The Complete Guide to Hazing Incidents & Lawsuits for Families in Moran, Texas

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You’re Not Alone—We Can Help

For parents in Moran, the quiet streets of Shackelford County can feel a world away from the bustling fraternity houses and athletic dormitories of Texas’s major universities. Yet each fall, students from our tight-knit West Texas community head off to campuses across the state—to Texas Tech in Lubbock, to Tarleton State in Stephenville, to Texas A&M in College Station, and to universities hours away in Houston, Austin, and beyond. When the phone call comes that your child has been hurt during “pledging” or “team initiation,” the distance collapses into sheer panic. You’re suddenly facing powerful institutions, confusing legal terms, and the terrifying reality that the community you trusted with your child’s safety has failed them.

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 suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after extreme hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. The details are horrifying: forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion; lying in vomit-soaked grass; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.” He passed brown urine, was hospitalized for four days, and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. This $10 million lawsuit names not just the fraternity members, but the University of Houston, the UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, and their housing corporation. This case isn’t an anomaly—it’s proof of what’s happening at Texas campuses right now, and it’s why families in Moran need to understand their rights and options.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

• Call 911 for medical emergencies
• Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• We provide immediate help—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
  • Photograph injuries from multiple angles
  • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
• Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity/sorority
  • Sign anything from the university or insurance company
  • Post details on public social media
  • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

• Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
• Universities move quickly to control the narrative
• We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many Moran families grew up with images of hazing as harmless pranks or “boys will be boys” behavior. Today’s reality is far more dangerous, sophisticated, and hidden. Hazing has evolved into a calculated system of control that exploits technology, psychology, and institutional loopholes to abuse new members while avoiding detection.

The Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. Under Texas law, “consent” is not a defense—the power imbalance between established members and new members means true voluntary agreement rarely exists. Whether it happens in a fraternity house in Lubbock, a sorority retreat near Stephenville, or a Corps dorm at Texas A&M, if it’s tied to membership and causes harm, it’s hazing.

The Five Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common and deadly form. It’s not “just drinking”—it’s systematic coercion:

• Forced chugging competitions and “lineup” drinking games
• “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor to finish
• “Bible study” or trivia games where wrong answers mean forced drinking
• Pressure to consume unknown mixtures or dangerous substances
• At Texas A&M in 2021, Sigma Alpha Epsilon pledges were allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner among other substances, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts.

2. Physical Hazing
Beyond traditional paddling, today’s physical hazing includes:

• “Smokings” or extreme calisthenics far beyond normal conditioning (like the 100+ push-ups and 500 squats in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case)
• Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or 3 AM wake-up calls
• Food and water restriction or forced consumption of disgusting amounts of bland food
• Exposure to extreme temperatures (left outside in cold weather, locked in hot rooms)
• At the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi pledges were forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass and endure cold-weather workouts in their underwear.

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
These acts cause deep psychological trauma:

• Forced nudity or partial nudity during rituals
• Simulated sexual acts or degrading positions
• “Roasted pig” positioning (as alleged in a Texas A&M Corps case)
• Costumes or role-playing with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones
• Public shaming in meetings or on social media

4. Psychological Hazing
The invisible wounds can be as damaging as physical ones:

• Verbal abuse, screaming, and constant degradation
• Social isolation from non-members and family
• Manipulation through fear of expulsion from the group
• Forced confessions or sharing of embarrassing personal information
• Systematic breaking down of identity and self-worth

5. Digital/Online Hazing
The newest frontier uses technology to control and humiliate:

• 24/7 group chat monitoring with required immediate responses
• Geo-tracking demands via Find My Friends or Life360
• Forced social media challenges or embarrassing posts
• “Meme warfare” targeting specific pledges in private groups
• Recorded humiliations shared in encrypted apps

Where Hazing Happens: It’s Not Just Fraternities

While Greek organizations account for many cases, hazing occurs across campus:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural groups)
• Corps of Cadets & ROTC Programs (military-style discipline can cross into abuse)
• Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading)
• Spirit & Tradition Groups (like Texas Cowboys or similar organizations)
• Marching Bands & Performance Groups
• Academic & Service Organizations

The common thread isn’t the type of group—it’s the abuse of power dynamics, the culture of secrecy, and the exploitation of tradition to justify harm.

