The Complete Guide to Hazing in Texas: What Brookshire Families Need to Know About University of Houston, Texas A&M, and Major Campuses

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You Have Rights. We’re Fighting for Them Right Now.

A University of Houston student from our region lies in a hospital bed, his body ravaged by kidney failure. His urine is brown—a medical emergency caused by forced exercise and abuse during what was supposed to be a fraternity pledge process. His parents, like many in Brookshire and across Waller County, thought their child was simply joining a campus organization to make friends and build connections. Instead, they received the call every Texas parent fears: “Your child is in the hospital.”

Right now, we represent Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and 13 fraternity officers. The allegations are specific and severe: forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, repeated sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, cold-weather exposure, and being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.” This happened at UH’s Pi Kappa Phi house, a Culmore Drive residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park—all locations within driving distance of Brookshire families.

If you’re a parent in Brookshire, Katy, or anywhere in Waller County, your child may attend UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or other Texas campuses. What happened to Leonel Bermudez could happen to any student. This comprehensive guide explains what hazing looks like in 2025, Texas hazing laws, what’s happening at major Texas universities, and your family’s legal options.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

In the first 48 hours:

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

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

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

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

Modern Definition and Realities for Texas Families

Hazing is no longer just about “initiation pranks” or “boys will be boys” behavior. In 2025, hazing represents systematic abuse that endangers physical and mental health for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in any organization. For Brookshire families with students at nearby Prairie View A&M University or commuting to Houston-area schools, understanding these realities is critical.

Three Tiers of Hazing We See in Texas Cases

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Harmless”)

• “Mandatory” chauffeur duties at all hours for older members
• 24/7 group chat monitoring with immediate response demands
• Social isolation from non-members and family
• Constant “errands” and servitude disguised as “learning responsibility”
• Required attendance at events that interfere with academic success

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Clear Abuse)

• Sleep deprivation through late-night “meetings” and early morning wake-ups
• Forced consumption of unpleasant substances (spoiled food, extreme amounts of bland food)
• Public humiliation through degrading costumes or performances
• “Smokings”—extreme calisthenics framed as “conditioning”
• Verbal abuse, yelling, and threats of expulsion from the organization

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (Criminal Conduct)

• What we’re seeing in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case: forced overeating until vomiting followed by immediate sprints, hose spraying “similar to waterboarding,” lying in vomit-soaked grass
• Forced alcohol consumption games (“lineups,” “Big/Little” nights, “Bible study” drinking)
• Physical beatings with paddles or other objects
• Dangerous physical tests beyond safe limits
• Sexualized hazing including forced nudity or simulated acts
• Being sprayed with industrial cleaner causing chemical burns (as alleged in Texas A&M SAE cases)

Digital Hazing: The 2025 Reality

Modern hazing extends into digital spaces that Brookshire parents might not recognize:

• Geo-tracking demands: Pledges forced to share live location via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
• Social media humiliation: Forced TikTok challenges, Instagram story dares, public shaming
• 24/7 digital control: GroupMe, WhatsApp, or Discord servers where pledges must respond instantly at all hours
• Evidence destruction coaching: Instructions on how to delete messages, use disappearing media, and avoid digital trails

Where Hazing Happens at Texas Schools

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

• Fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural councils)
• Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs (particularly at Texas A&M)
• Athletic teams (from football to cheer squads)
• Spirit organizations (Texas Cowboys, Silver Spurs, and similar groups)
• Marching bands and performance groups
• Academic and service organizations

The common thread? Power imbalance, tradition used as justification, and secrecy enforced through social pressure.

Texas Hazing Laws: What Brookshire Families Need to Know

The Texas Education Code Framework

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes in Education Code Chapter 37, Subchapter F. These laws apply whether hazing occurs on-campus at UH or Texas A&M, or off-campus at houses near Brookshire.

