The Complete Guide to Hazing Litigation for Parents in Emory, Texas

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

Every parent in Emory sends their child to college with hopes for their future—academic growth, new friendships, and safe passage into adulthood. The nightmare begins with a late-night phone call, a trip to the emergency room, or the slow realization that your bright, happy student has become withdrawn, injured, and terrified. Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or harmless tradition. It is a calculated pattern of abuse that can lead to permanent injury, psychological trauma, and even death. Right now, just a few hours from Emory in Houston, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history—proof that this abuse is happening here and now, and that accountability is possible.

We are The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™. Our Texas-based firm represents hazing victims and their families in Emory, across Rains County, and throughout the state. We are currently leading the litigation in the Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter case—a $10 million lawsuit alleging brutal hazing that caused rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, and a four-day hospitalization. This case, filed in late 2025, demonstrates exactly what we do: uncover the truth, hold every responsible party accountable, and fight for families who have been failed by powerful institutions.

This guide is written specifically for you—parents and families in Emory, Texas, and throughout the surrounding communities of East Texas. Whether your child attends a local college, has ventured to a major university like Texas A&M or UT Austin, or is part of any campus organization, you deserve to understand what hazing looks like in 2025, what Texas law says, and what legal options you have. We will walk you through the reality of modern hazing, the legal framework that protects your child, and the practical steps you can take right now.

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

For families in Emory, the word “hazing” might conjure images of outdated movies or stories from decades past. The reality in 2025 is more insidious, more digitally enabled, and often disguised as “tradition,” “team building,” or “bonding.” Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. Crucially, “I agreed to it” does not make it safe or legal when there is peer pressure and power imbalance.

The Five Main Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common—and most deadly—form of hazing. It’s not just “drinking at a party.” It’s systematic coercion: forced consumption during “lineups,” chugging challenges, “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor, and drinking games where wrong answers mean more drinks. The results can be immediate alcohol poisoning, as in the Stone Foltz case at Bowling Green State University (Pi Kappa Alpha), or long-term organ damage, as we allege in the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case where Leonel Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

2. Physical Hazing
This extends beyond paddling to include extreme calisthenics disguised as “workouts”—like the 100+ push-ups and 500 squats alleged in the UH case. It includes sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions,” food and water restriction, exposure to extreme elements (like forcing pledges into cold weather in underwear), and dangerous physical tests. These acts are designed to break down the individual physically and mentally.

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This includes forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. The “pledge fanny pack” rule in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case—requiring pledges to carry condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items 24/7—is a textbook example of psychological and sexualized hazing designed to demean.

4. Psychological Hazing
This involves systematic verbal abuse, threats, isolation from friends and family, manipulation, forced confessions, and public shaming. The goal is to create dependency on the group while destroying individual self-worth.

5. Digital/Online Hazing
This is the newest frontier. Pledges are subjected to GroupMe or WhatsApp dares, “challenges” shared on Instagram or TikTok, pressure to create compromising content, and 24/7 digital monitoring. They might be required to share their location via Find My Friends, respond instantly to messages at all hours, or participate in livestreamed humiliation. This creates a constant state of anxiety and control.

Where Hazing Happens: It’s Not Just “Fraternities”

While Greek organizations are frequently involved, hazing occurs across campus:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural councils)
• Corps of Cadets, ROTC, and military-style groups
• Athletic teams (from football to cheerleading)
• Spirit squads and tradition clubs (like the Texas Cowboys)
• Marching bands and performance groups
• Some academic, service, and cultural organizations

The common threads are social status, tradition, and secrecy. These practices persist because victims are told “everyone before you did it,” “this is what makes us special,” and “if you tell, you’ll ruin it for everyone.” For parents in Emory, understanding this broader context is essential—your child might be at risk in organizations you never suspected.

Texas Hazing Law: What Emory Families Need to Know

Texas has specific, robust anti-hazing laws designed to protect students. These laws apply whether your child attends school in Houston, College Station, Austin, or anywhere in the state. Understanding this legal framework is your first step toward accountability.

