North America Fraternity & Sorority Hazing Lawyers | Hazing Injury & Wrongful Death Attorneys | Attorney911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™ | Insider Knowledge of University/Fraternity Coverage Fights | Federal Court Admitted—Taking on Universities & National Fraternities | Proven Multi-Million Dollar Results | Digital Evidence Preservation Experts | Call 1-888-ATTY-911

A Parent’s Nightmare in North America: When “Tradition” Becomes Tragedy

Imagine the crisp Texas fall evening, the excitement of college life, and the pride you feel as your child from North America embarks on their university journey. Perhaps they’ve chosen a well-known institution like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, hoping to find a community and build lifelong bonds. Now, picture that excitement turning to dread. Your phone rings at an ungodly hour. Your child, far from home, is incoherent, bruised, and terrified. They’ve been through “initiation night,” a ritual of forced drinking, sleep deprivation, and physical abuse. Others were there, filming and laughing, chanting encouragement to inflict more pain. Someone eventually collapses, perhaps your child, but no one wants to call 911 because they fear “getting the chapter shut down” or “getting in trouble.” Your child feels trapped, caught between a perverse loyalty to a group and their own safety.

This isn’t a hypothetical scenario from a distant movie; it’s the harsh, recurring reality for Texas families. We saw it unfold tragically in the case of Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston. Leonel, a student who sought community in the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter, endured weeks of alleged psychological manipulation, physical beatings, and forced alcohol consumption. He was allegedly made to wear a “pledge fanny pack” with degrading contents, perform extreme physical drills until collapse, and even threatened with waterboarding. This brutal ordeal led to a horrifying diagnosis: rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring a four-day hospitalization. His urine turned brown, a stark indicator of severe muscle breakdown. The lingering risk of permanent kidney damage and profound physical and psychological trauma is a heavy burden he now carries.

The University of Houston, the UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, its local housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders and members are now facing a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit filed in late 2025. Attorney911 (Ralph Manginello & Lupe Peña) represents Leonel Bermudez in this critical pursuit of justice. The alleged hazing locations, from the chapter house near UH to a residence on Culmore Drive and even Yellowstone Boulevard Park, highlight how these activities can blend into the fabric of everyday locations, often hidden in plain sight. This case, like too many others, demonstrates the devastating consequences when campus organizations prioritize “tradition” over human safety.

We understand that for families in North America, this reality is deeply concerning. Whether your child attends a local campus, commutes to a nearby university, or ventures off to one of Texas’s larger institutions, the threat of hazing is real, pervasive, and often hidden.

What This Guide Covers: Your Resource for Hazing Incidents in North America and Across Texas

This is a comprehensive guide to hazing and the law in Texas, written for families in North America and across our great state who need to understand:

• What hazing looks like in 2025 – far beyond old stereotypes.
• How Texas and federal law treat hazing, and what that means for your family.
• What we can learn from major national cases like that of Leonel Bermudez, and how those lessons apply to Texas families and universities.
• What has been happening at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, as well as other Texas schools where North America families send their children.
• The legal options victims and their families in North America and throughout Texas may have for seeking accountability and compensation.

This article provides general information and is not specific legal advice. The Manginello Law Firm is here to evaluate individual cases based on their specific facts. We serve families throughout Texas, including those in North America.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

• If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

• In the first 48 hours:

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

• Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

The stereotypes of hazing — silly “pledge pranks” or harmless scavenger hunts—are dangerously outdated. Hazing in 2025 is often brutal, secretive, psychologically manipulative, and technologically enabled. For North America families unfamiliar with modern Greek life or campus organizations, understanding the true nature of hazing is the first step toward prevention and protection.

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. This means that even if a student seems to “agree” to an activity, if that “agreement” is given under duress, coercion, or immense peer pressure, it’s still hazing. The power imbalance in these situations means “consent” is not automatically valid.

Main Categories of Modern Hazing

Organizations relentlessly adapt their hazing tactics, moving them off-campus or disguising them as “tradition” or “bonding” to avoid detection. Here are the main categories we see:

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This remains the most common and deadliest form. It involves forced or coerced drinking, often with specific “games” or “lineups” that require rapid, dangerous consumption. The infamous “Big/Little” drinking nights, as allegedly occurred in the Leonel Bermudez case with significant alcohol presence, often involve pledges being made to consume handles of hard liquor. Pledges can be pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances, putting their lives at risk.

• Physical Hazing: Beyond paddling and beatings, physical hazing includes extreme calisthenics, brutal “workouts,” or “smokings” that push individuals far beyond safe limits. Leonel Bermudez was allegedly subjected to such intense physical activity, including hundreds of push-ups and squats, which contributed to his rhabdomyolysis. Other methods involve sleep deprivation for days, food and water restriction, and exposure to extreme cold or heat, or dangerous environments.

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This category inflicts profound psychological and emotional damage. It can include forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (like the alleged “roasted pig” position in some Texas A&M Corps incidents), degrading costumes, or acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones.

• Psychological Hazing: Often underreported, psychological hazing causes immense mental distress. It involves verbal abuse, threats, forced social isolation, constant fear of reprisal, and public shaming. Pledges can be manipulated or forced into “confessions” that are then used against them internally.

• Digital/Online Hazing: This is a rapidly evolving area. Group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation via platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Discord are common. Pledges may be pressured to create or share compromising images or videos, or to partake in “challenges” that are either humiliating or dangerous, all documented and shared within private online groups. The alleged “pledge fanny pack” with humiliating contents enforced in the Leonel Bermudez case highlights the degrading nature of these tactics.

Where Hazing Actually Happens: Beyond the Frat House

While many people associate hazing primarily with fraternities, the reality is far broader. Hazing is a power dynamic that can infect virtually any campus organization where senior members assert control over new recruits.

• Fraternities and Sororities: This includes traditional Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Panhellenic Council (NPC) groups, as well as National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) “Divine Nine” and multicultural Greek organizations.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets, for example, has faced scrutiny over alleged hazing within its ranks, with incidents like the “roasted pig” position drawing national attention.
• Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs, and Student Organizations: Groups like the Texas Cowboys at UT Austin, or various social and spirit organizations across Texas campuses, have been disciplined for hazing.
• Athletic Teams: Football, basketball, baseball, cheer, and even swim teams have been involved in hazing scandals, as seen with Northwestern University’s program. Baylor’s baseball team has also faced hazing investigations.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: The tragic death of Robert Champion from Florida A&M’s marching band highlighted that hazing extends to non-Greek performance groups.
• Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Even seemingly benign groups can develop hazing cultures under the guise of “team building” or “bonding.”