§ 37.151 Definition:
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

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

Key points for Brookshire families:

• Location doesn’t matter—off-campus houses, retreats, or events are still covered
• “Reckless” is enough—they don’t need to have intended harm
• Mental OR physical harm qualifies
• “Consent is not a defense” under Texas law (§ 37.155)

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

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

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability:
Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be criminally prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report it.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by the state (prosecutor)
• Purpose: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Common charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Example: Phi Delta Theta members convicted in Max Gruver’s death at LSU

Civil Cases:

• Brought by victims or surviving families
• Purpose: Compensation and accountability
• Legal theories: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
• Critical: A criminal conviction is NOT required to pursue a civil case

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

• Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently
• Strengthens hazing education and prevention
• Public hazing data requirements being phased in by 2026
• Applies to UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin (public) and SMU, Baylor (private accepting federal funds)

Title IX and Clery Act:

• When hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, Title IX obligations trigger
• Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics
• These federal frameworks create additional accountability layers

Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Hazing Lawsuit?

1. Individual Students:

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

2. Local Chapter:

• The fraternity/sorority as a legal entity
• Housing corporations that own chapter houses

3. National Headquarters:

• Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and oversee chapters
• Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents

4. Universities:

• UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin (public with sovereign immunity considerations)
• SMU, Baylor (private with different liability standards)
• Based on prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference

5. Third Parties:

• Landlords/owners of off-campus houses
• Alcohol providers under dram shop laws
• Security companies or event organizers

National Hazing Cases: Patterns Every Brookshire Family Should Recognize

Alcohol Poisoning Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):
Bid-acceptance night with extreme drinking, multiple falls captured on chapter cameras, hours delayed before calling for help. Result: Dozens of criminal charges, civil litigation, Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017):
“Big Brother Night” with handles of hard liquor, fatal alcohol poisoning. Result: Criminal hazing charges, FSU Greek life suspension, policy overhaul.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
“Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers meant forced drinking, 0.495% BAC at death. Result: Negligent homicide convictions, Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute).

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during pledge event. Result: Multiple convictions, $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU).

Physical and Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual at Pennsylvania retreat. Result: Multiple convictions, national fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, Pi Delta Psi banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the program. Result: Multiple lawsuits, head coach fired and settled wrongful-termination claim, program scrutiny.

What These Cases Mean for Brookshire Families

The patterns are clear and repeating:

• Forced drinking rituals follow predictable scripts
• Delayed medical care worsens outcomes and increases liability
• National organizations have seen these scenarios before
• Multi-million dollar settlements are now common
• Legislative change often follows tragedy

Texas University Focus: Where Brookshire Students Actually Attend

Understanding Brookshire’s Educational Landscape

Brookshire families in Waller County typically have children at:

• Prairie View A&M University (in Waller County, 10 minutes from Brookshire)
• University of Houston (35-45 minute commute via Highway 290)
• Texas A&M University (90 minutes via Highway 290 to Highway 6)
• Blinn College (Bryan campus, common A&M pathway)
• Lone Star College (CyFair and other campuses)
• UT Austin, SMU, Baylor (less common but still represented)

Our hazing litigation experience covers all these campuses and the organizations operating there.

Prairie View A&M University: Your Local Campus

Campus and Greek Life Snapshot:
As an HBCU in Waller County, Prairie View A&M has active National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) “Divine Nine” organizations alongside other Greek groups. The campus is literally in Brookshire’s backyard, meaning local families are directly affected by campus safety issues.

Documented Incidents and Responses:
While specific recent public reports may be limited, NPHC organizations nationwide have faced hazing allegations. The university maintains anti-hazing policies and reporting channels through the Dean of Students.

What Brookshire Families Should Know:

• PVAMU falls under Texas A&M University System policies
• Campus police have jurisdiction, with Waller County Sheriff’s Office support
• The culture of tradition in some organizations requires particular vigilance
• We maintain records of Texas-registered Greek organizations including those serving PVAMU students

University of Houston: The Active Litigation Campus

Current Case – Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi:
We’re actively litigating this $10 million hazing lawsuit involving:

• Victim: Leonel Bermudez, UH transfer student
• Injuries: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, 4-day hospitalization
• Hazing Methods: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, forced overeating+vomiting+sprints, hose spraying “similar to waterboarding,” 100+ push-ups/500 squats workouts
• Defendants: UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national HQ, Beta Nu housing corporation, 13 individual fraternity leaders
• Status: Chapter suspended Nov 6, 2025; charter surrendered Nov 14, 2025; litigation ongoing

UH Greek Ecosystem:
UH hosts 60+ fraternity/sorority chapters including:

• Interfraternity Council: Pi Kappa Phi (at issue), Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, etc.
• Panhellenic Council: Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, etc.
• NPHC: All Divine Nine organizations
• Multicultural Greek Council: Various cultural organizations

UH’s Public Record:
The university maintains hazing policies and reporting through the Dean of Students. While not as transparent as UT Austin’s public violations log, UH does investigate and sanction organizations.

