The Complete Guide to Fraternity, Sorority & Corps Hazing for Families in City of West, Texas & Across McLennan County

An Open Letter to Parents in City of West, Waco, and Throughout McLennan County

If you’re a parent in City of West, Axtell, Lacy-Lakeview, Waco, or anywhere in McLennan County, this article was written for you. Right now, in Texas, a young man from a family just like yours is fighting for his life and future because of fraternity hazing. Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student, suffered acute kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown—after alleged hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. His urine turned brown. He was hospitalized for four days. Our firm represents him in a $10 million lawsuit against the university, the national fraternity, and thirteen individual members. This isn’t happening in some distant state. It’s happening at a Texas university where Central Texas families send their children.

For parents in City of West and surrounding communities, the reality is stark: Your child at Baylor University in Waco, Texas A&M in College Station, UT Austin, Texas Tech, or any Texas campus could face similar dangers. Hazing has evolved far beyond harmless pranks. In 2025, it involves forced drinking that kills, physical abuse that causes permanent injury, and psychological torment that leaves lifelong scars. This comprehensive guide will give you the knowledge, resources, and legal understanding you need to protect your children and hold accountable those who would harm them.

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: A Guide for City of West Families

Beyond Stereotypes: Modern Hazing Tactics

For parents in City of West, Lorena, Robinson, and McLennan County who didn’t grow up with today’s Greek life, it’s crucial to understand that hazing has evolved. What you might remember as “harmless initiation” has transformed into systematic abuse with digital components, psychological manipulation, and extreme physical risks.

Alcohol and Substance Hazing: The Deadliest Pattern
The most common fatal hazing involves forced alcohol consumption. This isn’t just “drinking at a party.” It’s coerced rapid consumption during rituals like:

• “Big/Little” nights where pledges must finish entire bottles
• “Bible study” or trivia games where wrong answers mean shots
• “Lineups” where pledges chug in rapid succession
• Pressure to consume unknown mixed drinks or substances

Physical Hazing: From Tradition to Trauma
Physical abuse now often masquerades as “conditioning” or “team building”:

• “Smokings” – extreme calisthenics until collapse (100+ push-ups, 500+ squats)
• Paddling and beatings, often with wooden paddles
• Exposure to extreme temperatures (left outside in cold, locked in hot rooms)
• Sleep and food deprivation for days
• Forced consumption of disgusting food combinations until vomiting

Psychological and Digital Hazing: The 24/7 Torment
Modern technology enables constant control:

• Group chat monitoring with required instant responses at all hours
• Social media humiliation through forced posts or challenge videos
• Geo-tracking via apps like Find My Friends
• Public shaming in chapter meetings or group texts
• Threats of social exclusion or expulsion for non-compliance

Sexualized and Degrading Hazing
Some of the most traumatic hazing involves:

• Forced nudity or partial nudity
• Simulated sexual acts
• Degrading costumes or roles
• Racist, sexist, or homophobic role-playing

Where Hazing Happens: Not Just Fraternities

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

• Sororities (though often less physical, equally psychologically damaging)
• Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs
• Athletic teams and spirit groups
• Marching bands and performance ensembles
• Academic and service organizations
• Cultural and identity-based groups

Texas Hazing Law: What City of West Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Legal Foundation

Texas has strong anti-hazing laws under Education Code Chapter 37. For families in McLennan County, understanding these provisions is crucial:

Definition of Hazing (§37.151):
Hazing means 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 Points for City of West Families:

1. Location Doesn’t Matter: Hazing at an off-campus house, Airbnb, or retreat is still illegal
2. Mental Health Counts: Psychological torment qualifies as hazing
3. Recklessness is Enough: They don’t need to intend harm – just act recklessly
4. Consent is NOT a Defense (§37.155): Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing

Criminal Penalties (§37.152):

• Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
• Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
• State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

Organizational Liability (§37.153):
Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be:

• Fined up to $10,000 per violation
• Banned from campus by the university
• Criminally prosecuted if they authorized or encouraged hazing

Good Faith Reporting Protection (§37.154):
Students who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability. This is crucial – your child won’t get in trouble for reporting or calling 911.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by the state (prosecutor)
• Purpose: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Charges can include: hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter
• Burden of proof: Beyond a reasonable doubt

Civil Cases:

• Brought by victims or families
• Purpose: Compensation and accountability
• Claims can include: negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress
• Burden of proof: Preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not)

Both Can Proceed Simultaneously: A criminal case doesn’t prevent a civil suit, and vice versa.

