The Complete Guide to Campus Hazing for Families in Bryan, Texas: Holding Fraternities, Sororities, and Universities Accountable

A Parent’s Worst Nightmare: When the College Dream Turns Dangerous

Imagine your child, excited to join a campus organization at Texas A&M University or another Texas school, gradually becoming withdrawn and exhausted. You notice unexplained bruises, a constant anxiety about their phone buzzing, and a sudden drop in grades. They’re vague about their activities, saying it’s just “tradition” or “team building.” Then comes the late-night call: your child is in the emergency room at St. Joseph Health or Baylor Scott & White, suffering from alcohol poisoning, severe dehydration, or worse—acute kidney failure from extreme physical hazing. This is not a hypothetical scenario for families in Bryan, College Station, and across the Brazos Valley. It is happening right now in Texas, as proven by the ongoing case our firm is litigating at the University of Houston.

Right now, in Harris County, we represent Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and 13 fraternity leaders. The allegations are stark: a “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms and sex toys, enforced humiliation, and physical abuse culminating in a November 3rd workout where Bermudez was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion. He developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, passed brown urine, and was hospitalized for four days with critically elevated creatine kinase levels. The Pi Kappa Phi chapter was suspended on November 6, 2025, and members voted to surrender their charter on November 14. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing.” This active litigation, covered extensively by Click2Houston and ABC13, demonstrates exactly what families in Bryan and College Station are up against.

This guide is written specifically for parents and families in Bryan, College Station, and throughout the Brazos Valley who need to understand the real risks of campus hazing in 2025. Whether your child attends Texas A&M University right here in our community, or has ventured to UT Austin, University of Houston, Baylor, or SMU, the patterns of institutional neglect and organizational recklessness are alarmingly similar. We will explain what modern hazing truly looks like, how Texas law applies to protect your child, what we’ve learned from national tragedies, and the specific landscape at Texas universities where Bryan families send their students. Most importantly, we will outline the legal options available when prevention fails and accountability becomes necessary.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW in Bryan/College Station or at any Texas campus:

Call 911 for medical emergencies. In Brazos County, this connects to Texas A&M University Police Department (if on campus) or Bryan/College Station Police Departments.
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 at St. Joseph Health Regional Hospital, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, or Texas A&M Student Health Services, even if the student insists they are “fine.”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately (GroupMe is particularly common in Texas Greek life).
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles.
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, paddles, “pledge” items).
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where).
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority directly.
- 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 in Bryan/College Station—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 Bryan and Beyond

Beyond “Boys Will Be Boys”: A Modern Definition

For parents in Bryan and College Station, hazing isn’t about harmless pranks or “team bonding.” Under Texas law and in practice, hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that endangers mental or physical health or safety for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization. The critical point for Brazos Valley families: “I agreed to it” or “it’s tradition” is not a legal defense when power imbalance, peer pressure, and coercion are present.

The Evolution of Abuse: From Paddles to Digital Control

Hazing has evolved dramatically from the stereotypical “Hell Week” of previous generations. Today’s methods are often more psychologically sophisticated and digitally enabled:

Alcohol and Substance Hazing (Most Common & Deadly):

Forced “family tree” or “Bible study” drinking games where wrong answers mean consuming dangerous amounts of alcohol.
“Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor to finish.
Coerced consumption of unknown substances or dangerous mixtures.

Physical Hazing:

Extreme “workouts” or “smokings” disguised as conditioning—hundreds of push-ups, wall sits to collapse, sprints until vomiting.
Paddling, beatings, or physical attacks (still prevalent despite national policies).
Sleep deprivation through overnight “study sessions” or 3 AM wake-up calls.
Food/water restriction or forced consumption of excessive amounts of specific foods (milk, hot dogs, etc.).

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing:

Forced nudity or partial nudity.
Simulated sexual acts or degrading positions.
Acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones.

Psychological Hazing:

Verbal abuse, isolation from non-members, “silent periods.”
Public shaming in meetings or on social media.
Coerced confessions or manipulated loyalty tests.

