Hazing Lawsuit Guide for Newcastle, Texas Families: Protecting Your Child at Texas Universities

For Newcastle Parents: When College Traditions Turn Dangerous

It starts with excitement – your child from Newcastle gets a bid from a fraternity, sorority, or joins the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M. They talk about brotherhood, sisterhood, tradition. Then you notice changes: unexplained injuries, exhaustion that goes beyond studying, secretive phone use, sudden withdrawals from family life. When you ask, you get vague answers or defensive reactions. You’re left wondering: is this normal college life, or has my child crossed into dangerous territory?

For families in Newcastle, Young County, and across North Texas, this uncertainty can be terrifying. Your child might be attending Tarleton State University in Stephenville just 45 minutes away, commuting to Texas A&M University-Central Texas in Killeen, or studying at major hubs like Texas A&M College Station, the University of Texas at Austin, or the University of Houston. Wherever they are, when initiation rituals become abuse, you need to know your rights and where to turn.

Right now, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. In Harris County, we represent Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. The allegations are shocking: forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; extreme workouts of 100+ push-ups and 500 squats; and the infamous “pledge fanny pack” rule requiring humiliation items. Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, passing brown urine and requiring four days of hospitalization. This isn’t an isolated incident – it’s a pattern that affects Texas families everywhere, including those right here in Newcastle.

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 Newcastle Parents Need to Recognize

Hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypes of “harmless pranks” or “team building.” For Newcastle families with children at Texas universities, understanding modern hazing is critical to protecting your child.

Clear Definition: More Than Just “Tradition”

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. Under Texas law, “I agreed to it” does not make it legal when there’s peer pressure and power imbalance.

Five Categories of Modern Hazing

Alcohol and Substance Hazing

• Forced or coerced drinking during “lineups,” “bid acceptance nights,” or “Big/Little” events
• Pressure to consume unknown substances or dangerous quantities
• Games where wrong answers mean drinking penalties

Physical Hazing

• Paddling, beatings, or “smokings” (extreme calisthenics)
• Sleep deprivation through mandatory late-night meetings
• Exposure to extreme temperatures without proper protection
• Food/water deprivation as punishment

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

• Forced nudity or partial nudity
• Simulated sexual acts or degrading positions
• Costumes or roles enforcing racial, gender, or sexual stereotypes
• Public shaming rituals

Psychological Hazing

• Verbal abuse, threats of expulsion from the group
• Isolation from friends and family
• Forced confessions or compromising revelations
• Manipulation through fear and loyalty tests

Digital/Online Hazing

• Group chat dares requiring embarrassing social media posts
• 24/7 availability demands via messaging apps
• Location tracking requirements
• Public humiliation through coordinated online attacks

Where Hazing Happens at Texas Schools

Contrary to popular belief, hazing isn’t limited to fraternities:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural Greek organizations)
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC at Texas A&M and other military programs
• Athletic Teams from football to cheerleading
• Spirit and Tradition Groups like Texas Cowboys, Aggie Bonfire crew (historically)
• Marching Bands and Performing Arts Groups
• Academic and Service Organizations

For Newcastle families, this means your child could be at risk in multiple campus organizations, not just Greek life.

Texas Hazing Law: What Newcastle Families Must Know

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37, Subchapter F

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions that protect students at both public and private universities. For cases involving Newcastle students, these laws apply regardless of where the hazing occurred.

Definition (Simplified):
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for purposes of joining or maintaining membership in any student organization.

Key Points for Newcastle Families:

• Location doesn’t matter – off-campus houses, retreats, or remote locations are covered
• Mental harm counts as much as physical harm
• “Reckless” behavior qualifies – they don’t need malicious intent
• Consent is NOT a defense – even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing

Criminal Penalties in Texas

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing without 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 if you’re a member/officer: misdemeanor
• Retaliating against someone who reports: misdemeanor
• Organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation

Criminal vs Civil Cases: Two Paths to Justice

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by the state (district attorney)
• Focus on punishment: jail time, fines, probation
• Common charges: hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Example: Harris County prosecutors could charge fraternity members involved in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case

Civil Cases:

• Brought by victims or families
• Focus on compensation and accountability
• Recover damages for: medical bills, pain and suffering, lost education, wrongful death
• Can proceed even without criminal charges
• Example: The Bermudez family’s $10 million lawsuit against UH and Pi Kappa Phi