Texas Hazing Law: What Moran Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws addressing hazing, but navigating them requires understanding both the criminal penalties and civil remedies available to victims. As a rural community, Moran families might assume these are “big city” problems, but Texas law applies equally whether the hazing happened in Houston or to your child from Shackelford County at a university anywhere in the state.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

Definition of Hazing (Section 37.151)
Texas law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in an organization that endangers the student’s mental or physical health or safety.

Key points for Moran families:

• Location doesn’t matter—off-campus houses, retreats, and private properties are included
• “Reckless” is enough—they don’t need to have intended harm, just disregarded the risk
• Mental health counts—psychological trauma qualifies as hazing
• “Consent is not a defense” (Section 37.155)—even if your child “agreed,” it’s still illegal

Criminal Penalties (Section 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

Additional criminal provisions:

• Failing to report hazing if you’re a member/officer: misdemeanor
• Retaliating against someone who reports: misdemeanor

Organizational Liability (Section 37.153)
Fraternities, sororities, clubs, and teams can be prosecuted if:

• The organization authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
• An officer/member acting officially knew and failed to report it
• Penalties: Fines up to $10,000 per violation, plus university recognition revocation

Good-Faith Reporting Protection (Section 37.154)
This is critical for reluctant witnesses:

• Someone who in good faith reports hazing to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability resulting from the report
• Many universities extend this to medical amnesty—no disciplinary action for underage drinking if calling 911 for an alcohol emergency

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases

• Brought by the state (district attorney’s office)
• Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Common charges: hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Burden of proof: “Beyond a reasonable doubt”
• Important: A criminal conviction is not required to pursue civil justice

Civil Cases

• Brought by victims or their families
• Goal: Compensation and accountability
• Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, negligent supervision
• Burden of proof: “Preponderance of the evidence” (more likely than not)
• Can proceed simultaneously with criminal cases

For Moran families, this means even if the local prosecutor decides not to file criminal charges (which happens often in college towns), you can still pursue a civil lawsuit to recover medical costs, therapy expenses, and compensation for your child’s suffering.

Federal Law Overlay: More Than Just State Law

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
This federal legislation 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)
• This means universities like Texas Tech, Tarleton State, and others must eventually provide clearer public records of hazing incidents

Title IX & Clery Act Implications
When hazing involves:

• Sexual harassment or assault
• Gender-based hostility or discrimination
• Certain criminal acts (assault, burglary, etc.)
  …additional federal reporting and response requirements kick in. This can provide additional legal avenues and pressure points against universities that fail to respond appropriately.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Hazing Lawsuit?

1. Individual Students

• Those who planned, executed, or covered up the hazing
• Officers with supervisory responsibility (presidents, pledgemasters, risk managers)

2. Local Chapter/Organization

• The fraternity/sorority as a legal entity
• Housing corporations that own the property where hazing occurred

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters

• Organizations that set policies, collect dues, and supervise chapters
• Particularly liable when they had prior knowledge of similar incidents at other chapters

4. Universities & Governing Boards

• Public universities (like Texas A&M, UT, Texas Tech) under certain negligence theories
• Private universities (like Baylor, SMU) with fewer immunity protections
• Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known, and how they responded

5. Third Parties

• Landlords of off-campus houses who ignored dangerous activities
• Bars or alcohol providers under Texas dram shop laws
• Security companies that failed to intervene

In our UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re suing 13 individual members, the local Beta Nu chapter, the Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the chapter housing corporation, the University of Houston, and the UH System Board of Regents. This comprehensive approach ensures every potentially responsible party is held accountable.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Can Learn

The tragedies that have unfolded on campuses across America aren’t distant news stories—they’re roadmaps showing exactly how hazing kills and injures students, and how institutions repeatedly fail to prevent it. For Moran families, understanding these patterns is crucial because the same national fraternities operating at Bowling Green or Penn State also have chapters at Texas universities your children attend.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: A Deadly Script

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
During a bid-acceptance night, 19-year-old Timothy was given dangerous amounts of alcohol during a drinking game, fell multiple times suffering traumatic brain injuries, and fraternity brothers delayed calling 911 for hours. Security cameras captured the entire tragedy.