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37, Subchapter F (Hazing)

The Definition That Matters:
Texas law defines hazing as 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.

Plain English for Emory Parents:
If someone makes your child do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they meant to do it or were reckless about the risk, that’s hazing under Texas law. It can happen on or off campus. It can cause mental or physical harm. And most importantly: “Consent is not a defense.” Even if your child said “yes” under pressure, it’s still hazing.

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law

• Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, fine up to $2,000)
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes injury that requires medical treatment
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death

Also Criminal:

• Failing to report hazing if you’re a member or officer and you knew about it
• Retaliating against someone who reports hazing

Organizational Liability: Holding the Group Accountable

Organizations (fraternities, sororities, clubs, teams) can be criminally prosecuted for hazing if:

• The org authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
• An officer or member acting in official capacity knew about hazing and failed to report it

Penalties for organizations: Fine up to $10,000 per violation, and the university can revoke recognition and ban the org from campus.

The Critical Protection: Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting

A person who in good faith reports a hazing incident to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from the report. This means your child won’t get in trouble for calling 911 or seeking medical help, even if they were drinking underage. This law exists to save lives by removing the fear of punishment during emergencies.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

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

Civil Cases:

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

Both can proceed simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. Many families in Texas pursue civil actions to cover medical bills, ongoing therapy, and to force institutional change.

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

• 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 around 2026).
• Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations are triggered.
• Clery Act: Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics; hazing incidents often overlap with assault or alcohol crimes.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

• Individual students who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
• Local chapter/organization (if it’s a legal entity)
• National fraternity/sorority headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
• University or governing board under negligence or civil-rights theories
• Third parties like landlords, bars, alcohol providers, security companies

Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys know how to identify all potentially liable parties.

The Flagship Case: Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi

To understand what serious hazing litigation looks like—and what we’re capable of right now—Emory families should know the details of the case we’re actively litigating. This isn’t a historical example; this is current proof of our commitment and capability.

The Timeline of Abuse

Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student, accepted a bid to Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter at the University of Houston in September 2025. What followed was a systematic campaign of abuse:

• September–October 2025: Forced dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, weekly interviews, overnight chauffeuring duties, and the degrading “pledge fanny pack” rule requiring 24/7 carry of humiliating items.
• October 13, 2025: Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour while members prepared for a meeting.
• Multiple Locations: Hazing occurred at the Pi Kappa Phi chapter house, a Culmore Drive residence owned by a former member, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park for dawn/late-night workouts.
• Physical Abuse: Stripping to underwear in cold weather; lying in vomit-soaked grass; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting followed by immediate sprints.
• November 3, 2025: Bermudez was forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, and creed recitation under threat of expulsion, leaving him unable to stand without help.

Medical Catastrophe

Following the November 3 workout, Bermudez’s condition deteriorated. He passed brown urine—a classic sign of rhabdomyolysis—and was rushed to the hospital by his mother. He was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels, confirming rhabdomyolysis (severe skeletal muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. He faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage and requires continued medical and psychological care.

The Defendants and Institutional Response

Our lawsuit names 17 defendants, including:

• University of Houston
• UH System Board of Regents
• Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
• The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation
• 13 individual fraternity leaders/members (chapter president, pledgemaster, sorority relations chair, risk manager, and others)

Institutional Response:

• November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends the Beta Nu chapter after receiving hazing reports.
• November 14, 2025: Chapter members vote to surrender their charter; the chapter is shut down.
• UH Statement: The university labeled the alleged conduct “deeply disturbing,” promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion and cooperation with law enforcement, and credited Pi Kappa Phi HQ for decisive action.

Why This Case Matters for Emory Families

This case demonstrates:

• The severity of modern hazing: This wasn’t “roughhousing”—it was systematic abuse leading to organ failure.
• The web of liability: We’re suing not just individuals but the university, national headquarters, and housing corporation.
• Our active litigation capability: We’re in federal court right now fighting for a Texas family.
• The pattern: The same national organizations that operate at UH have chapters at every major Texas university.

