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Hazing at Texas Universities: A Comprehensive Legal Guide for City of Brazos Country Families

When your child leaves for college from our quiet community here in City of Brazos Country, you imagine them studying in the library, making lifelong friends, and building their future. You don’t imagine them lying in vomit-soaked grass at 3 AM, being sprayed in the face with a hose, or being forced to consume food until they get sick—all because they wanted to join a campus organization. Yet this is exactly what happened to Leonel Bermudez, a student at the University of Houston just a short drive from our community, in what has become one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases.

Right now, our firm represents Mr. Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity, its Beta Nu chapter housing corporation, and 13 fraternity leaders. The allegations are horrifying in their specificity: a “pledge fanny pack” filled with humiliating items carried at all times, forced sprints and bear crawls until collapse, simulated waterboarding with a hose, and being hog-tied face-down on a table. The physical abuse led to rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure that required four days of hospitalization. His urine was brown. He faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

If you’re a parent in City of Brazos Country or anywhere across Austin County and the surrounding region, this case matters deeply. It proves that extreme hazing isn’t something that happens somewhere else—it’s happening right now at Texas universities where our children study. This comprehensive guide exists to give you the knowledge we wish every Texas family had before their child joins a campus organization: what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects victims, what’s happening at our major universities, and what legal options exist when things go terribly wrong.

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 evidence, 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 Beyond the Stereotypes

Modern hazing has evolved far beyond the “hell week” caricatures of decades past. For families in City of Brazos Country sending students to University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or other Texas campuses, understanding what actually happens is the first step toward protection.

The Three-Tier Reality of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Just Tradition”)
This includes behaviors that establish power imbalance while seeming harmless: requiring pledges to be “on call” 24/7 for errands, enforcing dress codes, mandatory “study blocks” that interfere with academics, social isolation from non-members, and carrying demeaning items (like the “pledge fanny pack” in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case that contained condoms, sex toys, and nicotine devices). The digital evolution includes constant group chat monitoring, location sharing demands, and social media policing.

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Creates Hostile Environments)
This moves into clearer abuse: sleep deprivation with 3 AM wake-up calls, food/water restriction, forced consumption of unpleasant substances, verbal abuse and degradation, and physical activity beyond safe limits. In the UH case, this included enforced dress codes, hours-long interviews, overnight chauffeuring duties, and being forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass.

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (High Potential for Serious Injury or Death)
This is what we see in the most severe cases: forced alcohol consumption (like the “big/little” nights that have killed students nationwide), physical beatings and paddling, dangerous physical “tests,” sexualized hazing including forced nudity, and exposure to extreme environments. The UH Pi Kappa Phi case included being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced consumption of milk, hot dogs and peppercorns until vomiting, and extreme workouts of 100+ push-ups and 500 squats leading to rhabdomyolysis.

Where Hazing Happens: Beyond Fraternity Row

While fraternities and sororities receive the most attention, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs (particularly at Texas A&M)
Athletic teams (from football to cheerleading)
Spirit and tradition groups (like Texas Cowboys at UT Austin)
Marching bands and performance groups
Academic and service organizations

What binds these groups is the toxic combination of tradition, secrecy, and social pressure that convinces young people to endure—and inflict—harm in the name of belonging.

Texas Hazing Law: What City of Brazos Country Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws addressing hazing, primarily in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. Understanding these laws is crucial for families in our community who may face these situations.

The Legal Definition Under Texas Education Code §37.151

Hazing in Texas means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

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

Critical Points for City of Brazos Country Parents:

Location doesn’t matter: Hazing at an off-campus Airbnb or retreat is still hazing
Mental harm counts: Psychological abuse is explicitly included
Recklessness is enough: They don’t need to intend harm, just be reckless about the risk
“Consent is not a defense”: Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still illegal under Texas Education Code §37.155

Criminal Penalties: §37.152

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause 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 (like the rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure in the UH case)

Additionally, failing to report hazing (if you’re a member/officer who knew) and retaliating against reporters are separate misdemeanors.

Organizational Liability: §37.153

This is crucial for holding groups accountable. Organizations can be prosecuted if:

They authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
An officer/member acting in official capacity knew and failed to report

Organizations face fines up to $10,000 per violation, and universities can revoke recognition.

