Understanding Hazing in Bell County, Texas: A Comprehensive Legal Guide for Families

The crisp Texas air hung heavy with nervous anticipation—a young man, newly arrived at a Central Texas university from Bell County, stood blindfolded in a darkened room somewhere off-campus. The chants grew louder, the pressure mounting with every forced drink, every degrading taunt. His heart hammered, torn between fierce loyalty to a new brotherhood and a primal sense of fear. He knew this wasn’t right, yet he felt powerless, caught between what he desperately wanted to be and what he was being forced to endure. This scenario, tragically realistic, paints a stark picture of modern hazing, a dangerous undercurrent flowing far too close to home for many families across Bell County.

Hazing is not a relic of the past or just a “rite of passage.” It is a pervasive, dangerous, and often illegal practice that continues to devastate lives across colleges, universities, and other youth organizations in Texas and nationwide. For families in Bell County, Texas, whose children attend institutions like the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor right here in Belton, or other major Texas schools such as the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, understanding the true nature of hazing and the legal avenues available is critically important.

This comprehensive guide serves as your essential resource for navigating the complex world of hazing incidents, laws, cases, and fraternity/sorority histories. We’ll delve into:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, far beyond outdated stereotypes.
• The critical legal framework governing hazing in Texas and at the federal level.
• Illuminating insights from major national hazing cases and their direct relevance to Texas families.
• A focused examination of the hazing landscape at prominent Texas institutions like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, including specific incidents and policies relevant to Bell County families.
• The vital connection between local chapter conduct and the national histories of fraternities and sororities.
• A detailed roadmap for building a strong legal case, from evidence collection to understanding potential damages.
• Practical, actionable advice for parents, students, and witnesses on recognizing, reporting, and exiting hazing situations safely.

At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, your Legal Emergency Lawyers™, we are deeply committed to supporting and representing families throughout Texas, including those right here in Bell County, who have been impacted by hazing. We understand the emotional toll and the intricate legal challenges involved. While this article provides general information and not specific legal advice, our goal is to empower you with knowledge and a clear understanding of your rights and options.

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

The image of hazing as simple, harmless pranks or foolish youthful antics is dangerously outdated. Modern hazing, active across Bell County and every corner of Texas, is far more insidious, often involving calculated psychological manipulation, extreme physical abuse, and life-threatening alcohol consumption. It’s a spectrum of behaviors, all designed to assert dominance and control over new members, often leaving lasting physical and psychological scars.

Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

At its core, hazing refers to any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by an individual or group, directed against a student, that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or
• Causes embarrassment, humiliation, or adverse physiological effects, or
• Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

It’s crucial to understand that a student’s “agreement” or “consent” to participate does not make hazing legal or exempt perpetrators from liability. In environments where social acceptance, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion are powerful motivators, true voluntary consent is often impossible. The law recognizes this power imbalance, prioritizing safety over manufactured consent.

Main Categories of Hazing

Modern hazing manifests in many forms, often employing a blend of these tactics:

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This remains one of the most prevalent and deadly forms. It includes forcing or coercing new members to consume excessive amounts of alcohol, often during events euphemistically called “bottle exchanges,” “big/little reveals,” or “lineups.” Pledges might be forced into drinking games where incorrect answers lead to more alcohol, or pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances until they lose consciousness. This can lead to severe alcohol poisoning, brain damage, organ failure, and even death.

• Physical Hazing: This category encompasses acts designed to inflict physical pain, exhaustion, or endangerment. Examples include paddling, brutal beatings, and extreme, punitive calisthenics or “workouts” that far exceed normal athletic conditioning. Victims may suffer severe sleep deprivation, food and water restriction, or forced exposure to extreme environmental conditions like intense cold or heat. These acts can result in broken bones, internal injuries, rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown), and cardiovascular distress.

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This deeply degrading form of hazing involves forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (often for the entertainment of older members), or being made to wear humiliating costumes. It dehumanizes individuals, often features racist, homophobic, or sexist overtones, and can leave profound emotional and psychological trauma. These acts are not merely “pranks” but can constitute sexual assault and battery.

• Psychological Hazing: Often overlooked but equally damaging, psychological hazing involves sustained verbal abuse, threats, and deliberate social isolation from non-group members. This can manifest as manipulative tactics, forced confessions of personal details, or public shaming, creating an environment of constant fear and anxiety. Victims often suffer from severe stress, depression, anxiety, and long-term psychological impacts like PTSD.

• Digital/Online Hazing: With the ubiquity of smartphones and social media, hazing has found new, insidious platforms. This includes group chat dares, challenges, and public humiliation orchestrated via platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Discord. New members might be pressured to create or share compromising images or videos, or to engage in online “challenges” that are embarrassing or dangerous. Constant monitoring of new members’ phones and demanding immediate responses to messages, often late at night, is a common tactic, leading to sleep deprivation and intense pressure.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Historically, hazing has been associated primarily with fraternities. However, its reach is far wider, encompassing a diverse array of student and youth organizations. This makes it a concern for any family in Bell County whose child participates in extracurricular activities.

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, Multicultural): While anti-hazing policies are widespread, the pressure to uphold “traditions” or prove loyalty can lead to dangerous practices across all Greek councils—Interfraternity Council (IFC), National Panhellenic Conference (Panhellenic), and the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) for historically Black Greek letter fraternities and sororities, as well as multicultural organizations.

• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: Organizations with a hierarchical structure and emphasis on discipline and tradition, such as the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M, are particularly vulnerable to hazing disguised as “training” or “team building.”

• Athletic Teams: From high school to college, football, basketball, baseball, cheer, swimming, and other sports teams frequently engage in hazing. These acts are often excused as “bonding” or “toughening up” new recruits but involve physical abuse, forced alcohol consumption, and sexualized rituals.

• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly benign groups like marching bands, theater troupes, or cultural performance ensembles can foster environments ripe for hazing, especially during intense practice schedules or during new member initiations.

• Spirit Squads/Tradition Clubs: Groups focused on school spirit, like rally committees or tradition councils, sometimes partake in hazing rituals to reinforce loyalty and exclusivity.

• Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Any group with an “in-group” mentality can fall prey to hazing. These organizations often use psychological or subtle hazing tactics, though physical and alcohol hazing are not unheard of.

The perpetuation of hazing often hinges on a tacit code of silence, fueled by a desire for acceptance, fear of retaliation, and the belief that “everyone went through it.” This culture of secrecy makes intervention and accountability challenging but not impossible. Understanding these modern manifestations is the first step toward protecting our children.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For families in Bell County whose children attend college, knowing the legal landscape of hazing is crucial. Texas has clear laws prohibiting hazing, and federal regulations add further layers of protection and recourse.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Under Texas law, specifically the Texas Education Code, hazing is not just frowned upon—it is illegal. The law broadly 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, or
• Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

This definition covers a wide range of harmful behaviors and explicitly states that hazing can involve physical or mental endangerment, not just bodily harm. This is key for psychological hazing and subtle forms of coercion.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing in Texas:

• Class B Misdemeanor: Most hazing offenses that do not result in serious injury fall into this category, carrying penalties up to 180 days in jail, a fine up to $2,000, or both.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If the hazing causes bodily injury that requires medical attention, the offense escalates.
• State Jail Felony: Critically, if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, the offense becomes a state jail felony, carrying significant prison time and larger fines.

Beyond direct participation, Texas law also addresses failures to act:

• Failing to Report: An individual (student, faculty, staff) who is a member or officer of an organization and knows about hazing but fails to report it can be charged with a misdemeanor.
• Retaliation: Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor.

