Hazing on Texas Campuses: A Guide for Bee County Families

The crisp autumn air of Texas carries more than just the scent of blooming wildflowers or Friday night football. For many families in Bee County, it also brings the anxieties of a new academic year—a time when young adults venture off to college, eager to find their place, make new friends, and build their future. But beneath the surface of vibrant campus life, a darker, persistent threat often lurks: hazing.

Imagine a bright student from Beeville, perhaps a first-generation college-goer, excited to pledge a fraternity at the University of Houston, an institution many Bee County families consider for its strong academic programs. It’s “initiation week,” and he’s been awake for 48 hours, forced to memorize obscure facts, perform demeaning tasks, and drink beyond his limit, all while older members film his struggles, chanting and laughing. He stumbles, falls, and can’t get back up. Someone gets hurt, perhaps seriously, but no one wants to call 911 because they’re terrified of “getting the chapter shut down” or “getting in trouble.” Our Bee County student feels trapped—between loyalty to the group and his own survival.

This isn’t a fictional nightmare; it’s a scenario that unfolds far too often on college campuses across Texas, including at prestigious institutions like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor. This comprehensive guide is written specifically for families in Bee County and across Texas who need to understand this insidious practice, its real-world consequences, and the legal recourse available.

We will explore:

• What hazing looks like in 2025, far beyond outdated stereotypes.
• The robust framework of Texas and federal hazing laws.
• Critical lessons from major national hazing cases and their relevance to Texas students.
• A detailed look at incidents and policies at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor.
• The roles of various fraternities, sororities, and organizations, analyzing their national hazing histories.
• How legal cases are built, from evidence collection to pursuing damages.
• Practical guides for parents, students, and witnesses, empowering them to act.

This article is here to serve as your definitive resource. While it provides general information, it is not legal advice. The Manginello Law Firm is dedicated to helping families throughout Texas, including those from Bee County, navigate these complex and often heartbreaking situations.

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

For Bee County families unfamiliar with the inner workings of modern college life, understanding hazing can be challenging. The image of hazing as merely “a silly prank” or “just part of growing up” is dangerously outdated. In 2025, hazing is a sophisticated, often brutal, and frequently hidden practice that can inflict severe physical injury, psychological trauma, and even death. It is driven by power dynamics, a misguided sense of tradition, and an intense desire for belonging.

Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act to initiate or affiliate a student into an organization that endangers their mental or physical health or safety. This broad definition is crucial because it covers a spectrum of abuses that defy easy categorization. It’s not limited to “pledge week” or “Hell Week”; it often occurs throughout an entire “new member education” process.

The True Face of Modern Hazing: Beyond Stereotypes

When we talk about hazing, it encompasses several main categories, each with its insidious methods:

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is, unfortunately, the most common and often deadliest form. It involves coerced drinking, often far beyond safe limits. This includes “lineups” where new members must consume multiple shots rapidly, drinking games designed to induce blackouts, “bottle exchanges” where they are gifted and forced to consume an entire bottle of hard liquor, or “Big/Little” reveal events where excessive drinking is mandatory. Pledges may be pressured into consuming unknown or mixed substances, including illicit drugs. The goal isn’t just intoxication; it’s loss of control, vulnerability, and a test of loyalty through self-destruction.

• Physical Hazing: Brutality often lies at the heart of physical hazing. This can range from traditional paddling and beatings to extreme “workouts” or “smokings” – grueling calisthenics, forced runs, or exercises performed for hours past physical exhaustion. Sleep deprivation is a common tactic, with new members forced to attend late-night events, awaken for early morning tasks, or endure multi-day periods with minimal rest. Food and water deprivation might also occur, as can exposure to extreme cold or heat, or confinement in dangerous or unsanitary environments. Injuries often include broken bones, severe bruising, lacerations, and in extreme cases, organ damage or rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown due to extreme exertion or dehydration).

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: These acts are designed to break down an individual’s dignity and self-respect. They include forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (often graphically detailed and degrading, like the “roasted pig” or “elephant walk” positions), and the use of demeaning costumes. Hazing can also manifest with racist, homophobic, or sexist overtones, using slurs or forcing individuals to perform stereotypical acts. The psychological scars from such hazing can last a lifetime, manifesting as severe anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

• Psychological Hazing: Often overlooked but deeply damaging, psychological hazing targets a student’s mental well-being. This involves verbal abuse, threats, and intimidation designed to foster fear and subservience. New members may be subjected to social isolation, told to cut off contact with non-members, or made to feel worthless. Public humiliation, forced confessions, or manipulation are also common. These tactics erode self-esteem and create an environment of constant fear and anxiety.

• Digital/Online Hazing: In our hyper-connected world, hazing has moved into the digital realm. Group chats on platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, and Discord become tools for constant surveillance and control, demanding immediate responses at all hours and inflicting sleep deprivation. Social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok are used for dares, public humiliation, or challenges, often forcing new members to post embarrassing content or track each other’s locations. This allows hazing to be pervasive, reaching into every moment of a student’s life.

Where Hazing Actually Happens: Beyond Greek Life

While fraternities and sororities often dominate the headlines, Bee County families need to understand that hazing permeates numerous campus organizations. It’s a sad byproduct of institutional cultures that value tradition and secrecy, often above safety and well-being.

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, Multicultural): These organizations represent the most publicized context for hazing, especially during “pledge” or “new member education” periods.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-style Groups: The military tradition, with its emphasis on discipline and hierarchy, can sometimes be twisted into abusive hazing rituals, as seen at Texas A&M and other institutions.
• Athletic Teams: From football to basketball, baseball, and even cheerleading squads, hazing often occurs in the name of “team building” or “proving yourself.”
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous groups like college bands can fall prey to hazing, where senior members demand demeaning or dangerous acts from new recruits.
• Spirit Squads, Tradition Groups: Organizations dedicated to promoting school spirit or upholding specific traditions, like the Texas Cowboys at UT, can also engage in hazing in the misguided pursuit of “loyalty.”
• Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Hazing is not exclusive to social groups. Any organization with an “initiation” or “new member” process can potentially develop a hazing culture.

The common thread across all these groups is the abuse of power: older members asserting dominance over new members through rituals that prioritize conformity and endurance over respect and safety.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

Understanding the legal landscape surrounding hazing in Texas is crucial for Bee County families. Under Texas law, hazing isn’t just a university policy violation; it’s a crime with serious consequences, and victims have strong civil rights.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has clear statutory definitions and prohibitions against hazing, primarily outlined in the Texas Education Code – Chapter 37, Subchapter F (Hazing). This robust legal framework means that if your child experiences hazing, the law is on your side.

§ 37.151. Definition:
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

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

In plain English: If someone forces you or a group to do something dangerous, unhealthy, or humiliating to join or stay in a club, frat, sorority, or team, and they knew or should have known it was risky, that’s hazing under Texas law.