Good-Faith Reporting Protection: §37.154

Someone who in good faith reports hazing to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result. This “medical amnesty” is vital—it means calling 911 for an alcohol poisoning victim won’t get them in trouble for underage drinking.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (prosecutor)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Charges can include: hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: Monetary compensation and accountability
Focus on: negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress

The two can run simultaneously, and a criminal conviction isn’t required to pursue civil justice. In fact, the burden of proof is lower in civil cases (“preponderance of evidence” rather than “beyond reasonable doubt”).

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently, strengthen prevention, and maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026).

Title IX & Clery Act:
When hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, Title IX obligations trigger. Clery requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Families Can Learn

The tragedies at other universities provide painful but crucial lessons for families in City of Brazos Country. These cases show predictable patterns and establish legal precedents that protect Texas students.

Alcohol Poisoning Death Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
The 20-year-old pledge was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a “big/little” night and died from alcohol poisoning. Multiple fraternity members were convicted, and the family reached a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). This case demonstrates how formulaic drinking traditions become scripts for disaster.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
The 19-year-old died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%) after a “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers meant forced drinking. The case led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute) and shows how “games” mask deadly coercion.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017):
The pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” where pledges were given handles of hard liquor. This case involves the same national fraternity now accused in the University of Houston case, showing pattern behavior across chapters.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
The pledge was blindfolded, weighted with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual at a remote retreat, suffering fatal head injuries while members delayed calling 911. The national fraternity was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This proves off-campus locations don’t eliminate liability.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the program over years, leading to multiple lawsuits, the head coach’s firing, and confidential settlements. This demonstrates hazing extends far beyond Greek life into major athletic programs.

What These Cases Mean for City of Brazos Country Families

These national precedents matter because they:

Show foreseeability—national organizations knew these activities could cause death/injury
Establish pattern evidence that helps prove negligence
Create legal roadmaps for holding universities and nationals accountable
Result in multi-million dollar settlements that force institutional change

When similar conduct occurs at Texas universities, we can leverage these established patterns to build stronger cases for our clients.

Texas University Focus: Where City of Brazos Country Students Study

Families in our community send students to universities across Texas. Understanding the specific landscape at each major institution helps you recognize risks and know where to turn if problems arise.

University of Houston: The Current Crisis Campus

For City of Brazos Country Families: Just a short drive from our community, UH represents both the promise of higher education and current realities of hazing risk. The ongoing Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates what can happen when traditions turn toxic.

Campus Culture Snapshot:
UH’s large urban campus hosts active Greek life with multiple councils: Interfraternity Council (IFC), Houston Panhellenic Council, Multicultural Greek Council, United Greek Council, and National Pan-Hellenic Council (Divine Nine). The mix of commuter and residential students creates unique dynamics where off-campus housing plays a significant role in hazing incidents.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting:
UH prohibits hazing both on and off campus, with reporting through the Dean of Students Office, Campus Safety, and online reporting forms. The university states it investigates all reports and imposes sanctions including suspension or expulsion.

The Flagship Case: Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi
The case we’re actively litigating involves shocking specifics:

Locations: Pi Kappa Phi chapter house, Culmore Drive residence (owned by former member), Yellowstone Boulevard Park
Hazing Methods: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, enforced dress codes, overnight driving duties, cold-weather exposure in underwear, lying in vomit, hose spraying “like waterboarding,” forced consumption leading to vomiting, extreme workouts
Medical Harm: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, 4-day hospitalization, ongoing kidney damage risk
Institutional Response: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended chapter Nov 6, 2025; chapter voted to surrender charter Nov 14, 2025; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary/criminal action

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds:

Jurisdiction: Harris County courts, potentially federal court for Title IX claims
Potential Defendants: Individuals, chapter, national HQ, housing corporation, UH, UH System Board of Regents
Evidence Sources: Group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp), social media, medical records, university disciplinary files, national fraternity records

What UH Students & City of Brazos Country Parents Should Do:

Report immediately to UH Dean of Students and UHPD
Preserve digital evidence before GroupMe chats disappear
Document injuries with photographs and medical records
Contact Attorney911 before speaking to university investigators or insurance adjusters
Understand timeline: The university’s internal process doesn’t pause the 2-year statute of limitations for civil claims

Texas A&M University: Tradition and Risk in the Corps

For City of Brazos Country Families: Many students from our area choose Texas A&M for its strong academic programs and unique traditions. However, the Corps of Cadets and Greek system present specific hazing risks that families should understand.

