The Complete Guide to Fraternity & Sorority Hazing Lawsuits for Haltom City Families: Protecting Your Child at Texas Universities

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You Are Not Alone

It begins with a text message at 2 AM. Your child, a freshman at the University of Texas at Arlington or Texas Christian University, is “helping with a fraternity event” and won’t be home tonight. The excuses start: “It’s just tradition,” “Everyone does it,” “It’s how we bond.” Weeks later, you notice unexplained bruises, extreme fatigue, or a personality change—the vibrant student who left Haltom City for college is now anxious, secretive, and constantly checking their phone. When you finally learn the truth, the reality is worse than you imagined: forced drinking until vomiting, extreme workouts causing kidney failure, psychological torment in group chats, and a system designed to protect the organization, not your child.

For families in Haltom City, Tarrant County, and across the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, this nightmare has become a reality for too many parents. Right now, less than four hours away in Houston, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history—the Leonel Bermudez University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit—where a pledge suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being forced through brutal physical hazing. His urine turned brown, he was hospitalized for four days, and he faces potential permanent kidney damage. This is not an isolated incident; it’s part of a pattern affecting students from Haltom City to Houston, from fraternities and sororities to Corps programs and athletic teams.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Haltom City parents and families whose children have been hazed or injured in connection with fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, athletics, spirit groups, or other campus organizations at Texas universities. We’ll explain what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects (and sometimes fails) victims, what’s happening at universities where Haltom City students attend, and what legal options your family may have for accountability and recovery.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

In the first 48 hours:

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

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like for DFW-Area Students

Many Haltom City parents remember hazing as “pranks” or “initiation rituals,” but modern hazing has evolved into systematic abuse that often leaves permanent physical and psychological scars. For students from Tarrant County attending Texas universities, hazing now takes several dangerous forms:

Alcohol and Substance Hazing: The Most Deadly Pattern

The forced consumption of alcohol remains the leading cause of hazing deaths nationwide. At Texas universities, this manifests as:

“Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor to finish
Drinking games like “Bible study” or “family tree” where wrong answers mean excessive drinking
Lineups where pledges must rapidly consume shots in succession
Coerced drug use including prescription medications or illicit substances

The medical consequences can be catastrophic. In the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case we’re currently litigating, pledge Leonel Bermudez was forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediately forced to do sprints. This contributed to rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown that floods the kidneys with toxins—leading to acute kidney failure and multi-day hospitalization.

Physical Hazing Beyond “Workouts”

What organizations frame as “conditioning” or “team building” often crosses into abuse:

Extreme calisthenics: Hundreds of push-ups, squats, or wall sits until collapse
“Smokings”: Prolonged physical punishment for minor infractions
Paddling and beatings: Still prevalent despite national prohibitions
Sleep deprivation: Mandatory late-night sessions or early wake-ups
Environmental exposure: Being left outside in extreme weather conditions

In our UH Pi Kappa Phi case, Bermudez was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats in a single session, then required to lie in vomit-soaked grass and be sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.”

Psychological and Digital Hazing

The smartphone has become a primary hazing tool:

24/7 group chat monitoring: Pledges must respond instantly to messages at all hours
Social media humiliation: Forced to post embarrassing content or participate in degrading “challenges”
Geolocation tracking: Required to share location via Find My Friends or similar apps
Psychological manipulation: Isolation from non-members, enforced secrecy, gaslighting

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

Some of the most traumatic hazing involves sexual elements:

Forced nudity or partial nudity
Simulated sexual acts or positions
Degrading costumes or role-playing
Coerced sharing of intimate images

Where Hazing Happens: Beyond Fraternities

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

Corps of Cadets and military-style programs
Athletic teams from football to cheerleading
Spirit and tradition groups like Texas Cowboys or similar organizations
Marching bands and performance groups
Academic and service organizations

For Haltom City families with children at DFW-area schools like TCU, UT Arlington, or UNT, understanding these modern hazing methods is crucial for recognizing when your child might be at risk.

