) & Baylor University – Private School Context
SMU Snapshot: A private university with a prominent, affluent Greek life scene.
- Kappa Alpha Order (2017): Chapter suspended after reports of paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation.
Baylor Snapshot: A private Christian university with a complex history regarding institutional response to misconduct.
- Baylor Baseball (2020): 14 players suspended following a hazing investigation.
For Private University Families: While sovereign immunity arguments differ from public schools, these institutions have deep-pocketed insurance and powerful reputations to protect. They often seek quick, confidential resolutions. Having counsel that is not intimidated by private institutions is critical.
Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories and Local Chapters
The letters on the house are not just local. They are part of a national brand with a known history. For Normangee parents, understanding this link is key to understanding liability.
Why National Histories Matter in Court:
If a chapter at UT Austin repeats the same forced-drinking “Big/Little” ritual that killed Stone Foltz at Bowling Green (Pi Kappa Alpha), the national headquarters cannot claim ignorance. This “pattern evidence” establishes foreseeability, a cornerstone of negligence law. It can also support claims for punitive damages.
A Sample of National Organizations Present at Texas Schools:
- Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ): National pattern of alcohol-related hazing deaths (Foltz, Bogenberger).
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ): Numerous hazing deaths and injuries nationally; multiple Texas chapter lawsuits (A&M chemical burns, UT assault).
- Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): Max Gruver hazing death at LSU.
- Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Andrew Coffey hazing death at FSU; the active UH/Bermudez case.
- Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ): History of paddling and physical hazing; SMU chapter suspension.
Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks these connections. We maintain a database of over 1,400 Greek-linked organizations in Texas, from national housing corporations (with EINs like 462267515 for the Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corporation in Frisco) to local alumni chapters. This investigative depth means we don’t start from scratch; we know the organizational landscape behind the letters.
Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages
Pursuing a hazing case is a complex forensic and legal undertaking. It requires an attorney who understands both the digital landscape and institutional defense tactics.
Critical Evidence Categories:
- Digital Communications: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram DMs. We use digital forensics to recover deleted messages. Watch our video on using your phone to document evidence.
- Photos/Videos: From social media stories, phone galleries, and security cameras.
- Internal Documents: Pledge manuals, “tradition” lists, chapter meeting notes.
- University Records: Prior conduct violations, Clery Act reports, internal investigation files (obtained through discovery).
- Medical Records: ER reports, toxicology screens, psychiatric evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety.
- Witness Testimony: Other pledges, former members, roommates, RAs.
Understanding Damages (What Can Be Recovered):
- Economic Damages: Medical bills (past/future), lost wages, diminished earning capacity (for permanent disability), educational costs (withdrawn semesters).
- Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, humiliation, loss of enjoyment of life.
- Wrongful Death Damages (for families): Funeral costs, loss of companionship, parents’ emotional suffering.
- Punitive Damages: In egregious cases, to punish the defendant and deter future conduct.
The Insurance Fight:
Fraternities and universities carry insurance. Their insurers often initially deny coverage, claiming hazing is an “intentional act” excluded from policies. Our unique advantage is Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows their tactics, how they value claims, and how to overcome coverage disputes.
Practical Guides & FAQs for Normangee Families
For Parents – Warning Signs:
- Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns.
- Extreme fatigue, sleep deprivation.
- Sudden withdrawal, anxiety, or depression.
- Secrecy about group activities; being “on call” 24/7 for the group.
- Financial charges for alcohol, costumes, or unexplained “fines.”
For Students – “Is This Hazing?”
Ask yourself: Would I do this if I had a real, pressure-free choice? Is it dangerous, degrading, or secret? If yes, it’s hazing. Your “consent” under pressure is not a legal defense for them.
Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin a Case:
- Deleting digital evidence. Preserve all chats and photos.
- Confronting the chapter directly, prompting them to destroy evidence and lawyer up.
- Signing university settlement offers without attorney review.
- Posting about the incident on social media, giving defense attorneys ammunition.
- Waiting too long. Texas has a statute of limitations. Learn more about legal deadlines here.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- “Can we sue the university?” Yes, depending on the facts. Public universities have some immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence or Title IX violations.
- “What if it happened off-campus?” Location does not absolve liability. Nationals and universities can still be responsible for off-campus conduct they sponsor or know about.
- “How long do we have?” Generally, two years from the date of injury in Texas, but this can vary. Do not delay.
- “Will this be public?” Most cases settle confidentially. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing maximum accountability.
- “Can we afford a lawyer?” We work on a contingency fee basis. We explain how this works here. You pay no upfront fees; we only get paid if we recover money for you.
Why Attorney911 for Normangee Hazing Cases
When your family is facing a hazing crisis, you need more than a lawyer; you need advocates who understand the institutions you’re up against and have the proven skill to fight them.
Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation:
- Active, High-Stakes Texas Hazing Experience: We are currently leading the Leonel Bermudez v. UH Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit. We are not theorizing about hazing law; we are practicing it at the highest level right now in Texas courts.
- Insurance Insider Knowledge (Mr. Lupe Peña): Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney for national firms. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers try to deny, delay, and underpay claims. We know their playbook because we used to run it.
- Complex Institutional Litigation Background: Ralph Manginello was one of the few plaintiff attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, facing billion-dollar defendants. Universities and national fraternities have deep pockets and elite lawyers; we are not intimidated.
- Data-Driven Investigation: We utilize our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a proprietary compilation of public records on thousands of Greek entities—to map liability and uncover patterns.
- Dual Civil & Criminal Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both sides of a hazing case, crucial for advising families when criminal charges may also be involved.
- Spanish-Language Services: Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, ensuring we can serve all Texas families with comfort and clarity.
We combine relentless investigation with seasoned litigation strategy. We fight for answers, for accountability to prevent the next tragedy, and for the compensation your family needs to heal.
Your Next Step: A Confidential, No-Obligation Consultation
If hazing has impacted your family in Normangee, Leon County, or anywhere in Texas, you do not have to navigate this nightmare alone.
We invite you to contact The Manginello Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation. We will listen to your story, review any evidence you have, and explain your legal options with honesty and compassion. There is no pressure, and you owe us nothing unless we win your case.
Contact Us Today:
- Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
- Direct: (713) 528-9070
- Cell: (713) 443-4781
- Website: https://attorney911.com
- Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
- Se habla Español.
Let us help you turn this crisis into a pursuit of accountability and justice.
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
