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In the quiet communities across Idaho, where the rhythms of daily life center around family, community events, and the stunning natural beauty surrounding us, the thought of a child facing harm far from home can be deeply unsettling. For many Idaho families, sending a child off to college in Texas – a state known for its thriving universities and vibrant campus life – is a moment filled with pride, excitement, and perhaps a touch of apprehension. Yet, a hidden danger lurks beneath the surface of seemingly innocent traditions: hazing.

Imagine this scenario: Your talented student, fresh from the familiar landscapes of Idaho, has just started a promising journey at a university like the University of Houston. They’ve joined a fraternity, eager to build lifelong bonds and a sense of belonging. It’s an “initiation night,” framed as a rite of passage. Your child, eyes burning from sleep deprivation and stomach churning from forced consumption, faces a group of older members. Phones are out, not for calling help, but for recording the humiliating acts or chanting encouragement for an extreme drinking challenge. As the night wears on, fear grips your child—not just fear of failure, but fear for their physical safety. Someone eventually collapses, perhaps from alcohol poisoning or sheer exhaustion, but instead of calling 911, there’s panic, whispers of “getting the chapter shut down,” and a desperate scramble to hide what happened. Your child feels trapped, torn between loyalty to a group they desperately want to join and the gnawing fear for their own well-being.

This could happen at any Texas university—including schools where Idaho families send their children. What starts as an aspiration for camaraderie can quickly devolve into a nightmare when hazing takes hold. This comprehensive guide to hazing and the law in Texas is written specifically for families in Idaho and across the state who need to understand this pervasive problem. We will explore:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, far beyond outdated stereotypes.
• The critical legal framework governing hazing in Texas and at the federal level.
• Insights from major national hazing cases and how their lessons apply to Texas families.
• The specific hazing challenges and responses at prominent Texas institutions like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor.
• The concerning national histories of Greek organizations and how they fuel liability.
• Your legal options as victims and families in Idaho and throughout Texas.

This article provides general information only, not specific legal advice. Every situation is unique. However, The Manginello Law Firm is here to help. We serve families throughout Texas, from our Houston offices to every corner of the state, including Idaho.

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, or direct messages immediately
    • Photograph injuries from multiple angles
    • Save physical items like clothing, receipts, or objects involved
  • Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
  • Do NOT:
    • Confront the fraternity/sorority or organization
    • Sign anything from the university or insurance company without legal counsel
    • Post details on public social media
    • Allow your child to delete messages or “clean up” evidence

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

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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For Idaho families unfamiliar with modern Greek life or collegiate organizations, the image of hazing might be cartoonish—a silly prank or maybe some light-hearted teasing. Unfortunately, the reality of hazing in 2025 is far more sinister, contributing to severe injuries, profound psychological trauma, and even death. It’s an insidious abuse of power, often cloaked in the guise of “tradition” or “bonding,” but its core purpose is intimidation, humiliation, and control.

Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

At its heart, hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act where someone, to join a group or maintain membership, is subjected to any activity that endangers their physical or mental health or safety, or causes them embarrassment, humiliation, or severe physical or psychological discomfort. This definition is critical because it highlights several key points:

• Intent or Recklessness: It doesn’t have to be malicious. If the person hazing knew, or should have known, that their actions could cause harm, it falls under this definition.
• Endangers Health or Safety: This isn’t just about broken bones. Mental and emotional well-being are explicitly covered. The psychological toll can be as devastating as physical injuries.
• Purpose of Affiliation: The core motivation is tied to joining or belonging to a group – fraternities, sororities, sports teams, clubs, even academic societies.
• “Consent” is Invalid: A student’s reluctant agreement to a hazing activity does not turn it into a harmless pastime. Under duress, coercion, or immense peer pressure, true consent is impossible. The power imbalance inherent in hazing means that “saying yes” often isn’t a free choice.

Main Categories of Hazing

Understanding the different categories of hazing helps Idaho families recognize the signs, even when they’re not immediately obvious:

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is arguably the most dangerous and unfortunately, the most common form of hazing leading to fatalities. It includes:

  • Forced or Coerced Drinking: Pledges might be required to drink excessive amounts of alcohol, often hard liquor, within a short timeframe. This can occur in “lineups” where multiple pledges drink simultaneously, or in “bottle exchanges” where dangerous amounts are given.
  • “Games” Designed for Intoxication: Many hazing rituals involve drinking games where the outcome is not fun, but dangerous levels of intoxication. This can include “Bible study” where wrong answers lead to forced drinks, or “Big/Little” events where “little” pledges are expected to consume a “big” bottle of alcohol.
  • Pressure to Consume Unknown Substances: This ranges from foul-tasting concoctions to illegal drugs, often under the threat of social exclusion or physical punishment.

• Physical Hazing: Far from harmless roughhousing, physical hazing pushes individuals beyond safe limits, often resulting in severe injury or exhaustion.

  • Paddling and Beatings: Unfortunately, physical assaults, often with paddles, hands, or other objects, still occur despite being explicitly outlawed by most organizations.
  • Extreme Calisthenics or “Workouts”: Pledges are often forced to perform hundreds of push-ups, sit-ups, or runs, sometimes to the point of collapse or developing rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown). These arduous sessions are frequently referred to as “smokings” or “conditioning.”
  • Sleep and Food/Water Deprivation: Pledges may be kept awake for days on end, forced to attend late-night “meetings,” or denied sufficient food and water. This profound exhaustion makes them vulnerable and impairs their judgment.
  • Exposure to Dangerous Environments: This can include being left in remote locations (drop-offs), confined to cold or hot spaces, or forced to perform tasks in unsanitary conditions.

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This category is deeply dehumanizing and often leaves lasting emotional scars.

  • Forced Nudity or Simulated Sexual Acts: Pledges may be forced to strip, perform simulated sexual acts, or engage in degrading positions like the “elephant walk” or “roasted pig.”
  • Public Humiliation: Pledges are often made to wear embarrassing clothing, perform ridiculous stunts in public, or endure verbal abuse and ridicule in front of others.
  • Racist, Homophobic, or Sexist Acts: Hazing can be used to perpetuate harmful stereotypes, forcing pledges to act out demeaning roles based on their identity.

• Psychological Hazing: This often flies under the radar but can inflict profound mental and emotional harm, often setting the stage for more extreme abuse.

  • Verbal Abuse and Threats: Constant yelling, insults, threats of expulsion, or shaming can erode self-esteem and create extreme anxiety.
  • Isolation and Manipulation: Pledges may be isolated from external support systems, manipulated emotionally, or forced to confess personal secrets.
  • Extreme Secrecy: Being forced to keep secrets from loved ones, faculty, or authorities contributes to a sense of isolation and entrenches the hazing culture.

• Digital/Online Hazing: With the rise of technology, hazing has found new, insidious platforms for humiliation and control.

  • Group Chat Coercion: Pledges are often required to respond instantly to group messages at all hours, face digital dares, or perform humiliating tasks livestreamed via social media.
  • Social Media Shaming: Forced to post embarrassing content, participate in humiliating online “challenges,” or face cyberbullying within private group chats.
  • Location Tracking: Being required to share their location 24/7 through apps like “Find My” or Life360, creating a constant sense of surveillance.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

The misconception that hazing is limited to “frat boys” is dangerous. While Greek life is often associated with hazing, these practices are far more widespread on college campuses, threatening students from Idaho and across the country involved in many different organizations:

• Fraternities and Sororities: This includes social Greek letter organizations (Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council), historically Black Greek letter organizations (NPHC), and multicultural Greek councils.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: These groups, with their emphasis on physical discipline and chain of command, can unfortunately sometimes present environments where hazing is mistaken for “discipline” or “training.”
• Athletic Teams: From football to swimming, basketball to cheerleading, athletic teams at all levels have histories of hazing. This can involve forced drinking, physical abuse, or humiliating rituals framed as “team bonding.”
• Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs: Organizations central to school spirit, like university spirit groups, dance teams, or even club sports, can sometimes engage in hazing under the guise of “tradition.”
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly benign organizations like marching bands, a cappella groups, or theater troupes have documented incidents of hazing, often involving physical or psychological abuse.
• Other Student Organizations: Hazing can occur in academic clubs, cultural associations, or even volunteer groups, fueled by a desire for hierarchy or misplaced “tradition.”