Organizational Liability:
Organizations themselves, such as fraternities, sororities, or sports teams, can be held criminally responsible for hazing under Texas law. If the organization explicitly authorized or encouraged the hazing, or if an officer or a member acting in an official capacity knew about the hazing and failed to report it, the organization can be fined up to $10,000 per violation. Furthermore, universities have the power to revoke an organization’s recognition and ban it from campus, a severe blow to its existence.

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:
To encourage reporting, Texas law provides immunity. Any person who in good faith reports a hazing incident to university officials or law enforcement is protected from civil or criminal liability that might arise from that report. This protection aims to reduce the fear of repercussions that often prevents students and witnesses from coming forward. Many university policies and Texas law also offer amnesty for students who call 911 in a medical emergency related to alcohol or drug use, even if they were underage or involved in the hazing.

Consent Not a Defense:
One of the most important provisions in Texas hazing law is that consent is not a defense. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that it is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the activity. This crucial element acknowledges the inherent power imbalance in hazing, where true, uncoerced consent is rarely possible.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

Understanding the distinction between criminal and civil hazing cases is vital for Bell County families seeking justice:

• Criminal Cases: These are initiated by the state (prosecutors) against individuals or organizations for violating hazing laws. The primary goal is punishment, which can include fines, probation, or incarceration. Hazing-related criminal charges might range from misdemeanor hazing offenses to assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, or even manslaughter in cases of severe injury or death.

• Civil Cases: These are private lawsuits filed by victims or their families against those responsible for the hazing incident. The main objective is to obtain monetary compensation for damages suffered and to hold individuals and institutions accountable. Civil claims often involve allegations of negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. A civil case can proceed even if criminal charges are not filed or do not result in a conviction, as the burden of proof is different.

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

Beyond Texas state law, several federal regulations can impact hazing cases:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal legislation, building on existing efforts, mandates that colleges and universities receiving federal funding must:

  • Maintain and publicly disclose a comprehensive record of hazing violations and disciplinary actions.
  • Provide clear, accessible hazing education and prevention programming for all students.
  • These requirements will be phased in by approximately 2026, offering greater transparency and accountability from institutions.

• Title IX: This federal law prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. If hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based humiliation, or gender-based hostility, it can fall under Title IX. This triggers specific university obligations for investigation and response, regardless of whether the hazing occurs on or off-campus.

• 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 not directly hazing-specific, hazing incidents that involve assault, sexual assault, hate crimes, or alcohol/drug violations can fall under Clery reporting requirements, providing another layer of institutional accountability.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

The web of responsibility in a hazing incident can be broad, and an experienced attorney will meticulously identify all potential defendants. This ensures full accountability and maximizes the chances of fair compensation for victims in Bell County and throughout Texas.

• Individual Students: Those who directly planned, organized, facilitated, or participated in the hazing acts can be held personally liable. This includes those who supplied alcohol, carried out physical abuse, or failed to intervene.

• Local Chapter/Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself can be sued if it is recognized as a legal entity. This includes its officers and members in leadership positions who initiated or oversaw the hazing activities.

• National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters of Greek-letter organizations often have extensive resources and policies. They can be held liable if they knew or should have known about a pattern of hazing within their chapters, failed to adequately train or supervise local chapters, or ignored previous warnings and incidents. The sheer number of major national hazing cases underscores that national organizations cannot simply turn a blind eye to the actions of their local branches.

• University or Governing Board: Colleges and universities may also be sued. While public universities in Texas (like Texas A&M and UT Austin) may have some sovereign immunity protection, exceptions exist for cases involving gross negligence, willful misconduct, or certain violations of federal laws like Title IX. Private institutions (like Baylor and SMU) generally have less immunity. Liability can stem from negligent supervision of student organizations, failure to enforce anti-hazing policies, ignoring repeated warnings, or creating a culture that tacitly enables hazing.

• Third Parties: Depending on the circumstances, others might also bear responsibility. This can include:

  • Property Owners/Landlords: If hazing occurred on private property, the owners might be liable for failing to provide a safe environment or allowing illegal activities.
  • Bars or Alcohol Providers: Under Texas’s dram shop laws, establishments that overserve visibly intoxicated individuals or serve minors who then cause harm can be held liable.
  • Security Companies or Event Organizers: If present, they might have a duty to intervene or ensure safety.

Each hazing case is fact-specific, and identifying all responsible parties requires a thorough investigation. Our firm’s experience in complex institutional litigation is crucial for unraveling these intricate layers of liability.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

Hazing is a national crisis, and while the location and specific organizations vary, certain patterns of conduct, cover-ups, and devastating outcomes repeat across the country. Bell County families sending their children to Texas universities should be aware of these national precedents, as they directly inform how similar cases are handled here in the Lone Star State. These cases expose the high stakes of hazing—and the significant legal accountability that can follow.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

The most common and lethal form of hazing involves forced or coerced alcohol consumption. The pattern is tragically consistent:

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Tim Piazza’s death horrified the nation. During a “bid acceptance” event, he was forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol, leading to multiple falls and severe traumatic brain injuries. Fraternity members observed his agonizing condition on security cameras but delayed calling for medical help for nearly 12 hours. This flagrant disregard for human life led to dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members and civil litigation that ultimately resulted in confidential settlements. His death also galvanized legislative action, leading to Pennsylvania’s robust new anti-hazing law, the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. His case exposed the deadly combination of extreme intoxication, a callous delay in seeking aid, and a pervasive culture of silence and cover-ups within hazing.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night.” Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and pressured to consume them quickly. Multiple members were prosecuted, mostly pleading guilty to misdemeanor hazing, though the underlying conduct was deadly. His death prompted a temporary suspension of all Greek life at FSU and a substantial overhaul of university hazing policies. The pattern of “formulaic drinking nights” is a recognized script for disaster that fraternities repeatedly ignore.

• Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver died with a blood alcohol content of 0.495% (more than six times the legal driving limit) after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game. Pledges were forced to answer trivia questions about the fraternity; incorrect answers resulted in being forced to drink large quantities of alcohol. His death directly led to the enactment of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, a felony hazing statute with serious penalties. This case powerfully demonstrated how seemingly innocuous “games” can turn deadly and highlighted the need for strong legislative action.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone Foltz tragically died from alcohol poisoning after being pressured to drink an entire handle of bourbon during a “Big/Little” event. Esteemed by his family, Stone was simply trying to fit in. His death resulted in multiple criminal convictions for hazing-related charges against fraternity members. Moreover, Bowling Green State University, a public institution, agreed to a significant $2.9 million settlement with the Foltz family, with additional confidential settlements from the fraternity and individuals. This case underscored that universities, even public ones, can face substantial financial and reputational consequences when their students are harmed by hazing.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, hazing often involves brutal physical rituals and psychological torture:

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng died after being subjected to the violent “glass ceiling” ritual at an off-campus fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains. Blindfolded and wearing a heavy backpack, he was repeatedly tackled by fraternity members. He suffered severe traumatic brain injuries, and his attackers delayed calling emergency services for an hour, attempting to cover up the incident. This case was groundbreaking—not only were several members convicted, but the national fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. It highlighted that physical hazing, even off-campus, carries severe criminal and civil liability for the organization.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing isn’t exclusive to Greek life; it is deeply embedded in many athletic programs:

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): A major scandal erupted at Northwestern when former football players alleged widespread and systemic sexualized and racist hazing within the prestigious program over multiple years. Allegations included forced naked play, simulated sexual acts, and racial discrimination. This led to the firing of long-time head coach Pat Fitzgerald, numerous lawsuits against the university and coaching staff, and a confidential settlement with Coach Fitzgerald regarding his termination. This case serves as a stark reminder for Bell County families that hazing can permeate highly visible and well-funded athletic programs, demonstrating how deeply ingrained such abusive traditions can become under the guise of “team bonding” or “discipline.” It also raised critical questions about institutional oversight and accountability at the highest levels of collegiate sports.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national tragedies share common, chilling threads: forced consumption of alcohol, physical abuse, psychological torment, the pressure to maintain secrecy, deliberately delayed medical care, and concerted cover-up attempts by individuals and organizations. They also reveal that meaningful reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often only follow a tragedy, driven by determined victims and their legal teams.

