The Complete Guide to Hazing in Texas: What Winfield Families Need to Know About Fraternity, Sorority & Campus Abuse

If Your Child is in Immediate Danger from Hazing RIGHT NOW

Call 911 for medical emergencies. Then call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We provide immediate legal help—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately, even if your child 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 paddles, 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

Introduction: A Texas Parent’s Worst Nightmare—Made Real

Imagine this: Your child from Winfield, excited about their freshman year at a Texas university, decides to join a fraternity or sorority. What starts as exciting “bonding” soon turns darker. There are late-night calls, unexplained injuries, sudden secrecy. Your once-confident student now seems anxious, exhausted, and defensive when you ask about their new “friends.” Then comes the phone call no parent wants: Your child is in the hospital with kidney failure from extreme workouts, or with alcohol poisoning from forced drinking games, or with psychological trauma from humiliation rituals.

This isn’t hypothetical. Right now, in Texas, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country—and it shows exactly what can happen to Texas students.

Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student at the University of Houston, allegedly endured months of systematic abuse as a Pi Kappa Phi pledge in fall 2025. The conduct described in the $10 million lawsuit we filed on his behalf includes:

Humiliating “pledge fanny pack” rules requiring him to carry condoms, sex toys, and nicotine devices 24/7
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by immediate sprints
Extreme physical hazing including 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, bear crawls, and “save-your-brother” drills
Simulated waterboarding with a hose sprayed in his face
Cold-weather exposure in underwear at Yellowstone Boulevard Park
Another pledge being hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour

The result? Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, couldn’t stand without help, and was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels. He now faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter was suspended on November 6, 2025, and members voted to surrender their charter on November 14, 2025. The University of Houston called the conduct “deeply disturbing.”

This is happening at Texas universities right now. And if it can happen at UH, it can happen at Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any campus where Winfield families send their children.

We’re The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911), and we represent Leonel Bermudez in this ongoing litigation. We’ve created this comprehensive guide for Winfield families and all Texas parents to understand:

What hazing really looks like in 2025 (beyond the stereotypes)
How Texas and federal law protect—or fail to protect—your child
The documented patterns at Texas universities where Winfield students often attend
What legal options exist when institutions fail to prevent harm
Practical steps to protect your child and hold wrongdoers accountable

Whether your child attends school in Houston, College Station, Austin, Dallas, Waco, or anywhere in Texas, this information could save their life—or help them recover justice if harm has already occurred.

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

The Modern Definition: It’s Not Just “Boys Being Boys”

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. For Winfield families sending children to college, understanding this broad definition is crucial because what your child dismisses as “just tradition” or “team bonding” might actually be illegal hazing.

Critical legal point: In Texas, “I agreed to it” does not make it legal. The Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion isn’t true voluntary consent.

The Five Main Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing

This remains the deadliest form. It’s not just “drinking at a party”—it’s systematic coercion:

Forced chugging challenges during “Big/Little” nights or bid acceptance events
Drinking games with punitive rules where wrong answers mean consuming more
Pressure to consume unknown or mixed substances
Lineups where pledges must quickly consume excessive amounts

The national pattern is clear: Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha at Bowling Green) died after being forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey. Max Gruver (Phi Delta Theta at LSU) died during a “Bible study” drinking game. Andrew Coffey (Pi Kappa Phi at FSU) died after a “Big Brother” night.

2. Physical Hazing

This goes beyond “tough workouts” to dangerous punishment:

Paddling and beatings, especially in certain NPHC traditions (though officially prohibited)
Extreme calisthenics or “smokings” far beyond normal conditioning
Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or 3 AM wake-up calls
Food/water deprivation as punishment
Exposure to extreme elements (left outside in cold, locked in hot spaces)

At Texas A&M, a Sigma Alpha Epsilon lawsuit alleged pledges were covered in industrial-strength cleaner causing chemical burns requiring skin grafts. At UH in the Bermudez case, extreme workouts caused rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

The most psychologically damaging forms often involve:

Forced nudity or partial nudity during initiations
Simulated sexual acts, “roasted pig” positions, or degrading costumes
Acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones
Public shaming rituals designed to break down personal dignity

At Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets, a lawsuit alleged a cadet was bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. Northwestern University’ football hazing scandal involved alleged sexualized acts.

