Hazing in Texas: A Complete Guide for Gholson Families Fearing Campus Abuse

If Your Child Is Being Hazed at a Texas University, We Can Help

We are The Manginello Law Firm, PLLD, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™. Right now, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing lawsuits in Texas history—representing Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity after he suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure from brutal hazing. This is happening here in Texas. If you are a parent in Gholson, McLennan County, or anywhere across Central Texas, and you fear your child is being hazed or abused in connection with a fraternity, sorority, Corps program, athletic team, or campus organization, this guide is for you.

We serve families throughout Texas, including right here in the Gholson community and across McLennan County. Whether your child attends Baylor University in nearby Waco, has traveled to Texas A&M in College Station, or studies at any campus across the state, Texas hazing law and experienced Texas counsel can help you secure answers, accountability, and justice.

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 Gholson families unfamiliar with modern Greek life and campus traditions, today’s hazing goes far beyond simple pranks or “boys being boys.” What we see in our cases—including the ongoing University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit—is systematic abuse disguised as tradition, bonding, or team building.

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. Critically, “I agreed to it” or “I wanted to fit in” does not make it safe or legal when there is peer pressure and power imbalance. In Texas, consent is explicitly not a defense to hazing charges.

Main Categories of Hazing We See Today

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the single most common and most dangerous form of hazing. It includes forced or coerced drinking during “Big/Little” nights, bid acceptance parties, “family tree” drinking games, or lineup challenges where pledges must consume dangerous amounts of alcohol. In the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case, Leonel Bermudez was forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediately forced to do sprints. Nationally, this pattern has caused multiple deaths from alcohol poisoning.

Physical Hazing
This includes paddling, beatings, extreme calisthenics (“smokings” with hundreds of push-ups or squats), sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme environments. In the UH case, Bermudez endured 100+ push-ups and 500 squats in a single session, cold-weather exposure in underwear, lying in vomit-soaked grass, and being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.” Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, “roasted pig” positions, degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. These create profound psychological trauma and are increasingly documented in group chats and social media.

Psychological Hazing
Verbal abuse, threats, isolation, manipulation, forced confessions, and public shaming during meetings or on social media. The psychological pressure creates a coercive environment where victims feel unable to escape or report.

Digital/Online Hazing
The newest frontier of abuse includes group chat dares, “challenges” shared via Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, or Discord, and pressure to create or share compromising images/videos. Members use digital tools to maintain 24/7 control over pledges, demanding immediate responses to messages at all hours and tracking locations through sharing apps.

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Texas

While fraternities and sororities receive the most attention, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups (particularly at Texas A&M)
• Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs (like Texas Cowboys-type groups)
• Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer, swimming)
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups
• Some Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations

The common thread across all these groups is social status, tradition, and secrecy that keep abusive practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Texas Hazing Law: What Gholson Families Need to Know

Under Texas law—which governs cases involving Gholson families and Texas campuses—hazing is specifically addressed in the Education Code. Understanding this framework is essential for knowing your rights and options.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Anti-Hazing Statute

Texas defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, 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.

Key Provisions Gholson Families Should Understand:

Criminal Penalties (Section 37.152):

• Class B Misdemeanor: 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

Organizational Liability (Section 37.153):
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

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting (Section 37.154):
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. This includes amnesty provisions in medical emergencies.

Consent is NOT a Defense (Section 37.155):
Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to prosecution for hazing. This directly rebuts the common argument that “they agreed to it.”

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by the state (prosecutor in the county where hazing occurred)
• Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical charges can include hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, or even manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil Cases:

• Brought by victims or surviving families
• Aim: Monetary compensation and accountability
• Focus on negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring/supervision, premises liability, and emotional distress

Both types can run side-by-side, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. In fact, many families pursue civil cases specifically because criminal prosecutions can be limited or delayed.

