Hazing at Texas Universities: A Guide for Alabama Families

The Nightmare Scenario Every Parent Fears

Imagine this: It’s a Thursday night in Houston, and your son—a transfer student at the University of Houston—has just texted you that he’s at a “pledge event” for Pi Kappa Phi. He sounds nervous but excited. “It’s just tradition stuff,” he says. “Everyone goes through it.”

By 2 AM, your phone rings. It’s not your son—it’s his roommate. “He’s really sick. They made him do all these workouts and drink… I don’t know what to do.” You rush to the hospital and learn your son has rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown from extreme physical exertion—and acute kidney failure. The doctors tell you he passed brown urine, couldn’t stand without help, and will need dialysis. He’s hospitalized for four days, facing possible permanent kidney damage.

This isn’t a hypothetical. This is exactly what happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter in late 2025. The fraternity’s hazing rituals included forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by immediate sprints. Pledges were sprayed in the face with hoses “similar to waterboarding” and threatened with actual waterboarding. One pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. The Nov 3 workout required 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion.

If you’re a parent in Alabama, this could be your child. Whether your son or daughter attends the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor—or any other Texas university—hazing is a real and present danger. This guide will help you understand what hazing really looks like in 2025, your legal rights under Texas law, and how to protect your child if the unthinkable happens.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

The Modern Hazing Playbook

Hazing isn’t just about paddles and beer bongs anymore. While those old stereotypes still exist, modern hazing has evolved into something more insidious, more psychological, and often more dangerous. Alabama families need to understand that hazing in 2025 can take many forms:

Alcohol and Substance Hazing

• “Big/Little nights” where pledges are given handles of hard liquor
• “Bible study” drinking games where wrong answers = forced consumption
• “Family tree” rituals requiring rapid consumption of unknown substances
• Forced mixing of alcohol with energy drinks to mask intoxication
• Pressure to consume until vomiting, then continue drinking

Physical Hazing

• Extreme workouts (hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse)
• “Smokings”—punitive calisthenics far beyond safe limits
• Forced runs in extreme heat or cold, often in minimal clothing
• Paddling and beatings, sometimes with objects like bats or belts
• Exposure to dangerous conditions (lying in vomit, being sprayed with hoses)
• Sleep deprivation through late-night “meetings” and 3 AM wake-up calls

Psychological Hazing

• 24/7 group chat monitoring requiring instant responses
• Public humiliation through social media challenges
• Isolation from non-members and family
• Verbal abuse and degrading language
• Threats of expulsion for refusing to participate
• Forced confessions and psychological manipulation

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

• Forced nudity or partial nudity
• Simulated sexual acts (“roasted pig” positions, “elephant walks”)
• Sexual assault or coercion
• Degrading costumes and public performances
• Racial or sexist role-playing and slurs

Digital Hazing

• Forced TikTok challenges that humiliate or endanger
• GroupMe dares that escalate in danger
• Snapchat “streaks” requiring constant availability
• Instagram DM harassment
• Location sharing via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
• Digital shaming through memes and group chat humiliation

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

Hazing isn’t limited to fraternities at major universities. Alabama families need to be aware that hazing occurs in:

• Fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
• Corps of Cadets programs (Texas A&M, other military-style groups)
• Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheerleading)
• Marching bands and performance groups
• Spirit organizations (Texas Cowboys, similar tradition clubs)
• Academic and professional organizations
• Service and cultural groups

The Psychology Behind Hazing

Understanding why hazing persists is crucial for Alabama families. The power dynamics at play include:

• Social status and belonging: The fear of being excluded or labeled “not committed”
• Tradition and secrecy: “Everyone before you did it” mentality
• Groupthink: The pressure to conform to group norms
• Power imbalance: Older members exploiting their position
• Fear of retaliation: Threats of social or physical consequences for speaking out

Law & Liability Framework: Texas and Federal Hazing Laws

Texas Hazing Law Basics

Texas has strong anti-hazing laws under the Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. Here’s what Alabama families need to know:

Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151)

Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person 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 include students.

Key points for Alabama families:

• Can happen on or off campus (location doesn’t matter)
• Can be mental or physical harm
• Intent isn’t required—”reckless” is enough
• “Consent is not a defense” (even if your child agreed, it’s still hazing)

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152)

• Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes injury requiring medical treatment
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death

Additional criminal offenses:

• Failing to report hazing (if you’re a member or officer and knew about it): misdemeanor
• Retaliating against someone who reports hazing: misdemeanor

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153)

Organizations (fraternities, sororities, clubs, teams) can be criminally prosecuted if:

• The organization authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
• An officer or member acting in official capacity knew about hazing and failed to report it

Penalties for organizations:

• Fine up to $10,000 per violation
• University can revoke recognition and ban the organization

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting (§ 37.154)

A person who in good faith reports a hazing incident to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability.

Important for Alabama families:

• This includes students who call 911 for medical emergencies
• Many universities have amnesty policies for students who report hazing or seek medical help

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: What Alabama Families Need to Know

Criminal Cases

• Brought by the state (prosecutor)
• Goal: punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical charges:
  • Hazing offenses
  • Furnishing alcohol to minors
  • Assault or battery
  • Manslaughter (in fatal cases)

Civil Cases

• Brought by victims or surviving families
• Goal: monetary compensation and accountability
• Focus on:
  • Negligence and gross negligence
  • Wrongful death
  • Negligent hiring/supervision
  • Premises liability
  • Emotional distress

Key point for Alabama families:

• A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case
• Both types of cases can proceed simultaneously

Federal Laws That Apply to Texas Hazing Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)

This federal law requires colleges that receive federal aid to:

• Report hazing incidents more transparently
• Strengthen hazing education and prevention
• Maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026)

Title IX

When hazing involves:

• Sexual harassment
• Sexual assault
• Gender-based hostility

Key point for Alabama families:

• Title IX obligations can be triggered, requiring universities to respond appropriately

Clery Act

Requires universities to:

• Report certain crimes (including hazing-related assaults)
• Maintain safety statistics
• Issue timely warnings about ongoing threats

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Alabama families need to understand that multiple parties can be held accountable:

1. Individual students

   • Those who planned, carried out, or covered up hazing
   • Officers and pledge educators

2. Local chapter/organization

   • The fraternity/sorority or club itself
   • Housing corporations

3. National fraternity/sorority

   • Headquarters that set policies and receive dues
   • Liability depends on what they knew or should have known

4. University or governing board

   • Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections
   • Exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations
   • Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections

5. Third parties

   • Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces
   • Bars or alcohol providers (under dram shop laws)
   • Security companies or event organizers

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Families Can Learn

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

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

• What happened: Bid-acceptance event with heavy drinking. Piazza suffered severe falls captured on chapter cameras. Help was delayed for hours.
• Legal actions: Dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members. Civil litigation resulted in new Pennsylvania anti-hazing law (Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law).
• Why it matters for Texas families: Extreme intoxication, delay in calling 911, and a culture of silence can be legally devastating.