Federal Laws Overlaying Texas Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

• Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently
• Strengthens hazing education and prevention
• Creates public hazing databases (phased in by 2026)
• Applies to all Texas public universities and most private ones

Title IX:

• Applies when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
• Requires universities to investigate and take appropriate action
• Can provide additional federal claims against universities

Clery Act:

• Requires reporting certain crimes on campus
• Hazing incidents often overlap with reportable crimes
• Failure to report can lead to federal penalties

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Texas Families

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Deadliest Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
A 20-year-old pledge was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” night. He died from alcohol poisoning. The case resulted in:

• Multiple criminal convictions of fraternity members
• $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
• Strengthened Ohio anti-hazing laws

Takeaway for City of West Families: “Big/Little” nights and forced drinking rituals are predictable, preventable patterns. National fraternities know these risks but often fail to prevent them.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
An 18-year-old pledge died during a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. His blood alcohol level was 0.495%. This case led to:

• Criminal convictions including negligent homicide
• Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
• Chapter closure and national scrutiny

Takeaway for City of West Families: Drinking games framed as “tradition” or “bonding” can kill. The “just having fun” defense fails when patterns are known.

Physical Abuse Cases: Beyond Alcohol

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
A 19-year-old pledge died from traumatic brain injuries after falls during a bid acceptance night. Security cameras showed members delaying medical help for hours. This resulted in:

• 18 members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts
• Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
• One of the largest hazing prosecutions in U.S. history

Takeaway for City of West Families: Delaying medical care dramatically increases liability. Cover-up attempts often backfire catastrophically.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
An 18-year-old pledge suffered permanent, catastrophic brain damage after forced drinking at a “pledge dad reveal.” He cannot walk, talk, or see and requires 24/7 care. The case resulted in:

• Multiple criminal hazing charges
• Settlements with 22 defendants, reportedly multi-million dollar
• Chapter closure and national outrage

Takeaway for City of West Families: Non-fatal outcomes can be worse than death for families. Lifetime care costs for traumatic brain injuries can exceed $10 million.

Athletic and Corps Hazing: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program over multiple years. This led to:

• Multiple lawsuits against the university and staff
• Head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired (later settled wrongful-termination suit)
• Institutional accountability for athletic program hazing

Takeaway for City of West Families: Hazing isn’t limited to fraternities. Major athletic programs with deep pockets can harbor systemic abuse.

Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Cases
Multiple lawsuits have alleged physical and psychological hazing within the Corps, including binding cadets in degrading positions. These cases show:

• Traditional military-style groups have similar abuse patterns
• Universities can be liable for failing to supervise recognized programs
• “Tradition” is not a legal defense

Texas University Focus: Where City of West Families Send Their Children

McLennan County’s Primary University: Baylor University in Waco

For families in City of West, Axtell, McGregor, and throughout McLennan County, Baylor University is literally in your backyard. Located just minutes from City of West in Waco, Baylor hosts active Greek life, athletic programs, and tradition-based organizations where hazing risks exist.

Campus Culture & Hazing Context:

• Private Christian university with strong Greek presence
• Approximately 30% of undergraduate students participate in Greek life
• History includes athletic hazing incidents and Greek life scrutiny
• Baylor’s religious identity creates unique dynamics around accountability

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting:
Baylor prohibits hazing in all forms and provides multiple reporting channels:

• Office of Student Conduct
• Campus Safety & Security
• Anonymous reporting systems
• Required hazing prevention education for student organizations

Documented Incidents at Baylor:

Baseball Team Hazing (2020):

• 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Suspensions staggered over the early season
• University stated matter handled internally under athletic department rules

Historical Context:
Baylor’s broader history with institutional responses to misconduct (including the 2016 sexual assault scandal) informs how the university approaches hazing allegations. Families should understand that internal processes may prioritize institutional protection over victim advocacy.