For detailed coverage of this case, see the Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case and ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Can Learn

The Bermudez case fits into a national pattern of hazing tragedies. Understanding these patterns helps Emory families recognize that what happened to their child isn’t an isolated incident—it’s part of a systemic failure that courts across the country have addressed.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
Bid-acceptance event with heavy drinking led to fatal falls captured on chapter cameras; hours delayed before medical help. Dozens of criminal charges; new Pennsylvania anti-hazing law named after him. Takeaway: Delay in calling 911 and culture of silence can be legally devastating.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
“Bible study” drinking game; forced to drink when answering questions incorrectly; died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%). Led to felony hazing law in Louisiana (Max Gruver Act). Takeaway: Legislative change follows public outrage and clear proof.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Pledge forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey; died from alcohol poisoning. Multiple criminal convictions; BGSU settled for $3 million; additional settlements with fraternity/individuals. Takeaway: Universities face significant financial consequences alongside fraternities.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
Pledge subjected to violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat; fatal head injuries; help delayed. Multiple members convicted; fraternity banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. Takeaway: Off-campus retreats can be as dangerous as parties; national orgs face serious sanctions.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program. Multiple lawsuits; head coach fired; confidential settlements. Takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to big-money athletic programs.

What These Cases Mean for Emory Families

Common threads: forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, cover-ups. Reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after tragedy and litigation. Texas families facing hazing are not alone and operate in a landscape shaped by these national lessons.

Texas Universities: Where Emory Families Send Their Children

Parents in Emory and throughout Rains County send their children to universities across Texas. While some attend local institutions like Tyler Junior College or Texas A&M University-Commerce, many venture to major campuses with robust Greek life and tradition-heavy organizations. Understanding the landscape at these schools is crucial.

The Greek Ecosystem Surrounding Emory Families

Emory sits in Rains County, which is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan area. According to our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a proprietary database of every Greek organization in Texas—there are 510 Greek-related organizations in the DFW metro alone. These include undergraduate chapters, alumni associations, house corporations, and honor societies that serve students from Emory attending schools throughout North Texas and beyond.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Emory Families

As part of our investigative approach, we maintain comprehensive data on Texas Greek organizations. Below are examples from public records of organizations that may be connected to universities where Emory students enroll:

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

• Beta Upsilon Chi, EIN 742911848, Fort Worth, TX 76244 (IRS B83 filing)
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc, EIN 741380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147 (IRS B83 filing)
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, EIN 364091267, Waco, TX 76710 (IRS B83 filing)
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, EIN 263170920, Denton, TX 76204 (IRS B83 filing)
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, EIN 237279532, Prairie View, TX 77446 (IRS B83 filing)

From Cause IQ Metro Data (DFW Area):

• Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity – Fort Worth, TX (DFW metro organization)
• Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta) – Arlington, TX (national sorority headquarters in Dallas area)
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation – Fort Worth, TX (Kappa Sigma housing foundation)
• Kappa Delta Sorority – Gamma Beta Chapter – Denton, TX (Texas Woman’s University chapter)

These organizations represent just a fraction of the 1,423 Greek entities we track across 25 Texas metros. When your child is hazed, we already know how to identify every potentially liable organization—we don’t start from scratch.

Where Emory Families Send Their Kids: Campus Overview

Local & Regional Campuses:

• Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce, Hunt County) – 45 miles from Emory
• Tyler Junior College (Tyler, Smith County) – 55 miles from Emory
• University of Texas at Tyler (Tyler, Smith County) – 55 miles from Emory
• East Texas Baptist University (Marshall, Harrison County) – 60 miles from Emory
• Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches County) – 90 miles from Emory

Major Statewide Hubs (Common Choices for Emory Students):

• University of Texas at Austin (Austin, Travis County)
• Texas A&M University (College Station, Brazos County)
• University of Houston (Houston, Harris County)
• Baylor University (Waco, McLennan County)
• Southern Methodist University (Dallas, Dallas County)
• Texas Tech University (Lubbock, Lubbock County)

Each of these campuses has its own Greek ecosystem, hazing history, and institutional response patterns. Below, we focus on the five major universities with the most significant Greek life presences and documented hazing issues.