• Aftermath: 18 members faced over 1,000 criminal counts; Pennsylvania passed the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law; Beta Theta Pi permanently banned from Penn State
• Texas Connection: Beta Theta Pi has chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and other Texas schools

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
During a “Bible study” drinking game, Max was forced to drink when he answered questions incorrectly, reaching a 0.495% BAC. He died from alcohol toxicity.

• Aftermath: Multiple criminal convictions; Louisiana enacted the Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony
• Texas Connection: Phi Delta Theta has Texas chapters including at UT Austin and Texas A&M

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
During a “Big/Little” night, Stone was forced to drink an entire bottle of whiskey. He died from alcohol poisoning.

• Aftermath: $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU); individual chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million personally
• Texas Connection: Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) has chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and most major Texas campuses

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
During a “Big Brother” night, Andrew was given a handle of liquor and drank to fatal levels.

• Aftermath: Multiple criminal prosecutions; FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life
• Texas Connection: Pi Kappa Phi—the same fraternity in our UH case—has chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, and other Texas schools

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: Beyond Alcohol

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
During a fraternity retreat, Michael was blindfolded, weighted with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual. He suffered fatal head injuries while brothers delayed calling 911.

• Aftermath: Multiple convictions; national fraternity criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter; Pi Delta Psi banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
• Lesson: Off-campus retreats are particularly dangerous, and national organizations can face criminal liability

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
During a “pledge dad reveal,” 18-year-old Danny was forced to drink excessive alcohol, suffered permanent brain damage, and now requires 24/7 care for life.

• Aftermath: Settlements with 22 defendants; chapter closed
• Texas Connection: Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) has chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)
Former players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the football program over years.

• Aftermath: Multiple lawsuits; head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired; confidential settlements
• Texas Relevance: Shows hazing exists in elite athletic programs with similar dynamics to Texas football programs

What These Cases Mean for Moran Families

1. Patterns Repeat: The same dangerous “traditions” appear at chapter after chapter
2. Nationals Have History: These organizations know the risks—their anti-hazing policies exist because people have died
3. Cover-Ups Are Standard: Delaying medical help and destroying evidence happens repeatedly
4. Justice Is Possible: Multi-million dollar settlements and criminal convictions show accountability is achievable
5. Your Child’s School Isn’t Immune: The fraternities with the worst national records have Texas chapters

Texas University Focus: Where Moran Students Go to School

Moran families send their children to universities across Texas, from nearby campuses to major institutions hours away. Understanding the specific hazing landscape at these schools is crucial because each campus has its own culture, policies, and history of incidents.

For Moran Families: The University Landscape

Local & Regional Options:

• Texas Tech University (Lubbock) – 140 miles from Moran
• Tarleton State University (Stephenville) – 95 miles from Moran
• McMurry University (Abilene) – 75 miles from Moran
• Hardin-Simmons University (Abilene) – 75 miles from Moran
• Abilene Christian University – 75 miles from Moran
• West Texas A&M (Canyon) – 175 miles from Moran

Major State Universities Moran Students Attend:

• Texas A&M University (College Station) – 300 miles from Moran
• University of Texas at Austin – 225 miles from Moran
• University of Houston – 350 miles from Moran
• Baylor University (Waco) – 180 miles from Moran
• Texas State University (San Marcos) – 210 miles from Moran

Each of these campuses has active Greek life, athletic programs, and student organizations where hazing occurs. The distance from Moran doesn’t protect your child—but understanding each campus’s specific risks can help you ask the right questions and recognize warning signs.

