The Texas Hazing Crisis: A Comprehensive Legal Guide for Brenham Families

The midnight group chat pings again. Your son, a freshman pledge at a Texas fraternity, is being summoned for another “mandatory brotherhood event.” He’s exhausted, has lost weight, and flinches when his phone lights up. When you gently ask what’s happening, he shuts down: “It’s just tradition, Dad. I have to do it.” For parents in Brenham, home to hardworking Texas families and proud Aggie traditions, the nightmare of discovering your child is being hazed can feel both surreal and terrifying. The confusion is compounded by secrecy, institutional stonewalling, and the chilling fear that confronting a powerful fraternity or university could make things worse for your child.

Right now in Texas, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student, in a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and 13 fraternity leaders. The allegations are harrowing: forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; humiliating “pledge fanny pack” rules; and extreme physical workouts that led to Bermudez developing rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, requiring four days of hospitalization. This is not an isolated incident from years past—this case was filed in late 2025, and the chapter was swiftly shut down. We are in the midst of this fight right now.

This guide is written specifically for families in Brenham, Washington County, and across the Brazos Valley. We will explain what modern hazing really looks like in 2025, break down Texas hazing law in plain language, connect national hazing tragedies to what’s happening at Texas campuses like Texas A&M, and provide actionable steps you can take if your child is in danger. We are The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911), and we serve as hazing litigation counsel for Texas families. Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and resources you need to protect your child and hold powerful institutions accountable.

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 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
• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas

Hazing is no longer just about paddling in a basement. It has evolved into a sophisticated system of psychological control, digital surveillance, and disguised abuse. For Brenham families, understanding these modern tactics is critical to recognizing the warning signs.

The Modern Definition: Coercion, Not Consent

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. The critical legal point for Texas families is this: “I agreed to it” or “I wanted to be part of the group” is not a defense. Texas law recognizes the power imbalance and peer pressure inherent in these situations.

Main Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the deadliest form. It’s not “just drinking with the brothers.” It’s coerced consumption through:

• Lineups and “family tree” games: Wrong answers = forced shots.
• Big/Little Reveals: Pledges are given handles of liquor to finish.
• Bid Acceptance Nights: Scripted events designed for extreme intoxication.
  In the Bermudez case, forced consumption of specific foods and liquids was a key tactic.

2. Physical Hazing Beyond “Workouts”
Disguised as “conditioning” or “team building,” this includes:

• Rhabdomyolysis-risk workouts: Hundreds of squats/push-ups in short periods (like the Nov 3 workout that hospitalized Bermudez).
• Exposure rituals: Being left outside in cold weather in underwear.
• Endurance tests: Sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, “kidnapping” scenarios.

3. Psychological & Digital Hazing
The 24/7 control mechanism:

• Group chat tyranny: Required instant responses at all hours; punishment for non-compliance.
• Social media policing: Control over what pledges post; forced humiliating challenges.
• Geolocation tracking: Mandatory sharing on Find My Friends or Life360.
• “Roasts” and interviews: Hours-long verbal attacks framed as “getting to know you.”

4. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

• Forced nudity or partial nudity.
• Simulated sexual acts (“elephant walks,” “roasted pig” positions).
• Degrading costumes or role-playing with racist, sexist overtones.
  In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, another pledge was allegedly hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.

Where Hazing Happens (It’s Not Just Frats)

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, Multicultural)
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups
• Athletic Teams (Varsity and Club)
• Spirit Squads and Tradition Groups
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups
• Some Academic, Service, and Cultural Organizations

For Brenham families with children at Texas A&M, the Corps of Cadets represents a unique environment where tradition can sometimes mask abuse. The culture of secrecy—“protecting the organization”—transcends Greek letters and exists wherever there is initiation and hierarchy.

The Texas Legal Framework: Hazing Laws, Liability, and Your Rights

Understanding the legal landscape is the first step toward accountability. Texas has specific laws, but navigating them requires experience.

