A Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits and Campus Accountability for Mount Pleasant, Texas Families

If your child attends college in Texas, the terrifying reality is that they could be at risk. Imagine this scenario: a student from Mount Pleasant, pursuing their dreams at a Texas university, is excited to join a campus organization. What begins as camaraderie soon twists into something darker—forced drinking, brutal physical workouts, sleep deprivation, and psychological torment. The student is injured, humiliated, but feels trapped by loyalty and fear. This isn’t a hypothetical. For families in Titus County, including right here in Mount Pleasant, this nightmare has become a devastating reality for some.

We are The Manginello Law Firm, PLLD, operating as Attorney911—the Legal Emergency Lawyers™. As Texas-based attorneys specializing in the most serious hazing and campus injury cases, we are fighting one of the most significant hazing lawsuits in the country right now. We have created this comprehensive guide specifically for Mount Pleasant families to understand the full scope of hazing dangers, Texas law, and what you can do if your child has been harmed.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES IN TITUS COUNTY

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies immediately.
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 (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage)
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles with a ruler for scale
- Save physical items (clothing with stains, receipts, objects used in hazing)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where, witnesses).
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority directly
- 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 from our Houston office, serving Mount Pleasant and all of Texas.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

The Flagship Case: Proof That This Happens in Texas Right Now

Before we explore the broader landscape, every Mount Pleasant family needs to understand one critical case that demonstrates exactly what we’re fighting against. Right now, we are leading one of the most serious hazing lawsuits in Texas history.

The Leonel Bermudez University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi Case

In late 2025, we filed a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter, its housing corporation, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, the UH System Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. This case isn’t an abstract example—it’s active litigation showing exactly how hazing operates in modern Texas Greek life.

What Actually Happened at UH:

The hazing occurred at multiple locations: the UH Pi Kappa Phi chapter house, a Culmore Drive residence owned by a former member, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park for early-morning workouts. Bermudez, a transfer student during the fall 2025 pledge period, was subjected to a system of abuse that included:

The “pledge fanny pack” rule: Pledges were forced to carry a fanny pack 24/7 containing condoms, a sex toy, nicotine devices, and other humiliating items. Failure to comply meant punishment or expulsion threats.
Enforced dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, weekly interviews, and overnight chauffeuring duties.
Extreme physical hazing: Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills, cold-weather exposure in underwear, lying in vomit-soaked grass, and being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” with threats of actual waterboarding.
Forced consumption rituals: Made to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediately forced to sprint.
The November 3 workout: Forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, and creed recitation under threat of expulsion.
Additional brutal acts: Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. A different pledge lost consciousness during early-morning workouts at Yellowstone Park.

The Medical Catastrophe:

Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe skeletal muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, could not stand without help, and was hospitalized for four days. Lab tests showed critically high creatine kinase (CK) levels, confirming the life-threatening conditions. He faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage and long-term physical and psychological harm.

Institutional Response and Consequences:

The defendants include not just the individual members but the full institutional universe: University of Houston, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The institutional response revealed the seriousness:

November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended the Beta Nu chapter.
November 14, 2025: Chapter members voted to surrender their charter; the chapter was shut down.
University statement: UH labeled the alleged conduct “deeply disturbing,” promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion and cooperation with law enforcement, and credited Pi Kappa Phi HQ for decisive action.

This case has been covered extensively by Texas media, including detailed reports from Click2Houston and ABC13.

Why This Matters for Mount Pleasant Families:

When we tell you we understand serious hazing litigation, this is what we mean. We are actively fighting this case right now. The same national organizations, the same institutional cover-up tactics, and the same insurance companies that operate in Houston also operate on every Texas campus where Mount Pleasant students study. This case proves that severe hazing isn’t just a historical problem—it’s happening in Texas right now, and families need attorneys who know how to fight it.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like for Mount Pleasant Students

For Mount Pleasant parents who may not be familiar with modern campus culture, understanding what hazing actually looks like today is crucial. It has evolved far beyond stereotypical “pranks” into systematic abuse that can cause permanent harm.

Clear, 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. Critically, “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there is peer pressure and power imbalance. Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.

