The Hazing Crisis in Texas: A Comprehensive Legal Guide for Briar Families

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

For parents in Briar, the nightmare often begins with a late-night call, a cryptic text, or a sudden change in your college student that you can’t quite explain. Maybe your child at the University of Texas at Austin has become secretive about their fraternity activities. Perhaps your Texas A&M student in the Corps of Cadets comes home with unexplained injuries or exhaustion that goes beyond normal college stress. Or maybe, like Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston, your child suffers catastrophic medical consequences from what was supposed to be a normal pledge process.

Right now, in Texas, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. In late 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The allegations are disturbing: forced consumption of food until vomiting, extreme physical workouts, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and carrying a degrading “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms and sex toys. This hazing led to rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure that hospitalized Bermudez for four days and continues to threaten his long-term health.

This isn’t an isolated incident. It’s part of a pattern that affects families across Texas, including right here in Briar and throughout Tarrant County. Whether your child attends UT Austin, Texas A&M, Baylor, SMU, or any other Texas campus, the same dangerous dynamics play out in fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, athletic teams, and spirit organizations.

This guide exists to give Briar families what universities and Greek organizations often withhold: the truth about hazing, your legal rights, and a clear path forward when the system fails your child. We’ll explain what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects (and sometimes fails) victims, which universities have recurring problems, and what experienced hazing attorneys can do to secure accountability and compensation.

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.

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

Many Briar parents remember hazing as “pranks” or “initiation rites” from their college days. What’s happening today is different—more dangerous, more psychologically damaging, and better hidden from authorities. Modern hazing is systematic abuse disguised as tradition, and it’s evolved to avoid detection while increasing its harm.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Harmless”)
These behaviors establish power imbalances and set the stage for escalation:

• Digital control: Pledges required to respond instantly to group messages at all hours; location sharing via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
• Servitude duties: Acting as 24/7 designated drivers, cleaning members’ rooms, running personal errands
• Social isolation: Cutting off contact with non-members, requiring permission to socialize outside the group
• “Voluntary” mandates: Events framed as optional but with clear social consequences for non-attendance

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Causes Clear Harm)
These behaviors create hostile, abusive environments:

• Sleep deprivation: Late-night “meetings,” 3 AM wake-up calls, multi-day events with minimal rest
• Food/water manipulation: Forced consumption of spoiled food, hot sauce, or excessive bland items
• Extreme physical demands: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, forced runs
• Public humiliation: Embarrassing costumes, public performances, “roasting” sessions

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (High Risk of Injury or Death)
These activities have the most severe consequences:

• Forced alcohol consumption: “Lineup” drinking games, Big/Little nights with handles of liquor, “Bible study” drinking quizzes
• Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, kicking, “branding” with burns or cuts
• Dangerous “tests”: Blindfolded tackles (“glass ceiling” rituals), forced fights, swimming while intoxicated
• Sexualized abuse: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault
• Chemical exposure: Texas A&M SAE case where pledges were covered in industrial-strength cleaner causing chemical burns requiring skin grafts

The Evolution of Hazing: From Paddles to Phones

Hazing has adapted to modern technology and increased scrutiny. What used to happen in open fraternity houses now occurs in off-campus Airbnbs, remote retreats, and through digital channels. Group chats on GroupMe, WhatsApp, and Discord coordinate activities while providing evidence trails—evidence that often gets deleted within hours. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are used for public humiliation through “challenges” and forced content creation.

The most dangerous shift? Hazing is increasingly disguised as legitimate activities: “team building” workouts that are actually punitive exhaustion, “wellness challenges” that become sleep deprivation, “service projects” that are humiliating public performances. This creates legal cover for organizations while increasing risks to participants.

Where Hazing Happens: Beyond Fraternity Row

While Greek organizations dominate hazing discussions, Briar families should know that hazing occurs across campus:

• Fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural groups)
• Corps of Cadets/ROTC at Texas A&M and other military-style programs
• Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer, swimming)
• Spirit and tradition organizations (Texas Cowboys, spirit squads)
• Marching bands and performance groups
• Some academic, service, and cultural clubs

The common thread isn’t the type of organization—it’s the combination of power imbalance, tradition, secrecy, and social pressure that allows abuse to flourish.