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

• What happened: Big/little event where pledge was given a handle of liquor and drank to dangerous levels. Died from alcohol poisoning.
• Legal actions: Criminal hazing charges against members. FSU temporarily suspended Greek life and overhauled policies.
• Why it matters for Texas families: Formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a repeating script for disaster.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

• What happened: “Bible study” drinking game where pledge was forced to drink when answering questions incorrectly. Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%).
• Legal actions: Multiple members charged. Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute).
• Why it matters for Texas families: Legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing.

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

• What happened: Pledge night where Foltz was forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey. Died from alcohol poisoning.
• Legal actions: Multiple criminal convictions. BGSU agreed to $3 million settlement with family. Other settlements with fraternity/individuals.
• Why it matters for Texas families: Universities can face significant financial and reputational consequences along with fraternities.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

• What happened: Pledge at a fraternity retreat subjected to violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual. Suffered fatal head injuries. Help was delayed.
• Legal actions: Multiple members convicted. Fraternity banned from Pennsylvania. National organization criminally convicted.
• Why it matters for Texas families: Off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous or worse than parties, and national organizations can face serious sanctions.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

• What happened: Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program.
• Legal actions: Multiple lawsuits against university and staff. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired and later settled wrongful-termination suit.
• Why it matters for Texas families: Hazing is not limited to Greek life. Big-money athletic programs can harbor systemic abuse.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

Common threads in national hazing cases:

• Forced drinking
• Humiliation and violence
• Delayed or denied medical care
• Cover-ups and destruction of evidence
• Institutional knowledge of prior incidents

Key takeaways for Alabama families:

• Reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after tragedy and litigation
• Texas families facing hazing at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor are not alone
• The legal landscape is shaped by these national lessons
• Pattern evidence from other chapters can be powerful in Texas cases

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

University of Houston (UH)

Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Houston is a large urban campus with a mix of commuter and residential students. Located in Houston’s Third Ward, UH has an active Greek life with multiple fraternities and sororities. The university also has a strong tradition of student organizations, including cultural groups and sports clubs.

For Alabama families, UH is a popular choice for students from across Texas and beyond. The university’s proximity to the Texas Medical Center makes it particularly attractive for students interested in healthcare careers.

Hazing Policy & Reporting

UH’s hazing policy prohibits:

• Forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs
• Sleep deprivation
• Physical mistreatment
• Mental distress as initiation
• Any act that endangers physical or mental health

Reporting channels:

• Dean of Students Office
• Office of Student Conduct
• UH Police Department (UHPD)
• Online reporting forms

UH posts hazing statements and some disciplinary information on its website. The university has shown willingness to suspend chapters for hazing violations.

Documented Incidents & Responses

Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter (2025)

• What happened: Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student, suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after extreme hazing rituals. The fraternity’s “pledge fanny pack” rule required pledges to carry humiliating items (condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices) 24/7. Physical abuse included:
  • Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races
  • Cold-weather exposure in underwear
  • Lying in vomit-soaked grass
  • Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”
  • Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting, followed by immediate sprints
  • Nov 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion
• Institutional response:
  • Nov 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters suspends Beta Nu chapter
  • Nov 14, 2025: Chapter members vote to surrender their charter; chapter is shut down
  • UH labels the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promises disciplinary measures up to expulsion
  • UH credits Pi Kappa Phi HQ for decisive action
• Legal actions:
  • $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit filed by Attorney911 (Ralph Manginello & Lupe Peña)
  • Defendants include:
    • University of Houston
    • UH System Board of Regents
    • Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
    • Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation
    • 13 individual fraternity leaders/members

Pi Kappa Alpha (2016)

• What happened: Pledges allegedly deprived of sufficient food, water, and sleep during a multi-day event. One student suffered a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table.
• Institutional response: Chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and university suspension.

Why this matters for Alabama families:

• UH has shown willingness to suspend chapters for hazing
• The gaps in public detail (limited public violation lists) make legal representation crucial
• The recent Pi Kappa Phi case shows how serious hazing can be at UH

How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

• Involved agencies: UHPD and/or Houston Police Department, depending on location
• Potential defendants:
  • Individual students
  • Local chapter
  • National fraternity/sorority
  • University of Houston
  • Property owners (house corporations, landlords)

Jurisdiction for civil suits: Harris County courts

What UH Students & Parents Should Do

1. Report hazing immediately:

   • Dean of Students: (713) 743-5470
   • UHPD: (713) 743-3333 (emergency) or (713) 743-0600 (non-emergency)
   • Online reporting: https://www.uh.edu/dos/reporting/

2. Document everything:

   • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
   • Photograph injuries from multiple angles
   • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing)
   • Write down everything while memory is fresh

3. Seek medical attention:

   • Tell medical providers you were hazed
   • Request copies of all medical records

4. Preserve evidence:

   • Do NOT let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence
   • Back up all screenshots and photos to cloud storage

5. Contact an experienced hazing attorney:

   • Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
   • Universities move quickly to control the narrative
   • Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

Texas A&M University

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M University in College Station is known for its strong traditions, including the Corps of Cadets program. The university has a large Greek life presence with active fraternities and sororities. For Alabama families, Texas A&M is a popular choice due to its strong academic programs and vibrant campus culture.

Hazing Policy & Reporting

Texas A&M’s hazing policy prohibits:

• Any activity that endangers physical or mental health
• Forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs
• Sleep deprivation
• Physical punishment or abuse
• Mental harassment or intimidation

Reporting channels:

• Student Conduct Office
• Corps of Cadets Commandant’s Office (for Corps members)
• Texas A&M Police Department
• Online reporting: https://studentlife.tamu.edu/sco/hazing/

Texas A&M maintains a public log of hazing violations and disciplinary actions.

