When Your College Student is Hazed at a Texas University: A Guide for Woodway, Texas Families

The Phone Call No Parent in Woodway, Texas Wants to Receive

It’s 2:30 AM, and your phone rings. Your son or daughter, who you sent off to the University of Houston, Texas A&M, or Baylor with so much hope, is on the other end, their voice shaking. They’re trying to sound brave, but you hear the fear. They talk about “mandatory events,” feeling trapped, and waking up in a hospital with brown urine after a fraternity “workout.” They mention names like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, or Corps of Cadets traditions gone wrong. They whisper about deleted group chats, threats of retaliation, and pressure to stay silent to “protect the brotherhood.”

For families in Woodway, Texas—nestled in McLennan County just minutes from Baylor University and within driving distance of campuses across our state—this nightmare scenario is unfolding in real time.

Right now, our firm represents Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after enduring what media reports describe as “waterboarding-like” hose spraying, forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, and extreme physical hazing at the now-shuttered Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. The Click2Houston report detailed how his “urine was brown” before hospitalization, while ABC13 coverage outlined a pattern of humiliation including mandatory “pledge fanny packs” with degrading contents. This active $10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi nationals, and 13 fraternity leaders serves as a stark reminder: hazing isn’t just “boys being boys”—it’s institutionalized abuse that can permanently injure or kill.

If you’re a parent in Woodway, Hewitt, or anywhere in McLennan County, this comprehensive guide explains what you need to know about hazing at Texas universities, your legal rights, and how to protect your child when traditions turn dangerous.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:
national anti-hazing hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)

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:
1-888-ATTY-911

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like at Texas Universities

Many Woodway parents remember hazing as “harmless pranks” from decades past. Today’s reality is different—more systematic, more digitally documented, and more dangerous.

Beyond Stereotypes: Modern Hazing Methods

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
The most common—and deadliest—form involves forced consumption. At UH’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter, Bermudez was allegedly made to drink milk and eat hot dogs with peppercorns until vomiting, then forced to sprint immediately after. This “food and exercise” combination directly contributed to his rhabdomyolysis, where muscle breakdown floods kidneys with toxins.

Physical Hazing
This includes “workouts” disguised as conditioning but designed to injure. The Bermudez case involved 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion. At Texas A&M, a Sigma Alpha Epsilon lawsuit alleged pledges were covered in industrial-strength cleaner causing chemical burns requiring skin grafts.

Psychological and Digital Hazing
“Pledge fanny packs” containing humiliating items, 24/7 group chat monitoring, sleep deprivation through late-night “mandatory” events, and social isolation from non-members. Digital evidence—GroupMe chats, Snapchat videos, Instagram posts—now forms the backbone of modern hazing cases.

Sexualized and Humiliating Acts
From the “hog-tying” of another UH Pi Kappa Phi pledge (face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour) to Corps of Cadets “roasted pig” positioning at Texas A&M, these acts cause lasting psychological trauma.

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

While fraternities dominate headlines, hazing occurs in:

Sororities (though often less physically violent)
Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs
Athletic teams (from football to baseball)
Spirit organizations and marching bands
Academic clubs and honor societies

For Woodway families, the proximity to Baylor University means understanding that hazing isn’t limited to Greek life. Any group with power dynamics, initiation rituals, and a “prove yourself” culture carries risk.

Texas Hazing Law: What Woodway Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Hazing Statutes

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws that apply whether incidents occur on-campus in Waco or at off-campus houses in Houston. Key provisions include:

§37.151 Definition
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act (on or off campus) that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of initiation into or affiliation with any organization. This broad definition covers everything from forced drinking to psychological torment.

§37.155 Consent is NOT a Defense
Even if your child “agreed” to participate, Texas law explicitly states this doesn’t excuse the behavior. Courts recognize that power imbalances and social pressure negate true consent.

§37.152 Criminal Penalties
– 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 (like Bermudez’s kidney failure)

§37.153 Organizational Liability
Fraternities, sororities, and universities themselves can face criminal prosecution and fines up to $10,000 per violation.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases

Brought by the state (prosecutor)
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Charges can include: hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
Example: The potential criminal investigation into UH Pi Kappa Phi members

Civil Cases

Brought by victims/families (like Bermudez’s $10 million lawsuit)
Goal: Compensation and accountability
Claims include: negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, premises liability
Critical: You can pursue civil action even if no criminal charges are filed

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents by 2026. This will increase transparency at schools like Baylor, UT, and Texas A&M.

