The Complete Guide to Hazing in Texas: A Resource for Angleton, Brazoria County, and Greater Houston Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You Are Not Alone

Imagine this: Your child, a bright student from Angleton, leaves for college with excitement and ambition. They join a fraternity, sorority, or campus organization at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, or another Texas school, hoping to find community. Then, the calls home change. They sound exhausted, secretive, anxious. One night, you get a call from a hospital in College Station or Houston. Your child has been rushed to the emergency room with severe muscle breakdown, acute kidney failure, or alcohol poisoning after a “pledge event.” They tell you through tears about being forced to drink, perform dangerous physical acts, or endure humiliating treatment. They’re afraid—afraid of retaliation, of getting the chapter in trouble, of losing their new friends.

This is not a hypothetical scenario. Right now, in Harris County, we are actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas. Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student at the University of Houston, suffered catastrophic injuries during his fall 2025 pledge period with the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. According to the $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit we filed on his behalf, Bermudez was subjected to months of systematic abuse that culminated in rhabdomyolysis (severe skeletal muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, could not stand without help, and was hospitalized for four days. The alleged hazing included forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion; and the constant humiliation of a mandatory “pledge fanny pack” filled with degrading items.

This case, detailed in reports from Click2Houston, ABC13, and Hoodline, shows exactly what Texas families are up against: powerful institutions, national fraternity organizations with deep pockets, and a culture of secrecy that protects abusers over victims.

At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911), we represent hazing victims and their families throughout Texas, including right here in Angleton, Brazoria County, and across the Greater Houston region. This comprehensive guide is written specifically for you—Texas parents, students, and community members—to understand what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects (and sometimes fails) victims, what’s happening on our major campuses, and what legal options exist for accountability and recovery.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

In the first 48 hours:

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

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas

For families in Angleton and across Brazoria County, understanding modern hazing requires moving beyond old stereotypes of “harmless pranks” or “boys being boys.” Today’s hazing is sophisticated, often digitally coordinated, and deliberately hidden from parents and university officials.

A Modern Definition for Texas Families

Hazing, under Texas law and in practice, is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. Critically, “I agreed to it” or “I wanted to fit in” does not make it legal or safe when there exists the power imbalance inherent between pledges and active members.

The Four Main Categories of Hazing We See in Texas Cases

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing (The Most Common & Deadliest)

Forced or coerced drinking: “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor, “family tree” drinking games, “bid acceptance” parties with mandatory consumption.
Drug coercion: Being pressured to consume unknown substances or excessive amounts of drugs as part of initiation.
The deadly pattern: This is what killed Stone Foltz at Bowling Green, Max Gruver at LSU, and nearly killed our client Leonel Bermudez at UH.

2. Physical Hazing Beyond “Conditioning”

Extreme calisthenics: “Smokings” or workouts designed to cause pain, not fitness—like the 100+ push-ups and 500 squats that injured Bermudez.
Paddling and beatings: Still prevalent despite national bans, particularly in some NPHC and Corps traditions.
Environmental hazing: Being locked in freezing rooms, left outside in extreme weather, or denied food/water/sleep for extended periods.

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

Forced nudity or simulated sexual acts: “Elephant walks,” “roasted pig” positions (as alleged in Texas A&M Corps cases).
Degrading costumes and public humiliation: Wearing demeaning clothing in public, performing embarrassing acts for entertainment.
Digital shame: Being forced to post compromising content on social media or participate in TikTok “challenges.”

4. Psychological & Digital Hazing (The 24/7 Pressure Cooker)

Group chat domination: Pledges required to respond instantly to messages at all hours, with punishments for delays.
Social isolation: Being cut off from non-members, required to seek permission for basic social activities.
Verbal abuse and threats: Constant belittling, threats of expulsion from the organization for minor infractions.

Where Hazing Really Happens in Texas

While fraternities receive most attention, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multiculturalGreek councils)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC (Texas A&M’s Corps has faced multiple lawsuits)
Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading)
Spirit and Tradition Organizations (Texas Cowboys, Hex Rangers, etc.)
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Academic and Service Organizations

The common thread isn’t the type of group—it’s the toxic combination of tradition, power imbalance, and secrecy that allows these practices to continue even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Texas Hazing Law: What Angleton Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws addressing hazing, but understanding how they work in practice is crucial for Brazoria County families considering legal action.

