Hazing at Texas Universities: A Complete Legal Guide for Town of Annetta Families

If Your Child Was Hazed in Texas, You Are Not Alone

For a parent in the quiet, family-centered community of the Town of Annetta, the call you never want to receive might come late at night. Your child, who you sent off to a respected Texas university with dreams and ambitions, is now whispering through tears about things they were forced to do to “belong.” They describe humiliating rituals, dangerous physical tests, forced drinking, and a culture of secrecy that left them feeling trapped and afraid. The organization they joined—whether a fraternity, sorority, Corps of Cadets unit, athletic team, or spirit group—has crossed a line from tradition into abuse, and your child is paying the price with their physical health, mental wellbeing, and sense of safety.

This is not a hypothetical fear. Right now, just a few hours from Annetta in Houston, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered catastrophic injuries during his fall 2025 pledge period with the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. According to the detailed complaint filed in Harris County, Bermudez was subjected to months of systematic abuse that culminated in a near-fatal case of rhabdomyolysis—severe skeletal muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure that required four days of hospitalization. The alleged hazing included degrading “pledge fanny pack” rules, forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, cold-weather exposure in underwear, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and extreme physical workouts including 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion. His urine turned brown from muscle tissue breakdown before his mother rushed him to the hospital. The Pi Kappa Phi chapter has since been suspended by its national headquarters and voted to surrender its charter, and the University of Houston has called the conduct “deeply disturbing.”

This case matters to every family in the Town of Annetta and throughout Parker County because it proves three critical truths: First, severe, dangerous hazing is happening right now at Texas universities. Second, when institutions fail to prevent it, the consequences can be life-altering. Third, holding those institutions accountable requires specialized legal expertise that understands both the brutal reality of hazing culture and the complex legal frameworks governing universities and national Greek organizations.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in the Town of Annetta, Aledo, Weatherford, and across Parker County who need to understand what hazing looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects—or fails to protect—students, and what practical steps you can take if your child has been harmed. We will cover the reality of hazing at the universities where Annetta families commonly send their children, explain your legal rights under Texas law, and provide actionable guidance for navigating this crisis with both compassion and strength.

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

Section 1: Hazing in 2025 – What It Really Looks Like

For families in the Town of Annetta, where community values and personal integrity matter deeply, understanding modern hazing requires looking beyond stereotypes of “boys will be boys” or “harmless pranks.” Hazing in 2025 is a sophisticated system of coercion, psychological manipulation, and physical risk that exploits young people’s desire for belonging. It has evolved to avoid detection while inflicting lasting harm.

Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. The critical element that distinguishes hazing from “tradition” is the power imbalance between established members and new members, combined with the implicit or explicit threat that non-compliance means exclusion from the group.

For Annetta parents, it’s essential to understand one legal principle above all others: “I agreed to it” does not make it legal or safe when there is peer pressure and power imbalance. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize what any parent intuitively understands—when your child faces the choice between enduring abuse or losing their social circle, their “agreement” isn’t truly voluntary.

Main Categories of Hazing in Today’s College Environment

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common and dangerous form of hazing, responsible for nearly every hazing death in the last decade. It’s not just “partying”—it’s systematic coercion:

• Forced or coerced drinking during “Big/Little” nights, bid acceptance events, or “family tree” rituals
• Chugging challenges, “lineups” where pledges must drink rapidly, games that require consumption as punishment for wrong answers
• Being pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances, often including hard liquor in dangerous quantities
• The Leonel Bermudez case at UH involved forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting

Physical Hazing
While less frequently fatal than alcohol hazing, physical abuse causes severe injuries and trauma:

• Paddling and beatings, particularly in certain fraternity traditions
• Extreme calisthenics, “workouts,” or “smokings” far beyond normal conditioning—like the 100+ push-ups and 500 squats Bermudez endured
• Sleep deprivation through late-night “meetings” or early-morning summons
• Food/water restriction as punishment or “discipline”
• Exposure to extreme cold/heat or dangerous environments, such as being left outside in underwear in cold weather

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
Some of the most psychologically damaging hazing involves sexual humiliation and degradation:

• Forced nudity or partial nudity during initiations
• Simulated sexual acts, “roasted pig” positions, or degrading costumes

1. Acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones, including slurs or role-play that targets specific identities

• Public shaming rituals designed to break down personal boundaries

Psychological Hazing
The invisible wounds can be as damaging as physical ones:

• Verbal abuse, screaming, threats, and intimidation
• Isolation from family and non-member friends
• Manipulation through “confession” rituals or forced sharing of personal information
• Systematic undermining of self-esteem and personal boundaries

Digital/Online Hazing
The smartphone era has created new avenues for abuse that follow students everywhere:

• Group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation via Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Discord
• Pressure to create or share compromising images/videos
• 24/7 availability demands through messaging apps
• Cyberstalking or harassment through location-sharing apps
• In the Bermudez case, messages in group chats were used to issue commands and threats

Where Hazing Actually Happens at Texas Universities

Annetta families should understand that hazing extends far beyond stereotypes of “frat parties.” While fraternities and sororities account for many incidents, hazing occurs in multiple contexts:

Fraternities and Sororities
This includes all Greek councils: Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council (the “Divine Nine” historically Black organizations), and multicultural Greek organizations. Each has different traditions and risk patterns.

Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups
The Texas A&M Corps of Cadets has faced multiple hazing allegations, including a 2023 lawsuit alleging cadets were bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in their mouth. The military-style hierarchy and tradition-heavy culture can sometimes enable abuse under the guise of “discipline.”

Athletic Teams
From football and basketball to cheerleading and baseball, athletic programs have recurring hazing issues. The Northwestern University football scandal (2023-2025) involving alleged sexualized and racist hazing shows that even elite, high-profile programs are not immune.

Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs
Groups like the Texas Cowboys at UT Austin or similar tradition-keeping organizations sometimes operate with intense secrecy and initiation rituals that cross into hazing.

Marching Bands and Performance Groups
The 2011 death of Florida A&M drum major Robert Champion during a band hazing ritual shocked the nation and showed that hazing extends far beyond Greek life.

Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations
Even groups with noble missions can develop harmful initiation practices.

The common thread across all these contexts is the toxic combination of social status, tradition, and secrecy. Students endure abuse because they believe it’s the price of belonging to something special, and they keep silent because they fear losing what they’ve suffered to attain.

Section 2: Texas Hazing Law – What Annetta Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws governing hazing, but understanding how they apply in real cases requires looking beyond the statute books to how courts actually handle these situations. For families in the Town of Annetta, knowing your rights under Texas law is the foundation for any meaningful response.