Texas Hazing Law: What Tarrant County Families Need to Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes that apply to all universities in the state, whether your child attends school in Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston, or elsewhere. Here’s what Haltom City parents need to understand about the legal framework:

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

Texas law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
Occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization

Key provisions for Tarrant County families:

Location doesn’t matter: Hazing at off-campus houses, Airbnbs, or retreats is still illegal
Consent is NOT a defense: Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law
Criminal penalties escalate: From Class B misdemeanor to state jail felony if serious injury or death occurs
Organizational liability: Fraternities, sororities, and universities can face fines up to $10,000 per violation
Good-faith reporting protection: Those who report hazing or call for help may have immunity

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

When hazing occurs, two parallel legal processes may unfold:

Criminal Cases (Brought by the State):

Prosecuted by district attorneys in the county where hazing occurred
Focus on punishment: jail time, fines, probation
Common charges: hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter
Example: In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, the Harris County District Attorney could pursue criminal charges against individual members

Civil Cases (Brought by Victims/Families):

Filed by injured students or their families
Focus on compensation and accountability
Can proceed even without criminal charges
Our current case: We’re representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million civil lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, and 13 individual members

Federal Law Overlay: Title IX, Clery Act, and New Requirements

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
Beginning in 2026, Texas universities must:

Publicly report hazing incidents more transparently
Maintain comprehensive hazing prevention programs
Provide annual hazing data to the Department of Education

Title IX Implications
When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility, additional federal protections and reporting requirements apply.

Who Can Be Liable in a Hazing Lawsuit?

For Haltom City families considering legal action, multiple parties may share responsibility:

Individual Students: Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
Chapter Officers: Presidents, pledge educators, risk managers who knew or should have known
Local Chapters: The fraternity/sorority chapter as an organization
National Organizations: Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
Universities: Schools that knew or should have known about dangerous traditions
Property Owners: Landlords of off-campus houses where hazing occurs
Alumni and Advisors: Those who supervise or fund problem chapters

In our UH Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, we’ve named 17 defendants including individual members, chapter officers, the Beta Nu housing corporation, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the University of Houston, and the UH System Board of Regents.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Why History Matters for Texas Families

The hazing affecting Haltom City students today follows patterns established in tragic cases across the country. Understanding these patterns helps families recognize systemic issues rather than isolated “mistakes.”

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: Repeated Tragedies

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (2021)

Pi Kappa Alpha pledge forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement: $7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, $3M from BGSU
Takeaway for Texas families: The same “Big/Little” drinking traditions occur at Texas chapters

Max Gruver – LSU (2017)

Phi Delta Theta pledge forced into “Bible study” drinking game
Died with 0.495% BAC (six times legal limit)
Louisiana passed Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony
Takeaway: Universities often reform policies only after tragedy

Timothy Piazza – Penn State (2017)

Beta Theta Pi bid acceptance night with extreme drinking
Fell multiple times, help delayed for hours
18 members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts
Pennsylvania passed Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
Takeaway: Chapter security cameras captured the tragedy, showing how technology can provide crucial evidence

Physical Hazing with Lasting Injuries

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri (2021)

Phi Gamma Delta pledge forced to drink excessive alcohol during “pledge dad reveal”
Suffered permanent brain damage, cannot walk, talk, or see
Requires 24/7 care for life
Family settled with 22 defendants for multi-million dollar amounts
Takeaway: Non-fatal hazing can cause lifelong disability

Texas A&M Sigma Alpha Epsilon Case (2021)

Pledges allegedly had industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit poured on them
Suffered severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
Plaintiffs sought $1 million in damages
Takeaway: Physical hazing at Texas schools follows national patterns

Institutional Accountability: When Universities Are Liable

Collin Wiant – Ohio University (2018)

Sigma Pi pledge died after alleged hazing with nitrous oxide
Parents’ lawsuit revealed dangerous “unofficial” house culture
Led to Collin’s Law: The Anti-Hazing Act in Ohio
Takeaway: Universities can be liable for failing to monitor unrecognized organizations

Robert Champion – Florida A&M (2011)

Marching band hazing involving severe beatings on band bus
FAMU held fully liable, paid $1 million settlement
Takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to other campus organizations

What These Cases Mean for Haltom City Families

These national precedents matter because:

Pattern evidence strengthens Texas cases: Showing that the same fraternities have the same problems nationwide
Settlement ranges established: $1-14 million for death cases, substantial amounts for serious injuries
Legal strategies proven: How to overcome defenses like “consent” or “rogue chapter”
University accountability shown: Schools can be liable for failing to protect students

When your child from Haltom City is hazed at a Texas university, you’re not facing a unique situation—you’re dealing with a repeat pattern that experienced hazing attorneys know how to address.