Documented Incidents & Responses

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2021)

• What happened: Pledges alleged being covered in substances including an industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns that required emergency skin graft surgeries.
• Institutional response: Fraternity suspended for two years by the university.
• Legal actions: Pledges sued the fraternity for $1 million.

Corps of Cadets (2023)

• What happened: A cadet alleged degrading hazing, including:
  • Simulated sexual acts
  • Being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth
  • Other humiliating and dangerous rituals
• Institutional response: Texas A&M stated it handled the matter under its rules.
• Legal actions: Cadet sought over $1 million in damages.

Why this matters for Alabama families:

• Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets has a tradition-heavy culture where hazing can be particularly severe
• The Sigma Alpha Epsilon case shows how dangerous physical hazing can be
• Texas A&M’s public log of violations provides transparency but also shows ongoing issues

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

• Involved agencies: Texas A&M University Police Department, Brazos County Sheriff’s Office
• Potential defendants:
  • Individual students
  • Local chapter/organization
  • National fraternity/sorority
  • Texas A&M University
  • Corps of Cadets (for Corps-related cases)
  • Property owners

Jurisdiction for civil suits: Brazos County courts

What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

1. Report hazing immediately:

   • Student Conduct Office: (979) 845-3111
   • Corps of Cadets Commandant’s Office: (979) 845-1251
   • Texas A&M Police Department: (979) 845-2345 (emergency) or (979) 845-2345 (non-emergency)
   • Online reporting: https://studentlife.tamu.edu/sco/hazing/

2. For Corps members specifically:

   • Report to your chain of command
   • Contact the Corps of Cadets Commandant’s Office

3. Document everything (same as UH section above)

4. Seek medical attention (same as UH section above)

5. Preserve evidence (same as UH section above)

6. Contact an experienced hazing attorney:

   • Texas A&M’s size and traditions create unique challenges
   • Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for College Station-specific guidance

University of Texas at Austin (UT)

Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Texas at Austin is a large public university with a strong Greek life presence. Located in the state capital, UT attracts students from across Texas and beyond. For Alabama families, UT offers a wide range of academic programs and a vibrant campus culture.

Hazing Policy & Reporting

UT’s hazing policy prohibits:

• Any activity that endangers physical or mental health
• Forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs
• Sleep deprivation
• Physical punishment or abuse
• Mental harassment or intimidation

Reporting channels:

• Office of the Dean of Students
• UT Police Department
• Online reporting: https://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/conduct/hazing.php

UT maintains a public hazing violations log that lists organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions.

Documented Incidents & Responses

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023)

• What happened: New members were directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics.
• Institutional response: Found to be hazing. Chapter placed on probation and required to implement new hazing-prevention education.

Texas Wranglers (2022)

• What happened: Spirit organization disciplined for hazing violations including alcohol/drug misconduct and degrading new members.
• Institutional response: Organization placed on probation.

Other incidents:

• Multiple fraternities and sororities have been sanctioned for:
  • Forced workouts
  • Alcohol-related hazing
  • Punishment-based practices

Why this matters for Alabama families:

• UT’s public hazing log provides transparency not seen at all universities
• Repeated violations show ongoing issues despite policies
• The public log can be powerful evidence in civil lawsuits

How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed

• Involved agencies: UT Police Department, Austin Police Department
• Potential defendants:
  • Individual students
  • Local chapter/organization
  • National fraternity/sorority
  • University of Texas at Austin
  • Property owners

Jurisdiction for civil suits: Travis County courts

What UT Students & Parents Should Do

1. Report hazing immediately:

   • Office of the Dean of Students: (512) 471-5017
   • UT Police Department: (512) 471-4441 (emergency) or (512) 471-4441 (non-emergency)
   • Online reporting: https://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/conduct/hazing.php

2. Review UT’s public hazing log:

   • https://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/conduct/hazing_violations.php
   • Check if your child’s organization has prior violations

3. Document everything (same as UH section above)

4. Seek medical attention (same as UH section above)

5. Preserve evidence (same as UH section above)

6. Contact an experienced hazing attorney:

   • UT’s size and public records create unique opportunities for evidence gathering
   • Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for Austin-specific guidance

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Southern Methodist University is a private university in Dallas with a strong Greek life presence. Known for its affluent student body and strong academic programs, SMU attracts students from across the country. For Alabama families, SMU offers a unique blend of academic rigor and vibrant campus life.

Hazing Policy & Reporting

SMU’s hazing policy prohibits:

• Any activity that endangers physical or mental health
• Forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs
• Sleep deprivation
• Physical punishment or abuse
• Mental harassment or intimidation

Reporting channels:

• Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards
• SMU Police Department
• Online reporting: https://www.smu.edu/StudentAffairs/StudentConduct/Reporting

SMU provides anonymous reporting options through its Real Response system.

Documented Incidents & Responses

Kappa Alpha Order (2017)

• What happened: New members reportedly:
  • Paddled
  • Forced to drink alcohol
  • Deprived of sleep
• Institutional response: Chapter suspended. Restrictions on recruiting until around 2021.

Why this matters for Alabama families:

• SMU’s private university status affects transparency
• The Kappa Alpha Order case shows that hazing occurs even at prestigious private schools
• SMU’s hazing prevention efforts include reporting forms and anonymous systems

How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

• Involved agencies: SMU Police Department, Dallas Police Department
• Potential defendants:
  • Individual students
  • Local chapter/organization
  • National fraternity/sorority
  • Southern Methodist University
  • Property owners

Jurisdiction for civil suits: Dallas County courts

What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

1. Report hazing immediately:

   • Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards: (214) 768-4563
   • SMU Police Department: (214) 768-3333 (emergency) or (214) 768-3388 (non-emergency)
   • Online reporting: https://www.smu.edu/StudentAffairs/StudentConduct/Reporting
   • Anonymous reporting: https://www.smu.edu/StudentAffairs/StudentConduct/RealResponse

2. Document everything (same as UH section above)

3. Seek medical attention (same as UH section above)

4. Preserve evidence (same as UH section above)

5. Contact an experienced hazing attorney:

   • Private university status creates unique legal considerations
   • Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for SMU-specific guidance

Baylor University

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University is a private Christian university in Waco with a strong religious identity. The university has faced scrutiny in recent years over its handling of sexual assault cases and other misconduct. For Alabama families, Baylor offers a unique blend of religious values and academic programs.