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

§ 37.151 Definition
Texas law defines hazing as 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 Annetta Families:

• Location Doesn’t Matter: The law applies whether hazing happens on campus, at an off-campus house, at a remote retreat, or anywhere else. The Pi Delta Psi case at Baruch College involved hazing at a Pennsylvania mountainside retreat, and the national fraternity was still held criminally liable.
• Mental OR Physical Harm: The law protects against psychological abuse just as much as physical injury. Severe humiliation, intimidation, or coercion that affects mental health qualifies as hazing.
• “Reckless” Is Enough: Prosecutors don’t need to prove malicious intent—just that the defendants knew the risks and proceeded anyway. When fraternity members force pledges to drink dangerous amounts of alcohol, they’re acting recklessly even if they don’t intend death.
• “Consent” Is Not a Defense: § 37.155 explicitly states that the victim’s consent is irrelevant. This recognizes the power dynamics at play.

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties

• Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing without serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
• Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
• State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death
• Additional Crimes: Failing to report hazing (if you’re a member/officer who knew) and retaliating against reporters are also misdemeanors

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability
Fraternities, sororities, clubs, and other organizations 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

Organizations face fines up to $10,000 per violation, and universities can revoke their recognition.

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting
This critical provision protects students who report hazing from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from their involvement. Many universities extend this to provide medical amnesty—if students call 911 for someone in medical distress, they won’t face alcohol or drug violations.

Criminal vs Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

When hazing occurs, two parallel legal processes may unfold:

Criminal Cases

• Brought by: The State of Texas (prosecutor’s office)
• Purpose: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical Charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Burden of Proof: “Beyond a reasonable doubt”
• Outcome Examples: In the Max Gruver case at LSU, a fraternity member was convicted of negligent homicide; in the Pi Delta Psi case, members received jail sentences

Civil Cases

• Brought by: Victims or surviving families
• Purpose: Monetary compensation and accountability
• Legal Theories: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring/supervision, premises liability, intentional infliction of emotional distress
• Burden of Proof: “Preponderance of the evidence” (more likely than not)
• Outcome Examples: Stone Foltz family received $10 million settlement; Max Gruver family received $6.1 million verdict; Chad Meredith family received $12.6 million verdict

Critical Insight for Annetta Families: A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. These are separate tracks with different standards. Even if prosecutors decline to file charges or defendants are acquitted, families can still pursue civil accountability. In fact, the civil discovery process often uncovers evidence that criminal investigations miss.

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

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
This federal legislation requires colleges that receive federal aid to:

• Report hazing incidents more transparently
• Strengthen hazing education and prevention programs
• Maintain public hazing data (phased in by around 2026)
  For Annetta families, this means universities will soon have more publicly available data about which organizations have hazing violations.

Title IX
When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations are triggered. Universities must:

• Conduct prompt, thorough investigations
• Provide supportive measures to victims
• Take steps to eliminate hostile environments
  Title IX applies regardless of whether the hazing occurred on or off campus, if the university has substantial control over the context.

Clery Act
Requires universities to report certain crimes and maintain safety statistics. Hazing incidents often overlap with reported crimes when they involve assaults or alcohol/drug violations.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

One of the most important concepts for Annetta families is that liability extends beyond the individual students who directly participated. Experienced hazing attorneys pursue every potentially liable party to ensure adequate compensation and meaningful accountability:

Individual Students

• Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out abusive acts, or helped cover them up
• Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, risk manager) often face greater liability

Local Chapter/Organization

• The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if incorporated)
• Housing corporations that own chapter houses
• In the Bermudez case, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation is named alongside individual members

National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters

• Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
• Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents
• Pattern evidence is critical: if the same national has hazing deaths at multiple campuses, they can’t claim “we had no idea”

University or Governing Board

• Schools may be liable under negligence theories if they knew of risks and failed to act
• Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist
• Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity barriers

Third Parties

• Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces who knew of dangerous activities
• Bars or alcohol providers under Texas dram shop laws
• Security companies that failed to protect students

Insurance Companies

• Fraternity, university, and individual liability insurance policies
• Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney is invaluable here—he knows exactly how these companies fight claims

The strategy of naming multiple defendants serves two purposes: it ensures there are adequate funds to compensate the victim (through insurance policies), and it creates institutional pressure for systemic change.

Section 3: National Hazing Case Patterns – What Texas Can Learn

The hazing incidents affecting Annetta families at Texas universities don’t exist in isolation. They’re part of national patterns that have produced tragic outcomes, landmark legislation, and multimillion-dollar verdicts. Understanding these patterns helps families recognize warning signs and gives context to what’s happening closer to home.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
The Piazza case became a national turning point in hazing awareness. During a bid-acceptance event, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza consumed dangerous amounts of alcohol during a drinking game, fell multiple times (captured on chapter security cameras), and suffered fatal brain injuries while fraternity members delayed calling for help for nearly 12 hours. The aftermath included:

• 18 fraternity members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts total
• The Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania with enhanced penalties
• Civil settlements with the fraternity and individuals
• Permanent ban of Beta Theta Pi from Penn State

Takeaway for Annetta Families: The deadly combination of forced drinking, delayed medical care, and cover-up culture repeats across campuses. Security cameras and digital evidence (texts about not calling 911) were critical to the case.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
During a “Bible study” drinking game, 18-year-old Max Gruver was forced to drink when he answered questions incorrectly. His blood alcohol concentration reached 0.495%—more than six times Louisiana’s legal limit—and he died from alcohol poisoning. This case led to:

• Criminal convictions including negligent homicide
• The Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony in Louisiana
• Chapter closure and national scrutiny of Phi Delta Theta

Takeaway for Annetta Families: “Games” and “traditions” that involve forced drinking are not harmless fun—they’re predictable pathways to tragedy. National fraternities often have the same rituals at chapters nationwide.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
During a “Big/Little” night, 20-year-old Stone Foltz was forced to consume an entire bottle of whiskey. He died from alcohol poisoning, leading to:

• Multiple criminal convictions of fraternity members
• $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
• The former chapter president ordered to personally pay $6.5 million

Takeaway for Annetta Families: Even when national fraternities have “anti-hazing policies,” local chapters often ignore them with fatal consequences. Individual officers can face staggering personal liability.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
During a “Big Brother Night,” pledges were given handles of hard liquor. Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning, leading to:

• Criminal hazing charges against members
• FSU temporarily suspending all Greek life
• National scrutiny of Pi Kappa Phi’s risk management