University of Houston: Current Ground Zero for Texas Hazing Litigation

Campus & Culture Snapshot
UH is a large urban commuter campus with vibrant Greek life spanning traditional fraternities/sororities, NPHC (Divine Nine) organizations, and multicultural groups. The university has approximately 60 recognized Greek organizations with hundreds of members.

UH Hazing Policy & Reporting

• Prohibits hazing on and off campus
• Defines hazing broadly including forced consumption, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment
• Reporting channels: Dean of Students Office, UHPD, online reporting forms
• Important note: UH is currently defending itself in our Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, claiming the conduct was “deeply disturbing” while facing allegations it knew or should have known about systemic hazing

The Flagship Case: Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi
This ongoing $10 million lawsuit details extreme hazing occurring just months ago:

• Locations: Pi Kappa Phi house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park
• Methods: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, forced overeating until vomiting, extreme workouts, hose spraying “like waterboarding,” hog-tying another pledge
• Injury: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization, ongoing kidney damage risk
• Response: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended chapter Nov. 6, 2025; chapter surrendered charter Nov. 14, 2025
• Defendants: 13 individual members + chapter + national HQ + housing corporation + UH + UH Board of Regents

Prior UH Hazing Incidents

• 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha Case: Pledges deprived of food/water/sleep; one suffered lacerated spleen
• Multiple other fraternity suspensions for alcohol violations and “conduct likely to produce discomfort”
• Pattern of incidents followed by temporary suspensions rather than permanent reforms

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds

• Jurisdiction: Harris County courts (Houston)
• Police involvement: UHPD and/or Houston Police Department
• Common defendants: Individuals, local chapter, national headquarters, UH, property owners
• For Moran families: Cases may require travel to Houston, but we handle all logistics and can coordinate remote consultations

What UH Students & Moran Parents Should Do

• Document everything immediately—Houston chapters are on high alert after recent lawsuits
• Request UH’s disciplinary records for the specific organization through public records requests
• Understand that UH is currently highly sensitive to hazing issues but also defensive about liability
• Contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911—we’re already litigating against UH and understand their defense strategies

Texas A&M University: Tradition, Corps, and Systemic Risk

Campus & Culture Snapshot
Texas A&M’s unique culture combines massive Greek life with the Corps of Cadets, creating multiple environments where hazing can thrive under the guise of “tradition” and “discipline.” With over 100 Greek chapters and a 2,000+ member Corps, the scale of potential risk is enormous.

Recent A&M Hazing Incidents

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)
Pledges alleged being covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring emergency skin graft surgeries. The lawsuit sought $1 million, and the chapter was suspended for two years.

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023)
A cadet alleged degrading hazing including being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” position with an apple in his mouth, simulated sexual acts, and other abuse. The lawsuit sought over $1 million in damages.

Texas A&M Hazing Policy & Response

• Maintains separate conduct systems for Greek life and Corps
• Emphasizes “Aggie Honor Code” and tradition
• Has faced criticism for handling hazing internally rather than involving law enforcement
• For Moran families: Many Shackelford County students join the Corps; understand that military-style discipline can cross into illegal hazing

How A&M Cases Differ

• Sovereign immunity issues: As a public university, A&M has certain protections
• Corps jurisdiction: Unique military-style chain of command complicates reporting
• Greek/Corps overlap: Many students participate in both, creating complex liability questions
• Brazos County venue: College Station courts hear these cases

What A&M Students & Moran Parents Should Do

• Distinguish between legal military discipline and illegal hazing
• Document Corps activities especially carefully—the culture discourages “whistleblowing”
• Understand that A&M has deep-pocketed insurance and aggressive defense attorneys
• Contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911—we understand how to navigate A&M’s unique systems

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency with Persistent Problems

Campus & Culture Snapshot
UT Austin boasts one of the most transparent hazing reporting systems among Texas universities, yet continues to see repeated violations. With approximately 60 Greek chapters and numerous spirit organizations, the university maintains public logs of hazing violations—a valuable resource for families.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Log
UT maintains https://hazing.utexas.edu showing:

• Organization names
• Violation dates and descriptions
• Sanctions imposed
• This transparency is unique among Texas schools and provides powerful evidence for civil cases

Recent UT Hazing Incidents

Pi Kappa Alpha “Milk Challenge” (2023)
New members were directed to consume large quantities of milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, resulting in hazing findings. The chapter was placed on probation and required to implement additional hazing prevention education.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024)
An Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members resulting in dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose. The lawsuit sought over $1 million, and the chapter was already under suspension for prior violations.