The common thread across these diverse groups is the powerful combination of social status, tradition, and secrecy. These elements create an environment where hazing can flourish, even when officially prohibited. New members, eager for acceptance and belonging, often feel compelled to endure abusive rituals, while older members, having gone through it themselves, perpetuate the cycle. This silence and the inherent power dynamics make hazing a persistent and dangerous problem on campuses today.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For Idaho families navigating the complexities of hazing incidents at Texas universities, understanding the legal landscape is crucial. Texas has a specific legal framework to address hazing, supplemented by federal laws that can also provide avenues for accountability.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas law clearly prohibits hazing, articulating both its definition and the penalties for engaging in it. The primary legal provisions are found in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F.

The Texas Education Code § 37.151 defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off campus, by a person acting alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, and
• Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members are primarily students.

In plain terms, if someone makes you do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a student group, and they intended to do it or were reckless about the risk, that’s hazing under Texas law. This means that mere horseplay is not hazing, but anything that risks physical or mental health when tied to group membership is. The law explicitly states that “consent” is not a defense (§ 37.155), meaning a student’s agreement to the act does not absolve the perpetrators of responsibility.

The law includes significant criminal penalties (§ 37.152):

• Most hazing incidents are classified as a Class B misdemeanor, carrying potential fines and jail time.
• If hazing results in an injury requiring medical treatment, it can be elevated to a Class A misdemeanor.
• Crucially, if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a state jail felony in Texas. This means perpetrators could face prison time and substantial fines.
• Individuals who are aware of hazing and fail to report it can also face misdemeanor charges.

Furthermore, Texas law provides reporter protections (§ 37.154). A person who reports a hazing incident in good faith to university authorities or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might arise from that report. This is designed to encourage witnesses and victims to come forward without fear of retaliation, though in practice, social pressures can still make reporting difficult.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

It’s important for Idaho families to understand the distinction between criminal and civil legal actions, both of which can be pursued in hazing cases:

• Criminal Cases: These are brought by the state (prosecutors) on behalf of the public. Their aim is to punish illegal behavior, with potential outcomes including jail time, fines, or probation for the individuals involved. In hazing incidents, criminal charges can range from misdemeanor hazing to felony hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, or even manslaughter in the tragic event of a death. The burden of proof in criminal cases is “beyond a reasonable doubt,” which is a high standard.

• Civil Cases: These are initiated by victims or their families directly against the responsible parties (individuals, organizations, universities). Their purpose is to seek monetary compensation for damages suffered and to hold those responsible accountable. The burden of proof in civil cases is lower (“preponderance of the evidence,” meaning “more likely than not”). Civil cases often focus on theories like:

  • Negligence: Failure to exercise reasonable care, leading to harm.
  • Gross Negligence: A conscious, extreme disregard for the safety of others.
  • Wrongful Death: When a fatality occurs due to another’s negligent or wrongful act.
  • Premises Liability: When a property owner’s negligence contributes to an injury.
  • Negligent Hiring/Supervision: When organizations fail to properly vet or oversee their members or employees.
  • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For severe psychological harm.

Both criminal and civil actions can proceed simultaneously. A criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for filing a civil lawsuit, and vice-versa.

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

Beyond state laws, several federal provisions impact how hazing is addressed on college campuses:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal legislation mandates greater transparency from colleges and universities that receive federal funding. By around 2026, these institutions will be required to:

  • Publicly report all findings of hazing violations.
  • Disclose specific details of hazing incidents, including sanctions imposed.
  • Enhance their hazing education and prevention programming.
  • Maintain a publicly accessible database of hazing violations, similar to Clery Act crime statistics.

• Title IX: This federal law prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. If hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based humiliation, or gender discrimination, Title IX obligations are triggered. Universities must investigate promptly and effectively, and they can be held liable for “deliberate indifference” to known sexual harassment or hazing.

• Clery Act (Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act): This law requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses, including statistics, policies, and procedures. While hazing is not a standalone Clery crime, incidents involving assault, sexual assault, or alcohol/drug-related offenses that occur during hazing rituals can trigger Clery reporting requirements. This typically leads to a more transparent record of campus safety and misconduct.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

In serious hazing cases, accountability can extend far beyond the immediate perpetrators. Understanding the potential defendants is crucial for Idaho families seeking justice:

• Individual Students: Those who actively planned, carried out, supplied substances, or participated in the hazing acts can be held personally liable. This also includes individuals who, by their inaction, allowed harm to occur or covered it up.
• Local Chapter / Organization: The immediate fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself (if it’s a recognized legal entity) can be sued. This applies if the organization authorized, encouraged, or tolerated the hazing, or if its officers were aware and failed to intervene.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters, as the parent organization, can be held liable. This often depends on whether the national entity knew or should have known about the local chapter’s hazing history, enforced its anti-hazing policies, and took adequate steps to prevent abuse. Many national organizations are increasingly central targets in hazing litigation given their resources and oversight responsibilities.
• University or Governing Board: The educational institution itself (and sometimes its board of regents or specific administrators) can be sued for negligence, especially if the university:
  • Had knowledge of prior hazing incidents involving the specific organization or individuals.
  • Failed to enforce its anti-hazing policies.
  • Failed to adequately supervise, monitor, or respond to hazing allegations.
  • Was deliberately indifferent to a known pattern of hazing culture on campus.
  • Failed to provide a safe environment for students.
• Third Parties: This can include:
  • Landlords or Property Owners: If hazing occurred on their property and they had knowledge of the activity or should have foreseen the risk.
  • Alcohol Providers: Bars, liquor stores, or individuals who illegally furnished alcohol to minors if that alcohol contributed to the harm (under “dram shop” laws in Texas).
  • Event Organizers or Security Companies: If they failed to provide adequate safety or oversight for events where hazing occurred.

Every case is highly fact-specific. An experienced hazing attorney understands how to identify all potentially liable parties and build a comprehensive case against them.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

When an Idaho family’s child faces hazing at a Texas university, it’s not an isolated incident. Instead, it’s often part of a disturbing national pattern, particularly within Greek life and other student organizations. The tragic cases below illustrate the severe consequences of hazing and have shaped legal precedents and public awareness across the United States. These stories, while heartbreaking, demonstrate the consistent themes that emerge in hazing litigation: alcohol abuse, physical violence, cover-ups, and institutional failures.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

The vast majority of hazing-related fatalities involve excessive, forced alcohol consumption. These cases highlight a recurring script where a desire for acceptance leads to dangerous drinking, often exacerbated by delayed medical attention.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): In one of the most widely publicized college hazing deaths, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza died after falling repeatedly and suffering severe brain injuries during a “bid acceptance” initiation event involving extreme alcohol consumption. Chapter security cameras captured the chaotic scene and the tragic delay of hours before fraternity members called for help. The criminal proceedings that followed brought dozens of charges against fraternity members, and the civil litigation against the fraternity yielded a confidential settlement for the Piazza family, who became vocal anti-hazing advocates. The resulting Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania drastically strengthened anti-hazing legislation nationwide. This case set a precedent for demonstrating how extreme intoxication and a callous disregard for human life—including a delay in calling 911—can lead to criminal charges and significant civil liability.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, also 19, died of acute alcohol poisoning during an off-campus “Big Brother Night” in which pledges were encouraged to consume entire “handles” of hard liquor. The incident led to criminal hazing charges against multiple fraternity members, some of whom pleaded guilty to misdemeanors. The Coffey family filed a wrongful death lawsuit, which was settled confidentially. In response, FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life activities, sparking a statewide movement for tougher anti-hazing laws in Florida. This case underscored the fatal consequences of “traditional” drinking rituals organized by fraternities.

• Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Another high-profile alcohol-related hazing death involved Maxwell “Max” Gruver, 18, who died after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game. Pledges were forced to chug hard liquor for incorrect answers to trivia questions. His death led to the enactment of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, which made felony hazing a reality in the state. One fraternity member was convicted of negligent homicide, while others faced lesser charges. The Gruver family reached confidential settlements in their civil suit but continued to advocate for hazing prevention. This case is a stark reminder that legislative change often follows public outrage and undeniable proof of hazing’s severity.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone Foltz, 20, tragically died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” pledge night. This modern case, just across the state line from Idaho, resulted in multiple criminal convictions of fraternity members for hazing and related charges. In their civil suit, the Foltz family reached a remarkable $10 million settlement in 2023, with approximately $7 million coming from the Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University. This substantial settlement highlighted that not only the fraternity but also the university can face massive financial and reputational consequences for their role in hazing.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical abuse and degrading rituals continue to be a deadly aspect of hazing.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, 19, died from a traumatic brain injury suffered during an off-campus fraternity “retreat” in the Pocono Mountains. Blindfolded and wearing a heavy backpack, he was repeatedly tackled in a ritual called the “glass ceiling.” Fraternity members delayed calling 911 for hours, attempting to cover up the incident. Several members were criminally convicted, and in a landmark decision, the national Pi Delta Psi fraternity itself was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, and permanently banned from operating in Pennsylvania for 10 years. This case established a critical precedent for holding national organizations criminally liable for their chapters’ hazing.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not confined to Greek letter organizations. Even prominent athletic programs can harbor cultures of abuse.

• Northwestern University Football Scandal (2023–2025): In a shocking series of revelations beginning in 2023, former football players at Northwestern University came forward alleging widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the football program dating back years. These allegations included forced “dry-humping” rituals, sexualized acts performed in dark locker rooms, and racial discrimination. The scandal led to the firing of long-standing head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who later filed a wrongful termination suit that was confidentially settled. Multiple players have filed lawsuits against the university, alleging a culture of abuse that administrators ignored. This case dramatically broadened public and legal understanding that hazing is a pervasive issue across all collegiate organizations, not just Greek life, and that even elite academic institutions can face accountability for systemic abuse within their athletic departments.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national anchor stories reveal crucial patterns relevant to Idaho families concerned about hazing at colleges in Texas and across the country:

• Recurring Dangers: The common threads are always present: forced drinking, physical beatings, humiliating rituals, and critically, a culture of silence that delays or prevents medical help.
• Legal Evolution: Each tragedy has further refined legal understanding, strengthening anti-hazing laws and increasing the accountability of individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and universities.
• Foreseeability: The sheer number of similar incidents establishes that the risks associated with certain hazing practices are foreseeable. This is a powerful argument in civil litigation, demonstrating that responsible parties knew or should have known these activities could cause harm.
• Accountability: Multi-million-dollar settlements and significant criminal penalties are increasingly common, signaling a shift towards real justice for victims. For Idaho families, these national lessons provide a roadmap for seeking justice in Texas courts.

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

For our families in Idaho, understanding the specific environments and hazing histories at major Texas universities where many of our children attend is paramount. While Idaho is geographically distant from these institutions, the legal and cultural patterns of hazing apply directly to any student from our state attending college in Texas. The Manginello Law Firm is intimately familiar with the landscapes of these campuses and the legal avenues available to address hazing.

University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a vibrant urban campus in the nation’s fourth-largest city, is often a destination for students seeking diverse academic and social experiences. With a substantial Greek system and numerous student organizations, it also presents the potential for hazing, as tragically demonstrated in a recent case our firm is handling.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Houston serves over 47,000 students, offering a dynamic university experience. Its Greek life is robust, comprising Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural Greek organizations. Students from Idaho enrolling at UH can find themselves part of a large and active campus community, which emphasizes diverse traditions. UH, located in Harris County, is a public institution whose policies are developed within the state’s legal framework.

Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston maintains a strict anti-hazing policy, explicitly prohibiting any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of affiliation or membership that causes or threatens to cause physical injury, mental distress, or humiliation. UH’s policies cover both on-campus and off-campus conduct. The university provides multiple avenues for reporting alleged hazing, including the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the UH Police Department. These channels are outlined on the university’s website, along with statements emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach.

Documented Incidents & Responses

The University of Houston stands at the center of our firm’s most significant hazing case: Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston / Pi Kappa Phi. Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student, pledged Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter in the fall of 2025. The lawsuit, filed by Attorneys Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña of Attorney911, alleges severe hazing that resulted in Bermudez suffering acute kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis—a life-threatening condition caused by severe muscle breakdown.

Specific details from the lawsuit highlight the brutal nature of the hazing:

• Pledges were required to carry a “fanny pack” at all times containing condoms, a sex toy, nicotine devices, and other humiliating items.
• Hazing included forced physical exertion during dawn/late-night workouts at Yellowstone Boulevard Park, leading to over 100 push-ups and 500 squats on November 3, 2025, leaving Bermudez unable to stand.
• Pledges were subjected to a constant barrage of sprints, bear crawls, and “save-your-brother” drills.
• Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by immediate sprints.
• Pledges were sprayed with water from a hose “similar to waterboarding” and threatened with actual waterboarding.
• One pledge was allegedly hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour on October 13, 2025.

Bermudez was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase (CK) levels and passed brown urine, a classic symptom of rhabdomyolysis. His physicians confirmed severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, with an ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

The university suspended the Beta Nu chapter on November 6, 2025, and the chapter subsequently surrendered its charter on November 14, 2025. The lawsuit seeks more than $10 million in damages from the University of Houston, its Board of Regents, the national Pi Kappa Phi organization, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity members. Ralph Manginello emphasized the severity, stating, “His urine was brown… We’re almost in 2026. This has to stop.” Lupe Peña added, “If this prevents harm to another person… Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” This case demonstrates the critical insights Attorney911 can bring to families in Idaho, showcasing active litigation against institutional defendants.
(See Click2Houston: 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: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/, and Hoodline: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/ for more details).

How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

A hazing case originating at the University of Houston would typically involve:

• Jurisdiction: Cases would likely fall under Harris County courts, potentially the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, if federal claims (like Title IX or civil rights) are involved alongside state negligence claims.
• Law Enforcement: UHPD would investigate on-campus incidents, while the Houston Police Department would handle off-campus crimes. Both might coordinate.
• Defendants: Potential defendants include the individual students involved, the local chapter, the national organization, and the University of Houston, as seen in the Bermudez case.