Takeaway for Annetta Families: The same national fraternity involved in the Bermudez case at UH has a prior fatal hazing incident. This pattern evidence is crucial for establishing foreseeability in litigation.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
During a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains, Michael Deng was blindfolded, weighted down with a heavy backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual. He suffered fatal head injuries while fraternity members delayed calling 911. This case established important precedents:

• National fraternity criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
• Individual members received jail sentences
• Pi Delta Psi banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
• Fines exceeding $110,000

Takeaway for Annetta Families: Off-campus retreats don’t eliminate liability—they sometimes enable more extreme abuse. National organizations can face criminal convictions, not just civil liability.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
During a “pledge dad reveal” night, 18-year-old Danny Santulli was forced to consume excessive alcohol, suffered cardiac arrest and severe, permanent brain damage. He cannot walk, talk, or see and requires 24/7 care. The aftermath included:

• Multiple criminal charges against fraternity members
• Settlements with 22 defendants, reportedly multi-million-dollar total
• Chapter closure and national scrutiny

Takeaway for Annetta Families: Not all hazing victims die—some face lifetimes of disability and care needs. These cases require sophisticated life-care planning and economic analysis of future costs.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football Scandal (2023-2025)
Former players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the football program over multiple years, including:

• “Running” ritual where freshmen were restrained and dry-humped
• Forced participation in naked center-quarterback exchange drills
• Racist comments and targeting of Black players
  The fallout has been extensive:
• Multiple lawsuits against Northwestern and coaching staff
• Head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially
• University facing massive liability and reputational damage

Takeaway for Annetta Families: Hazing extends far beyond Greek life into multi-million dollar athletic programs. The same dynamics of power imbalance, tradition, and silence enable abuse across campus contexts.

What These Cases Mean for Annetta Families

These national patterns matter to families in the Town of Annetta because:

1. Foreseeability: When the same national fraternity has fatal hazing at one campus, they can’t claim “we couldn’t have predicted this” when it happens again at a Texas school. This is crucial for establishing negligence.

2. Settlement Benchmarks: The $10 million Foltz settlement, $6.1 million Gruver verdict, and $12.6 million Meredith verdict provide reference points for what serious hazing cases can be worth.

3. Legal Strategies: Successful cases in other jurisdictions provide roadmaps for Texas litigation, from evidence preservation tactics to expert witness selection.

4. Prevention Lessons: Each tragedy reveals systemic failures—inadequate supervision, ineffective policies, cultural rot—that Texas universities should be addressing proactively.

The through-line in all these cases is that institutions (national fraternities, universities) often have advance warning through prior incidents but fail to take meaningful preventive action. This “deliberate indifference” forms the basis for significant liability when tragedy strikes.

Section 4: Texas Universities – Where Annetta Families Send Their Kids

The Town of Annetta sits in Parker County, part of the greater Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. This proximity to major educational centers means Annetta families have children attending universities across Texas, with particular concentrations at schools within driving distance and at the state’s flagship institutions. Understanding the hazing landscape at these universities is essential for prevention and response.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Annetta Families

Before examining specific universities, it’s important for Annetta parents to understand the scale and structure of the Greek system in Texas. Our firm maintains a Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine built from public records that tracks 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metropolitan areas. This isn’t theoretical—these are real entities with Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), legal names, and mailing addresses recorded in IRS and other public filings.

For the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area that includes Parker County, public records show:

• Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity – 12650 N Beach St #30, Suite 114, Fort Worth, TX 76244 (Cause IQ metro listing)
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – EIN 741380362, PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147-0061 (IRS B83 filing)
• Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta) – Arlington, TX (national sorority headquarters in Dallas area)
• Kappa Delta Sorority – Gamma Beta Chapter – Denton, TX (Texas Woman’s University chapter)
• Phi Chi Theta – Gamma Iota Chapter – Carrollton, TX (business fraternity chapter)
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – EIN 521278573, 3837 Simpson Stuart Rd, Dallas, TX 75241-4331 (IRS B83, Lambda Lambda Chapter)
• Fort Worth Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc – EIN 752755600, PO Box 581, Fort Worth, TX 76101-0581 (IRS B83)
• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – EIN 746084905, 4300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204-3067 (IRS B83)
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc – Sigma Gamma Chapter – EIN 392352450, PO Box 540026, Houston, TX 77254-0026 (IRS B83)
• Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – EIN 746064445, 1855 Highway 69 N, Nederland, TX 77627-8843 (IRS B83, Epsilon Kappa Chapter)

Statewide, IRS B83 records show 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations including house corporations, alumni chapters, and honor societies. This matters because when hazing occurs, these entities—not just the undergraduate students—may hold insurance coverage and legal responsibility. Our ability to immediately identify these organizations gives Annetta families a significant advantage in building cases.

Where Annetta Families Send Their Children

Based on geographic proximity and enrollment patterns, Annetta students commonly attend:

Primary Universities (Within ~2 Hours):

• Texas Christian University (TCU) – Fort Worth, Tarrant County (30 miles)
• University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) – Arlington, Tarrant County (35 miles)
• Texas Woman’s University (TWU) – Denton, Denton County (45 miles)
• University of North Texas (UNT) – Denton, Denton County (45 miles)
• Texas A&M University-Commerce – Commerce, Hunt County (75 miles)

Major Texas Universities (Common Destinations):

• University of Texas at Austin (UT) – Travis County (190 miles)
• Texas A&M University – College Station, Brazos County (180 miles)
• University of Houston (UH) – Houston, Harris County (240 miles)
• Baylor University – Waco, McLennan County (85 miles)
• Texas Tech University – Lubbock, Lubbock County (325 miles)

Specialized Programs:

• Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets – attracts students interested in military leadership
• University of Texas Spirit Programs – including Texas Cowboys, Silver Spurs
• Various Greek systems across all major universities

For each of these universities, we’ll examine the hazing landscape, recent incidents, and what Annetta families should know.

University of Texas at Austin (UT)

Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin represents the flagship of Texas public higher education, with over 50,000 students and a robust Greek system comprising approximately 60 fraternity and sorority chapters. The university’s location in the state capital creates a unique blend of academic rigor, political activism, and traditional campus life.

Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UT maintains one of the most transparent hazing reporting systems among Texas universities through its publicly accessible Hazing Violations page (hazing.utexas.edu). The university defines hazing broadly and prohibits it both on and off campus. Reporting channels include:

• Office of the Dean of Students
• UT Police Department (UTPD)
• Anonymous online reporting forms
• Greek Life officers and advisors

Documented Incidents & Responses

UT’s public hazing log reveals concerning patterns:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023 Violation)

• Conduct: New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
• Sanction: Chapter placed on probation, required to implement enhanced hazing prevention education
• Significance: Shows ongoing physical hazing despite national attention following the Stone Foltz death

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (Ongoing Issues)

• January 2024 Incident: Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party, suffering dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose
• Lawsuit: Student sued SAE chapter for over $1 million
• Pattern: Chapter already under suspension for prior hazing/safety violations
• Significance: Demonstrates how repeat violations occur despite sanctions

Texas Wranglers (2022 Violation)

• Conduct: Initiation activities involving alcohol consumption and strenuous physical activity
• Sanction: Organization suspended through December 2023
• Significance: Spirit and service organizations aren’t immune to hazing

Additional Violations: Multiple other fraternities, sororities, and spirit groups appear on UT’s public log with sanctions ranging from probation to multi-year suspensions.

How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Annetta families with students at UT, jurisdiction considerations include:

• Criminal: UTPD for on-campus incidents, Austin Police Department for off-campus
• Civil: Travis County courts (Austin)
• Administrative: UT Office of Student Conduct handles internal discipline
• Title IX: UT’s Title IX Office if sexual harassment elements present

What UT Students & Parents Should Do

1. Document Everything: UT’s public hazing log can provide pattern evidence for your case
2. Report Through Multiple Channels: File reports with UTPD, Dean of Students, and Title Office if applicable
3. Preserve Digital Evidence: Group chats often coordinate hazing events
4. Request Prior Violation Records: UT must provide these through public information requests
5. Consult Experienced Counsel Early: UT has extensive legal resources; families need equivalent firepower

Texas A&M University

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M’s unique culture combines academic excellence with intense tradition, most notably through the Corps of Cadets—one of the nation’s largest uniformed student bodies outside service academies. The university’s Greek system is substantial but exists alongside (and sometimes in tension with) Corps traditions.

Hazing Policy & Reporting

Texas A&M prohibits hazing through University Rule 24.01.99.M1 and provides reporting through:

• Student Conduct Office
• Texas A&M University Police Department
• Corps of Cadets Chain of Command (for Corps incidents)
• Anonymous reporting options

Documented Incidents & Responses

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)

• Allegations: Two pledges subjected to strenuous activity followed by having substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit poured on them
• Injuries: Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
• Lawsuit: Pledges sued fraternity for $1 million
• University Response: SAE suspended for two years
• Significance: Shows evolution beyond traditional alcohol hazing to more creative cruelty

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023)

• Allegations: Cadet subjected to degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth
• Lawsuit: Sought over $1 million in damages
• University Response: Stated matter was handled under Corps regulations
• Significance: Demonstrates hazing within military-style programs with strict hierarchies

Kappa Sigma Rhabdomyolysis Case (2023, ongoing)

• Allegations: Pledges subjected to extreme physical hazing resulting in rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown)
• Medical Concern: Same condition suffered by Leonel Bermudez at UH
• Legal Status: Ongoing litigation with specialized focus on kidney injury recovery
• Significance: Physical hazing can cause permanent organ damage

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

Jurisdictional considerations for Annetta families:

• Criminal: University Police Department or College Station PD depending on location
• Civil: Brazos County courts
• Administrative: Separate processes for Greek life (through Student Activities) and Corps (through Commandant’s Office)
• Special Considerations: The Corps has its own justice system that may run parallel to civilian processes

What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

1. Understand the Dual Systems: Greek life and Corps operate under different rules and reporting structures
2. Document Corps-Specific Issues: The military-style hierarchy creates unique dynamics and evidence trails
3. Preserve Medical Evidence: Rhabdomyolysis requires specific blood tests (creatine kinase levels)
4. Consider Both Civil and Administrative Paths: Corps administrative actions can affect military careers
5. Act Quickly: The close-knit Aggie community can create intense pressure to remain silent

University of Houston (UH)

Campus & Culture Snapshot

As a large urban commuter school transforming into a more traditional residential campus, UH represents the changing face of Texas higher education. Its diversity—reflected in multiple Greek councils including IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural groups—creates both richness and complexity in campus culture.

Hazing Policy & Reporting

UH prohibits hazing under SAM 01.D.07 and provides reporting through:

• Dean of Students Office
• UH Police Department
• Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life
• Online reporting forms

The Leonel Bermudez Case – A Detailed Examination

Since this active case demonstrates what severe hazing looks like in 2025 and how our firm approaches such litigation, we’ll examine it in detail:

Timeline of Events:

• September 16, 2025: Bermudez accepts bid from Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter
• September-October: Subjected to forced dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, weekly interviews, overnight chauffeuring duties, and the “pledge fanny pack” rule requiring constant carrying of condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices, and humiliating items
• October 13: Witnesses another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
• November 3: Forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, and creed recitation under threat of expulsion
• November 6: Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters suspends Beta Nu chapter after receiving hazing reports
• November 6-9: Bermudez’s condition deteriorates; he passes brown urine; hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels confirming rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
• November 14: Chapter members vote to surrender charter; chapter officially closed

Medical Consequences:

• Rhabdomyolysis: Severe skeletal muscle breakdown releasing toxins that overwhelm kidneys
• Acute Kidney Failure: Life-threatening condition requiring hospitalization
• Ongoing Risk: Permanent kidney damage, psychological trauma
• Documentation: Medical records show extreme creatine kinase levels (indicator of muscle damage)

Legal Response:

• Civil Lawsuit: $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit filed in Harris County
• Defendants: University of Houston, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, Beta Nu housing corporation, 13 individual fraternity leaders/members
• Our Role: Attorney911 (Ralph Manginello & Lupe Peña) represents Bermudez
• Media Coverage: Detailed reporting by Click2Houston, ABC13, Hoodline

Institutional Responses:

• Pi Kappa Phi National: “Immediately suspended the chapter pending investigation… The alleged behaviors are contradictory to our values and policies.”
• University of Houston: “The allegations are deeply disturbing… The university is cooperating with law enforcement and will pursue disciplinary measures, including expulsion if warranted.”
• Chapter Fate: Suspended November 6, charter surrendered November 14

Why This Matters for Annetta Families:

1. Shows Severity: Hazing can cause permanent organ damage, not just hangovers or bruises
2. Demonstrates Patterns: The forced drinking (milk/hot dogs), physical exhaustion, and humiliation follow national scripts
3. Illustrates Institutional Complexity: Multiple entities (university, national, housing corp, individuals) share responsibility
4. Provides Roadmap: Our investigation shows how to build evidence through medical records, witness statements, digital communications, and institutional records

Additional UH Incidents

Pi Kappa Alpha Case (2016)

• Pledge suffered lacerated spleen after being slammed onto table during hazing
• Chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and university suspension
• Shows physical violence beyond alcohol hazing

How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Annetta families with students at UH:

• Criminal: UHPD or Houston Police Department depending on location
• Civil: Harris County courts (Houston)
• Administrative: UH Dean of Students Office
• Geographic Considerations: Houston’s size means incidents might occur far from campus

What UH Students & Parents Should Do

1. Recognize Urban Campus Dynamics: Hazing may occur at scattered locations across Houston
2. Document Transportation Aspects: Chauffeur duties and distant locations are common
3. Preserve Medical Evidence Specifically: Rhabdomyolysis requires immediate blood tests
4. Utilize Media Attention: Houston’s robust media market can help expose cover-ups
5. Understand Commuter Context: Students may feel isolated without residential support systems

Baylor University

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor’s identity as a private Christian university creates unique dynamics around accountability and transparency. The university’s recent history with athletic scandals (2016 football sexual assault case) has forced reforms but also revealed institutional protection tendencies.