Title IX
If hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility, additional federal claims may apply.

Clery Act
Requires reporting of certain crimes—many hazing incidents overlap with assault, alcohol, and drug violations.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat at Texas Schools

The tragedies at other universities aren’t distant news—they’re previews of what can happen here. The same national organizations operating at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor have deadly patterns elsewhere.

Alcohol Poisoning Death Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night; died from alcohol poisoning. $10 million settlement ($7M from national Pi Kappa Alpha, ~$3M from university).

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
“Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking; died with 0.495% BAC. Led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act felony hazing statute.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
Pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night.” Same national organization now involved in the UH Bermudez case.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual; died from traumatic brain injury. National fraternity criminally convicted – precedent for holding organizations accountable.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking; fell multiple times captured on chapter cameras; delayed medical care led to death. 18 members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts total.

What These Cases Mean for Woodway Families

Patterns repeat: The same “Big/Little” nights, drinking games, and physical rituals appear nationwide
National organizations know the risks: Their anti-hazing policies exist because they’ve seen deaths before
Delayed medical care worsens outcomes: Fear of “getting in trouble” costs lives
Multi-million dollar accountability is possible: These cases show universities and nationals can be held financially responsible

Texas Universities: Where Woodway Students Attend and What Parents Must Know

Baylor University: In Woodway’s Backyard

Campus Culture
As Woodway’s closest major university, Baylor blends Christian identity with substantial Greek life and athletic traditions. For McLennan County families, Baylor isn’t just a school—it’s where neighbors’ children attend.

Documented Incidents

2020 Baseball Hazing: 14 players suspended following investigation
Greek life with national organizations that have hazing histories elsewhere
Private university status means less public transparency than state schools

How Baylor Cases Proceed

May involve Waco PD, McLennan County courts, or federal jurisdiction
Baylor’s religious affiliation doesn’t shield it from negligence claims
Evidence often emerges through internal reports and witness testimony

What Woodway Baylor Parents Should Do

Document everything immediately—Baylor’s internal processes can be opaque
Understand that “Christian environment” doesn’t eliminate hazing risk
Local jurisdiction means cases may be heard right here in McLennan County

University of Houston: Current Ground Zero for Texas Hazing Litigation

The Bermudez Case: A Woodway Family’s Warning
While Houston is hours from Woodway, many McLennan County students attend UH. The Bermudez case shows what can happen:

September 2025: Accepts Pi Kappa Phi bid
October: Endures “pledge fanny pack” humiliation, overnight chauffeur duties, hog-tying incident witnessed
November 3: Forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
November 6-9: Hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine
November 6: Pi Kappa Phi national suspends chapter
November 14: Chapter votes to surrender charter
November 21-22: Media reports reveal extent of abuse

UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised cooperation with law enforcement—exactly the institutional response families should expect but often don’t receive.

UH’s Greek Ecosystem
With 50+ Greek organizations, including multiple chapters with national hazing histories, UH represents the complex landscape Texas families navigate.

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life Intersection

Corps of Cadets Cases

2023 Lawsuit: Cadet alleged being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth during hazing
Tradition-heavy environment where “custom” can mask abuse

Greek Life Incidents

Sigma Alpha Epsilon chemical burns case: Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner requiring skin grafts
Multiple fraternities with national patterns of hazardous behavior

For Woodway Families Considering A&M

Distance doesn’t protect your child—hazing happens in College Station too
Both Corps and Greek life carry documented risks
A&M’s “tradition” language sometimes obscures accountability

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Repeated Violations

Public Hazing Violations Log
UT maintains one of Texas’ most transparent records at hazing.utexas.edu, showing:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Multiple organizations sanctioned for alcohol hazing, forced workouts
Pattern: Repeated violations despite sanctions

What UT’s Transparency Means for Woodway Families

Public records can support your case
Demonstrated pattern of violations strengthens negligence claims
Even with transparency, hazing continues—accountability requires legal action

Southern Methodist University: Private School Challenges

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017)
New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep; chapter suspended for years.