What UH Students & Parents Should Do

For Idaho students and families connected to UH:

• Document Everything: Immediately screenshot all relevant messages (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat), photos, or videos.
• Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize health. If injured or severely intoxicated, go to a Houston area emergency room immediately (e.g., Houston Methodist Hospital, Memorial Hermann–Texas Medical Center).
• Report Internally if safe: Use UH’s reporting channels (Dean of Students, UHPD) but be aware of the process’s limitations.
• Contact Legal Counsel: An attorney experienced in Houston hazing cases, such as Attorney911, can help navigate both university and legal systems in Harris County.

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, a storied institution known for its deep-rooted traditions and the iconic Corps of Cadets, draws many Idaho students seeking a unique collegiate experience. Its campus culture, while emphasizing loyalty and camaraderie, has unfortunately also seen incidents of hazing across various organizations.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M, located in College Station, is home to a massive student body and a pervasive culture of tradition. The Greek system is substantial, but perhaps even more central to its identity is the Corps of Cadets, a military training program that deeply influences campus life. Many Idaho families send their children to A&M, drawn by its strong academic programs and unique traditions. This environment can sometimes create a strict hierarchy where “traditions” can blur into hazing.

Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M’s anti-hazing policy aligns with state law, strictly prohibiting any action that endangers the mental or physical well-being of a student for the purpose of initiation or membership. This policy applies to all student organizations, including Greek life, the Corps of Cadets, and club sports. Reporting channels include the Department of Student Life, the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD), and specific reporting mechanisms for the Corps of Cadets. The university emphasizes prompt investigation and disciplinary action against individuals and organizations found responsible for hazing.

Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has a documented history of hazing incidents across various groups:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2021): Pledges alleged being subjected to extreme physical hazing, including being forced to perform strenuous exercise and then having various substances, including an industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, poured on them. This resulted in two pledges suffering severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The victims filed a $1 million lawsuit against SAE, and the fraternity was suspended from campus for two years.
• Corps of Cadets (2023): A former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading and sexually explicit hazing rituals, including being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth, forced to use derogatory language, and subjected to forced calisthenics. The university stated it addressed the matter through its internal conduct process.
• Joseph Little, Phi Gamma Delta (2018): Pledge Joseph Little sadly collapsed and died during pledging activities that were later confirmed by administrators to be hazing acts. The preliminary cause of death was attributed to natural causes, but the family continued to pursue answers. This occurred in the same chapter (Phi Gamma Delta) where Trey Walker died in 1997 due to an asthma attack during hazing activities.
• Bruce Dean Goodrich (1984): A&M has a tragic history with hazing. Member Bruce Dean Goodrich, 20, died from heatstroke during strenuous exercises mandated by the Corps of Cadets. Several cadets faced charges, and some pleaded guilty to hazing offenses.

These incidents highlight that hazing at Texas A&M can occur in both Greek life and the highly structured environment of the Corps of Cadets, presenting unique challenges for reporting and accountability.

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

A hazing case at Texas A&M would involve:

• Jurisdiction: Brazos County courts, being the local jurisdiction for College Station, would typically handle state-level civil and criminal matters. Federal claims could route through the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas.
• Law Enforcement: Texas A&M UPD would investigate incidents, and local College Station police might be involved for off-campus incidents.
• Defendants: Individual cadets/students, the Corps of Cadets (as an entity), Greek chapters, national organizations, and Texas A&M University itself could be targets for civil action.

What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

For Idaho students and their families connected to Texas A&M:

• Understand the Culture: Be aware of the strong traditions, especially in the Corps and Greek life, and the potential for abuse under the guise of “tradition.”
• Scrutinize “Traditions”: If an activity seems degrading, dangerous, or requires secrecy, it is likely hazing.
• Report to Legal Counsel First: Before reporting to the university or Corps leadership, consult an attorney experienced in Texas hazing cases to protect your rights and develop a strategic approach.

University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin is a flagship institution attracting countless Idaho students with its academic prestige and vibrant city life. As one of the largest universities in the country, UT Austin has a prominent Greek system and numerous influential student organizations, which means it also faces significant challenges with hazing.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin boasts a dynamic campus culture, including one of the largest Greek populations in the state, alongside numerous spirit organizations and athletic teams. Students from Idaho often choose UT for its strong academics and the unique cultural offerings of Austin. The university maintains a high level of transparency regarding student conduct, including hazing, which can be a valuable tool for families.

Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Texas at Austin has a comprehensive anti-hazing policy, rigorously prohibiting any intentional or reckless act causing mental or physical harm, directly tied to initiation or membership in any student organization. UT is notable for its publicly accessible Hazing Violations website, which lists organizations, the nature of their violations, and the sanctions imposed. This transparency is exceptional and a critical resource for families. Reporting can be made through the Dean of Students, the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD), or various online reporting forms.

Documented Incidents & Responses

UT Austin’s public Hazing Violations page reveals a recurring pattern of misconduct:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): This fraternity was sanctioned after new members were instructed to consume significant amounts of milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, activities deemed to be hazing. The chapter was placed on probation and mandated to conduct extensive hazing-prevention education. This reflects a national pattern for Pi Kappa Alpha, an organization heavily featured in national hazing incidents.
• Sigma Chi (2024): The family of a student who died by suicide claimed hazing by Sigma Chi members exacerbated his mental health struggles. This tragic incident highlights the severe psychological impacts of hazing that can lead to catastrophic outcomes, even in the absence of obvious physical violence. Our firm, particularly Lupe Peña, is committed to exploring all avenues for accountability in such complex cases where mental distress and hidden abuse are significant factors.
• Texas Cowboys (1995 & 2018): This prominent spirit organization has a history of hazing. In 1995, Gabriel Higgins drowned during an alcohol-fueled initiation event. In 2018, the death of a “New Man” in a pickup truck accident was controversially linked by parents to sleep deprivation caused by hazing, despite the university’s denial. These incidents underscore that hazing is not exclusive to Greek life but can be deeply embedded in other traditional campus groups.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2006 & 2024): Pledge Tyler Cross died in 2006 after a fall while intoxicated; police alleged hazing was a factor. In January 2024, an Australian exchange student, was severely injured after allegedly being assaulted by fraternity members at an SAE party, suffering a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, a fractured tibia, and a broken nose. These incidents reflect the national organization’s ongoing challenges with hazing and violence.

UT’s commitment to publicly listing these violations provides a crucial paper trail of problematic organizations, demonstrating a history of problematic conduct for many of them.

How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

A hazing case at UT Austin would involve:

• Jurisdiction: Travis County courts typically handle state-level claims, while federal claims would go to the U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas.
• Law Enforcement: UTPD handles campus incidents, with the Austin Police Department responding to off-campus crimes.
• Defendants: Individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and the University of Texas System could all be potential defendants. The easily accessible history of violations on UT’s website provides strong evidence of “prior notice” for the university in civil claims.

What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

For Idaho students and their families at UT:

• Check the UT Hazing Violations Page: Use this public resource to research any organization your child is considering joining.
• Utilize Reporting Systems: UT’s numerous reporting channels (including confidential options) should be used, but always after consulting legal counsel.
• Preserve Digital Evidence: Given the frequent use of digital communication in hazing today, securing screenshots and messages is critical.

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, a private institution in Dallas, is known for its selective admissions and strong, affluent Greek culture. Many Idaho families may choose SMU for its smaller size and prestigious reputation. However, like many universities with active Greek systems, SMU has faced its share of hazing incidents.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is characterized by its beautiful campus in University Park, a vibrant Greek scene (with a very high percentage of students participating), and strong ties to the Dallas community. The social culture is often interwoven with Greek life, making it a significant part of the student experience. This strong emphasis on fraternity and sorority membership, coupled with a private institutional setting, shapes how hazing incidents are perceived and addressed.

Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU maintains clear anti-hazing policies that align with Texas law, prohibiting any act causing or threatening physical or mental harm related to initiation or membership. As a private university, SMU’s internal disciplinary processes are often less transparent than those of public universities. However, SMU encourages reporting through its Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, the SMU Police Department, and various anonymous reporting platforms, including crisis hotlines.

Documented Incidents & Responses

While SMU’s records are not as publicly detailed as UT Austin’s, various incidents have emerged:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): This fraternity was significantly sanctioned after a hazing investigation revealed new members were allegedly subjected to physical abuse, including paddling, forced excessive alcohol consumption, and severe sleep deprivation. The chapter was suspended from campus activities for several years and had severe restrictions placed on its recruitment process until approximately 2021.
• Other Greek Life Incidents: Over the years, other SMU Greek organizations have faced probation or suspension for violations ranging from underage drinking and drug use to unspecified hazing allegations. These incidents, though often handled internally with limited public disclosure, signal an ongoing challenge with hazing within the SMU Greek system.

How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases at SMU have distinct characteristics:

• Jurisdiction: Dallas County courts would handle civil and criminal proceedings. Given SMU’s private status, federal claims might involve a U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Texas.
• Transparency: As a private institution, SMU is not subject to the same public information acts as state universities. This means obtaining disciplinary records and internal communications can be more challenging without formal legal discovery processes.
• Defendants: Individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and SMU itself would be potential targets in a civil suit.

What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

For Idaho students and families connected to SMU:

• Be Vigilant: The strong Greek culture means potential hazing risks are higher. Encourage open communication with your child.
• Utilize Internal Resources: SMU’s reporting mechanisms are important, but legal counsel can help you navigate these to ensure your rights are protected.
• Seek Legal Discovery: For private universities like SMU, obtaining crucial records often requires litigation and formal discovery methods, highlighting the importance of experienced legal representation.

Baylor University

Baylor University, a private Baptist university in Waco, provides a campus environment with strong faith-based roots. Many Idaho families may select Baylor for its unique academic and spiritual community. However, even with its distinct identity and commitment to values, Baylor has encountered hazing challenges that underscore the universal nature of this problem in collegiate settings.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor’s campus culture emphasizes community, service, and a distinct Christian identity. While not traditionally known for a dominant Greek culture in the same way as some other Texas universities, Baylor does have Greek organizations and a significant athletic presence. It has faced intense national scrutiny in the past over its handling of sexual assault allegations within its football program, which raised broader questions about institutional oversight and accountability.

Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University prohibits hazing in all forms, aligning its policy with Texas state law and its own institutional values. The university defines hazing broadly to include any act that causes or is likely to cause mental or physical distress or injury. Reporting is handled through the Office of Student Conduct Administration, Baylor Police Department, and a dedicated EthicsPoint hotline for anonymous reporting. Baylor’s past controversies have led to increased emphasis on robust reporting mechanisms for all forms of student misconduct.

Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor’s hazing history, though less frequent in national headlines compared to some other schools, reveals that no institution is immune:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): A significant incident led to the suspension of 14 Baylor baseball players, staggered throughout the early season. While the specific acts were not publicly detailed, the university confirmed that hazing offenses occurred, demonstrating that athletic teams are also vulnerable.
• Prior Greek Life Sanctions: Over the years, some Baylor Greek organizations have faced disciplinary actions for various policy violations, which have at times included hazing or alcohol-related misconduct during new member activities. These incidents, while usually resulting in internal sanctions, reflect the ongoing struggle that even values-driven institutions face in eradicating hazing.
• Football Scandal (2016): While primarily focused on sexual assault, the wider breakdown in institutional accountability surrounding the Baylor football program highlighted how deeply entrenched cultural issues can become when oversight is lacking, creating environments where various forms of abuse, including hazing, can go unchecked.

How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

A hazing case at Baylor would involve:

• Jurisdiction: McLennan County courts in Waco would handle state civil and criminal claims. Federal claims might be filed in the U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas.
• Transparency: As a private university, Baylor’s internal investigation and disciplinary records are not as accessible to the public as those of state institutions, requiring legal discovery for comprehensive information.
• Defendants: Individual students, local chapters, national organizations, and Baylor University itself could be targets of litigation. Given Baylor’s prior legal entanglements concerning institutional oversight, this can be a key area of focus for plaintiffs’ attorneys.

What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

For Idaho students and families connected to Baylor:

• Prioritize Open Communication: Encourage your child to share any concerns about new member activities, especially those that involve secrecy, discomfort, or potential humiliation.
• Document and Report: Use Baylor’s reporting systems if necessary, but understand that legal consultation beforehand can help shape the most effective strategy.
• Seek Experienced Counsel: Given Baylor’s private status and past institutional challenges, an attorney familiar with private university litigation can best navigate civil claims.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

The Greek system in Texas, like nationwide, presents a complex landscape where deep-seated traditions clash with modern anti-hazing mandates. For parents in Idaho, understanding that a local chapter at a Texas university is often part of a larger national organization is paramount. These national bodies, while offering a framework for leadership and service, often carry a heavy burden of past hazing incidents, which can profoundly impact liability in current cases.

Why National Histories Matter

When a student from Idaho pledges a Greek organization at a Texas university, they are not just joining a local chapter; they are joining a branch of a national entity. These national headquarters typically:

• Develop and enforce policies: They publish extensive anti-hazing policies and risk management guidelines, often in thick manuals. These policies exist precisely because the national organization has a history of hazing incidents, injuries, and deaths across its chapters.
• Collect dues and exercise oversight: National organizations receive fees from local chapters and pledges, and often provide advisors, resources, and sometimes insurance. This financial and oversight relationship can establish a duty of care.
• Possess institutional knowledge: National headquarters gather data on incidents, complaints, and disciplinary actions from all their chapters. This means they often have extensive knowledge of recurring hazing patterns, typical “traditions,” and problematic chapters within their system.

Therefore, when a local chapter at, say, UT Austin, repeats a hazing ritual that led to a death or serious injury at another chapter of the same national fraternity in another state, it demonstrates foreseeability. The national organization often had prior knowledge and a duty to prevent such harm. This concept of foreseeability is a cornerstone of negligence claims and can significantly bolster claims for punitive damages.

Organization Mapping: Connecting Local Chapters to National Patterns

Here, we will connect some of the major fraternities and sororities often found at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor to their national hazing histories, illustrating the patterns that emerge.
(Note: Where specific chapters are mentioned, these are based on documented cases from Nuwer’s database; general patterns are noted for other organizations.)

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): This fraternity is prominent on many Texas campuses. Nationally, Pi Kappa Alpha has a deeply troubling history with alcohol-related hazing, particularly in “Big/Little” events where pledges are forced to consume large quantities of alcohol.

  • Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University, 2021): Stone Foltz tragically died after consuming a handle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” pledge night. The $10 million settlement, partially paid by the national fraternity, stands as a stark warning.
  • David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois University, 2012): Another life lost to alcohol poisoning during a pledging event, resulting in a $14 million settlement.
  • Locally, Pi Kappa Alpha at UT Austin (2023) was sanctioned for forced milk consumption and calisthenics, actions directly fitting the pattern of physical and forced consumption hazing.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): Often referred to as “America’s deadliest fraternity” by some media outlets due to its high number of hazing-related deaths, SAE has faced widespread scrutiny. This fraternity has a presence on many Texas campuses, including Texas A&M and UT Austin.

