Hazing in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for Brookside Village Families

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

Imagine getting a phone call in the middle of the night. Your child, who you sent off to college in Houston or College Station just weeks ago, is in the emergency room. Their urine is brown. Their kidneys are failing. They can’t stand without help. And through their pain and confusion, they whisper fragments of what happened: forced drinking, extreme workouts, humiliation, threats. They were trying to join a fraternity, and what was supposed to be about friendship and leadership nearly killed them.

This isn’t a hypothetical nightmare. This is exactly what happened to Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student whose fall 2025 pledge period with the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter resulted in rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, and a four-day hospitalization. His story, detailed in a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit filed in late 2025, represents the severe reality facing Texas students today. As reported by Click2Houston and ABC13, Bermudez endured what no student should: a “pledge fanny pack” filled with humiliating items, forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and extreme workouts including 100+ push-ups and 500 squats that literally broke down his muscle tissue.

For families in Brookside Village, Brazoria County, and across the Texas Gulf Coast, this case hits close to home. Whether your child attends the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any other Texas campus, the culture that enabled Bermudez’s suffering exists in Greek organizations, athletic teams, Corps programs, and spirit groups statewide. This comprehensive guide exists for one reason: to give you, as a Texas parent, the knowledge, resources, and understanding you need if hazing touches your family’s life.

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 in Texas

Beyond the Stereotypes: Modern Hazing Tactics

Many Brookside Village parents remember hazing as “boys being boys” or harmless pranks. Today’s reality is different, more sophisticated, and more dangerous. Hazing in 2025 exists on a spectrum from subtle coercion to violent abuse, often disguised as “tradition,” “bonding,” or “character building.”

Alcohol and Substance Hazing remains the most common and deadly form. This includes forced consumption during “Big/Little” nights, “family tree” drinking games, or lineups where pledges must finish bottles. At the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi chapter, Bermudez was forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediately made to run sprints.

Physical Hazing has evolved beyond paddling to include extreme conditioning disguised as “workouts.” The Nov. 3 event that hospitalized Bermudez involved 100+ push-ups and 500 squats performed under threat of expulsion. Other Texas cases have involved chemical burns from industrial cleaners, exposure to extreme temperatures, and sleep deprivation lasting days.

Digital Hazing represents the newest frontier. Pledges in Brookside Village and across Texas are subject to 24/7 group chat monitoring, required to share live locations via tracking apps, forced to create humiliating social media content, and harassed if they don’t respond instantly to messages at all hours. This creates psychological control that extends far beyond physical events.

Psychological and Sexualized Hazing includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, racial or homophobic degradation, and systematic humiliation. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, another pledge was allegedly hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour while members prepared for a meeting.

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

While fraternities receive most attention, hazing permeates many campus organizations:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural chapters)
• Corps of Cadets and ROTC Programs (particularly at Texas A&M)
• Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading)
• Spirit and Tradition Organizations (Texas Cowboys, Silver Spurs, etc.)
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups
• Academic and Service Organizations

The common thread isn’t the type of organization but the power imbalance between established members and newcomers, combined with traditions that prioritize loyalty over safety.

Texas Hazing Law: What Brookside Village Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Foundation

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes that apply to every student at public and private institutions. For Brookside Village families, understanding these laws is crucial for knowing your rights and what constitutes illegal conduct.

Texas Education Code §37.151 defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or membership that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
• Involves forced consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or other substances
• Involves physical brutality or excessive physical activity
• Involves activity that subjects the student to extreme mental stress

Critically, §37.155 states that consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law recognizes that true consent cannot exist under peer pressure and power imbalance.

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law

§37.152 establishes graduated penalties:

• Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing offenses (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
• Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing that causes bodily injury
• State Jail Felony: Hazing that causes serious bodily injury or death

Additionally, failure to report hazing (§37.152(c)) and retaliation against reporters (§37.152(d)) are separate crimes. This means members who knew about hazing but didn’t report it, or who threaten victims who come forward, face their own criminal exposure.

Organizational Liability in Texas

§37.153 makes organizations themselves criminally liable if:

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

Organizations face fines up to $10,000 per violation, and universities can permanently revoke recognition. This provision is why national fraternities and sororities often try to distance themselves from local chapter conduct—but as we’ll show, that strategy often fails in court.