How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed:

• Jurisdiction: McLennan County courts, Waco police, Baylor PD
• Potential Defendants: Individual students, local chapter, national organization, Baylor University
• Special Considerations: Private university status affects sovereign immunity arguments
• Local Advantage: Our firm understands Waco/McLennan County legal landscape intimately

What Baylor Students & City of West Parents Should Do:

1. Immediate Reporting: Document then report to Baylor Student Conduct AND local police
2. Evidence Preservation: Baylor’s IT systems may retain deleted messages – act quickly
3. Medical Care: Use Baylor Health Center but also seek independent medical documentation
4. Legal Consultation: Private universities like Baylor have different liability considerations than public institutions

Other Major Texas Universities for McLennan County Families

While Baylor is the local option, City of West families commonly send children to universities across Texas. Each has distinct hazing risks and response patterns.

University of Texas at Austin

For City of West families with children at UT Austin (approximately 100 miles away), understanding UT’s unique transparency is crucial.

UT’s Public Hazing Transparency:
UT maintains one of the most transparent hazing reporting systems in Texas at hazing.utexas.edu. The public log shows:

• Organization names
• Date of incident
• Description of conduct
• Sanctions imposed

Example UT Hazing Violations:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation
• Texas Wranglers (2022): Alcohol-related hazing during new member activities; suspension and educational requirements
• Other groups: Multiple organizations sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol coercion, sleep deprivation

Why This Matters for Lawsuits:
UT’s public record establishes pattern evidence and prior notice. If an organization has prior violations, they (and the university) knew or should have known about hazing risks.

UT-Specific Considerations:

• Jurisdiction: Travis County courts, Austin PD, UTPD
• Sovereign Immunity: UT as a public university has some immunity protections
• Discovery Advantage: Public hazing log provides immediate evidence for lawsuits

Texas A&M University

For City of West families with Aggies (approximately 90 miles away), Texas A&M presents unique hazing risks in both Greek life and the Corps of Cadets.

Corps of Cadets Hazing Risks:
The Corps has faced multiple lawsuits alleging:

• Physical binding and restraint (“roasted pig” positions)
• Simulated sexual acts
• Psychological torment and humiliation
• Tradition-based abuses passed down through generations

Recent Corps Lawsuit Example:
A cadet alleged being bound between beds with an apple in his mouth in a “roasted pig” pose during hazing. The lawsuit sought over $1 million. Texas A&M stated it handled the matter under Corps regulations.

Greek Life Incidents at Texas A&M:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):
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.

Texas A&M-Specific Legal Considerations:

• Dual Systems: Separate accountability paths for Greek life vs. Corps
• University Response: A&M often handles Corps matters internally through military-style discipline
• Jurisdiction: Brazos County courts, College Station PD, A&M PD

University of Houston

The Leonel Bermudez Case – Our Active Litigation:
Right now, we’re fighting one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases at the University of Houston. Leonel Bermudez, represented by our firm, suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after alleged hazing by Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter. The $10 million lawsuit details:

Specific Hazing Allegations:

• “Pledge fanny pack” rule with degrading contents (condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices)
• Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
• Hose spraying “similar to waterboarding”
• 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion
• Another pledge hog-tied face-down for over an hour

Medical Catastrophe:
Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, was hospitalized for four days, and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

Institutional Response:

• Nov 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends Beta Nu chapter
• Nov 14, 2025: Chapter members vote to surrender charter
• UH labels conduct “deeply disturbing,” promises disciplinary action

Why This Matters for All Texas Families:
This active case proves that catastrophic hazing is happening NOW in Texas. The same national organizations (Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha) operate at Baylor, Texas A&M, UT, and campuses across Texas.

Southern Methodist University

For City of West families considering private education (approximately 90 miles away), SMU’s affluent Greek culture presents distinct hazing dynamics.

SMU’s Greek Culture:

• High percentage of Greek participation
• Significant financial resources in fraternity/sorority systems
• Historical incidents involving alcohol, humiliation, and physical abuse

Documented Incident:
Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep. The chapter was suspended with restrictions on recruiting until 2021.

SMU-Specific Considerations:

• Private University: Different liability framework than public institutions
• Financial Resources: Fraternities/sororities may have significant insurance coverage
• Transparency Challenges: Private universities often disclose less publicly

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Predict Local Danger

Why National Patterns Matter for City of West Families

When your child joins a fraternity or sorority at Baylor, Texas A&M, or any Texas campus, they’re not just joining a local group. They’re joining a national organization with decades of history—including hazing deaths, injuries, and lawsuits. These national patterns establish foreseeability: the organization knew or should have known their rituals could harm people.

