Texas Hazing Lawsuits & Fraternity Abuse: A Comprehensive Guide for Menard County Families

If You Suspect Your Child is Being Hazed in Menard, You Are Not Alone

For parents in Menard, the Menard County seat, the pride of sending a child to a Texas university can turn to nightmare with a single phone call or text. The image of your son or daughter, perhaps a graduate of Menard High School, struggling through a dangerous “tradition” at a fraternity house in College Station or a sorority event in Austin feels both distant and terrifyingly close. Hazing is not a relic of the past or a problem confined to campuses back East. It is happening right now at universities across Texas, including those where our Menard County families invest their hopes and send their children.

Right now, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. In late 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who nearly died after enduring brutal hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. The details, covered extensively by Click2Houston and ABC13, are horrifying: forced consumption of food until vomiting, workouts of 100+ push-ups and 500 squats, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and the constant humiliation of a “pledge fanny pack” filled with degrading items. Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown. He was hospitalized for four days and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. This is not an isolated incident. It is proof of a systemic failure that can impact any Texas student, including those from our tight-knit Menard community.

This guide is for you: the parents, grandparents, and families in Menard, Brady, and across Menard County who need real answers, not platitudes. We will explain what modern hazing truly looks like, the Texas laws designed to protect your child, and the legal pathways to hold powerful fraternities, sororities, and universities accountable. If your child has been hurt, you have the right to seek justice and prevent this from happening to another family.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

• Call 911 for any medical emergency.
• Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for immediate legal guidance.

In the first 48 hours, you must:

• Get Medical Attention: Even if your child insists they are “fine,” seek evaluation. Injuries like rhabdomyolysis or internal trauma may not be immediately apparent.
• Preserve Evidence BEFORE It’s Deleted:
  • Screenshot all group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage), texts, and social media DMs.
  • Photograph any injuries from multiple angles.
  • Save physical items (torn clothing, paddles, receipts).
• Document Everything: Write down who, what, when, and where while memories are fresh.
• Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney: Evidence disappears quickly. Universities and fraternities move fast to control narratives. We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights.

What NOT to Do:

• Do NOT confront the fraternity/sorority directly.
• Do NOT sign anything from the university or an insurance company.
• Do NOT post details on public social media.
• Do NOT let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, and we are here to help Menard families right now.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like Beyond the Stereotypes

For families in Menard, where community values and personal integrity run deep, the reality of modern hazing can be difficult to comprehend. It is far more sophisticated and dangerous than the “pranks” of old movies. Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining or maintaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. The power imbalance is key—the fear of social exclusion and desire to belong can make “I agreed to it” a legally meaningless defense.

Today’s hazing falls into several dangerous categories:

• Alcohol & Substance Hazing: This remains the leading cause of death. It includes forced chugging, “lineup” drinking games, “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, and being pressured to consume unknown substances.
• Physical Hazing: This ranges from paddling and beatings to extreme, punishment-based “workouts” designed to cause exhaustion and injury—exactly what led to Leonel Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis. It also includes sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme elements.
• Sexualized & Humiliating Hazing: This involves forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes or positions, and acts with racist or sexist overtones designed to strip away dignity.
• Psychological & Digital Hazing: Constant verbal abuse, threats, isolation, and manipulation are combined with 24/7 digital control. Pledges are monitored via group chats, required to share their location, and subjected to public shaming on social media platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok.

This abuse doesn’t just happen in fraternity houses. It occurs in sororities, athletic teams, Corps of Cadets programs, spirit groups like the Texas Cowboys, marching bands, and other campus organizations. The common threads are secrecy, tradition, and a toxic power dynamic that puts students from Menard and everywhere else at grave risk.

Texas Law & Your Rights: The Legal Framework for Menard County Families

When hazing impacts your family, understanding the legal landscape is crucial. Texas has specific, strong statutes, and federal laws add another layer of potential accountability.

Texas Hazing Law (Education Code Chapter 37)

Texas law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—on or off campus—that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership. Key provisions Menard parents must know:

• Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor. It becomes a Class A misdemeanor if it causes injury and a State Jail Felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals can also be charged for failing to report hazing.
• Organizational Liability: The fraternity, sorority, or club itself can be prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 if it authorized or encouraged the hazing or if an officer knew and failed to report it.
• Consent is NOT a Defense: Texas Education Code § 37.155 states clearly that the victim’s “consent” to the activity is not a defense against hazing charges. The law recognizes the coercive power of peer pressure.
• Good-Faith Reporting Protections: Those who report hazing in good faith to authorities are immune from civil or criminal liability that might stem from the report. This is meant to encourage bystanders to call for help.