Good-Faith Reporting Protections

§37.154 provides immunity from civil and criminal liability for those who report hazing in good faith. This “amnesty” provision is critical: it means your child won’t face charges for underage drinking or other minor violations if they call for help in a medical emergency.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: From Pennsylvania to Texas

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
A bid acceptance night turned fatal when 19-year-old Piazza consumed dangerous amounts of alcohol during drinking games. Security footage showed brothers delaying medical help for hours as his condition deteriorated. The resulting prosecutions included involuntary manslaughter charges, and Pennsylvania enacted the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. For Texas families, this case shows how “tradition” drinking events can kill, and how delayed medical response dramatically increases liability.

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%, and he died from acute alcohol intoxication. Louisiana responded with the Max Gruver Act, upgrading hazing to a felony. The pattern—drinking games framed as education or tradition—mirrors what happens in Texas chapters.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Foltz died after being forced to consume nearly a full bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” event. The resulting $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU) demonstrates the financial stakes for universities and national organizations. This exact same “Big/Little” dynamic exists at Texas schools right now.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing: From New York to Texas

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
During a fraternity retreat in the Poconos, Deng was blindfolded, weighted with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual. He suffered fatal head injuries while brothers delayed calling 911. The national fraternity was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This case proves that off-campus “retreats” don’t eliminate liability—a critical lesson for Texas organizations that move hazing to Airbnbs or rural properties.

Athletic Program Hazing: From Illinois to Texas

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program over years. The resulting lawsuits led to coach terminations and confidential settlements. This demonstrates that hazing isn’t limited to Greek life—athletic programs with massive budgets and institutional protection can harbor systemic abuse, relevant for Texas A&M, UT, and Baylor sports families.

What These Cases Mean for Brookside Village Families

These national cases establish critical legal precedents that apply directly to Texas:

1. Pattern Evidence Matters: When the same national organization has hazing incidents in multiple states, Texas courts can consider that pattern in determining foreseeability and negligence.
2. Off-Campus Location Doesn’t Protect: Retreats, Airbnbs, and private homes don’t eliminate university or national organization liability.
3. Delayed Medical Response Increases Liability: Minutes matter in alcohol poisoning and physical injury cases.
4. Organizations Can Be Criminally Prosecuted: It’s not just individual members who face consequences.

Texas Universities: What Brookside Village Families Need to Know About Each Campus

Geographic Reality for Brookside Village Families

Brookside Village sits in Brazoria County, part of the Greater Houston metropolitan area. Our community sends students to:

• Local institutions: Alvin Community College, College of the Mainland
• Greater Houston universities: University of Houston (main campus and Clear Lake), Rice University, Texas Southern University
• Statewide hubs: Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor, Texas State, Texas Tech
• Private universities: SMU, TCU, Trinity University

Wherever your child attends, understanding that campus’s specific hazing landscape is crucial. The same national fraternities and sororities operate across Texas, but each university has its own reporting systems, transparency levels, and historical patterns.

University of Houston: The Current Epicenter

Campus Context for Brookside Village Families
UH is just 30 miles from Brookside Village, making it a natural choice for many local students. With over 47,000 students and active Greek life across four councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, MGC), what happens at UH directly affects our community.

The Bermudez Case: A Waters Moment
The Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi case represents one of the most serious active hazing lawsuits in Texas. The allegations, as detailed in Hoodline’s coverage, include:

• Systematic physical abuse at multiple locations (chapter house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park)
• Forced consumption leading to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
• Psychological manipulation through “pledge fanny packs” and constant threats
• Alleged institutional knowledge and failure to intervene

The case names 17 defendants including UH, the UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual members.

UH’s Response and Reporting Systems
Following the incident, UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised cooperation with law enforcement. The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter was suspended on Nov. 6, 2025, and members voted to surrender their charter on Nov. 14, 2025.

For Brookside Village families with students at UH, reporting options include:

• Dean of Students Office
• UH Police Department (for criminal conduct)
• Office of Student Conduct
• Anonymous reporting through UH’s online systems

What Makes UH Cases Complex
UH’s status as a public university creates sovereign immunity considerations, but exceptions exist for gross negligence and intentional misconduct. Cases often involve multiple jurisdictions—UHPD for on-campus incidents, Houston Police for off-campus locations, and potentially federal courts for Title IX or civil rights claims.

Texas A&M University: Tradition and Risk

Cultural Context
Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets and strong Greek life create unique hazing risks. For Brookside Village families with students in College Station, understanding both environments is crucial.

