The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits in Texas: A Guide for City of North Cleveland Families

If you are a parent in City of North Cleveland, the news about the University of Houston hazing lawsuit hits particularly close to home. Picture this: your child, excited to join a fraternity at a Texas university, finds themselves at an off-campus house in Houston. What begins as “tradition” quickly escalates—forced to wear a humiliating “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms and sex toys, ordered to perform hundreds of push-ups until they collapse, sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and made to consume milk and hot dogs until vomiting. Days later, they’re passing brown urine and hospitalized with acute kidney failure.

This isn’t a hypothetical scenario. This is exactly what happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter in fall 2025—and it’s why his family, represented by our firm, filed a $10 million lawsuit. For families in City of North Cleveland, Liberty County, and across Texas who have children at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or other Texas campuses, this case demonstrates the severe, life-altering reality of modern hazing.

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 This Guide Covers for North Cleveland Families

This comprehensive guide to hazing and Texas law is written specifically for families in City of North Cleveland, Liberty County, and throughout Texas who need to understand:

What hazing really looks like in 2025—not just the old stereotypes that minimize these dangerous practices
How Texas and federal law treat hazing, and what legal options exist for victims
What we can learn from the Leonel Bermudez case at University of Houston and other major national incidents
What patterns exist at Texas campuses where North Cleveland families send their children: UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor
How experienced Texas hazing attorneys investigate these cases and hold powerful institutions accountable
Your specific legal rights and practical steps to take if hazing impacts your family

Even if your child attends school hours from North Cleveland—at Texas A&M in College Station or UT in Austin—Texas hazing law and experienced Texas counsel can help. We serve families throughout Texas, including right here in Liberty County.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For North Cleveland families who may be unfamiliar with modern Greek life or campus organizations, understanding what constitutes hazing is the first step toward recognizing danger.

The Modern Definition of Hazing

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. Critical for North Cleveland parents to understand: “I agreed to it” or “my child wanted to fit in” does not make it safe or legal when there is peer pressure and power imbalance. The Leonel Bermudez case perfectly illustrates this—despite the degrading “pledge fanny pack” rule and extreme physical abuse, the power dynamics made true consent impossible.

Main Categories of Hazing in Texas Today

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common and most deadly form. At Texas campuses, this includes:

• Forced or coerced drinking during “Big/Little” nights, bid acceptance parties, or “family tree” games
• Chugging challenges, “lineups” where pledges must rapidly consume alcohol
• Pressure to consume unknown or mixed substances
• The Bermudez case included forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting

Physical Hazing
This has evolved beyond simple paddling to include:

• Extreme calisthenics, “workouts,” or “smokings” far beyond normal conditioning (like the 100+ push-ups and 500 squats in the UH case)
• Sleep deprivation through late-night meetings or tasks
• Food/water deprivation or forced overconsumption
• Exposure to extreme environments (cold-weather workouts in underwear, as in the UH case)
• Beatings, paddling, or physical assaults

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

• Forced nudity or partial nudity
• Simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, or humiliating positions
• Acts with racial or sexist overtones, slurs, or role-play
• Public shaming on social media or in meetings

Psychological Hazing

• Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members
• Manipulation or forced confessions
• Control over social interactions and communications

Digital/Online Hazing

• Group chat dares and “challenges” via GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord
• Pressure to create or share compromising images/videos on Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok
• 24/7 availability demands and location tracking
• Social media policing and public humiliation

Where Hazing Actually Happens at Texas Schools

North Cleveland families should understand that hazing extends far beyond “frat parties”:

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

The common threads across all these groups are social status, tradition, and secrecy—factors that keep dangerous practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal. What North Cleveland parents may hear as “team bonding” or “tradition” often masks coercive, dangerous behavior.

Law & Liability Framework: Texas + Federal Laws

Understanding the legal landscape is crucial for North Cleveland families considering their options after a hazing incident.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code Chapter 37)

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in the Education Code that apply to all Texas campuses, including those where North Cleveland students attend:

§ 37.151 Definition
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
• Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Plain English for North Cleveland parents: If someone makes your child do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they meant to do it or were reckless about the risk, that’s hazing under Texas law.

