The Complete Guide to Hazing in Texas: A Resource for Round Rock Families

If your child is heading to college from Round Rock, Texas, you’ve likely thought about their safety on campus. You may have considered dorm security, late-night library walks, or even campus wellness programs. But there’s a dangerous, often hidden threat that families in Williamson County must understand: modern campus hazing.

Today, sophisticated hazing rituals—involving forced drinking, extreme physical abuse, psychological coercion, and digital harassment—continue to injure and kill students across Texas. These aren’t harmless pranks or simple traditions. They are calculated acts of control and abuse that can leave students with permanent injuries, psychological trauma, or worse.

Recent court cases reveal a disturbing reality. Right now, our firm is actively litigating one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases: Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi (Beta Nu Chapter). In this $10 million lawsuit, we represent Bermudez, a UH student who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after enduring brutal hazing that included forced overeating, “waterboarding” with a hose, and extreme workouts of 100+ push-ups and 500 squats. The fraternity chapter has been shut down, but the ongoing medical consequences for Bermudez—and the institutional failures that allowed this to happen—demand serious accountability.

This comprehensive guide explains what Texas families in Round Rock and across Williamson County need to know about campus hazing in 2025: what it really looks like, Texas law, major cases, specific risks at Texas universities, and your legal options when things go tragically wrong.

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 in Texas

Modern Definition: Beyond the Stereotypes

For Round Rock families, understanding hazing starts with recognizing that it’s evolved far beyond simple pranks. Today, 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.

Critical understanding: “I agreed to it” or “everyone does it” does not make it safe or legal when there’s peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion. Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing charges.

Main Categories of Modern Hazing

Alcohol and Substance Hazing

• Forced or coerced drinking (“Big/Little” nights, chugging challenges, “lineups”)
• Pressure to consume unknown or mixed substances
• Drinking games framed as “bonding” or “tradition”

Physical Hazing

• Paddling and beatings (still occurring despite national prohibitions)
• Extreme calisthenics or “workouts” far beyond normal conditioning
• Sleep deprivation, food/water restriction
• Exposure to extreme cold/heat or dangerous environments

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

• Forced nudity or partial nudity
• Simulated sexual acts, degrading positions, humiliating costumes
• Acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones

Psychological Hazing

• Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members
• Manipulation or forced “confessions”
• Public shaming in meetings or private sessions

Digital/Online Hazing

• Group chat dares and “challenges” on GroupMe, Discord, WhatsApp
• Public humiliation via Instagram stories, TikTok videos, Snapchat
• Pressure to create or share compromising images/videos
• 24/7 availability demands via text with punishment for slow responses

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Texas

Round Rock families should understand that hazing extends beyond stereotypical fraternity parties:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural chapters)
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups
• Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs (drill teams, cheer, mascot programs)
• Athletic Teams (football, baseball, basketball, soccer, swim teams)
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups
• Academic Honor Societies and Service Organizations
• Cultural and Identity-Based Organizations

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

Texas Hazing Law: What Round Rock Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37, Subchapter F (Hazing)

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions that govern cases involving Round Rock students at Texas universities:

§ 37.151 Definition
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.

Plain English for Round Rock Families:
If someone makes your child do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they meant to do it or were reckless about the risk, that’s hazing under Texas law.

Key points for Williamson County residents:

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

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties

• Class B Misdemeanor (default): 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 criminal exposure:

• Failing to report hazing (if you’re a member/officer and knew about it): misdemeanor
• Retaliating against someone who reports hazing: misdemeanor

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability
Organizations (fraternities, sororities, clubs, teams) 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 for organizations:

• Fine up to $10,000 per violation
• University can revoke recognition and ban the org from campus

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting
A person who in good faith reports a hazing incident to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from the report.

This is critical for Round Rock students to understand: Texas law and many university policies provide amnesty for students who call 911 in medical emergencies, even if they were drinking underage or involved in the hazing themselves.