Documented Incidents

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges alleged being covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The chapter was suspended for two years.
• Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023): A cadet alleged being bound between beds in a degrading position with an apple in his mouth during hazing. The lawsuit sought over $1 million in damages.
• Multiple IFC Chapter Suspensions: Various fraternities have faced disciplinary action for alcohol hazing, physical abuse, and policy violations.

A&M’s Dual Systems
Texas A&M handles Greek life hazing through Student Conduct but Corps hazing through military-style regulations. This creates complexity when incidents involve both environments or when traditions span multiple organizations.

For Brookside Village Families
If your child is at Texas A&M, document whether incidents involve:

• Corps traditions vs. Greek life
• On-campus vs. off-campus locations
• University-owned housing vs. private residences
• Alcohol-related vs. physical abuse

Each category affects which policies apply, who has jurisdiction, and what legal strategies might be most effective.

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Patterns

Public Violations Database
UT Austin maintains one of Texas’s most transparent hazing reporting systems at hazing.utexas.edu. This public database shows patterns that Brookside Village families can use to assess risks.

Recent Documented Violations

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation with required hazing prevention education.
• Texas Wranglers (multiple years): Sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, and punishment-based practices.
• Various IFC and Panhellenic chapters: Probation, suspensions, and educational requirements for alcohol hazing, physical abuse, and psychological manipulation.

Why UT’s Transparency Matters
For families pursuing legal action, UT’s public database provides:

• Pattern evidence: Showing the same organization had prior violations
• Notice to university: Proving administrators knew or should have known about risks
• Comparative negligence arguments: Demonstrating inadequate responses to prior incidents

Legal Venues for UT Cases
UT Austin cases may involve:

• UTPD for on-campus incidents
• Austin Police Department for off-campus locations
• Travis County courts for civil litigation
• Potential federal claims under Title IX or civil rights statutes

Southern Methodist University: Private University Complexities

Institutional Characteristics
As a private university, SMU has different obligations and protections than public institutions. For Brookside Village families with students in Dallas, understanding these distinctions matters.

Documented Incidents

• Kappa Alpha Order Paddling Case (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, and deprived of sleep; chapter suspended until 2021.
• Multiple IFC Probations: Various sanctions for alcohol hazing, endangerment, and policy violations.
• NPHC Chapter Investigations: Periodic scrutiny of traditionally Black fraternities and sororities for physical hazing traditions.

SMU’s Reporting Systems
SMU emphasizes anonymous reporting through systems like Real Response. While this encourages reporting, it can complicate evidence collection for legal cases.

Private vs. Public Distinctions
For legal purposes:

• No sovereign immunity protections (unlike UH, Texas A&M, UT)
• Potentially different insurance structures and coverage
• Contractual relationships through enrollment agreements
• Different discovery processes in litigation

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Accountability

Historical Context
Baylor’s recent history with sexual assault scandals creates both challenges and opportunities for hazing accountability. The university has faced pressure to improve oversight and transparency.

Documented Incidents

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation; staggered suspensions affected team performance.
• IFC Chapter Sanctions: Periodic disciplinary action for alcohol violations and endangerment.
• Spirit Organization Investigations: Reviews of conduct in non-Greek groups.

Baylor’s Unique Position
As a religiously affiliated private university, Baylor cases may involve:

• First Amendment considerations around religious freedom
• Contract claims based on student handbooks and codes of conduct
• Insurance coverage through religious organizations
• Different jury pools in McLennan County

For Brookside Village Families
If your child attends Baylor, preservation of evidence is particularly important, as internal investigations may prioritize institutional protection over victim advocacy.

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: Organizations Behind the Letters

Why National Histories Matter for Texas Cases

When a Pi Kappa Phi chapter at University of Houston hazes a student, that incident doesn’t exist in isolation. National fraternities and sororities maintain risk management databases, receive incident reports, and know their problem chapters. This knowledge creates legal liability that extends from local members all the way to national headquarters.

Texas Public Records: The Organizations Operating Here

Through IRS filings and public records, we maintain detailed intelligence on Texas’s Greek landscape. For Brookside Village families, understanding this ecosystem helps identify all potentially liable parties.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Entities)
These are legal entities with Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) registered in Texas:

• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – EIN 475370943 – Houston, TX 77204 (Theta Delta Chapter)
• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 462267515 – Frisco, TX 75035
• Chi Omega Fraternity – EIN 740555581 – Austin, TX 78705 (House Corporation)
• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc – EIN 133048786 – College Station, TX 77845
• Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – EIN 746064445 – Nederland, TX 77627 (Epsilon Kappa Chapter)
• Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation – EIN 371768785 – Missouri City, TX 77459
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Sigma Incorporated – EIN 882755427 – San Marcos, TX 78666
• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – EIN 746084905 – Houston, TX 77204
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – EIN 741380362 – Fort Worth, TX 76147

