Hazing in Texas: A Complete Guide for Vidor Parents and Families

If Your Child Was Hazed in College, You Are Not Alone

It starts with a text message at 2 a.m.: “Meet at the house now. Don’t be late.” Your son, a freshman pledge at a Texas university, drags himself out of bed. He’s exhausted—he’s been averaging three hours of sleep for weeks. When he arrives, older fraternity members line up the pledges. There’s a table with handles of cheap liquor. “You’re not a brother until you finish this,” they say. He drinks until he vomits, then they make him do push-ups in it. Someone films it on their phone. No one calls for help. He wakes up in the hospital with a diagnosis of acute alcohol poisoning and rhabdomyolysis—his muscles are breaking down, his kidneys are failing. His urine is brown. And the university? They say they’re “looking into it.”

This is not a hypothetical scenario. For families in Vidor, Texas, this is the reality facing students at universities across our state—from Lamar University in nearby Beaumont to Texas A&M, UT Austin, and beyond. Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or harmless tradition. It’s a dangerous, often criminal practice that leaves physical and psychological scars, and in the worst cases, kills.

Right now, in Houston, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who was hazed by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. The allegations are shocking: forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; extreme physical workouts; and carrying a “pledge fanny pack” filled with humiliating items. He developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, was hospitalized for four days, and faces ongoing health risks. This $10 million lawsuit names the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The chapter has been shut down, but the harm is permanent.

This guide is for every Vidor parent who has ever worried about their child’s safety in college. We’ll explain what hazing really looks like in 2025, break down Texas hazing laws, show you how national patterns play out at Texas universities, and give you concrete steps to protect your child. If hazing has already happened, we’ll explain your legal options and how our firm—with insider insurance knowledge and complex litigation experience—helps families like yours seek accountability.

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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

Beyond the Stereotypes: Modern Hazing Tactics

For Vidor parents who didn’t grow up with today’s Greek life culture, understanding hazing requires looking beyond the movie stereotypes. Today’s hazing blends traditional power dynamics with digital control and psychological manipulation. It’s not just about drinking—it’s about total domination of a new member’s time, body, and mind.

Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student. Under Texas law—which governs cases in Vidor and throughout the state—this can occur on or off campus, and “consent” is not a defense.

The Four Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common and deadliest form. It’s not “just drinking with friends.” It’s coerced consumption:

“Big/Little” nights where pledges are given entire bottles of liquor to finish
“Bible study” or quiz games where wrong answers mean taking shots
Lineups where pledges must chug alcohol in sequence
Forced consumption of non-alcoholic substances (hot sauces, spoiled food, unknown mixtures)

In our University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case, our client was forced to consume excessive amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then forced to immediately do sprints.

2. Physical Hazing
This goes beyond “tough workouts” to dangerous physical abuse:

Paddling, beating, or striking with objects
Extreme calisthenics (“smokings”)—100+ push-ups, 500+ squats until collapse
Sleep deprivation over multiple days (“hell week”)
Exposure to extreme temperatures (outside in underwear in cold weather)
Forced confinement or restraint

Another pledge in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case was allegedly hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour while members prepared for a meeting.

3. Psychological and Humiliating Hazing
This attacks dignity and mental health:

Forced nudity or wearing degrading costumes
Simulated sexual acts or positions
Public shaming in front of peers or on social media
Racial, homophobic, or sexist insults and role-playing
“Roasting” sessions where every flaw is ridiculed

The “pledge fanny pack” in the UH case contained condoms, a sex toy, nicotine devices, and other humiliating items that pledges had to carry 24/7.

4. Digital Hazing
A modern evolution that gives hazing 24/7 reach:

Constant group chat demands (responding immediately at all hours)
Location tracking via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
Forced social media posts or challenges
Digital “punishments” for not engaging fast enough
Recording hazing acts and sharing in private groups

Where Hazing Happens: It’s Not Just Fraternities

While fraternities receive the most attention, hazing occurs in many organizations:

Sororities (despite common misconceptions)
Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
Spirit organizations and tradition clubs
Marching bands and performance groups
Some academic, service, and cultural organizations

The common thread is power imbalance: older members controlling new members through tradition, fear of exclusion, and the promise of belonging.

Texas Hazing Law: What Vidor Families Need to Know

The Texas Education Code: Your Legal Foundation

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws in the Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. These laws apply to all educational institutions in Texas, including public universities like UT Austin, Texas A&M, and University of Houston, as well as private institutions like SMU and Baylor.