Digital/Online Hazing (The New Frontier):

24/7 GroupMe or Discord monitoring with instant response demands.
Social media “challenges” or forced posting of humiliating content.
Location tracking via Snapchat Maps or Find My Friends.
Cyberstalking or harassment if pledges don’t comply.

Where Hazing Happens: Not Just Fraternities

Bryan and College Station families should be aware that hazing extends beyond Greek life:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs
Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading)
Spirit Organizations and tradition groups
Marching Bands and performance ensembles
Academic Clubs and honor societies

The common threads across all groups: power imbalance, secrecy, tradition justification, and institutional tolerance until tragedy strikes.

Texas Law & Liability Framework: What Bryan Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Child’s Legal Protection

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes that apply whether the incident occurs on the Texas A&M campus, at an off-campus house in Bryan’s historic district, or at a remote retreat. The key provisions for Brazos County families:

§ 37.151 Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, that endangers mental or physical health or safety for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or membership.

§ 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.

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability: Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report.

§ 37.155 Critical Protection: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law.

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting: Students who report hazing or call 911 in good faith are protected from liability, even if they were drinking underage.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Different Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the State of Texas (Brazos County District Attorney for local incidents).
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation).
Common charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases.

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or families in Bryan/College Station.
Aim: Compensation for damages and institutional accountability.
Legal theories: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability.

Critical Insight: These cases can proceed simultaneously. A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. In fact, many families in Texas achieve civil accountability even when criminal charges are never filed.

Federal Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires universities receiving federal aid (including Texas A&M, UH, UT) to report hazing incidents transparently, strengthen prevention, and maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026).

Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility, additional federal protections and reporting requirements apply.

Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics; hazing incidents often overlap with these categories.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students: Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing.
Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity/sorority/club itself as a legal entity.
National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters: For negligent supervision, failure to enforce policies, pattern of prior incidents.
University/Board of Regents: For negligent supervision, deliberate indifference, premises liability.
Third Parties: Landlords of off-campus houses, alcohol providers, security companies.

For families in Bryan, the practical reality is that multiple entities often share liability, which is why comprehensive investigation is crucial.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What History Teaches Bryan Families

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern: The Deadliest Script

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): A bid-acceptance night with extreme drinking led to fatal falls captured on chapter security cameras. Help was delayed for hours. Dozens faced criminal charges; Pennsylvania enacted the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. Takeaway for Bryan parents: Delay in calling 911 and culture of silence can be fatal.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): A “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant drinking. Died with 0.495% BAC. Louisiana enacted the Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony. Takeaway: Legislation often follows tragedy when patterns are clear.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Pledge forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night. Family reached a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). Takeaway: Universities and nationals face massive financial exposure.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Another “Big/Little” night death. FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life. Takeaway: The same script repeats across different campuses and organizations.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Blindfolded, weighted tackle during “glass ceiling” ritual at a Pennsylvania retreat. Fatal head injury; help delayed. National fraternity convicted of felony charges and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. Takeaway: Off-campus retreats are particularly dangerous; national organizations face criminal liability.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021): Alcohol poisoning during “pledge dad reveal” led to permanent, catastrophic brain injury. Family settled with 22 defendants. Takeaway: Non-fatal injuries can result in lifelong care needs and multi-defendant litigation.

Athletic Program Hazing: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025): Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing within the football program led to multiple lawsuits, coach termination, and confidential settlements. Takeaway: Hazing permeates athletic programs with their own toxic cultures.

What These Cases Mean for Bryan/College Station Families

These national tragedies established critical precedents that benefit Texas families:

Pattern Evidence Matters: Courts recognize that national organizations know their chapters’ tendencies.
Institutional Accountability Is Possible: Both universities and national headquarters can be held liable.
Multi-Million Dollar Recoveries Are Real: From the $10M Foltz settlement to the $12.6M Meredith verdict, juries and settlements reflect the gravity of harm.
Legislative Change Follows Litigation: Many state reforms were driven by specific cases.

