The Comprehensive Guide for City of Blanco Families: Understanding Hazing, Texas Law, and Holding Universities & Fraternities Accountable

If you’re a parent in the City of Blanco, the quiet beauty of the Texas Hill Country can feel a world away from the intense, high-pressure environments of major university campuses. Yet, the reality is that families from Blanco and surrounding communities like Johnson City, Stonewall, and across Blanco County often send their children to schools where dangerous traditions persist. Your child, seeking friendship and belonging, might be facing something far more sinister than simple college fun. They could be in a room where they’re forced to drink until they collapse, humiliated in front of peers, or pushed through extreme physical trials until their body shuts down. The fear of speaking up, the pressure to belong, and the institutional power of fraternities and universities can make them feel utterly trapped. You have a right to know what’s really happening, what the law says, and how to protect your child. This guide is written specifically for you—the parents and families of Blanco, Texas—to cut through the confusion and provide a clear path forward when hazing shatters the college experience.

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. We can help preserve it and protect your child’s rights. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an immediate, confidential consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like (Beyond the Stereotypes)

Hazing is not a relic of the past or merely “boys being boys.” It is a modern, evolving form of coercion and abuse that adapts to avoid detection. For Blanco parents, understanding its current forms is the first step in recognizing danger.

A Clear, Modern Definition: Hazing is any forced, coerced, or powerfully pressured action tied to joining or maintaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. Critically, a student saying “yes” under intense social pressure and fear of exclusion does not make it legal or safe.

Main Categories of Hazing Today:

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing: The most common and deadly form. This includes forced chugging, “lineup” drinking games, “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, and being pressured to consume unknown or dangerous substances.
2. Physical Hazing: Paddling, beatings, “smokings” (extreme calisthenics), sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme elements.
3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes or roles, and acts with racist, sexist, or homophobic overtones.
4. Psychological Hazing: Verbal abuse, threats, isolation, manipulation, forced confessions, and public shaming.
5. Digital/Online Hazing: The new frontier. This includes group chat dares, forced participation in humiliating TikTok or Instagram challenges, cyberstalking via location-sharing apps, and pressure to share compromising images.

Where Hazing Happens: It extends far beyond stereotypical fraternity parties. Blanco families should be aware it occurs in:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, Multicultural).
• Corps of Cadets, ROTC, and military-style groups.
• Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading).
• Spirit Groups and “Traditional” Clubs (like spirit organizations or service groups).
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups.

The common threads are power imbalance, secrecy, and the warped justification of “tradition.”

The Legal Framework: Texas Hazing Law and Your Family’s Rights

Texas has specific laws to combat hazing, and understanding them is crucial for Blanco families seeking accountability.

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37 (Hazing):
The law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—on or off campus—that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership in any organization. Key provisions include:

• Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, escalating to a State Jail Felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals can also be charged for failing to report hazing or retaliating against reporters.
• Organizational Liability: The fraternity, sorority, or club itself can be prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 if it authorized or encouraged the hazing, or if an officer knew and failed to report it.
• Consent is NOT a Defense: Texas law (§ 37.155) is explicit: a victim’s “consent” is not a defense against hazing charges. The law recognizes the coercive power of peer pressure.
• Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting: Those who report hazing in good faith to university officials or law enforcement are immune from civil or criminal liability for their own minor involvement (like underage drinking).

Criminal vs. Civil Cases:

• Criminal Cases: Brought by the state (DA). Aim to punish with jail, fines, probation. Charges can include hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, or manslaughter.
• Civil Cases: Brought by victims and their families. Aim to secure compensation for damages (medical bills, therapy, pain and suffering) and hold all responsible parties accountable. A criminal conviction is not required to file a civil lawsuit.

Federal Law Overlays:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents and strengthen prevention programs.
• Title IX & Clery Act: If hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, Title IX obligations are triggered. The Clery Act requires reporting of certain campus crimes, which can include hazing-related assaults.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Lawsuit?
A comprehensive lawsuit looks at every entity that failed in its duty:

1. Individual Students who planned, executed, or covered up the hazing.
2. The Local Chapter as an organization.
3. The National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters that collects dues, sets policy, and supervises chapters.
4. The University for negligent oversight, deliberate indifference, or failing to enforce its own policies.
5. Third Parties like landlords of off-campus houses, property owners, or alcohol providers.