Documented Incidents & Responses:

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 fraternity was suspended for two years.
Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth, seeking over $1 million in damages.
Kappa Sigma Rhabdomyolysis Case (2023): Ongoing litigation involving severe muscle breakdown from extreme physical hazing.

Corps of Cadets Specific Considerations:
The military-style environment presents unique challenges with tradition-bound activities that can cross into hazing. Texas A&M states it investigates all reports through both Student Conduct and Corps regulations.

What A&M Families Should Know:

The university maintains hazing education programs but repeated incidents suggest systemic issues
Both Greek life and Corps programs have faced serious allegations
Early legal intervention is crucial as the university controls the initial narrative

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Repeated Violations

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page represents relative transparency compared to other schools. Recent entries show patterns:

Recent Sanctions Include:

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 (2023): Spirit organization sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing
Multiple organizations for punishment-based practices, sleep deprivation, and humiliation

Why UT’s Transparency Matters:
Public violation records help establish pattern evidence and prior notice in civil cases. When an organization has previous sanctions, it becomes harder for them to claim “we didn’t know this could happen.”

UT-Specific Considerations:

UTPD and Austin PD may both have jurisdiction depending on location
The university’s size means investigations can be slow despite transparency
High-profile status sometimes leads to more aggressive defense strategies

Southern Methodist University: Private Campus, Public Problems

SMU’s affluent campus with strong Greek presence has faced significant hazing issues:

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, and deprived of sleep, leading to chapter suspension and recruiting restrictions until 2021.

SMU’s Reporting Systems include anonymous platforms like Real Response, but private university status means less public transparency than public institutions.

Private University Implications:

Fewer sovereign immunity protections than public schools
Can still compel discovery through litigation despite internal secrecy
Often have substantial insurance coverage for liability claims

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Recurring Scandal

Following major Title IX issues, Baylor continues facing hazing challenges:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation, with staggered suspensions affecting the season.

Context Matters: Baylor’s religious branding and prior scandals create complex dynamics where institutional protection sometimes conflicts with accountability.

Baylor-Specific Guidance:

Understand how religious exemption claims might be attempted
Early evidence preservation is critical as organizations may circle wagons
Multiple reporting paths may be necessary (university, local police in Waco)

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific and National Histories

Understanding the connection between local chapters and their national organizations is crucial for City of Brazos Country families. National histories establish patterns that help prove negligence when similar conduct occurs at Texas campuses.

Why National Histories Matter Legally

When a Texas chapter repeats behavior that caused death or serious injury at another campus, that establishes foreseeability—the national organization knew or should have known this could happen. This defeats defenses like “this was unforeseeable” or “just rogue individuals.”

Organization Mapping: National Patterns at Texas Campuses

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike)

National History: Stone Foltz death (BGSU), David Bogenberger death (NIU), multiple other alcohol poisoning cases
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, others
Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking nights, forced alcohol consumption
Legal Significance: National had prior notice of deadly patterns

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE)

National History: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide, traumatic brain injury lawsuit (Alabama), chemical burns case (Texas A&M)
Texas Presence: Chapters at all five target universities
Pattern: Physical abuse, chemical substances, extreme physical hazing
Legal Significance: Well-documented history of violence beyond alcohol

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

National History: Andrew Coffey death (FSU), now the UH Bermudez case
Texas Presence: Chapter at UH (now closed), other Texas campuses
Pattern: Extreme physical hazing, forced consumption, ritualized abuse
Legal Significance: Active litigation shows ongoing pattern

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

National History: Max Gruver death (LSU), multiple other incidents
Texas Presence: Chapters at multiple Texas universities
Pattern: Drinking games disguised as “education”
Legal Significance: Led to felony hazing statute in Louisiana

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: The Data Behind the Letters

Our firm maintains an unprecedented database of Texas Greek organizations drawn from public records. For City of Brazos Country families, this means we don’t start from zero when investigating hazing cases.