Key Provisions of Texas Hazing Law:

Broad Definition (Section 37.151):
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization that:
- Endangers the student’s physical health or safety, OR
- Endangers the student’s mental health or safety (including humiliation, intimidation, etc.)
Criminal Penalties (Section 37.152):
- Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
- Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing that causes injury requiring medical treatment
- State Jail Felony: Hazing that causes serious bodily injury or death
- Additional charges: Failing to report hazing or retaliating against someone who reports are also crimes
Consent is NOT a Defense (Section 37.155):
Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it’s still hazing under Texas law. Courts recognize that peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of social exclusion undermine true consent.
Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting (Section 37.154):
Students who report hazing or call for medical help in good faith are protected from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from their own involvement. Many universities have amnesty policies for alcohol-related incidents when students seek help.
Organizational Liability (Section 37.153):
The organization itself (fraternity, sorority, team) can be prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 per violation if it authorized or encouraged the hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report it.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (prosecutor)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Burden of proof: Beyond a reasonable doubt
Potential charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or their families
Aim: Compensation for damages and accountability
Burden of proof: Preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not)
Potential claims: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress

These cases can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction isn’t required for a civil case, and a civil case can proceed even if criminal charges aren’t filed. Many families pursue both tracks: criminal accountability through the justice system and financial recovery through civil litigation.

Federal Law Overlay: Title IX, Clery Act, and the Stop Campus Hazing Act

Federal laws create additional obligations for universities:

Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX requires universities to investigate and take appropriate action. Even non-sexual hazing can trigger Title IX if it creates a hostile environment based on sex.

Clery Act: Requires colleges to report certain crimes, maintain crime logs, and issue timely warnings. Hazing incidents that involve assaults, alcohol crimes, or other reportable offenses must be documented.

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This new federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid to:

Report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthen hazing education and prevention programs
Maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026)
Provide clearer information to students and families

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Hazing Lawsuit?

Multiple parties may share responsibility:

Individual Students: Those who planned, participated in, or covered up the hazing.
Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity, sorority, or club itself (if it’s a legal entity).
National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters: Often have deep pockets and insurance coverage. They can be liable for negligent supervision, failure to enforce policies, or having actual knowledge of dangerous traditions.
Universities: May be liable for negligent supervision, failure to enforce policies, or deliberate indifference to known risks. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist.
Third Parties: Property owners, landlords of off-campus houses, alcohol providers (under dram shop laws), security companies.

In our UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we’ve sued 13 individual fraternity members, the local Beta Nu chapter, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, the chapter’s housing corporation, the University of Houston, and the UH System Board of Regents. This comprehensive approach ensures we pursue every potential source of accountability and recovery.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

The Deadly Pattern of Alcohol Hazing

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):
A bid acceptance night turned deadly when 19-year-old Timothy Piazza consumed dangerous amounts of alcohol during a drinking game. He fell multiple times, suffering traumatic brain injuries. Fraternity members delayed calling for help for 12 hours. The case resulted in dozens of criminal charges, multimillion-dollar civil settlements, and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
During a “Bible study” drinking game, 18-year-old Max Gruver was forced to drink when he answered questions incorrectly. His blood alcohol concentration reached 0.495%. He died from alcohol poisoning. The case led to felony hazing legislation in Louisiana (the Max Gruver Act) and resulted in a $6.1 million verdict against the fraternity.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
Stone Foltz died after being forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” event. The fraternity members delayed calling for help. The case resulted in criminal convictions and a $10 million settlement ($7 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national, $3 million from BGSU). The chapter president was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million.

What These Cases Mean for Vidor Families:
The same fraternities involved in these national tragedies—Pi Kappa Alpha, Beta Theta Pi, Phi Delta Theta—have chapters at Texas universities. The same patterns of forced drinking, delayed medical care, and institutional cover-ups exist here. When we see these patterns repeat in Texas, it shows national organizations had notice and failed to prevent predictable harm.

Physical Hazing with Lasting Injuries

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) (2021):
During a “pledge dad reveal” night, 18-year-old Danny Santulli was forced to consume excessive alcohol. He suffered permanent brain damage and now requires 24/7 care. His family settled with 22 defendants, including the fraternity national organization. The case shows that non-fatal hazing can still cause catastrophic, life-altering injuries.