Hazing Policy & Reporting

Baylor’s hazing policy prohibits:

• Any activity that endangers physical or mental health
• Forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs
• Sleep deprivation
• Physical punishment or abuse
• Mental harassment or intimidation

Reporting channels:

• Office of Student Conduct Administration
• Baylor Police Department
• Online reporting: https://www.baylor.edu/student_conduct/index.php?id=963275

Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor Baseball (2020)

• What happened: 14 baseball players suspended following a hazing investigation.
• Institutional response: Suspensions staggered over the early season.

Why this matters for Alabama families:

• Baylor’s religious identity and prior scandals create unique challenges
• The baseball hazing case shows that hazing occurs even in athletic programs at religious universities
• Baylor’s policies emphasize “zero tolerance” but misconduct continues

How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

• Involved agencies: Baylor Police Department, Waco Police Department
• Potential defendants:
  • Individual students
  • Local chapter/organization
  • National fraternity/sorority
  • Baylor University
  • Property owners

Jurisdiction for civil suits: McLennan County courts

What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

1. Report hazing immediately:

   • Office of Student Conduct Administration: (254) 710-1715
   • Baylor Police Department: (254) 710-2222 (emergency) or (254) 710-2222 (non-emergency)
   • Online reporting: https://www.baylor.edu/student_conduct/index.php?id=963275

2. Document everything (same as UH section above)

3. Seek medical attention (same as UH section above)

4. Preserve evidence (same as UH section above)

5. Contact an experienced hazing attorney:

   • Baylor’s religious identity and prior scandals create unique legal considerations
   • Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for Baylor-specific guidance

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

Why National Histories Matter for Texas Families

Many fraternities and sororities on Texas campuses are part of national organizations with headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. These national organizations often have:

• Thick anti-hazing manuals because they’ve seen deaths and catastrophic injuries in the past
• Pattern knowledge of common hazing scripts (forced drinking nights, paddling traditions, humiliating rituals)
• Prior incidents at other chapters that can show foreseeability

Why this matters for Alabama families:
When a Texas chapter repeats the same script that got another chapter shut down or sued in another state, that can show foreseeability and support negligence or punitive arguments against national entities.

Major Fraternities with Hazing Histories at Texas Universities

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike)

National identity: One of the largest fraternities, known for its strong alumni network and leadership programs.

Presence at Texas universities:

• University of Houston (Beta Nu chapter)
• Texas A&M University
• University of Texas at Austin
• Southern Methodist University
• Baylor University

National hazing incidents:

• Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University, 2021): Pledge died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey. Multiple criminal convictions. BGSU settled for nearly $3 million.
• David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois University, 2012): Pledge died from alcohol poisoning. Family received $14 million settlement.
• Leonel Bermudez (University of Houston, 2025): Current case involving rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after extreme physical hazing.

Why it matters for Texas families:
Pi Kappa Alpha has a documented pattern of Big/Little night alcohol hazing that has led to multiple deaths. The recent UH case shows this pattern continues in Texas.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE)

National identity: One of the oldest fraternities, known for its “True Gentleman” creed.

Presence at Texas universities:

• Texas A&M University
• University of Texas at Austin
• Southern Methodist University
• Baylor University

National hazing incidents:

• University of Alabama (2023): Pledge suffered traumatic brain injury during hazing ritual. Lawsuit filed alleging fraud, negligence, assault.
• Texas A&M University (2021): Pledges suffered severe chemical burns from industrial-strength cleaner. Fraternity suspended; pledges sued for $1 million.
• University of Texas at Austin (2024): Australian exchange student assaulted by fraternity members. Injuries included dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose. Student sued for over $1 million.

Why it matters for Texas families:
SAE has a documented pattern of physical hazing and dangerous rituals that has caused severe injuries at Texas universities.

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

National identity: Known as the “Fraternity for Life” with a strong focus on scholarship.

Presence at Texas universities:

• University of Houston
• Texas A&M University
• University of Texas at Austin
• Southern Methodist University

National hazing incidents:

• Max Gruver (Louisiana State University, 2017): Pledge died from alcohol poisoning during “Bible study” drinking game. Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute).

Why it matters for Texas families:
Phi Delta Theta has a documented pattern of “Bible study” drinking games that have led to deaths.

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

National identity: Known for its philanthropy (Push America) and leadership programs.

Presence at Texas universities:

• University of Houston (Beta Nu chapter)
• Texas A&M University
• University of Texas at Austin

National hazing incidents:

• Andrew Coffey (Florida State University, 2017): Pledge died from alcohol poisoning during Big/Little night. FSU temporarily suspended Greek life.
• Leonel Bermudez (University of Houston, 2025): Current case involving rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after extreme physical hazing.

Why it matters for Texas families:
Pi Kappa Phi has a documented pattern of Big/Little night alcohol hazing that has led to deaths.

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ)

National identity: Known for its strong Southern heritage and leadership programs.

Presence at Texas universities:

• Texas A&M University
• University of Texas at Austin
• Southern Methodist University (incident in 2017)

National hazing incidents:

• Southern Methodist University (2017): New members paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep. Chapter suspended.

Why it matters for Texas families:
Kappa Alpha Order has a documented pattern of physical hazing and alcohol abuse at Texas universities.

How National Histories Affect Legal Strategy

Pattern evidence from other chapters can be powerful in Texas hazing cases:

1. Foreseeability: Shows that the national organization knew or should have known about the risks of certain hazing activities.
2. Negligent supervision: Demonstrates that the national organization failed to adequately supervise its chapters.
3. Failure to enforce policies: Shows that anti-hazing policies were not meaningfully enforced.
4. Insurance coverage disputes: National organizations often argue that hazing is excluded from coverage. Pattern evidence can show that the organization knew about the risks and should have obtained appropriate coverage.

Example from the UH Pi Kappa Phi case:

• The national organization had prior incidents of Big/Little night alcohol hazing at other chapters.
• This pattern evidence can show that the national organization knew or should have known about the risks.
• It can also support arguments that the national organization failed to adequately supervise the Beta Nu chapter.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

Evidence That Wins Hazing Cases

Digital Communications

Why it matters: Group chats and DMs are now the #1 source of hazing evidence. They show planning, intent, knowledge, pattern, and who was involved.