Key points for Bee County families:

• On or off campus: The location of the hazing does not matter. Whether it occurs in a dorm room in Beeville, a fraternity house in Houston, or a secluded ranch off I-37 on the way to Corpus Christi—it’s still hazing.
• Mental or physical harm: Hazing doesn’t just mean physical injury. Severe psychological abuse, humiliation, and sleep deprivation that impacts mental health are also hazing.
• “Reckless” conduct: This means individuals don’t need to specifically intend to harm; if they act with disregard for a known risk, they can be held accountable.
• “Consent” is not a defense: Even if a student “agreed” to participate, Texas law explicitly states that consent cannot be used as a defense for hazing. This is vital, as peer pressure and the desire to belong often make true consent impossible in these power-imbalanced situations.

§ 37.152. Criminal Penalties:

Hazing isn’t just a violation; it’s a crime in Texas. The penalties vary based on the severity of the act:

• A basic hazing offense is a Class B Misdemeanor (up to 180 days in county jail, fine up to $2,000).
• If the hazing causes bodily injury, it’s a Class A Misdemeanor.
• Most critically, if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it is a State Jail Felony. This means serious prison time and significant fines.

Additionally, Texas law makes it a misdemeanor for:

• Any student who has knowledge of hazing but fails to report it.
• Any organization or officer who retaliates against someone for reporting hazing.

§ 37.153. Organizational Liability:

Texas law extends criminal liability beyond individuals to the organizations themselves. A fraternity, sorority, club, or team can be criminally prosecuted if:

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

Penalties for organizations can include fines up to $10,000 per violation, and the university can revoke campus recognition, effectively banning the group. This provision is powerful because it holds the collective entity responsible, not just individual members.

§ 37.154. Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:

To encourage reporting, a person who in good faith reports a hazing incident to university officials or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability stemming from that report. Furthermore, many university policies and Texas’s “Medical Amnesty” laws protect students who call for help in an emergency, even if they were engaged in underage drinking or hazing themselves. This provides a crucial layer of protection, encouraging students to prioritize safety over fear of punishment.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases:

It’s important for Bee County families to understand that parallel legal processes exist for hazing:

• Criminal Cases: These are initiated by the state (prosecutors) against individuals or organizations for violating hazing laws. The goal is to punish the wrongdoers, typically through jail time, fines, or probation. Hazing-related criminal charges can range from misdemeanors for simple hazing to felonies for serious injuries or deaths. Other charges like furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, or manslaughter can also apply.

• Civil Cases: These are lawsuits filed by the victims or their surviving families. The primary goal is monetary compensation for the harms suffered (medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, wrongful death damages). Civil cases often involve claims of:

  • Negligence: Failure to exercise reasonable care, leading to harm.
  • Gross Negligence: Conscious indifference to the rights or welfare of others.
  • Wrongful Death: When negligence leads to a fatality.
  • Negligent Supervision: When universities or national organizations fail to adequately oversee local chapters.
  • Premises Liability: When property owners (e.g., fraternity house landlords) are negligent in maintaining a safe environment.

Both criminal and civil cases can proceed simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a successful civil claim.

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

Beyond Texas law, federal statutes provide additional layers of protection and accountability:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA): Signed into law in 2024 as part of the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. This federal mandate requires colleges and universities receiving federal funding to:

  • Report hazing incidents transparently: Institutions must publicly disclose all findings arising from investigations into hazing allegations that result in a violation of anti-hazing policies, and these reports must be made available to the public in a manner similar to Clery Act crime statistics.
  • Strengthen hazing education and prevention: Implement robust evidence-based hazing prevention programs for all students, staff, and faculty.
  • Maintain public hazing data: This includes detailed annual reports of all hazing violations, the sanctions imposed, and organizations involved, enhancing accountability and transparency by 2026.
    This act aims to create a national standard for transparency and prevention that will significantly impact how Texas universities address hazing.

• Title IX: This federal civil rights law prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based violence, or creating a hostile environment based on sex, Title IX obligations are triggered. This requires universities to investigate, take steps to end the discrimination, prevent its recurrence, and remedy its effects.

• Clery Act: The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. While hazing is not explicitly listed, hazing incidents often involve underlying crimes such as assault, underage alcohol offenses, drug violations, or sexual assault, all of which must be reported under Clery. This provides incident data that can reveal patterns of behavior within specific organizations.

These federal laws, alongside Texas statutes, create a powerful legal framework for holding individuals, organizations, and institutions accountable for hazing.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit: A Multi-Layered Approach

One of the complexities and strengths of civil hazing lawsuits is the ability to hold multiple parties accountable, ensuring that victims have a broader path to justice.

• Individual Students: The students who directly participate in, plan, or encourage hazing acts can be held personally liable. This includes older “active” members, “pledgemasters” (like those in the Leonel Bermudez case at UH), or chapter officers.
• Local Chapter / Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, or student club itself can be sued if it operated as a distinct legal entity. This includes any local housing corporations.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters of Greek-letter organizations often have extensive risk management policies, collect dues, and exercise some level of oversight over local chapters. If they knew or should have known about hazing within a chapter—especially if a particular hazing ritual has occurred in other chapters—they can be held liable for negligent supervision or failure to enforce their own rules.
• University or Governing Board: Universities can be held responsible in several ways, often due to:
  • Negligent Supervision: Failing to adequately monitor or control student organizations despite knowledge of past hazing.
  • Deliberate Indifference: Knowing about hazing and failing to act.
  • Failure to Enforce Policies: Not enforcing their own anti-hazing rules or state laws.
  • Title IX Violations: If hazing is sex-based or includes sexual assault.
    Public universities in Texas, such as UT, Texas A&M, and UH, may claim some protection under sovereign immunity. However, exceptions exist for gross negligence or when suing individual employees in their personal capacity. Private universities like SMU and Baylor typically do not have sovereign immunity protection, making them more directly liable.
• Third Parties: In certain circumstances, other parties might share liability:
  • Landlords/Property Owners: If hazing occurs on rented property, and the landlord knew or should have known about dangerous activities but failed to act.
  • Alcohol Providers: Under “dram shop” laws, bars or individuals who illegally serve alcohol to minors or obviously intoxicated individuals who then cause harm can be held liable.
  • Event Organizers/Security Companies: If they failed to provide adequate safety or oversight at an event where hazing occurred.