Texas University Focus: Where Haltom City Students Face Hazing Risks

Haltom City families send students to universities across Texas, each with its own Greek life culture and hazing history. Here’s what you need to know about campuses most relevant to Tarrant County residents:

University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)

For Haltom City families: Just 15 minutes from home, UTA serves thousands of Tarrant County students with active Greek life.

Documented Hazing Concerns:

Multiple fraternities on disciplinary probation in recent years
Off-campus housing affecting university oversight
Sigma Chi incident (2020): Pledge hospitalized with alcohol poisoning from alleged hazing

UTA’s Hazing Response:

Reports go through Office of Student Conduct
Working with Arlington Police Department for off-campus incidents
Public hazing violations published online

What Haltom City Parents Should Know:

Proximity doesn’t guarantee safety—hazing occurs close to home
Mixed commuter/residential campus creates different dynamics
Evidence preservation is crucial before graduation disperses witnesses

Texas Christian University (TCU)

For Haltom City families: Many Tarrant County students attend this private university with strong Greek presence.

Greek Life Profile:

Approximately 50% of students join fraternities/sororities
Multi-million dollar Greek housing facilities
National fraternities with hazing histories present on campus

Documented Issues:

Kappa Sigma incident (2018): Member arrested for alleged hazing of pledges
Ongoing concerns about alcohol-related hazing in Greek houses
TCU’s private status affects transparency compared to public universities

TCU’s Response System:

Hazing reports to Office of Student Affairs
Anonymous reporting through Real Response system
Disciplinary outcomes often kept confidential

University of North Texas (UNT)

For Haltom City families: Denton campus attracts many DFW-area students with growing Greek system.

Recent Hazing Transparency:

UNT publishes hazing violations online
Multiple organizations sanctioned for alcohol hazing, physical abuse
2023 reports: Several fraternities disciplined for hazing violations

UNT’s Approach:

Dean of Students office handles investigations
Collaboration with Denton Police for criminal aspects
Educational programming for Greek organizations

Other Texas Universities Haltom City Students Attend

Texas A&M University

Corps of Cadets hazing lawsuits: Allegations of binding, simulated sexual acts, humiliation
Sigma Alpha Epsilon chemical burns case: $1 million lawsuit over cleaner-induced injuries
Public hazing reports: Texas A&M publishes annual hazing violation data

University of Texas at Austin

Most transparent in Texas: Public hazing violations website with detailed reports
Recent violations: Pi Kappa Alpha sanctioned for forced milk consumption and extreme exercise
Sigma Alpha Epsilon lawsuit: Australian exchange student alleged assault causing multiple fractures

University of Houston

Our current case: Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
Prior Pi Kappa Alpha incident: 2016 case with lacerated spleen from physical hazing
Mixed oversight: Urban campus with commuter challenges for monitoring

Baylor University

Baseball hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following investigation
Private university dynamics: Less public disclosure than state schools
Religious context: Baylor’s Christian identity influences disciplinary approach

Southern Methodist University

Kappa Alpha Order suspension: Chapter suspended for alleged paddling and alcohol hazing
Affluent student body dynamics: Different social pressures than public universities
Dallas location: Proximity to Dallas Police Department for criminal investigations

How Hazing Cases Proceed at These Universities

For Haltom City families, understanding the process is crucial:

Initial Report: To campus police, Dean of Students, or local police
University Investigation: Often internal, with varying transparency
Criminal Investigation: By campus or local police if laws broken
Disciplinary Action: By university (probation, suspension, expulsion)
Civil Lawsuit: Filed by victims/families for compensation

Critical Insight: University disciplinary processes do not prevent or replace civil lawsuits. Many families pursue both simultaneously.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Affect Haltom City Students

The fraternities and sororities on Texas campuses aren’t isolated local clubs—they’re chapters of national organizations with decades of hazing history. This history matters because it shows patterns and foreseeability that strengthen legal cases.