  • Nationally, SAE has been linked to numerous alcohol-related deaths and severe injuries, prompting the organization to briefly ban pledging activities nationwide in 2014, a policy later reversed.
  • A Traumatic Brain Injury case was filed against SAE at the University of Alabama (2023), alleging severe hazing.
  • At Texas A&M (2021), pledges alleged being covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, resulting in severe chemical burns. The fraternity faced a $1 million lawsuit.
  • At UT Austin (2024), an Australian exchange student incurred severe injuries, including a dislocated leg and fractured tibia, from an alleged assault at an SAE party.
  • At University of California, Irvine (2019) pledge Noah Domingo died from alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night.”

• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): With chapters at UT, SMU, and Baylor, Phi Delta Theta has also had its share of devastating hazing incidents.

  • Max Gruver (Louisiana State University, 2017): Max Gruver died from extreme alcohol poisoning during a “Bible study” hazing game. This incident led to Louisiana’s felony hazing statute, the Max Gruver Act.
  • Auburn University (1993): Chad Saucier died from alcohol intoxication during an annual bottle exchange.
  • University of Missouri (1980): Pledge Lex Dean Batson died falling from a bluff during a prank.

• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): This fraternity has a presence on Texas campuses, including the University of Houston.

  • Andrew Coffey (Florida State University, 2017): Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night.”
  • The Leonel Bermudez case at the University of Houston (2025), detailed earlier, is a current tragic example of severe hazing, including forced physical exertion, degrading fanny pack rules, and waterboarding-like physical abuse, leading to acute kidney failure.

• Kappa Alpha Order (KA): With chapters at Texas A&M, UT, and SMU, KA has faced hazing allegations.

  • SMU (2017): Kappa Alpha Order was sanctioned for reports of physical abuse, including paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation.
  • University of Mississippi (1987): Pledge Harry (Skip) Cline Jr. died after a “Big Brother-Little Brother” party involving alcohol.

• Sigma Chi (ΣΧ): A prominent fraternity with chapters across Texas.

  • College of Charleston (2024): A major case resulted in more than $10 million in damages for a pledge who alleged physical beatings, forced drug/alcohol consumption, and psychological torment.
  • UT Austin (2024): A student’s suicide was tragically blamed by parents on alleged hazing by Sigma Chi and its members.
  • University of Oklahoma (2004): Pledge Blake Hammontree died from alcohol poisoning after a bottle exchange.

• Other Organizations: Other fraternities and sororities, including Delta Tau Delta, Alpha Tau Omega, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Theta Chi, and Sigma Pi, have national histories that are relevant to claims against their Texas chapters. Every national organization with a presence in Texas has a responsibility to prevent hazing, and their prior knowledge of incidents strengthens arguments for accountability.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

The consistent occurrence of similar hazing incidents across different chapters of the same national organization is not mere coincidence; it is pattern evidence. For Idaho families, this pattern is critical in a legal strategy because it demonstrates:

1. Foreseeability: National organizations cannot credibly claim ignorance. They often have decades of data on specific hazing rituals that have led to harm or death at multiple chapters. This “prior notice” means they had a foreseeable duty to intervene more effectively.
2. Negligent Oversight: If a national organization is aware of a dangerous pattern but fails to implement meaningful prevention, training, and enforcement, it can be found negligent in its supervision of local chapters.
3. Settlement Leverage and Insurance: A strong record of national hazing incidents strengthens a plaintiff’s position in settlement negotiations. It also impacts insurance coverage, as it weakens the argument that a local hazing incident was an “unforeseeable rogue act” that should be excluded from coverage.
4. Punitive Damages: In some cases, a national organization’s repeated failure to address known dangerous hazing patterns can be grounds for punitive damages, which are designed to punish egregious conduct and deter future similar acts.

The Manginello Law Firm’s extensive experience with complex litigation, including cases against large corporations, means we are well-equipped to leverage these national patterns against well-resourced national fraternities and their insurance carriers.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

The process of building a hazing case in Texas is meticulous and aggressive, requiring a deep understanding of evidence collection, damage assessment, and strategic legal maneuvering. For Idaho families, knowing what to expect and how essential evidence impacts the outcome can provide clarity and empower them in a challenging time.

Evidence

Modern hazing cases are often won or lost based on the thoroughness of evidence collection and preservation. The transient nature of college life and digital communication means evidence can disappear quickly.

• Digital Communications: This is often the most critical category of evidence in contemporary hazing cases. Applications like GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, and even social media direct messages (DMs) serve as digital blueprints of hazing.

  • Planning: Messages reveal the planning stages, including dates, times, and locations of hazing activities.
  • Execution: Real-time communications during hazing can expose instructions, demands, and even coercive threats (“if you don’t do this, you’re out”).
  • Cover-ups: Post-incident messages often show attempts to destroy evidence, coach witnesses, or maintain a code of silence.
  • Preservation: Attorney911’s video on using your phone to document evidence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains best practices for preserving screenshots and photos. Families should screenshot entire conversations, ensuring sender names and timestamps are visible, and promptly back up this data.

• Photos & Videos: Smartphones have become ubiquitous recorders.

  • Direct Evidence: Cell phone footage, often captured by members themselves, can show hazing in progress—physical abuse, forced drinking, humiliating acts.
  • Contextual Evidence: Photos of injuries, locations (off-campus houses, secluded areas), or “props” used in rituals provide crucial context.
  • Timeliness: Videos posted on Snapchat or Instagram Stories disappear, requiring immediate capture.

• Internal Organization Documents: These provide insight into the hazing culture and institutional knowledge.

  • Pledge Manuals/Handbooks: Sometimes these documents, while officially “hazing-free,” contain subtle cues or implicit expectations that promote dangerous traditions.
  • Communications: Emails, texts, or memos among chapter officers, alumni advisors, or national representatives can reveal awareness of hazing.
  • National Policies: The national organization’s own anti-hazing policies are central. If these policies are comprehensive but unenforced, it points to negligent oversight.

• University Records: Open records laws (for public universities) and legal discovery (for all universities) can unlock vital insights.

  • Prior Conduct Files: Disciplinary records of the specific chapter, prior hazing complaints, probation periods, or suspensions. UT Austin’s public Hazing Violations page is an example of proactively disclosed records.
  • Campus Police Reports: Records of incidents related to the organization.
  • Internal Communications: Emails between administrators, Greek life advisors, or student conduct officers discussing the problematic organization.

• Medical and Psychological Records: These document the harm suffered by the victim.

  • Emergency Care: ER reports, ambulance records, toxicology screens (blood alcohol, drug tests). For Leonel Bermudez in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, lab results showing critically high creatine kinase levels were essential to documenting his rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.
  • Ongoing Treatment: Records from specialists, physical therapists, or mental health professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists) for conditions like PTSD, depression, anxiety, or traumatic brain injury.

• Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts are powerful.

  • Other Pledges/Members: Their contemporaneous accounts of the hazing process.
  • Bystanders: Anyone who observed suspicious activities or the victim’s condition before/after an incident.
  • Former Members: Individuals who left the organization due to hazing can provide critical insider perspectives.

Damages

Hazing inflicts a wide range of harm, both tangible and intangible. Identifying and quantifying these damages is a core component of civil litigation. Attorney911 recognizes the profound impact on lives and fights for full compensation.

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers all costs associated with the victim’s physical and mental recovery.

  • Past Expenses: Ambulance rides, emergency room visits, hospital stays (including ICU like in fatal alcohol poisoning cases), surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and therapy for physical and psychological injuries.
  • Future Costs: For catastrophic injuries like Leonel Bermudez’s acute kidney failure or severe brain damage (as in the Danny Santulli case), this could include years of ongoing medical care, specialized therapies, and even lifelong care plans, often costing millions of dollars.