For Bee County families, understanding these layers of potential liability is key. An experienced hazing attorney will thoroughly investigate all possible defendants to ensure comprehensive accountability and justice for the victim.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

Hazing tragedies may seem isolated, but they often follow distressingly similar patterns that repeat across organizations and campuses. Studying these national anchor cases helps us understand the true nature of hazing, the devastating consequences, and the critical legal precedents that inform our approach to hazing in Texas. These stories illustrate precisely why national organizations and universities often face significant legal exposure in hazing lawsuits.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death: A Repeating Tragedy

The vast majority of hazing-related deaths are attributed to forced or excessive alcohol consumption. The scenarios might vary, but the outcome is tragically consistent:

• Leonel Bermudez – University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi (Late 2025): While this case unfolded in Texas, it immediately became a national anchor due to its severity and the firm’s involvement. Leonel, a transfer student, pledged Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter. During a “Big Brother Night” ritual, pledges were forced to consume large amounts of alcohol and perform strenuous, degrading activities. Leonel suffered acute kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis, a severe muscle breakdown, which resulted in brown urine and a four-day hospitalization. This horrific incident highlights the dangers of forced physical exertion coupled with excessive alcohol, leading to life-threatening medical conditions. Attorney911 filed a $10 million lawsuit against UH, its Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national, its housing corporation, and 13 individuals. The chapter was suspended on November 6 and surrendered its charter on November 14, just days after the incident. We are seeking justice not only for Leonel but also to prevent further such incidents.
  • Learn more about the Bermudez case through media coverage:
    • Click2Houston: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
    • ABC13: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
    • Hoodline: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/
• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Bid-acceptance events, intended to welcome new members, spiraled into tragedy. Piazza consumed a fatal amount of alcohol, fell multiple times, and was left unattended by fraternity brothers for hours before they finally called for medical help. His death led to numerous criminal charges against fraternity members, civil litigation, and the landmark Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. This case underscored the fatal combination of extreme intoxication, a callous delay in calling 911, and a pervasive culture of silence and cover-up.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): During a “Big Brother Night,” Coffey was given a handle of liquor and encouraged to drink to dangerous levels, ultimately dying from alcohol poisoning. The incident led to multiple criminal charges, Florida State’s temporary suspension of all Greek life, and a renewed statewide focus on anti-hazing measures. Coffey’s death serves as a stark reminder of how “traditional” drinking events within fraternities can become lethal scripts for disaster.
• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Gruver died after participating in a twisted “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers led to forced alcohol consumption. His death propelled Louisiana to enact the Max Gruver Act, a felony hazing law. This case powerfully demonstrated that legislative change often follows public outrage fueled by clear evidence of hazing, showing that the legal system can and will adapt to address these abuses. The Gruver family successfully received a $6.1 million verdict in civil litigation, emphasizing the financial accountability of those involved.
• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Foltz was forced to consume a nearly full bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” pledge night. He was found unconscious at an off-campus house and later died from alcohol poisoning. This case resulted in multiple criminal convictions, and Bowling Green State, a public university, agreed to a nearly $3 million settlement with the Foltz family. Other substantial settlements were reached with the fraternity and individuals, highlighting the severe financial and reputational consequences for both organizations and institutions. In what was a landmark ruling showing individual accountability, a court later ordered the chapter president, Daylen Dunson, to personally pay $6.5 million to the Foltz family.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: The Scars Beyond Alcohol

While alcohol is a prominent factor, other forms of hazing inflict profound harm, demonstrating a wide range of abusive practices.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Deng’s death occurred during a fraternity “hazing retreat” in the Pocono Mountains. Blindfolded and weighed down, he was repeatedly tackled in a “glass ceiling” ritual, suffering a fatal brain injury. Fraternity members delayed calling for medical help, attempting a cover-up. This case led to multiple criminal convictions, and uniquely, the national fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter—a landmark ruling establishing organizational criminal liability. Pi Delta Psi was banned from Pennsylvania for a decade, signaling severe repercussions for fraternities enabling such rituals.
• Joseph Snell – Omega Psi Phi, Bowie State University (1997): Snell endured severe beatings over four weeks, sustained burns from a space heater, and required hospitalization. He initially rejected a $5,000 settlement offer, eventually securing a $375,000 verdict. This case set an important precedent:** both the international organization and the local chapter were held liable** for his hazing, demonstrating that national bodies cannot simply claim ignorance. The judgment was famously collected by seizing fraternity bank assets across multiple states.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse: Beyond Greek Letters

Hazing is not confined to Greek life; it is a systemic problem that can plague any group built on hierarchy and tradition, including sports teams.

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): This scandal revealed widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the university’s football program. Former players filed multiple lawsuits alleging heinous acts, leading to the highly publicized firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald (who later confidentially settled a wrongful-termination suit with the university). This case demonstrated that hazing can infiltrate major athletic programs, transcending the boundaries of Greek organizations, and raising serious questions about institutional oversight in high-profile sports. It highlights how powerful institutions will fight back against allegations, requiring victims to have strong legal representation.
• Robert Champion – Florida A&M University Marching Band (2011): Champion, a talented drum major, died from severe physical beatings during a brutal hazing ritual on a band bus, notoriously dubbed “Crossing Bus C.” Multiple band members were criminally convicted of felony hazing. In civil litigation, Florida A&M University was held fully liable and ultimately agreed to a $1 million settlement with Champion’s family. This tragic case proved that hazing liability extends far beyond fraternities, reaching marching bands and other student organizations, and leading to comprehensive anti-hazing policy reforms across the FAMU system.

What These Cases Mean for Bee County Families in Texas

The common threads woven through these national tragedies are stark: forced drinking, extreme physical and psychological torment, abject humiliation, critical delays in medical care, and concerted cover-up efforts. These cases serve as powerful reminders that:

• Foreseeability: National organizations and universities often have a long history of similar incidents across various chapters or programs. This pattern of prior warnings directly impacts their legal responsibility, arguing they knew or should have known these dangers existed.
• Legal Precedent: Judicial rulings and multi-million-dollar settlements in these cases establish strong legal precedents, influencing how similar hazing lawsuits are approached and litigated across the country, including in Texas courts.
• Legislative Change: Each high-profile incident often sparks a wave of legislative action, leading to stronger anti-hazing laws. Bee County residents should know that the legal landscape is constantly evolving due to the advocacy of grieving families.

For Bee County families navigating the complex aftermath of hazing, particularly at Texas institutions like UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor, these national lessons underscore the severity of the problem and the potential for meaningful legal accountability. You are not alone, and these cases provide crucial context for understanding the fight for justice.

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

Texas is home to some of the largest and most prestigious universities in the nation, attracting students from across the state, including many from Bee County. While each campus boasts a unique culture, they unfortunately share a common vulnerability to hazing. Below, we examine hazing’s presence and impact at five major Texas institutions, providing context for Bee County families whose children might attend these schools or who may come from these communities.

University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a vibrant urban campus roughly 150 miles northeast of Bee County, is a prime choice for many Texas students seeking diverse academic and social opportunities. Its active Greek life, along with numerous other student organizations, unfortunately, makes it a frequent site for hazing incidents. For Bee County families, understanding the specific dynamics at UH is critical, especially given recent high-profile cases.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

UH is a large, public Tier One research university located in the heart of Houston. It serves over 47,000 students and features a significant Greek system with fraternities and sororities affiliated with various councils (Interfraternity Council, Collegiate Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, Multicultural Greek Council). The university’s diverse student body and a mix of residential and commuter students contribute to a dynamic but sometimes complex social landscape.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting

The University of Houston maintains a strict anti-hazing policy, explicitly prohibiting any act for initiation or affiliation purposes that endangers a student’s mental or physical health. This prohibition applies to both on-campus and off-campus activities. UH’s policy also forbids forced alcohol/drug consumption, sleep deprivation, physical abuse, and mental distress. Students and families can report hazing through the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, or the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). While UH provides reporting mechanisms, the efficacy and transparency of these can be areas of concern for families seeking robust investigation and action.