Greater Houston Metro Greek Entities
For Brookside Village families, these local organizations matter:

• Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Houston, TX (Alumni/house corp.)
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae – Houston, TX
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Alpha Kappa Omega – Houston, TX (Grad chapter)
• Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity – Eta Rho Sigma – Houston, TX (Grad chapter)
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter – Houston, TX (Undergrad chapter)

Cross-Validated National Brands in Texas
These organizations appear in both IRS data and metro intelligence, showing their established Texas presence:

• Beta Upsilon Chi – Fort Worth, TX 76244 (IRS EIN 742911848 matches Cause IQ listing)
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Multiple Texas locations (IRS EINs 364091267, 752609909 match Cause IQ chapters)
• Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Nederland, TX 77627 and Houston metro presence
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – Multiple alumni chapters across Texas

National Patterns That Repeat in Texas

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

• National History: Stone Foltz death ($10M settlement), multiple alcohol hazing deaths
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, Baylor, Texas Tech
• Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking events, forced consumption traditions

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

• National History: Multiple hazing deaths, traumatic brain injury case at Alabama
• Texas Presence: Chapters at all major Texas schools
• Pattern: Chemical burns at Texas A&M, assault case at UT Austin

Pi Kappa Phi

• National History: Andrew Coffey death at Florida State
• Texas Presence: Now-defunct UH Beta Nu chapter, other Texas chapters
• Pattern: Physical abuse leading to rhabdomyolysis (UH case)

Phi Delta Theta

• National History: Max Gruver death at LSU (Louisiana felony hazing law)
• Texas Presence: Chapters across Texas campuses
• Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games

What This Means for Liability

When a Texas chapter repeats behaviors that caused deaths or severe injuries in other states, that establishes:

1. Foreseeability: The national organization knew or should have known this could happen
2. Pattern Evidence: This wasn’t an isolated “rogue chapter” but part of a systematic problem
3. Negligent Supervision: Failure to enforce policies and monitor chapters
4. Punitive Damages Potential: Reckless disregard for known dangers

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Recovery

Evidence Collection: What Matters Most in 2025

Digital Evidence (Critical)

• Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage threads showing planning, coordination, and admissions
• Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat videos, TikTok posts documenting events
• Deleted Messages: Digital forensics can recover “disappearing” content
• Location Data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends sharing, Snapchat maps
• Email Threads: Communications with nationals, advisors, university officials

We emphasize immediate screenshot preservation in our educational video on using your phone to document evidence. Once deleted, recovering this evidence becomes more difficult and expensive.

Physical Evidence

• Injury Documentation: Photographs with scale references, progression over days
• Medical Records: ER reports, lab results (especially critical for rhabdomyolysis cases like Bermudez’s)
• Objects Used: Paddles, alcohol bottles, “pledge packs,” costumes
• Clothing: Stained or damaged items from events

Institutional Records

• University Files: Prior conduct violations, probation records, warning letters
• National Organization Records: Risk management files, incident reports from other chapters
• Insurance Policies: Coverage documents, reservation of rights letters
• Police Reports: Campus and local law enforcement documentation

Witness Testimony

• Other Pledges: Often afraid but may cooperate as case develops
• Former Members: Those who quit or were expelled may have crucial information
• Roommates and Friends: Noticed changes in behavior, physical condition
• Medical Providers: Documented injuries and patient statements

Legal Strategy: Overcoming Common Defenses

Defense: “The Victim Consented”

• Our Response: Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense. We demonstrate power imbalance, peer pressure, and coercion through:
  • Group chat messages showing implicit threats
  • Testimony about social consequences of refusal
  • Expert testimony on group dynamics and coercion

Defense: “Rogue Chapter – National Didn’t Know”

• Our Response: We subpoena national organization records to show:
  • Prior incident reports from same chapter
  • Pattern of similar conduct across multiple chapters
  • Inadequate enforcement of anti-hazing policies
  • Continued collection of dues despite knowledge of problems

Defense: “It Happened Off-Campus”

• Our Response: Location doesn’t eliminate liability when:
  • University recognizes the organization
  • Nationals exercise control over chapter activities
  • Events were foreseeable based on prior incidents
  • (See Pi Delta Psi retreat case precedent)

Defense: “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”