Public Records Directory: Organizations Serving Texas Families

From IRS B83 Filings (Texas-Registered Greek Organizations):

KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC, EIN 133048786, College Station, TX 77845 (IRS B83 filing)
SIGMA PHI EPSILON NEW YORK CHI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION INC, EIN 262710856, Houston, TX 77007 (IRS B83 filing)
PI KAPPA PHI DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER BUILDING CORPORATION, EIN 371768785, Missouri City, TX 77459 (IRS B83 filing)
BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC, EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035 (IRS B83 filing)
ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC, EIN 475370943, Houston, TX 77204 (IRS B83 filing)
CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY, EIN 740555581, Austin, TX 78705 (IRS B83 filing – Chi Omega House Corporation)
TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC, EIN 741380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147 (IRS B83 filing)
PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY, EIN 746064445, Nederland, TX 77627 (IRS B83 filing – Epsilon Kappa Chapter)
SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER, EIN 746084905, Houston, TX 77204 (IRS B83 filing)
HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI, EIN 900293166, College Station, TX 77843 (IRS B83 filing – Texas A&M University)

From Cause IQ Metro Data (Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro – 188 total organizations):

Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Houston, TX (alumni/house corp.)
Alpha Phi Omega – Bayou City Alumni, Houston, TX
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae, Houston, TX
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Alpha Kappa Omega, Houston, TX (grad chapter)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter, Houston, TX (undergrad chapter)

Cross-Validated Brands (IRS + Cause IQ Overlap):

Beta Upsilon Chi appears in both IRS filings (Fort Worth) and Cause IQ (Dallas-Fort Worth metro)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority appears in both IRS (Waco, Commerce) and Cause IQ (Houston, Beaumont metros)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi appears across multiple campuses in both data sources

Why This Directory Matters:
When hazing occurs, multiple entities may share liability: the undergraduate chapter, the housing corporation, alumni associations, and the national headquarters. Our directory helps identify all potential defendants and their insurance coverage from day one—critical for families who need answers, not excuses.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

For City of Brazos Country families facing the nightmare of hazing injury, understanding how cases are built demystifies the legal process and highlights why early action is critical.

Evidence That Wins Cases in 2025

Digital Communications (The Most Critical Evidence):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity-specific apps
Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages (screenshot before they disappear), TikTok
Recovered messages: Digital forensics can often retrieve “deleted” communications
Location data: Geotags, Find My Friends logs, Uber/Lyft receipts

In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, group chats likely contained planning discussions, coordination of hazing events, and discussions after the injury—all crucial for proving who knew what when.

Photos & Videos:

Injuries photographed immediately and over time (showing progression)
Event footage from members’ phones
Security camera footage from houses/venues
Social media posts/stories showing activities

Internal Organization Documents:

Pledge manuals, “tradition” documents, meeting minutes
Emails between chapter officers and national HQ
Risk management policies (often used to show what should have been prevented)

University Records:

Prior conduct violations for same organization
Incident reports to campus police
Clery Act reports
Internal investigation documents

Medical Evidence:

ER records documenting injuries and patient statements (“I was hazed”)
Lab results (like the critically high creatine kinase showing rhabdomyolysis in the UH case)
Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety
Future care estimates for permanent injuries

Damages: What Can Be Recovered

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing treatment, future medical needs
Lost earnings: Time off work for recovery, diminished future earning capacity for permanent injuries
Educational costs: Lost tuition, scholarships, delayed graduation

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering from injuries
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life: Can’t participate in activities they loved

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragedy Strikes):

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support
Loss of love, companionship, guidance
Family’s emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Egregious):

To punish especially reckless or intentional conduct
Available when defendants knew risks and acted anyway
The UH case allegations—including hog-tying and waterboarding simulations—could support punitive claims

Strategic Considerations for Texas Families

Insurance Coverage Battles:
Fraternities and universities have insurance, but insurers often argue hazing is excluded as “intentional conduct.” Our insider knowledge from Mr. Peña’s background as an insurance defense attorney helps navigate these disputes and identify all potential coverage sources.

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

Individual perpetrators
Chapter officers who knew or should have known
Local chapter/housing corporation
National headquarters
University/regents
Property owners/landlords
Alcohol providers (under dram shop laws when applicable)

This comprehensive approach ensures someone is accountable and maximizes potential recovery.

Timeline Awareness:
The Texas statute of limitations is generally 2 years from injury or death, but exceptions exist. More importantly, evidence disappears quickly—deleted messages, graduated witnesses, destroyed documents. Early intervention is critical.