Hazing Policy & Reporting

Baylor prohibits hazing under University Policy 3.10 and provides reporting through:

• Student Conduct Administration
• Baylor University Police Department
• Online reporting system
• Anonymous ethics hotline

Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020)

• Allegations: Hazing within baseball program
• Response: 14 players suspended, suspensions staggered through early season
• Significance: Athletic program hazing at institution still recovering from prior scandals

Fraternity Suspensions (Various)

• Multiple fraternities have faced temporary suspensions for hazing violations
• Details often limited due to private university status
• Pattern suggests ongoing issues despite Christian mission

How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

Special considerations for Annetta families:

• Private University Status: Fewer transparency requirements than public institutions
• Religious Context: May affect how university handles moral versus legal violations
• Recent Scandal History: University may be particularly sensitive to negative publicity
• Jurisdiction: McLennan County courts (Waco)

What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

1. Understand Private School Dynamics: Less public information available; may require legal discovery
2. Document Religious Context: How faith language might be used to minimize or justify abuse
3. Leverage Recent History: University’s settlement of prior scandals shows vulnerability to legal pressure
4. Preserve Evidence Aggressively: Less institutional transparency means more responsibility on families
5. Consider Media Strategy: Waco media market smaller than Houston/Austin; different dynamics

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU’s reputation as an affluent private university with strong Greek life creates particular dynamics around social status and exclusivity. The university’s location in Dallas places it within the same metro area as Annetta, making it geographically accessible for many Parker County families.

Hazing Policy & Reporting

SMU prohibits hazing through University Policy 9.13 and provides reporting through:

• Office of Student Affairs
• SMU Police Department
• Anonymous reporting through “Real Response” system
• Greek Life advisors

Documented Incidents & Responses

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017)

• Allegations: New members paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep
• Response: Chapter suspended, restrictions on recruiting until approximately 2021
• Significance: Traditional physical hazing at affluent fraternity

Multiple Fraternity Suspensions

• Various fraternities have faced disciplinary action for hazing violations
• Details often limited in public reporting
• Pattern suggests systemic issues within Greek system

How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

Considerations for Annetta families:

• Private University Status: Similar to Baylor, less public transparency
• Affluent Context: Defendants may have significant personal resources
• Geographic Proximity: Dallas location means easier access to legal resources and media
• Jurisdiction: Dallas County courts

What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

1. Recognize Status Dynamics: Social standing may increase pressure to participate and remain silent
2. Document Affluent Context: Expensive gifts, trips, or purchases as part of hazing
3. Utilize Dallas Resources: Major legal and media market advantages
4. Understand Greek Life Centrality: SMU’s social life heavily Greek; leaving system has social costs
5. Preserve Digital Evidence: Affluent students likely have extensive digital footprints

Section 5: Fraternities & Sororities – National Histories Meet Local Chapters

For Annetta families, understanding that local fraternity chapters at Texas universities are connected to national organizations with documented hazing histories is crucial. These national patterns create legal concepts like “foreseeability” and “prior notice” that significantly strengthen civil cases.

Why National Histories Matter Legally

When a Texas chapter repeats haging behaviors that have caused deaths or serious injuries at other chapters nationwide, the national organization cannot credibly claim “we couldn’t have predicted this.” Courts consider:

Foreseeability: If the same national fraternity has multiple alcohol poisoning deaths at different campuses, they should know their rituals are dangerous.

Prior Notice: National headquarters receive incident reports, insurance claims, and media inquiries about chapters. This creates knowledge they must act upon.

Pattern Evidence: Similar behaviors across multiple chapters show systemic issues rather than “rogue individuals.”

Negligent Supervision: Nationals have duty to monitor chapters; failure to do so effectively creates liability.

Organization-Specific Histories Relevant to Texas

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / “Pike”)

• Stone Foltz: Bowling Green State University (2021), forced drinking death, $10 million settlement
• David Bogenberger: Northern Illinois University (2012), alcohol poisoning death, $14 million settlement
• Texas Connections: Chapters at UT, Texas A&M, UH, Baylor, SMU, Texas Tech
• Pattern: “Big/Little” nights with forced drinking consistently fatal

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / “SAE”)

• Multiple Deaths Nationwide: Historically highest number of hazing deaths among fraternities
• 2014 Reform: Eliminated pledge program nationally after pattern of deaths
• Texas Incidents: Chemical burns case at Texas A&M (2021), assault case at UT (2024)
• Pattern: Physical abuse alongside alcohol hazing

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

• Andrew Coffey: Florida State University (2017), alcohol poisoning death during “Big Brother Night”
• Leonel Bermudez: University of Houston (2025), rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
• Pattern: Physical endurance tests combined with alcohol consumption

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

• Max Gruver: LSU (2017), “Bible study” drinking game death, Louisiana felony hazing law named after him
• Pattern: Academic-themed drinking games

Kappa Alpha Order (KA)

• SMU Chapter: Suspended 2017 for paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation
• Texas Tech Chapter: Active in Lubbock
• Pattern: Traditional physical hazing emphasizing Southern heritage

Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ)

• Timothy Piazza: Penn State (2017), delayed medical response death, Pennsylvania anti-hazing law named after him
• Pattern: Extreme intoxication combined with failure to seek help

How National Data Strengthens Local Cases

Our firm maintains detailed databases on national hazing histories because this information transforms individual incidents from “isolated mistakes” to “predictable outcomes of systemic failure.” For Annetta families, this means:

Leverage in Settlement Negotiations: When we can show a national fraternity had 5 prior alcohol deaths before your child’s incident, their settlement position weakens significantly.

Punitive Damage Arguments: Pattern evidence supports claims that conduct was willful, wanton, or undertaken with conscious indifference.

Insurance Coverage Battles: National organizations often have larger insurance policies than local chapters; establishing their liability is key to adequate compensation.