Documented Incident: Lion el Bermudez v. University of Houston / Pi Kappa Phi (Late 2025)

This case, in which Attorney911 represents the victim, Leonel Bermudez, has cast a harsh spotlight on hazing at UH. Leonel, a new transfer student and pledge of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter, endured severe hazing during a “Big Brother Night.” According to our lawsuit, he was subjected to:

• Forced consumption of large amounts of alcohol.
• Being sprayed with a hose in a manner “similar to waterboarding” and threats of actual waterboarding.
• Forced physical exertion, including more than 100 push-ups and 500 squats, until he could no longer stand.
• Being made to carry a “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms, a sex toy, nicotine devices, and other degrading items, with threats of punishment for non-compliance.
• Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by immediate sprints.
• Overnight/late-night “study/work” blocks interfering with academics and mandatory driving duties.
  These acts led to Leonel developing rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring a four-day hospitalization. His urine was brown, a classic symptom of severe muscle breakdown. Attorney911 filed a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, the UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi’s national organization, the Beta Nu chapter’s housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity members. The Beta Nu chapter was suspended on November 6 and then voted to surrender its charter on November 14, just days after the incident. UH stated it found the conduct “deeply disturbing” and pledged cooperation with law enforcement and disciplinary action up to expulsion. This incident reflects a troubling pattern of severe physical and alcohol-related hazing that Attorney911 is actively seeking to stop.

How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Bee County families, a hazing incident at UH would typically involve the Houston Police Department (HPD) if occurring off-campus, or the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) on campus. Civil lawsuits often target the individual students, the local chapter, the national fraternity/sorority, and potentially the university itself. Since UH is a public institution, discussions of sovereign immunity may arise, though, as seen in other national cases, gross negligence and Title IX violations can create exceptions. Cases like Leonel Bermudez’s are filed in Harris County courts, where Houston is located.

What UH Students & Parents Should Do

If you are a Bee County parent with a child at UH, or a student there, be vigilant:

• Report all concerns: Don’t hesitate to use UH’s reporting channels (Dean of Students, UHPD, or the anonymous “Report Hazing” forms online) if you suspect hazing.
• Document everything: Save all texts, group chats, photos, and videos related to any questionable activity. This evidence can be crucial.
• Seek legal counsel: Contact a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases like Attorney911. We can help you navigate the university’s often complex internal investigation process and prepare for potential civil action.
• Familiarize yourself with prior incidents: Although UH’s public discipline records are not as comprehensive as some other Texas universities, understanding the patterns from cases like Leonel Bermudez’s and others can provide critical context.

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, located in College Station, approximately 120 miles northwest of Bee County, is renowned for its rich traditions, strong academic programs, and the iconic Corps of Cadets. While its unique culture fosters immense loyalty, it has also faced scrutiny for hazing practices within both its Greek life and military-style organizations.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M is one of the largest universities in the nation, deeply steeped in tradition and an ethos of military discipline, largely embodied by the Corps of Cadets. Alongside the Corps, the university boasts a substantial Greek life community, numerous athletic teams, and a wide array of student organizations, all contributing to its distinct identity.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting

Texas A&M strictly prohibits hazing by any student organization, including Greek fraternities and sororities, and the Corps of Cadets. Their policy aligns with Texas law, covering physical, mental, and alcohol-related abuses. Reporting channels include the Office of Student Conduct, the Corps of Cadets leadership, and the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD). The university website provides clear guidelines for reporting, emphasizing confidentiality and non-retaliation.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (around 2021): Attorney911 tracked a lawsuit filed against the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity chapter at Texas A&M. Pledges alleged being subjected to forced strenuous activity during which substances, including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, were poured on them. This resulted in severe chemical burns that required specialized medical treatment and even skin graft surgeries. The fraternity was suspended for two years, and the lawsuit sought $1 million in damages, highlighting the extreme and dangerous nature of such incidents.
• Corps of Cadets (2023): A lawsuit alleged a cadet faced degrading hazing, including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. While Texas A&M stated it addressed the matter under its internal rules, such allegations underscore systemic issues within traditional military organizations that often operate under a veil of secrecy.
• Aggie Bonfire Collapse (1999): While not traditional hazing, the tragic collapse of the student-run Aggie Bonfire project, which killed 12 and injured 27, highlighted the dangers of unsupervised, high-risk student traditions and challenged institutional oversight. Multiple lawsuits eventually led to settlements exceeding $6 million, prompting a re-evaluation of how such traditions are managed.

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Bee County families, a hazing incident at Texas A&M may involve the College Station Police Department or the Texas A&M UPD. Civil lawsuits often navigate the complexities of both Greek-letter organizations and the unique, tradition-bound Corps of Cadets. As a public institution, Texas A&M may invoke sovereign immunity, but this can be challenged, especially in cases of gross negligence, Title IX violations, or when individual officers are sued. Cases are typically filed in Brazos County.

What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

Whether you’re a Bee County family with Aggie ties or considering sending your child to Texas A&M:

• Be aware of unique cultures: Understand that both Greek life and the Corps have deeply ingrained traditions, some of which may cross into hazing.
• Use reporting channels: Document and report incidents to Texas A&M’s Office of Student Conduct or UPD.
• Prioritize safety: Emphasize to your child that loyalty should never come at the cost of personal safety or dignity.
• Consult legal experts: For severe hazing involving military-style organizations or Greek chapters, an attorney knowledgeable about Texas A&M’s unique cultural and legal landscape, like Attorney911, can provide invaluable guidance.

University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin, located over 160 miles northwest of Bee County, is a flagship public university known for its academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and passionate school spirit. Like many large, public universities, UT Austin has a prominent Greek system and numerous spirit organizations that have, at times, faced hazing allegations.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin boasts a large and diverse student body, an active Greek community that plays a significant role in campus social life, and numerous spirit organizations tied to its celebrated athletic programs. The university’s official reporting shows a consistent, if troubling, history of hazing violations.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting

UT Austin has a strict anti-hazing policy that mirrors Texas law, prohibiting acts of physical, mental, or alcohol-related harm. A notable aspect of UT’s commitment to transparency is its publicly accessible “Hazing Violations” page on its website. This page lists organizations, the nature of their violations, and the sanctions imposed, providing valuable insight into past incidents. Reporting can be done via the UT Austin Dean of Students office, the UT Police Department (UTPD), or through anonymous online forms.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT’s public Hazing Violations page reveals repeated patterns of alcohol and physical hazing:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): The chapter was found responsible for hazing after new members were directed to consume milk and simultaneously perform arduous physical exercises. The chapter received disciplinary probation and was required to implement new hazing-prevention education programs.
• Texas Cowboys (2018): This long-standing spirit organization faced allegations of forced drinking and degrading acts. While the university took disciplinary action, a tragic car accident involving a “new man” on a “tradition” activity led to further questions about the role of hazing and sleep deprivation.
• Texas Wranglers (2022): This men’s honorary service organization was sanctioned for violations including alcohol misconduct, blindfolding, kidnapping, and humiliating new members during their initiation process.
  The repeated appearance of certain fraternities and spirit groups on this list underscores the persistent challenge of hazing, despite public reporting.