A Texas Case in Focus: Proof That This Happens Here

Right now, our firm is actively litigating one of the most severe hazing cases in the country, demonstrating exactly what we’re discussing. This is not a hypothetical—it’s a current, high-stakes legal battle in our own state.

The Case of Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston:
In late 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity, its local Beta Nu chapter, the chapter’s housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders.

The hazing allegations are severe and specific:

• Humiliation & Control: Pledges were forced to carry a “pledge fanny pack” 24/7 containing condoms, a sex toy, and other degrading items. They faced enforced dress codes, hours-long “study blocks,” and overnight chauffeuring duties.
• Physical Torture: Activities included forced sprints, bear crawls, and “save-your-brother” drills. Bermudez was forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass, sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and threatened with actual waterboarding.
• Forced Consumption & Extreme Exercise: He was made to consume excessive amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then forced to immediately run sprints. On November 3, he was forced through over 100 push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion.
• Catastrophic Medical Outcome: This abuse led to rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, could not stand, and was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels. He faces an ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

The Institutional Response:

• Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters suspended the chapter on November 6, 2025.
• Chapter members voted to surrender their charter on November 14, 2025, shutting down the chapter.
• The University of Houston called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary action and cooperation with law enforcement.

This case is the flagship example of our firm’s commitment. We are already in the fight, taking on a major Texas university and a national fraternity. The details reported by Click2Houston and ABC13 show the stark reality of modern hazing. This is happening in Texas, to Texas students, and we are holding the institutions accountable.

Where Blanco Families Send Their Kids: A Look at Texas Universities

Blanco County families often have deep ties to Texas higher education. Your children may attend regional schools like Texas State University in San Marcos or commute to larger institutions. Many also head to the state’s flagship campuses. Understanding the landscape at these schools is critical.

University of Houston (UH)

• For Blanco Families: As a major urban university drawing students from across Texas, UH is a common destination. The recent Pi Kappa Phi case proves severe hazing occurs there.
• Hazing Policy & Reality: UH prohibits hazing and provides reporting channels through the Dean of Students. However, as our lawsuit alleges, systemic failures can occur. Prior incidents, like a 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case where a pledge suffered a lacerated spleen, show a pattern.
• If Hazing Happens at UH: Cases may involve UHPD or Houston Police. Civil suits are filed in Harris County courts. Liability can extend to the chapter, nationals, and the university itself.

Texas A&M University

• For Blanco Families: The Aggie network is strong across Texas, and the Corps of Cadets is a unique institution with its own culture and risks.
• Documented Issues: Lawsuits have alleged severe hazing within both Greek life and the Corps. A Sigma Alpha Epsilon lawsuit alleged pledges were covered in industrial cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts. A Corps of Cadets lawsuit alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts.
• Key Consideration: Hazing cases here can involve both standard fraternity dynamics and the unique, tradition-heavy environment of the Corps, requiring attorneys who understand both.

University of Texas at Austin (UT)

• For Blanco Families: UT’s prestige draws top students from Blanco and the Hill Country. Its Greek life is large and influential.
• Transparency Tool: UT maintains a public Hazing Violations page, a resource few schools offer. It lists sanctions against groups like Pi Kappa Alpha for forced milk consumption and calisthenics, and various spirit groups for forced workouts and alcohol hazing.
• Legal Advantage: This public record of prior violations is powerful evidence in civil suits, helping to prove a pattern of known misconduct.

Texas State University

• For Blanco Families: Located just south in San Marcos, Texas State is a primary destination for many local students.
• Greek Life Context: It hosts a significant Greek community. The university has anti-hazing policies, but as with all schools, enforcement is key. Proximity to Blanco means evidence gathering and legal proceedings may be more logistically manageable for families.

Other Major Hubs (Baylor, SMU, Texas Tech)

Blanco students also attend schools across the state. Each has faced hazing incidents:

• Baylor: Has dealt with hazing scandals in its baseball program.
• SMU: Has suspended chapters, like Kappa Alpha Order, for paddling and forced drinking.
• Texas Tech: Has a large Greek system where national patterns of hazing inevitably appear.