Chemical Burns at Texas A&M – Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2021):
Two pledges at Texas A&M’s SAE chapter alleged they were covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. They sued for $1 million, and the chapter was suspended for two years.

What These Cases Mean for Vidor Families:
Physical hazing isn’t just about “tough workouts.” It can cause permanent disabilities, disfigurement, and psychological trauma. When fraternities use dangerous substances or extreme physical punishment, they’re playing with lives. Texas families need to understand that “just” physical hazing can have consequences as severe as alcohol poisoning.

Institutional Accountability: Universities and Nationals

Pi Delta Psi – Baruch College (2013):
During a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains, pledge Chun “Michael” Deng was blindfolded, weighted down with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual. He died from traumatic brain injuries. Members delayed calling 911. The national fraternity was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter—a rare case of criminal liability for a national organization. Pi Delta Psi was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):
Former players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the football program over multiple years. Multiple lawsuits were filed against the university and coaching staff. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired and later settled a wrongful termination suit confidentially. The case shows hazing extends beyond Greek life into athletic programs with multi-million-dollar budgets.

What These Cases Mean for Vidor Families:
National fraternities and universities can be held accountable. They’re not immune because they’re large institutions. When they know about dangerous traditions and fail to act, they share liability. This is particularly important for Texas families dealing with wealthy national fraternities and public university systems.

Texas Focus: Universities Relevant to Vidor Families

Lamar University: Your Local Campus

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Just 20 miles from Vidor in Beaumont, Lamar University serves many Orange County students. With over 15,000 students, it has active Greek life including fraternities and sororities across multiple councils. As a commuter-friendly campus with residential options, Lamar students often live at home in Vidor while attending classes.

Hazing Policy & Reporting:
Lamar University prohibits hazing as defined by Texas law. The Dean of Students Office handles misconduct reports, and students can report anonymously through online forms. Lamar’s policies extend to off-campus conduct when it affects the university community.

Documented Greek Organizations at Lamar:
Based on public records, these organizations have registered entities in the Beaumont area:

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Mu Epsilon Chapter (Beaumont, TX – undergrad chapter at Lamar)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Alpha Psi Sigma (Beaumont, TX – alumnae chapter)
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Epsilon Kappa Alumni (Beaumont, TX – alumni association)
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Lambda Lambda Chapter (Beaumont, TX – undergrad chapter at Lamar, founded 2018)
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – Beaumont Alumni (Beaumont, TX – graduate chapter)

How a Lamar Hazing Case Might Proceed:

Jurisdiction would typically be in Jefferson County courts
Local police (Beaumont PD) might investigate if crimes occurred off-campus
University police would investigate on-campus incidents
Given Lamar’s proximity to Vidor, many families would work with attorneys familiar with Southeast Texas courts and procedures

What Lamar Students & Vidor Parents Should Do:

Report hazing to Lamar’s Dean of Students Office: (409) 880-8756
Document everything before reporting—screenshots, photos, notes
Seek medical attention at local Beaumont hospitals if injured
Contact an attorney experienced in Texas hazing cases before giving formal statements

Texas A&M University: A Common Destination

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Many Vidor students attend Texas A&M, drawn by its academic reputation, tradition, and vibrant campus life. With one of the nation’s largest Greek systems and the Corps of Cadets, A&M has multiple environments where hazing can occur.

Recent Hazing Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021): Two pledges suffered severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts after substances including industrial-strength cleaner were poured on them. The chapter was suspended for two years.
Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A cadet alleged degrading hazing including being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. He sought over $1 million in damages.
Kappa Sigma Rhabdomyolysis Case (2023): Allegations of extreme physical hazing leading to rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) are currently in litigation.

Greek Life at Texas A&M:
The IRS B83 public filings show numerous Greek organizations registered in College Station, including:

Beta Theta Pi – Eta Chapter House Corporation (College Station, TX – EIN 814575228)
Texas Nu-Phi Delta Theta Fraternity (College Station, TX – EIN 814123811)
Gentlemen of Aggie Tradition (College Station, TX – EIN 880537463)
Eta Alpha House Corporation of Kappa Delta Sorority (College Station, TX – EIN 742930349)

What Texas A&M Students & Vidor Parents Should Do:

Report to the Student Conduct Office: (979) 847-7272
For Corps incidents, report through the Commandant’s Office
Document all evidence before reporting
Understand that A&M has extensive experience managing hazing cases—consult an attorney before navigating their processes

University of Houston: Current High-Profile Case

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
As Texas’s third-largest university, UH attracts students from across the state, including Southeast Texas. Its Houston location makes it accessible for Vidor families, and its growing Greek life has been in the spotlight due to our ongoing Pi Kappa Phi case.