How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Bee County families, a hazing incident at UT Austin would involve either UTPD or the Austin Police Department. Civil lawsuits typically unfold in Travis County courts. While UT Austin, as a public university, leverages arguments of sovereign immunity, successful legal challenges can be mounted, particularly when evidence points to a pattern of systemic negligence or “deliberate indifference” to known hazing. Attorney911 emphasizes that UT’s disciplinary logs provide critical pattern evidence for civil cases.

What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

If your child attends UT Austin:

• Scrutinize the public hazing log: Review UT’s Hazing Violations page (a quick search for “UT Austin hazing violations” should bring it up) to understand organizations’ histories.
• Document extensively: Given many hazing cases involve alcohol, ensure your child understands the importance of documenting everything, including if they are forced to consume alcohol.
• Familiarize yourself with reporting: Know the process for reporting to the Dean of Students or UTPD.
• Seek legal advice for accountability: If your child is harmed, an experienced attorney, especially one familiar with UT Austin’s specific culture and legal defenses, can guide you through the process of holding all responsible parties accountable.

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University (SMU), a private institution located in Dallas (approximately 230 miles north of Bee County), is known for its selective admissions, picturesque campus, and thriving Greek life. SMU’s strong fraternity and sorority presence means it also factors into the hazing discussion for Texas families, including those from Bee County whose children attend or aspire to attend.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is a private, religiously affiliated university with a prominent Greek life system that is a central component of its social fabric. The university attracts students seeking a close-knit, traditional college experience, often leading to strong alumni networks and traditions.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting

SMU has a comprehensive anti-hazing policy that prohibits all forms of hazing, both on and off campus. As a private institution, SMU generally has more autonomy in its disciplinary processes than public universities. They encourage reporting through their Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Student Affairs, and the SMU Police Department. Anonymous reporting options are typically available through university portals.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): The Kappa Alpha Order fraternity chapter at SMU was disciplined and suspended following allegations that new members were subjected to paddling, forced alcohol consumption, and significant sleep deprivation. The chapter faced an extended suspension and stringent restrictions on its recruiting activities for several years, highlighting SMU’s capacity to impose serious sanctions following a hazing investigation.
• Other incidents over the years, while not always resulting in public lawsuits, have involved various Greek organizations receiving disciplinary probation or suspension for violating SMU’s anti-hazing policies, often related to alcohol misuse and physical demands during new member activities.

How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Bee County families, a hazing incident at SMU would typically involve the SMU Police Department and/or the Dallas Police Department. Civil lawsuits against SMU are generally filed in Dallas County courts. As a private university, SMU does not benefit from sovereign immunity, which public institutions sometimes claim. This can simplify the legal process for victims seeking to hold the university directly accountable through civil litigation for negligent supervision or other claims.

What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

If your child is at SMU:

• Understand the private university context: Private institutions often manage incidents internally, but this does not negate your legal rights to pursue an external claim.
• Document discreetly: If you suspect hazing, collect evidence (texts, photos, witness accounts) carefully, as private institutions may not be as transparent with their internal investigations as public ones.
• Prioritize legal counsel: A lawyer experienced in hazing cases, particularly against private universities, can advise on engaging with SMU’s internal processes while preserving your family’s legal options. Attorney911 understands the distinct legal strategies involved in cases against private institutions.

Baylor University

Baylor University, a private Baptist university in Waco (approximately 170 miles north of Bee County), holds a unique position among Texas institutions. While committed to its faith-based mission, Baylor has faced significant institutional challenges related to student safety and conduct, including instances that touch upon hazing.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor is the largest Baptist university in the world, with a strong emphasis on tradition, community, and its Christian mission. It has a robust Greek life, highly competitive athletic programs, and numerous student organizations, all operating within a distinct faith-based framework. Baylor’s history includes periods of intense public and legal scrutiny over institutional failures in addressing sexual assault, which has shaped its current approach to campus safety.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting

Baylor explicitly prohibits hazing, articulating a “zero tolerance” policy that is clearly defined and publicized. Their policy prohibits emotional, mental, or physical distress caused by an organization as part of and condition for membership. Reporting channels include the Department of Student Activities, the Baylor University Police Department (BUP), and various anonymous reporting platforms. Baylor’s recent history with institutional scrutiny has led to enhanced processes for incident reporting and investigation across all areas of student conduct.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): A significant incident involved the Baylor baseball team, where a hazing investigation led to the suspension of 14 players. These suspensions were strategically staggered over the early part of the season to avoid crippling the team for official play, showcasing the delicate balance universities try to strike between discipline and operational continuity.
• While specific instances directly labeled “hazing” in civil cases have been less publicly visible than at some other Texas universities, Baylor’s past controversies surrounding campus culture, reporting failures, and institutional accountability provide a critical backdrop. These issues demonstrate that official policies may not always translate into effective prevention or transparent response without external pressure.

How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Bee County families, a hazing incident at Baylor would typically involve the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD) and/or the Waco Police Department. Civil lawsuits against Baylor are generally filed in McLennan County courts. As a private university, Baylor does not have sovereign immunity protection, making it potentially more directly liable for institutional negligence. However, private university litigation can still be challenging due to internal processes and a strong institutional defense.

What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

For Bee County families with a child at Baylor:

• Understand the institutional context: Be aware of Baylor’s history concerning student safety and institutional accountability; this context is vital when assessing their response to hazing.
• Utilize Baylor’s reporting systems: While understanding the internal pressures, use official reporting channels and document all interactions.
• Seek legal counsel for independent review: Given Baylor’s unique institutional dynamics, a hazing attorney can provide an independent assessment, advise on engaging with Baylor’s administration, and pursue legal action if warranted. Attorney911 is prepared to handle cases against both public and private institutions across Texas.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

On any campus, from Houston to College Station, the names of fraternities and sororities conjure images of tradition, camaraderie, and social connection. For Bee County families, however, these names also carry potential risks. It’s vital to recognize that when a local chapter at a Texas university engages in hazing, it is often not an isolated “bad apple” incident. Instead, it frequently reflects systemic issues that have plagued the national organization’s history, creating a pattern that savvy legal advocates can use to argue for accountability.

Why National Histories Matter: The Foreseeability Argument

Many popular fraternities and sororities at institutions like UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor are part of vast national networks. These national organizations typically:

• Develop extensive anti-hazing policies and risk management programs.
• Conduct training and awareness campaigns across their chapters.
• Maintain records of disciplinary actions against chapters.

The crucial legal argument is foreseeability. If a national fraternity has faced multiple incidents of forced alcohol consumption at different university chapters across the country—or faced lawsuits, suspensions, and even criminal charges for such acts—then any subsequent occurrence of that same type of hazing can be argued as “foreseeable.” The national organization, theoretically, had prior notice of the danger and failed to prevent it. This transforms what might seem like a local lapse into a systemic failure, significantly increasing the national organization’s liability.