The common threads across all these organizations are social status, tradition, and intense secrecy. These powerful forces maintain hazing practices, even when everyone “knows” that hazing is illegal and explicitly prohibited. For families in North America, understanding this hidden curriculum is essential.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

When hazing occurs, it’s not just a university policy violation; it’s often a crime and a civil injustice. For families in North America and throughout Texas seeking accountability for campus hazing, understanding the legal framework is crucial.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has clear, specific anti-hazing provisions within its Education Code that define what hazing is and outline penalties.

Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, committed by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student (e.g., physical beatings, forced intense exercise, forced consumption of alcohol or drugs, sleep deprivation), AND
• Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

This definition covers acts that occur both on or off campus – the location where hazing takes place does not negate its illegality. It also clearly outlines that the harm can be either physical or mental. Crucially, the law specifies that consent is not a defense to hazing under Texas Education Code § 37.155; even if a student appears to agree, the powerful dynamics of hazing environments make true consent impossible.

• Criminal Penalties: Hazing in Texas can carry serious criminal charges for individuals and the organizations involved.
  • A basic hazing offense is a Class B Misdemeanor.
  • If the hazing causes injury requiring medical treatment, it can be a Class A Misdemeanor.
  • Most gravely, if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it can be prosecuted as a state jail felony. This means individuals who perpetrate severe hazing can face significant jail time, not just fines or minor sanctions.
  • Officers or members who know about hazing and fail to report it can also face misdemeanor charges.
• Reporter Protections: Texas law includes provisions for limited immunity or leniency for individuals who report hazing in good faith or call for help during an emergency, even if they were involved in the incident. This encourages bystanders and victims to prioritize safety over fear of punishment.

This is a summary of the law, and the actual technical language in the Texas Education Code is more detailed and precise.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

Understanding the distinction between criminal and civil cases is vital for families seeking justice in hazing incidents:

• Criminal Cases:

  • Brought by the state (prosecutors) to punish illegal behavior.
  • The aim is punishment, which can include jail time, fines, or probation.
  • Typical hazing-related criminal charges beyond the specific hazing statutes can include furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, drug possession, or even manslaughter in cases of death. The state must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

• Civil Cases:

  • Brought by victims or their surviving families (the plaintiffs) against those responsible (the defendants).
  • The aim is monetary compensation for damages, and holding the responsible parties accountable.
  • Civil hazing lawsuits often focus on legal theories such as negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring/supervision, premises liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
  • The burden of proof in civil cases is lower (preponderance of the evidence) than in criminal cases.

It is important to note that a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil hazing case. These two legal paths can run side-by-side, offering different avenues for justice and accountability.

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

Beyond Texas state law, federal regulations add important layers of protection and requirements for colleges and universities.

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This significant federal legislation mandates that colleges and universities receiving federal funding must:

  • More transparently report hazing incidents.
  • Strengthen their hazing education and prevention programs.
  • Maintain public databases of hazing data, which will be phased in by approximately 2026. This means more information will become available to families in North America about hazing incidents at Texas schools.

• Title IX / Clery Act:

  • Title IX: If hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, it can trigger a university’s obligations under Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in education. This can open doors for additional legal remedies and accountability.
  • Clery Act: This federal law requires colleges to report campus crime statistics and policy disclosures. Hazing incidents often overlap with categories like assault, alcohol-related offenses, or drug crimes, mandating reporting and influencing campus safety transparency.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Identifying all responsible parties in a civil hazing lawsuit is complex but crucial for securing full accountability and compensation.

• Individual Students: Those directly involved in planning, perpetrating, supplying materials (like alcohol), or covering up hazing can be held personally liable. This includes “pledge educators,” chapter officers, and individual members.

• Local Chapter / Organization: The fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself, if it is a legally recognized entity, can be sued. This means the local organization’s assets and insurance can be targeted.

• National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters, which charters, supervises, and collects dues from local chapters, can be held liable. Their liability often hinges on whether they knew or should have known about a pattern of hazing at a specific chapter or within their organization generally, and whether they failed to adequately intervene or enforce their anti-hazing policies.

• University or Governing Board: The educational institution itself, including its board of regents, may be sued under various theories. Key questions include: Did the university know about prior hazing incidents? Did it adequately enforce its own policies? Was it deliberately indifferent to known risks? While public universities in Texas, like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, and UT Austin, may assert sovereign immunity, exceptions exist for gross negligence, certain federal claims (like Title IX), or when suing individuals in their personal capacity. Private universities, such as SMU and Baylor, generally have fewer immunity protections.

• Third Parties: Other entities can also bear responsibility. This might include landlords or owners of properties where hazing occurred, bars or stores that illegally furnished alcohol (under Texas dram shop laws), or even security companies if their negligence contributed to the incident.

Every hazing case is unique, and not every party will be liable in every situation. A thorough investigation is required to identify all potential defendants and sources of recovery.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

The tragic reality of hazing is underscored by a consistent pattern of severe injuries and wrongful deaths across the nation. Many of these cases highlight similar tactics, institutional failures, and ultimately, the legal and financial consequences for those responsible. These national stories serve as critical precedents, shaping how hazing cases, including those potentially affecting North America families at Texas campuses, are investigated and litigated.

The Leonel Bermudez case at the University of Houston, involving alleged forced consumption, physical exercise, and humiliation leading to acute kidney failure, fits squarely into a distressing national pattern. As Attorney Ralph Manginello stated regarding the Bermudez case, “We’re almost in 2026. This has to stop.”

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Forced alcohol consumption is devastatingly common in hazing incidents and frequently leads to tragic outcomes.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Timothy Piazza died following a “bid acceptance” event where he was forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol. Fraternity surveillance cameras captured his multiple falls and the agonizing hours members delayed calling for medical help. This tragic case led to dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, significant civil litigation, and the enactment of the comprehensive Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. The key takeaway: extreme intoxication, coupled with a deliberate delay in seeking medical aid, and a pervasive culture of silence, creates legally devastating liability.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event, where pledges were given handles of hard liquor. This incident brought criminal hazing charges against members and prompted FSU to temporarily suspend all Greek life and implement extensive policy overhauls. This case illustrates how formulaic, institutionally sanctioned “tradition” drinking nights are a recurring script for disaster, setting a precedent that impacts future Pi Kappa Phi incidents like the alleged hazing in the Leonel Bermudez case.

• Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver died with a blood alcohol content of 0.495% after a “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers led to forced alcohol consumption. His death led to Louisiana’s felony hazing law, the Max Gruver Act, signaling a significant shift in legal consequences for hazing. This powerful case demonstrates how legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of severe hazing.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink nearly an entire bottle of whiskey during a pledge night. This case resulted in multiple criminal convictions of fraternity members. The family reached a $10 million settlement ($7 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national and approximately $3 million from Bowling Green State University). This case shows that universities, alongside fraternities, can face substantial financial and reputational consequences for hazing.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical and ritualized hazing inflict direct bodily harm and psychological trauma.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng died from a traumatic brain injury after being blindfolded and repeatedly tackled during a fraternity “glass ceiling” ritual at a remote Pocono Mountains retreat. His death was compounded by members delaying calling 911 for several hours. This resulted in multiple members being convicted, and the national fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, and was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This case highlights that off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous, or even more so, than on-campus parties, and national organizations can face severe criminal penalties and sanctions.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not confined to Greek life; major athletic programs can also foster environments where abuse flourishes.

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): This scandal involved multiple former football players alleging widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the program over many years. The incidents involved forced sexual acts and other demeaning rituals. Multiple lawsuits were filed against Northwestern University and coaching staff, leading to the firing of Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald, who later settled a wrongful-termination lawsuit confidentially. This high-profile case powerfully demonstrated that hazing extends beyond Greek life into major, high-stakes athletic programs, raising critical questions about institutional oversight and accountability.

What These Cases Mean for North America Families

These national cases, including the high-stakes lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston, reveal alarming common threads: forced consumption of alcohol, systematic humiliation, physical violence, deliberate delays in calling for medical care, and concerted cover-ups. Tragedy and litigation are often the only catalysts for significant reform.

For North America families whose children attend or plan to attend UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, or any other Texas campus, these precedents are vital. They demonstrate that the fight for accountability is possible, and that our justice system, though imperfect, can hold powerful institutions and individuals responsible. You are not alone in navigating this landscape, which is continually shaped by these painful but ultimately impactful lessons.

Texas Focus: UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor

For parents in North America, understanding the specific environments and histories of hazing at major Texas universities is paramount. While hazing is a nationwide problem, each institution has a unique culture, policies, and track record. Our firm, Attorney911, brings deep knowledge of these Texas campuses, combining comprehensive data with legal expertise to advocate for families from North America and across the state.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a prominent urban institution, is a common choice for many Texas students, including those from North America. However, like many large universities, it has faced its share of hazing challenges. The ongoing Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit is currently spotlighting the systemic issues that can underlie Greek life at UH.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot (with North America Connection)

The University of Houston is a diverse, large urban campus offering both commuter and residential experiences. Its active Greek life, encompassing IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural fraternities and sororities, plays a significant role in student social life. Beyond Greek life, a wide array of student organizations, including cultural groups, academic societies, and sports clubs, contribute to campus culture. For families in North America, the University of Houston often represents an accessible, high-quality education relatively close to home.

5.1.2 UH’s Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston maintains a strict anti-hazing policy, clearly prohibiting hazing both on and off campus. Their policy, like Texas law, prohibits forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and activities designed to cause mental distress or humiliation for initiation or affiliation. UH provides various reporting channels, including the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). The university aims to provide information on its website regarding hazing policies and, to some extent, disciplinary actions against organizations.

5.1.3 Example Incident & Response: The Bermudez Case and Other Disciplinary Actions

The Leonel Bermudez case is a stark example of hazing allegations at UH. As outlined in the introduction, Leonel allegedly suffered forced consumption, physical abuse, sleep deprivation, and extreme humiliation at the hands of Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter members for weeks. This culminated in severe medical complications, including rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. The $10 million lawsuit, currently being handled by Attorney911, names the University of Houston, among others, as defendants. UH called the alleged conduct “deeply disturbing” and acknowledged Pi Kappa Phi HQ’s decision to suspend and ultimately close the chapter due to its members’ vote to surrender their charter.

Prior to this, other incidents have marred UH’s Greek life. In 2016, the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity faced allegations that pledges were deprived of food, water, and sleep, leading to one student suffering a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and university suspension. Subsequent disciplinary references indicate ongoing issues with alcohol misuse and behaviors “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort” within various fraternities, leading to further suspensions or probations.

These examples highlight both UH’s stated willingness to suspend chapters and the persistent challenges in completely eradicating hazing. The gap in detailed public information regarding all violations, especially compared to some other Texas universities, can make it challenging for North America parents to conduct thorough research.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

Because hazing can occur both on and off campus, cases involving UH students may involve multiple law enforcement agencies. The University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) would handle incidents on campus, while the Houston Police Department (HPD) or the Harris County Sheriff’s Office would investigate off-campus incidents within their respective jurisdictions. Civil lawsuits arising from hazing at UH would typically be filed in state district courts in Harris County, which encompasses Houston.

Potential defendants in a civil case originating from UH hazing can include the individual students involved, the local chapter itself, the national fraternity or sorority organization, and potentially the University of Houston and its governing board under theories of negligence or inadequate oversight. Property owners, such as the Beta Nu housing corporation for Pi Kappa Phi, or other third parties, might also be named.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents from North America Should Do

For students and parents in North America connected to the University of Houston:

• Report Hazing: Immediately report any hazing incidents or suspicions to the UH Dean of Students Office, Office of Student Conduct, or UHPD. Anonymous reporting options are often available.
• Document Everything: If you or your child has been injured or humiliated, meticulously document what happened. This includes screenshots of group chats, photos of injuries, and detailed notes of dates, times, and who was involved.
• Understand Prior Incidents: When considering an organization, try to research its disciplinary history at UH. While public disclosure can be limited, any available information can be crucial.
• Consult Early with a Houston-Based Hazing Lawyer: An attorney experienced in Houston-based hazing cases, particularly those within Harris County, can help navigate UH’s administrative processes and uncover prior disciplinary actions and internal records that might not be readily public.
• Prioritize Medical Care: Always prioritize medical attention for injuries, regardless of fears of disciplinary action.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University in College Station holds a unique place among Texas institutions, known for its deep-rooted traditions and the highly disciplined Corps of Cadets. For families in North America considering TAMU, understanding the hazing landscape, both within Greek life and the Corps, is critical.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot (with North America Connection)

Texas A&M University is a large, public research university deeply steeped in tradition, particularly through its Corps of Cadets, one of the nation’s largest uniformed student bodies. The campus climate emphasizes loyalty, leadership, and a strong sense of community. Greek life is also active, alongside numerous student organizations. Families across North America, including those committed to military service or strong traditions, often see Texas A&M as a premier choice.