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

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

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

Key Provisions for Brenham Families:

§ 37.151 – Definition:

• Can be mental or physical harm
• Location doesn’t matter (on or off campus)
• “Reckless” is enough—they don’t need to have intended harm, just disregarded the risk

§ 37.152 – Criminal Penalties:

• Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing not causing serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
• Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
• State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

§ 37.155 – Consent is NOT a Defense:
This is crucial. Even if your child “went along with it,” that does not legalize the hazing under Texas law.

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

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Justice

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by the State (DA’s office)
• Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Charges can include: Hazing, Furnishing Alcohol to Minors, Assault, Manslaughter (in deaths)
• Example: In the Pi Kappa Phi case, criminal referrals were made by UH.

Civil Cases:

• Brought by victims/families (like the Bermudez $10M lawsuit)
• Goal: Compensation and accountability
• Claims include: Negligence, Gross Negligence, Wrongful Death, Negligent Supervision, Emotional Distress
• You can pursue civil justice even if no criminal charges are filed.

Federal Laws Overlay: Title IX, Clery, and the Stop Campus Hazing Act

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

• Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently
• Mandates public hazing data by 2026
• Texas universities must comply

Title IX:

• If hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger
• Creates additional reporting requirements and potential liability for universities

Clery Act:

• Requires reporting of certain campus crimes
• Hazing incidents involving assault, burglary, or alcohol crimes may be Clery-reportable

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Texas Hazing Lawsuit?

1. Individual Students: Those who planned, executed, or covered up the hazing.
2. Local Chapter: The fraternity/sorority as an entity (if incorporated).
3. National Headquarters: For failure to supervise, enforce policies, or act on prior knowledge.
4. University/Board of Regents: For negligent supervision, deliberate indifference, or Title IX violations.
5. Housing Corporations & Alumni Boards: Which own properties and fund operations.
6. Third Parties: Landlords, bars, alcohol providers (under dram shop laws).

In the Bermudez lawsuit, we named 16 defendants: UH, the UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi National HQ, the Beta Nu Housing Corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders (president, pledgemaster, risk manager, etc.). This comprehensive approach ensures all responsible parties are held accountable.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Families Can Learn

Major hazing deaths have shaped laws and national conversations. These cases provide patterns, legal precedents, and tragic warnings.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: Foreseeable and Preventable

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

• Incident: 20-year-old pledge forced to drink an entire bottle of liquor during “Big/Little” night.
• Outcome: Died from alcohol poisoning.
• Legal Result: $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). Former chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.
• Texas Takeaway: The “Big/Little” script is repeated nationwide. Nationals know the risk.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

• Incident: Pledge forced into “Bible study” drinking game; wrong answers = drinking. BAC reached 0.495%.
• Outcome: Died from alcohol toxicity.
• Legal Result: $6.1 million verdict for family. Louisiana passed the Max Gruver Act (felony hazing).
• Texas Takeaway: Drinking games are not harmless tradition; they are lethal hazing.

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

• Incident: Pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night.”
• Outcome: FSU suspended all Greek life. Civil settlement confidential.
• Texas Takeaway: Pi Kappa Phi, the same national fraternity in our Bermudez case, has this fatal history.

The Physical Brutality Pattern: Beyond Drinking

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

• Incident: Pledge blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat.
• Outcome: Died from traumatic brain injury. National fraternity criminally convicted.
• Texas Takeaway: Off-campus retreats are high-risk environments. Nationals can face criminal liability.

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

• Incident: Pledge forced to drink excessive alcohol; suffered permanent, catastrophic brain injury (cannot walk, talk, or see).
• Outcome: Settlements with 22 defendants; lifetime care needed.
• Texas Takeaway: Non-fatal injuries can be more devastating than death. Life care costs are enormous.

The Athletic Hazing Pattern: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

• Incident: Widespread sexualized, racist hazing alleged within the football program.
• Outcome: Head coach fired; confidential settlements; program in disarray.
• Texas Takeaway: Big-money athletic departments have hazing cultures too. Schools prioritize reputation over safety.

