Hazing in Texas: A Complete Guide for Breckenridge Families Seeking Justice and Accountability

Our Promise to Breckenridge Families

If your child has been hazed, bullied, or injured at any Texas college—whether at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any other campus—you are not alone. Right now, we are representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and 13 fraternity leaders. His story—involving forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, extreme physical workouts leading to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, and hospitalization with brown urine—proves that severe hazing is happening today at Texas universities. For families in Breckenridge, Stephens County, and across West Texas, this case demonstrates what we fight against every day. We are The Manginello Law Firm, and we help Texas families hold powerful institutions accountable when hazing destroys lives.

For Breckenridge Parents in Crisis Right Now

If your child is in immediate danger:

• Call 911 for medical emergencies
• Then call us: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

In the first 48 hours, you must:

1. Get medical attention immediately, even if your child insists they’re “fine”
2. Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted: Screenshot all group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage), photograph injuries from multiple angles, save any physical items
3. Write down everything while memory is fresh: who, what, when, where, witnesses
4. DO NOT: Confront the fraternity/sorority, sign anything from the university or insurance company, post details on social media, or let your child delete messages

Why time matters: Evidence disappears fast in hazing cases—group chats get deleted, paddles get destroyed, witnesses get coached. Universities move quickly to control the narrative. We can help you preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights starting with a free consultation at 1-888-ATTY-911.

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

For parents in Breckenridge, the word “hazing” might conjure images of harmless pranks or tradition. The reality in 2025 is far more dangerous, sophisticated, and hidden. Modern hazing falls into three escalating categories that every Texas family should recognize.

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing—The Gateway to Abuse

These behaviors emphasize power imbalance and often get dismissed as “harmless tradition” but create psychological harm and set the stage for escalation:

• Deception and secrecy: Your child is told to lie to you, the university, or outsiders about activities
• Servitude requirements: Acting as 24/7 designated drivers, cleaning members’ rooms, doing laundry, running errands at all hours
• Social isolation: Being cut off from non-member friends, requiring permission to socialize outside the group
• Digital control: Required to respond instantly to group messages at all hours, share live location via tracking apps, submit to social media policing

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing—Creating Hostile Environments

These behaviors cause emotional or physical discomfort while creating abusive environments:

• Sleep deprivation: Late-night “meetings,” 3 AM wake-up calls for mandatory activities, multi-day events with minimal sleep
• Food/water manipulation: Limiting meals, forcing consumption of unpleasant substances (hot sauce, spoiled food, excessive bland food)
• Extreme physical activity: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, forced runs framed as “conditioning”
• Public humiliation: Forced embarrassing acts in public, wearing degrading costumes, “roasting” sessions

Tier 3: Violent Hazing—High Potential for Injury or Death

These are the activities that make national headlines and destroy lives:

• Forced/coerced alcohol consumption: “Lineup” drinking games, Big/Little nights with handles of liquor, “Bible study” or trivia games where wrong answers mean forced drinking
• Physical beatings and paddling: Punches, kicks, wooden paddles (still occurring despite national prohibitions)
• Dangerous physical tests: Blindfolded tackle rituals (“glass ceiling”), forced fights, jumping from heights, swimming while intoxicated
• Sexualized hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault or coercion
• Chemical and fire hazing: Industrial cleaners poured on skin causing chemical burns (as in a Texas A&M SAE case), setting pledges on fire during “skits” (San Diego State Phi Kappa Psi case)

The Leonel Bermudez Case: A Texas Example of Tier 3 Hazing

This is what we’re fighting right now at the University of Houston. Bermudez, a fall 2025 Pi Kappa Phi pledge, endured:

• The “pledge fanny pack” rule: Carrying condoms, a sex toy, nicotine devices, and humiliating items 24/7
• Forced consumption rituals: Milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed immediately by sprints
• Extreme physical abuse: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races
• Waterboarding simulation: Sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” with threats of actual waterboarding
• Medical catastrophe: Developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, passed brown urine, hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels

This case proves that the most dangerous forms of hazing are happening right now at Texas universities. The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter was suspended November 6, 2025, and members voted to surrender their charter November 14, 2025. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing”—but only after a lawsuit was filed and media coverage began.