4. Psychological Hazing

The invisible wounds can be deepest:

Verbal abuse, screaming, and degradation during “interviews” or “grill sessions”
Social isolation from non-members and family
Manipulation and forced confessions of personal information
Threats of expulsion from the organization for non-compliance

5. Digital/Online Hazing

The newest frontier, especially concerning for tech-savvy Winfield students:

Group chat dares and challenges on GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord
Public humiliation via social media—forced to post embarrassing content on Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat
Geo-tracking demands through Find My Friends or Life360
24/7 availability expectations with immediate response requirements

Where Hazing Actually Happens: It’s Not Just Fraternities

Winfield parents should understand hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural Greek councils)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC / military-style groups (particularly relevant for Texas A&M)
Spirit squads and tradition clubs (like Texas Cowboys, Texas Wranglers)
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer, swimming)
Marching bands and performance groups
Some academic, service, and cultural organizations

The common thread isn’t the type of organization but the dynamics of power, tradition, and secrecy that allow abuse to continue even when everyone “knows” it’s illegal.

Texas Hazing Laws: What Winfield Families Must Understand

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37, Subchapter F

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions that apply to all educational institutions, including public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin, and private ones like SMU and Baylor.

§ 37.151 Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that endangers mental or physical health or safety AND occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership.

Plain English for Winfield families: 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. Location doesn’t matter (on or off campus), and it can be mental or physical harm.

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death
Additional penalties for failing to report hazing or retaliating against reporters

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability: Organizations themselves can be prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report.

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting: Those who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil/criminal liability. Many universities extend this to alcohol amnesty—calling 911 for a medical emergency won’t get your child in trouble for underage drinking.

§ 37.155 Consent Not a Defense: Critical for Winfield parents—even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law.

§ 37.156 Institutional Reporting Requirements: Texas colleges must provide hazing prevention education, publish policies, and maintain annual reports of violations.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (prosecutor)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Example: In the Max Gruver (LSU) case, multiple Phi Delta Theta members faced criminal charges including negligent homicide

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families (like the Bermudez lawsuit we’re handling)
Aim: Monetary compensation and institutional accountability
Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
No criminal conviction required to pursue civil action

Both can proceed simultaneously. A criminal case failing doesn’t prevent a civil suit, and vice versa.

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections and Requirements

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthens hazing education and prevention
Phased-in public hazing data requirements (by approximately 2026)
This means Winfield families will eventually have better access to campus hazing statistics

Title IX & Clery Act:

When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger
Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics
These federal frameworks create additional liability avenues when universities fail to respond appropriately

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students:

Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
In the Bermudez case, we sued 13 individual fraternity leaders including chapter president, pledgemaster, sorority relations chair, risk manager

Local Chapter/Organization:

The fraternity/sorority itself as a legal entity
Chapter officers acting in official capacity
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX) is a defendant in the Bermudez case

National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters:

Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters is a defendant in the Bermudez case
Liability often hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents

University or Governing Board:

Schools may be liable under negligence or civil rights theories
University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents are defendants in our ongoing case
Key questions: Prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference

Third Parties:

Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces
Bars or alcohol providers (under Texas dram shop law)
Security companies or event organizers

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

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Precedents Tell Us

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern: The Deadliest Script

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
During a bid-acceptance event, Piazza consumed dangerous amounts of alcohol, suffered multiple falls captured on chapter cameras, and help was delayed for hours. The case resulted in dozens of criminal charges, civil litigation, and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. Takeaway for Winfield families: Extreme intoxication combined with delayed medical care and cover-up culture creates devastating liability.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
A “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant drinking led to Gruver’s death from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%). Multiple members faced charges, and Louisiana enacted the Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony. Takeaway: Legislative change often follows tragedy, but prevention requires more than laws.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey during a pledge night, Foltz died from alcohol poisoning. The family reached a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). Former chapter president Daylen Dunson was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally. Takeaway: Universities and nationals face massive financial exposure, and individual officers can bear personal liability.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
Another “Big Brother” night, another handle of liquor, another death. This case shows how the same national organization (Pi Kappa Phi) faces repeated patterns across campuses. Takeaway: National fraternities often have constructive notice of dangerous traditions.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern: Violence Masquerading as Tradition

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
During a fraternity retreat, Deng was blindfolded, weighted with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual. He suffered fatal head injuries while help was delayed. Multiple members were convicted, and Pi Delta Psi was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. Takeaway: Off-campus “retreats” don’t eliminate liability—they often increase danger through isolation.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
During a “pledge dad reveal” night, Santulli was forced to consume excessive alcohol, suffered severe permanent brain damage, and now requires 24/7 care. His family settled with 22 defendants. Takeaway: Non-fatal injuries can result in lifetime care costs exceeding death cases.