Key points for Liberty County families:

• Can happen on or off campus (location doesn’t matter—the UH case involved the chapter house, a Culmore Drive residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park)
• Can be mental or physical harm
• Intent: Doesn’t have to be malicious; “reckless” is enough (knew the risk and did it anyway)
• “Consent” is not a defense: Even if your child agreed, it’s still hazing if it meets the definition

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties

• Class B Misdemeanor (default): Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, fine up to $2,000)
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes injury that requires medical treatment
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death (like the rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure in the UH case)

Also criminal:

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

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability
Organizations (fraternities, sororities, clubs, teams) can be criminally prosecuted for hazing if:

• The org authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
• An officer or member acting in official capacity knew about hazing and failed to report it

Penalties for organizations:

• Fine up to $10,000 per violation
• University can revoke recognition and ban the org from campus

Why this matters for North Cleveland families:
Shows that both individuals AND the organization can be held accountable criminally. Civil suits can target both as well.

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting
A person who in good faith reports a hazing incident to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from the report.

Also:

• In medical emergencies, Texas law and many university policies provide amnesty for students who call 911, even if they were drinking underage or involved in the hazing themselves.

Why this matters:
Encourages bystanders and victims to report without fear of legal consequences. In practice, students often still fear social retaliation, but the law protects them.

§ 37.155 Consent Not a Defense
It is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity.

Plain English:
Even if your child said “yes” or “I want to do this,” it’s still a crime if it meets the hazing definition. This directly rebuts the #1 defense fraternities use (“they agreed to it”).

§ 37.156 Reporting by Educational Institutions
Texas colleges and universities must:

• Provide hazing prevention education to students
• Publish hazing policies
• Maintain and publish annual reports of hazing violations and disciplinary actions

Why this matters for North Cleveland families:

• Creates public record of which orgs have been cited for hazing
• UT Austin already does this (hazing.utexas.edu); other schools are following
• Families can use these reports to:
  • See if their child’s org has prior violations
  • Show pattern evidence in civil suits

Criminal vs Civil Cases: What North Cleveland Families Need to Know

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by the state (prosecutor)
• Aim: punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical hazing-related criminal charges can include:
  • Hazing offenses
  • Furnishing alcohol to minors
  • Assault, battery, or even manslaughter in fatal cases
• Example: In the UH case, criminal charges could potentially be filed against the 13 individual defendants named in the civil suit

Civil Cases:

• Brought by victims or surviving families
• Aim: monetary compensation and accountability
• Focus on:
  • Negligence and gross negligence
  • Wrongful death
  • Negligent hiring/supervision by national organizations
  • Premises liability (unsafe properties)
  • Emotional distress
• Example: The Bermudez family’s $10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, and individual members

Critical point for North Cleveland parents: Both types can run side-by-side, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. Many families pursue civil cases even when prosecutors don’t file criminal charges.

Federal Overlay: Stop Campus Hazing Act, Title IX, Clery

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)

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

Title IX / Clery Act

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

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

For North Cleveland families considering legal action, understanding potential defendants is crucial:

Individual Students:

• Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover them up
• In the UH case: 13 individual fraternity leaders/members including chapter president, pledgemaster, sorority relations chair, risk manager

Local Chapter / Organization:

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

National Fraternity/Sorority:

• Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
• Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters is named in the UH lawsuit
• Liability often hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents

University or Governing Board:

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

Third Parties:

• Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces (like the Culmore Drive residence in the UH case)
• Bars or alcohol providers (under dram shop theories)
• Security companies or event organizers

Important for North Cleveland families: Every case is fact-specific; not every party is liable in every situation. An experienced hazing attorney can identify all potentially liable entities.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Texas Families

The Leonel Bermudez case at UH is part of a national pattern of hazing tragedies. Understanding these cases helps North Cleveland families recognize patterns and understand what’s at stake.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

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

• 20-year-old pledge forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
• Died from alcohol poisoning
• Criminal: Multiple fraternity members convicted
• Civil: Family reached $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
• Impact: Strengthened Ohio anti-hazing laws; chapter permanently removed

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

• Pledge forced to participate in “Bible study” drinking game
• Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
• Criminal: Multiple members charged; one convicted of negligent homicide
• Civil: Family settled for confidential amount
• Impact: Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute); chapter closed