The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Case:
We currently represent Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi. The allegations include:

Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
Being sprayed with a hose “similar to waterboarding”
Extreme physical workouts (100+ push-ups, 500+ squats)
Carrying a “pledge fanny pack” with humiliating items 24/7
Our client developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, was hospitalized for four days, and faces ongoing health risks

The chapter was suspended on November 6, 2025, and members voted to surrender their charter on November 14, 2025. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing.”

Greek Life at UH:
The IRS B83 filings show Houston-area Greek organizations, including:

Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation (Missouri City, TX – EIN 371768785)
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter (Houston, TX – EIN 746084905)
Delta Phi Upsilon Fraternity Inc (Houston, TX – EIN 800209640)
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc – Sigma Gamma Chapter (Houston, TX – EIN 392352450)

What UH Students & Vidor Parents Should Do:

Report to UH’s Dean of Students: (713) 743-5478
Preserve all digital evidence (GroupMe, texts, social media)
Seek medical attention at Houston-area hospitals for proper documentation
Consult with attorneys experienced in Houston-area hazing litigation

University of Texas at Austin & Baylor University

UT Austin’s Transparency Model:
UT maintains a public hazing violations page showing organizations that have been sanctioned. Recent entries include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Texas Wranglers (spirit organization): Multiple hazing violations involving forced workouts and alcohol

Baylor University’s Context:
Following previous scandals, Baylor has emphasized overhauling its campus culture. However, hazing persists, as seen in the 2020 baseball team hazing incident that resulted in 14 player suspensions.

For Vidor Families at These Schools:

UT’s public violations page can help identify patterns: hazing.utexas.edu
Both schools have anonymous reporting options
Document everything before reporting—these large universities have complex bureaucracies
Consider that these cases might be litigated in Travis County (Austin) or McLennan County (Waco) courts

The Greek Ecosystem: National Histories Matter

Why National Fraternity Histories Are Relevant in Vidor

When a fraternity chapter hazes at Lamar, Texas A&M, or any Texas campus, it’s rarely an isolated incident. National organizations have patterns—what happened at Bowling Green State University with Pi Kappa Alpha (Stone Foltz’s death) tells us about what could happen (and has happened) at Texas chapters. These patterns create legal liability through “foreseeability”—if the national organization knew similar conduct was occurring at other chapters, they should have taken steps to prevent it at all chapters.

National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green State (2021) – $10 million settlement
David Bogenberger death at Northern Illinois University (2012) – $14 million settlement
Multiple Texas chapters have faced hazing allegations

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

Chemical burns at Texas A&M (2021) – $1 million lawsuit
Traumatic brain injury lawsuit at University of Alabama (2023)
Multiple alcohol-related deaths nationally
Once called “the deadliest fraternity” by Bloomberg

Pi Kappa Phi:

Andrew Coffey death at Florida State University (2017)
Current UH case with our client Leonel Bermudez
Pattern of alcohol hazing during “Big/Little” events

Phi Delta Theta:

Max Gruver death at LSU (2017) – $6.1 million verdict
Louisiana passed the Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony

Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI):

Danny Santulli catastrophic brain injury at University of Missouri (2021)
Multiple settlements with 22 defendants

How National Histories Strengthen Texas Cases

When we represent a hazing victim at a Texas university, we investigate:

Prior incidents at the same chapter: Has this chapter been disciplined before?
Prior incidents at other chapters of the same national: What did the national organization know?
National policies and training: Were they adequate? Were they enforced?
Insurance coverage: What policies does the national organization have?

This investigation often reveals that national organizations had notice of dangerous traditions but failed to implement effective prevention. This can lead to liability not just for the local chapter, but for the national headquarters as well.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Vidor Families

Why We’re Sharing This Information

If you’re a parent in Vidor, Texas, you deserve to know who stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. These organizations are not just social clubs—they’re legal entities with tax IDs, insurance policies, and liability structures. We maintain this directory as part of our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine so families never start from zero when something goes wrong.