Private University Dynamics

Less public disclosure than state schools
Reputation protection can conflict with transparency
Civil litigation often reveals what internal processes conceal

Fraternities and Sororities: National Histories That Matter for Texas Families

When your child joins a chapter at Baylor, UH, or any Texas school, they’re joining a national organization with a history that spans decades and states. These histories matter in court.

Organizations with Documented Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

Stone Foltz death: $10 million settlement
Multiple chapters suspended nationally
Present at: UH, Texas A&M, UT, Baylor, SMU

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

Chemical burns at Texas A&M
Traumatic brain injury lawsuit at Alabama
Multiple alcohol-related deaths nationwide
Present at all five major Texas schools

Pi Kappa Phi

Andrew Coffey death at Florida State
Leonel Bermudez kidney failure at UH
Same national organization, repeating patterns

Phi Delta Theta

Max Gruver death at LSU
Felony hazing statute named after victim
Chapters across Texas

Why National Histories Create Liability

Foreseeability: If nationals know alcohol hazing killed someone at Florida State, they should prevent it at UH
Pattern Evidence: Courts consider whether organizations ignored red flags
Punitive Damages: Repeated disregard for safety can justify punishment beyond compensation

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: What We Know Before You Call

Our firm maintains a comprehensive database of Texas Greek organizations—not from rumors, but from public records. For Woodway families, this means we start with facts:

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Filings)

125+ Texas-registered entities with EINs, legal names, addresses
Examples from public records:
- Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, EIN 46-2267515, Frisco, TX 75035
- Sigma Phi Epsilon Texas Eta, EIN 82-4398421, Richmond, TX 77406
- Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc, EIN 74-1380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc Nu Iota Chapter Baylor University, EIN 52-1346485, Waco, TX 76703

Metro-Level Greek Presence

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington: 510+ Greek organizations
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land: 188+ organizations
Austin-Round Rock: 154+ organizations
Waco Metro: 27+ organizations serving Baylor and McLennan County

What This Means for Your Case
When you contact us about hazing at Baylor, we already know:

The legal entities behind Baylor’s Greek organizations
National headquarters locations and insurance carriers
Prior incidents at other chapters of the same organization
This isn’t starting from scratch—it’s starting with intelligence

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Realistic Expectations

Evidence That Wins Cases in 2025

Digital Evidence (Most Critical)

GroupMe/WhatsApp chats: Planning, boasting, cover-up discussions
Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often retrieve “disappeared” content
Social media posts: Even “joking” references document culture
Location data: Geo-tags placing members at incident locations

Medical Documentation

Immediate care records: ER visits showing alcohol toxicity, injuries
Specialist follow-up: Rhabdomyolysis treatment, psychological trauma diagnosis
Ongoing impact: Documentation of lasting kidney issues, PTSD, anxiety

Organizational Records

National fraternity files: Prior incident reports, risk management policies
University conduct records: Previous violations by same chapter
Insurance policies: Coverage details for nationals and chapters

Witness Testimony

Other pledges experiencing similar abuse
Former members willing to break silence
Roommates, partners, friends who observed changes

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable)

Medical bills (ER, hospitalization, ongoing treatment)
Future medical care (therapy, medications, specialist visits)
Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, transferred schools)
Diminished earning capacity (if injuries affect career prospects)

Non-Economic Damages

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress, PTSD, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life
Damage to family relationships

Wrongful Death Damages

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship, guidance
Family’s emotional suffering

Punitive Damages
In cases of extreme recklessness or cover-ups, courts may award additional damages to punish defendants and deter future conduct.