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37, Subchapter F (The Hazing Statute)

The law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, 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 Provisions for Angleton Parents:

§ 37.151: Definition includes both physical AND mental harm
§ 37.152: Criminal penalties escalate with injury:
- Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing without serious injury (up to 180 days jail)
- Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
- State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death
§ 37.155: Consent is NOT a defense – even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing
§ 37.154: Good-faith reporting immunity protects those who call for help

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases (Brought by the State)

Purpose: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Charges may include: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Prosecutor: District Attorney’s office in the county where hazing occurred
Example: In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, criminal charges could be filed in Harris County

Civil Cases (Brought by Victims/Families)

Purpose: Compensation and accountability
Claims may include: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Filed by: Your attorney on behalf of your family
Our current case: Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi is a civil lawsuit seeking over $10 million

Critical Point: These cases can run simultaneously, and you don’t need a criminal conviction to file a civil case. Many families pursue civil action even when prosecutors decline to file criminal charges.

Federal Law Overlay: New Protections for Texas Students

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently and maintain public hazing data (phasing in through 2026).
Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility, additional federal protections and reporting requirements apply.
Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain campus crimes; hazing incidents often trigger Clery reporting obligations.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Texas Hazing Lawsuit?

Based on our experience with the UH case and others, potential defendants include:

Individual Students: Those who planned, executed, or covered up the hazing
Chapter Officers: Presidents, risk managers, pledge educators who knew or should have known
Local Chapter: The fraternity/sorority as an organization (if incorporated)
National Headquarters: Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, etc.—often have the deepest pockets
Universities: UH, Texas A&M, UT, etc., for negligent supervision
Housing Corporations: Entities that own chapter houses
Alumni Boards: Groups that oversee chapter activities
Third Parties: Property owners, alcohol providers, security companies

In the Bermudez case, we named 17 defendants including UH, the UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Predict Texas Outcomes

The tragedies that have unfolded at campuses nationwide are not distant stories—they are roadmaps showing what happens when institutions fail to protect students. For Angleton families, these cases matter because Texas courts look to these precedents when evaluating hazing claims.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: Scripted Tragedy

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

What happened: 20-year-old pledge forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night
Outcome: $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Texas relevance: Same “Big/Little” script used at UH, Texas A&M, UT chapters

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

What happened: “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking
Outcome: $6.1 million verdict plus confidential settlements; Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing)
Texas relevance: Similar drinking games documented at Texas campuses

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

What happened: Pledge died after being given a handle of liquor during “Big Brother Night”
Outcome: Criminal charges against members; FSU suspended all Greek life
Texas relevance: Same national fraternity (Pi Kappa Phi) as our UH case

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: Beyond Alcohol

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

What happened: Pledge blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual at off-campus retreat
Outcome: National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Texas relevance: Shows off-campus location doesn’t eliminate liability

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

What happened: 18-year-old pledge suffered permanent brain damage from alcohol poisoning during “pledge dad reveal”
Outcome: Settlements with 22 defendants; victim requires 24/7 care for life
Texas relevance: Catastrophic non-fatal injuries can result in lifetime care costs

What These Cases Mean for Angleton Families

Patterns Repeat: The same dangerous “traditions” appear campus to campus, year after year
Institutional Knowledge Exists: National fraternities know these patterns cause harm
Cover-Ups Are Common: Delayed medical care dramatically worsens outcomes and liability
Financial Accountability Is Possible: Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts are achievable
Legislative Change Follows Tragedy: States strengthen laws after high-profile cases

Texas Campus Focus: Where Angleton Students Actually Attend

Families in Angleton and Brazoria County send their children to universities across Texas. Understanding the specific landscape at each campus is crucial for recognizing risks and knowing where to seek help.

University of Houston: The Closest Major University to Angleton

For Angleton Families: UH is just over 50 miles from Angleton, making it one of the most accessible major universities for Brazoria County students. Its large commuter population includes many students from our region.