Texas Hazing Law: What Briar Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws addressing hazing, but understanding how they work in practice is crucial for Briar families considering legal action. The legal framework operates on multiple levels: state criminal law, civil liability, and federal requirements that overlay everything.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Criminal Framework

Under Texas law, hazing is defined broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

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

Key Provisions for Briar Families:

§ 37.151 Definition: The law covers both physical and mental harm, happens on or off campus, and includes reckless conduct (not just intentional harm).

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

• Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing without serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
• Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
• State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

§ 37.155 Critical Protection: Consent is NOT a Defense
This is perhaps the most important provision for Briar families. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, even if they wanted to be part of the group, even if they went along with activities—none of that matters under Texas law. The statute explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity.” Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion isn’t true voluntary consent.

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability
Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be criminally prosecuted if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew about it and failed to report. Organizations can face fines up to $10,000 per violation, and universities can revoke recognition.

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting
Students who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability. Many universities extend this to medical amnesty—if your child calls 911 for someone in danger, even if underage drinking was involved, they typically won’t face university sanctions.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by: The State of Texas (prosecutor)
• Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Common charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Burden of proof: Beyond a reasonable doubt

Civil Cases:

• Brought by: Victims or surviving families
• Goal: Compensation and accountability
• Common claims: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
• Burden of proof: Preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not)

These cases can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction isn’t required for a civil case, and many families pursue both tracks. The civil system often provides what the criminal system cannot: financial compensation for medical bills, therapy, lost educational opportunities, and ongoing care.

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

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
This federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid to:

• Report hazing incidents more transparently
• Strengthen hazing education and prevention
• Maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026)
  For Briar families, this means better access to information about which organizations have histories of violations.

Title IX Applicability
When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. Universities must investigate promptly and protect victims from retaliation. This federal framework provides additional leverage when institutional responses are inadequate.

Clery Act Requirements
Colleges must report certain crimes and maintain safety statistics. Hazing incidents often overlap with reportable crimes like assault, burglary, or liquor law violations. Failure to properly report can lead to federal fines and loss of funding.

Who Can Be Liable in a Hazing Lawsuit?

1. Individual Students:

• Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
• Chapter officers with supervisory responsibilities

2. Local Chapter/Organization:

• The fraternity/sorority as a legal entity
• Housing corporations that own chapter houses

3. National Fraternity/Sorority:

• Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
• Liability often hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents

4. University or Governing Board:

• The school may be liable under negligence or civil rights theories
• Key questions: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference

5. Third Parties:

• Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces
• Bars or alcohol providers (under Texas dram shop law)
• Security companies or event organizers

For Briar families, understanding this “defendant universe” is crucial. The organizations behind the letters—the national headquarters, the housing corporations, the alumni associations—often have deeper pockets and insurance coverage than individual students.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The tragedies that make national headlines aren’t isolated incidents—they’re patterns that replay across campuses, including here in Texas. Understanding these cases helps Briar families recognize warning signs and understand what’s at stake.

Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: Deadly “Traditions”

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
The 20-year-old pledge was forced to drink an entire bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” night. He died from alcohol poisoning. The case resulted in multiple criminal convictions and a $10 million settlement ($7 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national, approximately $3 million from BGSU). This case demonstrates how formulaic drinking “traditions” become scripts for disaster.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
During a “Bible study” drinking game, Gruver was forced to drink when answering questions incorrectly. His blood alcohol content reached 0.495%. He died from alcohol toxicity, leading to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony. The family later won a $6.1 million verdict against individual members.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” where pledges were given handles of hard liquor. The case led to FSU temporarily suspending all Greek life and intensive statewide anti-hazing reforms.

What This Means for Briar Families: These cases show that forced drinking isn’t “just partying”—it’s a predictable, preventable cause of death. The same national organizations involved in these deaths (Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Phi) have active chapters at Texas universities.

Physical Hazing Pattern: From “Traditions” to Trauma

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
The 19-year-old pledge died from traumatic brain injuries after a bid acceptance night with extreme alcohol consumption. His falls were captured on chapter security cameras while brothers delayed calling for help. Eighteen fraternity members faced over 1,000 criminal counts total. The case led to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law and became one of the largest hazing prosecutions in U.S. history.