5.2.2 Texas A&M’s Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M has a clear and stringent anti-hazing policy that is explicitly communicated to students and organizations. The university defines hazing in line with Texas Education Code and prohibits any such activities in connection with student groups, including the Corps of Cadets and Greek life. Reporting channels typically include the Student Conduct Office, the Provost, and the University Police Department (UPD). The Corps of Cadets maintains its own internal disciplinary procedures congruent with university policy.

5.2.3 Example Incidents & Response: SAE, Corps of Cadets, and Wider Concerns

Texas A&M has faced multiple hazing allegations across its diverse student body.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit (around 2021): A significant incident involved two pledges alleging they were covered in substances including an industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit during forced strenuous activity. This resulted in severe chemical burns that required extensive skin graft surgeries. The pledges subsequently sued the fraternity for over $1 million. The SAE chapter was suspended by the university for two years. This case highlights the extreme physical danger and long-term consequences some hazing rituals incur.

• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): Another high-profile case involved a cadet alleging degrading hazing that included simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million in damages. Texas A&M stated it handled the matter under its internal regulations, generating questions about the transparency and severity of internal disciplinary responses within the Corps.

These incidents demonstrate the diverse forms hazing can take at Texas A&M, from Greek fraternities to the highly structured Corps of Cadets. They highlight the university’s efforts to respond through suspensions and internal investigations, but also the willingness of hazing victims to pursue civil litigation when they feel full justice is not achieved through internal channels.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases originating from Texas A&M can involve the University Police Department (UPD) for on-campus incidents or local Bryan/College Station police and the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits would generally be filed in state district court within Brazos County, which encompasses College Station.

Potential defendants often include the individual students, the local chapter, the national fraternity/sorority, and potentially Texas A&M University and/or individual officials or property owners. The complex structure of the Corps of Cadets can introduce additional layers of institutional accountability for hazing occurring within its programs or affiliated organizations.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents from North America Should Do

For students and parents in North America connected to Texas A&M:

• Understand All Policies: Be thoroughly familiar with both Texas A&M’s general hazing policy and any specific regulations for the Corps of Cadets or Greek life.
• Report Internally: Use official university channels for reporting, including the Student Conduct Office or UPD. For Corps members, consider reporting to trusted superiors or Corps officials.
• Document Corps-Specific Hazing: Hazing within military-style organizations can be particularly challenging to prove due to hierarchical structures and demands for obedience. Detailed notes and digital evidence are paramount.
• Seek Counsel on Specific Campus Entities: An attorney experienced in Texas hazing cases, with knowledge of A&M’s unique ecosystem, can advise on navigating both Greek life and Corps-related hazing claims.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin is a flagship institution in the heart of our state’s capital, drawing students from every corner, including North America. UT has been proactive in documenting hazing, offering some of the most transparent reporting among Texas universities, which provides a valuable resource for families affected by these incidents.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot (with North America Connection)

The University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest and most prestigious public universities in Texas, with a vibrant and diverse student body. Its Greek life is extensive and influential, complemented by a vast array of student organizations, athletics, and spirit groups. Austin’s dynamic culture strongly influences the campus environment. For families in North America, UT Austin is a prime destination for higher education, making the conduct of its campus organizations a critical concern.

5.3.2 UT’s Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Texas at Austin maintains a robust anti-hazing policy consistent with state law. UT’s policies prohibit any activity, on or off campus, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiating or affiliating with an organization. One of UT’s distinctive features is its publicly accessible Hazing Violations page on the Dean of Students website (hazing.utexas.edu). This page lists organizations, dates of alleged incidents, conduct descriptions, and imposed sanctions, providing a rare level of transparency. Reporting channels include the Office of the Dean of Students, the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD), and the Title IX office.

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT Austin’s public hazing log showcases a repeated pattern of misconduct by various organizations:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): This fraternity was found responsible for hazing after new members were directed to consume milk to an uncomfortable degree and perform strenuous calisthenics. UT Austin imposed probation and required specific hazing-prevention education.
• Texas Wranglers (2022): This spirit organization was sanctioned for hazing violations, including alcohol misuse, forced exercise, and activities designed to degrade new members.
• Other Greek and Non-Greek Organizations: The public log details numerous instances of forced alcohol consumption, physical activities, and psychological manipulation involving groups like Delta Upsilon, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and various other spirit and social organizations.

The transparency at UT Austin, while commendable, also reveals the ongoing challenge of hazing culture within student organizations, despite clear policies and consequences. The presence of SAE hazing allegations, which aligns with national patterns of that fraternity, is also noted in UT Austin’s records.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing incidents at UT Austin may involve investigations by the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) for on-campus acts or the Austin Police Department (APD) and the Travis County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits arising from hazing in Austin would typically be filed in state district courts in Travis County.

The public record of prior violations on UT’s hazing log can be incredibly powerful evidence in civil suits. It can demonstrate a pattern of misconduct by a specific organization and establish that both the local chapter and the university had prior knowledge of hazing risks, potentially strengthening arguments for negligence or gross negligence. This transparency from UT Austin can contribute significantly to a victim’s ability to build a strong civil case.

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents from North America Should Do

For students and parents in North America connected to UT Austin:

• Review UT’s Hazing Violations Page: Before making any decisions about joining an organization, review the disciplinary history published on hazing.utexas.edu.
• Report to the Dean of Students: For formal disciplinary action and to establish a university record, report incidents to the Dean of Students Office.
• Contact a Lawyer Experienced in Austin Hazing Cases: An attorney specializing in hazing claims, particularly those with experience in Travis County, can leverage UT’s transparency to build robust cases against organizations and the university.
• Preserve Digital Evidence: Given the prevalence of digital communication in hazing, secure screenshots of all relevant texts, group chats, and social media posts.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas presents a distinct environment for hazing due to its status as a private institution with a prominent, often affluent, Greek community. For families in North America, particularly those in the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex or sending their children to SMU, understanding its hazing landscape is crucial.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot (with North America Connection)

SMU is a private, highly selective university with strong academic programs and a significant Greek life presence. The campus culture is often associated with exclusivity and tradition. Many students from North America and across Texas aim for SMU, making its campus safety and organizational conduct a top priority for their families.