§ 37.156 Reporting by Educational Institutions
Texas colleges and universities must:

• Provide hazing prevention education to students
• Publish hazing policies
• Maintain and publish annual reports of hazing violations and disciplinary actions

This creates public records that Williamson County families can use to research organizations their children might join.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases

• Brought by the state (prosecutor)
• Aim: punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical hazing-related charges: hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Example: Harris County prosecutors filing felony hazing charges for serious injuries

Civil Cases

• Brought by victims or surviving families
• Aim: monetary compensation and accountability
• Focus on: negligence/gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring/supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
• Important: A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case

Both types can run side-by-side, and experienced hazing attorneys like ours understand how to navigate both tracks simultaneously when necessary.

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

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)
• This means better public information for Round Rock families researching campus safety

Title IX / Clery Act

• When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations are triggered
• Clery requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics
• Hazing incidents often overlap with these categories when there are assaults or alcohol/drug crimes

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Round Rock families should understand that multiple parties can share responsibility:

Individual Students

• Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover them up
• Example: Individual Pi Kappa Phi members named in the Bermudez lawsuit

Local Chapter / Organization

• The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if incorporated)
• Officers or “pledge educators” acting in official capacity

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
• Example: Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters named in the UH lawsuit

University or Governing Board

• The school or regents may be sued under negligence or civil-rights theories
• Key questions: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference
• Example: University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents named as defendants

Third Parties

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

Every case is fact-specific, but understanding this comprehensive liability framework helps Round Rock families recognize that accountability can extend beyond just the individuals directly involved.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Texas Families

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)

• Bid-acceptance event with extreme drinking
• Severe falls captured on chapter cameras; 12-hour delay before medical help
• Dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members; civil litigation; Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
• Takeaway for Round Rock families: Extreme intoxication + delayed 911 calls + culture of silence = catastrophic consequences

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

• “Big/little” event; pledge given handle of liquor; died from alcohol poisoning
• Criminal hazing charges; FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life
• Takeaway: Formulaic drinking “traditions” are repeating scripts for disaster

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 settled for nearly $3 million; additional settlements
• Takeaway: Universities face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

• Pledge at fraternity retreat subjected to violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual
• Suffered fatal head injuries; help was delayed
• Multiple members convicted; fraternity banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
• Takeaway for Williamson County families: Off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous as parties, and national orgs face serious sanctions

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

• Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within football program
• Multiple lawsuits against university and staff; head coach fired and settled wrongful-termination suit
• Takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to big-money athletic programs

What These Cases Mean for Round Rock Families

Common threads that should alarm every parent in Williamson County:

• Forced drinking, humiliation, violence
• Delayed or denied medical care
• Systematic cover-ups and witness intimidation
• Multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after tragedy and litigation

Texas families facing hazing at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor, or other schools are not operating in a vacuum. These national cases shape the legal landscape and demonstrate what serious accountability looks like.

Texas Focus: Universities Relevant to Round Rock Families

Round Rock sits in the heart of Texas’s educational corridor. Families here send students to universities across the state, but several institutions warrant particular attention due to their size, Greek life presence, and documented hazing histories.

Texas State University (San Marcos)

Campus & Culture Snapshot for Round Rock Families
Just 30 miles south of Round Rock in neighboring Hays County, Texas State University represents one of the most accessible options for Williamson County students. With over 38,000 students and active Greek life, Texas State’s proximity makes it a common choice for Round Rock families seeking quality education close to home.

Hazing Policy & Reporting

• Texas State prohibits hazing through Student Policy and Procedure Statements
• Reports go through Dean of Students Office or University Police Department
• The university maintains hazing education through orientation and Greek life programs

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

• Multiple Greek organizations have faced disciplinary action for hazing violations in recent years
• The university’s location in the Hill Country presents unique challenges with off-campus retreats and remote hazing locations
• As with many Texas schools, alcohol-related hazing remains a persistent concern

How a Texas State Hazing Case Might Proceed

• Jurisdiction could involve Hays County courts or Williamson County if students reside in Round Rock
• Texas State University Police Department and San Marcos Police Department would likely be involved
• Civil suits might be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Hays or Williamson counties

What Texas State Students & Parents in Round Rock Should Do

• Document driving distance and time to campus for emergency response planning
• Research specific Greek organizations through Texas State’s conduct records
• Understand that proximity doesn’t eliminate risk—monitor for behavioral changes even with frequent home visits
• Report concerns to Texas State Dean of Students at 512-245-2124 or through online reporting systems

University of Texas at Austin

Campus & Culture Snapshot for Round Rock Families
As Texas’s flagship university just 20 miles from Round Rock, UT Austin attracts many Williamson County students. With approximately 52,000 students and one of the nation’s largest Greek life systems, UT represents both tremendous opportunity and significant risk for Round Rock families.