Federal Laws Overlay Texas Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

• Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently
• Mandates hazing prevention education
• Phased public reporting requirements by 2026
• Affects all major Texas universities

Title IX:

• Applies when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
• Requires universities to investigate and take appropriate action
• Can provide additional legal avenues for victims

Clery Act:

• Requires reporting of certain campus crimes
• Hazing incidents involving assault or alcohol crimes may trigger reporting
• Provides some transparency through annual security reports

Who Can Be Liable in a Hazing Lawsuit

Individual Students:

• Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
• Chapter officers with knowledge and authority

Local Chapter:

• The fraternity/sorority as a legal entity
• Often has insurance coverage through national organizations

National Fraternity/Sorority:

• Headquarters that set policies and receive dues
• Can be liable for failing to supervise or for prior knowledge of patterns
• Example: Pi Kappa Phi national is sued in the Bermudez case despite having anti-hazing policies

University or Governing Board:

• Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) may have sovereign immunity limitations
• Can be liable for negligent supervision or deliberate indifference
• Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections

Third Parties:

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

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Affect Newcastle Students

The hazing incidents making national news aren’t abstract tragedies – they reveal patterns that repeat at Texas universities where Newcastle students attend.

Alcohol Poisoning Death Pattern

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

• Bid acceptance night with forced drinking
• Multiple falls captured on chapter security cameras
• 12-hour delay before calling 911
• Result: 18 members charged with 1,000+ criminal counts; Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

• “Bible study” drinking game with wrong answers requiring drinking
• Blood alcohol content of 0.495% at death
• Result: Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony; national pattern of similar drinking games

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

• Forced to drink nearly entire bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night
• Died from alcohol poisoning
• Result: $10 million settlement ($7M from national Pi Kappa Alpha, $3M from university); chapter president personally ordered to pay $6.5 million

Physical and Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

• Blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at Pennsylvania retreat
• Repeated tackling with weighted backpack
• Fatal head injuries; delayed medical help
• Result: National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

• Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing within football program
• Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
• Head coach fired, then settled wrongful termination suit confidentially
• Result: Demonstrates hazing extends beyond Greek life to major athletic programs

What These Cases Mean for Newcastle Families

These national cases establish critical precedents:

1. Pattern Recognition: Courts recognize that certain rituals (Big/Little nights, drinking games) are known dangers
2. Institutional Liability: National organizations can be held responsible despite anti-hazing policies
3. Cover-Up Consequences: Delaying medical help dramatically increases liability
4. Individual Accountability: Chapter officers face personal financial ruin

When your Newcastle student faces similar pressures at Texas schools, these cases provide the legal framework for holding responsible parties accountable.

Texas University Focus: Where Newcastle Students Are at Risk

Newcastle families send students to universities across Texas. Understanding the specific risks at each campus is essential for prevention and response.

University of Houston: Urban Campus Risks

For Newcastle Families: Many Houston-area students attend UH, and the recent Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates severe risks.

Documented Incidents:

• Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu (2025): Leonel Bermudez case involving rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, and multiple hazing methods
• Pi Kappa Alpha (2016): Pledge suffered lacerated spleen during initiation; chapter faced misdemeanor charges and suspension
• Multiple other fraternities sanctioned for alcohol misuse and policy violations

UH Hazing Policy:

• Prohibits hazing on and off campus
• Prohibits forced consumption, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment
• Reporting through Dean of Students and campus police
• Gap: Limited public disclosure compared to UT Austin

If Hazing Happens at UH:

• Jurisdiction may involve UHPD and/or Houston Police
• Civil suits typically filed in Harris County courts
• University may claim sovereign immunity as public institution
• Our Experience: We’re currently litigating the Bermudez case against UH in Harris County

Texas A&M University: Corps and Greek Life Risks

For Newcastle Families: Many North Texas students choose A&M for its traditions, but those traditions sometimes turn dangerous.

Documented Incidents:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (~2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner causing chemical burns requiring skin grafts; chapter suspended; $1 million lawsuit
• Corps of Cadets (2023): Cadet alleged “roasted pig” hazing – bound between beds with apple in mouth during simulated sexual acts; sought over $1 million
• Multiple Greek organizations on disciplinary probation

A&M Hazing Policy:

• Separate policies for Greek life and Corps
• Student Conduct office investigations
• Challenge: Balancing tradition with safety in Corps environment

If Hazing Happens at A&M:

• Brazos County jurisdiction (College Station)
• Complex dynamics with Corps traditions
• University as Texas A&M System member has sovereign immunity considerations

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Patterns

For Newcastle Families: UT’s relative transparency provides insight into hazing patterns.