Local & Regional Greek Organizations

Based on IRS B83 filings and Cause IQ data, here are organizations in the Beaumont-Port Arthur metro area (which includes Vidor):

Beaumont-Port Arthur Metro Area Greek Organizations (22 total per Cause IQ):

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Mu Epsilon Chapter (Beaumont, TX – undergrad chapter at Lamar University)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Alpha Psi Sigma (Beaumont, TX – alumnae chapter)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Lamar University Chapter (Beaumont, TX – academic honor society)
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Beaumont Alumnae (Beaumont, TX – graduate chapter)
Alpha Kappa Psi – Kappa Tau Chapter (Port Arthur, TX – business fraternity at Lamar)
Alpha Chi Omega – Zeta Kappa Zeta Alumnae (Beaumont, TX – alumnae chapter)
Kappa Alpha Theta – Beaumont Alumnae Chapter (Beaumont, TX – alumnae chapter)
Alpha Delta Kappa – Texas Gamma Upsilon (Vidor, TX – teachers’ sorority chapter) – EIN 812724215
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Epsilon Kappa Alumni (Beaumont, TX – alumni association)
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – Beaumont Alumni (Beaumont, TX – graduate chapter)
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Lambda Lambda Chapter (Beaumont, TX – undergrad chapter at Lamar University, founded 2018)
Psi Chi – Lamar University Chapter (Beaumont, TX – psychology honor society)
Delta Kappa Gamma Society – Theta Omega (Orange, TX – educators’ society)
Natl. Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa – Epsilon Lambda (Port Arthur, TX – educators’ sorority)

Major Texas University Greek Hubs

Organizations at Texas A&M University (College Station):

Beta Theta Pi – Eta Chapter House Corporation (College Station, TX – EIN 814575228) – IRS B83 filing
Texas Nu-Phi Delta Theta Fraternity (College Station, TX – EIN 814123811) – IRS B83 filing
Gentlemen of Aggie Tradition (College Station, TX – EIN 880537463) – IRS B83 filing
Eta Alpha House Corporation of Kappa Delta Sorority (College Station, TX – EIN 742930349) – IRS B83 filing

Organizations at University of Houston:

Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation (Missouri City, TX – EIN 371768785) – IRS B83 filing
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter (Houston, TX – EIN 746084905) – IRS B83 filing
Delta Phi Upsilon Fraternity Inc (Houston, TX – EIN 800209640) – IRS B83 filing
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc – Sigma Gamma Chapter (Houston, TX – EIN 392352450) – IRS B83 filing

Texas-Wide Snapshot:
Across Texas, our data shows 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 metropolitan areas. In the Houston metro alone, there are 188 Greek organizations. This extensive network means that when hazing occurs, there are often multiple entities that may share liability—local chapters, alumni corporations, housing corporations, and national headquarters.

What This Directory Means for Your Case

When we take a hazing case, we don’t start from scratch. We already know:

The legal names and EINs of organizations
Their registered addresses for service of process
Their likely insurance carriers
Their relationships to national headquarters
Their history of filings and compliance

This investigative head start means we can move quickly to preserve evidence, identify all potentially liable parties, and begin building your case while memories are fresh and evidence still exists.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

Critical Evidence in Modern Hazing Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Important):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage groups, Discord servers
Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook posts
Text messages and DMs: Between members, pledges, and officers
Deleted content: We work with digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages and media
Location data: GPS from photos, Find My Friends screenshots, Snapchat Maps

In our UH Pi Kappa Phi case, group chats showed planning of hazing events, assignments of “fanny pack” contents, and discussions about hiding evidence.

Physical Evidence:

Injuries: Photograph immediately and over several days to show progression
Objects used: Paddles, alcohol bottles, props, costumes
Clothing: Stained or damaged clothing from the hazing
Medical records: ER reports, hospitalization records, lab results (like elevated CK levels showing rhabdomyolysis)

Documentary Evidence:

University records: Prior disciplinary actions against the same organization
National fraternity records: Policies, training materials, incident reports from other chapters
Insurance policies: To identify coverage sources
Financial records: Dues payments showing relationship between local chapter and national

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges: Often afraid to come forward initially, but may cooperate as case develops
Former members: Those who quit or were expelled may provide crucial testimony
Roommates and friends: Who observed changes in behavior or physical condition
Medical providers: Who documented injuries and treatment

Types of Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing treatment
Future medical care: Physical therapy, psychological counseling, medications
Lost earnings: Time off work for recovery
Lost educational opportunity: Tuition for semesters missed, lost scholarships
Diminished earning capacity: If injuries cause permanent disability affecting career

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real):

Physical pain and suffering: From injuries sustained
Emotional distress: PTSD, anxiety, depression, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in activities previously enjoyed
Reputational harm: Social stigma and embarrassment

Wrongful Death Damages (When Applicable):

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
Loss of companionship, love, and guidance for family members
Emotional suffering of surviving family

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Egregious):
In cases involving extreme recklessness, cover-ups, or intentional harm, courts may award punitive damages to punish defendants and deter future conduct. Texas has caps on punitive damages in many cases, but exceptions exist.