Texas Focus: Where Bryan Families Send Their Kids

The Brazos Valley’s Home Campus: Texas A&M University

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot for Bryan Families:
Texas A&M University isn’t just a nearby school—it’s our community’s academic, economic, and cultural heart. With over 70,000 students, it hosts one of the nation’s largest Greek systems and the distinctive Corps of Cadets. Bryan families see firsthand the intersection of Aggie tradition and modern campus risks. The proximity means when hazing occurs, the impact is felt immediately in our local hospitals, courts, and families.

5.1.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting:
Texas A&M prohibits hazing through University Rule 24.06.02.M1 and Student Rule 24. Reporting channels include the Office of Student Conduct, Texas A&M University Police Department, and anonymous systems. The university maintains disciplinary records, though public transparency varies.

5.1.3 Documented Incidents & Responses:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burn Case (2021): Two pledges alleged being covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. They sued for $1 million; the fraternity received a two-year suspension.

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Lawsuit (2023): A cadet alleged being bound between beds in a degrading position with an apple in his mouth, part of systematic hazing including simulated sexual acts. He sought over $1 million in damages. Texas A&M stated it handled the matter internally.

Multiple IFC Chapter Suspensions: Various fraternities have faced suspension for alcohol hazing, physical abuse, and policy violations in recent years.

5.1.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed for Bryan Families:
Jurisdiction typically involves Brazos County courts (especially the 272nd District Court or 361st District Court) for civil cases. Criminal charges might be filed by the Brazos County District Attorney’s Office. Evidence collection often must overcome the “Aggie Code” of silence and rapid digital evidence destruction.

5.1.5 What Texas A&M Families in Bryan/College Station Should Do:

Immediate Reporting: Contact Texas A&M Office of Student Conduct (979-458-4728) and Texas A&M University Police (979-845-2345).
Medical Care: St. Joseph Health and Baylor Scott & White are familiar with hazing presentations; insist documentation specifies “hazing-related.”
Evidence Preservation: GroupMe is ubiquitous in Aggie Greek life; screenshot before messages disappear.
Legal Consultation: Given Texas A&M’s institutional resources and Aggie network effects, early legal counsel is critical. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for Brazos Valley-specific guidance.

University of Houston: Where Our Active Litigation Unfolds

5.2.1 The Flagship Case in Our Backyard:
While Houston is 90 miles from Bryan, the ongoing Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case represents the exact legal battlefield families across Texas face. The details—from the “pledge fanny pack” humiliation to the rhabdomyolysis diagnosis—illustrate the severe physical and psychological harm possible.

5.2.2 UH’s Response & Implications:
UH’s statement calling the conduct “deeply disturbing” and Pi Kappa Phi’s rapid chapter closure demonstrate institutional damage control patterns. For Bryan families with students at UH, this case shows both the severity of risk and the potential for accountability through experienced litigation.

University of Texas at Austin

5.3.1 Transparency Model:
UT Austin maintains a public Hazing Violations Log (hazing.utexas.edu), offering more transparency than many peers. Recent entries show consistent patterns:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Chapter probation and mandatory education required.

Texas Wranglers & Other Spirit Groups: Multiple sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol hazing, and psychological abuse.

5.3.2 For Bryan Families with Longhorns:
Travis County courts often handle these cases. The public violation log provides powerful pattern evidence for civil suits. The distance from Bryan means families need attorneys who can effectively operate in Austin’s legal environment.

Southern Methodist University

5.4.1 Private University Dynamics:
SMU’s private status affects transparency but not liability. The 2017 Kappa Alpha Order suspension for paddling and forced drinking illustrates recurring issues at even prestigious private institutions.

5.4.2 Dallas-Area Legal Considerations:
Dallas County courts and SMU’s substantial resources require corresponding legal capability. For Bryan families with students at SMU, the geographic distance adds complexity to investigation and litigation.