Why National Histories Matter in Court

When we represent Haltom City families, we use national histories to show:

The organization knew or should have known about dangerous traditions
Previous warnings and incidents were not addressed effectively
The same dangerous practices repeat across chapters nationwide
National headquarters had duty to supervise and prevent these patterns

Major Nationals with Hazing Histories at Texas Schools

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

National history: Stone Foltz death (BGSU), David Bogenberger death (NIU)
Texas presence: Chapters at UTA, TCU, UT Austin, Texas A&M, many others
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing, physical endurance tests
Legal significance: National settled Foltz case for $7M, showing liability recognition

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

National history: Multiple alcohol deaths, traumatic brain injury lawsuit (Alabama), chemical burns case (Texas A&M)
Texas presence: Virtually every major Texas campus
Pattern: Physical abuse, forced drinking, dangerous traditions
Legal significance: SAE eliminated pledging nationally in 2014 due to hazing deaths

Pi Kappa Phi

National history: Andrew Coffey death (FSU), our current UH case with kidney failure
Texas presence: UH chapter (now closed), other Texas campuses
Pattern: Physical hazing leading to medical emergencies
Legal significance: National headquarters suspended UH chapter immediately upon reports

Phi Delta Theta

National history: Max Gruver death (LSU), multiple alcohol hazing incidents
Texas presence: Chapters throughout Texas university system
Pattern: Drinking games disguised as “education”
Legal significance: Louisiana passed felony hazing law after Gruver death

Sigma Chi

National history: $10M+ settlement (College of Charleston), multiple injury cases
Texas presence: Strong presence at TCU, UT Austin, Texas A&M
Pattern: Physical beatings, forced consumption, psychological torment
Legal significance: Juries award substantial damages for severe hazing injuries

The “Rogue Chapter” Defense and Why It Fails

National fraternities often claim: “This was a rogue chapter acting against our policies.” In court, we counter this by showing:

Prior incidents at same chapter: Previous warnings that went unheeded
Pattern across chapters: Same dangerous practices at multiple locations
Inadequate supervision: Nationals collected dues but didn’t effectively monitor
Policy vs. practice: Beautiful anti-hazing manuals but no real enforcement

In our UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re demonstrating that the national organization had mechanisms to prevent such abuse but failed to implement them effectively at the Beta Nu chapter.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Recovery for Tarrant County Families

When hazing injures a student from Haltom City, building a strong case requires systematic evidence collection and strategic legal planning. Here’s how we approach these cases at Attorney911:

Critical Evidence That Wins Hazing Cases

1. Digital Communications (MOST IMPORTANT)

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord messages showing planning, execution, cover-up
Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchat posts, TikTok videos of hazing events
Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often retrieve “disappearing” content
Location data: Geo-tags showing where hazing occurred

In our UH case: Group chat messages documented the “pledge fanny pack” rules, schedule of abuse, and members discussing injuries.

2. Physical Evidence

Medical records: ER reports, hospitalization records, lab results (like elevated CK levels showing rhabdomyolysis)
Photographic evidence: Injuries documented over time, hazing locations, objects used
Physical objects: Paddles, alcohol bottles, “pledge manuals,” costumes
Clothing: Stained or damaged items from hazing events

3. Institutional Records

University files: Prior disciplinary actions against the same organization
National fraternity records: Incident reports, risk management files, communication with chapters
Police reports: Campus and local law enforcement documentation
Witness statements: Other pledges, members, roommates, RAs

4. Expert Documentation

Medical experts: Documentation of long-term injury effects
Psychological evaluation: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
Economic analysis: Lost earning capacity, future medical needs
Greek life experts: Testimony about organizational culture and patterns

Damages: What Haltom City Families Can Recover

Hazing cases seek compensation for multiple types of harm:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical expenses: Past and future treatment, therapy, medications
Lost educational costs: Tuition for withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships
Diminished earning capacity: Reduced lifetime earnings from permanent injuries
Other costs: Transportation, medical equipment, home modifications