For Brookshire Families with UH Students:

• HPD and UHPD have jurisdiction depending on location
• Civil cases typically filed in Harris County courts
• The Bermudez case shows UH chapters are engaging in severe, dangerous hazing
• Distance from Brookshire doesn’t prevent accountability

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

Corps of Cadets Hazing Lawsuits:
A 2023 lawsuit alleged a cadet was subjected to degrading hazing including being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million, with Texas A&M stating it handled the matter under its rules.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case:
Around 2021, SAE pledges alleged being covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The fraternity was suspended, and pledges sued for $1 million.

Texas A&M’s Greek Landscape:
With one of the nation’s largest Greek systems, A&M hosts:

• Collegiate Panhellenic Council: 14 sororities
• Interfraternity Council: 19 fraternities including SAE, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta
• Corps-specific organizations and traditions

For Brookshire Families with A&M Connections:

• Many Brookshire students attend Blinn College as an A&M pathway
• Corps culture carries particular hazing risks
• Bryan/College Station police and campus police share jurisdiction
• The university’s size and tradition can complicate reporting

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Patterns

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Log:
UT maintains one of Texas’ most transparent hazing records at hazing.utexas.edu. Recent entries include:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics → probation and hazing prevention education required
• Various organizations sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol hazing, policy violations

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case:
January 2024: Australian exchange student alleged assault by SAE members resulting in dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose. Lawsuit seeks over $1 million against already-suspended chapter.

UT’s Greek Scope:
Approximately 60 fraternity/sorority chapters operating in a highly competitive social environment.

For Brookshire Families Considering UT:

• UTPD and Austin PD jurisdiction
• Public violation records provide evidence for civil cases
• The university’s transparency paradox: more known incidents, but persistence suggests systemic issues

Southern Methodist University and Baylor University

SMU’s Private Campus Dynamics:
As a private university, SMU has different reporting obligations but maintains Greek life oversight. Past incidents include Kappa Alpha Order suspensions for paddling and alcohol hazing.

Baylor’s Institutional History:
Following major Title IX scandals, Baylor faces continued scrutiny of campus culture. Baseball team hazing suspensions in 2020 demonstrated athletic program risks.

For Brookshire Families at Private Universities:

• Different liability standards apply to private institutions
• Less public reporting doesn’t mean fewer incidents
• Internal disciplinary processes may prioritize institutional protection

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: What We Know About Organizations Serving Brookshire Students

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Connected to Brookshire Families

At Attorney911, we maintain a comprehensive database of Texas Greek organizations compiled from IRS records, university rosters, and public filings. This intelligence informs our litigation strategy and helps families understand the organizational landscape.

IRS B83 Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (Sample):

• Prairie View A&M Connected:
  • Zeta Beta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc | EIN 237098953 | PO Box 2142, Prairie View, TX 77446
  • Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity | EIN 237279532 | PO Box 2142, Prairie View, TX 77446
• University of Houston Connected:
  • Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter | EIN 746084905 | 4300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204
  • Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation | EIN 371768785 | 4102 Eastshore St, Missouri City, TX 77459
• Texas A&M Connected:
  • Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc | EIN 133048786 | 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845
  • Eta Alpha House Corporation of Kappa Delta Sorority | EIN 742930349 | 404 University Dr E Ste D, College Station, TX 77840
• Statewide Honor Societies (Present at Multiple Campuses):
  • Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi | Multiple EINs | Various Texas campuses

Cause IQ Metro Organizations – Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro (188 total organizations):

• Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (Houston alumni/house corp)
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae Chapter
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter
• Omega Psi Phi Fraternity – Theta Chi Chapter

Why This Directory Matters for Brookshire Families:
When hazing occurs, we don’t start from zero. We already know:

• Legal entity names and EINs for insurance and liability purposes
• Mailing addresses for service of process
• Organizational relationships between locals and nationals
• Historical presence in Texas metros