Realistic Case Timeline

Immediate (Days): Evidence preservation, medical care
Short-term (Weeks): University reporting, witness interviews
Medium-term (Months): Investigation, demand letters
Long-term (1-3 years): Settlement negotiations or litigation
Resolution: Most cases settle confidentially; few go to trial

Practical Guide for Woodway Parents and Students

For Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Actions

Red Flags Your Child is Being Hazed

Unexplained injuries or frequent “accidents”
Extreme exhaustion, sleep deprivation
Sudden personality changes: anxiety, withdrawal
Secretive about phone use, group chats
Defensive when asked about organization activities
Financial strain from unexpected “fees” or purchases

48-Hour Action Plan

Medical first: ER visit for any injury or excessive drinking
Document everything: Photos, screenshots, written timeline
Secure evidence: Don’t let them delete anything
Consult attorney: Before talking to university or insurance
Emotional support: Therapist for trauma, family counseling

Communicating with Baylor or Other Universities

Document every conversation (follow up emails after calls)
Ask specific questions about prior incidents with same organization
Don’t accept “we’re handling it internally” as sufficient
Request written copies of all policies and procedures

For Students: Safety and Rights

If You’re Being Hazed Right Now

Medical emergency: Call 911 first, worry about consequences later
Safe exit: Have a code word with family for immediate extraction
Evidence preservation: Screenshot everything before it disappears
Know your rights: Texas law protects those who report in good faith

Is This Hazing or “Just Tradition”?
Ask yourself:

Would I do this if I could truly say no without consequences?
Is this activity hidden from university officials?
Does it make me feel unsafe, humiliated, or coerced?
Would my parents approve if they knew every detail?

If answers point to hazing, trust your instincts—not the “this is how we bond” rhetoric.

Critical Mistakes That Destroy Cases

What Not to Do

Delete evidence: “Cleaning up” looks like cover-up and loses case
Confront the organization: Alerts them to destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Sign university agreements: May waive legal rights for minimal concessions
Post on social media: Defense attorneys monitor everything
Wait for “internal resolution”: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate
Talk to insurance adjusters alone: Recorded statements used against you

What to Do Instead

Preserve everything: Even embarrassing evidence wins cases
Attorney-first approach: Let us handle communications
Document university interactions: Emails over calls, notes after meetings
Medical documentation: Every visit, every symptom, every prescription
Witness list: Names, contacts, what they saw

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Woodway Families

Insurance Insider Advantage
Mr. Lupe Peña—our associate attorney—spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers:

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Set reserves and negotiate settlements

BP Texas City Explosion Experience
Managing partner Ralph Manginello was one of few Texas attorneys involved in BP explosion litigation. This means:

We’re not intimidated by billion-dollar defendants
We understand complex institutional cover-ups
We have federal court experience for Title IX and civil rights claims
We know how to manage multi-defendant, document-intensive cases

Multi-Million Dollar Results

Wrongful death settlements valuing lifetime earnings
Catastrophic injury cases with life care planning
Experience working with economists, medical experts, vocational specialists

Dual Criminal-Civil Capability
Mr. Manginello’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means:

We understand criminal hazing charges and defenses
We can advise witnesses with potential criminal exposure
We navigate parallel criminal and civil proceedings

Spanish-Language Services
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish—critical for serving Texas’ diverse families.

Our Investigative Approach

Digital Forensics
We work with experts to recover deleted messages, analyze metadata, and authenticate digital evidence.

Organizational Discovery
We subpoena national fraternity records, university conduct files, and insurance policies to build pattern evidence.

Expert Network
Medical specialists, toxicologists, Greek life culture experts, economists, and psychologists help document harm and calculate damages.

Local Texas Knowledge
From Baylor in Waco to UH in Houston, we understand each campus’s culture, policies, and historical incidents.

Your Next Step: Confidential Consultation

What to Expect When You Call 1-888-ATTY-911

Free, No-Obligation Consultation
We listen to your story, review any evidence you’ve preserved, and explain your legal options clearly.

Case Evaluation
We assess:

Strength of evidence
Potential defendants (individuals, chapter, national, university)
Likely damages range
Realistic timeline and strategy

Fee Structure
Contingency basis—no fee unless we recover compensation for you.

Immediate Action
If evidence is at risk, we take steps to preserve it immediately through legal means.

Contact Information

Attorney911 – The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)
Website: https://attorney911.com

Spanish Services Available
Hablamos Español – Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com

Serving Woodway and All of Texas
From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we represent families throughout Texas, including McLennan County, Waco, Woodway, and surrounding communities.

Plain Text Resources for Woodway Families

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