Main Categories of Hazing

Alcohol and Substance Hazing:

Forced or coerced drinking during “big/little” nights, bid acceptance parties, or drinking games
Chugging challenges, “lineups,” games that require rapid consumption
Being pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances
This remains the most common fatal hazing pattern nationwide

Physical Hazing:

Paddling and beatings (still occurring despite national prohibitions)
Extreme calisthenics, “workouts,” or “smokings” far beyond normal conditioning
Sleep deprivation, food/water deprivation
Exposure to extreme cold/heat or dangerous environments
Chemical exposure (as in the Texas A&M SAE case where industrial cleaner caused burns)

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing:

Forced nudity or partial nudity
Simulated sexual acts, “roasted pig” positions, degrading costumes
Acts with racial or sexist overtones, slurs, or role-play
Public shaming on social media or in meetings

Psychological Hazing:

Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members
Manipulation or forced “confessions”
Constant monitoring via group chats with immediate response demands
Creating fear of exclusion or retaliation

Digital/Online Hazing:

Group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation via Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Discord
Pressure to create or share compromising images/videos
24/7 availability demands with punishment for delayed responses
Location tracking via apps like Find My Friends

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Texas

Mount Pleasant families should understand that hazing extends beyond stereotypical “frat boys”:

Fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural councils)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC / military-style groups (particularly relevant for Texas A&M)
Spirit squads and tradition clubs (like Texas Cowboys-type groups)
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer, etc.)
Marching bands and performance groups
Some service, cultural, and academic organizations

The common threads are social status, tradition, and secrecy that keep these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Law & Liability Framework: Texas Law for Mount Pleasant Families

Understanding the legal landscape is crucial for Mount Pleasant families considering their options. Texas has specific laws governing hazing, and several federal laws also apply.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code Chapter 37)

Texas law defines hazing broadly as 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 points for Mount Pleasant families:

Can happen on or off campus (location doesn’t matter)
Can be mental or physical harm
Intent: Doesn’t have to be malicious; “reckless” is enough (knew the risk and did it anyway)
“Consent is not a defense”: Even if the victim agreed, it’s still hazing if it meets the definition (Texas Education Code § 37.155)

Criminal Penalties (Texas Education Code § 37.152):

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, fine up to $2,000)
Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes injury that requires medical treatment
State Jail Felony: If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death
Additional crimes: Failing to report hazing and retaliating against reporters are also misdemeanors

Organizational Liability (Texas Education Code § 37.153):
Organizations can be criminally prosecuted for hazing if:

The org authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
An officer or member acting in official capacity knew about hazing and failed to report it
Penalties include fines up to $10,000 per violation and university revocation of recognition

Criminal vs Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (prosecutor in the county where it occurred)
Aim: punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical hazing-related criminal charges: hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Burden of proof: “beyond a reasonable doubt”

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: monetary compensation and accountability
Focus on: negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring/supervention, premises liability, emotional distress
Burden of proof: “preponderance of the evidence” (more likely than not)
Can proceed even if no criminal charges are filed

Both types can run side-by-side, and victims can pursue civil cases regardless of criminal outcomes.

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthens hazing education and prevention
Maintains public hazing data (phased in by around 2026)
Applies to all Texas public universities and private schools receiving federal funds

Title IX:

Triggered when hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility
Creates additional reporting and investigation requirements for universities
Can provide separate legal claims against educational institutions

Clery Act:

Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics
Hazing incidents often overlap with reportable crimes when there are assaults or alcohol/drug crimes

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students:

Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover them up
Chapter officers often have greater liability

Local Chapter/Organization:

The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if it’s a legal entity)
Housing corporations that own chapter properties

National Fraternity/Sorority:

Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents
Often the deepest pockets for recovery

University or Governing Board:

Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity but exceptions exist
Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections
Liability based on prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference

Third Parties:

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

Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys investigate all potential sources of liability and insurance coverage.

Texas Fraternity & Sorority Landscape: What Mount Pleasant Families Need to Know

Mount Pleasant families sending students to Texas universities should understand the Greek organization landscape. Using our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—built from IRS public records, university data, and organizational filings—we maintain comprehensive data on Texas Greek entities.