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life Impacts)

Pain and suffering: Physical pain from injuries
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment: Inability to participate in college life, activities
Reputational harm: Social stigma from publicized hazing

Wrongful Death Damages (When Applicable)

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support: Deceased’s potential lifetime earnings
Loss of companionship: Family’s emotional suffering
Parental grief and mental health care

Punitive Damages (In Egregious Cases)

Purpose: Punish defendants for reckless or intentional conduct
When awarded: Particularly cruel hazing, cover-up attempts, prior warnings ignored
Texas caps: Generally limited but can be substantial in intentional conduct cases

Settlement vs. Trial: What to Expect

Most hazing cases settle before trial because:

Defendants want to avoid public testimony and discovery
Insurance companies prefer predictable outcomes
Families often want closure and privacy

Recent settlement ranges:

Death cases: $1-14 million (Foltz $10M, Bogenberger $14M, Gruver $6.1M)
Severe injury cases: $375,000 to multi-millions (Santulli settlements with 22 defendants)
Texas-specific: Settlements often reflect Texas damage caps and local jury tendencies

When cases go to trial, juries have awarded:

$12.6 million (Chad Meredith – Kappa Sigma, Florida)
$10+ million (Sigma Chi – College of Charleston)
$6.5 million personal judgment against fraternity president (Foltz case)

Insurance Coverage Battles

Fraternities and universities have insurance, but insurers often fight coverage by claiming:

Intentional acts exclusion: Arguing hazing is intentional, not accidental
Criminal acts exclusion: Claiming illegal activity isn’t covered
Policy limits: Trying to minimize payout amounts

Our advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney means we know exactly how insurers strategize and how to counter their tactics.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Haltom City Families

If you are a parent in Haltom City or Tarrant County, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. Attorney911 maintains an unmatched Texas Greek-life data engine tracking over 1,400 organizations across 25 Texas metros. Below are examples of the public records we monitor—showing the complex network of house corporations, alumni chapters, and national entities that may share liability in hazing cases.

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro Organizations (510+ Total)

The DFW metro contains 510+ Greek organizations according to Cause IQ data. These entities—including undergraduate chapters, alumni associations, housing corporations, and honor societies—form the backbone of Greek life at TCU, UTA, UNT, and other DFW-area schools where Haltom City students enroll.

Sample DFW Metro Organizations from Public Records:

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity
- EIN: 74-2911848
- Address: 12650 N Beach St #30, Suite 114, Fort Worth, TX 76244
- Data Source: IRS B83 filing & Cause IQ metro listing
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc
- EIN: 74-1380362
- Address: PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147-0061
- Data Source: IRS B83 filing
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – Arlington-Grand Prairie Alumni Chapter
- EIN: 23-2452759
- Address: PO Box 542901, Grand Prairie, TX 75054-2901
- Data Source: IRS B83 filing
Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity – Tau Deuteron Chapter
- Location: Waco, TX (Baylor University chapter)
- Data Source: Cause IQ metro listing
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity – Texas Rho Corp.
- Location: Austin, TX (University of Texas house corporation)
- Data Source: Cause IQ metro listing
Delta Tau Delta Fraternity – Gamma Iota Chapter
- Location: Austin, TX (University of Texas chapter house)
- Data Source: Cause IQ metro listing
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc – Psi Zeta Chapter
- EIN: 52-1345182
- Address: PO Box 51168, Fort Worth, TX 76105-8168
- Data Source: IRS B83 filing
Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity – Gamma Psi Chapter
- Location: Fort Worth, TX (TCU chapter)
- Data Source: Cause IQ metro listing
Sigma Nu Fraternity – Lambda Epsilon Chapter
- Location: Fort Worth, TX (TCU chapter)
- Data Source: Cause IQ metro listing
Fort Worth Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc
- EIN: 75-2755600
- Address: PO Box 581, Fort Worth, TX 76101-0581
- Data Source: IRS B83 filing

Texas-Wide Greek Organizational Network

Beyond DFW, Texas hosts 1,423 fraternity/sorority organizations across 25 metros. These interconnected entities mean that a hazing incident at a Houston school might involve alumni from Dallas, insurance through an Austin-based corporation, and national oversight from out-of-state headquarters.