Key Organizations and Their National Hazing Patterns

While we cannot list every single chapter, and must emphasize that our firm does not allege specific hazing by all listed chapters, here are examples of fraternities with publicly documented national hazing issues that have chapters active across Texas campuses. We use these examples to illustrate the concept of pattern evidence essential in hazing litigation:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): This national fraternity has faced intense scrutiny and massive financial penalties due to hazing.

  • Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (2021): Pledge forced to consume virtually an entire bottle of alcohol, resulting in death from acute alcohol poisoning. Multiple criminal convictions followed. In civil suits, the Foltz family reached a $10 million settlement (with $7M coming from Pi Kappa Alpha national and ~$3M from BGSU). The chapter president was later ordered to personally pay $6.5 million.
  • David Bogenberger – Northern Illinois University (2012): Pledge died from alcohol poisoning during a fraternity event. A civil suit resulted in a $14 million settlement to his family.
  • Texas Pattern: Pi Kappa Alpha chapters at Texas State University and the University of Texas have faced hazing allegations or disciplinary actions related to alcohol consumption, mirroring national patterns and underscoring foreseeability.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): Long dubbed “America’s deadliest fraternity” by some media, SAE has a documented national history of hazing deaths and severe injuries, leading them to famously (and briefly) attempt to abolish pledging nationwide in 2014.

  • University of Alabama (filed 2023): A lawsuit alleged a pledge suffered a traumatic brain injury during a hazing ritual, highlighting the severe physical risks involved beyond alcohol.
  • Texas A&M University (2021): As noted, two pledges alleged they were subjected to having industrial-strength cleaner poured on them, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts. The pledges sued the fraternity for $1 million.
  • University of Texas at Austin (2024): A student alleged assault by members at a party, resulting in a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, a fractured tibia, and a broken nose. The student sought over $1 million.
  • California Polytechnic State University (2008): Carson Starkey died from alcohol poisoning during a hazing ritual. His family settled with SAE for a significant confidential amount and founded the national anti-hazing non-profit, Aware Awake Alive.

• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): This fraternity has also been linked to tragic hazing deaths.

  • Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University (2017): Gruver died from alcohol poisoning after participating in a forced drinking game. This case led to the $6.1 million verdict against individuals involved and the felony Max Gruver Act in Louisiana.
  • Texas Pattern: Phi Delta Theta chapters have maintained a presence at many Texas campuses, and national leadership continues to grapple with hazing accusations.

• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): This national fraternity is directly implicated in Leonel Bermudez’s case at UH and has a history of other tragedies.

  • Andrew Coffey – Florida State University (2017): Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” hazing event where pledges were given excessive amounts of liquor.
  • Texas Pattern: The ongoing Leonel Bermudez case at the University of Houston serves as a poignant example of this national organization’s ongoing challenges with hazing.

• Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI):

  • Danny Santulli – University of Missouri (2021): Santulli sustained severe, permanent brain damage after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a “pledge dad reveal.” The family settled with 22 defendants for multi-million dollar amounts, with Santulli now requiring 24/7 care. This case underscores the catastrophic non-fatal injuries hazing can cause.

• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ):

  • Chad Meredith – University of Miami (2001): Meredith drowned after being coerced into swimming across a lake while intoxicated. A jury awarded his parents a $12.6 million verdict, and Florida enacted a hazing law in his honor.
  • Texas Christian University (2018): A member was arrested for hazing pledges, highlighting ongoing issues even when not fatal.
  • Texas A&M University (2023): Allegations surfaced of hazing leading to rhabdomyolysis from extreme physical exertion, an ongoing litigation.

• Pi Delta Psi (ΠΔΨ):

  • Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College (2013): Deng died during a violent “glass ceiling” ritual at an off-campus retreat. The national fraternity was criminally convicted, signaling a new era of organizational accountability.

• Sigma Chi (ΣΧ):

  • College of Charleston (2024): A pledge alleged physical beatings, forced drugs/alcohol, and psychological torment, resulting in the family receiving more than $10 million in damages, one of the largest known hazing settlements.
  • University of Texas, Austin (2024): Ted B. Lyon was allegedly injured during physical hazing.

Tying to Legal Strategy: Why History Is Not Just History

For Bee County families considering legal action after a hazing incident at one of Texas’s prominent universities, these national and campus-specific patterns are critical. They demonstrate:

• Prior Notice and Foreseeability: National organizations and universities cannot claim ignorance of hazing risks when similar incidents have repeatedly occurred across their network or on their campuses. This demonstrates culpable knowledge, or “prior notice.”
• Systemic Failure: When the same types of hazing continue despite policies and past tragedies, it suggests a systemic failure of leadership, enforcement, and institutional culture—not just isolated “rogue actors.”
• Punitive Damages: Evidence of a pattern of conscious disregard for safety, especially after prior warnings, can be a key factor in pursuing punitive damages. These damages are designed to punish egregious conduct and deter future wrongdoing, often exceeding compensatory damages.

Attorney911 meticulously investigates these histories, drawing parallels between past national incidents and current events in Texas. This deep understanding of organizational patterns allows us to build powerful cases that hold not only individuals, but also national fraternities and universities, fully accountable.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

Successfully navigating a hazing lawsuit requires a sophisticated legal strategy grounded in meticulous evidence collection and an understanding of the complex web of potential defendants. For Bee County families, this process can seem daunting, but with experienced counsel, it becomes a powerful path toward accountability and recovery.

The Power of Evidence: Digital Gold

In modern hazing cases, securing evidence quickly and comprehensively is paramount. The digital age has transformed hazing, but it has also provided powerful new tools for victims to capture and preserve crucial proof.

• Digital Communications: This is often the undisputed “gold standard” of hazing evidence.
  • Group Messaging Apps: Platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, Discord, and even iMessage/SMS group texts are where hazing is planned, commanded, and documented. These contain explicit instructions, threats, details of events, and even admissions of wrongdoing.
  • Social Media: Instagram (stories, DMs), Snapchat (snaps, chats), TikTok (videos, comments), Facebook, and Twitter/X can reveal hazing acts, humiliation, and the atmosphere surrounding events. Location tags, hashtags, and captions provide critical context.
  • How to Preserve: Immediately screenshot entire conversation threads, ensuring timestamps, participant names, and full context are visible. For disappearing messages, capture them as soon as they appear. Use screen recording for videos. Back up everything to cloud storage or a secure email. Attorney911’s video on using your cellphone to document evidence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains best practices for preserving screenshots and photos.
• Photos & Videos: Beyond what’s in group chats, personal phones or event security cameras can be invaluable.
  • Injuries: Photograph immediately and from multiple angles. Include a ruler or coin for scale. Re-photograph over several days to show the progression of bruises and healing.
  • Locations & Objects: Document the place where hazing occurred, any paraphernalia (paddles, excessive alcohol bottles, degrading costumes), or conditions (unsanitary rooms, isolated areas).
• Internal Organization Documents: These provide insight into the hazing culture.
  • Pledge Manuals/Handbooks: May contain coded language for hazing or explicitly banned activities.
  • Ritual Scripts: Documents detailing initiation ceremonies.
  • Emails/Texts from Officers: Communications planning “new member education” events.
  • National Policies: Anti-hazing policies and risk management guidelines that can be contrasted with actual behavior.
• University Records: Open records requests and legal discovery can uncover vital institutional knowledge.
  • Prior Conduct Files: Disciplinary actions, probations, or suspensions against the same chapter for past hazing violations.
  • Campus Police Reports: Incidents involving the organization or its members.
  • Clery Act Reports: Statistics on campus crimes that may overlap with hazing incidents.
  • Internal Emails: Correspondence between university administrators regarding the organization’s conduct.
• Medical and Psychological Records: These document the extent of the harm.
  • Emergency Room/Hospital Records: Detailed reports of injuries, lab results (blood alcohol content, toxicology, rhabdomyolysis markers), imaging (X-rays, MRIs).
  • Therapy Records: Documentation of PTSD, anxiety, depression diagnoses. Always tell medical providers you were hazed so it’s noted in your records.
• Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts are powerful.
  • Fellow pledges, former members, and even bystanders can provide critical firsthand accounts. Attorney911 works to identify and interview these witnesses, ensuring their stories are accurately captured.

