The Complete Texas Hazing Guide for City of Bangs Families: University Accountability, Legal Rights & Recovery

For parents in City of Bangs, Brown County, the college experience you envisioned for your child can turn into a parent’s worst nightmare in an instant. A late-night phone call, a cryptic text, or a sudden trip home with unexplained injuries—these moments shatter the trust you placed in university communities across Texas. Right now, just hours from City of Bangs in Houston, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases Texas has seen: representing Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. This case proves that hazing isn’t just “boys will be boys” behavior—it’s systematic abuse that leads to hospitalization, kidney failure, and lifelong consequences.

If your child attends Howard Payne University right here in Brownwood, Texas A&M in College Station, UT Austin, Baylor in Waco, or any Texas campus, this guide is for you. We wrote this comprehensive resource because families in City of Bangs and throughout Brown County deserve to know the truth about hazing in 2025: what it really looks like, what Texas law says, how universities respond, and what legal options you have when institutions fail to protect your child.

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:

1. Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
2. Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
   • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
   • Photograph injuries from multiple angles
   • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
3. Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
4. 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)
• 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

For families in City of Bangs sending students to Howard Payne University, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or other Texas campuses, understanding modern hazing is critical. What was once dismissed as “tradition” or “pranks” has evolved into systematic abuse that follows predictable patterns.

The Reality Behind the Letters

Hazing in 2025 isn’t just about paddles and alcohol. It’s a calculated system of control that includes:

Digital Control & Psychological Manipulation:

• 24/7 group chat monitoring: Pledges required to respond instantly to messages at all hours
• Location tracking: Forced sharing of live locations via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
• Social media policing: Controlling what pledges can post, requiring them to share organizational content
• Sleep deprivation via technology: Late-night “mandatory” virtual meetings, 3 AM check-ins

Coercion Disguised as “Optional”:

• Activities framed as “voluntary” but with clear social consequences for non-participation
• “You don’t have to do this, but everyone before you did” mentality
  – Social exclusion, denial of “big brother/little sister” matches for those who refuse

Modern Physical Hazing:

• Extreme “workouts” or “conditioning”: Hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse
• Forced consumption rituals: Milk, hot dogs, peppercorns, or other substances until vomiting
• Environmental exposure: Standing outside in cold weather in underwear, lying in vomit-soaked grass
• Simulated torture: Hose spraying in face “similar to waterboarding” as in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case

The Hidden Locations

Hazing doesn’t happen in public view. For City of Bangs families, understand these common venues:

• “Unofficial” off-campus houses: Properties not owned by the university or fraternity
• Remote retreats: Airbnbs, cabins, or rural properties hours from campus
  Benjamin Member family homes: Houses owned by alumni or members’ families
• Public parks after hours: Like Yellowstone Boulevard Park in the UH case
• Chapter house basements or back rooms: Areas without security cameras

Who’s At Risk?

While fraternities receive most attention, hazing affects:

• Sororities: Increasing reports of sleep deprivation, forced drinking, humiliation rituals
• Corps of Cadets & ROTC: Military-style discipline crossing into abuse
• Athletic teams: From football to swimming, “conditioning” turned punitive
• Spirit organizations: Texas Cowboys, cheer squads, marching bands
  .

Texas Hazing Law: What City of Bangs Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws governing hazing that apply whether your child attends Howard Payne University here in Brown County or any Texas campus. Understanding these laws is the first step toward accountability.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

Definition (Texas Education Code §37.151):
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in any organization that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
• Is done for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership

Key Provisions for Brown County Families:

Criminal Penalties (§37.152):

• 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

Critical Protection: Consent is NOT a Defense (§37.155):
Texas law explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.” This means even if your child “agreed” under peer pressure, it’s still a crime.

Organizational Liability (§37.153):
Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be:

• Fined up to $10,000 per violation
• Subject to university suspension or permanent ban
• Held criminally liable if they authorized or encouraged hazing

Good-Faith Reporting Protection (§37.154):
Individuals who report hazing in good faith to university officials or law enforcement are immune from civil or criminal liability. This protects bystanders who call for help.