Institutional Reform Potential: Lawsuits that connect local incidents to national patterns can force meaningful policy changes.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine in Action

To demonstrate how this works in practice, here are additional public records entries from our database that might be relevant to Annetta families:

IRS B83 Texas Organizations (Sample):

• EIN 133048786: KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC, 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845-6681
• EIN 161675890: GAMMA PHI BETA SORORITY INC, 115 Wild Wick Way, The Woodlands, TX 77382-1822 (Zeta Rho HCB)
• EIN 262025321: ALPHA EPSILON PI FRATERNITY, 920 W Prairie St, Denton, TX 76201-5816 (Mu Gamma Chapter)
• EIN 462267515: BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC, 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035-6629
• EIN 752620706: ZETA SIGMA HOUSE CORPORATION OF KAPPA KAPPA GAMMA FRATERNITY INC, 704 Cristler Ave, Dallas, TX 75223-1349

Cause IQ Metro Organizations (DFW Area):

• Delta Tau Delta Fraternity – Gamma Iota Chapter: Austin, TX (UT chapter house)
• Beta Xi House Corp. of Kappa Kappa Gamma: Austin, TX (UT chapter house corporation)
• Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon Chapter: College Station, TX (Texas A&M chapter)
• Kappa Delta Sorority – Gamma Beta Chapter: Denton, TX (Texas Woman’s University chapter)

IRS-Cause IQ Brand Overlaps (Demonstrating Connectedness):

• Beta Upsilon Chi appears in both IRS records (EIN 742911848, Fort Worth) and Cause IQ data (Fort Worth metro listing)
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation appears in both IRS (EIN 741380362) and Cause IQ (Fort Worth foundation)
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority appears in multiple IRS filings and Cause IQ metro listings across Texas

This interconnected web of organizations means liability rarely stops with undergraduate students. House corporations, alumni associations, educational foundations, and national headquarters all potentially share responsibility—and more importantly, insurance coverage.

Section 6: Building a Hazing Case – Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

For Annetta families facing the aftermath of hazing, understanding how cases are built provides both practical guidance and realistic expectations. This section explains what evidence matters, what damages can be recovered, and how experienced hazing attorneys approach these complex cases.

Critical Evidence Categories

Hazing cases in 2025 are won or lost on evidence. Unlike traditional injury cases, hazing often involves deliberate destruction of evidence, witness intimidation, and institutional cover-ups. Knowing what to preserve—and how—is essential.

Digital Communications (The Most Critical Evidence)

• Group Messaging Apps: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage group texts, Discord, Slack, fraternity-specific apps
• Social Media: Instagram DMs/stories, Snapchat (screenshot before disappearance), TikTok, Facebook Messenger
• Text Messages: Individual and group conversations showing planning, coordination, admissions
• Email: Official chapter communications, national correspondence, university notices
• Recovery Capability: Digital forensics can often recover deleted messages, but immediate screenshots are best

What to Look For:

• Planning discussions about “initiation” or “pledge events”
• Messages coordinating alcohol purchases
• Photos/videos of hazing in progress
• Discussions about not calling 911 or hiding evidence
• Messages showing who was in leadership positions

Photos & Videos

• Injuries: Multiple angles, include ruler/coin for scale, document progression over days
• Locations: Houses, rooms, venues where hazing occurred
• Events: Candids showing activities, participants, conditions
• Objects: Paddles, alcohol containers, props, costumes
• Security Footage: Ring/doorbell cameras, building security systems

Medical Documentation

• Emergency Records: ER reports, ambulance run sheets, intake notes
• Test Results: Blood alcohol content, toxicology, creatine kinase (for rhabdomyolysis), kidney function tests
• Imaging: X-rays, CT scans, MRIs showing injuries
• Treatment Plans: Surgery notes, therapy prescriptions, discharge instructions
• Psychological Evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
• Critical: Tell medical providers hazing caused injuries so it’s documented

Internal Organization Documents

• Pledge Manuals/Rituals: Often obtained through discovery or whistleblowers
• Chapter Meeting Minutes: May discuss “traditions” or discipline
• National Policies: Risk management manuals, anti-hazing training materials
• Financial Records: Receipts for alcohol purchases, party supplies
• Membership Rosters: Who held officer positions

University Records

• Prior Conduct Files: Previous hazing violations by same organization
• Incident Reports: Filed with campus police or conduct office
• Clery Act Reports: Required crime statistics
• Title IX Files: If sexual harassment elements present
• Internal Emails: Between administrators about the organization
• Obtained Through: Public information requests, discovery in litigation

Witness Testimony

• Other Pledges: Often afraid but may cooperate as group
• Former Members: Those who quit or were expelled often willing to talk
• Roommates/Neighbors: Observed changes in behavior or physical condition
• RA’s/Residence Staff: May have documented concerns
• Medical Providers: Treatment observations and expert opinions
• Expert Witnesses: Toxicologists, psychologists, Greek life experts, economists

Types of Damages in Hazing Cases

Understanding what compensation covers helps families recognize the full impact of hazing and work with experts to document all losses.

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses)

• Medical Expenses: Past and future ER/hospital care, surgeries, medications, therapy, medical equipment
• Lost Income: Wages lost during recovery (victim or caregiver)
• Educational Costs: Tuition for semesters missed, lost scholarships, delayed graduation
• Future Earning Capacity: Reduced lifetime earnings if permanent disability
• Property Damage: Destroyed clothing, phones, other personal items
• Life Care Plans: For catastrophic injuries requiring lifelong care (like Danny Santulli’s brain injury)

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real Harm)

• Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries, surgeries, rehabilitation
• Emotional Distress: Humiliation, shame, fear, trauma
• Psychological Harm: PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Can’t participate in former activities, sports, social life
• Reputational Harm: Social stigma, difficulty transferring schools or finding jobs

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

• Funeral/Burial Costs: Immediate expenses
• Loss of Financial Support: Deceased’s expected lifetime contributions
• Loss of Companionship: Love, care, counsel, society destroyed
• Parental/Sibling Grief: Emotional suffering of surviving family
• Punitive Damages: When conduct was particularly egregious (available in some cases)

Case Examples of Damages Awards:

• Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha): $10 million total settlement
• Max Gruver (Phi Delta Theta): $6.1 million verdict
• Chad Meredith (Kappa Sigma): $12.6 million jury verdict
• Joseph Snell (Omega Psi Phi): $375,000 verdict (1997, adjusted ~$750,000 today)
• Sigma Chi (College of Charleston): $10+ million settlement

The Role of Different Defendants and Insurance

Hazing cases typically involve multiple defendants, each with different insurance coverage:

Individual Students

• Personal Liability: Often minimal; may have parents’ homeowner policies
• Strategic Value: Testimony and cooperation may be negotiated

Local Chapters

• Chapter Insurance: May have limited liability coverage
• Housing Corporation Policies: If chapter owns property
• Alumni Association Coverage: Sometimes extends to chapter activities

National Fraternities/Sororities

• National Insurance Policies: Typically the largest available coverage
• Risk Management Funds: Set aside for claims
• Coverage Disputes: Insurers often argue hazing is excluded as “intentional act”

Universities

• Institutional Liability Policies: Often substantial coverage
• Sovereign Immunity Issues: Public universities have some protections
• Umbrella Policies: Additional coverage above primary limits

Mr. Lupe Peña’s Insurance Defense Background Advantage
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm, giving him unique insight into how these companies:

• Value claims and set reserves
• Use Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to reduce settlements
• Deploy delay tactics to pressure plaintiffs
• Argue coverage exclusions for intentional acts
  This insider knowledge is particularly valuable in hazing cases where insurers vigorously contest coverage.

Strategic Considerations in Hazing Litigation

Timing and Statutes of Limitations

• Texas Generally: 2 years from date of injury or death
• Discovery Rule: May extend if harm wasn’t immediately known
• Tolling Possibilities: If defendants fraudulently concealed evidence
• Practical Reality: Evidence disappears quickly; early action critical

Criminal vs Civil Coordination

• Parallel Proceedings: Civil cases can proceed during criminal investigations
• Fifth Amendment Issues: Defendants may invoke right against self-incrimination
• Discovery Advantages: Civil discovery rules are broader than criminal
• Plea Negotiations: Criminal plea deals may include cooperation in civil cases

Settlement vs Trial Dynamics

• Most Cases Settle: Confidential terms common
• Trial Readiness: Essential for settlement leverage
• Public vs Private Resolution: Families balance accountability with privacy
• Institutional Reform: Settlements can include policy changes beyond money

Privacy Considerations

• Sealed Records: Can request court to seal sensitive documents
• Pseudonyms: May proceed as “John Doe” in some circumstances
• Confidentiality Agreements: Settlement terms often include non-disclosure
• Media Strategy: Balance public accountability with victim protection

Section 7: Practical Guides & FAQs for Annetta Families

This section provides immediately actionable guidance for parents, students, and witnesses facing hazing situations. These are general guidelines; specific situations require individual legal advice.

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

• Physical Signs: Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts; extreme fatigue; weight changes; sleep deprivation; injuries to hands/back/legs; chemical burns or rashes; signs of alcohol poisoning
• Behavioral Changes: Sudden secrecy about group activities; withdrawal from family/friends; personality shifts (anxiety, depression, irritability); defensive when asked; fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the group down”; obsession with pleasing older members
• Academic Red Flags: Grades dropping; missing classes; skipping assignments for “mandatory” events; losing scholarships
• Financial Red Flags: Unexpected large expenses; buying excessive alcohol/items for others; requests for money without clear explanation
• Digital Behavior: Constant phone use for group chats; anxiety when phone buzzes; deleting messages obsessively; calls/texts at all hours; concerning social media posts; location tracking apps

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally)

1. “How are things going with [organization]? 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?”

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing

1. Immediate Safety: If child is in danger (intoxicated, injured, threatened), call 911 or campus police immediately
2. Medical Attention: Prioritize health over “getting in trouble”
3. Document Everything: Write down dates, times, what child tells you; screenshot texts/photos; photograph injuries; save physical items
4. Reporting Options: Campus authorities (Dean of Students, Student Conduct); local police if crimes involved; university hotlines; National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE
5. Legal Consultation: Contact experienced hazing attorney early (1-888-ATTY-911); can help preserve evidence, navigate university processes, advise on options

What NOT to Do

• Don’t confront the organization directly (they may destroy evidence)
• Don’t sign anything from university or insurance without legal advice
• Don’t post details on public social media before consulting lawyer
• Don’t let university convince you “this is being handled internally” if you want real accountability

48-Hour Action Checklist for Parents

• Hours 1-6 (Crisis): Medical attention if needed; remove from danger; screenshot messages; photograph injuries; write notes; call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911
• Hours 6-24 (Evidence): Preserve all digital communications; secure physical evidence; request medical records; note witness information; document university communications
• Hours 24-48 (Strategy): Legal consultation; reporting decisions; refer university to attorney; don’t talk to insurance; backup evidence to cloud storage
• Week One: Medical follow-up; evidence gathering through attorney; witness interviews; strategy session; document any retaliation

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)?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would the university or my parents approve if they knew?
• Are older members making new members do things they don’t do themselves?
• Is this “tradition” really about initiation, or just fun for older members?
• Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this?

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

How to Exit Safely

• Immediate Danger: Call 911 or campus police; get to safe location
• Quitting/De-pledging: You have legal right to leave anytime; tell someone outside group first; send email/text to chapter president; don’t go to “one last meeting”
• Protection from Retaliation: Document threats/harassment; file complaints with university; Texas harassment/stalking laws allow protective orders

Evidence Collection for Students

• Screenshots: Group chats with timestamps, participant names, context
• Recordings: Texas is one-party consent state (you can record conversations you’re part of)
• Photos/Videos: Injuries (multiple angles, progression); locations; objects used
• Medical Documentation: Tell providers you were hazed; request all records
• Save Everything: Don’t delete anything digital even if embarrassed
• Witness Information: Names/contacts of others who saw what happened

Who to Trust / Report To

• On Campus: Dean of Students, Student Conduct, Title IX Coordinator, campus police, counseling center, trusted professor
• Off Campus: Local police, National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE), experienced hazing attorney
• Be Cautious With: Organization advisors (may prioritize group), some Greek Life offices (may protect system over individuals), friends still in organization

Your Legal Rights in Texas

• Good-Faith Reporter Immunity: You can’t be punished for calling 911 or seeking medical help in emergency, even if alcohol/drugs involved
• Victim Status: You’re the victim, not perpetrator (even if you “agreed”)
• Civil Lawsuit Option: Available even if no criminal charges filed
• No-Contact Orders: Can request through university if harassed after reporting

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

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

MISTAKE #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, prepare defenses
• What to do instead: Document everything, call lawyer before any confrontation

MISTAKE #3: Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms

• What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements
• Why it’s wrong: May waive right to sue; settlements often far below case value
• What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review first

MISTAKE #4: Posting details on social media before talking to 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 lawyer control public messaging

MISTAKE #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 considering legal action, all communication through lawyer

MISTAKE #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 runs, university controls narrative
• What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately; university process ≠ real accountability

MISTAKE #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 used against you; early settlements are lowball
• What to do instead: Politely decline: “My attorney will contact you”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas Education Code § 37.152 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 or retaliating against reporters.