Major National Organizations Present at Texas Campuses

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – National Hazing History:

• Stone Foltz: Bowling Green State University, alcohol poisoning death, $10 million settlement
• David Bogenberger: Northern Illinois University, alcohol poisoning death, $14 million settlement
• Pattern: “Big/Little” nights with forced alcohol consumption

Texas Presence: Chapters at Baylor, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Texas Tech, most major campuses

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – National Hazing History:

• Multiple hazing-related deaths nationwide
• Texas A&M Chapter: Chemical burns lawsuit ($1 million demand)
• UT Austin Chapter: Assault lawsuit ($1+ million demand)
• University of Alabama: Traumatic brain injury lawsuit

Texas Presence: Among the largest fraternities in Texas with chapters statewide

Pi Kappa Phi – National Hazing History:

• Andrew Coffey: Florida State University, alcohol poisoning death
• Leonel Bermudez: University of Houston, our active case, rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
• Pattern: Physical hazing combined with alcohol coercion

Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, others

Phi Delta Theta – National Hazing History:

• Max Gruver: LSU, “Bible study” drinking game death
• Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act named after victim
• Pattern: Academic-themed drinking games

Texas Presence: Active at Baylor, Texas A&M, UT Austin

Kappa Alpha Order – National Hazing History:

• Multiple paddling and physical hazing incidents
• SMU Chapter: 2017 suspension for paddling, forced drinking
• Southern tradition often cited in defense (ineffective legally)

Texas Presence: Strong presence in Texas with multiple chapters

Sorority Hazing: Often Overlooked but Equally Damaging

While less physically violent, sorority hazing causes severe psychological harm:

• Sleep deprivation during “hell week”
• Forced servitude to older members
• Public humiliation and degradation
• Social isolation and manipulation
• Eating disorders triggered by body-shaming

National Sororities with Hazing Histories:
Most National Panhellenic Conference sororities have faced hazing allegations, including forced drinking, humiliation rituals, and psychological abuse.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and What City of West Families Should Expect

Critical Evidence That Wins Cases

Digital Evidence – The Most Important Category:

• Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
• Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook
• Deleted Messages: Digital forensics can recover deleted content
• Location Data: GPS, Find My Friends, Snapchat Maps

How to Preserve Digital Evidence:

1. Screenshot Immediately: Capture full threads with timestamps visible
2. Screen Record: For disappearing content (Snapchat, Instagram vanish mode)
3. Cloud Backups: Don’t reset phones – cloud may retain deleted messages
4. Expert Forensic Recovery: We work with digital forensics specialists

Medical Evidence:

• ER records and hospitalization documents
• Lab results (blood alcohol, toxin screens, kidney function tests)
• Imaging (X-rays, CT scans for injuries)
• Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses)

Physical Evidence:

• Clothing with stains or damage
• Paddles, props, or objects used in hazing
• Receipts for alcohol or materials purchased for hazing
• Photographs of injuries from multiple angles

Institutional Records:

• University conduct files (obtained via subpoena)
• National fraternity/sorority incident reports
• Insurance policies and coverage documents
• Prior complaint records

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

• Medical Expenses: Past and future care, including:
  • Emergency treatment and hospitalization
  • Surgeries and rehabilitation
  • Psychological counseling
  • Lifetime care for permanent disabilities
• Lost Income & Earning Capacity:
  • Missed work/school time
  • Reduced future earning potential for permanent injuries
  • Lost scholarships or educational opportunities

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm):

• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain from injuries
• Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in college life, activities
• Reputational Harm: Social stigma and public scrutiny

Wrongful Death Damages:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
• Emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages (When Available):

• Designed to punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
• Available when defendants showed conscious indifference
• Often significant in hazing cases with prior warnings

Case Strategy: Overcoming Common Defenses

Fraternities, sororities, and universities use predictable defense strategies. Here’s how we counter them:

Defense: “The Pledge Consented”
Our Response: Texas law (§37.155) explicitly states consent is not a defense. Power imbalance, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion make “consent” meaningless.

Defense: “Rogue Chapter – National Didn’t Know”
Our Response: We subpoena national records showing prior incidents at other chapters. Pattern evidence establishes foreseeability.

Defense: “It Happened Off-Campus”
Our Response: Location doesn’t matter under Texas law. Universities and nationals still have duty based on sponsorship and control.

Defense: “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”
Our Response: Paper policies without enforcement are meaningless. We show prior violations were ignored or minimally punished.