Civil Lawsuits vs. Criminal Charges

It is vital to understand the difference between these two paths:

• Criminal Cases: Brought by the state (DA’s office). Aim to punish offenders with jail, fines, or probation. Charges can include hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, or manslaughter.
• Civil Lawsuits: Brought by the victim and their family. Aim to secure compensation for damages (medical bills, pain and suffering, lost future earnings) and force institutional accountability. A criminal conviction is not required to file a civil case; they can proceed simultaneously.

Federal Laws: Title IX, Clery, and the Stop Campus Hazing Act

• Title IX: If hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, the university has specific obligations to investigate and address the climate. Violations can form the basis of a federal lawsuit.
• Clery Act: Requires universities to report certain campus crimes, which can include hazing-related assaults and alcohol crimes.
• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This new federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid to increase transparency in hazing reporting and strengthen prevention education by 2026.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Hazing Lawsuit?

A thorough investigation can identify multiple responsible parties, which is critical for securing full compensation:

1. Individual Students: Those who planned, executed, or covered up the hazing.
2. The Local Chapter: The fraternity or sorority chapter as an entity.
3. The National Organization: Headquarters that collect dues, set policies, and oversee chapters. Their knowledge of prior incidents is crucial.
4. The University: Schools can be liable for negligent supervision, deliberate indifference to known risks, or premises liability. Public universities like UT or Texas A&M have certain immunity defenses, but exceptions exist.
5. Third Parties: Landlords of off-campus houses, bars that overserved alcohol, or security companies that failed in their duty.

The National Playbook: How Major Hazing Cases Shape the Landscape for Texas Families

The tragic cases that make national headlines are not just stories from other states. They establish legal precedents and reveal patterns that repeat themselves, including at Texas schools. Understanding them shows Menard families what is at stake and what is possible.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): A bid-acceptance night of forced drinking led to fatal falls. Brothers delayed calling 911 for hours. The case resulted in dozens of criminal charges, civil settlements, and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. Takeaway: Delay in seeking medical help and a culture of silence are catastrophic and legally damning.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): A pledge was forced to drink a bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event and died. The family reached a $10 million settlement ($7M from the national fraternity, ~$3M from the university). Takeaway: Universities face massive financial exposure, and national fraternities will pay significant settlements to avoid trial.

• Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): A “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers mandated drinking led to a fatal alcohol overdose. This spurred Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, a felony hazing statute. Takeaway: Legislative change often follows tragedy, and specific hazing “games” are predictable and preventable.

• Danny Santulli – Univ. of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021): A pledge night led to permanent, catastrophic brain damage. The family settled with 22 defendants. Takeaway: Non-fatal hazing can cause lifelong disability requiring tens of millions in care, which becomes the basis for claims.

These cases prove that juries and judges will hold organizations accountable. They show the patterns of forced drinking, humiliation, and cover-up that we see in Texas. They also demonstrate that families from communities like Menard can achieve justice against the largest national organizations.

Texas University Focus: Where Menard County Students Are At Risk

Menard County students often attend a mix of regional schools and major state universities. Wherever they are, understanding the specific campus environment is key. The hazing risks at a large public university differ from those at a private school or within a Corps of Cadets program.

Texas A&M University & The Corps of Cadets

For many in Central Texas, Texas A&M is a premier destination. Its Corps of Cadets and robust Greek life carry specific, documented risks.

• Campus Snapshot: A massive, tradition-rich campus where Greek life and the Corps are deeply woven into the culture. The “Aggie Family” ethos can sometimes be exploited to enforce silence around abusive traditions.
• Documented Incidents:
  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges alleged they were forced into strenuous activity and had substances including industrial-strength cleaner poured on them, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The chapter was suspended, and lawsuits were filed.
  • Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Lawsuit (2023): A cadet alleged degrading hazing, including being bound between beds in a simulated sexual position with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million, highlighting that hazing extends beyond Greek life.
• For Menard Families: The combination of a powerful Greek system and a military-style Corps means hazing can be disguised as “discipline” or “team building.” Evidence collection must be immediate and thorough.

University of Texas at Austin

As the flagship university, UT attracts students from across Texas, including Menard County. It also maintains one of the most transparent hazing reporting systems in the state.

• Campus Snapshot: A large, diverse campus with a highly competitive social scene. UT’s public “Hazing Violations” log is a valuable resource.
• Documented Incidents (from UT’s Public Log):
  • Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members were directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Sanction: probation and mandatory hazing-prevention education.
  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Assault Case (2024): An Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at a party, suffering a dislocated leg, broken nose, and fractured tibia. A lawsuit was filed for over $1 million.
• For Menard Families: UT’s violation log can be used to prove a chapter’s pattern of misconduct, which is powerful evidence in a lawsuit. It shows the university had prior knowledge.

University of Houston & The Leonel Bermudez Case

Our flagship case against UH and Pi Kappa Phi is the most current and severe example of hazing in Texas.