Recent Case: Leonel Bermudez & Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu

Our active litigation reveals systemic issues at UH:

Hazing Locations: Pi Kappa Phi chapter house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park
Medical Catastrophe: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, four-day hospitalization
Institutional Response: Chapter suspended Nov. 6, 2025; charter surrendered Nov. 14, 2025; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”
Legal Action: $10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, housing corporation, and 13 individuals

UH’s Greek Ecosystem (From Official Rosters)

Interfraternity Council (IFC): 17+ fraternities including Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma
Panhellenic Council: 6 sororities
NPHC (Divine Nine): All historically Black organizations present
Multicultural Greek Council: Numerous culturally-based organizations

What Angleton Parents Should Know About UH

Reporting: Dean of Students Office, UHPD, online reporting forms
Prior Incidents: Pi Kappa Alpha chapter suspended in 2016 for hazing causing lacerated spleen
Geographic Jurisdiction: Cases may involve Harris County courts and Houston police
Our Local Presence: As Houston-based attorneys, we know UH’s administration and local courts intimately

Texas A&M University: A Premier Destination for Brazoria County Students

For Angleton Families: Many top students from Angleton High School choose Texas A&M for its academic programs and tradition. The 90-mile drive to College Station is manageable for visiting families.

Corps of Cadets Hazing Litigation

2023 Lawsuit: Cadet alleged being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth
Seeking: Over $1 million in damages
A&M’s Response: Claimed matter handled under internal Corps regulations

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case

2021 Incident: Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts
Lawsuit: Pledges sued for $1 million
Outcome: Chapter suspended for two years

Texas A&M’s Greek & Corps Landscape

Corps of Cadets: 2,500+ members with tradition-heavy culture
Greek Life: 50+ fraternities and sororities with strong campus presence
Unique Risks: Combination of Greek and Corps hazing traditions

What Angleton Parents Should Know About Texas A&M

Dual Reporting: Student Conduct Office AND Corps leadership for Cadets
Local Jurisdiction: Brazos County courts and College Station police
Historical Context: 1999 Aggie Bonfire collapse ($6+ million in settlements) shows institutional risk management issues

University of Texas at Austin: The Flagship Destination

For Angleton Families: UT Austin attracts high-achieving students from across Texas, including Brazoria County. While farther (150+ miles), its prestige draws many local families.

UT’s Public Transparency Advantage

UT maintains a public Hazing Violations page showing:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics → probation
Texas Wranglers (2022): Spirit group sanctioned for forced workouts
Multiple organizations regularly appear on violation lists

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case

2024 Incident: Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party, suffering dislocated leg, broken nose, fractured tibia
Lawsuit: Seeking over $1 million
Context: Chapter already under suspension for prior violations

What Angleton Parents Should Know About UT

Public Records: Hazing.utexas.edu provides transparency other schools lack
Reporting: Dean of Students, UTPD, Title IX Office
Legal Venue: Travis County courts for civil cases

Southern Methodist University & Baylor University

While SMU (Dallas) and Baylor (Waco) are farther from Angleton, Brazoria County students do attend these institutions, particularly for specialized programs or athletic opportunities.

SMU’s Private University Dynamics

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation → multi-year suspension
Private Status: Less public transparency than public universities
Greek Dominance: Strong fraternity/sorority culture with associated risks

Baylor’s Complex History

Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Title IX Context: Ongoing scrutiny following sexual assault scandal
Religious Identity: May affect internal handling of misconduct cases

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Data That Drives Accountability

At The Manginello Law Firm, we don’t just take cases—we build them from the ground up using comprehensive data. For families in Angleton, this means we start with more knowledge than the organizations trying to hide their misconduct.

Public Records Directory: Who Really Operates in Texas

Through IRS filings, university records, and commercial databases, we maintain intelligence on 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metros. This isn’t abstract—it’s concrete data that wins cases.

Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro (188 Organizations)

This metro includes Brazoria County and directly serves Angleton families. Example entities from public records:

Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Houston, TX (Alumni/house corporation)
Alpha Phi Omega – Bayou City Alumni – Houston, TX
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae – Houston, TX
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Alpha Kappa Omega – Houston, TX (Graduate chapter)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter – Houston, TX (Undergraduate chapter)

IRS B83 Registered Organizations with Texas Addresses

These tax-exempt entities represent the formal structure behind Greek life:

KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC – 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845 (EIN: 133048786)
GAMMA PHI BETA SORORITY INC – 115 Wild Wick Way, The Woodlands, TX 77382 (EIN: 161675890)
BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC – 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035 (EIN: 462267515)
SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER – 4300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204 (EIN: 746084905)

Why This Data Matters for Your Case

When we take a case like Bermudez v. UH, we immediately:

Identify ALL potentially liable entities (not just the obvious ones)
Trace insurance coverage through corporate structures
Establish pattern evidence showing national organizations knew risks
Prevent the “rogue chapter” defense by showing systemic issues