What to preserve:

• GroupMe (most common for fraternity/sorority communication)
• iMessage / SMS group texts
• WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram
• Discord servers
• Fraternity/sorority-specific apps

How to screenshot properly:

1. Capture full thread with:
   • Sender names / profile pics visible
   • Timestamps visible
   • Enough context (messages before and after)
2. Don’t crop excessively
3. Save in native resolution (don’t compress)
4. Back up immediately to cloud storage or email to yourself

If messages are disappearing (Snapchat, Instagram vanish mode, auto-delete):

• Screenshot AS SOON AS you see them
• Use screen recording if there are multiple messages
• Note in a separate document: date, time, who sent, what it said

Social Media Evidence

Platforms to preserve:

• Instagram (stories, posts, DMs)
• Snapchat (snaps, stories, chat)
• TikTok (videos, comments, DMs)
• Facebook (posts, Messenger)
• Twitter/X

What to preserve:

• Posts or stories showing hazing events
• Photos/videos of injuries, humiliating acts, forced drinking
• Comments or reactions from members
• Location tags showing where events happened
• Hashtags or captions that reference pledging or traditions

Snapchat is tricky:

• Stories disappear after 24 hours; screenshot immediately
• Some users have “Snapchat Memories” (saved snaps); these can sometimes be subpoenaed

Text Messages / DMs

• Save the entire conversation (export if possible, or scroll and screenshot every segment)
• Include:
  • Phone numbers or usernames
  • Timestamps
  • Context (don’t just screenshot the one incriminating line)

If messages were deleted:

• Cloud backups (iCloud, Google Drive) may have copies
• Phone company records may show call/text metadata

Emails

• Save entire email threads
• Look for:
  • Official chapter communications
  • Correspondence with nationals, advisors, or university

Photos & Videos

Injuries:

• Photograph immediately after incident
• Take multiple angles and close-ups
• Place a coin, ruler, or your hand next to injury for scale
• Photograph again over several days to document progression

Locations:

• Where hazing occurred (house, specific room, off-campus venue)
• Any visible signs (alcohol, paddles, broken furniture, vomit)

Events:

• If safe to record, capture video of:
  • Hazing in progress
  • Admissions or discussions by members

Medical Documentation

Critical steps:

1. Seek medical care immediately if injured or intoxicated
2. Tell medical providers you were hazed so it’s documented in the record:
   • “I was forced to drink by my fraternity”
   • “I was beaten during a pledge event”
   • “I was deprived of food and sleep for three days”
3. Request copies of all records:
   • ER report, ambulance report
   • Lab results (blood alcohol, toxicology, kidney function if rhabdomyolysis)
   • Imaging (X-rays, CT, MRI)
   • Discharge instructions
4. Follow up with primary care or specialists
5. See a mental health professional:
   • Psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose PTSD, depression, anxiety
   • Therapy records document emotional harm

Physical Evidence

• Clothing worn during hazing (may have blood, vomit, chemical stains)
• Objects used in hazing (paddles, props, bottles)
• Receipts for forced purchases (alcohol, costumes, gifts for older members)
• Pledge packets / manuals

Do NOT:

• Wash clothing before photographing/storing
• Return paddles or objects to the organization

Witness & Contact Information

Who to identify:

• Other pledges
• Roommates, friends, significant others
• RAs, hall mates who saw you coming/going at odd hours
• Bartenders or venue staff who saw the event
• Former members who quit or were expelled
• Emergency responders (EMTs, hospital staff)

Document:

• Full names, phone numbers, email addresses
• What each person saw or knows

Institutional Records

University records (often available via public records request):

• Prior discipline of same chapter
• Campus police incident reports
• Clery Act reports
• Title IX complaints
• Internal emails among administrators

National fraternity/sorority records (obtained via discovery in lawsuit):

• Prior incident reports from this chapter
• Risk management files
• Communications between local chapter and nationals
• Training materials and policy manuals

Third-party records:

• Bar or venue surveillance if event was at commercial location
• Landlord records if hazing was at off-campus rental

Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses)

Medical Expenses

• Past medical bills:
  • Emergency room, ambulance transport
  • Hospitalization (ICU, surgery, inpatient care)
  • Medications
  • Medical equipment (crutches, wheelchair)
• Future medical expenses:
  • Ongoing therapy (physical, occupational, speech)
  • Psychiatric care and medications
  • Future surgeries or treatments
  • Life care plans for catastrophic injuries

Lost Income & Earning Capacity

• Lost wages:
  • Time off work (for victim or parent if they had to care for victim)
• Lost educational opportunities:
  • Tuition/fees for semesters missed due to withdrawal or medical leave
  • Lost scholarships (academic, athletic, Greek-based)
  • Delayed graduation = delayed entry into workforce
• Diminished future earning capacity:
  • If victim has permanent disability (brain injury, PTSD)
  • Expert economists calculate lifetime earnings loss

Other Economic Losses

• Property damage (car, phone, personal items destroyed during hazing)
• Relocation costs (transferring to different school to escape trauma)

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective, But Legally Compensable)

Physical Pain & Suffering

• Pain from injuries (broken bones, burns, internal injuries)
• Ongoing pain from permanent injuries
• Loss of physical abilities (can’t play sports, walk without pain)

Emotional Distress & Psychological Harm

• Diagnosed conditions:
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Major Depressive Disorder
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • Panic attacks
  • Suicidal ideation or attempts
• Unquantifiable harm:
  • Humiliation, shame, loss of dignity
  • Fear, nightmares, flashbacks
  • Loss of trust in people and institutions
  • Survivor’s guilt (if friends were also hazed or if someone died)

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

• Can no longer participate in activities they loved
• Withdrawal from college experience
• Relationship damage (friendships, romantic relationships)
• Loss of educational experience (what they came to college for)

Reputational Harm

• If hazing was publicized, victim may face:
  • Social stigma (“the kid who got hazed”)
  • Difficulty transferring or getting jobs if incident is Googleable

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

When hazing results in death, surviving family members can recover:

Economic Losses

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support:
  • If the deceased would have contributed to family income
  • Calculated over deceased’s expected lifetime

Non-Economic Losses

• Loss of companionship, love, and society
• Grief and emotional suffering of family members
• Loss of guidance and counsel (especially for younger siblings)
• Parents’ and siblings’ mental health treatment

Note for Alabama families: In Texas, only certain family members can bring wrongful death claims (spouse, children, parents; sometimes siblings depending on facts).