Our Strategic Approach to Hazing Litigation

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation:
Within hours of being retained, we send evidence preservation letters to all potential defendants and their insurers. This legally requires them to preserve all relevant evidence—texts, emails, social media, security footage, chapter records. Failure to preserve can lead to court sanctions.

2. Comprehensive Defendant Identification:
We identify every potentially liable party:

Individual participants and organizers
Chapter officers
Local chapter (if incorporated)
Housing corporation
Alumni advisory board
National headquarters
University and individual administrators
Property owners and landlords
Alcohol providers

3. Insurance Coverage Analysis:
Our attorney Lupe Peña’s background as an insurance defense attorney is invaluable here. We:

Identify all potential insurance policies (chapter, national, university, homeowners)
Analyze coverage terms and exclusions
Address insurers’ common arguments that hazing is excluded as “intentional”
Prepare for coverage litigation if necessary

4. Expert Coordination:
We work with a network of experts:

Medical experts: To document injuries and future care needs
Toxicologists: For alcohol poisoning cases
Psychologists: To assess PTSD and emotional trauma
Economists: To calculate lifetime earning loss
Digital forensics experts: To recover deleted evidence
Greek life culture experts: To explain power dynamics and traditions

5. Strategic Settlement vs. Trial Decision:
Most cases settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This preparation gives us maximum leverage in settlement negotiations. We consider:

Strength of evidence
Defendants’ ability to pay
Family’s privacy concerns
Desire for public accountability vs. confidential resolution

Practical Guides for Vidor Parents, Students, and Witnesses

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained injuries, bruises, burns, or cuts
Extreme exhaustion or sleep deprivation
Sudden personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
Secretive behavior about organizational activities
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Financial issues: unexpected expenses, requests for money
Academic decline: dropping grades, missing classes
Physical symptoms: weight loss, frequent illness

How to Talk to Your Child:

Choose the right time: When you’re both calm and not rushed
Use open-ended questions: “How are things going with [organization]?” not “Are they hazing you?”
Listen without judgment: If they start to open up, don’t interrupt or get angry
Emphasize safety: “Your health and safety are more important than any organization”
Offer unconditional support: “No matter what happened, we’re here for you”

If Your Child is Hurt:

Get medical attention immediately: Even if they insist they’re “fine”
Document everything: Photos of injuries, screenshots of texts, notes of what they tell you
Preserve physical evidence: Clothing, objects, receipts
Contact an attorney BEFORE reporting: We can help you navigate the reporting process strategically
Do NOT confront the organization: This can trigger evidence destruction and witness coaching

Dealing with the University:

Document every communication (emails, calls, meetings)
Ask specific questions about prior incidents involving the same organization
Request copies of all policies and procedures
Don’t sign anything without legal review
Remember: The university’s interests may not align with your child’s best interests

For Students: Self-Protection and Safe Exit Strategies

Is This Hazing? Quick Self-Assessment:

Are you being pressured or coerced to do something?
Would you do this if there were no social consequences for refusing?
Is the activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Are you being told to keep secrets from authorities or parents?
Are older members making you do things they don’t have to do?

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

How to Exit Safely:

If in immediate danger: Call 911 or campus police
Tell someone outside the organization: A parent, RA, trusted friend
Send a clear resignation: “I am resigning my pledge/membership effective immediately” via email or text
Do NOT attend “one last meeting”: This is often a pressure tactic
Document any retaliation: Screenshot threats, save voicemails

Evidence Collection for Students:

Screenshots: Capture full conversations with timestamps
Photos: Injuries from multiple angles, include a ruler for scale
Voice memos: Texas is a one-party consent state—you can record conversations you’re part of
Medical records: Go to student health or ER if injured, tell them you were hazed
Witness information: Names and contact info for others who saw what happened