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
Requires colleges that receive federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently, strengthen hazing education and prevention, and 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. The Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics, which often overlap with hazing incidents involving assaults or alcohol/drug crimes.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Our experience investigating hazing cases reveals multiple potential defendants:

Individual Students:
Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out abusive acts, or helped cover them up. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, 13 individual fraternity leaders/members are named as defendants.

Local Chapter/Organization:
The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if it’s a legal entity). Officers or “pledge educators” acting in official capacity can create organizational liability.

National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters:
Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents. Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters is a defendant in the UH case.

University or Governing Board:
Schools may be sued under negligence or civil-rights theories. Key questions include prior warnings, policy enforcement, and deliberate indifference. The University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents are defendants in the ongoing case.

Third Parties:
Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces, bars or alcohol providers (under dram shop theories), security companies, or event organizers.

Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys know how to identify all potentially liable parties early in the investigation.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Can Learn

Major national cases have shaped today’s legal landscape and provide crucial precedents for Texas families. These cases show consistent patterns that repeat across campuses, including here in Texas.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):
During a bid-acceptance event, Piazza consumed dangerous amounts of alcohol, suffered severe falls captured on chapter cameras, and received delayed medical help. The case resulted in dozens of criminal charges, civil litigation, and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. Takeaway: Delay in calling 911 and culture of silence can be legally devastating.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017):
During a “Big Brother Night,” Coffey was given a handle of liquor and drank to dangerous levels. His death led to criminal hazing charges and FSU temporarily suspending all Greek life. Takeaway: Formulaic drinking traditions are scripts for disaster.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
Forced to participate in a “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers required drinking, Gruver died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%). His death led to Louisiana’s felony hazing statute (Max Gruver Act). Takeaway: Legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
Forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey during a pledge event, Foltz died from alcohol poisoning. The case resulted in multiple criminal convictions, a $10 million total settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU), and strengthened Ohio anti-hazing laws. Takeaway: Universities face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
During a fraternity retreat, Deng was subjected to a violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual, suffered fatal head injuries, and received delayed help. Multiple members were convicted, and the national fraternity was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. Takeaway: Off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous as parties, and national orgs can face serious sanctions.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025):
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program over multiple years. Multiple lawsuits followed, head coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired (then settled a wrongful-termination suit confidentially), and the university faced intense scrutiny. Takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life into major athletic programs with systemic abuse patterns.

What These Cases Mean for Gholson Families

Common threads in all these cases include forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, and cover-ups. Reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after tragedy and litigation. Texas families facing hazing at Baylor, Texas A&M, or other universities are not alone—they operate in a landscape shaped by these national lessons and legal precedents.

Texas Universities: Campus-Specific Realities for Gholson Families

Gholson families often have children attending nearby Baylor University in Waco or other major Texas campuses. Understanding each school’s specific environment, policies, and history is crucial for effective response.

Baylor University: McLennan County’s Major Campus

Campus & Culture Snapshot for Gholson Families:
Just minutes from Gholson in Waco, Baylor University represents both opportunity and risk for local families. As a private Christian university with approximately 20,000 students, Baylor maintains significant Greek life alongside its religious identity. The campus hosts multiple fraternities and sororities, some with houses near campus, and has faced scrutiny over broader cultural issues following previous scandals.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels:
Baylor prohibits hazing in any form and requires all student organizations to comply with Texas law and university policy. Reporting channels include the Office of Student Conduct, Baylor Police Department, and anonymous reporting options. However, as a private institution, Baylor has less public transparency than state schools regarding disciplinary outcomes.

Documented Incidents & Responses:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players were suspended following a hazing investigation, with staggered suspensions affecting the early season. The university handled the matter internally with limited public disclosure.
• Ongoing Greek Life Scrutiny: While specific recent hazing incidents aren’t always publicly detailed, Baylor’s broader history with institutional response to misconduct means families must be particularly vigilant about transparency and accountability.