Baylor University

5.5.1 Post-Scandal Environment:
Following major athletic scandals, Baylor faces heightened scrutiny. The 2020 baseball team hazing suspension of 14 players demonstrates athletic program risks.

5.5.2 McLennan County Jurisdiction:
Waco’s legal environment and Baylor’s religious affiliation create unique dynamics. Bryan families need counsel experienced with both Baylor’s culture and McLennan County courts.

The Greek Ecosystem Around Bryan: Public Records Reality

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: What We Track

Our firm maintains an unprecedented database of Texas Greek organizations because liability often extends beyond the active chapter. Here’s what Bryan families should understand about the ecosystem:

IRS B83 Backbone – 125 Texas-Registered Greek Organizations:
These are tax-exempt entities with Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), including house corporations, alumni chapters, and honor societies. Examples relevant to Bryan-area families:

KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC (EIN: 133048786) | 3007 EARL RUDDER FWY S, COLLEGE STATION, TX 77845
GENTLEMEN OF AGGIE TRADITION (EIN: 880537463) | 3007 EARL RUDDER FWY S STE 100, COLLEGE STATION, TX 77845
ETA ALPHA HOUSE CORPORATION OF KAPPA DELTA SORORITY (EIN: 742930349) | 404 UNIVERSITY DR E STE D, COLLEGE STATION, TX 77840
HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI (EIN: 900293166) | 114 HENDERSON HALL 4233 TAMU, COLLEGE STATION, TX 77843 (Texas A&M University chapter)
ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC (EIN: 812525354) | 3989 N GRAHAM RD, COLLEGE STATION, TX 77845

College Station-Bryan Metro Area Organizations (42 Total per Cause IQ):

Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon Chapter (Texas A&M)
Omega Psi Phi – Tau Tau Chapter (Texas A&M)
Beta Theta Pi – Eta Chapter House Corporation
Delta Sigma Theta – Brazos Valley Alumnae Chapter

Major Texas Universities Where Bryan Families Send Students:

Local/Regional Campuses:

Texas A&M University (College Station, Brazos County)
Blinn College (Bryan, Brazos County)
Sam Houston State University (Huntsville, Walker County – 70 miles)
Prairie View A&M University (Prairie View, Waller County – 95 miles)

Statewide Hubs (Common for Bryan Students):

University of Texas at Austin (Travis County)
University of Houston (Harris County)
Baylor University (McLennan County)
Southern Methodist University (Dallas County)
Texas Tech University (Lubbock County)
Texas State University (Hays County)

National Histories That Matter for Bryan Families

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ): Stone Foltz death at BGSU ($10M settlement). Multiple Texas chapter incidents including UT Austin violations.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ): Chemical burn case at Texas A&M ($1M lawsuit). National pattern of alcohol deaths and injuries.

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): Max Gruver death at LSU led to Louisiana felony hazing law.

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Andrew Coffey death at FSU. Currently defending UH Beta Nu chapter in our active litigation.

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ): SMU chapter suspended for paddling and forced drinking (2017).

Critical Insight: These national patterns establish foreseeability. When a Texas chapter repeats behaviors that caused deaths elsewhere, national headquarters cannot claim “we didn’t know this could happen.”

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages & Strategy for Bryan Families

Evidence That Matters in 2025

Digital Communications (Most Critical):

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage threads: Show planning, coercion, cover-up attempts.
Instagram/Snapchat/TikTok: Humiliating content, location tags, timestamps.
Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often retrieve “disappearing” messages.

Photographic & Video Evidence:

Injuries progression documentation.
Event footage from members’ phones.
Security/doorbell camera footage from houses.

Internal Organization Documents:

Pledge manuals, “tradition” documents.
Risk management reports to nationals.
Member education materials.

University Records (Obtainable via Discovery):

Prior conduct violations of same organization.
Campus police incident reports.
Internal emails about the organization.

Medical Records:

ER/hospital records specifying “hazing-related.”
Toxicology reports (blood alcohol levels).
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, anxiety, depression).
Specialist reports for ongoing treatment.