• Our Response: Policies without enforcement are meaningless. We show:
  • Prior violations resulted in minimal consequences
  • Training was perfunctory or taught evasion techniques
  • Culture prioritized tradition over policy compliance

Defense: “Insurance Doesn’t Cover Intentional Acts”

• Our Response: This is where Mr. Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background proves invaluable. We:
  • Identify all potential coverage sources (multiple policies often apply)
  • Argue negligent supervision claims may trigger coverage
  • Pursue bad faith claims if insurers wrongfully deny defense
  • Use coverage disputes as leverage in settlement negotiations

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages

• Medical Expenses: Past and future care, including:
  • Emergency treatment (Bermudez’s 4-day hospitalization)
  • Ongoing therapy (physical, psychological)
  • Future medical needs (potential kidney issues from rhabdomyolysis)
• Lost Earnings: Impact on education and career, including:
  • Semesters missed or delayed
  • Reduced earning capacity from permanent injuries
  • Lost scholarship opportunities

Non-Economic Damages

• 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 and privacy violations

Wrongful Death Damages (when applicable)

• Economic Losses: Funeral costs, lost financial support
• Non-Economic Losses: Grief, loss of companionship, emotional suffering

Punitive Damages

• Available when defendants show reckless disregard or intentional misconduct
• Often triggered by:
  • Prior warnings ignored
  • Attempts to cover up or destroy evidence
  • Particularly egregious conduct
• Subject to Texas statutory caps but can significantly increase recovery

Practical Guides: For Brookside Village Parents, Students, and Witnesses

For Parents: Warning Signs and Action Steps

Red Flags Your Child May Be Being Hazed

• Physical Signs: Unexplained injuries, extreme fatigue, weight changes, sleep deprivation
• Behavioral Changes: Sudden secrecy, withdrawal, personality shifts, defensive responses
• Academic Decline: Grades dropping, missing classes, losing scholarships
• Digital Patterns: Constant phone monitoring, anxiety about messages, deleted histories
• Financial Issues: Unexpected expenses, frequent requests for money

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally)

1. “How are things going with your [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
2. “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
3. “What kinds of activities do new members do?”
4. “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable or worried?”
5. “Do you feel like you can say no if something doesn’t feel right?”

48-Hour Action Checklist

1. Medical Priority: Get immediate care for any injuries or intoxication
2. Evidence Preservation: Screenshot everything, photograph injuries, save physical items
3. Documentation: Write down everything your child tells you (dates, times, names)
4. Legal Consultation: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 within 24-48 hours
5. Strategic Reporting: With attorney guidance, decide on university and police reporting

Critical Mistakes to Avoid

• Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence
• Confronting the organization directly before consulting a lawyer
• Signing university “resolution” agreements without legal review
• Posting details on social media
• Waiting for the university to “handle it internally”

For Students: Safety and Self-Advocacy

Is This Hazing? Quick Assessment

• Are you being pressured or coerced?
• Would you do this if you truly had a choice?
• Is it dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Are you being told to keep secrets?
• Would the university approve if they knew?

If You’re in Immediate Danger

• Call 911 or campus police
• Get to a safe location (dorm, friend’s place, public area)
• You have legal protections for good-faith emergency reporting

Exiting Safely

• You have the right to leave at any time
• Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
• Send written notice of resignation (email/text for documentation)
• Avoid “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur

Evidence Preservation for Students

1. Screenshots: Capture full group chats with timestamps
2. Photos: Injuries from multiple angles, locations, objects used
3. Medical Records: Tell providers you were hazed for documentation
4. Witness Info: Names and contacts of others who saw what happened
5. Personal Notes: Write down details while memory is fresh

For Witnesses and Former Members

If You Participated and Now Regret It

• Your testimony can prevent future harm
• Cooperating may provide legal protections
• You may need your own attorney for criminal exposure concerns
• Coming forward can be part of making things right

If You Saw Something but Weren’t Involved

• Your observations could be crucial evidence
• You may have reporting obligations under Texas law
• Consider anonymous reporting if you fear retaliation
• Document what you saw while details are fresh

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

When your Brookside Village family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions—universities, national fraternities, insurance companies—fight back, and how to win anyway.

Insurance Insider Advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña’s Background
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

• Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
• Use delay tactics to pressure families
• Fight coverage under “intentional act” exclusions
• Deploy independent medical exams to reduce settlements

As Mr. Peña says in the ABC13 coverage of the UH case, “If this prevents harm to another person…Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” His insider knowledge helps us counter insurance tactics effectively.