Texas Hazing Law: What Breckenridge Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Legal Foundation

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in the Education Code that protect students at both public and private institutions. For families in Breckenridge, understanding these laws is critical whether your child attends a nearby school or a campus hours away.

§ 37.151 Definition of Hazing:
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
• Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students

Key implications for Breckenridge families:

• Location doesn’t matter: Hazing at off-campus houses, Airbnbs, or retreats is still illegal
• Mental harm counts: Psychological abuse, humiliation, and emotional distress qualify
• “Reckless” is enough: They don’t need to intend harm—just be reckless about the risk
• No consent defense: Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

• Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (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

§ 37.155 Consent is NOT a Defense:
This is crucial for Breckenridge parents to understand. Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing prosecution. The courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion isn’t true voluntary consent.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Different Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases (Brought by the State):

• Purpose: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Who files: District Attorney or County Attorney
• Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Burden of proof: Beyond a reasonable doubt

Civil Cases (Brought by Victims/Families):

• Purpose: Compensation and accountability
• Who files: You, with our help
• Typical claims: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
• Burden of proof: Preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not)

Why both matter: Criminal convictions can strengthen civil cases, but you don’t need a criminal conviction to file a civil lawsuit. Many hazing cases proceed civilly even when prosecutors decline to file criminal charges.

Federal Laws That Protect Texas Students

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

• Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently
• Strengthens hazing education and prevention programs
• Phased implementation through 2026, creating more public data

Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger additional protections and reporting requirements.

Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics—hazing incidents often overlap with assault, alcohol, and drug crimes that must be publicly reported.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Texas Hazing Case?

One of our key advantages at The Manginello Law Firm is our experience identifying every potentially liable party. In the Bermudez case, we sued 17 defendants across multiple categories because hazing liability often extends far beyond the individuals who directly participated.

1. Individual Students

• Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
• Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, risk manager) often face greater liability

2. Local Chapter/Organization

• The fraternity/sorority itself if incorporated
• Chapter housing corporations (like the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation we sued)

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters

• Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
• Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents
• In the Bermudez case: Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters is a defendant

4. University or Governing Board

• The school or regents may be sued under negligence or civil rights theories
• Key questions: Did they have prior warnings? Did they enforce policies? Were they deliberately indifferent?
• In the Bermudez case: University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents are defendants

5. Third Parties

• Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces
• Bars or alcohol providers (under Texas dram shop laws)
• Security companies or event organizers

6. Alumni Organizations and House Corporations

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks these often-overlooked entities. For example, from public IRS records:

• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035
• Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation, EIN 371768785, Missouri City, TX 77459
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc, EIN 741380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147

These organizations often hold insurance policies and assets that can provide compensation for victims.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The tragedies that make national headlines aren’t isolated incidents—they’re patterns that repeat across campuses, including here in Texas. Understanding these patterns helps Breckenridge families recognize that what happened to their child follows a dangerous script that organizations should have prevented.

Alcohol Poisoning Death Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):

• 20-year-old pledge forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
• Died from alcohol poisoning
• $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
• Chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million personally

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):

• Pledge forced to participate in “Bible study” drinking game
• Wrong answers = forced drinking
• Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
• $6.1 million verdict for family
• Led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017):

• Big/little event where pledge was given handle of liquor
• Died from acute alcohol poisoning
• FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life statewide

Physical and Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):

• Pledge blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
• Died from traumatic brain injury
• National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
• Pi Delta Psi banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

Severe Injury Patterns

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021):

• 18-year-old pledge forced to consume excessive alcohol
• Suffered severe, permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care)
• Family settled with 22 defendants for multi-million dollar amounts

Texas A&M Sigma Alpha Epsilon Case (2021):

• Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner
• Caused severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
• Pledges sued for $1 million
• Chapter suspended for two years

What These Cases Mean for Breckenridge Families

These national patterns matter because:

1. They show foreseeability: National organizations knew these rituals were dangerous
2. They establish precedent: Courts have already ruled on similar facts
3. They reveal insurance coverage: We know how national insurers typically respond
4. They demonstrate accountability is possible: From $10M settlements to criminal convictions of national organizations

Texas Universities: Where Breckenridge Families Send Their Children

Breckenridge families have deep connections to Texas higher education. Whether your child attends a nearby school or one of the major universities hours away, understanding each campus’s hazing landscape is critical.