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency with Persistent Problems

For Emory Families: UT Austin is approximately 200 miles from Emory—a common choice for high-achieving students from East Texas. Cases involving UT students would typically be filed in Travis County courts, but our firm handles cases statewide.

Campus Culture: UT maintains one of the most transparent hazing reporting systems in Texas through its public Hazing Violations page. This transparency reveals ongoing issues despite strict policies.

Documented Incidents:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; found to be hazing; chapter placed on probation with mandatory hazing-prevention education.
• Texas Wranglers (spirit organization): Sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): Australian exchange student alleged assault at party resulting in dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose; student sued for over $1 million; chapter already under suspension for prior violations.

UT’s Greek Life includes: Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Pi Beta Phi, Zeta Tau Alpha (sororities); Alpha Sigma Phi, Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Sigma Nu, Sigma Phi Epsilon (fraternities), plus NPHC and multicultural organizations.

How a UT Hazing Case Proceeds:

• Involves UTPD and/or Austin PD depending on location
• Civil suits filed in Travis County courts
• UT’s public violation history strengthens pattern evidence in civil cases
• Our firm’s federal court experience applicable to Title IX or constitutional claims

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

For Emory Families: Texas A&M in College Station is about 150 miles from Emory, with many East Texas families having Aggie traditions. Cases here involve Brazos County courts, but we handle them from our Houston and Austin offices.

Campus Culture: Texas A&M’s unique Corps of Cadets tradition intersects with Greek life, creating multiple potential hazing environments. The university has faced significant hazing lawsuits in both realms.

Documented Incidents:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Two pledges alleged forced strenuous activity with substances including industrial-strength cleaner poured on them, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. Pledges sued for $1 million; fraternity suspended for two years.
• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth; sought over $1 million. A&M stated it handled the matter under its rules.
• Kappa Sigma Rhabdomyolysis Case (2023, ongoing): Allegations of extreme physical hazing resulting in rhabdomyolysis—the same muscle-breaking condition as in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case.

Texas A&M’s Greek Life includes: Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Delta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Pi Beta Phi, Zeta Tau Alpha (sororities); Alpha Gamma Rho, Alpha Sigma Phi, Alpha Tau Omega, Beta Theta Pi, Delta Tau Delta, Kappa Alpha Order, Kappa Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Phi Gamma Delta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Sigma Nu, Sigma Phi Epsilon (fraternities), plus NPHC and multicultural organizations.

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Proceeds:

• Involves Texas A&M PD and/or College Station PD
• Civil suits in Brazos County courts
• Both Greek life and Corps cases require understanding of distinct cultures and traditions
• University’s historical handling of incidents becomes evidence

University of Houston: Our Current Battlefield

For Emory Families: UH is approximately 175 miles from Emory in Houston. Our active litigation here demonstrates our deep familiarity with Harris County courts and UH’s institutional dynamics.

Campus Culture: Large urban campus with active Greek life spanning multiple councils. UH has suspended chapters for hazing but maintains less public transparency than UT.

Documented Incidents:

• Pi Kappa Alpha Case (2016): Pledges allegedly deprived of food, water, and sleep during multi-day event; one student suffered lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table. Chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and university suspension.
• Ongoing disciplinary actions involving fraternities for behavior “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” including alcohol misuse and policy violations.
• Our active case: Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi (2025): $10 million lawsuit alleging systematic hazing leading to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

UH’s Greek Life includes: Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Delta Gamma, Delta Zeta, Phi Mu, Zeta Tau Alpha (sororities); Alpha Epsilon Pi, Alpha Sigma Phi, Beta Theta Pi, Delta Upsilon, Kappa Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha, Lambda Phi Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Sigma Nu, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Sigma Pi, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Theta Chi (fraternities), plus NPHC and multicultural organizations.