Punitive Damages (When Available)

Purpose: Punish defendants for especially reckless, willful, or malicious conduct; deter future hazing.

When courts/juries award them:

• Defendant had prior warnings and ignored them
• Hazing was particularly cruel or degrading
• Defendant tried to cover up or lied under oath
• Defendant showed callous indifference to known risks

In Texas:

• Punitive damages are available but capped in many cases
• Strategy: Argue gross negligence or intentional conduct to maximize exposure

Insurance Coverage Fights in Hazing Cases

National fraternities and universities often have insurance policies that may come into play. However, insurers sometimes argue:

• Hazing or intentional acts are excluded
• The policy doesn’t cover certain defendants

How experienced hazing attorneys navigate this:

1. Identify all potential coverage sources:
   • Homeowner’s policies of individual members
   • Chapter policies
   • National organization policies
   • University umbrella policies
2. Challenge exclusions:
   • Argue that negligent supervision (not intentional acts) caused the harm
   • Show that the organization’s failure to enforce policies was negligent
3. Pursue bad faith claims:
   • If insurer wrongfully denies coverage, sue for bad faith and consequential damages
4. Leverage multiple policies:
   • Different policies may cover different aspects of the case
   • Some policies may have higher limits

Why this matters for Alabama families:
Insurance coverage fights are heavily fact-specific. Skilled hazing attorneys know how to:

• Navigate exclusions
• Force insurers to defend
• Settle within policy limits or pursue bad faith damages

Practical Guides & FAQs

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical signs:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries (especially if excuses don’t add up)
• Extreme fatigue, exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Weight loss or gain (from food/water restriction or stress)
• Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, calls at 3 AM, inability to sleep)
• Injuries to hands, back, legs from paddling or forced exercise
• Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage
• Signs of alcohol poisoning or drug use (even if child doesn’t normally drink/use drugs)
• Brown urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis, a medical emergency)

Behavioral & emotional changes:

• Sudden secrecy about fraternity/sorority activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
• Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-Greek activities
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability, anger
• Defensive when asked about the organization
• Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”
• Sudden obsession with pleasing older members
• Talking about “just having to get through this” or “everyone did it before me”

Academic red flags:

• Grades dropping suddenly
• Missing classes or falling asleep in class
• Skipping exams or assignments to attend “mandatory” events
• Losing scholarships or academic standing

Financial red flags:

• Unexpected large expenses (forced purchases, “fines,” dues far exceeding what was advertised)
• Buying excessive alcohol or items for older members
• Overdrafts, maxed credit cards, requests for money without clear explanation

Digital/social behavior:

• Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
• Anxiety when phone buzzes or pings
• Deleting messages or clearing browser history obsessively
• Receiving calls/texts at all hours demanding immediate response
• Social media posts showing humiliating or concerning activities
• Geo-location tracking apps newly installed (Find My Friends, Life360 demanded by the org)

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally)

1. “How are things going with [fraternity/sorority]? Are you enjoying it?”
2. “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
3. “What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
4. “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable or that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
5. “Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
6. “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”
7. “Are they asking you to keep secrets from me or the university?”

If your child opens up, listen without judgment. If they shut down, don’t force it—but monitor closely and stay ready to intervene.

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing

Immediate safety:

• If your child is in physical danger (intoxicated, injured, being threatened), call 911 or campus police immediately.
• Get them medical attention; prioritize their health over “getting in trouble.”

Document everything:

• Write down dates, times, and what your child told you (contemporaneous notes are powerful evidence).
• If your child shows you texts, group chats, or photos, screenshot them immediately or ask permission to photograph their phone screen.
• Take photos of any visible injuries.
• Save any physical items (damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, paddles or props).

Reporting:

• Campus authorities: Contact the Dean of Students office, Office of Student Conduct, or campus police.
• Local police: If hazing involved crimes (assault, sexual assault, furnishing alcohol to minor), you can file a police report with city/county PD.
• University hotlines: Many schools have anonymous hazing hotlines or online reporting forms.
• National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293) (anonymous, monitored 24/7).

Legal consultation:

• Contact a lawyer experienced in hazing cases early, even if you’re not sure you want to file suit.
• A lawyer can:
  • Help you preserve evidence before it’s destroyed.
  • Navigate university processes (which can be adversarial).
  • Advise on criminal vs civil options.
  • Protect your child from pressure or retaliation.

What NOT to do:

• Don’t confront the fraternity/sorority directly (they may destroy evidence or retaliate).
• Don’t sign anything from the university or insurance company without legal advice.
• Don’t post details on public social media before consulting a lawyer (can compromise case).
• Don’t let the university convince you “this is being handled internally” if you want accountability.

48-Hour Action Checklist for Parents

HOUR 1–6 (IMMEDIATE CRISIS):
✅ Medical: If injured or intoxicated, get to ER immediately
✅ Safety: Remove child from dangerous situation
✅ Evidence: Screenshot any messages they show you; photograph visible injuries
✅ Notes: Write down everything they tell you (date, time, what happened, who was there)
✅ Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance

HOUR 6–24 (EVIDENCE PRESERVATION):
✅ Digital: Help child preserve all group chats, DMs, texts (do NOT delete anything)
✅ Physical: Secure clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
✅ Medical records: Request copies of all ER/hospital records
✅ Witnesses: Write down names and contact info for other pledges, bystanders
✅ University: Note any communications from school (emails, calls, meetings) but do NOT respond yet

HOUR 24–48 (STRATEGIC DECISIONS):
✅ Legal consultation: Speak with experienced hazing attorney (Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911)
✅ Reporting decision: Decide whether to report to campus police, local police, Dean of Students (with lawyer’s guidance)
✅ University response: If school contacts you, refer them to your attorney
✅ Insurance: Do NOT talk to any insurance adjuster without lawyer present
✅ Evidence backup: Upload all screenshots and photos to cloud storage or email to yourself

WEEK ONE PRIORITIES:
✅ Medical follow-up: Continue documenting injuries; see specialists if needed; get psych evaluation if trauma present
✅ Evidence gathering: Attorney will begin subpoenaing records, obtaining deleted messages via forensics
✅ Witness interviews: Attorney will contact other pledges and witnesses
✅ Strategy session: Decide on criminal report, civil suit, both, or internal university process
✅ Protection: If retaliation occurs, document and report immediately

For Students: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide

Ask yourself:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
• Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences, no fear of being “cut”)?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would the university or my parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
• Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do themselves?
• Is this “tradition” really about initiation / earning membership, or is it just fun for older members?
• Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?