Hazing Policy & Reporting

• UT maintains one of Texas’s most transparent hazing violation databases at hazing.utexas.edu
• The university prohibits hazing through Institutional Rules and Student Conduct Procedures
• Reports go through Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, UT Police Department, or anonymous online systems

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses
Public Hazing Violations Database Examples:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; found to be hazing; chapter placed on probation with mandatory hazing-prevention education
• Texas Wranglers (multiple years): Spirit organization sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, and punishment-based practices
• Various fraternities and sororities listed for alcohol hazing, physical abuse, and psychological coercion

UT’s Relative Transparency:
Unlike many universities, UT publicly lists organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions. This transparency helps Williamson County families make informed decisions but also reveals persistent patterns.

How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed

• Investigations typically involve UTPD and potentially Austin Police Department for off-campus incidents
• Civil suits often filed in Travis County courts
• UT’s public violation records provide powerful evidence of prior knowledge and pattern establishment

What UT Students & Parents in Round Rock Should Do

• Regularly check UT’s hazing violation database before allowing Greek affiliation
• Document the short commute as both advantage (quick parental response) and risk (easy access to off-campus parties)
• Understand that UT’s size can mean delayed institutional response—private legal action may be necessary for accountability
• Utilize UT’s anonymous reporting: 512-471-4441 or through the online reporting system

Texas A&M University (College Station)

Campus & Culture Snapshot for Round Rock Families
While further from Round Rock (approximately 100 miles), Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets and strong Greek life make it a destination for many Williamson County students seeking traditional college experiences. The university’s unique culture presents specific hazing risks that Round Rock parents should understand.

Hazing Policy & Reporting

• Texas A&M prohibits hazing through Student Rules and Corps of Cadets regulations
• Reports go through Student Conduct Office, Corps leadership, or University Police Department
• The university emphasizes “Aggie Honor” but has faced serious hazing incidents

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Lawsuit (2021):

• Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
• Pledges sued fraternity for $1 million; fraternity suspended for two years
• Critical insight: Even “mainstream” fraternities at major universities engage in extreme physical hazing

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023):

• Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth
• Sought over $1 million in damages; A&M stated it handled matter under its rules
• Takeaway for Round Rock families: Military-style programs carry unique hazing risks beyond Greek life

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

• Brazos County jurisdiction for most incidents
• Complex interplay between university disciplinary systems and civil litigation
• Corps cases involve additional military-style chain of command considerations

What Texas A&M Students & Parents in Round Rock Should Do

• Research specific organizations through A&M’s disciplinary records (less transparent than UT)
• Understand that distance complicates parental monitoring—establish clear communication protocols
• For Corps participants: document all concerns through both university and military-style reporting channels
• Distance shouldn’t delay legal consultation—we serve families statewide from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices

University of Houston

Campus & Culture Snapshot for Round Rock Families
Although approximately 160 miles from Round Rock, UH attracts Williamson County students seeking urban educational experiences. As the site of our firm’s active Leonel Bermudez hazing lawsuit, UH represents a critical case study for Texas families.

The Bermudez Case: Active Litigation Right Now
Our firm represents Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit against:

• University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents
• Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
• Beta Nu housing corporation
• 13 individual fraternity leaders/members

Specific Hazing Conduct:

• “Pledge fanny pack” rule with degrading contents (condoms, sex toy, nicotine devices)
• Extreme physical hazing: sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, cold-weather exposure
• Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting, then repeated sprints
• Nov 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
• “Waterboarding” tactics: sprayed in face with hose, threatened with actual waterboarding

Medical Catastrophe:

• Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure
• Passed brown urine, hospitalized for four days
• Lab tests showed critically high creatine kinase levels
• Ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage

Institutional Response:

• Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended Beta Nu chapter Nov 6, 2025
• Chapter members voted to surrender charter Nov 14, 2025
• UH called conduct “deeply disturbing,” promised disciplinary measures and cooperation with law enforcement

What the Bermudez Case Means for Round Rock Families:

• Even major urban universities with anti-hazing policies experience catastrophic hazing
• National fraternities continue dangerous traditions despite “zero tolerance” policies
• Serious injuries require aggressive legal action for accountability and adequate compensation

How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

• Harris County jurisdiction for most incidents
• Complex coordination between UHPD, Houston Police Department, and Harris County prosecutors
• Civil suits in Harris County courts with potential for significant damages given urban jury pools

What UH Students & Parents in Round Rock Should Do

• Despite distance, maintain open communication about Greek life participation
• Document any concerns immediately—don’t wait for “proof” of serious injury
• Understand that urban campus location doesn’t equate to greater safety oversight
• If injury occurs, preserve evidence and contact counsel immediately—distance doesn’t prevent our firm from representing Williamson County families

Southern Methodist University (Dallas)

Campus & Culture Snapshot for Round Rock Families
Approximately 200 miles from Round Rock, SMU’s private university status and affluent student body attract Williamson County families seeking elite education. However, SMU’s strong Greek life and historical hazing incidents warrant careful consideration.

Hazing Policy & Reporting

• SMU prohibits hazing through Student Code of Conduct
• Reports go through Office of Student Affairs, SMU Police Department, or anonymous Real Response system
• Private university status means less public transparency than public institutions

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses
Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):

• New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep
• Chapter suspended; restrictions on recruiting until approximately 2021
• Takeaway: Even at elite private universities, physical hazing persists

What Round Rock Families Should Know About SMU:

• Private university status affects transparency—fewer public records than UT or Texas A&M
• Affluent student body doesn’t eliminate hazing risk—sometimes enables more elaborate off-campus hazing
• Distance requires careful monitoring for behavioral changes during holiday breaks

How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

• Dallas County jurisdiction
• Private university lawsuits involve different legal considerations than public institutions
• SMU’s endowment and resources mean well-funded defense teams

What SMU Students & Parents in Round Rock Should Do

• Request specific hazing incident data from SMU during campus visits
• Document the substantial investment in SMU education when evaluating risk
• Use holiday breaks to carefully monitor for behavioral or physical changes
• Understand that private university status doesn’t prevent serious legal action when injuries occur

Baylor University (Waco)

Campus & Culture Snapshot for Round Rock Families
Approximately 90 miles from Round Rock, Baylor’s religious identity and history of institutional scrutiny make it a unique case for Williamson County families. The university’s past sexual assault scandal informs its current approach to misconduct.

Hazing Policy & Reporting

• Baylor prohibits hazing through Student Conduct Policies
• Reports go through Student Conduct Administration or Baylor Police Department
• The university’s religious identity influences its disciplinary approach

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses
Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):

• 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Suspensions staggered over early season
• Context: Occurred against backdrop of Baylor’s broader cultural and oversight challenges following sexual assault scandal

What Round Rock Families Should Understand:

• Religious branding doesn’t eliminate hazing risk
• Baylor’s history of institutional misconduct scrutiny affects current response patterns
• Waco’s location makes for manageable distance from Round Rock for parental monitoring

How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

• McLennan County jurisdiction
• Lawsuits against private religious universities involve unique legal considerations
• Baylor’s ongoing institutional reform efforts following past scandals affect current litigation dynamics

What Baylor Students & Parents in Round Rock Should Do

• Research specific organizations through Baylor’s conduct office during campus visits
• Document the university’s religious commitments when evaluating institutional response reliability
• Use relative proximity for regular monitoring and communication
• Understand that religious identity doesn’t prevent aggressive legal action when serious injuries occur

Texas Hazing Intelligence: The Data Behind the Problem

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations in Texas

At Attorney911, we maintain what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations across Texas built from public records. For Round Rock families, understanding this organizational landscape is crucial for recognizing the scope of the hazing problem.