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds:

• Involves UHPD and/or Houston Police Department
• Civil suits in Harris County courts (our home jurisdiction)
• Our insider knowledge of Houston courts and procedures provides advantage
• We’re currently navigating the discovery process against UH and Pi Kappa Phi national

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Recurring Scrutiny

For Emory Families: Baylor in Waco is about 100 miles from Emory. Cases involve McLennan County courts, which our firm handles through our statewide practice.

Campus Culture: Baylor’s religious identity contrasts with recurring misconduct issues. The university has faced major scandals (football sexual assault) that inform its hazing response approach.

Documented Incidents:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation; suspensions staggered over early season.
• Ongoing Greek life investigations with limited public disclosure due to private university status.

Baylor’s Greek Life includes: Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Phi, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Pi Beta Phi, Zeta Tau Alpha (sororities); Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi (fraternities), plus NPHC organizations.

How a Baylor Hazing Case Proceeds:

• Involves Baylor Department of Public Safety and/or Waco PD
• Civil suits in McLennan County courts
• Private university status affects transparency and discovery challenges
• Religious branding interacts with accountability expectations

Southern Methodist University: Affluent Greek Culture

For Emory Families: SMU in Dallas is about 75 miles from Emory—the closest major private university. Cases involve Dallas County courts.

Campus Culture: SMU’s affluent student body and strong Greek presence create unique dynamics. The university has suspended chapters for hazing while maintaining reputation concerns.

Documented Incidents:

• Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep; chapter suspended; restrictions on recruiting until around 2021.
• Various anonymous reports through systems like Real Response indicating ongoing concerns.

SMU’s Greek Life includes: Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Pi Beta Phi (sororities); Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Alpha Order, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi (fraternities), plus NPHC organizations.

How an SMU Hazing Case Proceeds:

• Involves SMU PD and/or Dallas PD
• Civil suits in Dallas County courts
• Private university with resources for vigorous defense
• Reputation protection concerns affect settlement dynamics

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories Meet Texas Chapters

For Emory families, understanding that the fraternity or sorority that harmed your child has a national history of similar incidents is crucial. This isn’t about branding all Greek life as bad—it’s about recognizing patterns that courts consider when determining liability.

Why National Histories Matter in Court

When a Texas chapter repeats the same script that got another chapter shut down or sued in another state, that shows foreseeability. National headquarters have thick anti-hazing manuals and risk policies because they’ve seen deaths and catastrophic injuries before. If they knew the patterns (forced drinking nights, paddling traditions, humiliating rituals) and failed to prevent them at your child’s chapter, that supports negligence arguments.

Major National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike)

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State (2021): Pledge forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol; died from alcohol poisoning. $10 million settlement ($7M from national, ~$3M from university).
• David Bogenberger – Northern Illinois (2012): Pledge died from alcohol poisoning during fraternity event. $14 million settlement awarded to family.
• Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing events with forced consumption.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE)

• University of Alabama Traumatic Brain Injury Case (2023): Pledge allegedly suffered TBI during hazing ritual; lawsuit alleging fraud, negligence, assault.
• Texas A&M Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges covered in industrial-strength cleaner causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts; sued for $1 million.
• University of Texas Assault Case (2024): Australian exchange student assaulted at party with multiple injuries; sued for over $1 million.
• Pattern: Physical violence, chemical hazing, assault.

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

• Max Gruver – LSU (2017): Pledge forced into “Bible study” drinking game; died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%). Led to Max Gruver Act felony hazing law in Louisiana.
• Pattern: Drinking games framed as “education” or “tradition.”

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State (2017): Pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night”; family filed wrongful death suit.
• Our Current Case – Leonel Bermudez, UH (2025): Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure from systematic hazing.
• Pattern: Physical endurance hazing combined with alcohol coercion.

Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ)

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State (2017): Bid-acceptance night with extreme alcohol consumption; delayed medical help; fatal falls captured on security cameras. Led to Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania.
• Pattern: Alcohol hazing with delayed emergency response.