• Campus Snapshot: A large, urban commuter school with an active and diverse Greek community.
• The Flagship Case – Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi:
  • The Hazing: As detailed in the Hoodline report, Bermudez endured months of abuse: the degrading “pledge fanny pack,” overnight driving duties, forced overeating, and the November 3rd workout that caused his medical crisis.
  • The Injury: Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Hospitalization for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels. Ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.
  • The Defendants: We sued 13 individual fraternity leaders, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the UH Board of Regents, and the University itself.
  • The Outcome (to date): The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter was suspended and voted to surrender its charter. The $10 million lawsuit is actively being litigated in Harris County.
• For Menard Families: This case proves that the most extreme hazing is not hypothetical. It is happening now in Texas, and universities and nationals will be held to account.

Baylor University & Southern Methodist University (SMU)

These private universities have their own distinct cultures and legal considerations.

• Baylor: Following past scandals, Baylor emphasizes reform. Yet, incidents persist, like the 2020 baseball team hazing that resulted in 14 player suspensions. Private status does not mean immunity from lawsuits.
• SMU: As an affluent private school, SMU has a prominent Greek system. Past incidents, like the 2017 Kappa Alpha Order chapter suspension for paddling and forced drinking, show recurring problems. Private schools often have less public reporting, making internal investigations and legal discovery even more critical.

The Greek Ecosystem: National Histories Follow Chapters to Texas

The fraternity or sorority your child is rushing has a national history that directly predicts local risk. Nationals create policies because of past deaths and injuries. When a Texas chapter repeats those same deadly patterns, it proves the national organization failed to prevent a foreseeable tragedy.

We maintain the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, a proprietary database built from public records that tracks over 1,423 Greek-related entities across 25 Texas metros. This allows us to map the true organizational landscape behind the letters. For example, IRS records show the legal and financial backbone of these groups:

• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN: 462267515) – Frisco, TX 75035
• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (EIN: 133048786) – College Station, TX 77845
• Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (EIN: 746064445) – Nederland, TX 77627 (Epsilon Kappa Chapter alumni)
• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter (EIN: 746084905) – Houston, TX 77204
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN: 741380362) – Fort Worth, TX 76147

This data matters because it helps us identify every potentially liable entity—the housing corporation that owns the house, the alumni foundation that funds it, and the national headquarters that insures it.

National Patterns Matter in Court:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): National history includes the Stone Foltz death (Bowling Green) and a $14 million settlement in the David Bogenberger case (Northern Illinois). This establishes foreseeability.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): One of the most dangerous fraternities historically, with multiple deaths nationwide. Its prior knowledge of risk is well-documented.
• Pi Kappa Phi: The national organization is now a defendant in our Leonel Bermudez lawsuit at UH, following the death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State in 2017.

When we take a case for a Menard family, we don’t start from zero. We already know how to trace the corporate and insurance links of the organization that harmed your child.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages

Pursuing justice requires a meticulous, strategic approach. As a Menard family, you are up against organizations with deep pockets and experienced defense lawyers. Our method is built on evidence, expertise, and relentless investigation.

The Evidence That Wins Cases

• Digital Communications: Screenshots of GroupMe, WhatsApp, and iMessage groups are the modern “smoking gun.” We use digital forensics to recover deleted messages.
• Photos & Videos: Content posted on Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok by perpetrators themselves. Security footage from houses or nearby businesses.
• Internal Documents: Pledge manuals, “tradition” guides, emails between chapter officers and national advisors.
• University Records: Prior conduct violations for the same chapter, obtained through discovery or public records requests. UT’s public log is a great example.
• Medical Records: Documentation linking injuries directly to hazing events. For rhabdomyolysis, this includes ER reports, lab results showing creatine kinase levels, and nephrologist evaluations.
• Witness Testimony: Other pledges, former members, roommates, and RAs who saw what happened.

The Damages You Can Recover

A civil lawsuit seeks to make the victim whole and hold defendants accountable. Recoverable damages include:

• Economic Damages:
  • All past and future medical expenses (ER, hospitalization, surgery, therapy, lifelong care for catastrophic injuries).
  • Lost wages and diminished future earning capacity if injuries affect the ability to work.
  • Educational costs (lost tuition, delayed graduation).
• Non-Economic Damages:
  • Physical pain and suffering.
  • Emotional distress, trauma, PTSD, humiliation, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Wrongful Death Damages (in fatalities):
  • Funeral costs, loss of financial support, and the profound loss of companionship, love, and guidance for the family.