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

• Pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night”
• Criminal: Multiple members prosecuted; majority pled guilty to misdemeanor hazing
• Civil: Coffey family filed wrongful death suit; terms confidential
• Impact: FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life; statewide anti-hazing movement

What This Means for North Cleveland Families:
The same fraternity involved in the Coffey death—Pi Kappa Phi—is now facing the Bermudez lawsuit at UH. This shows how national patterns repeat across campuses, including Texas schools where Liberty County students attend.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

• Pledge subjected to violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat
• Suffered fatal head injuries; help was delayed
• Criminal: Multiple members convicted; fraternity banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
• Civil: Deng family settled; amount confidential
• Takeaway for Texas families: Off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous as parties, and national orgs can face serious sanctions

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

• 18-year-old pledge forced to consume excessive alcohol during “pledge dad reveal”
• Suffered severe, permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care)
• Criminal: Multiple fraternity members charged
• Civil: Santulli family settled with 22 defendants, reportedly multi-million-dollar
• Takeaway: Catastrophic non-fatal injuries can result in lifelong care needs

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

• Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within football program
• Multiple lawsuits against university, staff; head coach fired
• Takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to major athletic programs

Western Kentucky University Swim Team (2012–2015)

• Investigation revealed hazing dating back years
• Entire swim program placed on five-year suspension; coaching staff terminated
• Civil: Former team member settled for $75,000

What These National Cases Mean for North Cleveland Families

Common threads across all these cases:

• Forced drinking, humiliation, violence
• Delayed or denied medical care
• Systematic cover-ups and secrecy
• Multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts
• Institutional reforms only after tragedy and litigation

For Liberty County families facing hazing at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor: you are not alone. These national cases created legal precedents and settlement patterns that apply to Texas cases. The same defense tactics, insurance strategies, and institutional cover-ups occur everywhere.

Texas Focus: Universities Where North Cleveland Families Send Their Children

North Cleveland is in Liberty County, which means many local families have children at nearby universities or major Texas campuses. Understanding the specific landscape at each school is crucial.

University of Houston (UH) – The Closest Major University to North Cleveland

For Liberty County families, UH is particularly relevant—it’s where the landmark Bermudez case is unfolding right now.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

• Large urban campus with mix of commuter and residential students
• Active Greek life with 60+ fraternities and sororities
• Includes IFC fraternities, Panhellenic sororities, NPHC Divine Nine, multicultural organizations
• Strong connections to Houston’s energy, medical, and business sectors

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

• UH prohibits hazing on and off campus
• Reporting through Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct, UHPD
• Publishes hazing statement and some disciplinary information online
• Critical context: Despite these policies, the Bermudez case shows systemic failure

The Leonel Bermudez Case: A Detailed Look at What Went Wrong

The Bermudez case is not just another hazing incident—it’s a textbook example of how modern hazing operates and why institutional accountability matters:

Timeline of Events:

• Sept 16, 2025: Bermudez accepts bid to Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter
• Sept–Oct 2025: Forced dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, weekly interviews, overnight chauffeuring, mandatory “pledge fanny pack”
• Oct 13, 2025: Another pledge hog-tied face-down on table with object in mouth for over an hour
• Nov 3, 2025: Bermudez forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
• Nov 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends Beta Nu chapter after receiving reports
• Nov 6–9, 2025: Bermudez’s condition deteriorates; passes brown urine; hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
• Nov 14, 2025: Chapter members vote to surrender charter; chapter shut down
• Nov 21–22, 2025: $10 million lawsuit filed; extensive media coverage

Specific Hazing Methods Documented:

• “Pledge fanny pack” rule: Must carry 24/7 containing condoms, sex toy, nicotine devices, humiliating items
• Physical abuse: Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills
• Environmental torture: Cold-weather exposure in underwear, lying in vomit-soaked grass
• Water torture: Sprayed in face with hose “similar to waterboarding,” threats of actual waterboarding
• Forced consumption: Milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting, then immediate sprints
• Extreme workouts: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, creed recitation under expulsion threats

Medical Catastrophe:

• Diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis (severe skeletal muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure
• Critically high creatine kinase (CK) levels
• Hospitalized for four days
• Ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage

Full Defendant Universe:

• University of Houston
• UH System Board of Regents
• Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
• Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation
• 13 individual fraternity leaders/members (chapter president, pledgemaster, sorority relations chair, risk manager, others)