5.4.2 SMU’s Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU maintains a strict anti-hazing policy that aligns with Texas law, prohibiting any act causing harm or humiliation as a condition of membership. SMU utilizes reporting mechanisms through its Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, as well as an anonymous reporting system called Real Response. As a private institution, SMU’s public disclosure of disciplinary actions tends to be less detailed than public universities like UT Austin, often citing privacy concerns for student conduct matters.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Response

SMU has also grappled with hazing allegations within its Greek system.

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): This fraternity faced severe allegations that new members were subjected to paddling, forced excessive alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation. The university suspended the Kappa Alpha Order chapter, imposing restrictions on its activities and recruitment until around 2021.
• Other Organizations: SMU’s records indicate other instances where fraternities have been suspended or placed on probation for hazing, often involving alcohol-related misconduct and physical or psychological abuse.

These incidents underscore that hazing is a challenge even in highly selective private institutions, where social pressures to conform can intensify. The discretion surrounding private university disciplinary actions often means victims and families need to be proactive in their investigations.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing incidents at SMU, particularly those occurring off-campus, would typically involve the Dallas Police Department (DPD) or the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office. Civil lawsuits against SMU or its affiliated organizations would generally be filed in state district courts in Dallas County.

As a private university, SMU does not have sovereign immunity, meaning it may be more directly exposed to civil liability claims for negligence or inadequate supervision than public institutions. However, its private status can also mean less public-facing information about past incidents. An experienced attorney can use civil discovery processes to compel SMU to produce internal reports, communications, and disciplinary records that are not otherwise publicly posted.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents from North America Should Do

For students and parents in North America connected to SMU:

• Utilize Anonymous Reporting Systems: Tools like SMU’s Real Response can be valuable for reporting concerns discreetly.
• Understand Private Institution Dynamics: Recognize that private universities may have different levels of transparency regarding hazing incidents. This means a more aggressive legal approach may be required to uncover relevant information.
• Seek Attorneys with Experience Challenging Private Institutions: An attorney with experience in hazing litigation against private universities and their national organizations can better navigate SMU’s internal procedures and legal defenses.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University, a top-tier private Christian university in Waco, has a long history and strong traditions that attract students and families from North America and around the globe. While rooted in faith-based values, Baylor has not been immune to campus misconduct, including hazing, and has faced significant scrutiny over its handling of student safety issues.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot (with North America Connection)

Baylor University is a prominent private Christian university known for its rigorous academics and community-focused environment. Located in Waco, it maintains active Greek life, numerous student organizations, and competitive athletic programs. For families in North America who value a faith-based educational environment, Baylor is a significant choice. Its past, particularly regarding its handling of sexual assault cases within its athletic program, has brought intense scrutiny to its institutional oversight and student well-being policies.

5.5.2 Baylor’s Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University unequivocally prohibits hazing, defining it broadly to include any acts that could endanger the mental or physical health of a student. These policies align with Texas law, applying to all student organizations, including Greek life and athletic teams. Baylor encourages reporting through its Division of Student Life, the Baylor Police Department (BUPD), and its Title IX office. The university emphasizes a “zero tolerance” approach to hazing incidents.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Response

Baylor’s history of institutional oversight challenges has sometimes overlapped with hazing concerns:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): In a widely reported incident, 14 Baylor baseball players were suspended following a hazing investigation. The suspensions were staggered across the early season, impacting team performance. While specific details of the hazing were not fully publicized, the scale of the suspensions indicated significant misconduct.
• Broader Oversight Challenges: Baylor’s prior scrutiny over its handling of sexual assault cases in its football program highlighted systemic failures in institutional oversight and reporting structures. This context influences public and legal perception of how Baylor responds to and prevents hazing and other forms of student misconduct.

These incidents demonstrate that even institutions with strong ethical foundations and “zero tolerance” policies can struggle with hazing and student safety issues. Baylor’s prior and ongoing efforts to address institutional accountability will shape how any future hazing claims are viewed and litigated.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing incidents at Baylor, particularly those occurring off-campus, could involve the Waco Police Department (WPD) or the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office. Civil lawsuits against Baylor or its associated organizations would generally be filed in state district courts in McLennan County, where Waco is located.

As a private university, Baylor does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it potentially more vulnerable to civil liability claims for negligence or oversight failures. The university’s history of prior conduct-related scandals means that any hazing lawsuit would likely delve deep into its institutional policies, enforcement mechanisms, and communication structures, especially concerning its “zero tolerance” rhetoric versus its actual practices.

5.4.5 What Baylor Students & Parents from North America Should Do

For students and parents in North America connected to Baylor University:

• Scrutinize Policies and Practices: Given Baylor’s history, critically evaluate how “zero tolerance” policies are actually enforced within student organizations and athletic programs.
• Document Any Retaliation: If you report hazing and face retaliation or pressure, document it immediately. Baylor’s Title IX office and Student Life division have a responsibility to prevent and address retaliation.
• Understand Prior Scandals: Be aware of Baylor’s broader history regarding institutional misconduct, as this context is often relevant in hazing-related litigation.
• Seek Counsel from Attorneys Familiar with Private University Dynamics: An attorney with experience in hazing claims against private institutions, particularly those with a history of oversight challenges, can offer invaluable guidance.

6. Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

For families in North America, understanding that the Greek letters on their child’s campus represent not just local chapters, but vast national organizations with complex histories and legal liabilities, is crucial. The Manginello Law Firm leverages this knowledge to connect local incidents, like the one involving Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston, to broader patterns of organizational misconduct.

6.1 Why National Histories Matter

Many fraternities and sororities at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor are part of powerful national organizations. These national headquarters (HQs) play a direct role in chartering, overseeing, and — crucially — insuring their local chapters. They typically have extensive anti-hazing manuals and risk management policies. Why? Because they have often paid millions in settlements and verdicts directly linked to hazing deaths, severe injuries, and ongoing patterns of abuse across their campuses.

National HQs are acutely aware of the historical patterns: the forced drinking nights, the paddling traditions, the humiliating rituals. When a Texas chapter, whether at UH, A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor, repeats the same script that led to another tragedy or lawsuit in a different state, it demonstrates foreseeability. This pattern of knowledge can be a powerful legal argument for negligence or even punitive damages against the national entity, suggesting they knew the risks but failed to adequately prevent them.