Public Hazing Violations Page:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; probation and education required
• Texas Wranglers: Sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing
• Multiple spirit groups disciplined

UT Hazing Response:

• Relatively transparent violation reporting
• UTPD and Austin PD jurisdiction options
• Public university immunity issues

What UT’s Data Shows:

• Repeated violations by same organizations indicate systemic issues
• Alcohol remains central to most hazing incidents
• “Tradition” often cited as justification

Southern Methodist University: Private Campus Dynamics

For Newcastle Families: SMU’s private status affects both risk and recourse.

Documented Incidents:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation; chapter suspended until 2021
• Multiple anonymous reports through SMU’s systems

SMU’s Approach:

• Private university with less public reporting
• Anonymous reporting through Real Response system
• Greek life central to campus culture

Legal Considerations:

• Fewer sovereign immunity barriers
• Dallas County jurisdiction
• Often substantial insurance coverage through national organizations

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Accountability

For Newcastle Families: Baylor’s history with institutional responses affects hazing cases.

Documented Incidents:

• Baseball Team (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Periodic Greek life sanctions

Baylor’s Context:

• Recent history of institutional response scrutiny (Title IX cases)
• Religious identity affecting internal processes
• McLennan County jurisdiction (Waco)

Practical Realities:

• “Zero tolerance” policies vs. recurring issues
• Complex dynamics with religious mission
• Often requires external legal pressure for accountability

Fraternity and Sorority National Histories: Patterns Affecting Newcastle Students

The organizations present at Texas universities where Newcastle students attend have national histories that establish patterns of risk and liability.

Why National Histories Matter Legally

When a Texas chapter repeats hazing methods that caused deaths or injuries at other campuses, that establishes foreseeability – the national organization knew or should have known this could happen. This strengthens negligence claims and can support punitive damages.

High-Risk Organizations with Documented Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

• National Pattern: Multiple alcohol poisoning deaths including Stone Foltz (BGSU), David Bogenberger (NIU)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
• Legal Significance: National settled Foltz case for $7 million showing recognition of risk

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

• National Pattern: Multiple hazing deaths; eliminated pledge system nationally in 2014 due to pattern
• Texas Incidents: Chemical burns case at Texas A&M; assault case at UT Austin
• Legal Significance: National awareness of problems should trigger enhanced supervision

Pi Kappa Phi

• National Pattern: Andrew Coffey alcohol poisoning death at Florida State
• Current Texas Case: Our representation of Leonel Bermudez against UH chapter
• Legal Significance: Pattern of similar rituals establishes foreseeability

Phi Delta Theta

• National Pattern: Max Gruver alcohol poisoning death at LSU
• Texas Presence: Multiple campuses
• Legal Significance: Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act resulted from this pattern

Kappa Alpha Order

• National Pattern: Multiple paddling and alcohol hazing incidents
• Texas Incident: SMU chapter suspension
• Legal Significance: Physical hazing traditions known to national

How These Patterns Help Newcastle Families

1. Establishing Foreseeability: Shows national organizations knew risks
2. Negligence Claims: Demonstrates failure to adequately supervise
3. Punitive Damages: Shows reckless disregard for student safety
4. Insurance Coverage: Patterns may affect coverage disputes

Building a Hazing Case: What Newcastle Families Need to Know

When hazing affects your child, building a strong case requires specific evidence and strategic understanding of Texas law.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Communications (Most Important)

• GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage chains showing planning and execution
• Deleted message recovery through digital forensics
• Social media posts and messages documenting events
• Location data and timestamps

Photos and Videos

• Injuries documented immediately and over time
• Event footage from participants’ phones
• Security camera footage from houses or venues
• Social media content showing hazing activities

Internal Organization Documents

• Pledge manuals, “tradition” documents
• Emails between members about events
• National organization policies and training materials
• Risk management files

University Records

• Prior conduct violations obtained through public records requests
• Campus police incident reports
• Internal investigation documents
• Clery Act reports

Medical and Psychological Records

• Emergency room and hospitalization records
• Ongoing treatment documentation
• Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety
• Expert medical testimony linking injuries to hazing