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

• Requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents
• Mandates hazing prevention education and transparency
• Phased implementation through 2026

Title IX & Clery Act:

• When hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, Title IX protections apply
• Clery Act requires reporting of certain crimes occurring on or near campus
• Universities must maintain public crime logs including hazing incidents

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by the State of Texas (prosecutor)
• Purpose: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical charges: Hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil Cases:

• Brought by victims or families
• Purpose: Compensation and accountability
• Legal theories: Negligence, wrongful death, premises liability, negligent supervision

Both can proceed simultaneously, and a criminal conviction isn’t required for a civil case. Many families pursue civil litigation to recover medical expenses, therapy costs, and hold institutions accountable even when criminal charges aren’t filed.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

The heartbreaking cases below aren’t just national news—they’re legal precedents that affect how Texas courts view hazing and what City of Bangs families can expect when pursuing accountability.

Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: The Deadliest Script

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):

• Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night
• Died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.394)
• $10 million settlement: $7 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3 million from BGSU
• Lesson: National fraternities know “Big/Little” drinking rituals are deadly yet continue

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):

• “Bible study” drinking game: wrong answers = forced drinking
• Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495)
• Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony
• $6.1 million verdict against fraternity members
  655

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):

• Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking
• Multiple falls captured on chapter security cameras
• 18 fraternity members charged with 1,000+ criminal counts
• Pennsylvania enacted Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):

• Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
• Fatal traumatic brain injury; help delayed
• National fraternity criminally convicted
• Banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021):

• Forced excessive drinking during “pledge dad reveal”
• Severe, permanent brain damage: cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care
• Settlements with 22 defendants (confidential multi-million dollar amounts)

Athletic Program Hazing: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025):

• Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing within football program
• Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
• Head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit
• Lesson: Hazing occurs in multi-million dollar athletic programs with institutional knowledge

What These Cases Mean for City of Bangs Families

1. Patterns are predictable: The same dangerous rituals repeat across campuses
2. Delayed medical care compounds tragedy: Hours matter in alcohol poisoning cases
3. National organizations have prior knowledge: They’ve seen these deaths before
4. Legislative change follows tragedy: Family advocacy drives new laws
5. Multi-million dollar accountability is possible: Both punitive and compensatory

Texas Focus: Where City of Bangs Families Send Their Children

Families in City of Bangs and Brown County send students to universities across Texas. Whether your child attends Howard Payne University locally or travels to major campuses, understanding each school’s hazing landscape is critical.

Local Connection: Howard Payne University in Brownwood

For City of Bangs families, Howard Payne University represents both convenience and concern. Located just minutes away in Brownwood, HPU serves as the primary higher education institution for many Brown County students. Understanding its Greek life and organizational landscape is essential for local families.

Campus Profile:

• Private Baptist university founded 1889
• Approximately 1,000 undergraduate students
• Active Greek life with fraternities and sororities
• Strong emphasis on Christian values and community

Greek Organizations at HPU:

• Fraternities: Local and national chapters
• Sororities: Multiple Panhellenic organizations
• Faith-based groups: Christian fraternities and sororities

Hazing Concerns for Local Families:

• Small campus dynamics: Close-knit communities can enable secrecy
• Limited oversight: Smaller staff may miss warning signs
• “Family” mentality: “We’re all friends here” can discourage reporting
• Religious context: May create additional pressure to conform

What City of Bangs Parents Should Know:

• HPU has anti-hazing policies in student handbook
• Reporting goes through Dean of Students office
• Brownwood Police Department has jurisdiction for off-campus incidents
• Evidence preservation is critical: Even small campuses have digital trails

Major Texas Universities: Where Brown County Students Often Attend

University of Houston: Current Crisis & Pattern

UH Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Case (Fall 2025):
Our firm currently represents Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, and 13 individual members. This case demonstrates the extreme hazing occurring at Texas campuses.