West Texas and Regional Campuses Near Breckenridge

While Breckenridge itself in Stephens County doesn’t host a major university, families throughout West Texas commonly send students to:

Regional Universities:

• Texas A&M University-Commerce (Hunt County) – 160 miles from Breckenridge
• West Texas A&M University (Canyon, Randall County) – 175 miles from Breckenridge
• Angelo State University (San Angelo, Tom Green County) – 145 miles from Breckenridge
• Abilene Christian University, Hardin-Simmons University, McMurry University (Abilene, Taylor County) – 90 miles from Breckenridge
• Midwestern State University (Wichita Falls, Wichita County) – 85 miles from Breckenridge

Major Statewide Universities Breckenridge Families Attend:

• Texas A&M University (College Station, Brazos County) – 250 miles from Breckenridge
• University of Texas at Austin (Travis County) – 190 miles from Breckenridge
• Texas Tech University (Lubbock, Lubbock County) – 145 miles from Breckenridge
• University of Houston (Harris County) – 275 miles from Breckenridge
• Baylor University (Waco, McLennan County) – 135 miles from Breckenridge

University of Houston: The Current Epicenter of Texas Hazing Litigation

For Breckenridge families with children at UH: The Leonel Bermudez case proves that severe hazing is happening right now at Houston’s flagship university.

UH’s Greek Ecosystem (From Official Rosters):

• 19 IFC Fraternities including Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi
• 6 Panhellenic Sororities including Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Delta Gamma
• 4 Multicultural Greek Council Fraternities and 6 Sororities

Full NPHC Divine Nine presence

UH’s Public Records Organizations (From IRS B83 Data):

• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter, EIN 746084905, Houston, TX 77204
• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc, EIN 475370943, Houston, TX 77204 (Theta Delta Chapter)
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, EIN 746084912, Austin, TX 78714 (Alpha Omega Chapter)
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc, Sigma Gamma Chapter, EIN 392352450, Houston, TX 77254

Prior UH Hazing Incidents:

• 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case: Pledge suffered lacerated spleen after being slammed onto table during multi-day event with food/water/sleep deprivation
• Multiple other fraternities sanctioned for “conduct likely to produce mental or physical discomfort”

What Breckenridge UH Families Should Know:

• Reporting: Dean of Students Office, UHPD, online reporting forms
• Jurisdiction: Cases may involve UHPD, Houston Police Department, or Harris County Sheriff depending on location
• Legal Venue: Civil suits typically filed in Harris County courts
• Our Presence: We’re based in Houston and know these courts intimately

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

For Breckenridge families with children at A&M: The combination of Corps traditions and strong Greek life creates unique hazing risks.

Documented A&M Hazing Cases:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

• Pledges covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner
• Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
• $1 million lawsuit filed by victims
• Chapter suspended for two years

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023):

• Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts
• Bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth
• Sought over $1 million in damages
• A&M stated it handled matter under its rules

Texas A&M Greek Ecosystem:

• 19 IFC Fraternities including Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta
• 14 Panhellenic Sororities including Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Kappa Alpha Theta
• Full NPHC Divine Nine presence

Texas A&M Public Records Organizations:

• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc, EIN 133048786, College Station, TX 77845
• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc, EIN 812525354, College Station, TX 77845 (Theta Rho Chapter)
• Eta Alpha House Corporation of Kappa Delta Sorority, EIN 742930349, College Station, TX 77840
• Gentlemen of Aggie Tradition, EIN 880537463, College Station, TX 77845

What Breckenridge A&M Families Should Know:

• Dual Systems: Both Greek life and Corps have independent disciplinary processes
• Reporting: Student Conduct Office, Corps Commandant’s Office, TAMUPD
• Jurisdiction: Brazos County courts for civil cases
• Our Experience: We’ve handled A&M hazing cases and understand both Greek and Corps cultures

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Tradition

For Breckenridge families with children at UT: UT’s public hazing violations database provides unprecedented transparency but also reveals ongoing problems.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Database (hazing.utexas.edu):

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation and hazing-prevention education required
• Texas Wranglers (2022): Spirit organization sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing
• Multiple other organizations sanctioned for physical hazing, alcohol coercion, punishment-based practices