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
Deng was blindfolded, weighted with a heavy backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual at a fraternity retreat. He died from traumatic brain injury while fraternity members delayed calling 911. The national fraternity was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter—a landmark case for organizational criminal liability. Pi Delta Psi was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

What This Means for Briar Families: Physical hazing rituals continue despite being known dangers. The delayed medical response in these cases often worsens outcomes and increases liability—something we see repeatedly in Texas cases.

Athletic Hazing Pattern: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)
Former players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the football program over multiple years. Multiple lawsuits led to head coach Pat Fitzgerald’s firing and a confidential settlement. The case demonstrates that hazing isn’t limited to Greek life—big-money athletic programs can harbor systemic abuse.

University of Maryland Fraternity/Sorority Suspension Wave (2024)
Multiple chapters were investigated for severe hazing including forced heavy drinking, beatings with paddles, and exposure to cold. The university lifted suspensions on most chapters after investigation, but five remained under scrutiny, highlighting systemic hazing culture even at institutions with anti-hazing policies.

What This Means for Briar Families: Hazing occurs in athletic programs, bands, and other campus organizations. The power dynamics and tradition excuses operate similarly across different groups.

Financial Realities: What These Cases Tell Us About Value

Settlement and Verdict Ranges:

• Death cases: $1M–$14M
  • Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha): $10M total
  • David Bogenberger (Pi Kappa Alpha): $14M settlement
  • Chad Meredith (Kappa Sigma): $12.6M jury verdict
• Severe injury cases: $375K–multi-million
  • Joseph Snell (Omega Psi Phi): $375K verdict (early precedent)
  • Danny Santulli (Phi Gamma Delta): settlements with 22 defendants, multi-million total
• Individual officer liability:
  • Daylen Dunson (Pi Kappa Alpha president): personally ordered to pay $6.5M

Why This Matters for Briar Families: These numbers demonstrate that courts and juries take hazing seriously. The compensation reflects not just medical bills but the lifetime impact of injuries, the loss of educational opportunities, and the need for accountability.

Texas University Focus: Where Briar Students Face Risk

Briar families send their children to universities across Texas, each with its own Greek life culture, historical patterns, and institutional responses to hazing. Understanding these campus-specific dynamics is crucial for recognizing risk and navigating responses.

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency with Persistent Problems

For Briar Families: UT Austin is a common destination for high-achieving Briar students, located approximately 200 miles south. The university’s relative transparency about hazing violations provides both warning signs and potential evidence for families.

Campus Culture: UT hosts approximately 60 fraternity and sorority chapters with strong traditional Greek life presence. The university maintains a public Hazing Violations page that lists organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions—one of the more transparent systems in Texas.

Documented Incidents:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation with mandatory hazing-prevention education
• Texas Wranglers (spirit organization): Sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party, suffering dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose; chapter already under suspension for prior violations

How Cases Proceed: Jurisdiction typically involves UTPD for on-campus incidents and Austin Police Department for off-campus events. Civil suits are filed in Travis County courts. The university’s public violation records become powerful evidence showing patterns and institutional knowledge.

What UT Austin Parents Should Do:

1. Check the public hazing violations database before your child joins any organization
2. Document any incidents with timestamps and specific details
3. Report to both UTPD and Dean of Students Office for dual tracking
4. Preserve digital evidence immediately—GroupMe chats disappear quickly
5. Consult with attorneys experienced in Austin jurisdiction and UT policies

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life Intersection

For Briar Families: Located about 170 miles southeast of Briar, Texas A&M attracts many North Texas students. The Corps of Cadets adds another layer of traditional hierarchy that can facilitate hazing.

Campus Culture: Strong Greek life intertwined with Corps traditions creates multiple potential hazing environments. The university has faced significant hazing cases in both spheres.

Documented Incidents:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Two pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. Pledges sued for $1 million; fraternity suspended for two years.
• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth; sought over $1 million.
• Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi: Recent allegations of hazing resulting in rhabdomyolysis—the same severe muscle breakdown condition suffered by Leonel Bermudez at UH.

How Cases Proceed: Texas A&M University Police Department handles on-campus incidents, while College Station Police Department covers off-campus. Brazos County courts have jurisdiction. Corps cases involve both university conduct processes and potentially military justice frameworks.