Institutional Response:

• Pi Kappa Phi HQ: Suspended chapter Nov 6, 2025
• Chapter members: Voted to surrender charter Nov 14, 2025
• UH statement: Called conduct “deeply disturbing,” promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion, cooperation with law enforcement
• Media coverage: Extensive reporting by Click2Houston, ABC13, Hoodline

Why This Case Matters for North Cleveland Families:

1. It’s happening right now at a Texas university
2. It involves the same national fraternities present at other Texas schools
3. It shows how quickly “tradition” can cause life-altering injuries
4. It demonstrates the importance of experienced legal representation against powerful institutions

How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed for Liberty County Families

• Involved agencies: UHPD and/or Houston Police Department
• Civil suits filed in Harris County courts
• Evidence collection: Group chats from platforms like GroupMe, medical records from Houston-area hospitals
• Expert witnesses: Medical specialists familiar with rhabdomyolysis, kidney specialists, toxicologists

What UH Students & North Cleveland Parents Should Do

• Immediate reporting: Dean of Students office, UHPD
• Evidence preservation: Screenshot all GroupMe/WhatsApp messages before deletion
• Medical documentation: Get treatment at Houston medical centers and specifically mention “hazing” in records
• Legal consultation: Contact Texas hazing attorneys familiar with Houston courts and UH procedures

Texas A&M University – Many Liberty County Families’ Choice

While farther from North Cleveland, Texas A&M is a common destination for Texas students and has its own hazing challenges.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

• Large public university with strong Corps of Cadets tradition
• Active Greek life with historical hazing incidents
• Culture of tradition that can sometimes mask abusive practices

Documented Hazing Incidents

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)

• Two pledges allegedly subjected to strenuous activity with substances including industrial-strength cleaner poured on them
• Resulted in severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
• Pledges sued fraternity for $1 million
• Fraternity suspended for two years by university

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023)

• Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts
• Bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth
• Sought over $1 million in damages
• Texas A&M stated it handled matter under its rules

How Texas A&M Handles Hazing

• Student Conduct office investigates
• Corps of Cadets has separate disciplinary system
• Public transparency varies

What College Station Families Should Know

• Both Greek life and Corps traditions present hazing risks
• Off-campus hazing common at houses near campus
• University may try to handle internally before legal action

University of Texas at Austin

Campus & Culture Snapshot

• Flagship UT campus with extensive Greek life
• Public hazing violations database (hazing.utexas.edu)
• Multiple documented hazing incidents

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page

UT maintains one of Texas’ most transparent hazing databases:

Example Entries:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; found to be hazing; chapter placed on probation
• Texas Wranglers (spirit organization): Sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): Assault allegations involving exchange student with dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose; lawsuit filed for over $1 million

How UT Cases Proceed

• UTPD and Austin PD may both have jurisdiction
• Civil suits typically filed in Travis County
• Prior violations on UT’s public log can support pattern evidence in lawsuits

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Campus & Culture Snapshot

• Private university with affluent student body
• Strong Greek life presence
• Different legal considerations as private institution

Documented Incident: Kappa Alpha Order (2017)

• New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep
• Chapter suspended
• Restrictions on recruiting until around 2021

SMU’s Approach

• Private university status affects transparency
• May use internal discipline more than public sanctions
• Civil suits can compel discovery of internal reports

Baylor University

Campus & Culture Snapshot

• Private Christian university
• History of scrutiny over athletic and Title IX issues
• Religious identity interacts with disciplinary approach

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020)

• 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Suspensions staggered over early season
• Part of broader cultural challenges at Baylor

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

For North Cleveland families, understanding that local chapters are part of national organizations with documented hazing histories is crucial for building strong cases.

Why National Histories Matter in Texas Lawsuits

Many fraternities/sororities on Texas campuses are part of national organizations with extensive hazing histories:

• National HQs have thick anti-hazing manuals because they’ve seen deaths and injuries
• They know the patterns: forced drinking nights, paddling traditions, humiliating rituals
• When a Texas chapter repeats the same script that caused problems elsewhere, it shows foreseeability

Legal significance: In negligence cases, foreseeability is key. If a national organization knew certain activities were dangerous (based on prior incidents) but didn’t prevent them, liability increases.