UT Greek Ecosystem:

• 16 IFC Fraternities including Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma
• 14 Panhellenic Sororities including Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Kappa Kappa Gamma
• 6 Texas Asian Pan-Hellenic Council organizations
• Multiple NPHC chapters

UT Public Records Organizations:

• Chi Omega Fraternity, EIN 740555581, Austin, TX 78705 (Chi Omega House Corporation)
• Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Inc, EIN 741130606, Austin, TX 78705 (Alpha Mu Chapter)
• Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi, EIN 746047117, Austin, TX 78705
• Texas Rho Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, EIN 741942292, Waco, TX 76706

What Breckenridge UT Families Should Know:

• Transparency Advantage: Public violations database can strengthen civil cases by showing patterns
• Reporting: Dean of Students, UTPD, online reporting
• Jurisdiction: Travis County courts
• Our Approach: We use UT’s own published data to prove institutional knowledge of problems

Southern Methodist University: Private Campus Challenges

For Breckenridge families with children at SMU: Private university status affects transparency but not liability.

SMU Hazing History:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep; chapter suspended through 2021
• Multiple other organizations under ongoing scrutiny

SMU Greek Ecosystem:

• 6 IFC Fraternities including Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Pi Kappa Alpha
• 8 Panhellenic Sororities including Chi Omega, Kappa Alpha Theta, Pi Beta Phi
• Multiple NPHC chapters

SMU Public Records Organizations (Dallas-Fort Worth Metro):

• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc, EIN 741380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147
• Beta Upsilon Chi, EIN 742911848, Fort Worth, TX 76244
• Tri Delta Educational Fund of SMU, Dallas, TX (from Cause IQ data)
• Chi Omega Educational Corporation, Fort Worth, TX (from Cause IQ data)

What Breckenridge SMU Families Should Know:

• Private School Dynamics: Less public reporting, but discovery in lawsuits can uncover internal documents
• Reporting: Dean of Students, SMU PD, anonymous reporting systems
• Jurisdiction: Dallas County courts
• Our Strategy: We subpoena internal university records that aren’t publicly available

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Accountability

For Breckenridge families with children at Baylor: Religious identity doesn’t eliminate hazing risks.

Baylor Haking Incidents:

• Baseball Team Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Multiple Greek organizations under disciplinary review

Baylor Greek Ecosystem:

• 5 IFC Fraternities including Sigma Chi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma
• 9 Panhellenic Sororities including Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Kappa Kappa Gamma
• Multiple NPHC chapters

Baylor Public Records Organizations (Waco Metro):

• Sigma Phi Epsilon Texas Rho Chapter, EIN 741942292, Waco, TX 76706
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated Nu Iota Chapter Baylor University, EIN 521346485, Waco, TX 76703
• Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity – Tau Deuteron Chapter, Waco, TX (from Cause IQ data)
• Kappa Kappa Gamma – Baylor House Board, Waco, TX (from Cause IQ data)

What Breckenridge Baylor Families Should Know:

• Religious Context: Baylor’s Christian identity may affect internal handling but not legal liability
• Reporting: Student Conduct, Baylor PD, Title IX Office
• Jurisdiction: McLennan County courts
• Our Experience: We understand how to navigate religious institution dynamics in litigation

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Track Every Responsible Party

One of our firm’s unique advantages is what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of every Greek organization, house corporation, alumni chapter, and related entity in Texas. This isn’t theoretical; it’s built from verified public records that we use to ensure no responsible party escapes accountability.

IRS B83 Backbone: 125 Texas-Registered Greek Organizations

From IRS Exempt Organizations Business Master File data, we track every tax-exempt organization the IRS classifies as B83 (Student Sororities, Fraternities) with Texas addresses. This includes house corporations, alumni chapters, honor societies—the financial backbone of Greek life in Texas.