Defense: “Insurance Doesn’t Cover Intentional Acts”
Our Response: We identify all potential policies (national, local, university, homeowners). Negligent supervision claims often survive exclusions.

The Attorney911 Advantage in Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Knowledge – Mr. Lupe Peña’s Background:
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

• Value and undervalue claims
• Use delay tactics to pressure families
• Fight coverage under exclusions
• This insider knowledge is invaluable for negotiating maximum settlements.

Complex Institutional Litigation – Ralph Manginello’s Experience:

• BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar defendants
• Federal Court Experience: Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• HCCLA Membership: Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association credential signals elite criminal defense capability

Investigative Depth & Expert Network:

• Digital Forensics Experts: Recover deleted messages and social media evidence
• Medical Specialists: Document rhabdomyolysis, traumatic brain injury, psychological trauma
• Economists: Calculate lifetime care costs and lost earning capacity
• Greek Life Experts: Understand organizational dynamics and national patterns

Proven Results in Catastrophic Cases:

• Multi-million dollar settlements in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases
• Experience against massive institutional defendants with unlimited legal budgets
• Trial readiness that forces fair settlements

Practical Guides & FAQs for City of West Families

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
• Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Weight changes from food/water manipulation
• Sleep deprivation (calls at 3 AM, all-night “events”)
• Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage

Behavioral Changes:

• Sudden secrecy about organization activities
• Withdrawal from family and old friends
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
• Fear of “getting the chapter in trouble”
• Obsession with pleasing older members

Academic Red Flags:

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

Digital Behavior:

• Constant phone monitoring of group chats
• Anxiety when phone buzzes
• Deleting messages obsessively
• Receiving demands for immediate response at all hours

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally):

1. “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
2. “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
3. “What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
4. “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
5. “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”

If You Suspect Hazing – Immediate Steps:

1. Prioritize Safety: If in danger, call 911 or campus police
2. Medical Attention: Get professional evaluation, even if injuries seem minor
3. Document Everything: Write down what your child tells you with dates/times
4. Preserve Evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries
5. Consult an Attorney: Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 before talking to university or organization

For Students: Self-Protection & Safe Exit Strategies

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide:

• Are you being pressured to do something unsafe or humiliating?
• Would you do this if there were no social consequences?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Are you being told to keep secrets from outsiders?

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

How to Exit Safely:

• Immediate Danger: Call 911, get to safe location
• Quitting/De-pledging: Send email/text to chapter president: “I resign effective immediately”
• Do NOT go to “one last meeting” – this is often a pressure tactic
• Document Threats: Save any retaliation attempts

Evidence Collection for Students:

• Screenshots: Group chats with timestamps visible
• Photos/Videos: Injuries, locations, objects used
• Medical Records: Tell providers you were hazed for documentation
• Witness Information: Names and contacts of others who saw what happened

Reporting Options:

• Campus: Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct
• Local Police: If crimes occurred (assault, furnishing alcohol to minors)
• National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (anonymous)
• Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (confidential legal consultation)

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting Your Child Delete Evidence
What happens: Messages are gone forever, case becomes “he said/she said”
What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately. Deleted messages look like cover-up.

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly
What happens: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
What to do instead: Document everything, then call an attorney first

MISTAKE #3: Signing University “Resolution” Forms
What happens: You may waive right to sue or accept low settlement
What to do instead: Have attorney review ANYTHING before signing

MISTAKE #4: Posting on Social Media
What happens: Defense attorneys screenshot everything, inconsistencies hurt credibility
What to do instead: Document privately, let attorney control public messaging

MISTAKE #5: Waiting “To See How University Handles It”
What happens: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
What to do instead:* Preserve evidence NOW, consult attorney immediately

MISTAKE #6: Talking to Insurance Adjusters
What happens: Recorded statements are used against you, early settlements are lowball
What to do instead:* “My attorney will contact you”

MISTAKE #7: Letting Child Go to “One Last Meeting”
What happens: Pressure, intimidation, statements that hurt case
What to do instead:* Once considering legal action, all communication through attorney

Texas Hazing Law FAQ for City of West Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes. Public universities (UT, Texas A&M, UH) have sovereign immunity limitations but can be sued for gross negligence or under certain exceptions. Private universities (Baylor, SMU) have fewer immunity protections. Every case is fact-specific.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Basic hazing is a Class B misdemeanor. If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a state jail felony. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Consent is NOT a defense under Texas Education Code §37.155. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately known, and cover-ups may toll (pause) the statute. Time is critical – evidence disappears fast.