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Mount Pleasant Families

If you are a parent in Mount Pleasant, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. Below are examples from our database of Texas-registered Greek organizations. These are public filings that show the legal entities behind campus chapters.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Filings):

KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC | EIN: 133048786 | 3007 EARL RUDDER FWY S, COLLEGE STATION, TX 77845-6681
GAMMA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 161675890 | 115 WILD WICK WAY, THE WOODLANDS, TX 77382-1822
ALPHA EPSILON PI FRATERNITY | EIN: 262025321 | 920 W PRAIRIE ST, DENTON, TX 76201-5816 | MU GAMMA CHAPTER
BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC | EIN: 462267515 | 10601 BIG HORN TRL, FRISCO, TX 75035-6629
PI KAPPA PHI DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER BUILDING CORPORATION | EIN: 371768785 | 4102 EASTSHORE ST, MISSOURI CITY, TX 77459-1820
ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 475370943 | 5019 CALHOUN RD, HOUSTON, TX 77204-7005 | THETA DELTA
CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY | EIN: 740555581 | 2711 RIO GRANDE ST, AUSTIN, TX 78705-4018 | CHI OMEGA HOUSE CORPORATION
TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC | EIN: 741380362 | PO BOX 470061, FORT WORTH, TX 76147-0061
KAPPA SIGMA FRATERNITY | EIN: 756067776 | 3128 WAITS AVE, FORT WORTH, TX 76109-2330 | THETA CHAPTER
PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN: 900927378 | 13211 LOST LAKE DR, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78249-3625 | TEXAS XI

Major Texas Metro Greek Organization Counts (from Cause IQ Data):

Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington Metro: 510 total Greek organizations
Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land Metro: 188 total Greek organizations
Austin–Round Rock Metro: 154 total Greek organizations
San Antonio Metro: 86 total Greek organizations
College Station–Bryan Metro: 42 total Greek organizations
Statewide Total: 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros

Why This Directory Matters for Your Case:
When we take a hazing case, we don’t start from zero. We already know how to find the legal entities behind the Greek letters. This database helps us identify all potentially liable parties and their insurance coverage from day one. For Mount Pleasant families, this means we can immediately begin investigating which organizations bear responsibility rather than spending months figuring out corporate structures.

Where Mount Pleasant Families Send Their Kids: Texas University Landscape

Mount Pleasant students attend universities across Texas. Based on geographic proximity and common enrollment patterns, here are the schools most relevant to Titus County families:

Primary Universities for Mount Pleasant Students:

Texas A&M University (College Station, Brazos County)

75 miles from Mount Pleasant
Massive Greek life with over 100 fraternity/sorority chapters
Corps of Cadets with separate tradition structure
Major hazing incidents documented in recent years

University of Texas at Tyler (Tyler, Smith County)

45 miles from Mount Pleasant
Growing Greek community
Part of University of Texas system

Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches County)

55 miles from Mount Pleasant
Active Greek life community
Multiple historically established chapters

University of Texas at Austin (Austin, Travis County)

230 miles from Mount Pleasant but common destination for top students
One of largest Greek systems in Texas
Public hazing violations database

Texas Tech University (Lubbock, Lubbock County)

350 miles from Mount Pleasant
Major Greek life presence
Multiple documented hazing incidents

Additional Texas Universities with Significant Greek Life:

University of Houston (Harris County) – where our flagship Bermudez case is occurring
Baylor University (Waco, McLennan County)
Southern Methodist University (Dallas, Dallas County)
Texas State University (San Marcos, Hays County)
University of North Texas (Denton, Denton County)

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Mount Pleasant Families

The hazing incidents affecting Texas students are not isolated events. They follow patterns seen nationwide. Understanding these patterns helps Mount Pleasant families recognize the seriousness of what their children may face.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):
Bid-acceptance event with heavy drinking. Severe falls captured on chapter cameras; hours delayed before medical help. Dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members; civil litigation; new Pennsylvania anti-hazing law named after him. Takeaway: Extreme intoxication, delay in calling 911, and a culture of silence can be legally devastating.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
“Bible study” drinking game; forced to drink when answering questions incorrectly. Death led to felony hazing law in Louisiana (Max Gruver Act). Takeaway: Legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
Pledge night; forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey; died from alcohol poisoning. Multiple criminal convictions; BGSU agreed to nearly $3 million settlement with the family; other settlements with fraternity/individuals. Takeaway: Universities can face significant financial and reputational consequences along with fraternities.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
Pledge at a fraternity retreat subjected to violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual. Suffered fatal head injuries; help was delayed. Multiple members convicted; fraternity banned from Pennsylvania. Takeaway: Off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous or worse than parties, and national orgs can face serious sanctions.