How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed:
For Gholson families, a Baylor case would likely involve:

• Jurisdiction: McLennan County courts and potentially federal court if federal claims are involved
• Investigating Agencies: Baylor Police Department and/or Waco Police Department depending on location
• Potential Defendants: Individual students, local chapter, national fraternity/sorority, potentially Baylor University (though private school status affects certain legal arguments)

What Baylor Students & Parents in Gholson Should Do:

1. Document Everything Immediately: Baylor’s private status means internal processes may lack transparency
2. Preserve Digital Evidence: Group chats (GroupMe, iMessage), social media posts, emails
3. Seek External Medical Care: While Baylor has medical services, independent documentation strengthens cases
4. Understand Dual Systems: Baylor’s internal conduct process operates separately from civil/criminal systems
5. Consult Experienced Counsel Early: Private universities sometimes move quickly to contain situations

Texas A&M University: A Major Destination for Central Texas Students

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Many Gholson and McLennan County students attend Texas A&M, drawn by its academic reputation, Corps of Cadets tradition, and strong Greek life. The College Station campus represents both tremendous opportunity and significant hazing risk, particularly in the Corps and fraternity systems.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting:
Texas A&M maintains strict anti-hazing policies through Student Rules and the Corps of Cadets regulations. Reporting options include the Student Conduct Office, University Police Department, and dedicated hazing reporting channels. As a public institution, some disciplinary records may be accessible through public information requests.

Documented Incidents & Responses:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Two pledges alleged being covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The fraternity was suspended for two years, and pledges sued for $1 million.
  • Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million, with A&M stating it handled the matter under its rules.
• Texas A&M Hazing Transparency: The university maintains some public reporting but less comprehensive than UT Austin’s system.

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed:
For Gholson families with students at A&M:

• Jurisdiction: Brazos County courts, potentially with connections to McLennan County for local families
• Investigating Agencies: University Police Department, College Station Police, possibly Texas Rangers for serious cases
• Complex Defendant Landscape: Individual students, chapters, national organizations, Corps leadership, and potentially the university system

What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do:

1. Understand Corps vs. Greek Life Systems: Different reporting channels and traditions
2. Document Corps-Specific Issues: Unique traditions can involve different forms of hazing
3. Preserve Evidence Despite “Tradition”: Many abusive practices are defended as “longstanding tradition”
4. Consider Geographic Logistics: Gholson families may need to travel to College Station for meetings with university officials or attorneys
5. Act Quickly: The Corps and Greek systems both have strong internal pressures against reporting

University of Texas at Austin: Flagship Campus with High Transparency

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
UT Austin represents the pinnacle of Texas higher education for many Gholson families, with its massive Greek life system, competitive athletics, and extensive tradition organizations. The scale of the campus means hazing risks exist across multiple organization types.

Official Hazing Policy & Unique Transparency:
UT Austin maintains one of the most transparent hazing reporting systems in the nation at hazing.utexas.edu. The university publicly lists organizations found responsible for hazing, including dates, conduct descriptions, and sanctions. Reporting channels include the Office of the Dean of Students, University Police Department, and anonymous options.

Documented Incidents from Public Records:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation with required hazing-prevention education.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (January 2024): An Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members at a party, suffering dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose. The student sued the SAE chapter for over $1 million, with the chapter already under suspension for prior violations.
• Multiple Spirit & Tradition Groups: Organizations like Texas Wranglers have faced sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, and punishment-based practices.

How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed:

• Jurisdiction: Travis County courts, with potential federal claims
• Investigating Agencies: University of Texas Police Department, Austin Police Department
• Evidence Advantage: UT’s public violation records provide powerful pattern evidence for civil cases

What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do:

1. Check the Public Database First: hazing.utexas.edu shows if an organization has prior violations
2. Use University Transparency: UT’s system provides more leverage than at less transparent schools
3. Document Connection to Prior Incidents: Show organizations had notice of risks
4. Consider Austin-Based Counsel: Geographic proximity matters for investigations and court appearances
5. Understand Scale Issues: Large university systems can be bureaucratic but also have more resources for investigation

University of Houston: Current Ground Zero for Texas Hazing Litigation

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
While further from Gholson, UH represents a crucial case study because it’s where we’re currently fighting one of Texas’s most significant hazing lawsuits. The urban commuter campus has active Greek life with particular patterns of off-campus hazing.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting:
UH prohibits hazing whether on-campus or off-campus through the Division of Student Affairs. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students Office, UH Police Department, and online reporting forms. The university posts hazing statements and some disciplinary information but less comprehensively than UT.