If you answered YES to any of these, it’s likely hazing.

Use the Three-Tier System from earlier:

• Tier 1 (Subtle): Servitude, social control, deception, “optional” but actually mandatory → Still hazing.
• Tier 2 (Harassment): Yelling, sleep deprivation, humiliation, forced uncomfortable activities → Illegal hazing.
• Tier 3 (Violent): Forced drinking, beatings, sexual acts, dangerous tests → Serious crime; get help NOW.

How to Exit Safely

If you’re in immediate danger:

• Call 911 or campus police.
• Get to a safe location (your dorm, a friend’s place, a public area).
• You will not get in trouble for calling for help in a medical emergency (most schools and Texas law have good-faith reporter protections).

If you want to quit / de-pledge:

• You have the legal right to leave at any time, no matter what they told you.
• Tell someone outside the org first (parent, RA, friend) so there’s a record.
• Send an email or text to the chapter president / new member educator stating: “I am resigning my pledge/membership effective immediately.”
• Do not go to “one last meeting” where they might pressure or retaliate.
• If you fear retaliation, report that fear to the Dean of Students and campus police.

Protecting yourself from retaliation:

• Document any threats or harassment (screenshots, recordings if legal, witnesses).
• File a formal complaint with the university if you’re being stalked, harassed, or threatened.
• In Texas, harassment and stalking are crimes; you can seek a protective order if necessary.

Evidence Collection (For Students)

While it’s happening or immediately after:

1. Screenshots of group chats:

   • Capture full conversations with timestamps, participant names visible.
   • Include messages before and after the hazing to show context.
   • If messages are being deleted, screenshot as soon as you see them.

2. Voice memos / recordings:

   • In Texas, you can legally record conversations you are a party to (one-party consent state).
   • Record meetings, phone calls, or in-person interactions where hazing is discussed or ordered.

3. Photos / videos:

   • Injuries: Take photos immediately, then again over several days to show progression.
   • Locations: Photo of the house, room, or venue where hazing occurred.
   • Objects: Paddles, alcohol bottles, props, costumes used in hazing.

4. Save everything digital:

   • Don’t delete anything (texts, DMs, emails, social media posts) even if you’re embarrassed.
   • Back up to cloud storage or email screenshots to yourself / a trusted adult.

5. Medical documentation:

   • If you go to ER, student health, or urgent care, tell them you were hazed so it’s in the medical record.
   • Request copies of all records.

6. Witness information:

   • Names and contact info for other pledges, members, or bystanders who saw what happened.

Who to Trust / Where to Report

On campus:

• Dean of Students or Office of Student Conduct (formal reporting; triggers investigation).
• Title IX Coordinator (if hazing involved sexual harassment or assault).
• Campus police (if crimes occurred).
• Counseling center (for mental health support; conversations are generally confidential).
• Trusted professor or academic advisor (can help you navigate university systems).

Off campus:

• Local police (city PD or county sheriff) if hazing involved crimes.
• National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (anonymous, 24/7).
• Lawyer specializing in hazing cases (confidential consultation).

Who to be cautious with:

• Fraternity/sorority advisors employed by the org (they may prioritize the org over you).
• “Greek Life” office at some schools can be more focused on protecting Greek system than individual students.
• Friends still in the org (they may feel conflicted or report back to leadership).

Your Legal Rights in Texas

• You cannot be punished for calling 911 or seeking medical help in an emergency, even if alcohol/drugs were involved (good-faith reporter immunity).
• Hazing is a crime; you are the victim, not the perpetrator (even if you “agreed”).
• You can file a civil lawsuit for damages even if no criminal charges are filed.
• You can request a no-contact order through the university if you’re being harassed after reporting.

For Former Members / Witnesses

If you’re a former member who participated in hazing and now regrets it:

• Acknowledge that you may feel guilt and fear.
• Understand that your testimony and evidence may prevent future harm and save lives.
• Know that cooperating with authorities can be an important step toward accountability.
• Consider that you may need your own legal advice, but cooperating can help your case if you have potential legal exposure.
• A lawyer can help navigate your role as a witness or co-defendant.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

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: Looks like a cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly

   • What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
   • Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare defenses
   • What to do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation

3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms

   • What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements
   • Why it’s wrong: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often far below case value
   • What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without an attorney 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 screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility; can waive privilege
   • What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

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

   • What fraternities say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic”
   • Why it’s wrong: They pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that hurt the case
   • What to do instead: Once you’re considering legal action, all communication goes through your lawyer

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

   • What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally”
   • Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute of limitations runs, university controls narrative
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately; university process ≠ real accountability

7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer

   • What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim”
   • Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball
   • What to do instead: Politely decline and say, “My attorney will contact you”

Short FAQ for Alabama Families

Q: Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?
A: Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

Q: Is hazing a felony in Texas?
A: It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

Q: Can my child bring a case if they “agreed” to the initiation?
A: Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

Q: How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?
A: Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but 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 forget, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?
A: Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

Q: Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?
A: Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

Q: How much is a hazing case worth?
A: Every case is unique, but hazing cases can result in significant compensation, including:

• Medical bills and future care costs
• Lost earnings and educational opportunities
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and trauma
• Wrongful death damages (for families)
• Punitive damages (in some cases)

Settlement amounts in recent hazing cases have ranged from hundreds of thousands to $14 million (David Bogenberger case). The value depends on the severity of injuries, the strength of evidence, and the level of institutional negligence.

Q: What if the fraternity is already suspended or shut down?
A: The organization’s status doesn’t eliminate liability. Even if a chapter is suspended or shut down, the national organization, university, and individual members can still be held accountable. In fact, the suspension may be evidence of prior knowledge and negligence.

Q: Can we sue the national fraternity?
A: Yes. National fraternities can be liable if they:

• Knew or should have known about the hazing
• Failed to adequately supervise the local chapter
• Ignored prior incidents or warnings
• Provided inadequate training or policies

Pattern evidence from other chapters can be powerful in proving national organization liability.

Q: What if my child was drinking underage? Will they get in trouble?
A: Texas law and many university policies provide amnesty for students who call 911 for medical emergencies, even if they were drinking underage or involved in the hazing themselves. The focus should be on getting medical help, not on punishment. However, the fraternity members who provided the alcohol or pressured your child may face consequences.