What Texas A&M Parents Should Do:

1. Understand both Greek life and Corps reporting channels
2. Document injuries immediately—chemical burns and physical trauma require photographic evidence
3. Be aware of the “two-year suspension” pattern for serious violations
4. Consider both civil and university disciplinary options
5. Act quickly—Corps and Greek organizations often circle wagons rapidly

Southern Methodist University: Private Campus Challenges

For Briar Families: Located just 30 miles east in University Park, SMU is the closest major university to Briar. Many Tarrant County students attend, making SMU’s hazing landscape particularly relevant for local families.

Campus Culture: Affluent private university with strong Greek presence and relatively less public transparency than public institutions. SMU’s smaller size can increase social pressure and decrease anonymity for reporting.

Documented Incidents:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep; chapter suspended with recruiting restrictions until approximately 2021
• Multiple Chapter Investigations (2024): Several fraternities under scrutiny for alcohol-related hazing and physical abuse

How Cases Proceed: SMU Police Department has primary jurisdiction, with University Park Police involved for off-campus incidents. Dallas County courts handle civil litigation. Private university status affects public records access but doesn’t eliminate discovery in lawsuits.

What SMU Parents Should Do:

1. Use SMU’s anonymous reporting systems (like Real Response)
2. Document everything—private universities often control narratives tightly
3. Understand that confidentiality agreements may be offered early
4. Consider the social dynamics of a smaller, affluent campus
5. Consult attorneys experienced with private university litigation

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Scandal History

For Briar Families: Located about 90 miles south in Waco, Baylor combines religious identity with major athletic programs, creating complex dynamics around accountability and transparency.

Campus Culture: Recent history of sexual assault scandals has forced policy reforms but questions remain about institutional accountability. Greek life is strong within a conservative Christian framework.

Documented Incidents:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation; staggered suspensions over early season
• Multiple Greek Life Investigations: Ongoing pattern of alcohol-related and physical hazing allegations

How Cases Proceed: Baylor Department of Public Safety handles on-campus matters, with Waco Police for off-campus. McLennan County courts have jurisdiction. Baylor’s religious affiliation doesn’t provide legal immunity but affects institutional culture and response.

What Baylor Parents Should Do:

1. Review Baylor’s specific conduct policies—they may differ from public universities
2. Document all communications with university officials
3. Be aware of the intersection between religious values and accountability pressures
4. Consider both internal conduct processes and external legal options
5. Act before evidence disappears—private institutions can control information flow

University of Houston: Our Current Battleground

For Briar Families: While farther away at about 250 miles southeast, UH’s current high-profile case demonstrates patterns that affect all Texas families. The Pi Kappa Phi case we’re litigating shows what sophisticated hazing litigation looks like in practice.

The Leonel Bermudez Case Details:

• Timeline: September 2025 bid acceptance → November 3 extreme workout (100+ push-ups, 500 squats) → November 6 chapter suspension → November 6-9 hospitalization
• Hazing Methods: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, forced consumption of milk/hot dogs/peppercorns until vomiting, hose spraying “similar to waterboarding,” cold-weather exposure, overnight driving duties
• Medical Consequences: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, four-day hospitalization, ongoing kidney damage risk
• Defendants: UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national, Beta Nu housing corporation, 13 individual members
• Institutional Response: Chapter suspended November 6, voted to surrender charter November 14, UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”

What This Case Teaches Briar Families:

1. Hazing methods are specific and documented—not vague “pranks”
2. Medical consequences can be catastrophic and lifelong
3. Multiple entities share liability: nationals, housing corporations, universities, individuals
4. Chapters often surrender charters when faced with serious litigation
5. Digital evidence (group chats, texts) is crucial for proving patterns

Fraternities and Sororities: National Patterns Reach Texas Campuses

The organizations at Texas universities aren’t isolated entities—they’re local chapters of national brands with documented histories of hazing incidents across the country. This national pattern becomes crucial evidence in Texas cases.