The Greek Ecosystem: National Histories & Local Chapters

The fraternities and sororities on Texas campuses are almost always chapters of national organizations. These nationals have long, documented histories of hazing incidents across the country. This history matters profoundly for Blanco families seeking justice.

Why National Histories Matter in Court:
When a chapter at UH or Texas A&M repeats the same dangerous “tradition” that killed a pledge at another university, it shows foreseeability. The national headquarters cannot claim ignorance. This pattern evidence is crucial for proving negligence and seeking punitive damages.

A Sample of National Patterns (These same organizations operate in Texas):

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): Responsible for the hazing death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University (2021), leading to a $10 million settlement.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): One of the deadliest fraternities nationally, with multiple hazing deaths. Faced a lawsuit at Texas A&M over chemical burns.
• Phi Delta Theta: Responsible for the hazing death of Max Gruver at LSU (2017), which led to Louisiana’s “Max Gruver Act” felony hazing statute.
• Pi Kappa Phi: Responsible for the hazing death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University (2017).
• Beta Theta Pi: Responsible for the hazing death of Timothy Piazza at Penn State (2017), one of the most prosecuted hazing cases in history.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Uncover the Full Picture
For Blanco families, it’s not just about the chapter name on campus. Behind every fraternity or sorority are legal entities—house corporations, alumni chapters, educational foundations—that hold insurance and assets. We maintain a proprietary data engine built from public records to identify every potentially liable party. For example, in the Texas public records (IRS B83 filings), we track entities like:

• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN: 462267515 | Frisco, TX 75035)
• Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation (EIN: 371768785 | Missouri City, TX 77459)
• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter (EIN: 746084905 | Houston, TX 77204)
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN: 741380362 | Fort Worth, TX 76147)

This investigative depth means we don’t start from scratch. We already know how to find the organizations behind the letters.

Building a Powerful Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages

If hazing has injured your child, pursuing accountability is a complex process that requires immediate and strategic action. Here’s how a serious case is built.

Critical Evidence to Preserve:

1. Digital Communications: Screenshot everything NOW. GroupMe, iMessage, WhatsApp, Discord, Instagram DMs. Even “disappearing” messages on Snapchat must be captured immediately. We use digital forensics to recover deleted data.
2. Photos & Videos: Images of injuries, the hazing location, alcohol bottles, paddles, or costumes. Security or doorbell camera footage from houses.
3. Medical Records: All ER visits, hospitalizations, doctor’s notes, lab results (like toxicology or CK levels for rhabdomyolysis), and psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, or anxiety.
4. University Records: Prior complaints against the group, disciplinary reports, and Clery Act filings. We use public records requests and discovery to obtain these.
5. Witness Information: Names and contact details of other pledges, members, roommates, or RAs who witnessed events.

Understanding Damages (What Can Be Recovered):
Civil lawsuits seek to make the victim whole and hold defendants accountable through compensation for:

• Economic Damages: All medical bills (past and future), lost wages, costs of therapy, and diminished future earning capacity if injuries are permanent.
• Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for physical pain, emotional suffering, trauma, humiliation, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Wrongful Death Damages: In tragic cases, families can recover funeral costs, loss of financial support, and damages for grief and loss of companionship.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme recklessness or intentional conduct, courts may award damages to punish the defendants and deter future behavior.

The Insurance Battle: National fraternities and universities have large insurance policies, but insurers often fight coverage, claiming hazing is an “intentional act” that is excluded. Our insider knowledge from Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney is invaluable here. We know how to navigate these disputes and maximize recovery.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Blanco Parents and Students

For Parents: Warning Signs and Action Steps

• Warning Signs: Unexplained injuries, extreme fatigue, personality changes (anxiety, withdrawal), sudden secrecy about group activities, constant phone use for group chats, declining grades, or requests for unusual amounts of money.
• How to Talk to Your Child: Be calm, supportive, and non-judgmental. Ask open-ended questions: “Are you feeling safe in the group?” “Is anything making you uncomfortable?”
• First Steps After an Incident: Get medical care first. Then, help your child preserve evidence (screenshots, photos). Document everything they tell you. Contact an attorney before reporting to the university or confronting the organization.