6.2 Organization Mapping: From Local Chapter to National Pattern

While we cannot list every single fraternity and sorority, certain organizations have a recurring presence at these major Texas campuses and a nationally documented history of hazing incidents. These are the organizations that, if implicated in a hazing incident, would immediately lead us to examine their national record.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): Present at multiple Texas campuses, Pike has a national history marred by severe hazing. The most prominent example is the Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green State University, where a pledge died from alcohol poisoning after forced drinking. Other serious cases across the country point to a pattern of dangerous initiation rituals.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): With chapters at many Texas universities including UT Austin and Texas A&M, SAE has faced numerous hazing-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide. Recent lawsuits include a tragic traumatic brain injury lawsuit at the University of Alabama and the Texas A&M incident where pledges allegedly suffered severe chemical burns from industrial-strength cleaner. A UT Austin chapter was also sued for an alleged assault. These patterns suggest systemic issues within SAE that span across campuses.

• Phi Delta Theta: This fraternity, active at schools like LSU (where Max Gruver died from alcohol poisoning during a “Bible study” hazing ritual) and Baylor, has faced significant legal action over its hazing culture.

• Pi Kappa Phi: The national organization for the Beta Nu chapter at the University of Houston, currently facing a $10 million lawsuit for the alleged hazing of Leonel Bermudez. Nationally, Pi Kappa Phi is tied to the Andrew Coffey death at Florida State University, another alcohol poisoning case during a “Big Brother Night,” highlighting a concerning trend in its initiation practices.

• Kappa Alpha Order: With chapters at SMU and Texas A&M, Kappa Alpha Order has a recorded history of hazing suspensions and incidents involving forced drinking and physical abuse at various institutions.

• Beta Theta Pi: The national entity linked to the tragic death of Timothy Piazza at Penn State, involving extreme alcohol consumption and delayed medical aid.

These organizations are not singled out for isolated incidents but represent patterns of behavior observed repeatedly, indicating that national policies and enforcement have, in many cases, fallen short.

6.3 Tie Back to Legal Strategy

The cumulative weight of these national and campus-specific histories forms a critical component of our legal strategy. When we represent North America families whose child has been hazed at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor, we look beyond the immediate local chapter. We investigate:

• Pattern and Foreseeability: Did the national organization know, due to past incidents, that a particular type of hazing (e.g., forced drinking, physical abuse) was a risk within its chapters? If so, did they act aggressively enough to prevent it?
• Policy Enforcement: Were “anti-hazing” policies genuine commitments or just “paper policies” enacted for PR? We examine whether national and local entities meaningfully enforced these policies, or if prior violations were met with lenient punishments that failed to deter future hazing.
• Institutional Knowledge: Through discovery, we seek to uncover communications between local chapters, national HQs, and universities that might show a failure to act on repeated warnings or reported incidents.

This strategic approach significantly impacts settlement leverage, disputes over insurance coverage (where national policies or university umbrella policies often come into play), and the potential for punitive damages, which aim to punish egregious conduct and deter future harm. For North America families, this means not just holding individuals accountable, but aiming to change the culture of an entire organization.

7. Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

Building a successful hazing case in Texas, whether for a family in North America or from another part of the state, demands meticulous investigation, a comprehensive understanding of damages, and a sophisticated legal strategy. We assemble a detailed narrative and a strong legal argument, targeting all responsible parties, from individual perpetrators to national organizations and universities.

7.1 Evidence: The Foundation of Every Claim

Modern hazing cases are often won or lost on the strength of their evidence. Because hazing is often conducted in secret, much of this evidence can be digital.

• Digital Communications: These are often the “smoking gun.”

  • GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, and other fraternity/sorority apps are goldmines. They reveal planning, intent, knowledge, and direct instructions. We look for messages showing: “Don’t tell anyone,” “Delete these messages,” “Pledges, meet at…”, or directives for consuming alcohol or performing harmful acts. Screenshots of entire threads, with timestamps and participant names, are crucial.
  • Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, and TikTok content can show humiliating acts, forced participation, or alcohol abuse during events. Snapchat’s disappearing messages make rapid preservation critical.
  • Evidence often includes both live, captured messages and those that can be recovered through digital forensics from phones or cloud backups, even if attempts were made to delete them.

• Photos & Videos:

  • Content filmed by members during events is increasingly common. This footage, often shared in group chats or private social media stories, captures directly what happened.
  • Photos or videos of injuries suffered by the victim, taken immediately and over several days, are powerful.
  • Security camera or Ring/doorbell footage at houses and venues (especially off-campus ones) can sometimes capture arrivals, departures, or suspicious activity.

• Internal Organization Documents: These shed light on “traditions” and internal rules.

  • Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, or “ritual books” can reveal official or unofficial expectations that contribute to hazing.
  • Emails or texts from officers planning events or discussing “what we’ll do to pledges.”
  • National policies, risk management guidelines, and training materials can show what the national organization knew or should have known about prohibited conduct.

• University Records: These are crucial for demonstrating institutional knowledge and inaction.

  • Prior conduct files, probation notices, suspensions, or warning letters issued to the organization or individuals involved in hazing.
  • Incident reports filed with campus police or student conduct offices.
  • Clery Act reports and disciplinary disclosures, such as UT Austin’s publicly available hazing log, can show a pattern of violations.

• Medical and Psychological Records: These document the extent of the harm.

  • Emergency room and hospitalization records, including toxicology reports (for alcohol/drugs) and lab results (e.g., creatine kinase levels for rhabdomyolysis, as seen in the Bermudez case).
  • Surgery and rehabilitation notes, physical therapy records.
  • Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation. These records are vital for proving emotional distress and long-term suffering.

• Witness Testimony:

  • Other pledges, current or former members, roommates, Resident Advisors (RAs), coaches, trainers, or bystanders who observed the hazing can provide crucial eyewitness accounts.
  • Former members who quit or were expelled for refusing to participate in hazing are often powerful, credible witnesses.

7.2 Damages: What Victims and Families Can Recover

When hazing causes harm, victims and their families can pursue various categories of damages to compensate for their losses and suffering. We focus on recovering the full, fair amount for every category of harm.

• Medical Bills & Future Care:

  • Immediate care: Costs for emergency room visits, ambulance transport, and intensive care unit (ICU) stays, as Leonel Bermudez required for his acute kidney failure.
  • Ongoing treatment: Expenses for surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and consultations with specialists.
  • Long-term care: For catastrophic injuries like permanent brain damage or organ damage, this can include lifelong nursing care, assistive technology, and specialized therapies.

• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact:

  • Missed semesters: Compensation for tuition, housing, and other costs if a student must withdraw or take a medical leave dueasing.
  • Setbacks in career: If injuries delay entry into the workforce or require a change in career path.
  • Reduced earning capacity: For permanent injuries, economists can project lifetime earnings loss.

• Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for the incredible human toll of hazing.

  • Physical pain and suffering: From injuries, ongoing discomfort, and recovery.
  • Emotional distress: Including trauma, humiliation, shame, anxiety, and the development of conditions like PTSD, depression, or suicidal ideation. These are often profoundly debilitating.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: The inability to participate in activities once enjoyed, the diminished college experience, and the overall reduced quality of life due to the hazing.

• Wrongful Death Damages (for families): In the most tragic cases, where hazing leads to death, surviving family members can pursue:

  • Funeral and burial costs.
  • Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided.
  • Loss of companionship, love, guidance, and society for parents, siblings, or spouses.
  • The grief and mental anguish suffered by the family.

We are describing categories of damages, not promising or predicting specific dollar amounts. Every case is unique, and compensation depends on the specific facts and applicable legal principles.

7.3 Role of Defendants and Insurance Coverage

A critical part of building a case involves identifying all potential defendants and navigating the complex world of insurance coverage.

• Multiple Defendants, Multiple Policies: National fraternities, universities, and sometimes even individual officers, typically carry insurance policies designed to cover various liabilities, including personal injury claims.
• Insurance Exclusion Arguments: Insurers frequently attempt to deny coverage by arguing that hazing constitutes “intentional conduct” or “criminal acts,” which are often excluded from standard policies. They may also contend that a particular policy doesn’t cover certain named defendants.
• Experienced Hazing Lawyers: Our deep understanding of how insurers operate (especially Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge from her years as an insurance defense attorney) allows us to:
  • Identify all potential sources of recovery, including various layers of insurance (local chapter policies, national umbrella policies, university policies, homeowners’ policies of individual members).
  • Force insurers to defend their policyholders, even when they initially try to deny coverage for intentional acts like hazing. We argue that the negligence of the institution or organization in supervising its members falls within covered acts.
  • Strategically negotiate within policy limits or pursue bad faith claims against insurers who wrongfully deny coverage.

This complex landscape requires nuanced legal skill to ensure that all potential avenues for recovery are explored and aggressively pursued for families facing the aftermath of hazing.

8. Practical Guides & FAQs

For North America parents, students, and witnesses, having clear, actionable guidance during a hazing crisis can make all the difference. This section provides immediate advice on recognizing hazing, responding effectively, and avoiding common pitfalls.

8.1 For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

The signs of hazing can be subtle initially, evolving into overt abuse. Parents in North America are often the first line of defense.

• Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

  • Unexplained injuries: Look for bruises, cuts, burns, or repeated “accidents,” especially if explanations don’t add up. Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure began with severe physical exertion.
  • Extreme fatigue: Constant exhaustion, pulling all-nighters for “activities,” or being visibly sleep-deprived.
  • Drastic changes in mood: Sudden anxiety, depression, irritability, or unusual withdrawal from family or old friends.
  • Secretive behavior: Phrases like “I can’t talk about it” or “It’s a secret for new members” when asked about their group’s activities.
  • Excessive phone use/anxiety: Constantly checking their phone for group chats, fearing missing a “mandatory” late-night event.
  • Loss of interest in academics or former hobbies: Grades dropping, missing classes, or neglecting personal passions.
  • Forced spending: Requests for unusual amounts of money for “fines,” gifts for older members, or unexplained expenses.

• How to Talk to Your Child:

  • Ask open-ended questions: “How are things really going with the fraternity/sorority?” rather than accusatory questions.
  • Emphasize unconditional support: Let them know their safety and well-being are your top priorities, far above any group affiliation.
  • Share information without judgment: Point to hazing examples, legal consequences, and your resources.

• If Your Child Is Hurt:

  • Prioritize medical care: Seek immediate medical attention, even if your child insists they are “fine” or worries about “getting the group in trouble.”
  • Document everything relentlessly: Take high-quality photos of injuries from multiple angles and over several days. Screenshot any relevant texts, group chats, or social media posts immediately. See our video on documenting evidence: Our video on using your phone to document evidence.
  • Keep detailed notes: Record names, dates, times, and exact locations of incidents.

• Dealing with the University:

  • Document all communications: Keep records of every email, phone call, and meeting with university administrators.
  • Inquire about prior incidents: Ask specific questions about whether the organization involved has a history of hazing or disciplinary actions.

• When to Talk to a Lawyer:

  • Immediately: If your child has suffered significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing what happened. An early consultation can protect your child’s rights and preserve crucial evidence before it vanishes.

8.2 For Students / Pledges: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

If you are a student from North America currently experiencing or witnessing hazing, your safety and well-being are paramount.

• Is This Hazing or Just “Tradition”?

  • Ask yourself: Do I feel unsafe, humiliated, or coerced? Am I forced to drink, endure pain, or perform degrading acts? Are these activities hidden from parents or administrators? If you answered yes to any of these, it probably is hazing, regardless of what they call it. The Texas Education Code definition of hazing covers actions that endanger mental or physical health for membership, and it explicitly states that consent is not a defense.

• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story:

  • You might feel like you “agreed” to it to fit in, but the power dynamics, intense peer pressure, and fear of exclusion in hazing situations often mean that consent is not truly voluntary. Texas law understands this; their agreement is not considered a valid defense.

• Exiting and Reporting Safely:

  • You have the legal right to leave any organization at any time. If you feel unsafe, get to a safe location (your dorm, a trusted friend’s house).
  • Report privately or anonymously: Utilize campus reporting channels (Dean of Students), anonymous tip lines (e.g., 1-888-NOT-HAZE), or trusted faculty/staff.
  • Good-faith reporting: Many schools and Texas law offer protections (amnesty) for students who call for help in an emergency, even if they were also involved.
  • If you’re concerned about the statute of limitations, watch our video for more information: Our video on Texas statutes of limitations.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses: Taking a Stand

If you are a former member or witness feeling guilt, fear, or a moral obligation to speak out about hazing, your testimony can be life-saving.