What These National Cases Mean for Brenham Families

1. Patterns are Predictable: The same scripts (Big/Little nights, drinking games, extreme workouts) repeat across campuses and organizations.
2. Nationals Have Prior Knowledge: When a fraternity like Pi Kappa Phi has a fatal hazing at FSU (2017), then a near-fatal hazing at UH (2025), that shows foreseeability.
3. Cover-Ups Make Things Worse: Delaying medical care, destroying evidence, and intimidating witnesses increase liability exponentially.
4. Civil Justice is Possible: Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts show juries hold organizations accountable.

Texas Focus: Where Brenham Families Send Their Kids

Brenham parents have deep ties to Texas higher education. Many students attend Blinn College, with pathways to Texas A&M. Others go directly to A&M, UT Austin, Baylor, or the University of Houston. Understanding the hazing landscape at these schools is essential.

Texas A&M University: Aggie Traditions and Hidden Dangers

For Brenham Families: Located just 45 minutes away, Texas A&M is a primary destination for Washington County students. The culture of tradition—both in Greek life and the Corps of Cadets—can sometimes mask abusive behavior.

Campus Snapshot:

• Enormous Greek system with 60+ fraternities/sororities
• Corps of Cadets with 2,000+ members
• Culture of loyalty and tradition that can discourage reporting

Documented Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Chemical Burns Case (2021)

• Pledges allegedly doused with industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit.
• Caused severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries.
• Pledges sued for $1 million; chapter suspended.
• Pattern Connection: SAE has national hazing history, including traumatic brain injury lawsuit at University of Alabama.

Corps of Cadets – “Roasted Pig” Lawsuit (2023)

• Cadet alleged being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” position with an apple in his mouth.
• Alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts.
• Sought over $1 million in damages.
• University Response: A&M stated it handled the matter internally under Corps regulations.

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Proceeds:

• Jurisdiction: Brazos County courts; potential federal venue if Title IX involved.
• Evidence Sources: College Station PD, A&M PD, extensive digital evidence from GroupMe chats used by Corps and Greek groups.
• Special Considerations: Sovereign immunity arguments from public university; need to prove gross negligence.

What Brenham Parents of A&M Students Should Do:

1. Know the Reporting Channels: Office of Student Conduct, Corps Commandant’s Office, A&M PD.
2. Understand the Culture: The “Aggie Code of Honor” can create pressure to protect the institution.
3. Act Quickly: Evidence in Corps cases often involves physical items (paddles, uniforms) that “disappear.”
4. Consult Texas Counsel: We understand A&M’s unique culture and legal defenses.

University of Houston: The Bermudez Case and Systemic Failure

For Brenham Families: UH attracts students from across Texas. The ongoing Pi Kappa Phi case shows how quickly hazing can escalate to life-threatening injury.

Campus Snapshot:

• Large commuter and residential population
• Active Greek life with multiple councils
• Urban campus with off-campus housing challenges

The Flagship Case: Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi

Timeline of Failure:

• Sept 16, 2025: Bermudez accepts bid from Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter.
• Sept-Oct: Enforced dress codes, overnight chauffeuring, humiliating “pledge fanny pack” rule.
• Oct 13: Another pledge hog-tied face-down on table for over an hour.
• Nov 3: Bermudez forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threat.
• Nov 6: Chapter suspended by nationals after hazing reports.
• Nov 6-9: Bermudez’s condition deteriorates; passes brown urine; hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
• Nov 14: Chapter members vote to surrender charter; chapter shut down.
• Nov 21: $10 million lawsuit filed in Harris County.

Hazing Methods Used:

• Physical: Sprints, bear crawls, “save-your-brother” drills, cold-weather exposure in underwear
• Psychological: Weekly interviews, strict schedule, constant punishment threats
• Humiliating: “Pledge fanny pack” with condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices
• Dangerous: Forced consumption of milk/hot dogs/peppercorns until vomiting, then immediate sprints; hose spraying “similar to waterboarding”

Medical Catastrophe:

• Diagnosis: Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Failure
• Lab Results: Critically high creatine kinase (CK) levels
• Hospitalization: Four days with ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage
• This is what severe hazing looks like in 2025.