Practical Guides & FAQs for City of Brazos Country Families

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Physical: Unexplained injuries, extreme fatigue, weight changes, sleep deprivation
Behavioral: Sudden secrecy, withdrawal from family/friends, personality changes, defensiveness
Academic: Grades dropping, missing classes, losing scholarships
Digital: Constant phone monitoring, anxiety about messages, deleting communications

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing:

Prioritize safety: If in immediate danger, call 911
Document everything: Write down what your child tells you with dates/times
Preserve evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries
Seek medical care: Even if they resist, document injuries officially
Contact Attorney911: Before confronting the organization or speaking to university officials
Report strategically: With legal guidance, report to appropriate authorities

For Students: Safety and Rights

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

Am I being forced or pressured?
Would I do this if I had a real choice?
Is it dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew?
Am I being told to keep secrets?

If You Need to Exit Safely:

You have the legal right to leave at any time
Tell someone outside the organization first
Send written resignation (email/text for documentation)
Don’t go to “one last meeting” where pressure/retaliation might occur
If threatened, report to campus police and seek protective order

Your Texas Legal Rights:

You cannot be punished for calling 911 in an emergency (good-faith immunity)
Hazing is a crime—you’re the victim, not perpetrator
Civil lawsuits can proceed even without criminal charges
You can request no-contact orders through the university

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Deleting Evidence: Messages seem embarrassing but are crucial evidence
Confronting the Organization: They’ll lawyer up and destroy evidence
Signing University Documents: May waive your right to sue
Posting on Social Media: Defense attorneys screenshot everything
Waiting for University Investigation: Evidence disappears, statutes run
Talking to Insurance Adjusters: Recorded statements are used against you
Letting Your Child Return: Pressure and intimidation often follow

Frequently Asked Questions

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

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Basic hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, but becomes a state jail felony if causing serious bodily injury or death (like the kidney failure in the UH case).

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to it?”
Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure isn’t voluntary.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from injury or death, but exceptions exist. More urgently, evidence disappears within days. Call immediately.

“Will this be confidential?”
Most cases settle confidentially. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

“What if it happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Many major cases (including Pi Delta Psi retreat death) occurred off-campus and still resulted in judgments.

Why Attorney911 for City of Brazos Country Hazing Cases

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

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

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, their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:
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 capability applies to national fraternities and university systems. We’re not intimidated by powerful defendants.

Dual Criminal/Civil Expertise:
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can advise on criminal exposure while building civil cases, and we know how the two interact—a critical advantage when fraternity members face criminal charges.

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, future earnings loss, and non-economic damages. We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force real accountability.

Investigative Depth Unmatched in Texas:
Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—drawing from IRS records, university data, and organizational filings—means we start investigations with more information than other firms. We know how to obtain deleted messages, uncover prior incidents nationals tried to hide, and trace liability through complex organizational structures.

Our Approach: Empathy Meets Aggressive Advocacy

We understand this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Your child trusted an organization that betrayed them. The university they pay tuition to may be more concerned with reputation than accountability. The legal process seems daunting.

Our job is to:

Get answers about what really happened
Preserve evidence before it disappears
Identify all responsible parties (not just obvious ones)
Build a case that forces accountability
Secure compensation for medical care, suffering, and future needs
Help prevent this from happening to another family

We’re currently doing exactly this in the Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case—fighting for a young man who nearly died from hazing, against a university and national fraternity with deep pockets and experienced lawyers.

Call to Action for City of Brazos Country Families

If you or your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether here in our community or anywhere in the state—we want to hear from you. The trauma of hazing doesn’t just affect students; it ripples through families, friendships, and futures.

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

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com
Hablamos Español: Contact Lupe Peña for consultation in Spanish

In your free consultation, we’ll:

Listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you have
Explain your legal options clearly
Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
Answer questions about costs (we work on contingency—no fee unless we win)
No pressure to hire us immediately—take time to decide

Time is critical. Evidence disappears within days. Witnesses graduate or are coached. Universities control narratives. Statutes of limitations run.

Whether you’re in City of Brazos Country or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The same organizations, the same insurance companies, the same institutional cover-up tactics exist everywhere. We’ve taken them on before, and we’re ready to help you now.

Call Attorney911 today: 1-888-ATTY-911

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

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:

Using your cellphone 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:

https://attorney911.com