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

You cannot be punished for calling 911 in an emergency (good-faith reporter immunity)
Hazing is a crime—you’re the victim, not the perpetrator
You can sue for damages even if no criminal charges are filed
You can request no-contact orders through the university if harassed

For Witnesses and Former Members: Doing the Right Thing

If You Witnessed Hazing:

Your testimony could prevent future harm
Texas law protects good-faith reporters from liability
You can report anonymously through university systems or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE
Consider consulting an attorney about your own potential liability and protections

If You Participated in Hazing:

You may feel guilt, fear, or confusion
Coming forward can be part of making things right
An attorney can help you understand your legal exposure and options
Cooperation with investigations can sometimes lead to reduced consequences

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

1. Deleting Evidence
What families think: “I don’t want my child 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 Organization Directly
What families think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
What to do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms
What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or internal 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 on Social Media
What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

5. Letting Your Child Go 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 for the University to Handle It
What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally”
Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute of limitations runs
What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

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: “My attorney will contact you”

About The Manginello Law Firm / Attorney911

Why We’re Different: Texas Hazing Specialists with Insider Knowledge

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how fraternities, sororities, and universities fight back—and how to win anyway. At The Manginello Law Firm (operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™), we bring unique qualifications to hazing cases:

Insurance Insider Advantage:
Our attorney Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

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

We know their playbook because we used to run it. This insider knowledge helps us counter their strategies from day one.

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions:
Managing partner Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation. We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal budgets. We’re not intimidated by national fraternities or university systems. We know how to:

Handle complex multi-defendant cases
Navigate federal and state court procedures
Manage extensive discovery against well-funded opponents
Work with teams of experts to prove institutional negligence

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience:
We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases. We know how to:

Work with economists to value lifetime care needs
Calculate lost earning capacity for young victims
Document non-economic damages like pain and suffering
Build cases that force accountability, not just settle cheaply

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:
Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can:

Advise on criminal hazing charges and their interaction with civil cases
Represent witnesses or former members with potential criminal exposure
Navigate parallel criminal and civil proceedings
Protect your rights throughout the process

Investigative Depth:
We maintain the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a database of 1,423 Greek organizations across Texas. When we take your case, we don’t start from scratch. We already know:

The legal names and EINs of organizations
Their registered addresses and insurance carriers
Their relationships to national headquarters
Patterns of conduct across chapters

We work with a network of experts: medical professionals, digital forensics specialists, psychologists, economists, and Greek life culture experts. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

Empathetic, Victim-Centered Approach:
We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to:

Get you answers about what happened
Hold the right people accountable
Secure compensation for medical care and other damages
Help prevent this from happening to another family

We’re not about bravado or quick settlements. We’re about thorough investigation, strategic litigation, and real accountability.

Our Commitment to Vidor Families

From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including Vidor and all of Orange County. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families in our community—whether your child attends Lamar University just down the road in Beaumont or travels to College Station, Austin, or Houston for school.

We’ve seen firsthand how hazing devastates families. We’ve also seen how proper legal representation can bring accountability, compensation, and closure. When you work with us, you get:

Direct access to your attorneys: You’ll work directly with Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, not paralegals or junior associates
Regular communication: We update clients every 2-3 weeks so you’re never in the dark
Strategic guidance: We explain your options clearly and help you make informed decisions
Respect for your privacy: We protect your family’s confidentiality while pursuing accountability
Contingency fees: You pay nothing unless we win your case

Call to Action: Your Next Step

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether it’s Lamar University, Texas A&M, University of Houston, or any other school—we want to hear from you. Families in Vidor and throughout Southeast Texas have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation:

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 Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

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

Whether you’re in Vidor or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. Call us today.

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

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

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

Published: November 21, 2025 | Authors: Bryce Newberry & Holly Galvan Posey
URL: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/

ABC13 Eyewitness News (KTRK) — “Waterboarding, forced eating, physical punishment: Lawsuit alleges abuse faced by injured pledge at UH’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”

Published: November 22, 2025 | Author: Nick Natario
URL: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

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

Published: November 22, 2025 | Author: Alyssa Ford
URL: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos

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

Content: How to properly use your smartphone to document evidence after an incident
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

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

Content: Explains Texas statutes of limitations for personal injury cases
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

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

Content: Identifies common mistakes that can damage personal injury claims
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

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

Content: Explains the contingency fee model for personal injury cases
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website

Attorney911 — Main Website & Contact

Full-service Texas personal injury and criminal defense law firm
URL: https://attorney911.com