Damages: Recouping Losses and Rebuilding Lives

When hazing causes harm, victims and their families can pursue compensation for a wide range of tangible and intangible losses. These are known as “damages.”

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers all costs associated with treatment, from emergency services and hospital stays to ongoing therapy, medication, and rehabilitation. For severe injuries like brain damage or organ failure, this can include a “life care plan” to cover lifelong medical needs.
• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: This includes lost wages due to time off work, as well as the financial impact of delayed graduation, lost scholarships, or reduced earning capacity due to permanent injuries.
• Non-Economic Damages: These intangible losses are often the most profound. They include physical pain and suffering, emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression), humiliation, and loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in hobbies, social activities).
• Wrongful Death Damages: In fatal hazing cases (which, tragically, are far too common), surviving family members can recover for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and their own immense grief, emotional suffering, and loss of companionship. Learn more about Attorney911’s wrongful death practice at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or malicious conduct, courts may award punitive damages. These are not intended to compensate for losses but to punish extreme wrongdoing and deter future hazing. This is especially relevant when defendants ignored repeated warnings or attempted cover-ups.

Strategy: Unraveling the Defense Playbook

Hazing cases are rarely straightforward. Defendants—including national fraternities, universities, and their insurers—often employ sophisticated legal tactics to avoid responsibility. Attorney911 anticipates and counters these strategies:

• “The pledge consented”: We argue consent is invalid under coercion and power imbalances, especially given Texas law’s explicit stance that consent is not a defense.
• “Rogue chapter/National didn’t know”: We use pattern evidence from national hazing histories and internal communications to demonstrate foreseeability and negligent supervision by the national organization.
• “Happened off-campus”: We show how universities still have a duty of care, and organizations cannot escape liability simply by moving hazing away from official property.
• “We have strict anti-hazing policies”: We expose “paper policies” that were unenforced or ignored, demonstrating a gap between rhetoric and reality.
• Sovereign Immunity (for public universities): While public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT may claim some immunity, we pursue exceptions for gross negligence, intentional actions, Title IX violations, and hold individual employees liable.

For Bee County families, Attorney911’s deep experience in complex litigation means we are prepared for these defenses. Our “insurance insider” perspective (from Lupe Peña’s background as a former defense attorney) provides invaluable insight into how these parties operate and how to best counter their strategies.

Attorney911 is built on the belief that true justice involves both compensation and accountability. We meticulously build strong cases, focusing on evidence and legal strategy to force defendants to take responsibility for the harm they cause.

Practical Guides & FAQs

When hazing impacts a family, immediate action and accurate information are paramount. This section offers practical advice for parents, students, and witnesses, empowering them to respond effectively and safeguard their rights.

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

As a parent in Bee County, you are your child’s first line of defense. The signs of hazing can be subtle, but your vigilance can make all the difference.

• Warning Signs to Look For:

  • Unexplained Injuries: Bruises, burns, cuts, or “accidents” that don’t make sense or have vague explanations.
  • Extreme Fatigue/Sleep Deprivation: Your child is constantly exhausted, getting calls/texts at odd hours, or appears chronically sleep-deprived.
  • Abrupt Personality Changes: Sudden anxiety, depression, irritability, withdrawal from family or old friends.
  • Secrecy & Defensiveness: Reluctance to talk about group activities, using phrases like “I can’t talk about it,” or becoming defensive when asked directly.
  • Obsessive Phone Use: Constant checking of phone for group messages, fear of missing an alert; deleting messages or clearing browser history.
  • Declining Academics: Grades suddenly drop, missed classes, falling asleep during lectures due to outside pressures.
  • Financial Strain: Unexpected requests for money for “fines,” excessive dues, or to buy items/alcohol for older members.
  • “Good-Faith” Reporting Protections: Inform your child that Texas law and many university policies offer immunity for calling 911 in an emergency, encouraging them to prioritize safety.

• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach with empathy, not accusation. State your concerns calmly. “I’ve noticed you seem tired/stressed. How are things really going with [organization]?” Emphasize that their safety and well-being are your top priorities, far above any group affiliation. Reassure them you will support them no matter what.

• If Your Child Is Hurt: Immediately seek medical attention. Take photos of any injuries, document the date and time. If they mention what happened, write down every detail while it’s fresh in your mind: who, what, when, where.

• Dealing with the University: Document all your communications with university officials. Ask direct questions about the organization’s prior history. Be aware that universities, even with good intentions, often prioritize institutional reputation.

• When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child sustains any significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing the incident, contact a lawyer experienced in Texas hazing cases. Your lawyer can guide you through the process, protect your child’s rights, and ensure the incident is thoroughly investigated.

For Students / Pledges: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

You have the power to protect yourself. Trust your gut.

• Is This Hazing? Ask yourself:
  • “Am I being pressured to do something that makes me uncomfortable, scared, or physically ill?”
  • “Would I do this if my parents or the university president were watching?”
  • “Am I being told to keep secrets or lie about what’s happening?”
  • “Does this activity endanger my mental or physical health?”
  • “Does it feel like an abuse of power, rather than genuine bonding?”
    If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it’s hazing. Remember, Texas law states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing.
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: The intense desire to belong, fear of exclusion, and power dynamics within a group mean that “agreement” to participate in hazing is often far from true consent. The law recognizes this coercive environment.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely:
  • In immediate danger: Call 911 or campus police. Get to a safe place. You are protected by “medical amnesty” laws if alcohol/drugs are involved and you call for help.
  • To leave the group: You have the legal right to “de-pledge” at any time. Send an email or text (creating a paper trail) to the relevant chapter officers stating your resignation. Avoid in-person “exit meetings” that could be intimidating. Inform a trusted adult (parent, RA, academic advisor) before you leave.
• Document Evidence: Before you leave or while you’re still in the group, discreetly screenshot group chats, take pictures of activities (if safe to do so), and save any relevant documents or instructions. This evidence is critical if you decide to pursue legal action. Our video on using your cellphone to document evidence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) offers detailed advice.
• Report It: You can report hazing anonymously through university hotlines or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE). For official action, contact your university’s Dean of Students, Student Conduct office, or campus police.