For Bell County families, it’s a sobering reminder that a hazing incident at any Texas university where their children attend is not an isolated event. It is part of a larger, national pattern. The legal precedents set in these cases directly influence how hazing lawsuits are pursued and litigated within the Texas court system, demonstrating the potential for significant legal accountability against individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and universities.

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

For families in Bell County, the threat of hazing hits closest to home when it involves the universities their children attend or aspire to. Central Texas is home to Mary Hardin-Baylor University, a significant institution in Belton, and many Bell County students head off to major schools within the state. Hazing incidents at institutions like the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University are not just headlines—they are potential crises that can impact your child and your family directly. At Attorney911, we understand the nuances of these institutions and how their unique cultures, policies, and histories influence hazing cases.

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB)

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is a private Christian university located in Belton, right here in Bell County. With a significant number of our local students attending, understanding its campus culture and policies regarding hazing is paramount for Bell County families.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

UMHB offers a close-knit, faith-based community that prides itself on strong values and a supportive environment. While Greek life exists, it operates within a unique framework often emphasizing service and community engagement, distinct from larger public institutions. Many students from Bell County choose UMHB for its local presence and specific academic programs. The campus has a mix of residential and commuter students, fostering a tight-knit community where traditions often play a significant role.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UMHB has a clear, zero-tolerance policy against hazing, in line with Texas state law and its institutional values. Their Student Code of Conduct strictly prohibits any activity that could be considered hazing, defining it broadly to include physical, mental, or emotional harm related to joining or maintaining membership in any student organization. Students are strongly encouraged to report incidents through the Dean of Students’ office, Campus Police, or anonymous reporting systems. The university emphasizes the importance of a safe environment and aims to handle all reports promptly and fairly.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

While UMHB’s campus culture aims to mitigate hazing, no institution is entirely immune. Documented hazing incidents, though often less severe than those at larger public universities, have occurred within social clubs or athletic teams. These incidents typically result in swift internal investigations and disciplinary actions against individuals and the organizations involved, reflecting the university’s commitment to its anti-hazing stance. The focus is usually on education and rehabilitation, but serious violations can lead to suspension or expulsion.

How a UMHB Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Bell County families, a hazing incident at UMHB could involve investigations by UMHB Campus Police, which works closely with the Belton Police Department. Civil lawsuits related to hazing at UMHB would typically be filed in courts within Bell County, considering the university’s private status. Potential defendants could include individual students, the local chapter of any recognized club or team, and potentially the university itself, depending on the specifics of the incident and the university’s knowledge or action (or inaction).

What UMHB Students & Parents Should Do

• Familiarize Yourself: Review UMHB’s anti-hazing policies thoroughly, available on the university website.
• Utilize Reporting Channels: Understand the steps for reporting to the Dean of Students or Campus Police, and consider anonymous options if safety is a concern.
• Document Everything: If you suspect hazing, immediately document all details, including dates, times, types of activity, and individuals involved. Screenshot group chats, take photos of injuries, and preserve any evidence.
• Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your child’s health. If injuries occur, seek immediate medical care and ensure the medical professionals are aware of the circumstances.
• Contact a Lawyer: If hazing leads to significant harm, contact an attorney experienced in Bell County hazing cases. An attorney can help navigate both university disciplinary processes and potential civil claims, ensuring your rights are protected. Attorney911 operates from Houston but serves all of Bell County and the broader Central Texas region.

University of Houston (UH)

Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Houston is a large, diverse urban campus located in the heart of Houston. It serves tens of thousands of students and boasts a vibrant Greek life, an active student council, and numerous sports and academic clubs. For Bell County students who travel south to Houston, UH offers a fast-paced, metropolitan university experience.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UH maintains a strict anti-hazing policy, prohibiting any form of hazing on or off campus tied to any student organization. The policy covers emotional, physical, and alcohol-related hazing, among others. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students, UHPD (University of Houston Police Department), and an online reporting form. UH publicizes an annual compliance statement regarding hazing.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

The University of Houston has been at the center of a pivotal hazing case our firm is actively litigating. In late 2025, Attorney911 filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, its Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Beta Nu chapter’s housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders and members.

Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student and pledge to the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, endured severe hazing that resulted in acute kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis, requiring a four-day hospitalization. The hazing incidents detailed in the lawsuit included:

• Being forced to carry a humiliating pledge fanny pack containing condoms, a sex toy, and nicotine devices, with threats of punishment for non-compliance.
• Enforced strict dress codes and mandatory, hours-long “study/work” blocks that interfered with academics.
• Overnight and late-night driving duties as a chapter chauffeur.
• Brutal physical exertion, including sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, and 100+ push-ups and 500 squats on November 3, 2025, which left Bermudez unable to stand.
• Being subjected to cold-weather exposure in only underwear, and forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass.
• Being sprayed with a hose, “similar to waterboarding,” and threatened with actual waterboarding.
• Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by immediate physical activity.
• Witnessing another pledge being hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.
• Dawn and late-night workouts at Yellowstone Boulevard Park in Houston, where another pledge lost consciousness.

After these horrific events, Mr. Bermudez’s attorney, Ralph Manginello of Attorney911, stated, “His urine was brown,” highlighting the severity of the rhabdomyolysis. Mr. Manginello added, “We’re almost in 2026. This has to stop.” Lupe Peña, another Attorney911 attorney, emphasized, “If this prevents harm to another person…Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” The Beta Nu chapter was suspended by Pi Kappa Phi national on November 6, 2025, and voted to surrender its charter on November 14, 2025. The University of Houston called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary measures.

This incident, extensively covered by Click2Houston (https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/), ABC13 (https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/), and Hoodline (https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/), shows that serious hazing can occur at UH and the university’s response will be closely scrutinized in legal proceedings.

How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases at UH are handled by UHPD for on-campus incidents or by the Houston Police Department for off-campus events. Civil suits like the Bermudez case are filed in courts with jurisdiction over Harris County. Given UH’s status as a public university, any lawsuit against it or its Board of Regents would navigate the complexities of sovereign immunity, though exceptions for gross negligence and constitutional or federal claims, such as Title IX violations, can apply. Bell County parents need to be aware that even if the courts are in Houston, an experienced Texas firm like Attorney911 can represent their interests.

What UH Students & Parents Should Do

• Report Aggressively: Utilize UHPD and the Dean of Students’ office. Ensure all details are captured.
• Document Evidence: Follow the guidance in Attorney911’s video “Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs“. Screenshots of texts, especially from GroupMe or WhatsApp, are crucial.
• Seek Legal Counsel Immediately: Contact an attorney well-versed in Houston and Texas hazing law, particularly those with experience against institutional defendants.