Complex Institutional Litigation: Ralph Manginello’s Experience
Our involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation taught us how to take on billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. Universities and national fraternities operate similarly—deep pockets, experienced defense teams, and institutional protection instincts. We’re not intimidated because we’ve fought these battles before.

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) signals elite criminal defense expertise. This matters because hazing cases often involve:

• Parallel criminal investigations and charges
• Witnesses with dual exposure concerns
• Evidence rules that differ between civil and criminal proceedings
• Strategic coordination between case types

Investigative Depth and Expert Network
We maintain what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Texas Greek organizations built from:

• IRS public filings (125+ Texas-registered Greek entities)
• University rosters and violation records
• Metro-level organizational intelligence
• National incident patterns

This means we don’t start from zero. When a Brookside Village family comes to us, we already understand the organizational landscape behind their child’s suffering.

Our Approach to Hazing Cases

Immediate Response
Hazing evidence disappears fast—deleted group chats, coached witnesses, destroyed physical evidence. That’s why we offer 24/7 availability at 1-888-ATTY-911. In those first critical hours, we help families:

• Preserve digital evidence before deletion
• Document injuries and statements
• Navigate initial university and police interactions
• Protect against retaliation or pressure

Thorough Investigation
We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does. Our process includes:

• Digital forensics for deleted messages and social media
• Subpoenas for national organization records
• Public records requests for university files
• Expert consultations (medical, psychological, economic)
• Witness interviews and background research

Strategic Case Building
Every hazing case involves multiple potential defendants and legal theories. We develop comprehensive strategies that consider:

• Individual member liability
• Local chapter responsibility
• National organization accountability
• University negligence claims
• Third-party liability (property owners, alcohol providers)
• Insurance coverage issues

Trial Readiness
Most cases settle, but settlement values reflect trial risk. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial because that maximizes leverage. Our federal court experience and trial history signal to defendants that we’re serious.

Frequently Asked Questions for Brookside Village Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, intentional misconduct, and certain federal claims. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas Education Code §37.152 makes hazing a state jail felony when it causes serious bodily injury or death. The Bermudez case at UH, involving rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, would likely qualify for felony charges if prosecuted.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to what happened?”
Texas law (§37.155) explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t true voluntary consent. This principle is critical in fraternity and sorority cases where new members fear social exclusion.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but exceptions exist. The “discovery rule” may extend time if the harm wasn’t immediately apparent. In cases involving cover-ups, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 to preserve your rights. Learn more in our video on Texas statutes of limitations.

“What if it happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national organizations can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, unofficial house parties) occurred off-campus and still resulted in significant judgments.

“Will my child’s name be public?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. While public accountability matters, we prioritize your family’s privacy throughout the process.

“How much will this cost?”
We work on a contingency fee basis—we don’t get paid unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs, and we cover case expenses. If we don’t recover compensation, you owe us nothing. Learn how this works in our contingency fee explanation video.

“What about criminal charges?”
Hazing can involve criminal charges (assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, hazing offenses). We can advise on the interaction between criminal and civil cases, represent witnesses with exposure concerns, and coordinate with criminal defense counsel when needed.

Contact Attorney911: Your Texas Hazing Resource

For Brookside Village and All Texas Families

If hazing has touched your family’s life—whether your child attends the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any other Texas campus—we want to help. The trauma of seeing your child hurt by an organization they trusted is profound, but you don’t have to navigate this alone.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation
When you contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911, you’ll receive:

• A confidential, no-obligation conversation about what happened
• Initial assessment of your legal options and rights
• Explanation of realistic timelines and expectations
• Answers to your questions about process and costs
• No pressure to hire us immediately—take time to decide
• Compassionate support during a difficult time

Our Commitment to Brookside Village Families
We serve families throughout Texas from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices. Whether you’re here in Brookside Village, elsewhere in Brazoria County, or anywhere in Texas, we understand the unique challenges of hazing cases in our state’s university systems.

Hablamos Español
Mr. Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish-language services. Contact him directly at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

Immediate Help Available
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 or lupe@atty911.com

We’re available 24/7 because hazing emergencies don’t wait for business hours. If your child is in danger right now, call 911 first, then call us.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

For easy reference, here are the main resources discussed in this guide:

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

• Click2Houston coverage: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
• ABC13 coverage: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• Hoodline summary: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

• Using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client mistakes that can ruin your case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website:

• Contact and information: 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