Specific Allegations:

• “Pledge fanny pack” rule: Carried 24/7 with condoms, sex toy, nicotine devices
• Physical abuse: Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills
• Extreme rituals: Cold-weather exposure in underwear, lying in vomit-soaked grass
• Waterboarding simulation: Sprayed in face with hose, threatened with actual waterboarding
• Forced consumption: Milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting, then sprints
• Nov 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats

Medical Catastrophe:

• Developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown)
• Acute kidney failure requiring 4-day hospitalization
• Passed brown urine, couldn’t stand without help
• Critically high creatine kinase levels confirming organ damage

Institutional Response:

• Nov 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends Beta Nu chapter
• Nov 14, 2025: Chapter members vote to surrender charter
• UH calls conduct “deeply disturbing,” promises disciplinary action
• Lesson: Even rapid chapter closure doesn’t erase liability

UH Greek Life Landscape:

• 50+ fraternities and sororities across multiple councils
• Active Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural groups
• Prior incidents: Pi Kappa Alpha suspension (2016 lacerated spleen case)

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture & Greek Life

For City of Bangs families considering Texas A&M, understand both Greek and Corps hazing risks.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

• Allegations: Pledges covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, spit
• Injuries: Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
• Lawsuit: Pledges sued for $1 million
• Outcome: Chapter suspended 2 years

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023):

• Allegations: Cadet bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth
• Additional claims: Simulated sexual acts, degradation
• Lawsuit: Sought over $1 million
• A&M response: “Handled under university rules”

What City of Bangs Parents Should Know:

• Corps hazing often dismissed as “military discipline”
• Greek life deeply embedded in Aggie culture
• Reporting channels: Student Conduct Office, Corps leadership
• Evidence: Corps traditions often documented in manuals, texts

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency & Repeated Violations

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Database provides unique transparency for Austin-area families.

Documented Cases:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk, perform strenuous calisthenics
• Sanction: Probation, mandatory hazing prevention education
• Texas Wranglers: Multiple sanctions for alcohol hazing, forced workouts
• Various fraternities: Pattern of alcohol-related hazing violations

Why UT’s Transparency Matters for City of Bangs Families:

1. Public records show which organizations have prior violations
2. Pattern evidence strengthens civil cases
3. University knowledge is documented and discoverable

UT Greek Landscape:

• 60+ fraternities and sororities
• Strong Panhellenic and IFC presence
• Active multicultural Greek councils

Southern Methodist University: Private Campus Challenges

SMU’s affluent, private campus presents unique hazing dynamics for Dallas-area families.

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):

• Allegations: Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation
• Outcome: Chapter suspended through 2021
• Pattern: KA has national history of hazing violations

Private University Realities:

• Less public transparency than public institutions
• Strong alumni networks may protect organizations
• Reporting: SMU Conduct Board, anonymous Real Response system

Baylor University: Religious Context & Athletic Hazing

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):

• 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Staggered suspensions throughout season
• Context: Baylor’s history of Title IX and athletic program scrutiny

Baylor’s Dual Reality:

• Public commitment to Christian values
  ississippi Private settlements often conceal hazing outcomes
• Greek life: Active but less transparent than public schools

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving City of Bangs Families

At Attorney911, we maintain the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Texas Greek organizations compiled from IRS filings, university records, and public databases. This investigative work means we don’t start from zero when your family needs help.

Local & Regional Greek Entities

These organizations operate in Central Texas and may have connections to Howard Payne University and other campuses serving Brown County students:

Howard Payne University & Central Texas Area:

• Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc (EIN 273662583)
  • 1416 Sleepy Hollow Dr, Lufkin, TX 75904
  • IRS B83 filing: Greek organization
• Alpha Tau Omega Housing Corporation of Eta Iota Chapter (EIN 300517788)
  • 316 E Lakewood St, Nacogdoches, TX 75965
  • IRS B83 filing: House corporation
• Chi Omega Fraternity – Epsilon Zeta (EIN 756041410)
  • 402 N Steen Dr, Nacogdoches, TX 75965
  • IRS B83 filing: Sorority housing
• Phi Kappa Psi Texas Epsilon Chapter (EIN 452729519)
  • 1936 N St SFA Station Box 6159, Nacogdoches, TX 75965
  • IRS B83 filing: Fraternity chapter