Texas A&M University

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M University in College Station is renowned for its deep-rooted traditions, which foster an intense sense of loyalty among its students, known as “Aggies.” Many families from Bell County send their children to A&M, drawn by its heritage and strong academic programs. The university is famous for its large Greek life and the highly visible Corps of Cadets, a military training program.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M has robust anti-hazing policies, explicitly forbidding any act that causes physical or mental distress for the purpose of initiation or membership. Given its unique traditions, A&M’s policy specifically addresses hazing within the Corps of Cadets, athletic teams, and Greek organizations. Reports can be made through the Student Conduct Office, the Texas A&M University Police Department (TAMUPD), or anonymous reporting forms. The university is legally mandated to address and report hazing violations.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced its share of prominent hazing incidents, highlighting the persistent challenges of balancing tradition with safety.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Lawsuit (around 2021): This case involved two pledges who alleged being subjected to excruciating physical hazing. They claimed fraternity members poured industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit on them. The cleaner caused severe chemical burns that required skin graft surgeries. The chapter was suspended by the university, and the pledges filed a lawsuit against the fraternity seeking $1 million in damages. This incident underlines the dangers of physical hazing and the extreme tactics sometimes used. (Note: The criminal prosecution of Brian T. Sanders for the death of his roommate at A&M in 1997, which he claimed was hazing, is a well-known, older case not tied to a specific national organization, but rather a campus club).
• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging severe and degrading hazing within the Corps. The allegations included being forced to participate in simulated sexual acts and being bound in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth, placed between two beds during a ritual. While the university stated it handled the matter according to its internal code, such incidents challenge the notion of “healthy tradition” and underscore the potential for abuse within highly structured environments.

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Bell County families, a hazing incident originating at Texas A&M could lead to investigations by TAMUPD or local police in College Station. Civil lawsuits against the university, as a public institution, would involve navigating sovereign immunity laws in Texas, a complex area in which Attorney911 has extensive experience. Potential defendants could range from individual students and local chapter leaders to national organizations and the university itself, depending on their level of involvement and knowledge.

What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

• Understand the Policies: Read A&M’s anti-hazing policies, explicitly noting rules for both Greek life and Corps organizations.
• Document Evidence: Collect and preserve all evidence, from texts to photos, especially anything that contradicts official narratives or downplays the severity of incidents.
• Report Internally AND Externally: While reporting to A&M’s Student Conduct is necessary, also consider filing a police report if the hazing involved criminal acts.
• Seek Experienced Legal Counsel: Contacting an attorney with a proven track record in confronting large, public institutions and their legal teams is crucial for securing justice.

The University of Texas at Austin (UT)

Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest and most prestigious public universities in the state, attracting many students from Bell County. UT is known for its vibrant campus life, fiercely competitive academics, and extensive Greek system. Its campus culture is deeply intertwined with traditions, school spirit, and a highly active student body.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UT Austin has a strict and well-documented anti-hazing policy, emphasizing that all forms of hazing are prohibited on and off campus. The university is notably more transparent about violations than many other institutions, publishing a public list of hazing violations and disciplinary actions on its website (hazing.utexas.edu). This transparency is a valuable resource for Bell County families researching organizations. Reports can be made through the Dean of Students, UTPD (UT Police Department), or anonymous reporting hotlines.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT Austin’s public hazing log reveals a consistent pattern of violations across various student organizations, including fraternities, sororities, and spirit groups.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): The UT chapter of a national fraternity was sanctioned for hazing activities that included new members being made to consume milk excessively and perform strenuous calisthenics. This incident resulted in a forced probation for the chapter and a requirement to implement new hazing prevention education.
• Texas Wranglers (2022): This spirit organization faced disciplinary action for hazing, including alcohol/drug misconduct, forced blindfolding, “kidnapping” scenarios, and degrading new members. Such recurring incidents demonstrate that hazing persists even in well-known, non-Greek organizations, echoing the tragic 2018 death of a Texas Cowboys “Newman” due to a distracted driving accident, which parents alleged was linked to sleep deprivation during hazing.

These documented violations, readily available to Bell County parents, demonstrate a clear pattern of hazing activities across different types of student groups at UT.

How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases at UT Austin are often investigated by UTPD or the Austin Police Department. Civil lawsuits against UT, as a public university, would involve navigating the Texas Tort Claims Act and sovereign immunity defenses, requiring nuanced legal strategy. However, UT’s transparent public reporting of hazing violations can be a powerful tool for plaintiffs, demonstrating a history of acknowledged misconduct that can support claims of institutional knowledge and failure to address patterns.

What UT Students & Parents Should Do

• Consult the Hazing Log: Before joining any organization, Bell County students and parents should review UT’s public hazing violations page thoroughly.
• Document Everything: Be meticulous in collecting evidence if you suspect hazing, utilizing your phone to screenshot all communications and document physical acts.
• Report Immediately: Report severe incidents to UTPD and the Dean of Students. The public nature of UT’s hazing reports can be a leverage point for accountability.
• Engage Legal Professionals: For serious injuries or patterns of abuse, contact an attorney familiar with Texas hazing law and the specific legal landscape of public university litigation.

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Southern Methodist University is a private university located in Dallas, known for its strong academic programs, affluent student body, and vibrant Greek life. It attracts many students from throughout Texas, including Bell County, seeking a prestigious private university experience. SMU’s Greek organizations are significant social and campus forces.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU maintains a “zero-tolerance” policy on hazing, which strictly prohibits any activity that could be construed as hazing, both on and off campus. Their policy is comprehensive, covering physical, mental, and emotional harm. SMU encourages reporting through its Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, SMU Police, and anonymous reporting platforms like “Real Response” to capture incidents that students might be hesitant to report directly.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

SMU’s Greek organizations have faced various hazing allegations over the years, leading to suspensions and public disciplinary actions.

• Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): The SMU chapter of Kappa Alpha Order was suspended after allegations of severe hazing activities. Reports indicated new members were subjected to paddling, forced alcohol consumption, and significant sleep deprivation. The chapter faced an extended suspension and stringent restrictions on its operations and recruitment efforts, only gradually being allowed to return to campus activities. This incident, while public, underscored the challenges private institutions face in controlling off-campus hazing.
• Later incidents: SMU’s disciplinary records have indicated other instances of hazing, often involving forced activities, excessive drinking, and sleep deprivation that disrupt the academic and personal well-being of new members across various Greek organizations and campus clubs.

How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

As a private institution, SMU generally does not have the protection of sovereign immunity, making it potentially more legally vulnerable to civil lawsuits than public universities. Cases involving SMU might be filed in Dallas County courts. Liability in such cases could extend to individual perpetrators, the local chapter, the national organization, and the university itself, particularly if there is evidence of negligent supervision or a failure to respond to a known pattern of hazing.

What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

• Review SMU’s Resources: Familiarize yourself with SMU’s hazing policies and anonymous reporting systems.
• Document Thoroughly: Due to the private nature of SMU, detailed evidence collection (photos, texts, witness statements) is especially crucial for demonstrating facts internally and externally.
• Seek External Counsel: Given that private institutions do not have sovereign immunity protection, an experienced attorney can aggressively pursue civil claims against all liable parties, including the university, if their negligence contributed to the hazing.

Baylor University

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University, located in Waco, is a private Baptist research university. It has a distinctive religious identity and attracts students from Bell County and across Texas with its strong academic programs and traditional campus experience. Baylor’s campus culture emphasizes community and faith, but like other universities, it hosts active student organizations, including Greek life and athletic programs.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor has a comprehensive Anti-Hazing Policy that reflects its commitment to maintaining a safe Christian environment for all students. Hazing is strictly prohibited and defined broadly. Baylor encourages reporting of hazing incidents through its Department of Student Life, Baylor University Police Department (BUPD), and a Title IX Office (given its past issues with sexual assault). The university stresses a supportive process for victims and maintains its own internal disciplinary process.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor University has, in recent years, faced significant scrutiny regarding campus culture and accountability, particularly following high-profile sexual assault scandals involving its football program. While separate from hazing directly, these incidents have put a spotlight on institutional oversight.