How We Use National Pattern Evidence in Texas Cases

1. Discovery of Prior Incidents: We subpoena national headquarters for records of prior complaints, incident reports, and violations at other chapters.
2. Establishing Foreseeability: We show that the national organization knew or should have known this type of hazing was likely based on its history.
3. Proving Negligent Supervision: We demonstrate that despite policies, the national failed to adequately monitor or control the local chapter.
4. Supporting Punitive Damages: In cases of particularly reckless or intentional conduct, pattern evidence supports claims for punitive damages to punish and deter.

For Emory families, this means: if your child was hazed by an organization with a national history of similar incidents, that history becomes part of your case strategy.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

When your family faces a hazing crisis, understanding how cases are built demystifies the process and empowers you to take the right steps. Here’s what experienced hazing attorneys look for and how we approach these complex cases.

Critical Evidence Categories

1. Digital Communications (The Most Important Evidence in 2025)

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, fraternity-specific apps
• Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok comments, Facebook messages
• Recovered data: Even deleted messages can often be recovered through digital forensics
• What they show: Planning, intent, knowledge, who was involved, cover-up attempts

2. Photos & Videos

• Content filmed by members during events
• Footage shared in group chats or posted on social media
• Security camera or doorbell footage at houses and venues
• Preservation tip: Screenshot immediately—don’t assume videos will remain available

3. Internal Organization Documents

• Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” lists
• Emails/texts from officers about activities
• National policies and training materials (obtained through discovery)

4. University Records

• Prior conduct files, probation/suspension letters
• Incident reports to campus police or student conduct
• Clery Act reports and similar disclosures
• How we obtain: Through discovery in litigation or public records requests

5. Medical & Psychological Records

• Emergency room and hospitalization records
• Surgery and rehabilitation notes
• Toxicology reports (blood alcohol content, drug screens)
• Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses)
• Critical: Tell medical providers you were hazed so it’s documented

6. Witness Testimony

• Other pledges, members, roommates, RAs
• Former members who quit or were expelled
• Bystanders, neighbors, venue staff

Types of Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses)

• Medical bills: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, ongoing treatment, medications
• Future medical expenses: Lifelong care for permanent injuries (e.g., kidney damage, brain injury)
• Lost income/earning capacity: Missed work, delayed career entry, reduced lifetime earnings
• Educational costs: Tuition for semesters missed, lost scholarships, transfer expenses

Non-Economic Damages (Compensation for Suffering)

• Physical pain and suffering from injuries
• Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life (can’t participate in activities they loved)
• Reputational harm from public exposure

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
• Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
• Grief and emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages (When Available)

• To punish especially reckless, willful, or malicious conduct
• To deter future hazing
• Available in Texas for gross negligence or intentional conduct

How Recovery Works in Practice

• Most cases settle with confidential terms, though some amounts are public (Foltz $10M, Gruver $6.1M)
• Settlements cover: Medical bills, future care, therapy, educational continuity, family impact
• Non-financial outcomes: Policy changes, chapter closures, public accountability
• Our approach: We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force real accountability and prevent future harm.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Emory Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Steps

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
• Extreme fatigue, exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, calls at 3 AM)
• Sudden withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-Greek activities
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability, fear
• Constant phone use for group chat monitoring; anxiety when phone buzzes
• Grades dropping suddenly; missing classes or assignments
• Unexplained large expenses (forced purchases, “fines,” excessive alcohol buys)

How to Talk to Your Child (Non-Confrontationally):

1. “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
2. “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
3. “What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
4. “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable or that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
5. “Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
6. “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”

If You Suspect Hazing:

1. Immediate safety: If your child is in danger, call 911 or campus police
2. Document everything: Write down dates, times, what your child tells you
3. Preserve evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries, save physical items
4. Medical attention: Get professional evaluation even if injuries seem minor
5. Reporting: Contact Dean of Students, campus police, local police as appropriate
6. Legal consultation: Contact an experienced hazing attorney early—before evidence disappears

What NOT to Do:

• Don’t confront the fraternity/sorority directly (they’ll destroy evidence)
• Don’t let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence
• Don’t sign anything from the university or insurance company without legal advice
• Don’t post details on public social media before consulting a lawyer
• Don’t let the university convince you “this is being handled internally” if you want real accountability

For Students: Self-Assessment and Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
• Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences, no fear of being “cut”)?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would the university or my parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
• Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do themselves?
• Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?