Additional Texas Organizational Examples:

Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (UH case defendant)
- EIN: 46-2267515
- Address: 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035-6629
- Data Source: IRS B83 filing
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter
- EIN: 74-6084905
- Address: 4300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204-3067
- Data Source: IRS B83 filing
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Theta Delta Chapter
- EIN: 47-5370943
- Address: 5019 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX 77204-7005
- Data Source: IRS B83 filing
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Epsilon Kappa Chapter
- EIN: 74-6064445
- Address: 1855 Highway 69 N, Nederland, TX 77627-8843
- Data Source: IRS B83 filing
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Texas A&M University Chapter
- EIN: 90-0293166
- Address: 114 Henderson Hall 4233 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-0001
- Data Source: IRS B83 filing

Why This Directory Matters for Haltom City Families

These public records demonstrate that Greek organizations are not just social clubs—they’re legal entities with assets, insurance, and organizational structures. When hazing occurs, we use this data to:

Identify all potentially liable parties beyond individual members
Trace insurance coverage through house corporations and national policies
Show organizational knowledge through alumni networks and national oversight
Establish jurisdiction for lawsuits in appropriate Texas courts

We maintain this comprehensive directory so Haltom City families never start from zero when seeking accountability. If your child was hazed at any Texas campus, we already know how to find the organizations behind the letters.

Practical Guide for Haltom City Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical Indicators:

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme fatigue or exhaustion beyond normal academic stress
Sudden weight loss or gain from food/water manipulation
Sleep deprivation symptoms: dark circles, dozing in class, late-night activities
Injuries to hands, back, or buttocks consistent with paddling
Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage
Signs of alcohol poisoning or substance use changes

Behavioral Changes:

New secrecy about organizational activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Withdrawal from family, high school friends, or non-Greek activities
Personality shifts: increased anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensive reactions when asked about the organization
Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”
Obsession with pleasing older members
Language about “just getting through” the pledge period

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping precipitously
Missing classes or falling asleep during instruction
Skipping exams or assignments for “mandatory” events
Losing scholarships or academic standing

Digital Behavior Patterns:

Constant phone monitoring for group chat messages
Anxiety when phone buzzes or notification sounds
Deleting messages or clearing browser history obsessively
Receiving texts/calls at all hours demanding immediate response
Social media posts showing concerning or humiliating activities
New installation of location-tracking apps (Find My Friends, Life360)

Questions to Ask Your College Student

Approach conversations with care and without judgment:

“How are things going with [fraternity/sorority/organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
“Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
“What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable or that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”
“Are they asking you to keep secrets from me or the university?”

48-Hour Action Checklist for Parents

HOUR 1–6 (IMMEDIATE CRISIS):

Medical: If injured or intoxicated, get to ER immediately
Safety: Remove child from dangerous situation
Evidence: Screenshot any messages they show you; photograph visible injuries
Notes: Write down everything they tell you (date, time, what happened, who was there)
Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance

HOUR 6–24 (EVIDENCE PRESERVATION):

Digital: Help child preserve all group chats, DMs, texts (do NOT delete anything)
Physical: Secure clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
Medical records: Request copies of all ER/hospital records
Witnesses: Write down names and contact info for other pledges, bystanders
University: Note any communications from school but do NOT respond yet

HOUR 24–48 (STRATEGIC DECISIONS):

Legal consultation: Speak with experienced hazing attorney (1-888-ATTY-911)
Reporting decision: Decide whether to report to campus police, local police, Dean of Students
University response: If school contacts you, refer them to your attorney
Insurance: Do NOT talk to any insurance adjuster without lawyer present
Evidence backup: Upload all screenshots and photos to cloud storage

WEEK ONE PRIORITIES:

Medical follow-up: Continue documenting injuries; see specialists if needed
Evidence gathering: Attorney will begin subpoenaing records, obtaining deleted messages
Witness interviews: Attorney will contact other pledges and witnesses
Strategy session: Decide on criminal report, civil suit, both, or internal process
Protection: If retaliation occurs, document and report immediately