IRS B83 Backbone – Texas-Registered Greek Organizations
The IRS maintains records of tax-exempt Greek organizations. Our analysis of these records reveals:

Sample IRS-Registered Organizations Relevant to Texas Campuses:

• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 462267515 – Frisco, TX 75035 (Related to UH case)
• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc – EIN 133048786 – College Station, TX 77845 (Texas A&M)
• Chi Omega Fraternity – EIN 740555581 – Austin, TX 78705 (UT Austin)
• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – EIN 746084905 – Houston, TX 77204 (UH)
• Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – EIN 746064445 – Nederland, TX 77627 (Lamar University connection)
• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – EIN 475370943 – Houston, TX 77204 (UH)
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – EIN 741380362 – Fort Worth, TX 76147

What This Means for Round Rock Families:
Each of these registered entities represents potential liability points in hazing cases. When we investigate hazing incidents, we trace not just the local chapter but the entire organizational structure—housing corporations, alumni associations, educational foundations—all of which may carry insurance or assets relevant to compensation.

Texas Universities Greek Life Presence
Our data tracks Greek organizations across 96 Texas campuses. For Williamson County families, the most relevant include:

Local/Regional Campuses:

• Texas State University (San Marcos) – 30 miles from Round Rock
• Austin Community College – 20 miles from Round Rock
• Southwestern University (Georgetown) – 15 miles from Round Rock

Major Statewide Hubs Round Rock Families Use:

• University of Texas at Austin – 20 miles
• Texas A&M University – 100 miles
• University of Houston – 160 miles
• Baylor University – 90 miles
• Southern Methodist University – 200 miles
• Texas Tech University – 350 miles
• University of North Texas – 190 miles

Metro-Level Greek Organization Concentrations
Our Cause IQ data analysis reveals significant Greek organization concentrations:

• Austin–Round Rock Metro: 154 Greek organizations
• Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington Metro: 510 Greek organizations
• Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land Metro: 188 Greek organizations
• San Antonio Metro: 86 Greek organizations

Total Texas Fraternities & Sororities: 1,423 organizations across 25 metros

Why This Data Matters for Your Case:
When we take a hazing case, we don’t start from zero. We already know:

• The legal names and EINs of Texas Greek organizations
• Their relationships to national headquarters
• Their geographic concentrations and campus connections
• Historical patterns of misconduct

This intelligence allows us to immediately identify all potentially liable parties and their insurance coverage—critical for building strong cases for Round Rock families.

National Fraternity Histories: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

Why National Histories Matter for Round Rock Families
Many fraternities/sororities on Texas campuses are part of national organizations with documented hazing histories. When a Texas chapter repeats patterns that caused injuries or deaths elsewhere, that demonstrates foreseeability—a key legal concept for establishing negligence.

Organization-Specific Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike)

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State (2021): Pledge forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol; died; $10 million settlement
• David Bogenberger – Northern Illinois (2012): Alcohol poisoning death; $14 million settlement
• Texas Pattern: Multiple Texas chapters with disciplinary violations for alcohol hazing

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE)

• University of Alabama (2023): Pledge suffered traumatic brain injury during hazing
• Texas A&M University (2021): Chemical burns from industrial cleaner; skin graft surgeries; $1 million lawsuit
• UT Austin (2024): Exchange student assault with dislocated leg, broken nose, fractures

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State (2017): “Big Brother Night” alcohol poisoning death
• Leonel Bermudez – University of Houston (2025): Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure; $10 million lawsuit (our active case)

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

• Max Gruver – LSU (2017): “Bible study” drinking game death; Louisiana Max Gruver Act
• Texas Pattern: Multiple Texas chapters with alcohol hazing violations

Legal Significance for Round Rock Families:
When national organizations have documented histories of specific hazing methods (forced drinking, physical abuse, etc.), and a Texas chapter uses those same methods, it becomes much harder for the national to claim “we didn’t know this could happen.” This pattern evidence strengthens negligence claims and supports arguments for punitive damages.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages

Evidence Collection: What Wins Cases in 2025

Digital Communications: The Most Critical Evidence

• Group messaging apps: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack
• Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook Messenger
• Fraternity-specific apps: Organization communication platforms
• Critical action: Screenshot immediately—messages disappear fast