Severe Injury & Lifetime Disability Pattern

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021):
18-year-old pledge forced to consume excessive alcohol during “pledge dad reveal” night; suffered severe, permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care). Multiple fraternity members charged. Santulli family settled lawsuits with 22 defendants, including fraternity; settlement amounts largely confidential but reportedly multi-million-dollar. Takeaway: Non-fatal hazing can still cause catastrophic, lifelong injuries requiring enormous compensation.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University football (2023–2025):
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program. Multiple lawsuits against the university, staff; head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired and later settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially. Takeaway: Hazing is not limited to Greek life; big-money athletic programs can harbor systemic abuse.

What These Cases Mean for Mount Pleasant Families:
These national precedents establish patterns that courts recognize. When similar conduct occurs at Texas schools, these cases provide legal roadmaps for holding organizations accountable. The settlements and verdicts—ranging from $1 million to $14 million—show what serious hazing cases can be worth when properly litigated.

Texas University Focus: Where Mount Pleasant Students Face Risk

Texas A&M University (Most Geographically Relevant)

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Located just 75 miles from Mount Pleasant in College Station, Texas A&M represents the most likely university destination for Titus County students. With over 100 fraternity and sorority chapters and the prominent Corps of Cadets, it has multiple environments where hazing risks exist.

Documented Hazing Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):
Two pledges alleged forced strenuous activity with substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit poured on them, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. Pledges sued fraternity for $1 million; fraternity suspended for two years by university.

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023):
Cadet alleged degrading hazing, including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth; sought over $1 million. Texas A&M stated it handled the matter under its rules but the case highlighted systemic issues.

Recent Kappa Sigma Rhabdomyolysis Case (2023, ongoing):
Allegations of hazing resulting in severe injuries (rhabdomyolysis – severe muscle breakdown from extreme physical hazing). Ongoing litigation demonstrates that serious physical hazing continues.

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Proceeds:

Involved agencies: Texas A&M University Police Department and/or College Station PD
Civil suits typically filed in Brazos County courts
Potential defendants: individual students, chapter, national fraternity/sorority, university, property owners
Special considerations: Corps of Cadets cases involve military-style chain of command issues

What Texas A&M Students & Parents from Mount Pleasant Should Do:

Report immediately to Texas A&M’s Student Conduct Office and/or Corps leadership if applicable
Document everything before the university begins its internal process
Understand that university internal processes are not substitutes for legal action
Contact an attorney familiar with both Texas A&M’s specific systems and Texas hazing law

University of Texas at Austin

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
While farther from Mount Pleasant (230 miles), UT Austin attracts many top Texas students. It hosts approximately 60 fraternity/sorority chapters with a public hazing violations database providing unusual transparency.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page:
UT maintains one of Texas’s most transparent hazing reporting systems at hazing.utexas.edu. Example entries include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; found to be hazing; chapter placed on probation with required hazing-prevention education.
Texas Wranglers (spirit organization): Sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members at party; injuries included dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose; student sued SAE chapter for over $1 million.

How a UT Austin Hazing Case Proceeds:

Jurisdiction: UTPD and/or Austin PD depending on location
Civil suits typically filed in Travis County courts
UT’s public violation database provides powerful pattern evidence for civil cases
University often claims sovereign immunity as a state institution

What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do:

Check UT’s public hazing database to see if the organization has prior violations
Report through official UT channels but understand this triggers university control of narrative
Preserve evidence independently before reporting
Consider that UT’s transparency can be both helpful (evidence) and harmful (public exposure)

University of Houston

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
As demonstrated by our flagship Bermudez case, UH has active Greek life with serious documented hazing incidents. The urban Houston location means incidents often occur at off-campus houses and venues.

Documented Hazing Incidents:

2016 Pi Kappa Alpha Case:
Pledges allegedly deprived of sufficient food, water, and sleep during multi-day event; one student suffered lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table. Chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and university suspension.

2025 Pi Kappa Phi Case (Our Active Litigation):
As detailed earlier, the Bermudez case involving rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure shows contemporary severe hazing.