Q: Can we still pursue a case if the university already disciplined the chapter?
A: Yes. University discipline is separate from civil liability. Many families pursue civil cases even after university discipline to:

• Recover compensation for medical bills and other damages
• Hold additional parties accountable (national organizations, individuals)
• Force institutional reforms
• Prevent future hazing

Q: What if we don’t live in Texas? Can we still get help?
A: Yes. Attorney911 is based in Texas but serves families throughout the United States. We can:

• Provide consultation and case evaluation
• Serve as co-counsel with local attorneys in your state
• Handle cases with Texas connections (national organizations, Texas-based insurance, etc.)
• Help you understand your rights and options

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation to discuss your specific situation.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

When your family 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.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911 is a Texas-based law firm with deep expertise in hazing litigation. Here’s why families in Alabama and across Texas trust us:

Insurance Insider Advantage (Lupe Peña)

• Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
• Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims
• Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies
• “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney, learning firsthand how large insurance companies:

• Value claims and set reserves
• Use Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to reduce settlements
• Deploy delay tactics to pressure plaintiffs
• Fight coverage under exclusions

This insider knowledge is invaluable for hazing victims. When fraternity and university insurers try to minimize your claim, we know how to counter their tactics with time-bound strategy, expert-backed valuation, and trial-ready preparation.

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello)

• One of the few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
• Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
• “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Ralph Manginello has been practicing law since 1998 and has handled complex litigation against some of the largest corporations in the world. His experience includes:

• BP Texas City explosion litigation (one of the few Texas firms involved)
• Federal court complex litigation
• Multi-million dollar wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases

This experience is crucial for hazing cases, where defendants include:

• National fraternities with unlimited legal budgets
• Universities with sovereign immunity protections
• Insurance companies fighting coverage

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience

• Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases with economist collaboration
• Experience valuing lifetime care needs (brain injury, permanent disability cases)
• “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Hazing cases often involve catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. We have experience with:

• Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure (like the UH Pi Kappa Phi case)
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Severe burns and chemical injuries
• Permanent psychological trauma
• Wrongful death

We work with economists, life care planners, and medical experts to:

• Calculate lifetime medical costs
• Value lost earning capacity
• Assess pain and suffering
• Build comprehensive damages models

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise

• Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
• Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
• Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Many hazing cases involve both criminal and civil components. Our expertise includes:

• Advising witnesses and former members who may have criminal exposure
• Understanding how criminal proceedings affect civil cases
• Navigating dual-track cases (criminal and civil)
• Protecting clients from self-incrimination

Investigative Depth

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

Hazing investigations require specialized skills:

• Digital forensics: Recovering deleted group chats and social media evidence
• Medical experts: Documenting injuries and long-term effects
• Psychologists: Assessing PTSD, depression, anxiety
• Economists: Calculating lifetime damages
• Greek life experts: Understanding organizational culture and patterns

We know how to:

• Subpoena fraternity and university records
• Work with digital forensics experts to recover deleted evidence
• Interview witnesses and build compelling cases

Spanish-Language Services

• Lupe Peña speaks fluent Spanish
• We serve Hispanic families throughout Texas and beyond
• “Hablamos Español”

We understand that hazing affects families from all backgrounds. Lupe Peña’s fluency in Spanish allows us to serve Hispanic families with the same level of expertise and compassion.

What Alabama Families Can Expect When Working With Us

If you’re in Alabama and your child has been hazed at a Texas university, here’s what you can expect when you contact Attorney911:

1. Confidential, no-obligation consultation

   • We’ll listen to your story without judgment
   • Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
   • Explain your legal options (criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither)
   • Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect

2. Immediate evidence preservation

   • We’ll help you preserve digital evidence (group chats, social media)
   • Guide you on documenting injuries and witness information
   • Begin subpoenaing records and working with experts

3. Strategic case building

   • We’ll investigate the incident thoroughly
   • Identify all potentially liable parties (individuals, local chapter, national organization, university)
   • Work with medical experts, economists, and psychologists to build your case
   • Navigate insurance coverage disputes

4. Aggressive negotiation and litigation

   • We’ll demand fair compensation from all responsible parties
   • Push for institutional reforms to prevent future hazing
   • Be ready to take your case to trial if necessary

5. Compassionate client service

   • We understand this is a difficult time for your family
   • We’ll keep you informed at every stage
   • We’ll protect your privacy and your child’s well-being
   • We’ll fight for justice and accountability

Call to Action: Alabama Families, We’re Here to Help

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus, we want to hear from you.

Families in Alabama and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers and accountability. Whether your child attends the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor—or any other Texas university—you don’t have to face this alone.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.

We’ll:

• 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
• Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
• Answer your questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
• No pressure to hire us on the spot—take time to decide
• Everything you tell us is confidential

What to expect in your free consultation:

• We’ll listen to your story
• Review any evidence you have
• Explain your legal options and rights
• Discuss what to expect in the legal process
• Answer your questions about costs and timelines
• Help you decide on the best path forward

Contact us 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

Hablamos Español: Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish

Remember:

• Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
• Universities move quickly to control the narrative
• Time is critical—Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for hazing lawsuits
• The sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your rights and preserve evidence

You don’t have to face this alone. Call Attorney911 today.

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

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

For your convenience, here are the full URLs for all resources referenced in this guide:

NEWS COVERAGE OF THE LEONEL BERMUDEZ / UH PI KAPPA PHI HAZING LAWSUIT

• 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/
• Hoodline: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

ATTORNEY911 EDUCATIONAL YOUTUBE VIDEOS

• “📱 Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case? | Attorney911 Explains”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case? | Attorney911 with Injury Lawyer Ralph Manginello”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case | Attorney911 with Ralph Manginello”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• “📢 How Do Contingency Fees Work? Injury Lawyer Explains!”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

ATTORNEY911 MAIN WEBSITE

• Attorney911 Homepage: https://attorney911.com
• Ralph Manginello Profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
• Lupe Peña Profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/
• Wrongful Death Practice Area: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
• Criminal Defense Practice Area: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/
• Contact Page: https://attorney911.com/contact/

EXTERNAL HAZING RESOURCES

• National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
• StopHazing.org: https://stophazing.org
• HazingPrevention.org: https://hazingprevention.org