The Flagship Case: Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi:
Right now, we represent Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit against:

• 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

Key Hazing Conduct Documented:

• “Pledge fanny pack” rule with degrading contents (condoms, sex toy, nicotine devices)
• Enforced dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, weekly interviews, overnight driving duties
• Extreme physical hazing: sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, cold-weather exposure
• Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”
• Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting, then repeated sprints
• The Nov 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion
• Another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over hour

Medical Catastrophe:
Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe skeletal muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, could not stand without help, and was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels. He faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

Institutional Response & Case Status:

• Nov 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends Beta Nu chapter
• Nov 14, 2025: Chapter members vote to surrender charter; chapter shut down
• UH labels conduct “deeply disturbing,” promises disciplinary measures up to expulsion and cooperation with law enforcement
• Case is actively litigated in Harris County with significant discovery underway

What the UH Case Means for Gholson Families:

1. Proof of Serious Litigation Happening Now: This isn’t historical—we’re fighting this case right now
2. Pattern Recognition: The same fraternity nationals operate at Baylor, A&M, and UT
3. Medical Severity: Hazing can cause life-threatening conditions like rhabdomyolysis
4. Multiple Defendant Strategy: We’re suing 17+ entities/individuals to ensure accountability

Southern Methodist University: Private Campus with Significant Greek Life

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
SMU’s private, affluent campus in Dallas hosts a particularly strong Greek life presence. While geographically distant from Gholson, SMU attracts students from across Texas and represents patterns seen at private universities.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting:
As a private institution, SMU maintains anti-hazing policies through Student Affairs but with less public transparency than state schools. Reporting options include the Office of Student Conduct, SMU Police Department, and anonymous systems like Real Response.

Documented Incidents:

• Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep; chapter suspended with recruiting restrictions until approximately 2021
• Limited Public Records: Private university status means fewer publicly accessible disciplinary records

How SMU Cases Differ:

• Sovereign Immunity Not Applicable: Unlike public universities, SMU cannot claim state immunity protections
• Different Discovery Rules: Private institutions sometimes resist disclosure differently
• Alumni Network Influence: Strong alumni networks can affect institutional responses

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories Matter for Texas Cases

For Gholson families, understanding that local chapters at Baylor, Texas A&M, or other campuses are part of national organizations with extensive hazing histories is crucial. These national patterns create legal leverage in Texas cases.

Why National Histories Create Legal Liability

When a Texas chapter repeats conduct that caused deaths or injuries at other campuses, that shows foreseeability—the national organization knew or should have known this could happen. This supports negligence claims and can justify punitive damages.

Organization-Specific Patterns We Track

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike) – National Pattern of Alcohol Hazing:

• Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021): Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol, died from alcohol poisoning
• David Bogenberger (NIU, 2012): Died from alcohol poisoning, $14 million settlement
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor
• Legal Significance: National had notice of “Big/Little” alcohol hazing risks

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE) – Multiple Severe Injury Patterns:

• Texas A&M Chemical Burns (2021): Industrial cleaner causing burns requiring skin grafts
• UT Austin Assault Case (2024): Exchange student with multiple fractures
• University of Alabama TBI Case (2023): Traumatic brain injury alleged
• Texas Presence: Chapters at multiple Texas universities including those near Gholson
• Legal Significance: Pattern of physical violence beyond just alcohol

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ) – Current Texas Litigation Focus:

• Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017): Died from alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night”
• Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025): Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure – our current case
• National Response: Often suspends chapters after incidents but patterns continue
• Legal Strategy: Using national’s prior knowledge to support negligence claims