Overcoming Defense Tactics

We expect and counter the standard defenses:

• “They Consented”: We cite Texas law § 37.155 and use evidence of coercion and power imbalance.
• “Rogue Individuals”: We expose the national pattern and the chapter’s prior incidents to prove systemic failure.
• “Off-Campus Activity”: We establish the university’s and national’s control and knowledge over off-campus events.
• “Insurance Doesn’t Cover Intentional Acts”: We argue that the organization’s negligent supervision is covered, and we pursue all available policies.

Practical Guides for Menard County Parents, Students, and Witnesses

A Parent’s Action Plan

1. Recognize the Signs: Unexplained injuries, extreme fatigue, personality changes, sudden secrecy, constant anxious phone checking, and dropping grades.
2. Talk to Your Child: Ask open, non-judgmental questions: “Are you being asked to do anything that makes you uncomfortable?” “Do you feel safe saying no?”
3. In a Crisis: Prioritize medical care. Then, preserve evidence (screenshot, photograph, save). Do not delete anything.
4. Document All Communication: Keep a log of calls and emails with the university. Ask pointed questions about the organization’s prior history.
5. Consult a Lawyer Early: Before making statements to the university or police, understand your rights. Evidence disappears within days.

A Student’s Guide to Safety and Rights

• Is This Hazing? If you feel unsafe, humiliated, or coerced to earn your place, it likely is. Trust your instinct.
• You Have the Right to Leave: You can de-pledge at any time. Send a clear written resignation and inform someone you trust.
• How to Report Safely: You can report to the Dean of Students, campus police, or anonymously through hotlines. Texas law offers protections for good-faith reporters.
• Preserve Evidence: Take screenshots, photos, and notes. Your phone is your best tool for justice.

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin a Case

We’ve detailed common errors in our video, Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case. Key pitfalls include:

• Deleting digital evidence.
• Confronting the fraternity directly (which triggers evidence destruction).
• Signing university “resolution” agreements without legal advice.
• Posting details on social media.
• Waiting for the university to “handle it” while the statute of limitations ticks down.

The statute of limitations in Texas is generally two years from the date of injury. Do not wait. Learn more in our video, Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?

Why Attorney911 is the Right Choice for Menard County Hazing Cases

When your family is in crisis, you need more than a lawyer; you need advocates who understand the enemy’s playbook and have the resources to win. From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families across Texas, including those in Menard County. Here is why we are different:

1. We Are Fighting the Biggest Texas Hazing Case Right Now.
We represent Leonel Bermudez in the $10 million lawsuit against UH and Pi Kappa Phi. We are not theorizing about hazing litigation; we are in the trenches, taking on a major university and a national fraternity. This is the level of seriousness we bring to every case.

2. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics.
Our attorney, Mr. Lupe Peña, spent years as an insurance defense attorney for a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers undervalue claims, use delay tactics, and fight coverage. As he says, “We know their playbook because we used to run it.” You can learn about Mr. Peña’s background at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

3. Experience Against Billion-Dollar Institutions.
Managing partner Ralph Manginello was one of the few plaintiff attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation. We are not intimidated by deep-pocketed defendants like national fraternities or university systems. We know how to conduct complex, document-intensive discovery to prove institutional negligence. See Ralph’s full profile at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

4. A Data-Driven Investigation Advantage.
We don’t start from scratch. Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—built from IRS records, university data, and metro-area filings—gives us a map of the Greek organizational landscape. We know how to find the housing corporations, alumni foundations, and insurance policies that others miss.

5. Compassionate, Client-Centered Advocacy.
We understand the trauma your family is facing. We guide you through every step, fight to protect your child’s privacy, and pursue justice with the goal of preventing future harm. We work on a contingency fee basis: You pay nothing unless we win your case. See how this works in our video, How Do Contingency Fees Work?

Your Next Step: A Free, Confidential Consultation

If hazing has hurt your child, the path forward can feel overwhelming. You do not have to navigate it alone. The university’s primary interest is limiting its own liability. The fraternity’s interest is protecting its brand. Your interest is your child’s health, well-being, and future.

We offer a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation to every family. In this meeting, we will:

• Listen to your story with compassion and without judgment.
• Review any evidence you have gathered.
• Explain your legal options clearly and honestly.
• Discuss the realistic timelines and potential outcomes.
• Answer all your questions about the process and our fee structure.

There is no pressure. Our goal is to ensure you have the information needed to make the best decision for your family.

For Menard County families, justice is within reach. The institutions that allowed your child to be harmed can and must be held accountable.

Call Attorney911 Today: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Line: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Hablamos Español: Ask for Mr. Lupe Peña.
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

• Click2Houston Investigation: 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 Eyewitness News Timeline: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• Hoodline Summary: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

• Using Your Phone to Document Evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Texas Statutes of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client Mistakes That Can Ruin a Case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• How Contingency Fees Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website & Profiles:

• Main Website & Contact: https://attorney911.com
• Wrongful Death Practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
• 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