For Former Members / Witnesses: Breaking the Silence

If you witnessed hazing or participated in it and now regret it, your decision to speak out can prevent future tragedies.

• Your Role is Crucial: Your testimony and evidence can be the key to holding individuals and institutions accountable, protecting other students, and potentially saving lives.
• Navigate with Legal Counsel: If you are concerned about your own potential liability (especially if you were involved in the hazing), consult with an attorney like Attorney911. We can explain your options, including cooperating with investigations, and protect your rights. Our firm’s criminal defense expertise (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) means we can advise on both civil and criminal aspects.
• Evidence is Power: Share any evidence you possess—digital communications, photos, videos, or internal documents—with legal counsel.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For Bee County families dealing with hazing, certain missteps can severely harm a potential legal claim. Avoid these common errors:

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

   • Why it’s wrong: Digital evidence disappears quickly. What seems like a minor detail can be critical proof of hazing, intent, or who was involved. Deleting it can be seen as an attempt to obstruct justice.
   • What to do instead: Preserve and back up everything—texts, group chats, photos, videos—even if it seems embarrassing or minor.

2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly:

   • Why it’s wrong: This immediately puts the organization on alert, prompting them to destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare their legal defense, making your case harder to prove.
   • What to do instead: Document everything in private, then consult with an attorney before initiating any contact.

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

   • Why it’s wrong: Universities often push families toward internal “resolutions” or ask them to sign waivers. These documents can waive your child’s right to pursue a civil lawsuit, and any internal compensation is typically far below what a civil claim might recover.
   • What to do instead: Never sign anything from the university or the organization without legal advice from an experienced attorney.

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

   • Why it’s wrong: While understandable, public social media posts can be used by defense attorneys to scrutinize credibility, find inconsistencies, or accuse your child of seeking attention. It can also waive legal privileges.
   • What to do instead: Document privately. Discuss public statements or social media engagement with your attorney to ensure it doesn’t harm your legal strategy.

5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting” or “talk it over”:

   • Why it’s wrong: Once they know you’re considering action, these “meetings” are often attempts to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can later be used against your child.
   • What to do instead: Once you’ve decided to explore legal action, all communications should go through your attorney.

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

   • Why it’s wrong: Universities’ internal processes are often designed to protect the institution. Evidence can disappear, witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations (generally 2 years in Texas) can expire.
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence immediately and consult a lawyer. University action is not a substitute for legal accountability.

7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer:

   • Why it’s wrong: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Any statement your child or family gives can be used to deny or reduce a claim. Initial settlement offers are often lowball.
   • What to do instead: Politely decline to speak with them and refer them to your attorney. Never give a recorded statement without legal counsel.

Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT) benefit from some sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, intentional actions by employees, and Title IX violations. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) typically do not have sovereign immunity. Every case depends on its specific facts—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  It can be. While basic hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, it escalates to a State Jail Felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals who know about hazing and fail to report it can also face misdemeanor charges.

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

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  Generally, Texans have 2 years from the date of injury or death to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Learn more about the statute of limitations in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  Location doesn’t automatically eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge, and the foreseeability of hazing, especially today when organizations intentionally move hazing off-campus to avoid detection. Many major hazing cases, such as the Pi Delta Psi retreat case, involved off-campus incidents that 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, and we prioritize your child’s privacy. We can discuss strategies for maintaining confidentiality while pursuing accountability. Public filings, however, are public record.

• “How much does it cost to hire a hazing attorney?”
  Attorney911 handles hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. Our fees come as a percentage of the final settlement or verdict. This allows families, regardless of financial means, to pursue justice. Learn more about contingency fees in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family faces a hazing incident, especially one involving severe injury or wrongful death at a Texas university, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand the intricate cultural, legal, and institutional dynamics of campus abuse—attorneys who know how powerful institutions fight back, and how to win anyway. That’s where The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, comes in. We are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Bee County and the surrounding region. We understand that hazing at Texas universities impacts families across the state, and we are dedicated to providing the highest level of legal representation to those affected.

Why Attorney911 for Hazing Cases in Bee County and Across Texas

Attorney911 brings unique and critical qualifications to hazing litigation:

• Insurance Insider Advantage (Lupe Peña): Our Associate Attorney, Lupe Peña, brings invaluable insight as a former insurance defense attorney for a national law firm. She understands how fraternity and university insurance companies evaluate, delay, and attempt to deny hazing claims. She knows their coverage exclusion arguments, their settlement tactics, and their deepest vulnerabilities because she used to work on their side. “We know their playbook because we used to run it.” You can learn more about Lupe’s background at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello): Managing Partner Ralph Manginello has a proven track record of taking on formidable opponents. He was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, where he successfully navigated complex federal court proceedings against a billion-dollar corporation. This experience means we are not intimidated by national fraternities, university legal teams, or their powerful defense counsel. “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants.” Learn more about Ralph’s experience at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have successfully recovered millions for families in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. Hazing often results in severe, life-altering injuries or fatalities. Our expertise includes collaborating with economists to accurately value lifetime care needs (especially in brain injury cases like Danny Santulli’s) and ensuring families receive full compensation for their profound losses. “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

• Dual Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) underscores our ability to navigate both the civil pursuit of damages and the criminal defense aspects that often arise in hazing cases. This dual understanding allows us to strategically advise victims and witnesses, understanding how criminal charges against individuals can impact a civil claim.

• Investigative Depth and Modern Evidence Strategies: We are experts in uncovering the hidden truths of hazing. Our team understands how to obtain deleted group chats and social media evidence through digital forensics, subpoena national fraternity records to expose prior incidents, and compel universities to release internal files through discovery or public records requests. We work with leading medical experts, digital forensic analysts, and psychologists to build an undeniable case.

We know that this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to relentlessly pursue answers, hold all responsible parties accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family.

Call for a Confidential Consultation

If hazing has impacted your family, know that you are not alone. Whether your child attends the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any other institution, our firm stands ready to fight for your rights. Families in Bee County and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will listen to what happened without judgment, explain your legal options under Texas law, and help you decide on the best path forward for your family. There is no pressure to hire us on the spot; our priority is to provide you with the information you need.

What to expect in your free consultation:

• We’ll listen to your story with empathy and without judgment.
• We’ll review any evidence you have, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
• We’ll explain your legal options, including criminal reporting, civil lawsuits, or both.
• We’ll discuss realistic timelines and what to expect throughout the legal process.
• We’ll answer all your questions about costs – remember, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win.

You don’t have to face this alone.

Contact Attorney911 today:

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

Hablamos Español: Contact Lupe Peña, our Associate Attorney, at lupe@atty911.com for a consultation in Spanish. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

Whether you’re in Bee County or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to navigate this challenging journey alone. Call us today.

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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