National Organization Histories: Patterns That Predict Risk

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ):

• Stone Foltz: Bowling Green State, 2021 alcohol death → $10M settlement
• David Bogenberger: Northern Illinois, 2012 alcohol death → $14M settlement
• Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking nights, forced consumption rituals
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ):

• Multiple deaths and injuries nationwide
• Texas A&M: Chemical burns case with skin grafts
• UT Austin: 2024 assault lawsuit with multiple fractures
• Pattern: Physical hazing, dangerous substances, assault
• Texas Presence: Chapters at all five major Texas campuses

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):

• Andrew Coffey: Florida State, 2017 alcohol death
• Leonel Bermudez: UH, 2025 rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
• Pattern: Physical endurance hazing, forced consumption
• Texas Presence: Chapter at UH (Beta Nu now closed), other campuses

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):

• Max Gruver: LSU, 2017 alcohol death → Louisiana felony hazing law
• Pattern: Drinking games, delayed medical response
• Texas Presence: Multiple Texas campuses

Why National Histories Matter in Your Case

When a Texas chapter repeats hazing methods that caused deaths or injuries at other campuses, it demonstrates:

1. Foreseeability: The national organization knew or should have known this could happen
2. Pattern Evidence: This isn’t “rogue individuals” but organizational culture
3. Negligent Supervision: Nationals failed to enforce their own policies
4. Punitive Damages Potential: Repeated warnings ignored

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Recovery

Evidence Collection: What Wins Cases in 2025

Digital Evidence (Most Critical Category):

• Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack
• Screenshot entire threads with timestamps and sender names visible
• Even deleted messages can often be recovered through forensics
• Social Media: Instagram stories, TikTok videos, Snapchat (screenshot immediately)
• Location Data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends history, Uber/Lyft receipts

Medical Documentation:

• ER records specifying “hazing” or “forced consumption”
• Lab results (creatine kinase levels for rhabdomyolysis, BAC, toxicology)
• Hospitalization records and discharge summaries
• Follow-up with specialists documenting ongoing issues

Physical Evidence:

• Clothing with stains or damage
• Paddles, props, or objects used in hazing
• Receipts for alcohol or other purchases
• Photographs of injuries from multiple angles over time

Institutional Records:

• University conduct files (obtained through discovery)
• Campus police reports
• National fraternity risk management files
• Prior incident reports and disciplinary history

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income and educational costs
• Diminished earning capacity for permanent injuries
• Therapy and rehabilitation costs

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, PTSD, depression, anxiety
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Humiliation and reputational harm

Wrongful Death Damages (for families):

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship and support
• Emotional suffering of family members
• Loss of guidance for younger siblings

Punitive Damages:

• Available when conduct is particularly reckless or intentional
• Requires showing defendants knew risks and proceeded anyway
• Texas has caps in many cases, but exceptions exist

Insurance Coverage Battles: Why Experience Matters

Fraternity and university insurers regularly argue:

• “Hazing is an intentional act, not covered”
• “The policy excludes criminal conduct”
• “That defendant isn’t an insured under our policy”

Our insider knowledge from Mr. Peña’s defense background helps:

• Identify all potential insurance policies (chapter, national, university, individual homeowners)
• Navigate coverage exclusions and arguments
• Pursue bad faith claims when insurers wrongfully deny coverage
• Maximize recovery within policy limits

Practical Guides for Brookshire Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Actions

Physical Warning Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
• Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Sudden weight changes
• Coming home with alcohol poisoning or drug effects when they don’t normally use

Behavioral Red Flags:

• New secrecy about organizational activities
• Withdrawal from family and old friends
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
• Constant phone checking/responding to group chats
• Defensiveness when asked about the organization

Academic Indicators:

• Grades dropping suddenly
• Missing classes or assignments for “mandatory” events
• Losing scholarships or academic standing

If You Suspect Hazing:

1. Talk openly but non-confrontationally: “I’m concerned about you, not angry”
2. Prioritize safety: If injured or intoxicated, get medical help immediately
3. Document everything: Write down what they tell you, dates, names
4. Preserve evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries
5. Contact us: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 before confronting the organization

For Students: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Ask Yourself:

• Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
• Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Are older members making us do things they don’t have to do?
• Am I being told to keep secrets or lie about this?