Witness Testimony

• Other pledges often afraid but may cooperate with protection
• Former members with guilt or concern
• Roommates, friends, RAs who observed changes
• Medical personnel who treated injuries

Damages Available in Texas Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable)

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost educational costs (withdrawal, transfer expenses)
• Lost earning capacity if injuries affect career
• Property damage or replacement costs

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Damage to reputation

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship and support
• Emotional harm to parents and siblings
• Lost future financial support

Punitive Damages (When Available)

• Designed to punish particularly reckless conduct
• Available when defendants show gross negligence or malice
• Capped in Texas but significant in appropriate cases

Insurance Coverage Complexities

Fraternity and university insurance companies frequently argue:

• Hazing is an “intentional act” excluded from coverage
• Policies don’t cover criminal conduct
• Certain defendants aren’t insured parties

Our insurance insider experience (Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney) is crucial for:

• Identifying all potential coverage sources
• Navigating exclusion arguments
• Pursuing bad faith claims when insurers wrongfully deny coverage
• Maximizing recovery within policy limits

Practical Guide for Newcastle Parents and Students

For Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Actions

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
• Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Sudden withdrawal from family and non-group friends
• Secretive phone use and anxiety about messages
• Personality changes: depression, anxiety, irritability
• Academic decline or skipping classes for “mandatory” events
• Financial requests for unexplained expenses
• Physical signs of alcohol abuse if previously uncommon

How to Talk to Your Child:

• Choose calm, private setting without judgment
• Use open questions: “I’ve noticed you seem exhausted lately – is everything okay with your group?”
• Express concern for safety first, not criticism of choices
• Emphasize: “You can always come home, no questions asked”
• If they open up, listen without interrupting

Immediate Actions if Hazing is Suspected:

1. Medical First: Get professional medical evaluation immediately
2. Document Everything: Write down what they tell you with dates/times
3. Preserve Evidence: Help them screenshot messages before deletion
4. Secure Physical Evidence: Save clothing, objects, receipts
5. Contact Attorney: Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 before contacting university

Dealing with the University:

• Document every communication (emails, calls, meetings)
• Ask specific questions about prior incidents with same organization
• Request written copies of all policies and procedures
• Do NOT sign settlement offers without legal review
• Remember: University’s interests may conflict with your child’s wellbeing

For Students: Recognizing and Escaping Hazing

Is This Hazing? Questions to Ask Yourself:

• Would I do this if I truly had a free choice?
• Am I hiding this from university officials or my family?
• Does this endanger my physical or mental health?
• Are older members making me do things they don’t do?
• Am I being pressured with threats of exclusion?

How to Exit Safely:

• Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, trusted friend, RA)
• Send written resignation to chapter president (email for documentation)
• Do NOT attend “exit meetings” where pressure may occur
• If threatened, report immediately to campus police and Dean of Students
• Utilize amnesty policies for alcohol-related incidents when seeking help

Good-Faith Reporting Protections:

• Texas law provides immunity for those who report hazing in good faith
• Most universities have medical amnesty for alcohol-related emergencies
• Your safety is more important than organizational loyalty

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence
What Happens: “I’m embarrassed so I’ll delete those group chats”
Why It’s Wrong: Looks like cover-up; may be obstruction of justice; destroys strongest evidence
Better Approach: Preserve everything, even embarrassing content

2. Direct Confrontation
What Happens: Parent calls fraternity president demanding answers
Why It’s Wrong: Triggers evidence destruction, witness coaching, defense preparation
Better Approach: Document quietly, then have attorney make formal contact

3. Signing University Agreements
What Happens: University offers “quick resolution” if you sign waiver
Why It’s Wrong: Often waives legal rights for minimal compensation
Better Approach: “I need my attorney to review this first”

4. Social Media Posts
What Happens: Family posts details to “warn others” or seek support
Why It’s Wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Better Approach: Private documentation only; let attorney control public messaging

5. Delaying Legal Consultation
What Happens: “Let’s see how the university handles it first”
Why It’s Wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses become unavailable, statutes run
Better Approach: Consult attorney immediately while preserving all evidence

Frequently Asked Questions for Newcastle Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities have sovereign immunity limitations, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and certain other claims. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity barriers. Every case requires individual analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law makes basic hazing a misdemeanor but elevates it to a state jail felony if serious bodily injury or death results. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“What if my child ‘consented’ to the activities?”
Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that power imbalances and peer pressure make true consent impossible in these situations.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or discovery in Texas, but exceptions exist. The statute may be tolled in cases involving minors, cover-ups, or fraudulent concealment. Immediate action preserves evidence and options.