Photos & Videos

• Content filmed during events (often shared in group chats)
• Social media posts showing hazing activities
• Security camera or doorbell footage at houses/venues
• Medical documentation of injuries over time

Internal Organization Documents

• Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” documents
• Emails/texts from officers about pledge activities
• National policies and training materials showing what should have been prevented

University Records

• Prior conduct files, probation/suspension records
• Campus police incident reports
• Clery Act reports and similar disclosures
• How we obtain them: Public records requests, discovery in litigation

Medical & Psychological Records

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

Witness Testimony

• Other pledges and new members
• Current/former organization members
• Roommates, RAs, coaches, trainers
• Bystanders and peripheral participants

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses)

• Medical expenses: Past and future treatment, therapy, medications
• Lost income/earning capacity: Missed work, reduced future earnings
• Educational impact: Lost tuition, scholarships, delayed graduation
• Example: In the Bermudez case, future kidney treatment costs alone could reach millions

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• PTSD, depression, anxiety treatment costs

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of companionship and support
• Emotional harm to parents and siblings
• Lost future earnings and contributions

Punitive Damages

• When defendants show reckless disregard or intentional misconduct
• Designed to punish and deter future conduct
• Available under Texas law in appropriate cases

Case Strategy: How We Approach Hazing Litigation

Immediate Evidence Preservation

• Digital forensics for deleted messages
• Witness interviews before memories fade
• Preservation letters to prevent evidence destruction

Identifying All Potentially Liable Parties

• Individual perpetrators
• Local chapter officers
• National headquarters
• University administrators
• Property owners/landlords
• Alcohol providers

Insurance Coverage Analysis

• Identifying all applicable insurance policies
• Navigating coverage exclusions and disputes
• Bad faith claims against insurers who wrongfully deny coverage

Strategic Timing Considerations

• Coordinating with criminal investigations when applicable
• Understanding statute of limitations (generally 2 years in Texas)
• Balancing settlement negotiations with trial preparation

Practical Guides & FAQs for Round Rock Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Action Steps

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

• Physical signs: Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts; extreme fatigue; weight changes; sleep deprivation
• Behavioral changes: Sudden secrecy; withdrawal from family/friends; personality shifts; defensiveness about organization
• Academic red flags: Grades dropping; missing classes; losing scholarships
• Digital behavior: Constant group chat monitoring; anxiety about phone notifications; deleting messages obsessively

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing

• Ask open questions: “How are things going with [organization]?”
• Express concern without judgment: “I’m worried about how tired you seem.”
• Emphasize safety over status: “Your health matters more than any group.”
• Listen without immediate problem-solving: Sometimes they just need to be heard first.

If You Suspect Hazing Is Happening

1. Document everything your child tells you (dates, times, details)
2. Preserve evidence they show you (screenshots, photos)
3. Get medical attention if there are any injuries
4. Contact an attorney before confronting the organization or university
5. Report to authorities with your attorney’s guidance

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

1. Letting your child delete messages – This looks like cover-up and destroys evidence
2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly – They’ll lawyer up and destroy evidence
3. Signing university “release” forms – You may waive your right to sue
4. Posting details on social media – Defense attorneys screenshot everything
5. Waiting for university investigation – Evidence disappears, statutes run

For Students: Rights and Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Self-Assessment Questions

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something unsafe?
• Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Am I being told to keep secrets or lie about what’s happening?
• Would the university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?

If You’re in Immediate Danger

• Call 911 for medical emergencies
• Get to a safe location (dorm, friend’s place, public area)
• You won’t get in trouble for calling for help in emergencies

How to Exit Safely

• Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
• Send written resignation to chapter president: “I resign effective immediately”
• Don’t go to “one last meeting” – that’s when pressure and retaliation happen
• If you fear retaliation, report it to Dean of Students and campus police

Your Legal Rights in Texas

• You cannot be punished for calling 911 in good faith
• Hazing is a crime – you’re the victim, not the perpetrator
• Consent is not a defense to hazing charges
• You can request no-contact orders if you’re harassed after reporting

For Former Members/Witnesses: Coming Forward

Why Your Testimony Matters

• It can prevent future injuries and deaths
• You’re not alone – many former members regret their participation
• Legal protections exist for good-faith reporters

How to Cooperate Safely

• Get your own legal advice before making statements
• Document everything you remember (details matter)
• Work with experienced hazing attorneys who understand witness protection

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

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

“Will this be confidential?”
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.