Additional Organizations with Documented Histories:

• Phi Delta Theta: Max Gruver death at LSU
• Phi Gamma Delta: Danny Santulli permanent brain damage at Missouri
• Kappa Alpha Order: Multiple paddling and alcohol incidents
• Sigma Chi: Multiple settlements including $10M+ at College of Charleston

How We Use National Patterns in Texas Cases

1. Discovery of Prior Incidents: We subpoena national headquarters for all prior complaints and incident reports involving the same conduct
2. Pattern Evidence: Show juries that the national organization knew this could happen because it happened elsewhere
3. Punitive Damages Arguments: Demonstrate reckless disregard for known risks
4. Insurance Coverage Fights: Show insurers that this wasn’t an unforeseeable “accident”

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Investigate for Gholson Families

For Gholson families, understanding how we investigate hazing cases provides confidence that we have the tools to uncover the truth. We maintain what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Texas Greek organizations built from public records.

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Connected to Texas Campuses

If you are a parent in Gholson or McLennan County, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. Below are examples from our database of Texas-registered Greek entities—these are public records we track so families never start from zero.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Records – Partial Listing):

• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, EIN 364091267, Waco, TX 76710 (IRS B83 filing)
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated Nu Iota Chapter Baylor University, EIN 521346485, Waco, TX 76703 (IRS B83 filing)
• Texas Rho Chapter of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, EIN 741942292, Waco, TX 76706 (IRS B83 filing)
• Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Inc, EIN 161675890, The Woodlands, TX 77382 (IRS B83 filing)
• Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation, EIN 371768785, Missouri City, TX 77459 (IRS B83 filing)
• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035 (IRS B83 filing)
• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc, EIN 475370943, Houston, TX 77204 (IRS B83 filing)
• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter, EIN 746084905, Houston, TX 77204 (IRS B83 filing)

Texas Universities with Greek Life (Partial List Relevant to Gholson Families):

• Baylor University, Waco, McLennan County
• Texas A&M University, College Station, Brazos County
• University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Travis County
• University of Houston, Houston, Harris County
• Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Dallas County
• Texas State University, San Marcos, Hays County
• Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Lubbock County
• University of North Texas, Denton, Denton County

Metro-Level Greek Organization Counts for Context:

• Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510+ Greek organizations tracked
• Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188+ Greek organizations tracked
• Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154+ Greek organizations tracked
• Waco Metro: 27+ Greek organizations tracked

Why This Data Matters for Your Case:

1. We Start with Names and Addresses: We don’t have to guess who to sue—we have EINs and legal entities
2. Track National Brands Across Texas: The same nationals operating in Houston also have chapters in College Station, Austin, and Waco
3. Identify All Potentially Liable Entities: House corporations, alumni chapters, national headquarters
4. Public Records Don’t Lie: These are verified government filings, not speculation

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & What to Expect

When Gholson families come to us after a hazing incident, we follow a systematic approach to investigation and case development. Here’s what you can expect and why each element matters.

Critical Evidence Categories We Pursue

Digital Communications (The Most Important Evidence Today):

• Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity-specific apps
• Social Media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok videos, Facebook messages
• Recovered Data: Even deleted messages can often be recovered through digital forensics
• Metadata: Timestamps, participant lists, location data

In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, group chat evidence shows planning of hazing events, coordination among members, and attempts to cover up what happened.