Texas Wranglers & Spirit Groups
Multiple spirit organizations appear on UT’s hazing log for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, and punishment-based practices, showing hazing extends beyond Greek life.

How UT Cases Proceed

• Travis County jurisdiction: Austin courts
• UTPD involvement: Campus police often first responders
• Leverage point: UT’s own public violation logs can be used against them to show notice and pattern
• For Moran families: Distance to Austin is significant, but electronic evidence means much investigation can happen remotely

What UT Students & Moran Parents Should Do

• Check https://hazing.utexas.edu for any prior violations by your child’s organization
• Use UT’s transparency as leverage—they’ve publicly acknowledged hazing problems
• Document everything; Austin chapters are sophisticated about evidence destruction
• Contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911—we know how to use UT’s own records to build strong cases

Baylor University: Private School Challenges

Campus & Culture Snapshot
Baylor’s religious identity and history of athletic scandals create a complex environment for hazing accountability. As a private university, Baylor has fewer transparency requirements but also less sovereign immunity protection than public schools.

Recent Baylor Hazing Incidents

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020)
14 players were suspended following a hazing investigation, with staggered suspensions affecting the team’s early season. Details remain confidential due to Baylor’s private status.

Greek Life Issues
While less publicly documented than UT’s, Baylor’s Greek organizations have faced internal disciplinary actions for hazing violations, typically resolved through private university processes.

Baylor’s Unique Challenges

• Private university status: Less public transparency but also fewer legal protections
• Religious affiliation: Can complicate certain legal approaches
• History of scandal: The football sexual assault scandal shows institutional pattern of downplaying problems
• Waco jurisdiction: McLennan County courts

What Baylor Students & Moran Parents Should Do

• Assume less public documentation exists—be extra diligent about private evidence collection
• Understand Baylor may try to handle matters “in house” to protect reputation
• Consider that Baylor’s private status can work both for and against accountability
• Contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911—we’ve handled cases against private institutions before

Texas Tech University: Closest Major Campus to Moran

Campus & Culture Snapshot
At 140 miles from Moran, Texas Tech is the closest major research university for many Shackelford County families. Its substantial Greek life and isolation in Lubbock create an environment where hazing can thrive with less external scrutiny.

Texas Tech Hazing Environment

• Geographic isolation: Less media scrutiny than schools in major metro areas
• Large Greek system: Over 40 fraternities and sororities
• West Texas culture: Different social norms than central/east Texas schools
• Lubbock jurisdiction: Courts may be less familiar with complex hazing litigation

What Texas Tech Students & Moran Parents Should Do

• Recognize the isolation factor—less oversight can mean more extreme hazing
• Document especially carefully; evidence standards may be higher in less sophisticated venues
• Consider that travel to Lubbock for legal proceedings is more manageable from Moran
• Contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911—we serve clients across Texas, including West Texas

Fraternities & Sororities: National Patterns in Texas Chapters

The same national organizations responsible for deaths and injuries across the country have active chapters at Texas universities. For Moran families, this isn’t abstract—it means the Pi Kappa Alpha chapter that killed Stone Foltz at Bowling Green shares a national headquarters with the Pi Kappa Alpha chapter your child might join at Texas Tech or Texas A&M.

Why National Histories Matter in Texas Courts

When we sue a fraternity chapter at a Texas university, we’re not just looking at what happened in that specific house. We’re investigating:

• What the national headquarters knew about similar incidents at other chapters
• Whether their anti-hazing policies were actually enforced or just window dressing
• How they responded to prior warnings and tragedies
• Whether they profited from dangerous traditions while failing to prevent harm

This “pattern and practice” evidence can transform a case from “rogue individuals” to “institutional failure,” dramatically increasing liability and settlement value.