If you answered YES to any, it’s likely hazing.

How to Exit Safely:

• Immediate danger: Call 911 or campus police; get to a safe location
• Want to quit/de-pledge: Tell someone outside the org first; send email/text to chapter leadership stating resignation; don’t go to “one last meeting”
• Protect from retaliation: Document threats/harassment; file complaints with university; seek protective order if necessary
• Remember: You have the legal right to leave at any time

Evidence Collection for Students:

• Screenshots: Capture full group chats with timestamps and participant names
• Recordings: Texas is one-party consent—you can record conversations you’re part of
• Photos/videos: Injuries (multiple angles, include scale), locations, objects used
• Medical documentation: Tell providers you were hazed; request all records
• Witness info: Names and contact information for others who saw what happened

Who to Trust/Report To:

• On campus: Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct, Title IX Coordinator, campus police, counseling center
• Off campus: Local police, National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE), experienced hazing attorney
• Be cautious with: Fraternity/sorority advisors (may prioritize org), “Greek Life” office (may protect system over individuals), friends still in the org (may report back)

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence

• What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
• Why it’s wrong: Looks like obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
• What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

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 immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• What to do instead: Document everything, call a lawyer before any confrontation

3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms

• What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or internal agreements
• Why it’s wrong: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often below true value
• What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer

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

5. Waiting “To See How the University Handles It”

• What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally”
• Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute of limitations runs
• What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

For more on avoiding critical mistakes, watch our video on Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case.

Frequently Asked Questions for Emory Families

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

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if 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 power imbalance 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 harm wasn’t immediately known. In cover-up cases, 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 nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus with successful judgments.

“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

Why Choose The Manginello Law Firm / Attorney911 for Your Hazing Case

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including Emory and all of Rains County.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)
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, their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. We know their playbook because we used to run it. Learn more about Mr. Peña’s insurance defense experience.

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello)
Ralph is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations and winning. He has federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) and isn’t intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams. Learn more about Ralph Manginello’s background.

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

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise
Ralph’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 and navigate the intersection of these legal tracks.

Investigative Depth and Expert Network
We deploy medical experts, digital forensics specialists, economists, psychologists, and Greek life culture experts. We know how to obtain hidden evidence: deleted group chats, chapter records, university files, and national organization communications. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

Spanish-Language Services
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish. Servicios legales en español disponibles. Contact Mr. Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

Our Approach: Empathy, Thoroughness, and Accountability

We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to:

• Get you answers about what really happened
• Hold every responsible party accountable—individuals, chapters, nationals, universities
• Secure compensation for medical bills, therapy, lost education, and suffering
• Help prevent this from happening to another family
• Prioritize your family’s privacy and emotional wellbeing

We’re not about bravado or quick settlements. We’re about thorough investigation and real accountability. The Leonel Bermudez case against UH and Pi Kappa Phi demonstrates exactly this approach: we’re in federal court right now, fighting for a Texas family against powerful institutions.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911:

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

Call to Action for Emory Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether at a local college, a major university, or any organization—we want to hear from you. Families in Emory, Greenville, Point, and throughout Rains County and East Texas have the right to answers and accountability.

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
• Website: https://attorney911.com
• Email Ralph: ralph@atty911.com
• Email Lupe (Spanish services): lupe@atty911.com

Time is critical. Evidence disappears fast—group chats are deleted, witnesses are coached, physical evidence is destroyed. Universities move quickly to control the narrative. The sooner you call, the sooner we can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights.

Whether you’re in Emory or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. Call us today.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

• Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
• ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

• Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• How Do Contingency Fees Work?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc
• Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Attorney911 Main Website & Practice Areas:

• Main Website & Contact: https://attorney911.com
• Wrongful Death Practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
• Criminal Defense Practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/
• Ralph Manginello Profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
• Lupe Peña Profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

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