Athletic Program Hazing: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program. Multiple lawsuits led to head coach Pat Fitzgerald’s firing and a confidential settlement. Takeaway: Hazing permeates athletic programs with the same power dynamics and secrecy as Greek life.

Western Kentucky University Swim Team (2012–2015)
Investigation revealed hazing dating back years, including verbal/physical abuse. The university placed the entire program on five-year suspension and settled a federal lawsuit for $75,000. Takeaway: Even non-revenue sports face serious consequences for hazing culture.

What These Cases Mean for Winfield Families

These national precedents create legal frameworks Texas courts follow. They establish:

Foreseeability: Organizations know certain activities cause harm
Duty of care: Universities and nationals must take reasonable steps to prevent known dangers
Punitive damages potential: Especially reckless or willful conduct can trigger additional penalties
Pattern evidence: Prior incidents at other chapters help prove negligence

When your child at a Texas university suffers hazing, these cases become part of your legal landscape.

Texas Universities: Where Winfield Students Attend & What History Shows

Winfield families typically send children to a mix of regional campuses and major Texas universities. Understanding each campus’s specific context, policies, and history is crucial.

Texas A&M University-Commerce & East Texas Campuses

For Winfield families in Titus County:
Many local students attend regional campuses like Texas A&M University-Commerce (just 75 miles from Winfield in Hunt County) or University of Texas at Tyler (approximately 90 miles away). These schools have Greek life and athletic programs with their own hazing risks.

Texas A&M University-Commerce Greek Life:
The campus hosts multiple fraternities and sororities, including chapters with national histories of hazing incidents. Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine shows Greek organizations operating in the Commerce area, including entities registered with Texas addresses that serve these campuses.

Public Records Example for Northeast Texas:

Sigma Chi Fraternity Zeta Eta: PO Box 1403, Commerce, TX 75429 (IRS B83 filing)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority: 1205 Monroe St, Commerce, TX 75428-2561 (IRS B83 filing)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi: 3001 N Ben Wilson, Victoria, TX 77901 (serves multiple campuses)

What Winfield Parents Should Know About Regional Campuses:

Smaller doesn’t mean safer: Intimate campus environments can increase pressure to conform
Fewer resources: Smaller Greek life offices may have less oversight capability
Community connections: In tight-knit campus communities, reporting can feel riskier due to social consequences
Same national organizations: The same fraternities/sororities with national hazing histories operate at regional campuses

University of Houston: The Ongoing Bermudez Case & Institutional Pattern

For Winfield families with children at UH:
The ongoing Leonel Bermudez case represents exactly what can go wrong when institutions fail to prevent known hazards.

UH’s Greek Ecosystem (From Public Records):
Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks 188 Greek-related organizations in the Houston metro. At UH specifically, the Interfraternity Council includes:

Alpha Epsilon Pi (ΑΕΠ)
Alpha Sigma Phi (ΑΣΦ)
Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ) – the fraternity in the Bermudez case
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ)
And 13+ other fraternities

UH Hazing Policy & Reality Gap:
UH prohibits hazing on and off campus, but the Bermudez case alleges conduct occurring at:

Pi Kappa Phi chapter house at/near UH
Culmore Drive residence (owned by a former member)
Yellowstone Boulevard Park
Various Houston-area locations

The lawsuit alleges UH owned/controlled the chapter house and knew or should have known about systemic hazing. This is the pattern evidence argument: when organizations have prior incidents, they can’t claim the latest was unforeseeable.

What Winfield Parents Should Do If Their Child is at UH:

Ask specific questions: “Has there been any talk of ‘fanny pack rules’ or late-night workouts?”
Monitor physical signs: Unexplained exhaustion, injuries, or personality changes
Know reporting channels: Dean of Students, UHPD, online reporting forms
Preserve evidence immediately: If something seems wrong, screenshot messages before they’re deleted

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

For Winfield families with Aggie connections:
Texas A&M’s unique Corps of Cadets culture intersects with traditional Greek life, creating complex hazing dynamics.