Major Fraternities with Texas Chapters & National Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

• National history: Stone Foltz death ($10M settlement), David Bogenberger death ($14M settlement)
• Texas chapters: UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Baylor, SMU, UH
• Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing, forced consumption rituals
• For Moran families: One of the most dangerous national fraternities has chapters at schools your children attend

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

• National history: Multiple deaths nationwide, traumatic brain injury lawsuit at Alabama, chemical burns at Texas A&M
• Texas chapters: Every major Texas university
• Pattern: Physical violence, chemical hazing, assault
• For Moran families: SAE has shown particularly brutal physical hazing methods

Pi Kappa Phi

• National history: Andrew Coffey death at Florida State, our ongoing UH lawsuit
• Texas chapters: UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH
• Pattern: Extreme physical hazing, forced consumption, degrading rituals
• For Moran families: We’re currently litigating against this national fraternity—we know their defenses intimately

Phi Delta Theta

• National history: Max Gruver death ($6.1M verdict), Louisiana felony hazing law
• Texas chapters: UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech
• Pattern: Drinking game hazing, “Bible study” formats
• For Moran families: Their national pattern is specifically alcohol-focused drinking games

Kappa Alpha Order

• National history: Repeated hazing suspensions including at SMU
• Texas chapters: Texas A&M, Texas Tech, SMU, Baylor
• Pattern: Paddling, forced drinking, Southern tradition justifications
• For Moran families: Often uses “heritage” and “tradition” to justify abusive practices

Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI)

• National history: Danny Santulli permanent brain damage (multi-defendant settlements)
• Texas chapters: UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech
• Pattern: Extreme alcohol hazing during “pledge dad” events
• For Moran families: Their national history shows catastrophic non-fatal injuries

Sorority Hazing: Often Overlooked but Equally Damaging

While less publicized, sorority hazing causes serious harm:

• Psychological manipulation and emotional abuse
• Eating disorders from weight-related hazing
• Sleep deprivation and academic interference
• Financial exploitation through forced purchases
• Social media humiliation

For Moran families with daughters: sorority hazing may leave fewer physical marks but can cause profound psychological trauma requiring years of therapy.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Our Investigative Advantage

At Attorney911, we maintain what we call our “Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine”—a comprehensive database tracking:

1,423 Greek Organizations Across 25 Texas Metros
Including detailed records on organizations like:

• Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity, EIN 742911848, Fort Worth TX 76244-4245 (IRS B83 filing)
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc, EIN 741380362, Fort Worth TX 76147-0061 (IRS B83 filing)
• Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, EIN 746064445, Nederland TX 77627-8843 (IRS B83 filing)
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, EIN 521278573, Dallas TX 75241-4331 (IRS B83 filing)
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, EIN 364091267, Waco TX 76710-4154 (IRS B83 filing)

125+ Texas-Registered Greek Entities in IRS Records
We track the legal corporate structures behind what students see as simple “fraternities”—the housing corporations, alumni chapters, and national entities that actually hold insurance and assets.

96 Texas Universities & Their Greek Networks
From major flagships to regional schools like Tarleton State and McMurry that Moran students attend.

Why This Matters for Your Case
When you come to us with a hazing case, we don’t start from zero. We already know:

• The legal names and EINs of organizations involved
• Their insurance carriers and policy structures
• Prior incidents at other chapters
• National headquarters’ response patterns
• Which Texas metros have the most Greek activity (Dallas-Fort Worth: 510 organizations, Houston: 188, Austin: 154)

This means faster investigation, more accurate liability analysis, and stronger negotiation positioning from day one.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

When hazing injures your child, the path to accountability involves much more than filing a lawsuit. It requires systematic evidence collection, strategic defendant selection, and sophisticated understanding of how universities and fraternities fight these cases. For Moran families, working with attorneys who’ve handled similar cases against Texas institutions is crucial.