Texas Universities Where Angleton Students Attend

From our Texas Universities database, these are the campuses most relevant to Brazoria County families:

Primary Universities:

University of Houston – Houston, TX (Harris County) – 50 miles from Angleton
Texas A&M University – College Station, TX (Brazos County) – 90 miles
University of Texas at Austin – Austin, TX (Travis County) – 150 miles

Regional Options:

Prairie View A&M University – Prairie View, TX (Waller County) – 75 miles
University of Houston-Clear Lake – Houston, TX (Harris County) – 45 miles
University of Houston-Victoria – Victoria, TX (Victoria County) – 100 miles

Community College Pathways:

Brazosport College – Lake Jackson, TX (Brazoria County) – 15 miles
Alvin Community College – Alvin, TX (Brazoria County) – 25 miles

National Brand Overlap: Connecting Texas Chapters to National Patterns

Our data shows how the same national organizations operate across Texas:

Pi Kappa Alpha: IRS entity in Nederland, TX + Cause IQ listing in Houston = same national brand
Sigma Gamma Rho: IRS entities in Waco and Commerce + Cause IQ listings in Houston and Beaumont = statewide network
Kappa Alpha Psi: IRS entities in Prairie View, Mansfield, Dallas + Cause IQ listing in Beaumont = interconnected system

This cross-referencing proves that when a national fraternity claims “we didn’t know what our Texas chapter was doing,” we can show they had multiple touchpoints and oversight responsibilities.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Realistic Expectations

For Angleton families navigating a hazing crisis, understanding how cases are built can reduce anxiety and help you make informed decisions.

Critical Evidence That Wins Cases

1. Digital Evidence (The Most Important Category)

Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord screenshots
Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook posts showing events
Deleted Message Recovery: Digital forensics can retrieve “disappearing” messages
Location Data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends logs, Snapchat Maps

Watch our video: How to use your phone to document evidence

2. Medical Documentation

ER/Hospital Records: Must include mention of hazing as cause
Lab Results: Blood alcohol, toxicology, creatine kinase (for rhabdo)
Psychological Evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
Photographic Evidence: Progression of injuries over days

3. Institutional Records

University Discipline Files: Prior incidents involving same organization
National Fraternity Records: Risk management reports, incident logs
Insurance Policies: Coverage documents for chapters and nationals

4. Witness Testimony

Other Pledges: Often afraid initially but may cooperate as case progresses
Former Members: Those who quit or were expelled often have valuable information
Medical Personnel: ER doctors, nurses who treated injuries
Roommates/RA’s: Observed changes in behavior or physical condition

Damages: What Can Be Recovered in Texas Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical Expenses: Past and future care (ER, hospitalization, therapy, medications)
Lost Educational Opportunities: Tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships
Diminished Earning Capacity: If injuries affect future career prospects
Property Damage: Destroyed clothing, phones, other personal items

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm)

Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries and medical procedures
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Can’t participate in college experience as planned
Reputational Harm: Social stigma and digital footprint

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

Funeral/Burial Costs: Immediate expenses
Loss of Companionship: Parents’ and siblings’ emotional loss
Lost Financial Support: If deceased would have contributed to family
Pain and Suffering: Deceased’s pre-death suffering

Punitive Damages (When Appropriate)

Purpose: Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
Requirements: Gross negligence, intentional acts, or cover-ups
Texas Caps: Generally limited, but exceptions exist for intentional conduct

The Real Timeline: What to Expect

Immediate (Days 1-7): Evidence preservation, medical care, initial consultation
Investigation (Months 1-3): Gathering records, interviewing witnesses, sending preservation letters
Pre-Litigation (Months 3-6): Settlement demand packages, negotiations with insurers
Litigation (Months 6-24+): Filing lawsuit, discovery, depositions, mediation
Trial/Settlement (Varies): Most cases settle; few go to full trial

Critical: Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, but special rules apply for minors and in cases of fraud/concealment. Don’t wait.