Organization Mapping: National Histories at Texas Schools

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, others

• National history: Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green ($10M settlement), David Bogenberger death at Northern Illinois ($14M settlement)
• Texas presence: Multiple chapters across major campuses
• Legal significance: National pattern of “Big/Little” alcohol hazing creates foreseeable risk

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU

• National history: Multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide
• Texas incidents: Chemical burns case at Texas A&M, assault case at UT
• Legal significance: Known for alcohol hazing and physical abuse patterns

Pi Kappa Phi – Present at UH (now closed), other Texas schools

• National history: Andrew Coffey death at Florida State
• Texas incident: Leonel Bermudez case at UH
• Legal significance: Same national organization, same dangerous patterns

Phi Delta Theta – Present at Texas A&M, UT, others

• National history: Max Gruver death at LSU (Louisiana felony hazing law named after him)
• Legal significance: “Bible study” drinking game pattern documented

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: What We Know About Texas Organizations

Our firm maintains what we call the “Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine”—a comprehensive database of Texas Greek organizations drawn from public records. For North Cleveland families, this means we start investigations with real data, not guesses.

IRS B83 Texas Organizations (125+ Entities)
These are tax-exempt Greek organizations registered in Texas, including house corporations, alumni chapters, and honor societies. Examples relevant to North Cleveland area:

• Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, 1855 Highway 69 N, Nederland, TX 77627 (EIN 746064445) – IRS B83 filing
• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035 (EIN 462267515) – IRS B83 filing
• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter, 4300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204 (EIN 746084905) – IRS B83 filing
• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc, 5019 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX 77204 (EIN 475370943) – IRS B83 filing
• Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc, 1416 Sleepy Hollow Dr, Lufkin, TX 75904 (EIN 273662583) – IRS B83 filing

Texas Universities (96 Campuses)
Our database tracks all Texas universities, including those North Cleveland students attend:

• University of Houston (Houston, Harris County)
• Texas A&M University (College Station, Brazos County)
• University of Texas at Austin (Austin, Travis County)
• Southern Methodist University (Dallas, Dallas County)
• Baylor University (Waco, McLennan County)

Cause IQ Metro Organizations
We track Greek organizations across Texas metros:

• Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land Metro: 188 Greek-related organizations

  • Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (Houston)
  • Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae (Houston)
  • Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter (Houston)

• Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington Metro: 510 Greek-related organizations

  • Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity (Fort Worth)
  • Delta Delta Delta – Arlington Alumnae Chapter (Dallas)

Why This Data Matters for Liberty County Families:
When we take a hazing case, we already know:

• The legal names and EINs of organizations involved
• Their registered addresses for service of process
• Their tax-exempt status and potential insurance coverage
• Connections between local chapters and national headquarters

This isn’t theoretical—in the Bermudez case, this data helped identify not just the UH chapter, but the national Pi Kappa Phi headquarters, the housing corporation, and the individual defendants.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

For North Cleveland families considering legal action, understanding how hazing cases are built is crucial.

Evidence: The Digital Trail That Wins Cases

Modern hazing leaves a digital trail. Preserving this evidence is the single most important step North Cleveland families can take.

Digital Communications (Most Critical Evidence)

• GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage: Fraternity/sorority primary communication channels
• Discord, Slack, fraternity apps: Planning and coordination platforms
• Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok: Social media evidence
• Recovered deleted messages: Digital forensics can often retrieve “disappeared” content

Photos & Videos

• Content filmed by members during events
• Security camera or doorbell footage at houses
• Social media posts and stories

Internal Organization Documents

• Pledge manuals, initiation scripts
• Emails/texts about “traditions” or “what we’ll do to pledges”
• National policies and training materials

University Records

• Prior conduct files, probation/suspensions
• Incident reports to campus police
• Clery Act reports

Medical & Psychological Records

• Emergency room and hospitalization records
• Toxicology reports (blood alcohol levels)
• Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety)

Witness Testimony

• Other pledges, members, roommates
• Former members who quit or were expelled
• Bystanders, neighbors, security personnel

Damages: What Can Be Recovered in Texas Hazing Cases

Understanding damage categories helps North Cleveland families appreciate what’s at stake.