Major Texas Campus Organizations

These entities operate at universities where City of Bangs families commonly send students:

University of Houston Area:

• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter (EIN 746084905)
  • 4300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204
  • IRS B83 filing: Fraternity chapter at UH
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc – Sigma Gamma Chapter (EIN 392352450)
  • PO Box 540026, Houston, TX 77254
  • IRS B83 filing: Sorority chapter
• Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation (EIN 371768785)
  • 4102 Eastshore St, Missouri City, TX 77459
  • IRS B83 filing: House corporation

Texas A&M University Area:

• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (EIN 133048786)
  • 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845
  • IRS B83 filing: Fraternity chapter at Texas A&M
• Eta Alpha House Corporation of Kappa Delta Sorority (EIN 742930349)
  • 404 University Dr E Ste D, College Station, TX 77840
  • IRS B83 filing: Sorority housing corporation
• Gentlemen of Aggie Tradition (EIN 880537463)
  • 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S Ste 100, College Station, TX 77845
  • IRS B83 filing: Student organization

University of Texas at Austin Area:

• Chi Omega Fraternity – House Corporation (EIN 740555581)
  • 2711 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705
  • IRS B83 filing: Sorority house corporation at UT
• Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi (EIN 746047117)
  • 2620 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705
  • IRS B83 filing: Sorority housing
• Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Inc – Alpha Mu (EIN 741130606)
  • 1908 San Gabriel St, Austin, TX 78705
  • IRS B83 filing: Fraternity housing

Baylor University Area:

• Sigma Phi Epsilon Texas Rho Chapter (EIN 741942292)
  • 3217 S 3rd St, Waco, TX 76706
  • IRS B83 filing: Fraternity chapter at Baylor
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc – Nu Iota Chapter (EIN 521346485)
  • PO Box 2033, Waco, TX 76703
  • IRS B83 filing: Sorority chapter at Baylor

Texas-Wide Greek Organization Snapshot

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks:

• 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
• 125+ Texas-registered entities in IRS B83 filings
• 510 organizations in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro
• 188 organizations in Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro
• 154 organizations in Austin-Round Rock metro

Why This Directory Matters for City of Bangs Families:
When hazing occurs, identifying every potentially liable entity is critical. These aren’t just social clubs—they’re legal entities with insurance policies, governing boards, and national affiliations. Our investigative work means we already know how to find the organizations behind the letters.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Matter in Texas Courts

National fraternity and sorority histories aren’t just background information—they’re evidence of foreseeability in civil cases. When a Texas chapter repeats dangerous rituals that caused deaths elsewhere, that pattern knowledge creates liability.

National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

• Stone Foltz: Bowling Green State (2021) – $10 million settlement
• David Bogenberger: Northern Illinois (2012) – $14 million settlement
• Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing repeatedly fatal

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

• Multiple deaths nationwide led to 2014 elimination of pledging
• Texas A&M chemical burns case (2021) – $1 million lawsuit
• UT Austin assault case (2024) – over $1 million lawsuit
• Traumatic brain injury case: University of Alabama (2023)

Phi Delta Theta:

• Max Gruver: LSU (2017) – $6.1 million verdict
• Louisiana Max Gruver Act enacted after death
• Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games

Pi Kappa Phi:

• Andrew Coffey: Florida State (2017) – fatal alcohol poisoning
• Leonel Bermudez: University of Houston (2025) – our current case
• Pattern: Physical hazing leading to hospitalization

Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji):

• Danny Santulli: University of Missouri (2021) – permanent brain damage
• Settlements with 22 defendants (confidential multi-million dollar)
• Pattern: “Pledge dad reveal” drinking rituals

Why National Histories Matter in Your Case

Foreseeability Standard:
Texas courts consider whether harm was “foreseeable.” When national headquarters know:

• Their chapters engage in dangerous rituals
• Those rituals have caused deaths/injuries elsewhere
• They failed to implement effective prevention

…that knowledge creates legal responsibility.