University Response: UH called conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised cooperation with law enforcement. The rapid chapter closure suggests they recognized severe liability.

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Ongoing Issues

For Brenham Families: UT’s public hazing violations database provides unprecedented transparency but also reveals persistent problems.

Campus Snapshot:

• Premier public university with massive Greek system
• Public Hazing Violations website (hazing.utexas.edu)
• Urban campus with significant off-campus Greek housing

Documented Violations (Public Record):

Pi Kappa Alpha – 2023 Sanction

• Violation: New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics.
• Sanction: Chapter probation; required hazing prevention education.
• Pattern Connection: Same national fraternity with fatal hazing at Bowling Green (Stone Foltz).

Sigma Alpha Epsilon – 2024 Assault Case

• Australian exchange student alleged assault at party.
• Injuries: Dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose.
• Student sued for over $1 million.
• Pattern Connection: SAE’s national history of violence.

Texas Cowboys & Other Spirit Groups

• Multiple sanctions for forced drinking, physical hazing, and humiliation.
• Shows hazing extends beyond Greek letters.

UT’s Transparency Advantage:
Families can check https://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/safety/hazingviolations.php to see if an organization has prior violations. This public record becomes powerful evidence in civil cases.

Southern Methodist University: Private School Challenges

Campus Snapshot:

• Private university with affluent student body
• Strong Greek tradition
• Less public transparency than public schools

Documented Incident:

Kappa Alpha Order – 2017 Suspension

• New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep.
• Chapter suspended for multiple years.
• Pattern Connection: Kappa Alpha Order has hazing issues nationwide.

SMU’s Legal Landscape:

• No sovereign immunity (since private)
• More flexible discovery rules
• Often quicker to settle to avoid bad publicity

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Scandal History

Campus Snapshot:

• Private Christian university
• History of Title IX and sexual assault scandals
• Greek life integrated with religious identity

Documented Incident:

Baylor Baseball Hazing – 2020

• 14 players suspended following hazing investigation.
• Suspensions staggered over season.
• Detail limited due to private school confidentiality.

Special Considerations for Baylor Families:

• University may frame hazing as “disciplinary matter” rather than acknowledge liability.
• Religious context can complicate reporting (fear of being “un-Christian”).
• Past scandals mean Baylor is sensitive to bad publicity.

The Greek Ecosystem: National Histories, Local Chapters, and Texas Entities

Behind every fraternity house at Texas A&M or UH stands a complex network of legal entities—national headquarters, housing corporations, alumni boards, and insurance companies. Understanding this ecosystem is key to holding the right parties accountable.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Mapping the Network

Our firm maintains a proprietary database of Texas Greek organizations compiled from public records. For Brenham families, this means we don’t start from scratch when investigating hazing at your child’s school.

Public Records Snapshot: Fraternities and Sororities Serving Texas A&M & Brenham Families

From IRS B83 filings and Cause IQ data, here are examples of the types of organizations we track:

Texas A&M-Related Entities:

• Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Epsilon Kappa Alumni (Beaumont, TX 77627) – IRS EIN 746064445
• Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity (Fort Worth, TX 76244) – IRS EIN 742911848
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (Fort Worth, TX 76147) – IRS EIN 741380362
• Gentlemen of Aggie Tradition (College Station, TX 77845) – IRS EIN 880537463

University of Houston-Related Entities:

• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (Frisco, TX 75035) – IRS EIN 462267515
• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter (Houston, TX 77204) – IRS EIN 746084905
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae (Houston, TX) – Cause IQ Metro Listing
• Pi Kappa Alpha – Texas District (Houston, TX) – Cause IQ Metro Listing

Honor Societies & Professional Groups (Often Overlooked):

• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Texas A&M University (College Station, TX 77843) – IRS EIN 900293166
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – University of Texas at Tyler (Tyler, TX 75799) – IRS EIN 352335400
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Inc (Houston, TX 77277) – IRS EIN 760221936

Metro-Level Scale:

• Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188 Greek-related organizations
• Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510 Greek-related organizations
• Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154 Greek-related organizations
• College Station-Bryan Metro: 42 Greek-related organizations

Why This Directory Matters:
When your child is hazed, multiple entities may share liability:

1. National Headquarters: Sets policies, collects dues, provides insurance.
2. Chapter Housing Corporation: Owns the house, collects rent, may fund activities.
3. Alumni Boards: Supervise, fundraise, often know about traditions.
4. University: Recognizes group, provides advisors, may have prior knowledge.

In the Bermudez case, we sued Pi Kappa Phi National, the Beta Nu Housing Corporation, and the university. This comprehensive approach maximizes accountability and insurance coverage.

National Organizations with Problematic Histories at Texas Schools

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

• National History: Stone Foltz death (BGSU, $10M settlement)
• Texas Presence: UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor
• Texas Incidents: UT Austin 2023 sanction for milk/calisthenics hazing

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

• National History: Multiple deaths; traumatic brain injury lawsuit (Alabama)
• Texas Presence: All 5 major Texas schools
• Texas Incidents: Texas A&M chemical burns case ($1M lawsuit); UT Austin assault case

Pi Kappa Phi

• National History: Andrew Coffey death (FSU)
• Texas Presence: UH (now closed), other campuses
• Texas Incidents: Bermudez case at UH (rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure)

Kappa Alpha Order

• National History: Paddling, drinking hazing nationwide
• Texas Presence: Texas A&M, SMU, others
• Texas Incidents: SMU suspension 2017

Phi Delta Theta

• National History: Max Gruver death (LSU, $6.1M verdict)
• Texas Presence: Multiple Texas campuses
• Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games

The Legal Significance of Pattern Evidence:
When a national fraternity has a fatal hazing in Louisiana (Gruver) and similar drinking rituals occur at their Texas chapter, that establishes foreseeability. Nationals cannot claim “we didn’t know this could happen.” Their own history proves they knew.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages

Pursuing justice for hazing requires systematic investigation, strategic legal positioning, and understanding what true compensation involves.

Critical Evidence Categories

1. Digital Communications (The Most Important Evidence)

• Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord, iMessage threads
• Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook
• Deleted Messages: Recoverable via digital forensics
• Example from Bermudez Case: The “pledge fanny pack” rule and punishment threats were communicated in group chats.

2. Photographic & Video Evidence

• Injuries documented over time
• Event locations, alcohol bottles, paddles, props
• Social media posts celebrating or documenting hazing

3. Medical Records

• ER reports documenting cause (“forced drinking,” “hazing workout”)
• Lab results (blood alcohol, creatine kinase for rhabdomyolysis)
• Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
• Bermudez Example: Hospital records showing critical CK levels and acute kidney failure diagnosis.

4. Organizational Documents

• Chapter bylaws, pledge manuals, “tradition” documents
• National risk management policies
• Email correspondence between chapter and nationals

5. University Records

• Prior disciplinary actions against the same organization
• Clery Act reports
• Internal investigation files (obtained via discovery)

6. Witness Testimony

• Other pledges (often afraid initially but may come forward)
• Former members
• Roommates, RAs, bystanders

The Attorney911 Evidence Preservation Protocol

We guide families through immediate steps:

Within First 24 Hours:

1. Phone Preservation: Do NOT delete anything. Enable cloud backup.
2. Screenshot Methodology: Capture full threads with timestamps and participant names visible.
3. Medical Documentation: Tell ER doctors “This was hazing” so it enters the record.
4. Witness List: Write down names and contact info of everyone involved.

Week 1 Investigation:

1. Digital Forensics: Engage experts to recover deleted messages.
2. Subpoena Preparation: For university records, chapter financials, national correspondence.
3. Expert Retention: Medical experts, toxicologists, economists, Greek life culture experts.