Why National Histories Matter in Texas Courtrooms

When a Texas chapter repeats hazing methods that caused deaths or injuries in other states, that pattern shows foreseeability. National organizations can’t claim “we didn’t know this could happen” when their own records show similar incidents elsewhere. This pattern evidence supports claims of:

• Negligent supervision by national headquarters
• Failure to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Gross negligence warranting punitive damages

Major National Organizations with Texas Presence

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

• National History: Stone Foltz death (BGSU, $10M settlement), David Bogenberger death (NIU, $14M settlement)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, UH, Baylor
• Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing, physical abuse during initiation

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

• National History: Carson Starkey death (Cal Poly), traumatic brain injury case (Alabama), chemical burns case (Texas A&M)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, SMU, Texas Tech, UH
• Pattern: Alcohol poisoning, physical violence, chemical exposure

Phi Delta Theta

• National History: Max Gruver death (LSU, $6.1M verdict)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Baylor
• Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games, forced alcohol consumption

Pi Kappa Phi

• National History: Andrew Coffey death (FSU), currently our UH case
• Texas Presence: Chapter at UH (now closed), other Texas campuses
• Pattern: Physical exhaustion hazing, alcohol coercion

Kappa Sigma

• National History: Chad Meredith death (Miami, $12.6M verdict), multiple hazing suspensions
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Baylor
• Pattern: Alcohol-related deaths, physical hazing

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Track Organizations

Our firm maintains what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations across the state. For Briar families, this means we don’t start from scratch when investigating your case. We already know:

In the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro Area (which includes Briar):

• 510+ Greek-related organizations according to Cause IQ data
• Example organizations serving Briar families:
  • Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity – Fort Worth, TX (EIN: 742911848)
  • Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – Fort Worth, TX (EIN: 741380362)
  • Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity – Gamma Psi Chapter – Fort Worth, TX
  • Sigma Nu Fraternity – Lambda Epsilon Chapter – Fort Worth, TX
  • Delta Kappa Epsilon – Tau Gamma House Corp. – Addison, TX
  • Kappa Delta Sorority – Gamma Beta Chapter – Denton, TX

Texas-Wide IRS Records Show:

• 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations with EINs, legal names, and addresses
• These include house corporations, alumni chapters, honor societies
• Example: Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation in Missouri City (EIN: 371768785)

Why This Database Matters for Your Case:

1. We identify all potentially liable entities from day one
2. We understand organizational structures and insurance arrangements
3. We track patterns across campuses and organizations
4. We know which entities have prior incidents and violations

Cross-Validated Brands: Connecting National to Local

Some organizations appear in both IRS records and metro databases, confirming their operational presence:

• Beta Upsilon Chi: IRS EIN 742911848 in Fort Worth matches Cause IQ listing in DFW metro
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation: IRS EIN 741380362 in Fort Worth matches Cause IQ foundation listing
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority: Multiple Texas IRS listings match Cause IQ chapters in Houston and Beaumont metros

These overlaps show how the same national brands manifest across different entity types: undergraduate chapters, alumni groups, housing corporations, and educational foundations—all potentially liable in a hazing case.

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

For Briar families considering legal action, understanding how hazing cases are built—and what makes them succeed or fail—is crucial. This isn’t like a car accident case; hazing litigation involves complex institutional defendants, insurance coverage battles, and sophisticated evidence preservation.

Critical Evidence Categories for Hazing Cases

1. Digital Communications (The Most Important Evidence)

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord, iMessage groups
• Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok content
• Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “disappearing” messages
• What to preserve: Screenshot entire threads with timestamps, participant names

2. Photographic and Video Evidence

• Injury documentation: Multiple angles, daily progression photos, scale references
• Event footage: Party videos, initiation recordings, security camera footage
• Location evidence: Photos of houses, rooms, off-campus venues

3. Medical Records

• Emergency care: ER reports, ambulance records, hospitalization documentation
• Specialist care: Orthopedic, psychological, internal medicine evaluations
• Key phrasing: Ensure providers document “hazing” as cause in medical records
• Ongoing treatment: Physical therapy, psychological counseling, medication records

4. Organizational Documents

• Chapter records: Pledge manuals, meeting minutes, financial records
• National policies: Risk management manuals, anti-hazing training materials
• University files: Prior conduct violations, warning letters, probation records

5. Witness Information

• Other pledges: Those who experienced similar treatment
• Former members: Those who quit or were expelled
• Bystanders: Roommates, neighbors, venue staff
• Expert witnesses: Medical professionals, Greek life experts, psychologists

The Damages Framework: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

• Medical expenses: Past and future care, including therapy and rehabilitation
• Lost educational opportunities: Tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships
• Diminished earning capacity: Lifelong impact of permanent injuries
• Other costs: Relocation expenses, property damage