Documented Texas A&M Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The fraternity was suspended for two years; pledges sued for $1 million.
Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth. Sought over $1 million; A&M stated it handled matter internally.
Ongoing Rhabdomyolysis Cases: Multiple allegations of extreme physical hazing causing the same muscle breakdown condition as in the UH Bermudez case.

Texas A&M’s Greek Ecosystem (From Public Records):
Our data shows significant Greek infrastructure in College Station:

Beta Theta Pi – Eta Chapter House Corp: College Station, TX (Cause IQ listing)
Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon: College Station, TX (Cause IQ listing)
Delta Sigma Theta – Brazos Valley Alumnae: College Station, TX (Cause IQ listing)

What Winfield Parents Should Know About Texas A&M:

Corps isn’t immune: Military-style discipline can cross into abusive hazing
Greek life is massive: Over 60 fraternities/sororities operate in the A&M system
Off-campus hazing common: Retreats to rural properties increase danger and decrease oversight
Institutional loyalty strong: The “Aggie family” culture can discourage reporting

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency & Repeated Violations

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page (hazing.utexas.edu) offers more transparency than many schools, showing patterns:

Recent UT Sanctions Include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation with hazing-prevention education required
Texas Wranglers & Other Spirit Groups: Multiple sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, punishment-based practices
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): Australian exchange student alleged assault resulting in dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose; sued for over $1 million

UT’s Greek Ecosystem (From Public Records):
The Austin-Round Rock metro has 154 Greek organizations according to our Cause IQ data. Specific entities include:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp: Austin, TX (Cause IQ listing)
Delta Tau Delta – Gamma Iota Chapter: Austin, TX (Cause IQ listing)
Building Corporation – Alpha Delta Pi: Austin, TX (Cause IQ listing)

What Winfield Parents Should Know About UT:

Check the public log: UT posts violations at hazing.utexas.edu
Pattern evidence strong: Repeated violations by same organizations help prove negligence
Austin location means off-campus hazing: Many events occur at non-university properties
Large Greek system: Over 60 chapters means varied risk levels

Southern Methodist University: Private School Dynamics

SMU’s Greek Culture:
As a private, affluent campus, SMU has strong Greek presence with different dynamics than public universities.

Documented SMU Incidents:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep; chapter suspended through approximately 2021
Ongoing NPHC Issues: As with many campuses, historically Black fraternities/sororities face particular scrutiny around physical traditions

SMU’s Greek Ecosystem (From Public Records):
Dallas-Fort Worth metro has 510 Greek organizations (per Cause IQ). SMU-specific entities include:

Tri Delta Educational Fund of SMU: Dallas, TX (Cause IQ listing)
Kappa Alpha Theta – Gamma Psi Chapter: Fort Worth, TX (TCU-related but part of DFW Greek ecosystem)

What Winfield Parents Should Know About SMU:

Private school = less transparency: Fewer public records requirements
Affluent demographics can affect reporting: Concerns about reputation and future implications
Active Greek life: Strong traditions with associated risks
Dallas location: Hazing may occur in upscale apartments or properties distinct from campus

Baylor University: Religious Identity & Athletic Culture

Baylor’s Unique Context:
The religious identity and prior athletic scandals create complex dynamics for hazing accountability.

Documented Baylor Incidents:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation; staggered suspensions through early season
Greek Life Issues: Like all campuses with active Greek systems, Baylor faces ongoing hazing challenges

Baylor’s Greek Ecosystem (From Public Records):
Waco metro has 27 Greek organizations. Baylor-specific entities include:

Phi Gamma Delta – Tau Deuteron Chapter: Waco, TX (Cause IQ listing)
Kappa Kappa Gamma – Baylor House Board: Waco, TX (Cause IQ listing)
Baylor Panhellenic Alumnae Association: Waco, TX (Cause IQ listing)

What Winfield Parents Should Know About Baylor:

Religious context affects reporting: Students may hesitate due to moral/ethical perceptions
Athletic program scrutiny: Following prior scandals, athletic hazing receives particular attention
Baylor’s policies: “Zero tolerance” statements versus enforcement reality
Waco location: Smaller city dynamics affect Greek life and oversight

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Relevant to Winfield Families

If you’re a parent in Winfield, Texas, you deserve to know who stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. Below are actual public records of Texas-registered Greek organizations from IRS filings and metro databases. This is the type of data we maintain at Attorney911 to investigate hazing cases.

Northeast Texas & Regional Campus Organizations

Texas A&M University-Commerce & East Texas Entities:

Sigma Chi Fraternity Zeta Eta: PO Box 1403, Commerce, TX 75429 (IRS B83 filing)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority: 1205 Monroe St, Commerce, TX 75428-2561 (IRS B83 filing)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi: 3900 University Blvd, Tyler, TX 75799 (University of Texas at Tyler chapter)
Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc: 1416 Sleepy Hollow Dr, Lufkin, TX 75904-4805 (IRS B83 filing)
Alpha Tau Omega Housing Corporation of Eta Iota Chapter: 316 E Lakewood St, Nacogdoches, TX 75965-2521 (IRS B83 filing)

Stephen F. Austin State University Entities:

Chi Omega Fraternity: 402 N Steen Dr, Nacogdoches, TX 75965-1776 (IRS B83 filing)
Epsilon Tau Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity: 321 Old Tyler Rd, Nacogdoches, TX 75961-4880 (IRS B83 filing)
Phi Kappa Psi Texas Epsilon Chapter: 1936 N St SFA Station Box 6159, Nacogdoches, TX 75965 (IRS B83 filing)

Major University Hub Organizations (Where Winfield Students Often Attend)

University of Houston Area Entities:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc: 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035-6629 (IRS B83 filing – defendant in Bermudez case)
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter: 4300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204-3067 (IRS B83 filing)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter: Houston, TX (Cause IQ metro listing)
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Epsilon Kappa Alumni: Beaumont, TX (Cause IQ listing – Lamar University connection)

Texas A&M University Area Entities:

Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon Chapter: College Station, TX (Cause IQ metro listing)
Beta Theta Pi – Eta Chapter House Corp: College Station, TX (Cause IQ metro listing)
Delta Sigma Theta – Brazos Valley Alumnae: College Station, TX (Cause IQ metro listing)
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc: 3989 N Graham Rd, College Station, TX 77845-6803 (IRS B83 filing)

Cross-Validated Brand Examples (Same Organizations in Multiple Data Sources):

Beta Upsilon Chi: IRS EIN 742911848 in Fort Worth, TX AND Cause IQ listing in Dallas-Fort Worth metro
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation: IRS EIN 741380362 in Fort Worth, TX AND Cause IQ listing in DFW metro
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority: Multiple IRS listings (Waco, Commerce) AND Cause IQ listings (Houston, Beaumont chapters)

Why This Directory Matters for Winfield Families:

Transparency: These are public organizations with legal identities
Insurance tracking: Each entity may carry liability insurance
Investigation starting point: We use this data to identify all potentially liable parties
Pattern evidence: Multiple chapters of same national show systematic issues

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Create Texas Liability

Why National Histories Matter Legally

When a Texas chapter repeats hazing methods that caused deaths or injuries at other campuses, that shows foreseeability—the national organization knew or should have known this could happen. This is crucial for proving negligence and securing punitive damages.

Organization-Specific Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike):

Stone Foltz (BGSU 2021): Forced drinking death; $10M settlement
David Bogenberger (NIU 2012): Alcohol poisoning death; $14M settlement
Texas Pattern: Multiple Texas campuses have Pi Kappa Alpha chapters with documented violations

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):

Andrew Coffey (FSU 2017): Big Brother night drinking death
Leonel Bermudez (UH 2025): Current $10M lawsuit we’re handling involving rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure
National Response: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended UH Beta Nu chapter within days of hazing reports

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE):

Multiple Alcohol Deaths Nationwide: Long pattern of hazardous drinking events
Texas A&M Chemical Burns (2021): Industrial cleaner causing skin graft injuries
UT Austin Assault (2024): Exchange student with multiple fractures
National Pattern: SAE eliminated traditional pledge process in 2014 due to deaths

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):

Max Gruver (LSU 2017): Bible study drinking game death; Louisiana felony hazing law
Multiple Campus Suspensions: Nationwide pattern of alcohol hazing

Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ):

Chad Meredith (University of Miami 2001): Drowning death; $12.6M jury verdict
Texas A&M Rhabdomyolysis Cases (ongoing): Extreme physical hazing allegations
Legal Impact: Florida’s Chad Meredith Law criminalized hazing

How National Patterns Help Texas Cases

Establish Foreseeability: National knew certain activities were dangerous
Show Policy vs. Practice Gap: Thick anti-hazing manuals mean nothing without enforcement
Support Punitive Damages: Repeated warnings ignored shows reckless disregard
Overcome “Rogue Chapter” Defense: Pattern across multiple chapters undermines this argument

For Winfield families, this means: if your child is hazed by an organization with national hazing history, that history becomes part of your case.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Legal Strategy

Critical Evidence Collection (First 48 Hours)

Digital Evidence (Most Important):

Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, fraternity apps
Social Media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook messages
Recovery Potential: Digital forensics can often recover deleted messages
Our Video Guide: Watch our evidence preservation video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Photos & Videos:

Injury Documentation: Multiple angles with coin/ruler for scale
Event Footage: Videos shared in group chats or posted socially
Location Evidence: Photos of houses, rooms, venues
Progression Photos: Daily pictures of bruises/injuries showing development

Internal Organization Documents:

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, tradition lists
Emails/texts about “what we’ll do to pledges”
National policies and training materials (obtained through discovery)

University Records:

Prior conduct files, probation/suspension letters
Campus police incident reports
Clery Act reports (obtainable through public records requests)

Medical & Psychological Records:

ER/hospitalization records (crucial for rhabdomyolysis cases like Bermudez’s)
Toxicology reports (blood alcohol, drug screens)
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses)
Critical: Tell medical providers you were hazed so it’s documented

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges (often afraid but may cooperate once case is filed)
Former members who quit or were expelled
Roommates, RAs, bystanders

Damages in Hazing Cases: What Winfield Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical Bills: Past and future (lifetime care for catastrophic injuries)
Lost Income/Earning Capacity: Missed semesters, delayed career entry, reduced capacity
Educational Costs: Tuition for withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships
Property Damage: Destroyed clothing, phones, other items

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries and recovery
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of Enjoyment: Can’t participate in former activities
Reputational Harm: Social stigma, difficulty transferring

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

Funeral/burial costs
Loss of companionship and support
Grief and emotional suffering
Parents’/siblings’ therapy costs

Punitive Damages (When Available):

For especially reckless, willful, or malicious conduct
Requires showing prior warnings ignored, cover-up attempts, callous indifference
Texas has caps on exemplary damages in many cases

Legal Strategy: Overcoming Common Defenses

Defense: “The Pledge Consented”

Our Response: Texas Education Code § 37.155 – consent is not a defense
Evidence: Group chat messages showing coercion, power imbalance
Expert Testimony: Psychologists on group dynamics and peer pressure

Defense: “Rogue Chapter – National Didn’t Know”

Our Response: Pattern evidence from other chapters shows foreseeability
Discovery: Subpoena national’s prior incident reports
Argument: Having anti-hazing policies means they knew risks existed

Defense: “Off-Campus – Not Our Property”

Our Response: Location doesn’t eliminate duty when organization sponsored/controlled event
Precedent: Pi Delta Psi retreat case established off-campus liability
Evidence: National collected dues, sent advisors, maintained relationship

Defense: “We Have Strict Anti-Hazing Policies”

Our Response: Policy vs. practice – were they meaningfully enforced?
Evidence: Prior incidents with minimal punishment, perfunctory training
Argument: Having a policy creates duty to enforce it

Defense: “University Sovereign Immunity” (Public Schools)

Our Response: Exceptions for gross negligence, willful misconduct, Title IX violations
Strategy: Sue individual employees in personal capacity
Reality: Even with immunity arguments, universities often settle (BGSU paid $3M in Foltz case)

Insurance Coverage Battles

Fraternity and university insurers often fight coverage using:

Intentional Acts Exclusions: Claiming hazing was intentional
Criminal Acts Exclusions: Arguing hazing is criminal
Bad Faith Denials: Wrongfully refusing to defend or indemnify

Our Advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how insurers value claims, use IMEs to reduce settlements, and deploy delay tactics. We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Winfield Families

For Parents: Warning Signs & Immediate Actions

Physical Warning Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts (especially with inconsistent stories)
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water restriction or stress
Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, 3 AM calls)
Injuries to hands/back from paddling or forced exercise
Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage
Signs of alcohol poisoning (even if child doesn’t normally drink)

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Withdrawal from family, old friends, non-member activities
Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability, anger
Defensiveness when asked about the organization
Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting chapter down”
Obsession with pleasing older members

Academic & Financial Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep in class
Unexpected large expenses (forced purchases, “fines”)
Buying excessive alcohol or items for older members
Requests for money without clear explanation

Digital/Social Behavior:

Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Anxiety when phone buzzes (immediate response expected)
Deleting messages or clearing history obsessively
Social media posts showing humiliating/concerning activities
Geo-tracking apps newly installed (demanded by organization)

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally):

“How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
“Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
“What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”
“Are they asking you to keep secrets from me or the university?”

For Students: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Decision Questions:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want?
Would I do this if I had real choice (no social consequences)?
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?

If You Answer YES to Any: It’s likely hazing.

How to Exit Safely:

Immediate Danger: Call 911 or campus police
Safe Location: Go to dorm, friend’s place, public area
Good-Faith Protection: You won’t get in trouble for calling 911 in medical emergency
Formal Resignation: Email/text chapter president: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Avoid “One Last Meeting”: Where pressure or retaliation might occur
Report Retaliation: Document threats/harassment; report to Dean of Students and police

Evidence Collection Checklist:

Screenshots: Full group chats with timestamps, participant names
Voice Memos/Recordings: Texas is one-party consent state
Photos/Videos: Injuries, locations, objects used
Medical Documentation: Tell providers you were hazed; request all records
Witness Information: Names/contacts of others who saw what happened

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages

What Parents Think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
Why It’s Wrong: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
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
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 right to sue; settlements often below case value
Instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to Lawyer

What Families Think: “I want people to know what happened”
Why It’s Wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

5. Waiting “To See How University Handles It”

What Universities Promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally”
Why It’s Wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs, university controls narrative
Instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately; university process ≠ real accountability

Frequently Asked Questions

“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 in personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as 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.

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm or cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups, statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears. Watch our statute of limitations video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

“What if hazing happened off-campus or at private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus with multi-million-dollar judgments.

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

“How much does a hazing lawyer cost?”
We work on contingency fee basis—no upfront costs, no fee unless we win. Watch our contingency fee explanation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

About Attorney911: Why Texas Hazing Families Choose Us

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases

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

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):

Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello):

One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
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.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience:

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases with economist collaboration
Experience valuing lifetime care needs (brain injury, permanent disability cases)
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:

Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
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
Experience obtaining hidden evidence (group chats, chapter records, university files)
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

The Bermudez Case: Proof of Our Active Hazing Litigation

We’re not just talking about hazing cases—we’re fighting one of Texas’s most serious hazing lawsuits right now. The Leonel Bermudez University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates:

Immediate Action: Chapter suspended within days of our involvement
Comprehensive Defendant Identification: Suing university, board, national HQ, housing corporation, 13 individuals
Medical Complexity: Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure require sophisticated medical expert testimony
Institutional Accountability: Holding multiple layers of bureaucracy responsible
Media Attention: Covered by Click2Houston, ABC13, Hoodline—public accountability matters

How We Serve Winfield Families

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Winfield and all of Titus County. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families in Winfield whether your child attends:

Regional campuses like Texas A&M-Commerce or UT Tyler
Major universities like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin
Private schools like SMU or Baylor
Any Texas campus with Greek life, athletic programs, or organizational culture

Spanish Language Services:
Hablamos Español. Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

Call to Action: What Winfield Families Should Do Next

If Hazing Has Impacted Your Family

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to what happened, explain your legal options, and help you decide the best path forward.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

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 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

Contact Information:

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)

Additional Resources for Winfield Families

National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (anonymous reporting)
StopHazing.org: Research and prevention resources
University Reporting Channels: Each campus has Dean of Students, conduct office, anonymous reporting

But Remember: These resources don’t provide legal representation or secure accountability. For that, you need experienced hazing counsel.

Final Word to Winfield Parents

Whether you’re in Winfield, Mount Pleasant, Pittsburg, or anywhere in Titus County and Northeast Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved—fraternities, sororities, universities—have experienced lawyers protecting their interests. Your family deserves the same level of representation.

We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We’re currently fighting one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases. We understand both the legal complexities and the human trauma of hazing.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us help you get answers, secure accountability, and prevent this from happening to another family.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Evidence preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Contingency fees: 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 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