If You’re Being Hazed:

• Immediate danger: Call 911, then call us at 1-888-ATTY-911
• Exiting safely: You have the legal right to leave at any time
• Document evidence: Screenshot, photograph, save everything
• Medical attention: Go to ER/urgent care and say you were hazed
• Reporting options: Campus police, Dean of Students, anonymous hotlines

Texas Law Protects You:

• Consent is NOT a defense to hazing
• Good-faith reporters have immunity protections
• You cannot be punished for calling 911 in an emergency

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence:
What families think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up, makes case nearly impossible
Do instead: Preserve everything immediately

2. Confronting the Organization Directly:
What families think: “I’ll give them a piece of my mind”
Why it’s wrong: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Do instead: Document everything, call us first

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms:
What universities do: Pressure quick “internal resolution”
Why it’s wrong: You may waive legal rights for inadequate compensation
Do instead: “I need to consult with an attorney first”

4. Posting on Social Media:
What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything, inconsistencies hurt case
Do instead: Document privately, let your lawyer control messaging

5. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”:
What universities promise: “We’re investigating internally”
Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Do instead: Preserve evidence now, consult lawyer immediately

Frequently Asked Questions for Brookshire Families

Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity considerations, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have different standards. 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 law makes hazing a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. The UH Pi Kappa Phi case involves allegations that could support felony charges.

What if my child “agreed” to the activities?
Consent is NOT a defense to hazing under Texas Education Code § 37.155. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance 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 harm wasn’t immediately known. In hazing cases with cover-ups, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

Will this be confidential?
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms.

What if it happened off-campus?
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. The Pi Delta Psi case (fatal retreat) and our UH Pi Kappa Phi case (multiple off-campus locations) show off-campus hazing still creates liability.

About Attorney911: Why Texas Hazing Families Choose Us

We’re Fighting Texas Hazing Cases Right Now

While other firms talk about hazing, we’re actively litigating one of Texas’ most serious cases: Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi. This isn’t theoretical—we’re in court right now fighting for a Texas student who suffered kidney failure from hazing.

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
• Use delay tactics to pressure families
• Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
• We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:

• BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: We’ve faced billion-dollar defendants before
• Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• Not intimidated by national fraternities or university legal teams
• “We’ve taken on corporations with unlimited budgets. Universities and fraternities don’t scare us.”

Multi-Million Dollar Results:

• Wrongful death settlements with economist collaboration
• Catastrophic injury cases requiring lifetime care planning
• Experience valuing young lives and future potential
• “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force real accountability.”

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability:

• Ralph Manginello’s HCCLA membership (elite criminal defense credential)
• Understanding how criminal charges interact with civil litigation
• Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
• “We see the whole picture, not just one legal track.”

Investigative Depth:

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

Spanish Language Services

Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish. We serve Texas Hispanic families with cultural understanding and language accessibility.

Your Next Steps: Contact Attorney911 Today

Free, Confidential Consultation

If hazing has affected your family, we offer:

• Free consultation: No cost to discuss your situation
• Confidential evaluation: Everything you tell us is protected
• Clear explanation: We’ll explain your legal options in plain English
• No pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family
• Contingency fee: We only get paid if we recover compensation for you

What to Expect When You Call

1. We listen without judgment: Tell us what happened in your own words
2. Evidence review: We’ll discuss what evidence you have and what we need
3. Legal options explained: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
4. Realistic assessment: Timelines, challenges, and potential outcomes
5. Your questions answered: Nothing is off-limits

Contact Information

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

24/7 Helpline: 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 (Spanish services): lupe@atty911.com

Serving: Houston, Austin, Beaumont, and throughout Texas
Brookshire Families: We understand your connection to Prairie View A&M, UH, Texas A&M, and other Texas campuses

Final Message to Brookshire Families

Whether your child attends PVAMU just minutes away, commutes to UH, or lives at Texas A&M, hazing doesn’t discriminate by distance or school size. What happened to Leonel Bermudez at UH could happen to any Texas student.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Universities and national fraternities have experienced lawyers protecting their interests. You deserve the same level of representation.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us help you get answers, hold the right people accountable, and prevent this from happening to another Texas family.

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.

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