Critical Evidence Categories in Modern Hazing Cases

1. Digital Communications (The Most Important Evidence)

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity-specific apps
• Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook messages
• Deleted recovery: Digital forensics can often retrieve “deleted” messages
• Metadata: Timestamps, participant lists, edit histories

In our UH case, group chats showed planning of hazing events, discussions of “traditions,” and attempts to coordinate stories after the incident.

2. Photos & Videos

• Event footage from members’ phones
• Security camera/doorbell footage
• Social media posts and stories
• Injury documentation

3. Internal Organization Documents

• Pledge manuals and “education” materials
• Meeting minutes discussing “traditions”
• National policies and training materials
• Risk management files

4. University Records

• Prior conduct violations for the same organization
• Incident reports to campus police
• Clery Act reports
• Internal emails about the organization

5. Medical & Psychological Records

• Emergency room records (crucial for timing and severity)
• Hospitalization documentation
• Toxicology reports
• Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses)

6. Witness Testimony

• Other pledges and new members
• Former members who quit over hazing concerns
• Roommates, RAs, friends who observed changes
• Medical professionals who treated injuries

Damages in Hazing Cases: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

• Medical expenses: ER visits, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing therapy
• Future medical care: Lifelong treatment for permanent injuries
• Lost educational costs: Tuition for withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships
• Diminished earning capacity: Reduced lifetime earnings from permanent disabilities

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life Losses)

• Physical pain and suffering: From injuries and medical treatments
• Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment: Inability to participate in activities they loved
• Reputational harm: Social stigma and digital footprint damage

Wrongful Death Damages (When Hazing Kills)

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support: The deceased’s expected lifetime contributions
• Loss of companionship and guidance: For parents, siblings, spouses
• Emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Especially Bad)

• Purpose: Punish and deter particularly reckless or malicious behavior
• When awarded: Prior warnings ignored, cover-ups attempted, extreme cruelty
• Texas caps: Generally limited, but exceptions exist for certain intentional conduct

The Insurance Coverage Battle: Where Most Hazing Cases Are Won or Lost

Fraternities, sororities, and universities carry multiple insurance policies:

• National organization general liability
• Chapter-specific policies
• University umbrella coverage
• Individual homeowner’s policies of members

Insurers routinely argue:

• “Hazing is an intentional act, not covered”
• “This happened at an uninsured location”
• “This defendant isn’t named in our policy”

Our insurance insider advantage (from Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as an insurance defense attorney) means we:

• Know how insurers value and reserve for hazing claims
• Understand their exclusion arguments and how to counter them
• Can identify all potential coverage sources
• Navigate bad faith claims when insurers wrongfully deny coverage

For Moran families, this means we fight the insurance battle so you don’t have to—and we do it with knowing their playbook because we used to run it.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Moran Families

For Parents: Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries
• Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
• Weight changes from food restriction or stress eating
• Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, 3 AM calls)
• Injuries to hands/back/legs from paddling or exercise

1. Chemical burns or rashes
2. Signs of alcohol poisoning (even if your child doesn’t normally drink)

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

• Sudden secrecy about organization activities
• Withdrawal from family and old friends
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
• Defensive when asked about the group
• Fear of “letting the chapter down” or “getting in trouble”
• Obsession with pleasing older members
• Talking about “just getting through this”

Academic Red Flags:

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

Digital/Social Behavior:

• Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
• Anxiety when phone buzzes
• Deleting messages or clearing history obsessively
• Receiving calls/texts at all hours
• Social media posts showing concerning activities

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing

Open Questions (Non-Confrontational):

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. “Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
6. “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”
7. “Are they asking you to keep secrets from me or the university?”

If They Open Up:

• Listen without judgment
• Focus on their safety, not your anger
• Document what they tell you
• Contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for guidance

For Students: Is This Hazing? A Decision Guide

Ask yourself:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
• Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would the university or my parents approve if they knew?
• Are older members making new members do things they don’t do themselves?
• Is this “tradition” really about earning membership or just entertainment for others?
• Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this?