Examples Relevant to Breckenridge Families:

Kappa Alpha Psi Organizations:

• Arlington-Grand Prairie Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Frat Inc, EIN 232452759, Grand Prairie, TX 75054
• Zeta Beta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc, EIN 237098953, Prairie View, TX 77446
• Frisco TX Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Inc, EIN 920575785, Frisco, TX 75034

Sigma Gamma Rho Organizations:

• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, EIN 364091267, Waco, TX 76710 (Xi Chi Chapter)
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, EIN 752609909, Commerce, TX 75428 (Mu Zeta Chapter)
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc, EIN 746084912, Austin, TX 78714 (Alpha Omega Chapter)

Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society Chapters:

• Texas A&M University Chapter, EIN 900293166, College Station, TX 77843
• University of Houston-Victoria Chapter, EIN 900293167, Victoria, TX 77901
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Chapter, EIN 820644459, Lubbock, TX 79430

Texas Universities Master List: 96 Campuses

We maintain complete data on every Texas university campus—not just the major flagships. For Breckenridge families, this means we understand the specific Greek ecosystems at whatever school your child attends.

West Texas Region Campuses:

• Texas Tech University (Lubbock)
• West Texas A&M University (Canyon)
• Angelo State University (San Angelo)
• Abilene Christian University (Abilene)
• Midwestern State University (Wichita Falls)

Major Flagships (Common for Breckenridge Students):

• University of Houston
• Texas A&M University
• University of Texas at Austin
• Baylor University
• Texas Tech University

Cause IQ Metro Organizations: Tracking Greek Presence Across Texas

Our metro-level data shows where Greek organizations concentrate their operations and assets:

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510 Greek organizations total

• Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity, Fort Worth, TX 76244
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation, Fort Worth, TX 76147
• Delta Delta Delta national headquarters, Dallas area

Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188 Greek organizations total

• Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Houston, TX
• Alpha Phi Omega – Bayou City Alumni, Houston, TX
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae, Houston, TX

Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154 Greek organizations total

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp., Austin, TX
• Delta Tau Delta – Gamma Iota Chapter, Austin, TX
• Building Corporation – Alpha Delta Pi, Austin, TX

Why This Data Matters for Your Case:

1. Identifies all insurance sources: Different organizations carry different policies
2. Shows financial connections: Alumni chapters and foundations often have assets
3. Proves patterns: Multiple chapters of same national show systematic problems
4. Prevents hiding: Organizations can’t claim “we didn’t know” when data shows widespread presence

Fraternity and Sorority National Histories: Patterns That Predict Texas Problems

When a Texas chapter hazes, it’s rarely an isolated incident. National organizations have patterns of conduct that repeat across campuses. Understanding these patterns helps us prove that what happened to your child was foreseeable—and preventable.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): A National Pattern of Violence

National History:

• Multiple hazing-related deaths nationwide
• Eliminated traditional pledge process in 2014 after pattern of deaths
• Still faces serious allegations regularly

Texas Incidents:

• Texas A&M (2021): Chemical burns case requiring skin grafts
• UT Austin (2024): Australian exchange student assaulted, suffering dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
• Multiple other Texas chapters under investigation

Legal Significance: SAE’s national history shows they knew the risks but failed to prevent similar conduct in Texas.

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): The “Big/Little” Death Pattern

National History:

• Stone Foltz (BGSU 2021): $10M settlement, chapter president personally liable for $6.5M
• David Bogenberger (NIU 2012): $14M settlement split among 44 members
• Multiple other alcohol poisoning deaths during “Big/Little” events

Texas Presence:

• Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
• Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity in Houston (from Cause IQ data)
• Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity Epsilon Kappa Chapter, EIN 746064445, Nederland, TX 77627

Legal Significance: When a Texas Pike chapter uses “Big/Little” drinking traditions, we can prove national HQ knew the dangers.

Pi Kappa Phi: Our Current Case Shows National Pattern

National History:

• Andrew Coffey (FSU 2017): Died from alcohol poisoning during Big Brother Night
• Multiple other chapters suspended for hazing

Texas Presence:

• University of Houston Beta Nu Chapter: Now closed after our lawsuit
• Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation, EIN 371768785, Missouri City, TX 77459
• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035

Legal Significance in Bermudez Case: We’re proving that Pi Kappa Phi national knew about alcohol hazing risks but failed to protect Texas pledges.