Photos & Videos:

• Content filmed by members during events (often shared in group chats)
• Security camera footage from houses, dorms, or venues
• Doorbell camera (Ring) footage showing comings and goings
• Injury documentation over time

Internal Organization Documents:

• Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” documents
• Emails and texts from officers about activities
• National policies and training materials (often obtained through discovery)
• Risk management files showing what nationals knew

University Records:

• Prior conduct files and disciplinary history
• Incident reports to campus police or conduct offices
• Clery Act reports and annual security reports
• Internal emails among administrators (obtained through public records requests or discovery)

Medical & Psychological Records:

• Emergency room and hospitalization records
• Toxicology reports showing alcohol/drug levels
• Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety
• Documentation of ongoing treatment needs

Witness Testimony:

• Other pledges or new members
• Former members who quit or were expelled
• Roommates, RAs, bystanders
• Medical personnel who treated injuries

Damages: What Can Be Recovered in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses):

• Medical Expenses: Past and future treatment, hospitalization, therapy, medications
• Lost Income & Earning Capacity: Time off work, delayed graduation, reduced future earnings if permanently impaired
• Educational Costs: Tuition for semesters missed, lost scholarships, transfer expenses
• Other Economic Losses: Property damage, relocation costs

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm):

• Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries, medical treatment, ongoing pain
• Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation, loss of dignity
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Can’t participate in activities they loved
• Reputational Harm: Social stigma, difficulty with future opportunities

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship, love, and society
• Grief and emotional suffering of family members
• Parents’ and siblings’ mental health treatment

Punitive Damages (When Available):

• To punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
• Deter future hazing
• Available when defendants had prior warnings and ignored them

How Insurance Coverage Works in Hazing Cases

Fraternities, sororities, and universities typically have insurance policies that may provide coverage for hazing claims. However, insurers often argue:

1. Hazing is an “intentional act” excluded from coverage
2. The policy doesn’t cover certain defendants or locations
3. Notice wasn’t provided properly

Our experience with insurance law—particularly Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney—is crucial here. We know how to:

• Identify all potential insurance policies (chapter, national, university, individual)
• Navigate coverage exclusions and arguments
• Force insurers to defend when they try to deny coverage
• Pursue “bad faith” claims if insurers wrongfully deny valid claims

Practical Guides for Gholson Families: What to Do Right Now

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries
• Extreme fatigue, exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
• Constant phone use for group chat monitoring, anxiety about missing messages
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability, withdrawal
• Grades dropping suddenly, missing classes for “mandatory” events
• Financial red flags: unexpected large expenses, requests for money

How to Talk to Your Child About Concerns:

1. Ask Open Questions: “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
2. Listen Without Judgment: If they open up, avoid anger that might make them shut down
3. Emphasize Safety: “Your health and safety matter more than any organization”
4. Offer Unconditional Support: “You can always come to me, no matter what”

If You Suspect Hazing Is Happening:

1. Prioritize Safety: If there’s immediate danger, call 911
2. Document Everything: Write down what your child tells you with dates and details
3. Preserve Evidence: Help them screenshot messages before deletion
4. Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get documentation
5. Contact an Attorney Early: Before talking to the university or organization

For Students: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

• 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, lie, or hide this from outsiders?

If You Want to Exit Safely:

1. Tell Someone Outside First: Parent, RA, trusted friend
2. Send Written Notice: Email/text the chapter president: “I am resigning effective immediately”
3. Do NOT Go to “One Last Meeting”: This is often a pressure tactic
4. Document Any Retaliation: Threats, harassment, property damage
5. File Protective Reports: With university conduct office and/or local police if needed

Evidence Collection for Students:

• Screenshots: Capture full conversations with timestamps and names visible
• Photos: Injuries from multiple angles, locations where hazing occurred, objects used
• Medical Records: Go to student health or urgent care and say you were hazed
• Witness Information: Names and contact info for others who saw what happened
• Save Everything: Don’t delete anything even if embarrassed

For Former Members/Witnesses: Coming Forward

If you participated in hazing and now regret it, or witnessed abuse and stayed silent:

• Your testimony can prevent future harm and save lives
• Cooperating can be an important step toward personal accountability
• You may want your own legal advice about potential exposure
• We can help navigate your role as a witness while protecting your rights

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

MISTAKES THAT CAN RUIN YOUR HAZING CASE:

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence

   • What Parents Think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
   • Why It’s Wrong: Looks like a cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
   • What to Do Instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

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, and prepare defenses
   • What to Do Instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation

3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms

   • What Universities Do: Pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements
   • Why It’s Wrong: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often far below case value
   • What to Do Instead: Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing it first

4. Posting Details 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; can waive privilege
   • What to Do Instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

5. Letting Your Child Go Back to “One Last Meeting”

   • What Fraternities Say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic”
   • Why It’s Wrong: They pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that hurt the case
   • What to Do Instead: Once you’re considering legal action, all communication goes through your lawyer

6. 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 of limitations runs, university controls narrative
   • What to Do Instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately; university process ≠ real accountability

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer

   • What Adjusters Say: “We just need your statement to process the claim”
   • Why It’s Wrong: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball
   • What to Do Instead: Politely decline and say, “My attorney will contact you”

Frequently Asked Questions for Gholson Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (like Texas A&M and UT) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in personal capacity. Private universities (like Baylor and SMU) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact Attorney911 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. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“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 or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and 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. Many major hazing cases occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

“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 Texas Hazing Cases: Our Unique Advantages for Gholson Families

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. Here’s why Gholson families choose us for hazing cases.

Insurance Insider Advantage: We Know Their Playbook

Mr. Lupe Peña’s Defense Background:
Before joining our firm, Mr. Peña worked for a national insurance defense firm. He learned firsthand how insurance companies value claims, negotiate settlements, and defend cases. For hazing cases, this means:

• We know how fraternity and university insurers will try to deny or minimize claims
• We understand their delay tactics and lowball settlement strategies
• We anticipate coverage exclusion arguments and how to counter them
• “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions

Ralph Manginello’s BP Texas City Experience:
Our firm was one of the few Texas firms involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation. This experience translates directly to hazing cases because:

• We’re not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
• We know how to investigate institutional knowledge and cover-ups
• We have federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience

We have recovered millions for families in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. For hazing cases, this means:

• Experience working with economists to value lifetime care needs
• Understanding of how to prove non-economic damages like PTSD and trauma
• Track record of holding institutions accountable, not just individuals
• “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise

Ralph Manginello’s HCCLA Membership:
As a member of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), Ralph understands both sides of hazing cases:

• How criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
• How to advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
• Strategies for navigating parallel criminal and civil proceedings
• Relationships with criminal defense counsel that can facilitate cooperation

Investigative Depth & Expert Network

For hazing cases, we deploy a comprehensive investigative approach:

• Digital Forensics Experts: Recover deleted messages and social media evidence
• Medical Experts: Document injuries from rhabdomyolysis, TBIs, psychological trauma
• Greek Life Culture Experts: Explain power dynamics and coercive environments
• Economists: Calculate lifetime earnings loss and future care costs
• Institutional Policy Experts: Analyze whether universities/fraternities followed their own rules

Why This Matters for Gholson Families Specifically

1. Local Texas Knowledge: We understand Texas courts, Texas law, and Texas university systems
2. Baylor Proximity: We’re familiar with McLennan County courts and procedures
3. Statewide Reach: We serve families across Texas from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices
4. Spanish Services: Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish for Hispanic families
5. Contingency Fee Basis: No upfront costs; we only get paid if we recover compensation for you

Take Action Today: Confidential Consultation for Gholson Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at Baylor University, Texas A&M, or any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Gholson, McLennan County, and throughout Central Texas have the right to answers and accountability.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

1. We Listen Without Judgment: Tell us what happened in complete confidence
2. Evidence Review: We’ll review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
3. Legal Options Explained: We’ll explain criminal reporting, civil lawsuits, or both
4. Realistic Expectations: We discuss timelines, potential outcomes, and challenges
5. No Pressure Decision: Take time to decide what’s right for your family
6. Everything Confidential: Attorney-client privilege protects our conversation

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

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

Serving Gholson and All of Texas

We represent hazing victims and their families throughout Texas from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. Whether you’re in Gholson, Waco, College Station, or anywhere across the state, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re here to listen, to investigate, and to fight for the accountability and justice your family deserves.

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