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds:

Agencies: UHPD and/or Houston Police Department
Civil suits typically filed in Harris County courts
Urban location means more off-campus incidents and third-party property owners potentially liable
University system includes multiple campuses (UH, UH-Downtown, UH-Clear Lake)

What UH Students & Parents Should Do:

Recognize that urban location doesn’t reduce university responsibility
Off-campus incidents still fall under university jurisdiction if organization is recognized
Houston’s size means multiple police jurisdictions may be involved
Evidence preservation is critical in fast-moving urban environment

Baylor University & Southern Methodist University

Baylor University (Waco):

Religious identity creates unique dynamics around accountability and transparency
2020 Baylor baseball hazing: 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
History of institutional sexual assault scandals informs how university handles misconduct
Private university status means less sovereign immunity protection

Southern Methodist University (Dallas):

Private, affluent campus with strong Greek presence
2017 Kappa Alpha Order incident: New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep; chapter suspended until approximately 2021
SMU’s hazing prevention includes anonymous reporting via Real Response system
Private status affects transparency but also reduces immunity defenses

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy for Mount Pleasant Families

When hazing causes serious injury or death, building a strong case requires systematic investigation and strategic legal planning. Here’s what Mount Pleasant families should understand about the process.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Communications (Most Important Category):

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, fraternity-specific apps
Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok comments (even disappearing messages)
Evidence includes both live and recovered/deleted messages via digital forensics
Our video on using your phone to document evidence explains best practices: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Photos & Videos:

Content filmed by members during events (often shared in group chats)
Security camera or doorbell footage at houses and venues
Injury documentation with date stamps

Internal Organization Documents:

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, ritual “traditions” lists
Emails/texts from officers about “what we’ll do to pledges”
National policies and training materials showing what should have been prevented

University Records:

Prior conduct files, probation/suspensions, warning letters
Incident reports to campus police or student conduct offices
Clery Act reports and similar disclosures
Obtained through discovery or public records requests

Medical and Psychological Records:

Emergency room and hospitalization records
Surgery and rehabilitation notes
Toxicology reports (blood alcohol content, drug screens)
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidality)

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges, members, roommates, RAs, coaches, bystanders
Former members who quit or were expelled (often willing to testify)
Expert witnesses: medical professionals, Greek life culture experts, economists

Damages: What Can Be Recovered in a Hazing Case

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical bills: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing treatment, future medical needs
Lost income/earning capacity: Missed work, reduced future earnings due to disability
Educational losses: Tuition for semesters missed, lost scholarships, delayed graduation
Other expenses: Therapy, medication, medical equipment, home modifications

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Compensable):

Physical pain and suffering from injuries
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation, loss of enjoyment of life
Reputational harm if incident was publicized

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

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

Punitive Damages (When Available):

Purpose: Punish defendants for especially reckless or malicious conduct
Available when defendants showed conscious indifference or had prior warnings
Texas has caps on punitive damages in many cases

Case Valuation Factors:

Severity and permanency of injuries
Clarity of liability and evidence
Defendant’s conduct (cover-up attempts increase value)
Insurance policy limits available
Jurisdiction and jury tendencies

Strategic Considerations for Mount Pleasant Families

Insurance Coverage Battles:
Fraternity and university insurers often argue hazing is excluded as “intentional conduct.” Our insider knowledge from Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney is invaluable here. We know how to:

Navigate coverage exclusions
Identify all potential insurance policies (chapter, national, university, homeowner’s)
Negotiate with adjusters who use standardized delay tactics

Multiple Defendant Coordination:
Hazing cases typically involve numerous defendants with conflicting interests. Strategic considerations include:

Which defendants have deepest pockets
Who will fight coverage vs. who will settle early
How criminal proceedings affect civil strategy
Protecting client from being caught in crossfire between defendants

Timing and Statute of Limitations:

Texas generally has 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury
Discovery rule may extend if harm wasn’t immediately known
Tolling may apply for minors or if fraud/concealment occurred
Urgency: Evidence disappears, witnesses scatter, memories fade
Our video on Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

Practical Guides & FAQs for Mount Pleasant Families

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Physical Signs:
.