Phi Delta Theta: From Max Gruver to Texas Chapters

National History:

• Max Gruver (LSU 2017): $6.1M verdict, led to Louisiana felony hazing law
• Multiple other alcohol hazing incidents

Texas Presence:

• Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor
• Phi Delta Theta Fraternity Texas Xi, EIN 900927378, San Antonio, TX 78249
• Frank Heflin Foundation (Phi Delta Theta alumni), EIN 203507402, Canyon, TX 79015

Why National Histories Matter in Your Texas Case

1. Foreseeability: We prove national organizations knew certain activities were dangerous
2. Negligence: Failure to prevent known risks strengthens negligence claims
3. Punitive Damages: Knowledge plus inaction can justify punishment beyond compensation
4. Insurance Coverage: National policies often provide deeper coverage than local chapters

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

When Breckenridge families come to us after a hazing incident, they’re often overwhelmed, angry, and unsure what to expect. Here’s how we build cases from investigation to resolution.

Evidence Collection: What Actually Wins Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Critical):

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
• Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook messages
• Recovery capability: We work with digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages
• Metadata: Timestamps, location data, participant lists

Physical Evidence:

• Photographs: Injuries from multiple angles over time (bruises evolve)
• Objects: Paddles, alcohol bottles, costumes, props
• Medical records: ER reports, lab results (especially blood alcohol, creatine kinase for rhabdomyolysis)
• Clothing: Don’t wash—preserve stains, tears, smells

Documentary Evidence:

• University records: Prior disciplinary files, incident reports, Clery reports
• National fraternity records: Risk management files, training materials, prior incident reports
• Financial records: Dues payments, insurance policies, chapter accounts

Witness Evidence:

• Other pledges: Often afraid but may cooperate with protection
• Former members: Those who quit or were expelled often become key witnesses
• Roommates/RA’s: Notice changes in behavior, physical condition
• Medical providers: Document injuries and cause statements

The Damages We Recover: Full Compensation for Harm

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

• Medical expenses: ER, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing therapy, future care needs
• Lost income: Time off work for victim or caregiving parents
• Educational losses: Tuition for withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships, delayed graduation
• Future earning capacity: Economist calculations for permanent disabilities

Non-Economic Damages (Substantial but Subjective):

• Physical pain and suffering: From injuries and treatment
• Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment: Can’t participate in college life, sports, social activities
• Reputational harm: Social stigma, difficulty transferring schools

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragedy Strikes):

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support: Economist calculations of lifetime contributions
• Loss of companionship: For parents, siblings, spouses
• Emotional suffering: Grief, trauma of losing a child

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Egregious):

• Purpose: Punish and deter especially reckless or malicious conduct
• When awarded: Prior warnings ignored, cover-ups, particularly cruel conduct
• Texas caps: Generally limited but exceptions for intentional conduct

Case Strategy: How We Approach Each Hazing Claim

Phase 1: Emergency Response (First 48 Hours)

• Evidence preservation before deletion
• Medical documentation and treatment
• Initial witness interviews
• Reporting decisions (campus, police, or both)

Phase 2: Investigation (First 30 Days)

• Digital forensics on phones and devices
• Subpoena preservation letters to social media companies
• Public records requests to universities
• Expert consultations (medical, psychological, economic)

Phase 3: Pre-Litigation (30-90 Days)

• Demand letters to responsible parties
• Insurance coverage identification
• Settlement negotiations if appropriate
• Preparation for filing lawsuit

Phase 4: Litigation (If Necessary)

• Filing complaint in appropriate court
• Discovery (document requests, depositions, interrogatories)
• Expert witness development
• Mediation and settlement conferences
• Trial preparation and trial if no settlement

Phase 5: Resolution and Recovery

• Settlement distribution or judgment collection
• Structured settlements for long-term care needs
• Advocacy and prevention work (if family desires)
• Ensuring compliance with settlement terms

Realistic Expectations: What Breckenridge Families Should Understand

Timeline: Most cases take 1-3 years from incident to resolution
Costs: We work on contingency—no fee unless we recover money for you
Privacy: Most cases settle confidentially before trial
Emotional Toll: Litigation is stressful; we provide regular updates and support
Outcomes: Every case is unique; we fight for maximum accountability but can’t guarantee specific results

Practical Guides for Breckenridge Families: What to Do Right Now

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

• Physical signs: Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts; extreme exhaustion; weight changes; sleep deprivation; injuries to hands/back/legs
• Behavioral changes: Sudden secrecy; withdrawal from family/friends; personality shifts (anxiety, depression, irritability); defensive about organization
• Academic red flags: Grades dropping; missing classes; skipping exams for “mandatory” events
• Financial red flags: Unexpected large expenses; buying excessive alcohol for others; maxed credit cards
• Digital behavior: Constant phone use for group chats; anxiety when phone buzzes; deleting messages obsessively; location tracking apps