Pattern Evidence in Civil Cases:

• Prior incidents at other chapters admissible in court
• Shows national had notice of dangerous practices
• Supports claims for punitive damages in some cases

Insurance Coverage Implications:

• National organizations often have liability insurance
• Pattern knowledge affects coverage disputes
• Multiple incidents can trigger higher policy limits

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Recovery for City of Bangs Families

When hazing injures your child, building a strong case requires systematic investigation and strategic legal action. Our approach at Attorney911 combines insurance insider knowledge, complex litigation experience, and deep understanding of Texas Greek systems.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Evidence (Most Important):

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord
• Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook
• Location data: Find My Friends, Snapchat Maps, geotagged posts
• Deleted messages: Digital forensics can recover deleted content
• Planning communications: Messages arranging hazing events

Documentary Evidence:

• Chapter records: Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, meeting minutes
• University files: Prior conduct violations, probation letters
• National policies: Risk management manuals, anti-hazing materials
• Medical records: ER reports, hospitalization records, therapy notes

Physical Evidence:

• Injury documentation: Photos of bruises, burns, other injuries
• Objects used: Paddles, alcohol bottles, costumes, props
• Location evidence: Photos of where hazing occurred

Witness Evidence:

• Other pledges: May be reluctant but often cooperate
• Former members: Often willing to testify after leaving organization
• Roommates/RAs: May have observed changes or heard admissions
• Medical providers: Documented injuries and patient statements

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

• Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, therapy
• Future medical needs: Ongoing treatment, medications, life care plans
• Lost educational costs: Tuition for withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships
• Diminished earning capacity: If injuries affect future employment

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and suffering: Physical pain from injuries
• Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment: Can’t participate in college life, activities
• Reputational harm: Social stigma, difficulty transferring schools

Wrongful Death Damages (if applicable):

• Funeral/burial expenses
• Loss of financial support: Future earnings deceased would have provided
• Loss of companionship: Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering
• Mental anguish: Family’s grief and trauma

Punitive Damages (in some cases):

• Purpose: Punish especially reckless or intentional conduct
• When awarded: Defendant knew risks, ignored warnings, acted with indifference
• Texas caps: Generally limited but higher for intentional conduct

Strategic Considerations for Texas Cases

Sovereign Immunity Issues:
Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some immunity protections, but exceptions exist for:

• Gross negligence or intentional misconduct
• Title IX violations (sexual harassment aspects)
• Suing individual employees in personal capacity

Insurance Coverage Fights:
Fraternities and universities often have insurance, but insurers may argue:

• Hazing is “intentional act” excluded from coverage
• Policy doesn’t cover certain defendants or locations
• Our advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as insurance defense attorney means we know their tactics

Multiple Defendant Strategy:
We typically pursue all potentially liable parties:

1. Individual members who participated
2. Chapter officers who organized or permitted
3. Local chapter (if incorporated)
4. National headquarters
5. University (depending on facts)
6. Property owners/landlords
7. Alcohol providers (if applicable)

Timeline & Statutes of Limitations:

• Generally 2 years from injury in Texas
• Discovery rule may extend if harm wasn’t immediately apparent
• Critical to act quickly: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate

Practical Guide for City of Bangs Parents & Students

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Hazed:

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries
• Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
• Weight changes from food restriction or stress eating
• Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, 3 AM calls)
• Signs of alcohol poisoning or drug use (even if not typical)

Behavioral Changes:

• Sudden secrecy about organization activities
• Withdrawal from family, old friends, non-Greek activities
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
• Defensive when asked about the organization
• Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting chapter down”

Academic Red Flags:

• Grades dropping suddenly
• Missing classes or falling asleep in class
• Skipping assignments for “mandatory” events
• Losing scholarships or academic standing

Digital Behavior:

• Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
• Anxiety when phone buzzes
• Deleting messages or clearing history obsessively
• Receiving calls/texts at all hours demanding response

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontational):

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. “Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
6. “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”
7. “Are they asking you to keep secrets?”