• Lost Income / Educational Impact: Hazing can derail a student’s academic and professional future.

  • Lost Wages: For students forced to miss work because of injuries or recovery.
  • Educational Losses: Tuition for missed semesters, loss of scholarships (academic or Greek-specific), delayed graduation, and the resulting delay in entering the professional workforce.
  • Diminished Earning Capacity: If injuries (physical or psychological) are permanent, an economist might calculate the victim’s reduction in lifetime earning potential.

• Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for the subjective, but no less real, suffering endured.

  • Physical Pain and Suffering: The pain from injuries like broken bones, chemical burns, or organ damage, as well as chronic pain or discomfort.
  • Emotional Distress: Profound psychological trauma, including PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, humiliation, loss of dignity, and the inability to enjoy life as before. Leonel Bermudez’s case includes claims for the deep emotional toll of the degrading acts and the physical trauma he endured.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the inability to participate in hobbies, social activities, or simply enjoy college life due to injuries or trauma.

• Wrongful Death Damages (for families): In cases where hazing leads to a fatality, surviving family members (parents, spouses, children, and sometimes siblings) can seek compensation for their immense loss. Attorney911 has extensive wrongful death experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/), having recovered millions for families in catastrophic cases, including:

  • Funeral and Burial Costs: Direct expenses related to the death.
  • Loss of Companionship, Love, and Society: The invaluable emotional support, guidance, and presence of the deceased.
  • Loss of Financial Support: If the deceased would have contributed to the family’s income or support in the future.
  • Grief and Mental Anguish: The profound emotional suffering experienced by the family.

• Punitive Damages: These are designed not to compensate the victim, but to punish the defendants for particularly egregious, reckless, or malicious conduct, and to deter similar behavior in the future. They are often sought when there’s a pattern of abuse, a cover-up, or a deliberate indifference to known risks. As seen in the $10 million settlement in the Stone Foltz case, punitive damages can be a substantial component of recovery.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants, each with their own insurance carriers. Navigating this web requires specialized legal knowledge.

• Insurance Carriers: National fraternities, universities, and sometimes individual members carry insurance policies that potentially cover hazing incidents. However, insurance companies are in the business of minimizing payouts. They frequently attempt to deny coverage, arguing that hazing constitutes “intentional acts” (which are typically excluded from liability policies) or that the incident occurred off-campus and is therefore not covered.
• Experienced Hazing Lawyers: An attorney like Lupe Peña, with her background as a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), possesses critical insider knowledge of how insurance companies fight these claims. We know how to:
  • Identify All Coverages: Locate all possible insurance policies that might apply.
  • Challenge Exclusions: Argue that while the hazing act itself might have been intentional, the negligence of the organization (e.g., in supervision or failing to enforce policies) falls within coverage.
  • Force Defense: Compel insurance carriers to fulfill their “duty to defend” the insured, shifting legal costs off the individual or organization.

The complexity of these cases, with powerful institutions and their insurance companies aggressively defending, underscores why experienced legal representation is not just beneficial, but essential.

Practical Guides & FAQs

When hazing strikes, families in Idaho and across Texas are often left feeling helpless, confused, and desperate for answers. This section provides immediate, actionable guidance for parents, students, and witnesses, empowering them to respond effectively and protect their rights.

For Parents

As a parent in Idaho, your child’s safety is paramount. Recognizing the subtle and overt signs of hazing can be the first step in prevention or intervention.

• Warning Signs of Hazing: Be watchful for these indicators:

  • Unexplained Injuries: Bruises, cuts, burns, or soreness that don’t have a clear explanation, or whose excuses sound rehearsed.
  • Extreme Fatigue/Sleep Deprivation: Your child seems constantly exhausted, falls asleep inappropriately, or reports impossibly late nights.
  • Drastic Mood Changes: Sudden anxiety, depression, irritability, aggression, or a noticeable withdrawal from usual activities and friends.
  • Heightened Secrecy: An unwillingness to discuss activities, using phrases like “I can’t talk about it” or “It’s a secret.” They may seem cagey or defensive when asked about their new member activities.
  • Social Media Anomalies: Obsessive checking of group chats, constant pings from their phone, or unusual posts (or lack thereof). They might delete messages or clear their history.
  • Appearance Changes: Forced haircuts, specific clothing requirements, or appearing disheveled, malnourished, or unkempt.
  • Financial Strain: Unexplained requests for money, sudden high expenses, or fines associated with their organization.

• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation with empathy, not accusation.

  • Listen Actively: Create a safe space for them to talk without judgment. Start with open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with the fraternity/team?”
  • Prioritize Safety Over Status: Emphasize that their physical and mental health is more important than fitting in or protecting an organization. Reassure them you will support them, no matter what.
  • Identify Uncomfortable Acts: Ask if anything makes them feel unsafe, humiliated, or coerced, and validate their feelings.

• If Your Child Is Hurt: Act quickly to prioritize their well-being and preserve evidence.

  • Seek Immediate Medical Care: If there are any physical injuries, signs of extreme intoxication, or mental health crises, get medical attention. In the University of Houston case, Leonel Bermudez’s family had to contend with acute kidney failure; timely medical intervention is crucial.
  • Document Everything Thoroughly: This is critical. Screenshot all relevant digital communications (texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, social media posts). Take clear, dated photos of any injuries from multiple angles. Write down a detailed account of what happened, when, where, and who was involved, while the information is fresh.

• Dealing with the University: Universities have a legal and ethical duty to address hazing, but their internal processes can be complex.

  • Document All Communications: Keep a meticulous log of who you spoke with, when, and what was discussed.
  • Ask Specific Questions: Inquire about the university’s anti-hazing policies, previous incidents involving the organization, disciplinary actions, and whether the incident will be reported under the Clery Act or Title IX (if applicable).
  • Engage Legal Counsel Early: Before making official reports or signing any documents with the university, consult a hazing attorney. This ensures your child’s rights are protected and prevents inadvertent waivers of legal claims.

• When to Talk to a Lawyer: Don’t delay.

  • If your child suffers significant physical or psychological harm.
  • If you feel the university or the organization is minimizing, ignoring, or attempting to cover up what happened.
  • If you are unsure of your rights or options and need guidance to navigate the complex legal and institutional systems.

For Students / Pledges

As a student from Idaho, you have the right to a safe and respectful campus environment. Knowing your rights and recognizing when “tradition” crosses into hazing is vital for your safety.

• Is This Hazing or Just “Tradition”? Ask yourself: If I were truly free to choose, without fear of repercussions, would I do this? If older members wouldn’t do it, if it’s kept secret, if it’s demeaning, dangerous, or causes mental/physical discomfort, it is hazing—regardless of what it’s called.
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The law recognizes that the intense pressure to join or belong to a group—the “power dynamics” and “fear of exclusion”—means a student often doesn’t give truly voluntary consent. You have the right to be safe, regardless of what you felt pressured to say or do.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely: Your safety is paramount.
  • Immediate Danger: If you are in immediate physical danger or severe intoxication, call 911 or campus police without hesitation. Most schools and Texas law offer good-faith reporter protection, meaning you won’t be penalized for seeking medical help in an emergency, even if you were drinking underage.
  • Leaving the Group: You have the absolute right to leave any organization at any time. If you fear retaliation, notify a trusted adult (parent, RA, university official) before officially withdrawing.
  • Anonymous Reporting: Utilize university hotlines, the Dean of Students office, or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE) if you wish to report anonymously.
• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many universities offer amnesty to students who report hazing or seek help in an emergency. Texas law encourages this by providing immunity to those who report in good faith. Your priority should always be safety.