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally):

1. “How are things going with [fraternity/sorority]? 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 or that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
5. “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”

48-Hour Action Checklist for Parents:

Hour 1-6 (Immediate Crisis):
✅ Get medical attention if injured or intoxicated
✅ Remove child from dangerous situation
✅ Screenshot any messages shown to you
✅ Photograph visible injuries
✅ Write down everything they tell you
✅ Call us: 1-888-ATTY-911

Hour 6-24 (Evidence Preservation):
✅ Help child preserve all group chats, texts, DMs (DO NOT DELETE)
✅ Secure clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
✅ Request copies of all medical records
✅ Write down names/contact info for other pledges, witnesses
✅ Note any university communications (don’t respond yet)

Hour 24-48 (Strategic Decisions):
✅ Speak with experienced hazing attorney (1-888-ATTY-911)
✅ Decide on reporting (campus police, local police, Dean of Students)
✅ Refer all university/insurance contacts to your attorney
✅ Upload all evidence to cloud storage

Week One Priorities:
✅ Medical follow-up and specialist referrals
✅ Psychological evaluation for trauma
✅ Attorney begins evidence gathering and witness interviews
✅ Decide on legal strategy (criminal report, civil suit, both)
✅ Document any retaliation immediately

For Students: Safety, Evidence, and Exit Strategies

Is This Hazing? Self-Assessment:

• 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 exactly what was happening?
• Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this?

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

How to Exit Safely:

• Immediate danger: Call 911, get to safe location
• Want to quit: Tell someone outside the org first, send email/text to chapter president stating resignation, DO NOT go to “one last meeting”
• Fear retaliation: Report threats to Dean of Students and campus police, document everything

Evidence Collection for Students:

1. Screenshots: Capture full conversations with timestamps, participant names
2. Recordings: Texas is one-party consent—you can record conversations you’re part of
3. Photos: Injuries immediately and over days, locations, objects used
4. Medical documentation: Tell providers you were hazed so it’s in records
5. Witness information: Names/contact info for others who saw what happened

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

• You cannot be punished for calling 911 or seeking medical help in emergencies (good-faith reporter immunity)
• Hazing is a crime—you are the victim even if you “agreed”
• You can file civil lawsuit even if no criminal charges are filed
• You can request no-contact order if harassed after reporting

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Evidence Be Destroyed

• Wrong: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
• Right: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content
• Why: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

• Wrong: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
• Right: Document everything, call lawyer first
• Why: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

• Wrong: Trusting university to handle it fairly
• Right: DO NOT sign anything without attorney review
• Why: You may waive right to sue; settlements are often lowball

4. Posting on Social Media First

• Wrong: “I want people to know what happened”
• Right: Document privately; let lawyer control messaging
• Why: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility

5. Waiting Too Long

• Wrong: “Let’s see how the university handles it”
• Right: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately
• Why: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs

Frequently Asked Questions for Breckenridge Families

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

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

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Consent is NOT a defense in Texas. Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent doesn’t excuse hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and fear of exclusion isn’t voluntary.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus with multi-million-dollar results.

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

“How much does this cost?”
We work on contingency—no fee unless we recover money for you. We cover all case expenses upfront and get reimbursed only if we win. This makes justice accessible to all families, not just those who can afford hourly rates.

Why The Manginello Law Firm for Breckenridge Hazing Cases

Our Texas Hazing Litigation Credentials

Currently Leading a Major Texas Hazing Case:
Right now, we represent Leonel Bermudez in the $10 million University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit. This isn’t theoretical—we’re in court fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas. We know what it takes to sue universities, national fraternities, housing corporations, and individual members because we’re doing it.

Insurance Insider Advantage (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”
• Set reserves and negotiate settlements

His insider knowledge means we know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello):

• BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar defendants
• Federal Court Admitted: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• HCCLA Member: Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association signals elite criminal defense capability
• 25+ Years Practice: Since 1998, with own firm since 2001

We’re not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams. We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won.