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm):

• Physical pain and suffering: From injuries and treatment
• Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment: Inability to participate in college life, activities
• Reputational harm: Social stigma, public scrutiny

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of companionship and support
• Emotional suffering of family members
• Parents’ and siblings’ mental health treatment

Punitive Damages (When Available):

• Purpose: Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
• When awarded: Prior warnings ignored, particularly cruel methods, cover-up attempts
• Texas caps: Generally limited but higher for intentional conduct

Insurance Coverage Battles: The Hidden Front

Fraternity and university insurance companies often fight coverage using arguments like:

• “Hazing is an intentional act excluded from coverage”
• “The policy doesn’t cover these defendants”
• “Notice wasn’t timely given”

Our insurance insider knowledge (Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney) is crucial here. We know:

• How insurers value and reserve hazing claims
• Their delay tactics and negotiation strategies
• How to counter coverage exclusion arguments
• When to pursue bad faith claims against insurers

Case Strategy: From Evidence to Resolution

Phase 1: Immediate Response (0-30 Days)

• Evidence preservation before deletion
• Medical documentation and stabilization
• Initial reporting to appropriate authorities
• Preservation letters to potential defendants

Phase 2: Investigation (1-6 Months)

• Digital forensics on devices and accounts
• Subpoenas for organizational records
• Witness interviews and statements
• Expert consultations and evaluations

Phase 3: Litigation Preparation (3-12 Months)

• Demand packages with evidence summaries
• Negotiation with insurers and defense counsel
• Settlement discussions and mediation
• Trial preparation if settlement fails

Phase 4: Resolution (6-24 Months Typically)

• Confidential settlements (most common)
• Public verdicts if trial occurs
• Structured settlements for ongoing care needs
• Non-monetary terms (policy changes, chapter closures)

Practical Guides for Briar Families: What to Do Right Now

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

• Physical indicators: Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts; extreme fatigue; weight changes; sleep deprivation patterns
• Behavioral changes: Sudden secrecy about activities; withdrawal from family/friends; personality shifts (anxiety, depression, irritability)
• Academic red flags: Grades dropping suddenly; missing classes; skipping assignments for “mandatory” events
• Digital behavior: Constant group chat monitoring; anxiety about phone notifications; obsessive message deleting

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally):

1. “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
2. “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
3. “What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
4. “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
5. “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”

If You Suspect Hazing:

1. Prioritize safety: If in danger, call 911 immediately
2. Document everything: Write down what your child tells you with dates/times
3. Preserve evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries
4. Medical attention: Even if they resist, get professional evaluation
5. Legal consultation: Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 before confronting anyone

For Students: Self-Protection and Safe Exit Strategies

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something unsafe?
• Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would university officials approve if they knew details?
• Am I being told to keep secrets or lie?

If It’s Hazing:

• Immediate danger: Call 911, get to safe location
• Medical emergency: You won’t get in trouble for calling for help (good-faith protections)
• Evidence preservation: Screenshot everything before it’s deleted

Safe Exit Strategies:

1. Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
2. Send written resignation to chapter president: “I resign effective immediately”
3. Do NOT attend “one last meeting”—that’s where pressure happens
4. Document any retaliation (threats, harassment)
5. File university complaints if needed for protection

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence

• What happens: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
• Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up, can be obstruction of justice
• Right approach: Preserve everything, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

• What happens: “I’ll give them a piece of my mind”
• Why it’s wrong: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• Right approach: Document first, consult lawyer before any contact

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

• What happens: University pressures quick settlement
• Why it’s wrong: You may waive legal rights for inadequate compensation
• Right approach: Never sign without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media

• What happens: “I want people to know what happened”
• Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt case
• Right approach: Private documentation only; let lawyer control messaging

5. Waiting for University Investigation

• What happens: “Let’s see how the school handles it”
• Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
• Right approach: Preserve evidence now; university process ≠ real accountability

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters

• What happens: “We just need your statement to process”
• Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements used against you; early lowball settlements
• Right approach: “My attorney will contact you”

7. Letting Child Return for “One Last Meeting”

• What happens: “Come talk before you do anything drastic”
• Why it’s wrong: Pressure, intimidation, statements extracted
• Right approach: All communication through attorney once considering legal action

Frequently Asked Questions for Briar Families

“Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UT, Texas A&M, UH) have sovereign immunity protections but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals personally. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity barriers. Every case is fact-specific—call 1-888-ATTY-911 for case analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law makes hazing a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if serious bodily injury or death occurs. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states: consent is not a defense. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t voluntary. This is crucial protection for victims.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately known. In cover-up cases, the statute may be tolled. Time is critical—call immediately.