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): An investigation into hazing within the Baylor baseball program led to the suspension of 14 players. The hazing allegations, while not fully detailed publicly, indicated conduct that created a harmful environment for new team members. The university took disciplinary action by staggering the players’ suspensions over the early season. This incident, while handled internally, underscores that hazing can occur within athletic teams, even at institutions with strong faith-based missions.
• Other Student Organizations: While less publicized, Baylor’s disciplinary records, available upon request or through Title IX reporting, can show other instances within social clubs or Greek organizations where hazing activities, such as forced servitude, sleep deprivation, or alcohol misuse, have led to internal sanctions.

How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

As a private university, Baylor is not protected by sovereign immunity, making it subject to civil litigation. Hazing cases could be filed in McLennan County courts. The university’s history with Title IX issues and calls for greater accountability could factor into how hazing cases are approached, with potential claims focusing on failure to supervise, negligent retention, or fostering a culture permissive of misconduct.

What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

• Be Diligent: Familiarize yourself with Baylor’s Anti-Hazing and Title IX policies, and understand the reporting mechanisms available.
• Detail All Evidence: Collect and maintain meticulous records of all hazing activities, including digital communications, photos, and medical documentation.
• Consider Broader Implications: Given Baylor’s history, hazing complaints should be approached with a thorough understanding of all potential legal avenues, including civil lawsuits against responsible individuals, organizations, and the university.
• Retain Expert Legal Counsel: Contacting an attorney experienced in Title IX and institutional liability cases can ensure that hazing allegations are taken seriously and that all possible claims are pursued vigorously.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

Understanding the history of hazing within fraternities and sororities, both at the national level and in specific local chapters prevalent in Bell County, is not just academic—it’s essential for legal accountability. When a chapter at a Texas university engages in hazing, the actions of its national organization in previous incidents can become powerful evidence in a civil lawsuit.

Why National Histories Matter

The majority of fraternities and sororities active on Texas campuses from Bell County all the way to Houston, College Station, Austin, Dallas, and Waco, are branches of large national organizations. While these national bodies often publish robust anti-hazing policies and conduct training, their histories are frequently marred by repeated incidents of hazing, including deaths and severe injuries.

• Prior Notice and Foreseeability: When a local chapter repeats hazing tactics that led to tragedy for another chapter of the same national organization in another state, it demonstrates prior notice to the national body. This establishes foreseeability, arguing that the national organization knew or should have known these dangerous practices were occurring and failed to take adequate preventative measures. This is a powerful legal argument against national organizations.
• Policy vs. Practice: National organizations develop extensive anti-hazing manuals and risk policies precisely because they have faced lawsuits and public outcry from past incidents. Yet, hazing persists. A lawsuit can investigate whether these policies are merely “paper policies” or are truly enforced.

Organization Mapping (Synthesized)

Let’s look at some prominent organizations and their histories, which illustrate the national scope of this issue and inform our approach to hazing cases like the one involving Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston:

• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): This fraternity has a documented national history of severe hazing, famously including the Andrew Coffey incident at Florida State University in 2017, where a pledge died from alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night.” The national organization’s response to these incidents, or lack thereof, directly informs the legal strategy in cases like that of Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston, where Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter is facing a $10 million lawsuit alleging severe physical and psychological hazing. The pattern of such incidents demonstrates foreseeability and a recurring failure to enforce policies. Pi Kappa Phi, with an IRS EIN of 81-2525354, is a national organization that has been repeatedly put on notice.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): Nationally, Pi Kappa Alpha has a tragic history of hazing deaths, including Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University, 2021), who died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume an entire bottle of liquor. Foltz’s family reached a $10 million settlement, with a significant portion coming from the national fraternity. Another case involved David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois University, 2012), also an alcohol poisoning death, resulting in a $14 million settlement. These precedents establish a clear and dangerous pattern of alcohol-related hazing within Pi Kappa Alpha.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): Often dubbed “America’s deadliest fraternity” by media for a string of hazing deaths, SAE nationally has faced numerous lawsuits. This includes a recent case (filed 2023) where a pledge at the University of Alabama allegedly suffered a traumatic brain injury during hazing, resulting in a lawsuit for fraud, negligence, and assault. In Texas, a lawsuit against SAE at Texas A&M (around 2021) alleged pledges suffered severe chemical burns from substances poured on them. Such incidents continue despite SAE’s 2014 pledge to eliminate the traditional “pledge” period. This long history highlights significant foreseeability for any SAE chapter in Texas, including those in Bell County-linked universities.

• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): This fraternity is linked to the death of Max Gruver (Louisiana State University, 2017) from alcohol poisoning during a “Bible study” drinking game. His death directly led to Louisiana’s felony hazing statute, the Max Gruver Act. This nationwide history reinforces the expectation that chapters adhere to strict anti-hazing measures.

• Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI): The tragic case of Danny Santulli (University of Missouri, 2021) resulted in severe, permanent brain damage from forced alcohol consumption, leaving him unable to walk, talk, or see. The Santulli family settled with 22 defendants, demonstrating extensive accountability. This case is a stark reminder of the catastrophic non-fatal injuries that can result from hazing.

• Pi Delta Psi (ΠΔΨ): This fraternity has the grim distinction of the national organization itself being criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter after the death of Chun “Michael” Deng (Baruch College, 2013) during a violent “glass ceiling” ritual at an off-campus retreat. This conviction and subsequent 10-year ban from Pennsylvania highlight the extreme legal consequences for organizations that fail to deter deadly hazing.

• Omega Psi Phi (ΩΨΦ): This historically Black fraternity has faced allegations of severe hazing, including a federal lawsuit filed in 2023 by Rafeal Joseph, a former student at the University of Southern Mississippi, who alleged repeated beatings with a wooden paddle during “Hell Night” that led to emergency surgery and months of rehabilitation. This incident underscores that hazing is a danger across all Greek councils.

• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): Kappa Sigma is infamous for the death of Chad Meredith (University of Miami, 2001), who drowned after being coerced into swimming across a lake while intoxicated. A jury awarded his family $12.6 million in a negligence suit, leading to Florida’s anti-hazing law named in his honor. Such a verdict demonstrates the severe liability linked to forced alcohol or dangerous activities.

Complete Texas Greek Organization Directory

Attorney911 tracks every IRS-registered Greek organization in Texas. This comprehensive list includes fraternities and sororities that are part of the vast national and local Greek landscape across the state. This level of detail shows that we understand the intricate ecosystems within which hazing can occur.

• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 81-2525354 | College Station, TX
• CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY | EIN: 74-0555581 | Austin, TX
• KAPPA SIGMA FRATERNITY | EIN: 75-6067776 | Fort Worth, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 82-3971493 | Corinth, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA | EIN: 83-3053639 | Corinth, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 20-2203769 | Corinth, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 20-1237505 | Corinth, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 81-4575228 | Corinth, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 26-0805977 | Corinth, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 90-0657756 | Corinth, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 32-0217610 | Corinth, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 46-0766525 | Corinth, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA ALPHA CHI CHAPTER | EIN: 86-3999517 | Corinth, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA ALPHA PSI CHAPTER | EIN: 87-4252223 | Corinth, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 83-1418972 | Corpus Christi, TX
• AGGIE ADPI FAMILY CLUB | EIN: 93-2357531 | Cypress, TX
• CHI EPSILON SIGMA INC | EIN: 45-1677063 | Dallas, TX
• DELTA ALPHA SIGMA MULTICULTURAL SORORITY | EIN: 36-4806998 | Dallas, TX
• DELTA PHI CHAPTER OF THETA CHI FRATERNITY ALUMNI HOUSING | EIN: 90-0239693 | Dallas, TX
• FRIENDSHIP-WEST MIZPAH FOUNDATION | EIN: 27-1863731 | Dallas, TX
• KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY | EIN: 52-1278573 | Dallas, TX
• ZETA SIGMA HOUSE CORPORATION OF KAPPA KAPPA GAMMA FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 75-2620706 | Dallas, TX
• ALPHA EPSILON PI FRATERNITY | EIN: 26-2025321 | Denton, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 26-3170920 | Denton, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 87-2222906 | El Paso, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 38-3742830 | El Paso, TX
• DENTON-LEWISVILLE GUIDE RIGHT FOUNDATION | EIN: 86-1205340 | Flower Mound, TX
• BETA UPSILON CHI | EIN: 74-2911848 | Fort Worth, TX
• EPSILON MU CHAPTER OF THE SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY | EIN: 75-6203190 | Fort Worth, TX
• FIRST COMMAND EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION | EIN: 75-1973894 | Fort Worth, TX
• FORT WORTH ALUMNI CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INCORPORATED | EIN: 75-2755600 | Fort Worth, TX
• GAMMA PHI DELTA CHRISTIAN FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 74-2893931 | Fort Worth, TX
• PSI ZETA CHAPTER OF ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INCORPORATED | EIN: 52-1345182 | Fort Worth, TX
• SIGMA PHI EPSILON FRATERNITY TEXAS GAMMA CHAPTER | EIN: 91-1981478 | Fort Worth, TX
• TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC | EIN: 74-1380362 | Fort Worth, TX
• BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC | EIN: 46-2267515 | Frisco, TX
• ETA KAPPA CHAPTER OF SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA HOUSE CORPORATION | EIN: 75-2935462 | Frisco, TX
• FRISCO TX ALUMNI CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI INCORPORATED | EIN: 92-0575785 | Frisco, TX
• KAPPA THETA PI – MU CHAPTER CORPORATION | EIN: 33-1294470 | Frisco, TX
• ARLINGTON-GRAND PRAIRIE ALUMNI CHAP OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRAT INC | EIN: 23-2452759 | Grand Prairie, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 47-5370943 | Houston, TX
• BETA LAMBDA CHAPTER – ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 99-0483761 | Houston, TX
• DELTA PHI UPSILON FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 80-0209640 | Houston, TX
• HELLENIC PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY OF TEXAS | EIN: 74-2020182 | Houston, TX
• LELAND COLLEGE PREP PTO | EIN: 47-2160315 | Houston, TX
• SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER | EIN: 74-6084905 | Houston, TX
• SIGMA PHI EPSILON NEW YORK CHI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION INC | EIN: 26-2710856 | Houston, TX
• SOCIETY OF HISPANIC PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS INC | EIN: 76-0221936 | Houston, TX
• SOUTHWESTERN REGION OF IOTA PHI LAMBDA SORORITY INCORPORATED | EIN: 51-0194762 | Houston, TX
• ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INCORPORATED – SIGMA GAMMA CHAPTER | EIN: 39-2352450 | Houston, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 92-1490845 | Huntsville, TX
• ONE CHAPTER ONE SHIELD | EIN: 92-1743777 | Iowa Colony, TX
• OMICRON GAMMA SIGMA ALUMNI CHAPTER OF PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY | EIN: 92-1672050 | Irving, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 83-1418666 | Kingsville, TX
• ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 61-1562040 | Lewisville, TX
• ALPHA OMEGA EPSILON-BETA ALPHA CHAPTER | EIN: 47-3967233 | Lubbock, TX
• EPSILON NU HOUSING CORPORATION | EIN: 23-7359384 | Lubbock, TX
• FARM HOUSE FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 75-1565336 | Lubbock, TX
• GAMMA PHI HOUSE CORPORATION OF KAPPA ALPHA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN: 75-1283953 | Lubbock, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 82-0644459 | Lubbock, TX
• TKE OP HOUSING | EIN: 47-5033161 | Lubbock, TX
• KAPPA SIGMA – MU GAMMA CHAPTER INC | EIN: 27-3662583 | Lufkin, TX
• KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 45-3325054 | Mansfield, TX
• ALPHA DELTA | EIN: 81-2724215 | McAllen, TX
• GULF COAST ALUMNI ET OF OX INC | EIN: 45-2717861 | Mexia, TX
• PI KAPPA PHI DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER BUILDING CORPORATION | EIN: 37-1768785 | Missouri City, TX
• ALPHA TAU OMEGA HOUSING CORPORATION OF ETA IOTA CHAPTER | EIN: 30-0517788 | Nacogdoches, TX
• CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY | EIN: 75-6041410 | Nacogdoches, TX
• EPSILON TAU CHAPTER OF THETA CHI FRATERNITY | EIN: 75-6053083 | Nacogdoches, TX
• PHI KAPPA PSI TEXAS EPSILON CHAPTER | EIN: 45-2729519 | Nacogdoches, TX
• PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY | EIN: 74-6064445 | Nederland, TX
• TEXAS EPSILON UPSILON CHAPTER | EIN: 76-0366414 | Needville, TX
• ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 52-1345951 | Nolanville, TX
• ZETA OMICRON ALUMNI ASSOCIATION INC | EIN: 90-0949447 | Ponder, TX
• KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY | EIN: 23-7279532 | Prairie View, TX
• ZETA BETA CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 23-7098953 | Prairie View, TX
• SIGMA PHI EPSILON TEXAS ETA | EIN: 82-4398421 | Richmond, TX
• EPSILON PI PHI EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT HONOR SOCIETY | EIN: 47-4643399 | Round Rock, TX
• 9THD BROTHERS KEEPER | EIN: 93-4008573 | Rowlett, TX
• ZETA XI PEARLS EDUCATIONAL FUND INC | EIN: 88-3484848 | Rowlett, TX
• ALPHA EPSILON DELTA | EIN: 52-1850764 | San Antonio, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 81-5229133 | San Antonio, TX
• PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN: 90-0927378 | San Antonio, TX
• PHI UPSILON ZETA OF LAMBDA CHI ALPHA FRATERNITY | EIN: 74-1016658 | San Antonio, TX
• UTSA SIGMA CHI | EIN: 84-2643090 | San Antonio, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 47-5381060 | San Marcos, TX
• SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON – TEXAS SIGMA INCORPORATED | EIN: 88-2755427 | San Marcos, TX
• TEXAS BETA PSI CHAPTER OF ALPHA DELTA KAPPA SORORITY INC | EIN: 74-6088185 | Shavano Park, TX
• THE ETHEL HEDGEMON LYLE FOUNDATION OF TEXAS | EIN: 76-0592907 | Spring, TX
• RHO DELTA CHI NATIONAL BOARD | EIN: 93-4247450 | Sugar Land, TX
• GAMMA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 16-1675890 | The Woodlands, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 35-2335400 | Tyler, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 90-0293167 | Victoria, TX
• SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY | EIN: 36-4091267 | Waco, TX
• TEXAS RHO CHAPTER OF THE SIGMA PHI EPSILON FRATERNITY | EIN: 74-1942292 | Waco, TX
• ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INCORPORATED NU IOTA CHAPTER BAYLOR UNIVERSITY | EIN: 52-1346485 | Waco, TX
• BETA ALUMNAE CHAPTER OF ALPHA SIGMA KAPPA WOMEN IN TECHNICAL STUDIES | EIN: 73-1568644 | Weatherford, TX
• GAMMA IOTA CHAPTER OF GAMMA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 75-1225585 | Wichita Falls, TX
• REDWINE HONORS PROGRAM STUDENT COUNCIL | EIN: 84-5090974 | Wichita Falls, TX

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

This extensive history of hazing, both at the national level and within Texas chapters, forms a critical foundation for legal strategy. It establishes a pattern of behavior and demonstrates that national organizations and universities often have a long record of ignoring or inadequately addressing prior incidents.