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges, former members, roommates.
RAs, neighbors, bystanders.
Medical personnel who treated injuries.

Damages: What Bryan Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Lost earning capacity (if permanent disability results)
Property damage

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
Loss of enjoyment of life
Humiliation and reputational harm

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragedy Strikes):

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Conduct Is Egregious):

To punish reckless or malicious behavior
To deter future hazing
Available under Texas law in appropriate cases

The Insurance Coverage Battle

Fraternity and university insurers often employ standard defenses:

“Intentional act” exclusions
Coverage limit arguments
Denials based on technical policy language

Our insider experience from Mr. Peña’s background at a national defense firm is invaluable here. We know how to:

Identify all potential policy sources (chapter, national, university, individual homeowners)
Navigate coverage disputes
Present cases to maximize insurance recovery

Practical Guides & FAQs for Bryan/College Station Families

For Parents: Warning Signs & Action Steps

Warning Signs Your Aggie (or Other Student) May Be Hazed:

Physical: Unexplained bruises, burns, limping; extreme exhaustion; weight changes; sleep deprivation symptoms.
Behavioral: Sudden secrecy; withdrawal from family/friends; personality changes (anxiety, depression); defensive about organization activities.
Academic: Grades dropping; missing classes; losing scholarships.
Digital: Constant phone monitoring; anxiety about messages; deleting chat histories; location tracking apps.
Financial: Unexpected large expenses; buying excessive alcohol; unexplained purchases.

Questions to Ask Non-Confrontationally:

“How are your new member activities going? Are they respectful of your study time?”
“Have you had to do anything that made you uncomfortable to fit in?”
“Do you feel like you could leave if you wanted to, or would there be consequences?”

If You Suspect Hazing – Immediate Actions:

Prioritize Safety: If in danger, call 911 (connects to Texas A&M PD on campus, Bryan/College Station PD off campus).
Medical Documentation: St. Joseph or Baylor Scott & White ERs; insist “hazing-related” is documented.
Evidence Preservation: Screenshot ALL digital communications before deletion.
Written Record: Document everything your child shares with dates/times.
Strategic Reporting: Consult an attorney before detailed reporting to preserve options.
Legal Consultation: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 within 24-48 hours.

For Students: Safety Planning & Rights

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide:

Are you being pressured to do something dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would you do this if there were no social consequences?
Are older members making you do things they don’t have to do themselves?
Are you told to keep secrets or lie about activities?

If you answered YES, it’s likely hazing.

How to Exit Safely:

Immediate Danger: Call 911. Texas law protects good-faith reporters.
De-pledging: Send a written resignation to chapter president; inform a trusted adult first.
Avoid “One Last Meeting”: This is often a pressure/retaliation opportunity.
Document Retaliation: Save all communications if harassment occurs.

Your Rights in Texas:

Consent is NOT a defense to hazing charges.
Good-faith reporters have immunity protections.
You can pursue civil claims even if no criminal charges are filed.
Universities must investigate reported hazing.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Digital Evidence
What happens: “I’m embarrassed, so I’ll delete those GroupMe messages.”
Why it’s devastating: Looks like cover-up; destroys the best evidence; may be obstruction.
Instead: Screenshot everything and back up to cloud storage immediately.

2. Confronting the Organization Directly
What happens: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind!”
Why it’s devastating: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses.
Instead: Document everything silently; let your attorney handle communications.

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms
What happens: Texas A&M offers “internal resolution” to make it go away.
Why it’s devastating: You may waive legal rights; settlements are often minimal.
Instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 first.

4. Posting on Social Media
What happens: “People need to know what happened!”
Why it’s devastating: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility.
Instead: Document privately; let your attorney control public messaging.

5. Waiting “To See How the University Handles It”
What happens: Texas A&M says “we’re investigating internally.”
Why it’s devastating: Evidence disappears; witnesses graduate; statute runs.
Instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult attorney immediately.