Critical Mistakes That Can Damage Your Case

Letting your child delete evidence: Preserve everything, even embarrassing content
Confronting the organization directly: They’ll lawyer up and destroy evidence
Signing university “resolution” forms: May waive your right to sue
Posting details on social media: Defense attorneys screenshot everything
Letting your child attend “one last meeting”: Opportunity for intimidation
Waiting for university investigation: Evidence disappears, statutes run
Talking to insurance adjusters: Recorded statements used against you

Why Attorney911 for Haltom City Hazing Cases: Texas-Based, Nationally Relevant

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. Here’s why Haltom City families choose Attorney911 for hazing litigation:

Our Current Texas Hazing Case: Proof of Capability

Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit—a $10 million hazing case involving:

Severe physical abuse: Forced workouts leading to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
Psychological torment: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, simulated waterboarding
Multiple defendants: UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, housing corporation, 13 individual members
Media coverage: Featured in Click2Houston, ABC13, and Hoodline reports
Active litigation: Currently navigating Texas courts and institutional defenses

This case demonstrates exactly what we bring to hazing litigation: federal court experience, insurance insider knowledge, and willingness to take on billion-dollar institutions.

Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Former insurance defense attorney at national defense firm
Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers value (and undervalue) claims
Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies
Spanish-language services: Hablamos Español for Hispanic families
-, “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 defendant
Federal court admitted: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
HCCLA membership: Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association signals elite criminal defense capability
25+ years practice: Handling high-stakes cases since 1998
“We’ve taken on corporations with unlimited legal budgets. Universities and national fraternities don’t intimidate us.”

Multi-Million Dollar Results

Wrongful death settlements: Millions recovered for families
Catastrophic injury cases: Life care planning for permanent disabilities
Economist collaboration: Quantifying lifetime impacts of injuries
Trial readiness: We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial

Investigative Depth & Expert Network

Digital forensics: Recovering deleted messages, social media evidence
Medical experts: Documentation of rhabdomyolysis, TBI, PTSD, other hazing injuries
Greek life experts: Understanding organizational culture and patterns
Economic analysts: Calculating lost earning capacity, future needs
Psychological professionals: Documenting emotional trauma

How We Approach Hazing Cases Differently

Immediate evidence preservation: Before deletion or destruction
Comprehensive defendant identification: Using our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine
Insurance coverage mapping: Finding all potential sources of recovery
Strategic media management: Protecting privacy while pursuing accountability
Focus on prevention: Using cases to drive institutional change

Serving Haltom City and All of Texas

While based in Houston, we serve hazing victims and families throughout Texas, including:

Direct representation for Texas cases and cases with Texas connections
Co-counsel arrangements with local attorneys in other states
Consultation and case evaluation for families anywhere in the U.S.
Spanish-language services through Mr. Peña for Hispanic families

For Haltom City families with children at DFW-area schools or any Texas university, we provide the same level of expertise we’re demonstrating in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case.

Call to Action for Haltom City Families: Your Next Steps Toward Accountability

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether at UTA just minutes from home, TCU in Fort Worth, or universities across the state—we want to hear from you. Families in Haltom City, Tarrant County, and throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth region have the right to answers and accountability.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you contact Attorney911, you’ll receive:

Confidential discussion: We listen without judgment
Evidence review: Assessment of texts, photos, medical records you have
Legal options explained: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, university processes
Realistic expectations: Timelines, challenges, potential outcomes
Cost transparency: Contingency fee basis—no fee unless we win
No pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

Contact Attorney911 Today

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

Educational Resources

Watch our hazing education videos:

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

News coverage of our current UH case:

Final Word to Haltom City Families

Whether your child attends school in Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston, or anywhere in Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The traditions that injure students today are the same patterns we’ve seen for decades in national cases. With experienced counsel, proper evidence preservation, and strategic legal action, accountability is possible.

Your child’s safety and recovery come first. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a confidential consultation. We’re here to help Haltom City families navigate this difficult journey toward justice and prevention.

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