“Will this be public or confidential?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms whenever possible to protect your family’s privacy.

“What if it happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national organizations can still be responsible based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Many major hazing cases involved off-campus locations.

Why Attorney911 for Newcastle 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 fight back – and how to win anyway. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Newcastle and Young County.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage
Mr. Lupe 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”
• Negotiate settlements from a position of institutional power

His experience on the defense side means we know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience
Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation – taking on billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal budgets. This experience translates directly to hazing cases against:

• National fraternities with deep pockets
• University systems with institutional protection
• Defense teams that use delay and complexity as weapons

Current Texas Hazing Litigation
Right now, we’re actively litigating the Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi case – a $10 million lawsuit involving rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, and multiple hazing methods. This isn’t theoretical knowledge; it’s current, hands-on experience with Texas hazing law.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience
We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, including:

• Collaboration with economists to value lifetime care needs
• Experience with brain injury, permanent disability, and life care planning
• Understanding that settling cheap helps nobody – we build cases that force real accountability

Criminal + Civil Dual Capability
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand:

• How criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
• Defense strategies used in both arenas
• How to advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
• The interplay between university discipline and legal proceedings

Investigative Depth and Resources
We maintain what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine – a comprehensive database of:

• 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations with EINs and addresses
• 96 Texas university campuses and their Greek ecosystems
• 1,423 fraternity/sorority entities across 25 Texas metros
• National hazing incident patterns and histories

This means when your Newcastle student is hazed, we don’t start from zero – we already know the organizational structures, insurance carriers, and historical patterns.

Our Texas Greek Organization Intelligence

Through public records research, we maintain data on Texas Greek entities that affect Newcastle students:

North Texas Region Organizations:

• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN 741380362) – Fort Worth, TX 76147
• Beta Upsilon Chi (EIN 742911848) – Fort Worth, TX 76244
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – Lambda Lambda Chapter (EIN 521278573) – Dallas, TX 75241
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc – Phi Psi Zeta Chapter (EIN 611562040) – Lewisville, TX 75029

Major University Housing Corporations:

• Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation (EIN 371768785) – Missouri City, TX 77459
• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515) – Frisco, TX 75035
• Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi (EIN 746047117) – Austin, TX 78705

Texas Campus Connections:
Newcastle students often attend:

• Tarleton State University (Stephenville, Erath County) – 45 minutes from Newcastle
• Texas A&M University-Central Texas (Killeen, Bell County)
• Texas A&M University (College Station, Brazos County)
• University of Texas at Austin (Travis County)
• University of Houston (Harris County)

We understand the specific Greek ecosystems at each campus and how they interconnect through national organizations.

Call to Action for Newcastle Families

Your Next Steps

If hazing has affected your family, time is your most valuable resource and your greatest enemy. Evidence disappears daily – messages are deleted, witnesses graduate, memories fade, and institutions begin their cover-up processes.

We Offer:

• Free Confidential Consultation: No obligation, no pressure
• Immediate Evidence Preservation Guidance: What to save and how
• University Process Navigation: Dealing with Dean’s offices and conduct boards
• Criminal Case Coordination: Working with prosecutors if charges are filed
• Civil Case Development: If litigation becomes necessary
• Spanish Language Services: Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish

What to Expect When You Call 1-888-ATTY-911:

1. We listen to your story without judgment
2. We review any evidence you’ve preserved
3. We explain all legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
4. We discuss realistic timelines and expectations
5. We answer questions about costs (contingency fee – we don’t get paid unless we win)
6. You decide what’s best for your family with full information

Contact Attorney911 Today

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

Serving Newcastle and All of Texas:
From our Houston office, we represent families across Texas, including those in Newcastle, Young County, and throughout North Texas. Whether your student attends a local university or a campus hours away, Texas hazing law and experienced Texas counsel can help.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

• Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case: 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 of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• Hoodline summary of the $10M UH hazing lawsuit: 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 cellphone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Texas statutes of limitations explained: 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:

• Contact for free consultation: 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