Watch our video: Texas statutes of limitations explained

Insurance Coverage Battles: Where Cases Often Live or Die

Our attorney Mr. Lupe Peña (he/him) brings unique insight here—he spent years as an insurance defense attorney before joining our firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers will try to deny claims:

Common Insurance Defense Tactics:

“Intentional Acts” Exclusion: Arguing hazing is intentional, not negligent
“Rogue Chapter” Defense: Claiming national didn’t know or control local
Policy Limits Games: Offering quick, low settlements within small policies
Delay Tactics: Dragging out cases to pressure financially strained families

Our Counter-Strategy:

Multiple Policy Identification: Chapter, national, university, individual homeowner’s policies
Negligent Supervision Theory: Even if hazing was intentional, supervision failure was negligent
Bad Faith Claims: Suing insurers who unreasonably deny coverage

Practical Guides for Angleton Families, Students, and Witnesses

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Angleton Student May Be Being Hazed

Physical Indicators:

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts (especially on back, thighs from paddling)
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water restriction or stress eating
Chemical burns or rashes (from substances being poured on them)
Signs of alcohol poisoning: confusion, vomiting, unconsciousness

Behavioral Changes:

New secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Withdrawal from family, high school friends, non-Greek activities
Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability, anger
Defensive when asked about the organization
Constant phone checking (group chat pressure)

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep in class
Skipping exams/assignments for “mandatory” events

Digital/Social Behavior:

Deleting messages or social media history
Receiving calls/texts at all hours demanding immediate response
New geo-tracking app use (Life360, Find My Friends required by org)

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing

Choose the Right Time: When they’re not rushed or distracted
Use Open Questions:
- “How are things going with [organization]?”
- “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
- “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
Listen Without Judgment: If they open up, don’t interrupt with anger
Emphasize Safety First: “Your health matters more than any organization”
Offer Concrete Help: “If you want to leave, I’ll support you 100%”

48-Hour Action Checklist for Angleton Parents

HOUR 1-6 (IMMEDIATE CRISIS):

✓ Get medical attention if injured/intoxicated
✓ Remove from dangerous situation
✓ Screenshot any messages shown to you
✓ Photograph visible injuries
✓ Write down everything they tell you (who, what, when, where)
✓ Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911

HOUR 6-24 (EVIDENCE PRESERVATION):

✓ Help child preserve ALL digital evidence (do NOT delete anything)
✓ Secure physical evidence (clothing, receipts, objects)
✓ Request medical records from ER/hospital
✓ Identify witnesses (names, contact info)

HOUR 24-48 (STRATEGIC DECISIONS):

✓ Consult with experienced hazing attorney
✓ Decide on reporting to authorities (with attorney guidance)
✓ Document all university communications
✓ Back up all evidence to cloud storage

For Students: Your Rights and Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? A Decision Guide

Ask yourself:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie about activities?

If YES to any, it’s likely hazing.

How to Exit Safely

If in immediate danger:

Call 911 or campus police
Get to a safe location (dorm, friend’s place, public area)

If you want to quit/de-pledge:

Tell someone outside the org first (parent, RA, friend)
Send written notice: “I resign my pledge/membership effective immediately”
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where pressure/retaliation might occur
Report retaliation to Dean of Students and campus police

Texas-Specific Student Rights

Good-Faith Reporter Protection: You cannot be punished for calling 911 in an emergency
Consent is Not a Defense: Even if you “agreed,” hazing is still illegal
No-Contact Orders: Available through university if harassed after reporting

For Witnesses/Former Members: Navigating Guilt and Responsibility

If you participated in or witnessed hazing and now regret it:

Your testimony matters – it can prevent future harm
Consult an attorney about your own potential liability
Cooperation can lead to better outcomes than silence
Many feel guilt initially – you’re not alone in wanting to make things right

CRITICAL MISTAKES THAT CAN DESTROY YOUR CASE

1. Letting Evidence Be Destroyed

Mistake: Deleting messages to “protect” your child or the organization
Result: Looks like a cover-up; makes case nearly impossible
Solution: Preserve EVERYTHING immediately

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

Mistake: Yelling at chapter president or advisor
Result: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Solution: Document everything, then let your attorney handle communication

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

Mistake: Signing waivers or internal settlement agreements
Result: May waive right to sue; settlements are often inadequate
Solution: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media

Mistake: Venting on Facebook or Instagram
Result: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Solution: Keep everything private until case resolves

5. Waiting for “University Justice”

Mistake: Trusting internal investigation will bring accountability
Result: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Solution: Preserve evidence NOW, consult attorney immediately

Watch our video: Client mistakes that can ruin your case

Why The Manginello Law Firm for Angleton Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Angleton, Brazoria County, and the entire Greater Houston region.