In a lawsuit, this information can be used to prove:

• Foreseeability: That the harm was predictable given past events within the organization.
• Negligent Supervision: That national entities failed to properly oversee their chapters.
• Gross Negligence: That organizations and institutions acted with a conscious indifference to the safety of students, often earning punitive damages.

This is why Attorney911 meticulously researches these organizational histories. It’s not about guilt by association, but about demonstrating a pattern of conscious disregard for student safety, which strengthens our clients’ claims for justice and accountability.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

Successfully navigating a hazing lawsuit requires far more than just knowing what happened. It demands meticulous evidence collection, a deep understanding of the types of damages recoverable, and a strategic approach to confronting powerful institutional defendants. For families in Bell County, Texas, whose children have been victimized by hazing, building a strong case is essential for achieving justice and accountability.

Evidence

In today’s digital age, evidence in hazing cases is rapidly evolving. The ability to quickly identify, preserve, and retrieve crucial information can make or break a case. As Attorney911 explains in its video “Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs), your smartphone is now your most powerful tool for documenting a legal case.

• Digital Communications: These are often the most compelling pieces of evidence.
  • Group Messaging Apps: Platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Signal, Telegram, Discord, and even fraternity/sorority-specific apps are where much hazing is planned and discussed. Screenshots must capture entire conversations, including timestamps, participant names, and context. If messages are disappearing (e.g., Snapchat stories, vanish mode features), grab a screenshot or screen recording as soon as possible. These messages can reveal planning, coercion, knowledge of rules violations, and even attempts at cover-ups.
  • Text Messages / DMs: Direct messages are equally vital. It’s crucial to save the entire thread, showing phone numbers or usernames, timestamps, and the full context of the discussion.
• Photos & Videos: Any visual evidence captured during or around hazing events can be invaluable. This includes pictures or videos taken by members themselves and shared in group chats, social media posts (including location tags), or even security footage from houses or event venues. Videos of physical acts, forced consumption, or public humiliation are incredibly powerful.
• Internal Organization Documents: Via legal discovery, we can often obtain unredacted documents such as pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “traditions” lists, and internal communications (emails, texts) among officers discussing “new member education.” National organizations’ policies and training materials, especially those regarding risk management, are also critical for demonstrating their knowledge and alleged failures.
• University Records: We can leverage legal mechanisms like public records requests (e.g., FOIA) to obtain university records. This may include prior disciplinary actions against the hazing organization, campus police incident reports, Clery Act reports (showing patterns of crimes), Title IX complaints (if applicable), and even internal emails among administrators discussing the organization’s conduct.
• Medical and Psychological Records: Comprehensive medical documentation of injuries, including Emergency Room visits, hospital stays, surgical reports, toxicology screens (for alcohol/drugs), and imaging (X-rays, MRIs), is fundamental. Equally important are psychological evaluations that document the emotional and mental toll, such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety, demonstrating non-economic damages.
• Witness Testimony: The accounts of other pledges, current members, former members who quit, roommates, RAs, coaches, or bystanders provide critical firsthand information. Often, former members or those who were also hazed are willing to come forward once legal action is underway.

Damages

Hazing causes profound and multifaceted harm. A civil lawsuit seeks to recover compensation for all types of damages suffered by the victim and their family:

• Economic Damages: These are quantifiable financial losses.
  • Medical Expenses: Past bills for emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, therapy, medications, and medical equipment. For severe injuries, future medical expenses and extensive life care plans (e.g., for permanent brain damage like Danny Santulli’s case) can be a major component.
  • Lost Income & Earning Capacity: This includes lost wages for the victim (and for parents who had to take time off work for care), as well as lost educational opportunities (missed semesters, lost scholarships) and diminished future earning capacity if the injuries result in permanent disability.
• Non-Economic Damages: These address subjective, non-financial suffering.
  • Physical Pain & Suffering: Compensation for the pain from injuries, ongoing discomfort, and loss of physical abilities.
  • Emotional Distress & Psychological Harm: This covers trauma, psychological suffering, humiliation, and diagnosed conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: This addresses the inability to participate in previously enjoyed activities, social withdrawal, and the overall diminishment of life’s quality.
• Wrongful Death Damages: In tragic cases where hazing leads to death, surviving family members can recover:
  • Funeral and burial costs.
  • Loss of financial support and inheritance the deceased would have provided.
  • Loss of companionship, love, and society.
  • Grief and mental anguish suffered by the family. Attorney911 has extensive wrongful death experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/), having recovered millions for families in catastrophic cases, including institutional negligence.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious conduct, particularly reckless or malicious behavior by defendants (e.g., ignoring prior warnings, engaging in extreme abuse, covering up the incident), courts may award punitive damages. These are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future and can significantly increase the total compensation.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing litigation is complex because it often involves multiple defendants, each with their own legal counsel and insurance carriers.

• Multi-Party Defense: Individual students, local chapters, national organizations, and universities will often attempt to deflect blame onto other parties. Each defendant will likely have insurance that may be implicated.
• Insurance Coverage Fights: Insurers frequently try to deny coverage for hazing, arguing exclusions for “intentional acts” or “criminal conduct.” However, experienced hazing lawyers can argue that the claim falls under negligent supervision or other covered activities, forcing the insurers to defend and potentially pay a settlement. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/) is crucial for navigating these complex disputes.
• Strategic Litigation: Our firm’s approach is to meticulously identify every potentially liable party and vigorously pursue all available avenues for compensation. This strategy ensures comprehensive accountability and maximizes the recovery for our clients.

Practical Guides & FAQs

When hazing impacts a family in Bell County, immediate and informed action is critical. Knowing what to watch for, how to respond, and who to trust can make all the difference.

For Parents

Parents are often the first to notice changes signaling hazing. Vigilance is key.

• Warning Signs of Hazing:
  • Physical: Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or repeated “accidents” with weak explanations. Extreme fatigue, sudden weight fluctuations, or signs of sleep deprivation.
  • Emotional/Behavioral: Sudden secrecy about group activities, withdrawal from family/old friends, increased anxiety, mood swings, or defensiveness when asked about their organization.
  • Academic: A noticeable and sudden drop in grades, missed classes, or prioritizing group activities over schoolwork.
  • Financial: Unexpected requests for money or unexplained financial strain, possibly for “fines” or requirements.
  • Digital: Constant monitoring of their phone for group chats, fear of missing calls/texts, or quickly deleting messages. Watch Attorney911’s video on client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach conversations with empathy, not accusation. Emphasize their safety and well-being above all else. Reassure them you will support them, regardless of what they’ve experienced or been told to do.
• If Your Child is Hurt: Prioritize medical care immediately. Document everything meticulously: photograph injuries (with a ruler or coin for scale), screenshot relevant texts/chats, and write down all details (who, what, when, where) while fresh. Preserve any physical evidence.
• Dealing with the University: Document every interaction with university officials. Request information about the organization’s past disciplinary record. Be cautious of university offers to “handle it internally” without independent legal counsel.
• When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child has experienced significant physical or psychological harm or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing the incident, contact an attorney immediately.