“What if hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. Many major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus with multi-million-dollar results.

“Will my child’s name be public?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

“How much does this cost?”
We work on contingency—no fee unless we win. We cover all case expenses initially and get repaid from recovery. This makes justice accessible regardless of family resources.

Why Attorney911 for Briar Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. From our Houston headquarters, we serve families throughout Texas, including Briar and all of Tarrant County. Here’s why our approach matters for your case:

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)

• Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
• Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers value (and undervalue) claims
• Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies
• “We know their playbook because we used to run it”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience

• One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
• Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
• “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won”

Proven Multi-Million Dollar Results

• Track record in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases
• Experience with economist collaboration for lifetime care valuation
• “We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force accountability”

Dual Civil/Criminal Hazing Expertise

• Ralph Manginello’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association
• Understands interaction between criminal charges and civil litigation
• Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Investigative Depth and Resources

• Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
• Experience obtaining hidden evidence through discovery
• Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine with 1,423+ Greek organizations tracked
• “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does”

Our Approach: More Than Lawsuits

We believe hazing cases require:

1. Thorough investigation before strategy decisions
2. Understanding institutional dynamics (Greek life, university politics, insurance)
3. Protecting victim privacy while pursuing accountability
4. Preventing future harm through systemic change
5. Empathetic support through traumatic processes

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine in Action

For Briar families, our data advantage means:

• We already know the organizational structures behind Texas Greek life
• We track patterns across campuses and national brands
• We identify all potentially liable entities from day one
• We understand insurance arrangements and coverage battles
• We know which organizations have prior incidents

This isn’t theoretical—it’s operational intelligence we use in cases like Leonel Bermudez’s, where we’re holding multiple entities accountable: the national fraternity, the housing corporation, the university, and individual members.

Your Path Forward: Confidential Consultation for Briar Families

If hazing has affected your family—whether at UT Austin, Texas A&M, SMU, Baylor, UH, or any Texas campus—we want to help. You don’t have to navigate this alone, and you don’t have to accept institutional explanations at face value.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911:

1. We listen without judgment: Tell us what happened in your own words
2. Evidence review: We’ll discuss what evidence exists and how to preserve it
3. Legal options explained: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuits, both, or neither
4. Realistic expectations: Timelines, potential outcomes, challenges
5. Cost discussion: Contingency fee basis—no recovery, no fee
6. No pressure: Take time to decide; we’re here when you’re ready
7. Complete confidentiality: Everything you share is protected

Contact Information for Briar Families

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Briar and All of Texas

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

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

Take the First Step Today

Whether you’re in Briar, Fort Worth, Dallas, or anywhere in Texas:

• Evidence disappears daily—group chats get deleted, witnesses get coached
• Universities control narratives—internal investigations often protect institutions first
• Statutes of limitations run—two years passes faster than you think
• Your child deserves answers—and accountability from those who failed them

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and help you decide the best path for your family. There’s no obligation, no pressure—just straight talk about what we can do to help.

The organizations that harmed your child are counting on your silence. Don’t give it to them. Call us today.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

1. Click2Houston (KPRC 2) — “‘Urine was brown’: Pledge sues over severe hazing at University of Houston’s shut down Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”

   • URL: 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/

2. ABC13 Eyewitness News (KTRK) — “Waterboarding, forced eating, physical punishment: Lawsuit alleges abuse faced by injured pledge at UH’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”

   • URL: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

3. Hoodline — “University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Face $10M Lawsuit Over Alleged Hazing and Abuse”

   • URL: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:

1. “📱 Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case? | Attorney911 Explains”

   • URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

2. “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case? | Attorney911 with Injury Lawyer Ralph Manginello”

   • URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

3. “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case | Attorney911 with Ralph Manginello”

   • URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

4. “📢 How Do Contingency Fees Work? Injury Lawyer Explains!”

   • URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website:

1. Attorney911 — Main Website & Contact
   • URL: https://attorney911.com

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