FAQ: Specific Questions from Bryan Families

“Can we sue Texas A&M University for hazing?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. As a public university, Texas A&M has sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in their personal capacity. Each case requires specific analysis. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for case evaluation.

“Is hazing a felony in Brazos County?”
It can be. Texas law makes hazing a state jail felony when it causes serious bodily injury or death. The Brazos County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes these cases. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“My child ‘agreed’ to the initiation—do we have a case?”
YES. Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t voluntary.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Brazos County?”
Generally 2 years from injury or death, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately known. In cover-up situations, the statute may be tolled. Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if it happened at an off-campus house in Bryan’s historic district?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Texas A&M and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. Property owners may also face premises liability claims.

“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in The Eagle?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability. Sealed court records and confidential settlement terms are often achievable.

Why Attorney911 for Bryan/College Station Hazing Cases

Texas-Based Hazing Specialists Serving the Brazos Valley

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful Texas institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Bryan, College Station, and the entire Brazos Valley.

Our Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Lupe Peña’s Defense 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. We understand their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello’s Experience):
Our involvement in BP Texas City explosion litigation proves our capability against billion-dollar defendants. We’re not intimidated by Texas A&M University, national fraternities, or their defense teams. Our federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) prepares us for complex hazing litigation.

Active Texas Hazing Litigation (The Bermudez Case):
Right now, we’re leading the $10 million Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit. This isn’t historical—it’s active, current proof of our hazing litigation capability. The details of this case—rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, institutional negligence—mirror what Bryan families might face.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience:
We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases with economist collaboration. We understand how to value lifetime care needs for brain injuries, permanent disabilities, and catastrophic harm. We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force accountability.

Dual Civil/Criminal Hazing Expertise:
Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. We can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure.

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:
Our proprietary database tracks 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros, including the 42 organizations in the College Station-Bryan metro. We don’t start from zero—we already know the entities, EINs, and patterns.

Investigative Depth for Brazos County Cases:

Digital forensics for GroupMe, Snapchat, TikTok evidence common in Aggie Greek life
Medical expert network familiar with St. Joseph Health and Baylor Scott & White protocols
Experience obtaining Texas A&M disciplinary records through discovery
Understanding of Aggie culture and “Code of Silence” dynamics

Spanish-Language Services:
Hablamos Español. Mr. Peña provides consultations in Spanish, serving Hispanic families throughout the Brazos Valley.

Our Philosophy: Empathy Meets Accountability

We know hazing cases are among the hardest things a family can face. Our approach balances:

Compassionate support through traumatic situations
Relentless investigation to uncover the truth
Strategic litigation to maximize accountability
Privacy protection for victims and families
Prevention focus to stop future harm

Call to Action for Bryan/College Station Families

If Hazing Has Impacted Your Family

Whether you’re in Bryan’s historic districts, College Station’s newer communities, or anywhere in the Brazos Valley, if hazing has affected your family at Texas A&M University or any Texas campus, you don’t have to face this alone.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a Confidential, No-Obligation Consultation

What to Expect When You Call 1-888-ATTY-911:

We Listen: We’ll hear your story without judgment or interruption.
We Analyze: We’ll review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records).
We Explain: We’ll outline your legal options in plain English.
We Strategize: We’ll discuss realistic timelines and expectations.
We Answer: We’ll address all your questions about process and costs.

No Pressure to Hire Us: Take time to decide what’s right for your family.

Contingency Fee Basis: We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Contact Information for Bryan-Area Families

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 | Spanish: lupe@atty911.com

Serving Brazos County and All of Texas from Our Houston Office

Educational Resources for Bryan Families

Watch Our Educational Videos:

Learn More About Our Practice:

Wrongful Death Experience: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Criminal Defense Capability: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/
Ralph Manginello’s Profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
Lupe Peña’s Profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

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

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

Attorney911 Main Website:

https://attorney911.com – Main website and contact information

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 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 | Spanish: lupe@atty911.com