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses)

• Medical bills: ER, hospitalization, surgery, medications
• Future medical expenses: Ongoing therapy, psychological care, lifelong treatment for permanent injuries
• Lost income & earning capacity: Missed work, delayed career entry, reduced lifetime earnings
• Educational impact: Lost tuition, scholarships, delayed graduation

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm)

• Physical pain & suffering: From injuries and treatment
• Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Can’t participate in activities they loved
• Reputational harm: Social stigma, difficulty transferring schools

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
• Family members’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Available)

• Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
• Deter future hazing
• Available in Texas for gross negligence or intentional acts

Real-World Settlement Examples:

• Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha): $10 million total settlement
• David Bogenberger (Pi Kappa Alpha): $14 million settlement
• Max Gruver (Phi Delta Theta): $6.1 million verdict
• Sigma Chi (College of Charleston): $10+ million settlement

Insurance Coverage: The Financial Reality Behind Hazing Cases

For North Cleveland families, understanding insurance is crucial because that’s often where compensation comes from.

Common Insurance Policies in Hazing Cases:

• National fraternity/sorority liability policies
• University insurance policies
• Chapter/house corporation policies
• Individual members’ homeowners/parents’ policies

Insurance Defense Tactics We Know (Because We Used to Work for Them):

• Denial based on “intentional act” exclusion: Arguing hazing is intentional, not negligent
• Delay tactics: Dragging out cases to pressure families financially
• Lowball settlements: Offering quick, inadequate settlements before families hire lawyers
• IME manipulation: Using “independent” medical exams to downplay injuries

Our Advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how these companies fight claims. This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with fraternity and university insurers.

Practical Guides & FAQs for North Cleveland Families

For Parents: Warning Signs & Immediate Actions

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

• Unexplained injuries or repeated “accidents”
• Sudden exhaustion, extreme sleep deprivation
• Drastic mood changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
• Constant secret phone use for group chats
• Fear of missing “mandatory” events
• Financial red flags: unexpected large expenses, requests for money

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing:

1. Ask open questions: “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
2. Listen without judgment: If they open up, don’t interrupt or minimize
3. Emphasize safety: “Your health and safety are more important than any group”
4. Offer unconditional support: “We’ll support you no matter what you decide”

If Your Child Is Hurt:

1. Get medical attention immediately: Even if they insist they’re “fine”
2. Document everything: Photos of injuries, screenshots of texts, written notes
3. Save evidence: Don’t wash clothing, don’t delete messages
4. Contact a lawyer within 24–48 hours: Evidence disappears quickly

Dealing with the University:

• Document every communication
• Ask specifically about prior incidents involving the same organization
  • “Has this group been disciplined for hazing before?”
  • “What specific actions did you take after prior complaints?”
• Don’t sign anything without legal review

For Students: Recognizing & Escaping Hazing

Is This Hazing? Quick Self-Assessment:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
• Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would my parents or the university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
• Am I being told to keep secrets or lie about activities?

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

How to Exit Safely:

• Immediate danger: Call 911 or campus police
• Wanting to quit: Send email/text to chapter president: “I am resigning my membership effective immediately”
• DO NOT go to “one last meeting”: This is often a pressure tactic
• Protect yourself from retaliation: Document any threats, report to Dean of Students

Evidence Collection for Students:

1. Screenshots: Capture full conversations with timestamps
2. Recordings: Texas is one-party consent state—you can record conversations you’re part of
3. Photos: Injuries, locations, objects used in hazing
4. Medical documentation: Tell providers you were hazed so it’s in records
5. Witness information: Names/contacts of others who saw what happened

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

• Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
• What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly

• 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 “release” or “resolution” forms

• Why it’s wrong: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often inadequate
• What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

MISTAKE #4: Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer

• 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”

• Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute of limitations runs
• What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

Frequently Asked Questions for North Cleveland Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. The Bermudez case (rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure) would likely qualify for felony charges.

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. The UH case involved multiple locations: chapter house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park.

“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

Why Attorney911 for North Cleveland Hazing Cases

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

Our Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)

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

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello)

• One of the few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
• 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 and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience

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

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise

• Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
• Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
• Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

• Database of 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
• IRS B83 records, university data, Cause IQ metro tracking
• We start investigations with real data, not guesses

Investigative Depth

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

The Bermudez Case: Proof of Our Capability Right Now

The Leonel Bermudez case isn’t just an example we reference—it’s a case we’re actively litigating right now. When you hire us for a hazing case, you’re hiring the same team that’s currently taking on:

• University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents
• Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
• 13 individual fraternity leaders and members
• Multiple insurance companies

This isn’t theoretical experience. This is what we’re doing today for a Texas family just like yours.