For Students / Pledges

If you are a student or pledge in Bell County wondering if what you’re experiencing is hazing, listen to your gut.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? Ask yourself: Am I being forced to do something against my will? Is this activity dangerous, humiliating, or illegal? Would I do this if my membership wasn’t contingent upon it? If the answer is yes to any of these, it’s hazing. True traditions promote positive community, not degradation or harm.
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The pressure to belong, the fear of missing out, and the power dynamic often negate true consent. You are not at fault if you were coerced.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the right to leave a hazing situation at any time. If in immediate danger, call 911. If you need to withdraw from an organization, inform a trusted adult first. Document any threats or harassment if you choose to leave. Many schools and Texas law offer amnesty for individuals who report hazing or seek help in good faith, especially in medical emergencies.
• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Texas law and most university policies provide good-faith reporters limited immunity from charges related to alcohol or drug infractions under certain circumstances, especially if they are calling for help in an emergency. Your safety is paramount.

For Former Members / Witnesses

Your perspective is invaluable in holding perpetrators accountable and preventing future harm.

• Your Role in Accountability: If you witnessed or participated in hazing, your testimony and any evidence you possess can be vital. While you may fear repercussions, coming forward can protect future pledges and is a crucial step toward creating a safer campus environment.
• Navigating Your Role: An attorney can advise you on your rights and liabilities as a witness or even a co-defendant. They can help you understand the protections available to good-faith reporters and potential legal implications.
• Cooperation and Impact: Your cooperation can prevent future tragedies and contribute to lasting institutional change. Witnessing hazing and not acting can perpetuate the cycle.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Knowing what not to do is as crucial as knowing what to do. These common mistakes can severely jeopardize a hazing case:

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence: Parents or children, fearing further trouble, might delete incriminating messages. This can be seen as obstruction of justice and makes proving a case exponentially harder. Instead, preserve everything, even if it’s embarrassing. Attorney911’s video “Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains how to properly preserve digital evidence.
2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly: Approaching the perpetrators or their leadership personally often leads to immediate destruction of evidence, coaching of witnesses, and preparation of defenses.
3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms: Institutions may pressure families to sign waivers or internal agreements. These often forfeit your right to pursue legal action or offer settlements far below what your case is truly worth. Never sign anything without a lawyer’s review.
4. Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer: While driven by outrage, public social media posts can be used by defense attorneys to discredit your claims, highlight inconsistencies, or even suggest you waived privacy. Document privately and let your legal team manage any public statements.
5. Letting Your Child Go to “One Last Meeting” with the Organization: Once legal action is considered, any further direct communication with the organization should cease. These meetings are often used to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can harm your case.
6. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”: Universities have a vested interest in managing their public image and often prioritize internal processes that may not align with a victim’s pursuit of full accountability. Evidence disappears rapidly, witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations continues to run.
7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Any statement you give can be used against you. Politely decline to speak with them and refer them to your attorney.

Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?” Yes, under certain conditions. Public universities in Texas (like Texas A&M and UT Austin) have protections under sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, or when suing individual employees in their personal capacity. Private universities (like UMHB, SMU, and Baylor) generally have fewer immunity protections. Every case is fact-specific; contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.
• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?” Hazing can be a felony. While it begins as a Class B misdemeanor, it becomes a state jail felony if it results in serious bodily injury or death. Individuals involved in hazing can also face charges for misdemeanors like furnishing alcohol to minors or assault, and leaders can face charges for failing to report hazing. Ralph Manginello’s criminal defense experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) means our firm understands both the criminal and civil aspects of these cases.
• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?” Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 is clear: consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that the coercive environment of hazing often negates true voluntary consent due to power imbalances and immense peer pressure.
• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?” In Texas, the general statute of limitations is two years from the date of injury or death. However, certain circumstances, like a delayed discovery of harm or fraudulent concealment of facts, can extend this period. In hazing cases, evidence disappears quickly, and memories fade, making prompt legal action essential. Learn about Texas statute of limitations in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.
• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?” The location of hazing does not eliminate liability. Universities and national organizations can be held responsible if they sponsored the activity, knew about it, or failed to enforce policies that extended beyond campus grounds. Many high-profile hazing cases, such as Michael Deng’s death during a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains, happened off-campus.
• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?” Our firm prioritizes your family’s privacy. While public cases sometimes attract media attention, many hazing cases are settled confidentially before reaching trial. We can discuss strategies for maintaining privacy while still pursuing accountability.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family faces the profound trauma of a hazing incident, you need more than just legal representation; you need fierce advocates who understand the intricate playbook of institutional defendants and know how to win. Bell County families navigating such crises deserve attorneys who combine deep legal acumen with genuine empathy.

At Attorney911, The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, we are your Legal Emergency Lawyers™. We approach hazing cases with a unique blend of strategic expertise and unwavering commitment to accountability. From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including those right here in Bell County, ensuring that justice is accessible wherever the harm occurred.

Why Attorney911 for Hazing Cases

Our firm brings unparalleled qualifications to hazing litigation:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), previously worked as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. She understands how fraternity, university, and individual insurance carriers operate, how they value (and undervalue) claims, and the tactics they employ to delay or deny payouts. We know their strategies because we used to run their playbook.
• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Led by managing partner Ralph Manginello (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/), our firm has a proven track record of taking on formidable defendants. We were one of the few Texas firms involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, a federal court battle against a global corporate giant. This experience means we are not intimidated by national fraternities, multi-million dollar universities, or their powerful defense teams. We have fought against billion-dollar corporations and won, making us uniquely equipped for institutional hazing cases.
• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience: Hazing injuries can be catastrophic, leading to permanent disabilities or wrongful death. Our firm has a strong track record in complex wrongful death (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/) and catastrophic injury cases, working with economists and medical experts to value lifetimes of care and lost potential. We don’t settle cheaply; we build cases designed to force maximum accountability and fair compensation.
• Criminal and Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) underscores our dual expertise. We understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation, allowing us to advise clients on both tracks and navigate the complexities when criminal investigations run parallel to civil lawsuits.
• Investigative Depth: We leverage a national network of experts, including medical specialists, digital forensics analysts, economists, and psychologists. Our experience in obtaining hidden evidence—from deleted group chats and social media content to subpoenaing national fraternity and university internal files—is critical in hazing cases where information is often concealed. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.
• Empathetic Advocacy: We know that a hazing incident is one of the most devastating experiences a family can endure. Our approach balances aggressive legal pursuit with compassionate support for our clients. Our goal is not just compensation but also to get your family answers, hold the responsible parties accountable, and help prevent future tragedies.

Call to Action for Bell County Families

If your child attends the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, or any of Texas’s major universities like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, and has experienced hazing, you are not alone. Families in Bell County and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers, accountability, and justice.

We invite you to contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will listen to your story without judgment, review any evidence you have, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward for your family. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case (watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc).

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

• Listen Actively: We will hear your story and your concerns with compassion.
• Review Evidence: We’ll discuss any evidence you’ve gathered (photos, texts, medical records).
• Explain Options: We will clarify your legal options, including criminal reporting, civil lawsuits, or both.
• Discuss Timelines & Costs: We’ll provide realistic expectations about the legal process and explain our contingency fee model.
• Answer Questions: We’re here to address all your questions and concerns openly.

Whether you’re in Bell County or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. Let Attorney911 be your Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

Contact Attorney911 Today:

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

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

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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