About The Manginello Law Firm: Why Choose Us for Hazing Cases

Texas-Based Hazing Litigation Specialists

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. From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including Round Rock and Williamson County.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage – Mr. Lupe Peña’s Defense Background

• Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
• Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims
• Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies
• “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions – Ralph Manginello’s Experience

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

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience

• Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
• Experience valuing lifetime care needs (brain injury, permanent disability)
• Economist collaboration for accurate damages calculation
• “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise

• Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
• Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
• Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Investigative Depth and Expert Network

• Medical experts (rhabdomyolysis, traumatic brain injury, PTSD specialists)
• Digital forensics for recovering deleted messages and social media evidence
• Greek life culture experts and institutional policy analysts
• Economists and life-care planners for accurate damage calculation

Active Texas Hazing Litigation – The Bermudez Case

• Currently representing Leonel Bermudez in $10 million UH Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit
• First-hand experience with cutting-edge hazing litigation strategies
• Understanding of how national fraternities and universities respond to serious claims

How We Investigate Hazing Cases Differently

Immediate Evidence Preservation

• Digital forensics within 24–48 hours before messages disappear
• Witness interviews before stories become “coordinated”
• Preservation demands to prevent evidence destruction

Comprehensive Defendant Identification
2. National fraternity/sorority headquarters
3. Local housing corporations and alumni associations
4. University administrators with oversight responsibility
5. Individual members and officers
6. Property owners and third-party vendors

Pattern Evidence Development

• Researching prior incidents at same chapter
• Documenting national organization hazing histories
• Establishing foreseeability through organizational knowledge

Strategic Negotiation and Litigation

• Understanding insurance coverage disputes from inside experience
• Balancing settlement opportunities with trial readiness
• Protecting family privacy while pursuing maximum accountability

Call to Action: Round Rock Families Deserve Answers and Accountability

If Hazing Has Impacted Your Family

Whether you’re in Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, or anywhere in Williamson County, if hazing has injured your child or taken a loved one’s life, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved—national fraternities, universities, property owners—have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters whose job is to minimize your recovery. You need an equally experienced team fighting for you.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you contact The Manginello Law Firm for a hazing case evaluation:

We’ll Listen Without Judgment

• Hear your complete story
• Understand your family’s specific concerns and goals
• Answer your questions honestly and directly

Review Your Evidence

• Examine any documentation you have
• Explain what additional evidence we can obtain
• Outline our investigative approach

Explain Your Legal Options

• Criminal reporting considerations
• Civil lawsuit possibilities
• Settlement vs. litigation strategies
• Realistic timelines and expectations

Discuss Practical Matters

• Contingency fee structure (no fee unless we win)
• Cost advances and case financing
• Communication protocols and updates
• Privacy protection strategies

No Pressure Decision

• Take time to consider your options
• Consult with other family members
• Make the decision that’s right for your situation

Contact Us Today

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Round Rock and All of Texas

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com

Email:
Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com
Lupe Peña: lupe@atty911.com

Spanish Language Services:
Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña for consultation in Spanish

Service Areas:
Houston, Austin, Beaumont, and throughout Texas
Round Rock, Williamson County, and Central Texas families welcome

Final Word to Round Rock Families

Hazing thrives in secrecy and silence. It continues because institutions prioritize reputation over safety, and because victims and families often don’t know their rights or where to turn. By coming forward, you not only seek justice for your family but also prevent future injuries and deaths. The national cases we’ve discussed—Foltz, Gruver, Piazza, Coffey—only happened because families had the courage to demand accountability. Now the Bermudez case in Houston continues that tradition of holding powerful institutions responsible.

Your child’s safety and wellbeing matter more than any organization’s tradition or any university’s reputation. If hazing has impacted your family, take the first step toward accountability today.

Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911
Because when it’s a legal emergency, you need emergency lawyers.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

• Click2Houston report: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
• ABC13 coverage: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• Hoodline summary: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

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 can ruin your case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website:
https://attorney911.com

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