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

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Hazing Case

1. Letting Your Child Delete Evidence

• What happens: Looks like a cover-up; can be obstruction of justice
• Better approach: Preserve everything immediately—even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

• What happens: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• Better approach: Document everything, call a lawyer first

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

• What happens: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often lowball
• Better approach: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting Details on Social Media

• What happens: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
• Better approach: Document privately; let your lawyer control messaging

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

• What happens: They’re pressured, intimidated, or extract damaging statements
• Better approach: Once considering legal action, all communication goes through your lawyer

6. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”

• What happens: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
• Better approach: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer

• What happens: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball
• Better approach: “My attorney will contact you”

Frequently Asked Questions for Moran Families

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

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

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to it?”
Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure 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, but exceptions exist if harm wasn’t immediately known or if there was fraud/cover-up. Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if it happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Many major cases occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

“Will my child’s name be in the news?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed records and confidential settlements. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

About Attorney911: Why Texas Hazing Families Choose Us

When your family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Moran and surrounding Shackelford County. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families in our rural communities just as deeply as those in major cities.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)
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) hazing claims
• Use delay tactics to pressure families
• Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
• Structure settlements to protect institutional interests

“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello)

• One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation (against billion-dollar defendants)
• Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• Not intimidated by national fraternities or university legal teams
• “We’ve taken on corporations with unlimited legal budgets and won.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience

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

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise

• Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
• Understands how criminal charges interact with civil litigation
• Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
• Knows when to cooperate with prosecutors and when to fight separately

Investigative Depth & Resources

• Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
• Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracking 1,423 Greek organizations
• Experience obtaining hidden evidence through discovery
• “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Spanish Language Services

• Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish
• Complete services available in Spanish
• Cultural understanding of Texas Hispanic families

How We Handle Hazing Cases Differently

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation
Within hours of your call, we guide you through:

• Proper screenshot documentation
• Digital evidence preservation protocols
• Witness identification and protection
• Medical record collection

2. Comprehensive Defendant Identification
We don’t just sue the obvious parties. We identify:

• All individual participants
• Local chapter entities
• National headquarters
• Housing corporations
• Alumni organizations
• University departments
• Third-party property owners

3. Pattern Evidence Development
We investigate:

• Prior incidents at the same chapter
• Similar incidents at other chapters nationwide
• National organization’s knowledge and response
• University’s disciplinary history with the group

4. Strategic Insurance Navigation
We:

• Identify all potential insurance policies
• Counter coverage exclusion arguments
• Pursue bad faith claims when appropriate
• Structure demands within policy limits

5. Client-Centered Approach
We understand this is one of the hardest things a family can face. We:

• Communicate regularly (you won’t wonder what’s happening)
• Respect your privacy concerns
• Involve you in strategic decisions
• Prepare you for each step of the process

Call to Action: Contact Attorney911 Today

If your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether at Texas Tech in Lubbock, Tarleton State in Stephenville, Texas A&M in College Station, UT in Austin, or any university across the state—we want to hear from you. Families in Moran and throughout West Texas have the right to answers, accountability, and justice.

Contact Us for a Confidential, No-Obligation Consultation

What to expect in your free consultation:

1. We listen to your story without judgment
2. Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
3. Explain your legal options clearly
4. Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
5. Answer questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
6. No pressure to hire us—take time to decide with your family
7. Everything you tell us is confidential

Contact Information

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

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

Serving All of Texas from Multiple Offices

• Houston Office (Primary): Harris County
• Austin Office: Travis County
• Beaumont Office: Jefferson County
• Plus remote services for Moran and West Texas families

Important Final Note

Whether you’re in Moran or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions responsible for protecting your child have failed them—but the legal system can provide accountability, compensation, and the reforms needed to protect other students. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re here to help.

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:

Attorney911 Main Website & Contact:
https://attorney911.com

Wrongful Death Practice Area:
https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/

Criminal Defense Practice Area:
https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/

Ralph Manginello Profile:
https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/

Lupe Peña Profile:
https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

News Coverage of UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:
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/

Educational YouTube Videos:
Evidence preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc