Hazing in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for City of Point & Rains County Families

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

It starts with a phone call in the middle of the night. Your voice trembling, your child tells you something happened at a fraternity event. Or maybe you notice the changes first: the unexplained bruises, the exhaustion that sleep can’t fix, the personality shift from your confident college student to someone anxious and secretive. Perhaps you see the text messages—demanding, humiliating, revealing a world of pressure you never knew existed within campus organizations.

You’re a parent in City of Point, Emory, East Tawakoni, or somewhere else in Rains County, Texas, trying to understand what’s happening to your child at college. The university’s official statements sound reassuring, but your gut tells you something is deeply wrong. You’re right to trust that instinct.

Right now, just a few hours south of here in Houston, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was a University of Houston student pledging Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter in fall 2025. What was supposed to be about brotherhood and community became months of systematic abuse: forced to carry a degrading “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms and sex toys, subjected to hours-long workouts at Yellowstone Boulevard Park, sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediately forced to sprint. The physical breaking point came on November 3, 2025, when he was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion from the pledge class.

The result was catastrophic: rhabdomyolysis (severe skeletal muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown. He was hospitalized for four days with critically elevated creatine kinase levels, facing ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. We filed a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit on his behalf against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, their Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The chapter has been shut down, but the physical and psychological harm to Leonel continues.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for families in City of Point, Rains County, and across the surrounding East Texas region. Whether your child attends a local campus like Texas A&M University-Commerce, has traveled to a major Texas university, or is part of any campus organization, you deserve to understand what hazing really looks like in 2025, what Texas law says about it, and what legal options exist when institutions fail to protect students.

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

Many parents in City of Point and Rains County remember hazing as “boys will be boys” pranks or harmless initiation rituals. That outdated understanding can be dangerous. Modern hazing has evolved into sophisticated, often dangerous practices designed to test loyalty through endurance of pain, humiliation, and risk.

A Modern Definition of Hazing

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. The critical element is the power imbalance—new members cannot freely consent when refusal means social exclusion, denial of membership, or retaliation. As Texas law makes clear, “consent” is not a defense to hazing.

The Four 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, pressured consumption:

Forced consumption games: “Century Club” (100 shots of beer in 100 minutes), “Bible study” where wrong answers require drinking, “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given entire bottles of liquor
Coerced dangerous consumption: Chugging competitions, funneling, keg stands beyond safe limits, consuming unknown mixed substances
Punishment drinking: Required to drink as punishment for “mistakes” during pledge activities

The medical reality is stark: blood alcohol levels of 0.30–0.40—five to eight times the legal driving limit—can cause respiratory failure, coma, and death. In the Leonel Bermudez case at UH, while alcohol wasn’t the primary mechanism, the forced physical exertion created similar catastrophic metabolic breakdown.

2. Physical Hazing

Beyond traditional paddling, physical hazing now includes:

Extreme calisthenics: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, bear crawls for extended distances
Environmental exposure: Locked in freezing rooms, left outside in extreme cold/heat without proper clothing, forced into uncomfortable positions for hours
Sleep and deprivation cycles: Multi-day events with minimal sleep, food/water restriction, “wake-up calls” at 3 AM for mandatory activities
Organized physical abuse: Beatings with paddles, fists, or objects; “gladiator” matches between pledges; dangerous physical tests

The rhabdomyolysis that nearly killed Leonel Bermudez is a direct result of this type of hazing—muscle tissue breaks down so severely that it floods the bloodstream and damages kidneys.

3. Psychological and Sexualized Hazing

This category causes deep, lasting trauma:

Humiliation rituals: Forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, “roasts” with personal attacks
Sexualized hazing: “Elephant walks,” “roasted pig” positions, forced viewing of pornography, coerced sexual acts
Psychological manipulation: Isolation from non-members, controlled communication, forced confessions of personal information used against them
Digital humiliation: Forced to post embarrassing content on social media, create TikTok videos of degrading acts, participate in online “challenges”

4. Digital/Online Hazing

This is the newest frontier, particularly difficult for parents to detect:

24/7 group chat control: Pledges required to respond instantly to messages at all hours; failure means punishment
Location tracking: Forced to share live location via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
Social media policing: Controlling what pledges can post; requiring them to “like” or share organizational content
Digital evidence creation: Recording hazing acts to share in private group chats or social media

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Texas

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

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

The common thread is tradition, secrecy, and power imbalance—elements that exist across many campus organizations, not just Greek life.

Texas Hazing Law: What City of Point & Rains County Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws addressing hazing, but understanding them requires cutting through legal language to practical reality. Here’s what you need to know as a parent in our community.

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37, Subchapter F

Texas defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, 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

Key Provisions Every Parent Should Know:

§ 37.152 – Criminal Penalties:

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

§ 37.155 – Consent is NOT a Defense:
This is critical: Texas law explicitly states that the victim’s “consent” to the hazing activity is not a defense to prosecution. Courts recognize that power imbalance and peer pressure make true consent impossible.

§ 37.154 – Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:
A person who in good faith reports hazing to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from the report. Many universities extend this to medical emergencies—calling 911 for an alcohol poisoning victim won’t get the caller in trouble for underage drinking.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

When hazing occurs, two separate legal processes may unfold:

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (prosecutor/district attorney)
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Examples in Texas: In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, Harris County prosecutors could pursue charges against the 13 named individuals

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Goal: Monetary compensation for damages and institutional accountability
Legal theories: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
Our current case: Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi is a civil lawsuit seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and punitive damages

These cases can proceed simultaneously. A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. In fact, civil discovery often uncovers evidence that aids criminal investigations.

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

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
This federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid to:

Report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthen hazing education and prevention
Maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026)
For Rains County families: This means better information about what’s happening at your child’s university

Title IX & Clery Act:

When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations are triggered
Clery requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics
For parents: These federal laws provide additional avenues for accountability when universities fail to protect students

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Texas Hazing Lawsuit?

One of our key investigative advantages is identifying every potentially liable entity. In serious cases like the UH Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, this includes:

1. Individual Students:

Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
In our UH case: 13 named individuals including chapter president, pledgemaster, risk manager

2. Local Chapter / Organization:

The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if incorporated)
House corporations that own properties where hazing occurs

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters:

Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
Critical factor: What they knew or should have known from prior incidents at other chapters

4. University or Governing Board:

Schools may be liable under negligence or civil rights theories
Key question: Did they have prior warnings and fail to act?
Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections but exceptions exist

5. Third Parties:

Landlords/owners of off-campus houses
Bars or alcohol providers (under Texas dram shop laws)
Security companies or event organizers

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Track Every Responsible Entity

For families in City of Point and Rains County, understanding the organizational landscape behind campus Greek life is crucial. We maintain what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of every Greek organization operating in Texas, built from public records, IRS filings, and institutional data.

Why This Matters for Your Case

When your child is hazed, the initial response from organizations is often: “This was rogue individuals” or “We didn’t know.” Our data engine lets us immediately identify:

Every legal entity associated with a fraternity/sorority
Insurance coverage sources
Prior incidents and patterns
Organizational relationships between national, regional, and local entities

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Rains County Families

Using IRS B83 public filings and Cause IQ metro data, we track organizational structures across Texas. Here are examples relevant to families in our region:

In the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro Area (which includes Rains County):

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity – EIN 742911848 – Fort Worth, TX 76244
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – EIN 741380362 – Fort Worth, TX 76147
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – EIN 521278573 – Dallas, TX 75241
Fort Worth Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – EIN 752755600 – Fort Worth, TX 76101

Statewide Organizations with Local Presence:

Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – EIN 746064445 – Nederland, TX 77627 (Texas District headquarters)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – EIN 364091267 – Waco, TX 76710 (multiple Texas chapters)
Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc – EIN 273662583 – Lufkin, TX 75904

Honor Societies & Educational Organizations:

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Multiple EINs across Texas campuses including Texas A&M University (EIN 900293166) and University of Houston-Victoria (EIN 900293167)

Where Rains County Families Send Their Kids: Campus Connections

Based on our Texas Universities database and regional patterns, students from City of Point and Rains County typically attend:

Local & Regional Campuses:

Texas A&M University-Commerce (Hunt County) – 45 minutes from Rains County
University of Texas at Tyler (Smith County) – 1 hour drive
Texas A&M University-Texarkana (Bowie County) – 2 hours
Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches County) – 2 hours

Major Texas Hubs (Common Destinations):

University of Texas at Austin (2.5–3 hours)
University of Houston (3 hours)
Texas A&M University (College Station, 3 hours)
Southern Methodist University (Dallas, 1 hour)
Baylor University (Waco, 1.5 hours)

Each of these campuses has active Greek life with specific histories and patterns we track in our database.

Cross-Validated Brands: Tracking National Organizations Across Texas

Using IRS-Cause IQ brand overlap data, we can trace how the same national organizations operate across Texas. For example:

Pi Kappa Alpha appears in both IRS and Cause IQ data:

IRS: Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – EIN 746064445 – Nederland, TX
Cause IQ: Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Houston, TX

Sigma Gamma Rho has multiple Texas entities:

IRS: Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – EIN 364091267 – Waco, TX
Cause IQ: Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter – Houston, TX
Cause IQ: Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Mu Epsilon Chapter – Beaumont, TX

This cross-validation proves we’re not guessing about organizational relationships—we’re working from verified public records.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Precedents Tell Us

The Leonel Bermudez case at UH is part of a national pattern. Understanding these cases helps Rains County families know what to expect and what’s possible in seeking accountability.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

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

Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.394)
Criminal: Multiple convictions including involuntary manslaughter
Civil: Family reached $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
For Texas families: Shows national fraternities will pay significant settlements

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

“Bible study” drinking game—wrong answers = forced drinking
Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
Criminal: Multiple charges; one convicted of negligent homicide
Civil: Family settlement confidential
Legislative impact: Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)

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

Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking
Severe falls captured on chapter cameras; hours-long delay calling for help
Criminal: 18 members charged with over 1,000 counts total
Legislative impact: Pennsylvania enacted Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
Died from traumatic brain injury; help delayed
Criminal: National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
Sanction: Pi Delta Psi banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
For Texas: Shows national organizations can face criminal liability

Severe Injury Patterns (Non-Fatal)

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

Forced to drink dangerous amounts during “pledge dad reveal”
Severe, permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care)
Civil: Settlements with 22 defendants, reportedly multi-million dollar

Texas A&M Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
Civil: Pledges sued for $1 million; fraternity suspended for two years
For Rains County families: This happened at a Texas school you might be considering

What These Cases Mean for City of Point Families

Patterns repeat: The same hazing methods (forced drinking, extreme workouts, humiliation) appear across campuses and organizations
Cover-ups are common: Delaying medical care, destroying evidence, coaching witnesses
National organizations have deep pockets: Multi-million dollar settlements are possible
Universities can be held accountable: Even public universities with sovereign immunity protections have paid significant settlements
Legislative change follows tragedy: Texas laws may strengthen as cases like UH’s receive attention

Texas University Focus: Where Rains County Students Attend

Understanding the specific landscape at Texas universities helps City of Point families make informed decisions and recognize warning signs.

University of Houston: The Current Crisis

Campus Context for Rains County Families:
UH is approximately a 3-hour drive from Rains County, making it a common destination for students wanting an urban university experience while remaining within reasonable driving distance.

Current Active Case – Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi:
As detailed in the Click2Houston and ABC13 coverage, this case represents everything that can go wrong in a fraternity pledging process:

Hazing locations: Pi Kappa Phi house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park
Specific methods: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, cold-weather exposure, hose spraying “like waterboarding,” forced consumption until vomiting, extreme physical workouts
Medical consequences: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization, ongoing risk of permanent damage
Organizational response: Chapter suspended November 6, 2025; charter surrendered November 14, 2025; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”

UH’s Greek Life Landscape:

Interfraternity Council: 17+ fraternities including Alpha Sigma Phi, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Panhellenic Council: 6 sororities
NPHC: All nine Divine Nine organizations present
Multicultural Greek Council: 6+ organizations

What UH Parents Should Know:

UHPD and Houston Police may both have jurisdiction depending on incident location
Civil cases typically filed in Harris County courts
Prior incidents exist in UH’s disciplinary records (though less publicly accessible than UT’s)

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture & Greek Life

Proximity to Rains County: Approximately 3 hours, a common choice for East Texas students

Recent Significant Cases:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Lawsuit (2021):

Allegations: Pledges covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts
Outcome: Fraternity suspended for two years; civil lawsuit seeking $1 million

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

Allegations: Cadet subjected to degrading hazing including being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth, simulated sexual acts
Civil lawsuit: Seeking over $1 million
University response: A&M stated it handled matter under its rules

Texas A&M’s Unique Context:

Corps of Cadets: Military-style environment with its own traditions and disciplinary system
Greek life: 30+ fraternities, 20+ sororities
Transparency: Less public disclosure than UT, but civil discovery can uncover prior incidents

University of Texas at Austin: Public Transparency Model

Distance from Rains County: 2.5–3 hours, making it accessible for weekend visits

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page:
UT maintains one of Texas’s most transparent systems, publishing hazing violations online. Recent examples include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023):

Violation: New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Sanction: Chapter probation, required hazing-prevention education

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024):

Incident: Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party; injuries included dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
Civil lawsuit: Seeking over $1 million
Context: Chapter already under suspension for prior violations

Other Sanctioned Organizations:

Texas Wranglers (spirit group)
Various fraternities and sororities for alcohol-related hazing, forced workouts

What UT Families Should Know:

UTPD and Austin PD jurisdiction depends on location
Prior violations on UT’s public log strengthen civil cases by showing pattern knowledge
UT’s transparency is unusual—most Texas schools disclose less

Southern Methodist University: Private University Dynamics

Proximity: In Dallas, approximately 1 hour from Rains County—the closest major university to our community

SMU’s Greek Life Profile:

Historically strong Greek presence
Private university status affects transparency
Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived; chapter suspended

Private vs. Public Distinctions:

SMU has fewer public records requirements than state schools
Civil discovery becomes even more critical to uncover prior incidents
Insurance structures may differ from public universities

Baylor University: Religious Context & Athletic Hazing

Distance: 1.5 hours to Waco, within easy driving distance for Rains County families

Recent Incidents:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):

14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Suspensions staggered over early season
Part of broader cultural scrutiny following Baylor’s Title IX scandals

Baylor’s Distinct Context:

Religious identity affects disciplinary approach
Greek life exists alongside strong religious organizations
Athletic program hazing has been documented

Common Threads Across Texas Campuses

Alcohol remains central to most serious hazing incidents
Physical hazing continues despite policies prohibiting it
Cover-ups and delayed reporting are common
Universities balance transparency with reputation protection
Civil litigation often reveals more than initial university disclosures

Fraternity & Sorority National Histories: Patterns That Repeat

National organizations’ histories matter because patterns repeat. When a Texas chapter engages in hazing methods that have caused deaths or serious injuries at other chapters, that history demonstrates foreseeability—the national organization knew or should have known these practices were dangerous.

Organizations with Documented National Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

Stone Foltz: Bowling Green State University, 2021—alcohol poisoning death
David Bogenberger: Northern Illinois University, 2012—alcohol poisoning death ($14M settlement)
Texas presence: Multiple Texas chapters including at UH, UT, Texas A&M
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing events

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

National pattern: Multiple alcohol-related deaths leading to 2014 elimination of traditional pledge process
Texas incidents: Chemical burns case at Texas A&M, assault case at UT
Liability pattern: Nationals often argue “rogue chapter” defense

Phi Delta Theta:

Max Gruver: LSU, 2017—alcohol poisoning death (Louisiana felony hazing law)
National response: Implemented alcohol-free housing policy
Texas chapters: Present at multiple Texas universities

Pi Kappa Phi:

Andrew Coffey: Florida State University, 2017—alcohol poisoning death
Current Texas case: Leonel Bermudez at UH—physical hazing causing rhabdomyolysis
Pattern: Both alcohol and physical hazing methods

Kappa Sigma:

Chad Meredith: University of Miami, 2001—drowning after persuaded to swim while intoxicated ($12.6M verdict)
Texas incidents: Disciplinary actions at multiple campuses
Legislative impact: Florida’s Chad Meredith Law criminalizing hazing

Why National Histories Matter in Your Case

When we represent families like Leonel Bermudez’s, we investigate not just what happened locally, but what the national organization knew:

Evidence of Foreseeability:

Prior similar incidents at other chapters
National training materials that acknowledge specific risks
Communication between national risk managers and local chapters

Insurance Coverage Issues:

National organizations typically have insurance
Insurers may argue hazing is excluded as “intentional act”
Our experience: Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as an insurance defense attorney helps navigate these disputes

Settlement Leverage:

National organizations want to avoid public trials
Prior incidents create pattern evidence juries find compelling
Multi-million dollar national settlements create precedent

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Damages

When families from City of Point or Rains County contact us about a potential hazing case, we follow a systematic investigative process designed to preserve evidence, identify all responsible parties, and build the strongest possible case.

Critical Evidence Categories

1. Digital Communications (Most Important in 2025):

Group messaging: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity-specific apps
Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook messages
Content: Planning discussions, instructions, boasts about hazing, photos/videos of incidents
Our capability: Digital forensics to recover deleted messages

2. Photos & Videos:

Content filmed during hazing events
Security/doorbell camera footage
Injury documentation (immediate and progression)

3. Internal Organization Documents:

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts
Emails/texts between officers
National policies and training materials

4. University Records:

Prior conduct files (obtained through discovery or public records requests)
Incident reports to campus police
Clery Act reports

5. Medical Documentation:

Emergency room/hospitalization records
Toxicology reports
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety)

6. Witness Testimony:

Other pledges
Former members
Roommates, RAs, bystanders

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Texas law allows recovery for both economic and non-economic damages in hazing cases:

Economic Damages:

Medical expenses: Past and future care
Lost earnings/educational impact: Missed semesters, delayed career entry
Future care costs: For permanent injuries like brain damage or organ impairment

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life

Wrongful Death Damages (for families):

Funeral/burial costs
Loss of companionship and support
Emotional harm to parents and siblings

Punitive Damages:

May be available for particularly reckless or malicious conduct
Texas has caps on exemplary damages with exceptions

Our Strategic Advantages in Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Knowledge (Mr. Lupe Peña’s Background):
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national defense firm. He knows:

How fraternity and university insurers value (and undervalue) claims
Their delay tactics and coverage exclusion arguments
Settlement strategies and reserve-setting practices
Essentially: We know their playbook because we used to run it

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:

BP Texas City explosion litigation: We’ve faced billion-dollar defendants
Federal court capability: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
Multi-defendant management: Experience coordinating cases against universities, national fraternities, housing corporations, individuals

Investigative Depth:

Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
Experience obtaining hidden evidence through discovery
Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Our proprietary database tracking 1,423 Greek organizations across Texas

Dual Criminal/Civil Capability:

Ralph Manginello’s HCCLA membership (Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association)
Understanding how criminal charges interact with civil litigation
Ability to advise witnesses/former members with potential criminal exposure

Practical Guides for Rains County Families

For Parents: Warning Signs & Immediate Steps

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water restriction
Sleep deprivation (late-night calls, 3 AM “mandatory” events)
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Anxiety about missing messages or events
Financial strain (unexpected expenses for “fines” or required purchases)

If You Suspect Hazing:

Prioritize safety: If immediate danger, call 911
Document everything: Write down what your child tells you with dates/times
Preserve evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries
Medical attention: Even if child insists they’re “fine”
Consult attorney before reporting: To protect evidence and rights
Avoid confrontation: With organization or university initially

Dealing with Universities:

Document all communications
Ask specific questions about prior incidents involving the organization
Don’t sign anything without legal review
Remember: University process ≠ legal accountability

For Students: Recognizing Hazing & Safe Exit Strategies

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie?

If It’s Hazing:

Your safety comes first
Texas law protects good-faith reporters
You have the right to leave any organization at any time
“Consent” is not a defense to hazing

Safe Exit Strategies:

Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
Send written resignation (email/text for record)
Avoid “one last meeting” where pressure/retaliation might occur
Document any threats or harassment
Report retaliation to university and police if necessary

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence:

What families think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
Reality: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice
Do instead: Preserve EVERYTHING immediately

2. Confronting the Organization Directly:

Result: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Do instead: Document quietly, consult attorney first

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms:

Universities may pressure quick settlements far below case value
Do instead: Have attorney review ANY document before signing

4. Posting on Social Media:

Defense attorneys screenshot everything for inconsistencies
Do instead: Keep details private; let attorney control messaging

5. Waiting for University Investigation:

Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult attorney immediately

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters:

Recorded statements are used against you
Early settlements are typically lowball offers
Do instead: “My attorney will contact you”

Why Choose 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.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):
Mr. Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney gives us unparalleled insight into how fraternity and university insurance companies operate. He knows:

How they value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Their delay tactics and coverage exclusion arguments
The reserve-setting formulas and negotiation strategies
Essentially: We know their playbook because we used to run it

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello):

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: We’ve faced billion-dollar defendants
Federal Court Experience: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
“We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience:

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
Economist collaboration for lifetime care valuation
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:

Ralph’s HCCLA membership signals elite criminal defense capability
Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Investigative Depth:

Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: 1,423 Greek organizations tracked across Texas
Experience obtaining hidden evidence through strategic discovery

Current Active Hazing Litigation:
Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case—a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit that has already shut down a fraternity chapter. We’re not just talking about hazing law; we’re actively litigating one of Texas’s most serious current cases.

Our Approach: Empathetic, Thorough, Strategic

We understand this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our approach balances:

Empathy & Support:

We listen without judgment
We explain options clearly without pressure
We prioritize your family’s wellbeing throughout the process

Thorough Investigation:

We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does
We identify every potentially liable entity
We build comprehensive evidence files

Strategic Litigation:

We know when to negotiate and when to prepare for trial
We understand insurance coverage complexities
We leverage pattern evidence from national histories

Your Next Steps: Free Confidential Consultation

If you or your child has been affected by hazing at any Texas campus, we want to help. Families in City of Point, Emory, East Tawakoni, and throughout Rains County have the right to answers and accountability.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

We’ll Listen Without Judgment:
Tell us what happened in confidence. Everything you share is protected by attorney-client privilege.

We’ll Review Your Evidence:
Bring any documentation you have—photos, messages, medical records. If you don’t have anything yet, that’s okay too.

We’ll Explain Your Legal Options:

Criminal reporting considerations
Civil lawsuit possibilities
University disciplinary processes
Realistic timelines and expectations

We’ll Answer Your Questions:

About Texas hazing law
About our experience with similar cases
About costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
About privacy concerns

No Pressure to Hire Us:
Take time to decide what’s right for your family. We’ll give you straightforward advice whether you hire us or not.

How to Contact Us

For Immediate Help:

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781

Online:

Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com

Spanish Language Services:

Hablamos Español – Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com
Servicios legales en español disponibles

Serving All of Texas from Our Houston Office

While our main office is in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including Rains County and the surrounding East Texas region. Distance doesn’t prevent us from providing thorough representation—we utilize technology for meetings and travel as needed for investigations, depositions, and court appearances.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

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 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

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