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

While other firms start from scratch, we begin with 1,423 Greek organizations already tracked across 25 Texas metros. Our database includes:

125 IRS-Registered Texas Greek Organizations with EINs, addresses, and legal names
96 Texas University Campuses with Greek life presence mapping
510 Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Greek Organizations tracked
188 Houston Metro Greek Organizations monitored
36 Cross-Validated National Brands appearing in both IRS and metro data

This means when you hire us, we already know:

• Which housing corporations hold insurance policies
• Which alumni chapters have assets
• How national organizations structure their Texas operations
• Where to find the entities that can provide compensation

Our Investigative Resources and Expert Network

Digital Forensics Capability:

• Recover deleted messages from GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage
• Preserve social media evidence before platforms delete it
• Analyze metadata for timestamps, locations, participant patterns

Expert Network:

• Medical Experts: Rhabdomyolysis specialists, kidney injury doctors, trauma surgeons
• Psychological Experts: PTSD specialists, trauma psychologists
• Digital Forensics: Recover and authenticate electronic evidence
• Economists: Calculate lifetime care costs, lost earning capacity
• Greek Life Culture Experts: Understand organizational dynamics and traditions

Investigative Approach:

• Subpoena university disciplinary records
• Obtain national fraternity risk management files
• Interview witnesses with sensitivity to fear and retaliation concerns
• Preserve physical evidence before it’s destroyed

Why Location Matters: Serving Breckenridge and All of Texas

Though based in Houston, we serve families statewide:

• Houston Office: Harris County cases, University of Houston matters
• Austin Office: Travis County cases, UT Austin matters
• Beaumont Office: Jefferson County cases, Lamar University matters
• Statewide Reach: We travel to you, handle cases wherever they occur

For Breckenridge families: Whether your child attends school in West Texas or across the state, Texas hazing law applies uniformly. We understand the courts, procedures, and defense tactics statewide.

Spanish Language Services:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish. We serve Hispanic families throughout Texas with culturally sensitive representation.

Your Next Steps: Free Consultation with Texas Hazing Experts

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911:

1. We listen without judgment: Tell us what happened in your own words
2. Evidence review: We’ll look at any photos, texts, medical records you have
3. Legal options explained: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
4. Realistic assessment: What your case might be worth, timelines, challenges
5. Cost discussion: Contingency fee explanation—no fee unless we win
6. No pressure: Take time to decide; we never push immediate signing

Everything is confidential. Attorney-client privilege begins from our first conversation.

What Makes a Strong Hazing Case

We look for:

• Serious injury or death: Medical documentation is crucial
• Evidence preservation: Screenshots, photos, witnesses
• Organizational involvement: Fraternity/sorority, university awareness
• Prior incidents: Pattern of conduct by same organization
• Cover-up attempts: Evidence destruction, witness intimidation

Even if some evidence is missing, we often can recover it through digital forensics or subpoenas.

Contact Us Today for Immediate Help

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Legal Emergency Lawyers™

Phone: 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)
Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Serving: Houston, Austin, Beaumont, and all of Texas including Breckenridge and Stephens County

Hablamos Español – Consultas gratuitas en español disponibles

Final Message to Breckenridge Families

Hazing changes lives forever. The physical injuries heal, but the psychological trauma, the betrayal of trust, the loss of what college should have been—these linger. As parents, your instinct is to protect your child. When that protection fails at a university that promised a safe environment, when tradition becomes torture, when brotherhood becomes brutality—you have the right to demand answers and accountability.

The Leonel Bermudez case proves that even in 2025, with all we know about hazing dangers, students are still being forced to drink until they vomit, exercised until their muscles break down, humiliated until their spirits break. But it also proves that accountability is possible. That universities and national fraternities can be held responsible. That one family’s courage can force change.

Your family doesn’t have to face this alone. We’ve guided Texas families through this nightmare before. We know the terrain—the legal complexities, the institutional resistance, the emotional toll. We know how to preserve evidence before it disappears, how to identify every responsible party, how to build cases that force real accountability.

Whether you’re in Breckenridge or anywhere in Texas, if hazing has hurt your child, call us. Let us listen to your story, explain your rights, and help you decide the best path forward. The consultation is free, confidential, and comes with no obligation.

Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Because when institutions fail to protect our children, families shouldn’t have to fight alone.

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