For Students: Is This Hazing?

If you answer YES to any of these, you are likely being hazed:

• Are you being pressured to do something dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would you do this if there were no social consequences for saying no?
• Are you told to keep secrets from the university, your parents, or friends?
• Are older members making you do things they don’t have to do?
  If you are in immediate danger, call 911. To exit safely, send a clear written resignation to the chapter president, inform a trusted adult or university official, and document any retaliation.

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin a Case

1. Deleting Evidence: “Cleaning up” group chats or photos destroys your case.
2. Confronting the Fraternity Directly: This triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching.
3. Signing University Paperwork: Never sign a “resolution” or waiver without an attorney.
4. Posting on Social Media: Defense attorneys will scour your accounts for inconsistencies.
5. Waiting Too Long: Evidence vanishes, witnesses become uncooperative, and statutes of limitations expire.

Frequently Asked Questions

• “Can we sue the university?” Yes, under theories of negligent supervision or deliberate indifference. Public universities have some immunity, but exceptions exist, especially for gross negligence.
• “What if it happened off-campus?” Location does not matter. Liability is based on the organization’s sponsorship and control over the activity.
• “How long do we have to sue?” In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of injury. However, do not wait. Immediate action is crucial. Watch our video explaining Texas statutes of limitations.
• “Will this be public?” Most cases settle confidentially. We prioritize your family’s privacy throughout the process.
• “How much does a lawyer cost?” We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront costs. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery we secure for you. We don’t get paid unless you win. Learn more in our video on how contingency fees work.

Why Choose The Manginello Law Firm / Attorney911?

When your family faces the trauma of hazing, you need more than a general personal injury attorney. You need a team with specific expertise in taking on powerful institutions, deep investigative resources, and a proven track record. Here’s why our firm is uniquely equipped to help Blanco families:

1. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics:
Mr. Lupe Peña (he/him) spent years as an attorney at a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers evaluate claims, fight coverage, and use delay tactics to pressure families. We know their playbook because we used to run it. This insight is irreplaceable in maximizing your recovery.

2. Experience Against Billion-Dollar Defendants:
Managing Partner Ralph Manginello was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation. We have faced the deepest pockets and most aggressive defense teams. National fraternities and major universities do not intimidate us. We have the resources and tenacity for complex, institutional fights.

3. A Data-Driven Investigative Advantage:
We don’t start investigations from zero. Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—built from thousands of public records—maps the Greek ecosystem in Texas. We know how to find the housing corporations, alumni groups, and national entities that share liability. This head start is critical for building leverage fast.

4. Dual Civil & Criminal Expertise:
With Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can effectively advise clients when criminal charges are also pending and navigate the interplay between civil and criminal proceedings.

5. A Record of Results in Catastrophic Cases:
We have secured multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in wrongful death and severe injury cases. We work with life-care planners, economists, and medical experts to fully document the lifetime impact of injuries like traumatic brain injury or permanent organ damage.

6. Compassionate, Client-Centered Advocacy:
We understand the profound emotional toll hazing takes on victims and families. We fight not just for compensation, but for answers, accountability, and reforms that can prevent future tragedies. We keep you informed at every step.

Your Next Step: A Confidential Consultation

If hazing has impacted your family in Blanco, Johnson City, Fredericksburg, or anywhere in Texas, you do not have to navigate this crisis alone. The institutions involved will have legal teams working from day one to protect themselves. You deserve the same level of advocacy.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm (Attorney911) today for a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation. In this meeting, we will:

• Listen carefully to your story.
• Review any evidence you have gathered.
• Explain your legal rights and options under Texas law.
• Discuss the realistic path forward, including potential timelines.
• Answer all your questions about the process and our contingency fee structure.

We serve families across Texas from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. Se habla Español.

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911).
Direct Line: (713) 528-9070
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com

Let us help you secure the justice, accountability, and recovery your family deserves.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

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

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

• Using Your Phone for Evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Statutes of Limitations in Texas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client Mistakes to Avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• How Contingency Fees Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Main Firm Website: https://attorney911.com

Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is unique, and outcomes depend on specific facts and law. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911. Principal office in Houston, Texas.