Categories of Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

• Medical Expenses: Past and future (ER, hospitalization, surgery, therapy, medications)
• Lost Earnings: Missed semesters, delayed career entry
• Educational Costs: Lost scholarships, transfer expenses
• Future Care: For catastrophic injuries (brain damage, permanent disability)

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain from injuries
• Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of Enjoyment: Can’t participate in college life, sports, social activities
• Reputational Harm: Social stigma, public identification

Wrongful Death Damages (When Applicable):

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship, love, guidance
• Family’s emotional suffering

Punitive Damages:

• To punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
• Available when defendants knew risks and acted anyway
• Example: When nationals had prior fatal hazing but didn’t reform practices

Settlement vs. Trial: The Strategic Decision

Most Cases Settle Confidentially:

• Avoids public trial stress for victim
• Provides guaranteed compensation
• Faster resolution

When We Go to Trial:

• Defendants refuse fair settlement
• Public accountability is important
• Case establishes precedent
• Our BP Texas City litigation experience prepares us for complex trials against wealthy defendants

Recent Hazing Settlement Ranges:

• Death Cases: $1M – $14M (Foltz $10M, Gruver $6.1M)
• Severe Injury: $375K – multi-million (Santulli settlements with 22 defendants)
• Individual Officer Liability: Chapter president personally ordered to pay $6.5M (Foltz case)

Practical Guides & FAQs for Brenham Families

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts
• Extreme exhaustion, sleep deprivation
• Weight loss/gain (from food restriction or stress)
• Injuries to hands/back (from paddling or exercises)
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (even if they don’t normally drink)

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

• Sudden secrecy about organization activities
• Withdrawal from family, old friends
• Anxiety, depression, irritability
• Defensive when asked about the group
• Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting brothers/sisters down”
• Constant phone checking/panic about missing messages

Academic Red Flags:

• Grades dropping suddenly
• Missing classes, falling asleep in class
• Skipping assignments for “mandatory” events

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally):

1. “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
2. “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
3. “What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
4. “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
5. “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”

If You Suspect Hazing – The 48-Hour Action Plan:

Hour 1-6 (Immediate Crisis):
✅ Medical: If injured/intoxicated, get to ER
✅ Safety: Remove child from dangerous situation
✅ Evidence: Screenshot messages; photograph injuries
✅ Notes: Write down everything they tell you (date, time, details)
✅ Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance

Hour 6-24 (Evidence Preservation):
✅ Digital: Help child preserve ALL group chats (do NOT delete)
✅ Physical: Secure clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
✅ Medical Records: Request copies of all ER/hospital records
✅ Witnesses: Write down names/contact info for other pledges
✅ University: Note any school communications (but don’t respond yet)

Hour 24-48 (Strategic Decisions):
✅ Legal Consultation: Speak with experienced hazing attorney
✅ Reporting Decision: Decide whether/where to report (with lawyer’s guidance)
✅ University Response: If school contacts you, refer them to your attorney
✅ Insurance: Do NOT talk to insurance adjusters without lawyer
✅ Evidence Backup: Upload all screenshots to cloud storage

For Students: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
• Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would my parents/university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
• Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this?

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

How to Exit Safely:

• Immediate Danger: Call 911 or campus police
• Safe Location: Go to your dorm, friend’s place, public area
• You won’t get in trouble for calling for help in a medical emergency (Texas has good-faith reporter protections)

If You Want to Quit:

• Tell someone outside the org first (parent, RA, friend)
• Send email/text to chapter president: “I am resigning my membership effective immediately.”
• Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where they might pressure you
• If you fear retaliation, report that to Dean of Students and campus police

Evidence Collection for Students:

1. Screenshots: Capture full group chats with timestamps and names
2. Recordings: Texas is one-party consent—you can record conversations you’re part of
3. Photos: Injuries (multiple angles, with ruler for scale), locations, objects
4. Medical: Tell healthcare providers “I was hazed” so it’s in your records
5. Witness Info: Names and contacts of others who saw what happened