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent. The Bermudez case shows this principle in action—even if he “agreed” to some activities, the coercion inherent in the power dynamics makes consent legally irrelevant.

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
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 if you’re considering legal action.

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

“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
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. However, some families choose to speak publicly to prevent future harm—that decision is always yours.

“How much does it cost to hire a hazing attorney?”
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. This means no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no financial risk for your family. We advance all case expenses and only get paid if we succeed. This model makes justice accessible against wealthy universities and national fraternities.

“My child was drinking underage during the hazing. Does that hurt our case?”
Not necessarily. Texas’ good-faith reporter protections encourage seeking medical help regardless of underage drinking. The focus is on the coercion and power imbalance, not the victim’s actions. Many successful hazing cases involve underage drinking by victims.

Section 8: About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action for Annetta Families

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

When your family in the Town of Annetta 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. You need counsel who knows Texas hazing law, Greek life dynamics, university bureaucracies, and insurance company tactics. You need Attorney911.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation:

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm, giving him unparalleled insight into how fraternity and university insurance companies:

• Value (and systematically undervalue) hazing claims
• Use delay tactics, coverage arguments, and strategic settlements
• Deploy Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to minimize injuries
• Fight claims under “intentional act” exclusions
  “We know their playbook because we used to run it. This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with insurers who expect plaintiffs’ attorneys to lack sophistication.”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello)
Mr. Manginello’s experience includes:

• BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar defendants
• Federal Court Expertise: Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Multi-Million Dollar Results: Proven track record in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases
  “We’ve taken on corporations with unlimited legal budgets and won. National fraternities and universities don’t intimidate us—we know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Dual Civil/Criminal Hazing Expertise

• HCCLA Membership: Mr. Manginello’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association signals elite criminal defense capability
• Understanding Both Tracks: We navigate how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
• Witness/Defendant Counseling: Can advise former members with dual exposure
  “This dual perspective is crucial when hazing involves both criminal conduct and civil liability.”

Investigative Depth and Expert Network

• Digital Forensics: Recovering deleted messages, social media evidence, encrypted communications
• Medical Experts: Specialists in rhabdomyolysis, traumatic injury, psychological trauma
• Greek Life Experts: Understanding organizational dynamics and national patterns
• Economists and Life Care Planners: Documenting lifetime costs of catastrophic injuries
  “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does. Our expert network helps us build unassailable cases.”

Texas-Specific Knowledge and Resources

• Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Proprietary database tracking 1,423 Greek organizations across Texas
• Public Records Mastery: Immediate access to IRS filings, university records, incident reports
• Geographic Understanding: Knowledge of courts, venues, and practices across Texas
  “We don’t start from zero when you call. We already know the organizations, their histories, and their insurance carriers.”

The Attorney911 Approach to Hazing Cases

1. Immediate Response
When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you get:

• 24/7 availability for emergencies
• Immediate guidance on evidence preservation
• Initial case assessment within hours
• Referral to medical and psychological resources if needed

2. Thorough Investigation
We deploy a comprehensive investigative strategy:

• Digital evidence preservation and forensics
• Witness interviews and statement collection
• Public records requests and database searches
• Medical record analysis and expert consultation
• Institutional pattern research

3. Strategic Case Development
Every hazing case requires customized strategy:

• Defendant identification (individuals, chapters, nationals, universities, insurers)
• Jurisdiction analysis (campus police, local PD, county/state/federal courts)
• Damage assessment (medical, psychological, economic, educational)
• Settlement versus trial analysis

4. Client-Centered Advocacy
We prioritize:

• Your family’s privacy and emotional wellbeing
• Regular communication and updates (we follow up every 2-3 weeks)
• Collaborative decision-making
• Realistic expectations and transparent advice

Why Families Across Texas Choose Attorney911

Proven Results in Complex Cases

• Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
• Successful litigation against institutional defendants
• Experience with catastrophic injuries and wrongful death

Resources to Match Any Opponent

• Network of medical, psychological, and economic experts
• Digital forensics and investigative capabilities
• Financial resources to advance all case costs

Commitment to Accountability and Prevention
We believe hazing litigation should:

• Compensate victims fully for their harms
• Hold all responsible parties accountable
• Drive institutional change to prevent future harm
• Honor victims by making campuses safer

Call to Action for Annetta Families

If you or your child has experienced hazing at any Texas university—whether here in Parker County at nearby schools or anywhere across the state—we want to hear from you. The path from trauma to accountability begins with a conversation.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a Confidential, No-Obligation Consultation

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

1. We Listen: You tell your story without judgment or interruption
2. We Review: We examine any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
3. We Explain: We outline your legal options clearly: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
4. We Assess: We provide realistic assessment of your case’s strengths and challenges
5. We Answer: We address all your questions about process, timeline, costs, and outcomes
6. No Pressure: Take time to decide what’s best for your family

Clear Contact Information:

• 24/7 Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct Office: (713) 528-9070
• Cell: (713) 443-4781
• Website: https://attorney911.com
• Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)

Spanish-Language Services:

• Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish
• Servicios legales en español disponibles para familias hispanohablantes

Service Areas:
While based in Houston with offices in Austin and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including:

• Town of Annetta, Parker County, and surrounding communities
• Greater Dallas-Fort Worth metro area
• All Texas university communities
• Families nationwide for cases with Texas connections

Financial Accessibility:

• Contingency Fee Basis: No upfront costs, no hourly fees
• We advance all case expenses: You pay nothing unless we recover compensation
• Free initial consultation: No charge for case evaluation

Final Thoughts for Annetta Families

Hazing thrives in silence and secrecy. It preys on young people’s desire for belonging and exploits institutional complacency. But when families find the courage to speak out and seek accountability, change becomes possible.

The Leonel Bermudez case at UH shows what’s at stake: young lives forever altered, institutions forced to confront their failures, and legal systems working to deliver justice. It also shows what’s possible: skilled legal advocacy can uncover truth, secure compensation, and drive reform.

Whether you’re in the Town of Annetta, Aledo, Weatherford, or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. You have rights. You have options. And you have allies who understand both the emotional trauma and legal complexity of your situation.

Take the first step toward accountability today.

Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 or visit https://attorney911.com to schedule your confidential consultation. Let us help you navigate this difficult journey with expertise, empathy, and determination.

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

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

• Click2Houston report: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
• ABC13 coverage: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• Hoodline summary: 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 cellphone 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: https://attorney911.com

National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)