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-Greek activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability, anger
Defensive when asked about the organization
Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”
Sudden obsession with pleasing older members
Talking about “just having to get through this” or “everyone did it before me”

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep in class
Skipping exams or assignments to attend “mandatory” events
Losing scholarships or academic standing

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing:

Ask open, non-judgmental questions: “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
Express concern about specific changes you’ve noticed
Emphasize safety over status: “Your health is more important than any organization.”
Make clear they have your full support to leave any dangerous situation

If Your Child Is Hurt:

Get medical attention immediately (even if they resist)
Document everything (photos, notes of what they tell you)
Preserve evidence (don’t let them delete messages)
Contact an attorney before talking to university or organization

For Students: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? 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, no fear of being “cut”)?
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 from outsiders?

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

How to Exit Safely:

Tell someone outside the org first (parent, RA, trusted friend)
Send written resignation to chapter president: “I am resigning my pledge/membership effective immediately.”
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
If you fear retaliation, report that fear to Dean of Students and campus police
Document any threats or harassment for potential protective orders

Evidence Collection for Students:

Screenshots: Capture full conversations with timestamps and participant names
Recordings: Texas is one-party consent state—you can record conversations you’re part of
Photos: Injuries, locations, objects used in hazing
Medical documentation: Tell providers you were hazed so it’s in records
Witness information: Names and contacts of others who saw what happened

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

Our video on client mistakes that ruin injury cases: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence
- What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
- Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
- What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content
Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly
- What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
- Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
- What to do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation
Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms
- What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements
- Why it’s wrong: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often far below case value
- What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing it first
Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer
- What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
- Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
- What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging
Waiting “to see how the university handles it”
- What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally”
- Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs, university controls narrative
- What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

Frequently Asked Questions for Mount Pleasant Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (Texas A&M, UT, UH) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as 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.

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

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

“How much does it cost to hire a hazing attorney?”
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Why Attorney911 for Mount Pleasant Hazing Cases

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 Mount Pleasant and all of Titus County.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

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. He understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. We know their playbook because we used to run it. Learn more about Mr. Peña’s background: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello):
Mr. Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation. He has federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) and is not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams. We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants. Learn more about Mr. Manginello’s credentials: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience:
We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases with economist collaboration. We have experience valuing lifetime care needs (brain injury, permanent disability cases). We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability. Our wrongful death experience: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:
Mr. Manginello’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. We can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure. Our criminal defense capability: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/

Investigative Depth and Texas-Specific Knowledge:

Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists, Greek life culture experts
Experience obtaining hidden evidence (group chats, chapter records, university files)
Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine with data on 1,423 Greek organizations across Texas
Understanding of specific university systems (Texas A&M Corps, UT hazing database, etc.)
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

What Makes Our Hazing Approach Different

We Understand the Culture:
We know how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments actually work behind closed doors. We understand the psychology of coercion, the power of tradition, and the systematic ways organizations hide misconduct.

We Fight the Institutional Playbook:
Universities and national fraternities have standard operating procedures for containing hazing scandals. We know these playbooks and how to counter them. We don’t get outmaneuvered by institutional defense tactics.

We Prioritize Prevention and Accountability:
While we aggressively pursue compensation for our clients, we also fight for institutional reforms that prevent future harm. Many of our cases include non-monetary terms requiring policy changes, training improvements, and transparency commitments.

We Serve All Texas Families:
While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas. We understand the jurisdictional issues when Mount Pleasant students are harmed at distant universities. We have co-counsel relationships across Texas and know how to manage cases efficiently regardless of location.

Call to Action for Mount Pleasant Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether at Texas A&M just 75 miles away, UT Austin, UH, or any other Texas university—we want to hear from you. Families in Mount Pleasant and throughout Titus County have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to what happened, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

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

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

Clarification of Expectations:
Reading this article does not create an attorney–client relationship. Every case is unique, and we cannot guarantee specific outcomes. An experienced attorney can review your specific facts, explain your rights under Texas law, and help you understand your options.

Whether you’re in Mount Pleasant or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The same organizations, the same insurance companies, and the same institutional cover-up tactics exist everywhere. We have the experience, the data, and the determination to fight for your family.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us help you get answers, accountability, and justice.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:

Using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes that ruin injury cases: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website Pages:

Main website: https://attorney911.com
Wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Criminal defense practice: 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/

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, PLLD.

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, PLLD / Attorney911
Houston, 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