• Your Role in Accountability: Your testimony and evidence can prevent future harm and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
• Seek Legal Advice: You may want to consult with your own attorney to understand your rights and any potential legal exposure before speaking with authorities or university officials. Cooperating with an investigation, however, can often mitigate personal risk and is a crucial step towards justice. Our firm, with expertise in both criminal and civil hazing cases, can advise on navigating your role.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

For families in North America, navigating a hazing crisis means avoiding critical mistakes that defense attorneys will exploit. Don’t let an avoidable error derail your pursuit of justice. Watch our video about client mistakes that can ruin your injury case: Our video on mistakes that can ruin your injury case.

MISTAKES THAT CAN RUIN YOUR HAZING CASE:

1. Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence:
   • Why it’s wrong: This looks like a cover-up, can be considered obstruction of justice, and makes building a strong case nearly impossible.
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even content that feels embarrassing or incriminating.
2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly:
   • Why it’s wrong: This signals your intent to them, prompting them to immediately engage legal counsel, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare their defense.
   • What to do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any direct confrontation.
3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms without legal review:
   • Why it’s wrong: These agreements may waive your right to sue, and any settlement offered by the university is often far below the actual value of your case.
   • What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university without an attorney reviewing it first.
4. Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer:
   • Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything, and any inconsistencies can hurt your credibility. Public posts can also waive legal privilege.
   • What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control any public messaging.
5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting” with the organization:
   • Why it’s wrong: They will pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can later be used against your case.
   • What to do instead: Once you are considering legal action, all communication with the organization should typically go through your lawyer.
6. Waiting “to see how the university handles it”:
   • Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, the statute of limitations runs, and the university often prioritizes controlling the narrative over full accountability.
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW, consult a lawyer immediately. The university’s internal process is distinctly different from true legal accountability.
7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer present:
   • Why it’s wrong: Adjusters represent the insurance company’s interests, not yours. Recorded statements can be used against you, and initial settlement offers are often low.
   • What to do instead: Politely decline to discuss the incident and tell them your attorney will contact them.

8.5 Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”

  • Yes, under certain circumstances. While public universities like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, and UT Austin have some sovereign immunity protections, exceptions exist for gross negligence, specific federal violations like Title IX, and when suing individuals in their personal capacity. Private universities like SMU and Baylor have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on its specific facts; contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”

  • It can be. Under Texas law (Texas Education Code § 37.152), hazing is generally a Class B misdemeanor. However, it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals (including officers) can also face charges for failing to report hazing or retaliating against someone who reports it.

• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”

  • Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “agreement” under peer pressure, power imbalance, or fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent. Your child’s “agreement” does not legalize a harmful act.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”

  • Generally, you have two years from the date of injury or death to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit in Texas. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this period if the harm or its cause was not immediately apparent. In cases involving cover-ups or fraudulent concealment, the statute of limitations may be “tolled” (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately for urgent legal guidance.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”

  • The location of the hazing does not eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities/sororities can still be held liable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability of the risks. Many major hazing cases nationally (such as the Pi Delta Psi retreat case involving Michael Deng, or cases occurring at unofficial off-campus houses) resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments despite not occurring on university property.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”

  • While some high-profile cases do gain media attention (like the Leonel Bermudez case), most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy and can often work to request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We will discuss these options with you in detail.

9. About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family in North America faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. This is where Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, steps in. We are a Houston-based Texas personal injury firm with deep experience in serious injury, wrongful death, and institutional accountability cases across the state, including for families in North America and surrounding regions.

We understand that hazing at Texas universities like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor affects families in North America and across the region. Our firm brings a unique blend of skills and resources perfectly suited to these complex cases:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. This invaluable experience means she knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and, more often, undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. We know their playbook because we used to run it. Her background is crucial for navigating fraternity and university insurance coverage disputes (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/).

• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation. That experience, litigating against an international corporation with near-unlimited legal resources, proves our capability to tackle the most formidable defendants. Our federal court experience—both Ralph and Lupe are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas—means we are not intimidated by national fraternities, multi-billion-dollar endowment universities, or their aggressive defense teams. When we say we’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won, we mean it. We know how to fight powerful defendants. Ralph Manginello’s complete credentials and case history are detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

• Proven Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, recovering millions for families in their darkest hours. We work with economists to precisely value the long-term impact of missed education and lost lifetime earning potential, and collaborate with medical specialists to project the costs of long-term care for brain injuries or organ damage, as alarmingly relevant in the Leonel Bermudez case. We don’t settle cheap; we build cases that force genuine accountability.

• Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) gives our firm a unique perspective. Hazing incidents often have dual criminal and civil tracks. We understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation and can provide strategic advice to witnesses or former members facing potential dual exposure. Our criminal defense experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) means we can advise on both criminal exposure and civil liability elements that might arise in hazing investigations.

• Investigative Depth: We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does. We have an extensive network of experts, including medical professionals, digital forensics specialists, economists, and psychologists. Our experience in crisis litigation has equipped us to secure hidden evidence, from deleted group chats and social media content to subpoenaing national fraternity records and university files through aggressive discovery and specialized public records requests. We understand how to uncover the truth, even when organizations try to hide it.

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including North America and surrounding areas. We understand how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments actually work behind closed doors. We know what makes hazing cases different – the powerful institutional defendants, the insurance coverage battles, and the delicate balance of victim privacy with public accountability. We also understand Greek culture, its traditions, and how to prove coercion within the context of these organizations. We do all of this with deep empathy for your situation, because we know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We believe in thorough investigation and real accountability, not just quick settlements. Listen to our video on how contingency fees work: Our video explaining how contingency fees work.

Call to Action: Seek Immediate, Confidential Legal Guidance

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether it was the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or another institution—we want to hear from you. Families in North America and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will listen to what happened without judgment, review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records), explain your legal options (criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither), and help you decide on the best path forward. We’ll discuss realistic timelines and what to expect, and answer your questions about costs. Our contingency fee basis means we don’t get paid unless we win your case. There is no pressure to hire us on the spot; take your time to decide. Everything you tell us is confidential.

Hablamos Español: If you prefer to discuss your concerns in Spanish, please contact Lupe Peña directly via email at lupe@atty911.com. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

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

Reading this article does not create an attorney–client relationship. Every case is unique, and we cannot guarantee specific outcomes. An experienced attorney can review your specific facts, explain your rights under Texas law, and help you understand your options. Whether you’re in North America or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. Call us today.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

• 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/
• https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc
• https://attorney911.com
• https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
• https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/
• https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/
• https://attorney911.com/contact/

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