For Former Members / Witnesses

If you were part of a hazing incident, either as a participant or observer, your perspective is invaluable for promoting accountability and preventing future harm.

• Breaking the Silence: Many former members carry guilt or trauma. Coming forward can be a crucial step in healing and stopping the cycle of abuse. Your testimony and any evidence you possess can prevent others from suffering.
• Legal Protections and Support: While you might fear repercussions, legal counsel can advise you on your rights and potential protections as a witness. Ralph Manginello’s background in criminal defense (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) is invaluable for navigating situations where criminal charges might arise, ensuring you understand your options.
• Confidential Consultation: A confidential consultation with Attorney911 can help you understand your potential role as a witness, the implications of your past involvement, and how your information can be used to hold dangerous organizations accountable.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

In hazing cases, critical evidence disappears quickly. The following common mistakes can severely compromise a claim. Watch Attorney911’s video on client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

MISTAKES THAT CAN RUIN YOUR HAZING CASE:

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

   • What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble.”
   • Why it’s wrong: This looks like a cover-up, can be obstruction of justice, and makes proving the case nearly impossible. Critical context and direct evidence are lost forever.
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing or seemingly minor content. Digital forensics experts can often recover deleted data, but original context is best.

2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly:

   • What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind.”
   • Why it’s wrong: This immediately puts the organization on alert, prompting them to lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare their defenses. It compromises your ability to gather information.
   • What to do instead: Document everything you know. Then, consult an attorney experienced in hazing cases before any direct confrontation.

3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms without legal review:

   • What universities might do: Pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements to quickly close the matter.
   • Why it’s wrong: You may inadvertently waive your right to sue or settle for far less than your case is worth. These agreements often prioritize the institution’s image over your child’s full recovery.
   • What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university or organization without an attorney experienced in hazing cases reviewing it first.

4. Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer:

   • What families think: “I want people to know what happened.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys will scrutinize every word. Inconsistencies can hurt credibility, and ill-advised posts can potentially waive legal privileges or provide ammunition for the defense.
   • What to do instead: Document privately. Let your lawyer control public messaging or advise you on what can and cannot be shared.

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

   • What fraternities/teams might say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic.”
   • Why it’s wrong: This is often a tactic to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can be used against your child or weaken your case.
   • What to do instead: Once you are considering legal action, all communications should go through your lawyer.

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

   • What universities may promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, the statute of limitations runs, and the university controls the narrative and outcome. Their internal process may not lead to the accountability or compensation your family deserves.
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW. Consult a lawyer immediately. The university’s internal process is separate from your legal rights.

7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer:

   • What adjusters claim: “We just need your statement to process the claim.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Any statement you give can be recorded and used against you. Early settlement offers are almost always lowball.
   • What to do instead: Politely decline and state, “My attorney will contact you.”

Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, and UT Austin have some sovereign immunity protecting them, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, or when suing individuals in their personal capacity for their actions. 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. While hazing is typically a Class B misdemeanor, it becomes a state jail felony under Texas law if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals who know about hazing and fail to report it can also face misdemeanor charges.

• “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. The law recognizes that true voluntary consent cannot be given when enduring peer pressure, power imbalances, and fear of exclusion.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  Generally, in Texas, you have two years from the date of injury or death to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations can destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately; also, watch Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location of the hazing does not necessarily eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be held liable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability of hazing activities, regardless of whether they occurred on campus or at an off-campus property. Many major national hazing cases, such as the Pi Delta Psi retreat death (Deng) and the Sigma Pi case involving Collin Wiant, occurred off-campus and still resulted in significant judgments.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  While some high-profile cases do garner media attention, many hazing cases settle confidentially before going to trial. Our firm prioritizes your family’s privacy and, where possible, seeks to achieve accountability and compensation through confidential means, explaining all options available.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family in Idaho faces the devastating impact of hazing at a Texas university, you need more than just a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who intimately understand the intricate dynamics of powerful collegiate institutions, their defense strategies, and the national patterns of abuse they try to conceal. You need advocates who are not only fearless in litigation but also deeply empathetic to the trauma your child has endured.

The Manginello Law Firm, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, brings a unique blend of expertise, tenacity, and insider knowledge to hazing cases. We are a Houston-based Texas personal injury firm, strategically positioned to serve families throughout the entire state, including Idaho, who have been impacted by hazing at institutions like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor.

Our unique qualifications set us apart:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Attorney Lupe Peña, with her background as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), possesses critical insights into how fraternity and university insurance companies operate. She knows their tactics, from valuing claims to attempting coverage exclusions and delays. “We know their playbook because we used to run it,” she explains. This provides an invaluable edge in navigating complex insurance disputes that typically arise in hazing litigation.

• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Founding Partner Ralph Manginello is a trial-tested attorney with over 25 years of experience. His involvement in significant legal battles, including the BP Texas City explosion litigation, demonstrates our firm’s capability to take on billion-dollar corporations and win. This experience is directly transferable to hazing cases, where institutional defendants like national fraternities and major universities bring immense resources to bear. Our federal court experience through the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, ensures we are prepared for any legal arena. “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants,” says Ralph Manginello. Ralph Manginello’s complete credentials and case history are detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: Hazing too often results in wrongful death or catastrophic, permanent injuries, as tragically seen in the Leonel Bermudez case. Our firm has a proven track record of securing substantial results in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, working with top medical and economic experts to accurately value lifetime care needs and future damages. Our focus is on ensuring a full recovery for families, not quick settlements. Attorney911 has extensive wrongful death experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/), having recovered millions for families in catastrophic cases.

• Dual Civil and Criminal Hazing Expertise: With Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), our firm understands the intricate interplay between criminal hazing charges and civil litigation. When hazing results in criminal charges (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/), our expertise allows us to provide comprehensive guidance, ensuring all aspects of your case are handled strategically.

• Unmatched Investigative Depth: Winning hazing cases requires more than legal knowledge; it demands relentless investigation. We utilize a network of experts—digital forensics specialists to recover deleted messages, medical professionals to document injuries, economists to project future losses, and psychologists to assess emotional trauma. We know how to subpoena records, uncover hidden communications, and build a narrative that forces accountability.

We understand that hazing at Texas universities can profoundly impact families in Idaho. Our commitment is to provide compassionate, relentless advocacy to get you answers, hold those responsible accountable, and help prevent future tragedies.

Call to Action

If you or your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether it’s at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any other institution—we want to hear from you. Families in Idaho and throughout the surrounding region deserve answers and accountability when their loved ones are harmed.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will thoughtfully listen to your story, explain your legal options clearly, and help you determine the best path forward for your family. There is no pressure to hire us on the spot; we simply provide the information and guidance you need to make an informed decision. And remember, we handle hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. As explained in our video, How Do Contingency Fees Work? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc, this means we don’t get paid unless we win your case.

What to expect in your free consultation:

• A compassionate ear to listen to your unique story without judgment.
• A thorough review of any evidence you may have—photos, texts, medical records.
• A clear explanation of your legal options: pursuing a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or neither.
• An honest assessment of potential timelines and what to expect throughout the process.
• Answers to all your questions about costs and next steps.

Whether you’re in Idaho or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. Don’t let precious evidence disappear or miss critical deadlines.

Contact Attorney911 today for immediate support:

• Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct Line: (713) 528-9070
• Cell (24/7): (713) 443-4781
• Website: https://attorney911.com
• Email: ralph@atty911.com

Hablamos Español. Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

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