Our Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña

Former Insurance Defense Attorney: Spent years at a national defense firm
Knows Their Playbook: Understands exactly how fraternity and university insurers value (and undervalue) claims
Spanish Language Services: Fluent Spanish for Hispanic families in our community
Learn more: Mr. Peña’s background

Complex Institutional Litigation: Ralph Manginello

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar defendants
Federal Court Experience: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
HCCLA Membership: Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association signals elite criminal defense capability
25+ Years Experience: Practicing since 1998, founded firm in 2001
Learn more: Ralph Manginello’s credentials

Current Active Hazing Litigation

We’re not just talking about hazing—we’re fighting one of Texas’s most serious cases right now:

Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi: $10 million lawsuit for rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
17 Defendants: Including university, national fraternity, housing corporation, 13 individuals
Public Accountability: Media coverage in Click2Houston, ABC13, Hoodline
Proven Strategy: Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine in action

Multi-Million Dollar Results Experience

Wrongful Death: Recovered millions for families
Catastrophic Injury: Brain injury, amputation, permanent disability cases
Economist Collaboration: Life care planning for future needs
Trial Ready: Not afraid to go to court when insurers won’t settle fairly

Our Investigative Advantage for Brazoria County Families

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

While other firms start from zero, we begin with:

1,423 Greek organizations tracked across 25 Texas metros
IRS B83 data on 125+ Texas-registered entities
University-specific intelligence on UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor
Pattern evidence showing national organizations knew risks

Digital Forensics & Evidence Preservation

Recovering deleted messages from GroupMe, WhatsApp, Snapchat
Social media evidence preservation before it disappears
Geo-location data analysis
Expert network of digital forensic specialists

Institutional Record Acquisition

University discipline files through discovery and public records requests
National fraternity risk management documents
Insurance policy identification and analysis
Prior incident pattern establishment

Our Commitment to Angleton Families

We understand that hazing cases involve more than legal issues—they’re deeply personal crises that affect entire families. Our approach reflects this understanding:

Empathetic but Thorough: We listen without judgment, then build the strongest possible case
Transparent Communication: Regular updates, clear explanations, no legal jargon
Family-Centered Strategy: We consider your child’s recovery needs, educational continuity, and privacy concerns
Accountability Focus: While compensation matters, we also pursue institutional change to prevent future harm

Contingency Fee Structure: No Cost Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

No upfront costs for our services
No attorney fees unless we recover money for you
Free initial consultation to evaluate your case
Transparent expense explanation upfront

Watch our video: How contingency fees work

Contact The Manginello Law Firm Today

If your child has been hazed at any Texas university—whether here in Angleton, at nearby UH, or anywhere across the state—we want to hear from you. Families in Brazoria County and throughout the Greater Houston region have the right to answers and accountability.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

We Listen: You tell your story without interruption or judgment
We Review Evidence: Photos, messages, medical records you have
We Explain Options: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
We Discuss Realities: Timeline, potential outcomes, challenges
You Decide: No pressure to hire us on the spot

Contact Information

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911)
Houston | Austin | Beaumont

Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello)
Email: lupe@atty911.com (Mr. Lupe Peña – Spanish services available)

Service Areas

We serve hazing victims and families throughout Texas:

Brazoria County: Angleton, Lake Jackson, Clute, Freeport, Pearland, Alvin
Greater Houston: Harris County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County
Statewide: College Station, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, everywhere in Texas

Final Thoughts for Angleton Families

Hazing thrives in silence and shame. By speaking up, you’re not just seeking justice for your child—you’re protecting future students from suffering the same harm. The organizations that permit or encourage hazing count on families being too afraid, too confused, or too overwhelmed to take action.

Don’t let them count on your silence.

Whether your child attends UH, Texas A&M, UT, or any Texas campus, whether the hazing happened yesterday or months ago, whether injuries are physical or psychological—you have options. Texas law provides paths to accountability, and experienced counsel can guide you through them.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. From our Houston office, we stand ready to help families right here in Angleton and across Texas find answers, secure accountability, and build a path forward.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s talk about what happened, what your rights are, and how we can help.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Click2Houston (KPRC 2): 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 Eyewitness News (KTRK): 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

Using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes that can ruin your case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website & Practice Areas

Main website & contact: https://attorney911.com
Wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Criminal defense practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/
Ralph Manginello profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
Lupe Peña profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified Texas attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com