“What if hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t matter. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Many major hazing cases occurred off-campus.

“Will this be confidential?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms.

“What will this cost us?”
We work on contingency fee – no upfront costs, no fee unless we win. This makes justice accessible to families who couldn’t otherwise afford representation against wealthy fraternities and universities.

Why City of West Families Choose Attorney911 for Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Litigation

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

Insurance Insider Advantage:
Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm gives us unparalleled insight. We know exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

• Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
• Use delay tactics to pressure families
• Fight coverage under “intentional act” exclusions
• We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:
Ralph Manginello’s involvement in BP Texas City explosion litigation proves we can take on billion-dollar defendants. Universities and national fraternities have unlimited legal budgets—we’re not intimidated because we’ve faced bigger opponents and won.

Multi-Million Dollar Results in Catastrophic Cases:
We have recovered millions for families in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We work with economists to build life-care plans for permanent disabilities and calculate true lifetime costs of injuries like traumatic brain damage or kidney failure.

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability:
Ralph’s HCCLA membership (Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association) signals elite criminal defense expertise. When hazing involves criminal charges, we understand both tracks and can advise on the interaction between criminal and civil cases.

Investigative Depth That Uncovers Truth:
We deploy:

• Digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages
• Medical specialists to document rhabdomyolysis, TBI, PTSD
• Greek life experts to understand organizational dynamics
• Economists to calculate lifetime impacts

Local Understanding of Texas Universities:
We know Baylor’s culture in Waco, Texas A&M’s Corps system, UT’s transparency approach, UH’s urban challenges, and SMU’s private university dynamics. We understand both the public face and private reality of Texas Greek life.

Our Commitment to City of West & McLennan County Families

We serve families throughout Texas from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices. For City of West, Waco, and McLennan County families, we offer:

Local Understanding:
We know Baylor University’s campus culture, McLennan County courts, and Central Texas community values. We understand both the opportunities and risks your children face at Texas universities.

Spanish Language Services:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish. Se habla Español. We serve Hispanic families throughout Texas with cultural understanding and language accessibility.

Immediate Response:
When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you reach us directly. We understand that hazing evidence disappears within hours—we act immediately to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Compassionate Advocacy:
We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to carry the legal burden so you can focus on healing. We pursue accountability not just for compensation, but to prevent this from happening to another family.

Your Next Steps: How to Get Help Today

If Hazing Has Impacted Your Family

Step 1: Immediate Safety & Medical Care
If your child is in danger or injured, call 911. Get medical attention immediately—even if injuries seem minor. Medical documentation is crucial evidence.

Step 2: Preserve Evidence NOW

• Screenshot group chats, texts, social media
• Photograph injuries from multiple angles
• Save physical evidence (clothing, objects)
• Write down everything while memory is fresh
• Do NOT let your child delete anything

Step 3: Consult with Us – Free & Confidential
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll:

• Listen to your story without judgment
• Review any evidence you’ve preserved
• Explain your legal options clearly
• Answer all your questions about process, timing, and what to expect
• No pressure to hire us – take time to decide

What to Expect in Your Consultation:

1. You Talk, We Listen: Tell us what happened in your own words
2. Evidence Review: We’ll look at any messages, photos, medical records
3. Options Explained: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
4. Realistic Assessment: What your case might be worth, typical timeline
5. Cost Discussion: Contingency fee – no fee unless we win
6. Next Steps: Immediate actions to protect your rights

Step 4: Strategic Decision Making
With our guidance, you’ll decide whether to:

• File police reports
• Pursue university disciplinary processes
• File a civil lawsuit
• Some combination of the above
• Take no legal action (always an option)

Contact Attorney911 Today

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

Spanish Services:
Hablamos Español – Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish

Serving City of West, Waco, McLennan County & All of Texas:
From our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices, we serve families throughout Texas, including City of West, Axtell, Robinson, McGregor, Waco, and all McLennan County communities.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

• Click2Houston report: 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/
• ABC13 coverage: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• Hoodline summary: 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:

• Using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client mistakes that can ruin your case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website: https://attorney911.com

National Anti-Hazing Hotline (Not affiliated with Attorney911): 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)

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