For Students: Safety Planning & Evidence Preservation

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

• 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 my parents/university approve if they knew?
• Am I being told to keep secrets or lie?

How to Exit Safely:

1. Immediate danger: Call 911, get to safe location
2. Wanting to quit: Tell someone outside org first (parent, RA, friend)
3. Send written notice: Email/text chapter president: “I resign effective immediately”
4. Do NOT go to “one last meeting”: This is often a pressure tactic
5. Document threats: Save any retaliation messages

Evidence Collection Checklist:

1. Screenshots: Group chats with timestamps, participant names
2. Photos: Injuries (multiple angles, with ruler for scale), locations, objects
3. Medical care: Tell providers you were hazed, get records
4. Voice memos: Texas is one-party consent state—record conversations you’re part of
5. Save everything: Don’t delete messages, even if embarrassing
6. Witness info: Names/contacts of others who saw what happened

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Your Child Delete Evidence:

• What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
• Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up, obstruction of justice
• What to do: Preserve everything immediately

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly:

• What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
• Why it’s wrong: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• What to do: Document everything, call lawyer first

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms:

• What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers
• Why it’s wrong: May waive right to sue, settlements often lowball
• What to do: Do NOT sign without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media Before Talking to Lawyer:

• What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
• Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything, inconsistencies hurt
• What to do: Document privately, let lawyer control messaging

5. Waiting “to See How University Handles It”:

• What universities promise: “We’re investigating internally”
• Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, statute runs, university controls narrative
• What to do: Preserve evidence NOW, consult lawyer immediately

Frequently Asked Questions for City of Bangs Families

Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities have sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in personal capacity. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts.

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 the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

Can my child bring a case if they “agreed” to the initiation?
Yes. Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and fear of exclusion isn’t true voluntary consent.

How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million dollar judgments.

Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?
Most hazing 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 it cost to hire Attorney911 for a hazing case?
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay no upfront costs, and we only get paid if we recover money for you. Our fee comes from the recovery, so we’re motivated to maximize your result.

Why Attorney911 for City of Bangs Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how universities and national fraternities fight back—and how to win anyway.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage:
Mr. Lupe 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
• Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
• “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions:
Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal budgets. That same experience applies when suing national fraternities and universities.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience:
We’ve recovered millions for families in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. We work with economists to value lifetime care needs, lost earning capacity, and non-economic damages.

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:
Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand:

• How criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
• Defense strategies used in hazing prosecutions
• How to advise witnesses with dual exposure

Investigative Depth:
Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine means we don’t start from zero. We already know:

• Which organizations operate at Texas campuses
• Their legal structures and insurance carriers
• National hazing histories and patterns
• How to obtain hidden evidence through discovery

Spanish-Language Services:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can serve Hispanic families throughout Texas. Se habla Español—contact Lupe at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

Our Approach: Thorough Investigation, Real Accountability

We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force institutions to change. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re not just seeking compensation for Leonel Bermudez—we’re demanding systemic accountability that prevents future harm.

What Sets Us Apart:

1. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does
2. We understand Greek culture from the inside out
3. We’re not intimidated by national organizations or university legal teams
4. We prioritize prevention alongside compensation
5. We communicate regularly—you’ll never wonder what’s happening

Call to Action: Your Next Step as a City of Bangs Family

If you or your child experienced hazing at Howard Payne University, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in City of Bangs and throughout Brown County have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

1. We’ll listen to your story without judgment
2. Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
3. Explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
4. Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
5. Answer questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
6. No pressure to hire us—take time to decide
7. Everything confidential

Contact Information:

• 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 (Ralph Manginello)
• Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)

Hablamos Español: Servicios legales en español disponibles.

Whether you’re in City of Bangs or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions responsible for your child’s safety need to be held accountable. Call us today.

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