Call to Action for North Cleveland Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in City of North Cleveland, Liberty County, and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers and accountability.

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 on the best path forward.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

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

Clear Contact Information

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

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

Final Message to North Cleveland Families

Whether you’re in City of North Cleveland or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The same organizations, the same insurance companies, the same institutional cover-up tactics exist everywhere. But so does the possibility of accountability.

We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. Not about bravado or quick settlements—about thorough investigation and real accountability.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us help you navigate this difficult time and fight for the justice your family deserves.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

1. Click2Houston (KPRC 2) — “‘Urine was brown’: Pledge sues over severe hazing at University of Houston’s shut down Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”

• Published: November 21, 2025 | Authors: Bryce Newberry & Holly Galvan Posey
• Key Content: Exclusive KPRC 2 investigation. Attorney Ralph Manginello’s quote “His urine was brown” describes the rhabdomyolysis symptoms. Details hazing locations (Pi Kappa Phi house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park). Describes the “pledge fanny pack” humiliation (condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices). Lists physical abuse (sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, vomiting rituals, cold-weather workouts). Confirms medical findings: critically elevated creatine kinase, rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, multi-day hospitalization. Names all 13 defendants including chapter officers. Includes UH statement calling conduct “deeply disturbing” and confirming Nov 14, 2025 charter surrender.
• URL: 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) — “Waterboarding, forced eating, physical punishment: Lawsuit alleges abuse faced by injured pledge at UH’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”

• Published: November 22, 2025 | Author: Nick Natario
• Key Content: Most detailed timeline of hazing events. Sept 16 bid acceptance → Sept-Oct forced dress codes, interviews, overnight chauffeuring → Oct 13 another pledge hog-tied face-down with object in mouth → Nov 3 Bermudez forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats → Nov 6 chapter suspension → Nov 6-9 hospitalization. Describes “waterboarding” tactics (hose spraying in face). Details forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting. Includes Attorney Lupe Peña quote: “If this prevents harm to another person…Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” Notes Bermudez declined interviews due to fear of retaliation.
• URL: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

3. Hoodline — “University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Face $10M Lawsuit Over Alleged Hazing and Abuse”

• Published: November 22, 2025 | Author: Alyssa Ford
• Key Content: Emphasizes the $10 million damage demand. Confirms rapid chapter suspension (Nov 6) and Nov 14 charter surrender. Summarizes allegations: extreme workouts, forced overeating, sleep deprivation, simulated waterboarding, humiliating fanny-pack requirements, strict interview schedules, punishment threats. Confirms rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure diagnoses. Notes complaint alleges UH and fraternity leadership knew about systemic hazing and failed to intervene. Includes Attorney911 messaging urging other pledges to come forward.
• URL: 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

4. “📱 Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case? | Attorney911 Explains”

• Content: Attorney911 educational video explaining how to properly use your smartphone to document evidence after an injury or incident. Covers best practices for photographing scenes, recording witness statements, preserving digital evidence, and what to capture immediately after an accident or hazing incident.
• URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

5. “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case? | Attorney911 with Injury Lawyer Ralph Manginello”

• Content: Attorney Ralph Manginello explains Texas statutes of limitations for personal injury cases. Covers filing deadlines, exceptions, tolling provisions, and why timing is critical.
• URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

6. “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case | Attorney911 with Ralph Manginello”

• Content: Attorney Ralph Manginello identifies common mistakes that can damage or destroy personal injury claims. Covers social media pitfalls, recorded statements to insurance companies, gaps in medical treatment, and other errors.
• URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

7. “📢 How Do Contingency Fees Work? Injury Lawyer Explains!”

• Content: Attorney911 explains the contingency fee model for personal injury cases—no upfront costs, no fee unless the firm wins.
• URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website

8. Attorney911 — Main Website & Contact

• Content: Full-service Texas personal injury and criminal defense law firm. 24/7 free consultations. Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont.
• URL: https://attorney911.com

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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