For Former Members/Witnesses: Coming Forward

• Your testimony can prevent future harm
• You may want your own legal advice about potential exposure
• Cooperation can be an important step toward accountability
• We can help navigate your role as witness or advise you separately

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

• Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; obstruction of justice; destroys case
• Right action: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly

• Why it’s wrong: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• Right action: Document everything, call a lawyer BEFORE any confrontation

MISTAKE #3: Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms

• Why it’s wrong: You may waive right to sue; settlements are often lowball
• Right action: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

MISTAKE #4: Posting details on social media before talking to lawyer

• Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; hurts credibility
• Right action: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

MISTAKE #5: Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”

• Why it’s wrong: They pressure, intimidate, extract damaging statements
• Right action: Once considering legal action, all communication through lawyer

MISTAKE #6: Waiting “to see how the university handles it”

• Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
• Right action: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

MISTAKE #7: Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer

• Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements used against you; early settlements are lowball
• Right action: “My attorney will contact you”

Frequently Asked Questions

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

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
Yes, if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Texas Education Code §37.152 makes it a state jail felony in those circumstances. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

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

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

“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Many major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus with successful judgments.

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

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions—universities, national fraternities, insurance companies—fight back, and how to win anyway.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):

• Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
• Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers value (and undervalue) 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):

• 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 or university legal teams
• “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

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 damage 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:

• Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists, Greek life culture experts
• Experience obtaining hidden evidence (deleted group chats, chapter records, university files)
• “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Spanish-Language Services:

• Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish
• Servicios legales en español disponibles
• We serve Texas Hispanic families with cultural understanding

Texas Roots & Understanding:

• Based in Houston, serving all of Texas including Brenham and Washington County
• Understand Texas hazing law (Chapter 37) and university cultures
• Know local courts, procedures, and defense tactics

Our Approach: Empathy Meets Aggressive Advocacy

We recognize that hazing cases involve:

• Trauma: Physical and psychological harm that changes lives
• Institutional Power: Universities and nationals with unlimited legal budgets
• Secrecy & Cover-Ups: Destroyed evidence, intimidated witnesses
• Complex Insurance Fights: Multiple policies, coverage denials

Our process:

1. Immediate Response: 24/7 availability when crisis strikes
2. Evidence Preservation: Digital forensics, witness interviews, record collection
3. Comprehensive Investigation: Uncover prior incidents, policy failures, institutional knowledge
4. Strategic Litigation: Sue all responsible parties, fight insurance coverage battles
5. Client-Centered Resolution: Your family’s wellbeing guides every decision

The Attorney911 Difference: Proven in the Current Fight

We are not theorizing about hazing litigation. We are actively leading one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas right now.

The Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case involves:

• $10 million in damages sought
• 16 defendants (university, nationals, housing corp., 13 individuals)
• Life-threatening injuries (rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure)
• Rapid chapter closure showing institutional recognition of severity

This is what we do. This is how seriously we take hazing. This is the level of litigation we bring for Texas families.

Call to Action for Brenham Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether at Texas A&M, Blinn College, or any university in The United States—we want to hear from you. Families in Brenham, Washington County, and throughout the Brazos Valley have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a Confidential Consultation

What to expect in your free consultation:

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

Serving All of Texas from Our Houston, Austin & Beaumont Offices

Whether you’re in Brenham, College Station, Houston, or anywhere in Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The confusion, fear, and institutional roadblocks are real—but so are your legal rights and pathways to justice.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s discuss what happened, preserve critical evidence, and explore how we can help your family find answers, accountability, and the compensation needed for healing.

Additional Educational Resources:

• Evidence Preservation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Statute of Limitations Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client Mistakes Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• Contingency Fees Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

News Coverage of the Bermudez Case:

• 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/

Plain Text Links to Key Resources:

• Attorney911 Main Website: https://attorney911.com
• Wrongful Death Practice Area: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
• Criminal Defense Practice Area: 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, 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
Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com