Texas Hazing Lawsuits: A Comprehensive Guide for Clute Parents & Families

The Phone Call No Texas Parent Wants to Receive

The call typically comes late at night or in the early morning hours. As a parent in Clute, nestled in Brazoria County between Houston and the Gulf Coast, you know your child’s world extends beyond Freeport, Lake Jackson, and Angleton to the major university campuses where so many of our local students pursue their degrees. The voice on the other end might be your child, a roommate, a paramedic, or campus security. The details vary, but the themes are hauntingly similar:

“Mom, I can’t move my legs.”
“Dad, I’m in the ER – they’re saying it’s rhabdomyolysis.”
“They forced us to drink until people were vomiting, and now my friend isn’t breathing.”
“They made us do hundreds of push-ups, and I passed blood in my urine.”

Right now, in the very corridor of Texas universities where Clute families send their children, a case is unfolding that illustrates exactly how dangerous modern hazing has become. In November 2025, Attorney911 filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after brutal hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu fraternity.

The details from the Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case and ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit describe a systematic campaign of abuse: forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; a degrading “pledge fanny pack” rule; 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under expulsion threats; and humiliating “hog-tying” of another pledge. The result? Bermudez developed acute kidney failure, passed brown urine, and was hospitalized for four days with critically elevated creatine kinase levels confirming severe muscle breakdown.

This isn’t happening in some distant state. This is happening at the University of Houston, just up Highway 288 from Clute. The fraternity involved—Pi Kappa Phi—has chapters across Texas, including at universities where Brazoria County students regularly enroll. The institutional failures alleged in the lawsuit—university knowledge, national fraternity inaction, individual officer liability—mirror patterns we see in hazing cases statewide.

The Reality of Modern Hazing: Beyond “Boys Will Be Boys”

What Hazing Really Looks Like in Texas Fraternities, Sororities & Campus Groups

For Clute families who may recall hazing as “pranks” or “initiation rites” from decades past, the reality in 2025 is dramatically different. Modern hazing has evolved into systematic abuse that hospitalizes and kills students. While alcohol remains the most common contributor to fatalities, the methods have diversified:

Digital Control & Psychological Warfare

• 24/7 group chat monitoring with immediate response demands
• Location sharing requirements via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
• Social media humiliation and coerced content creation
• Sleep deprivation through midnight and pre-dawn “mandatory” activities

Disguised Physical Abuse

• “Workouts” and “conditioning” that constitute dangerous overexertion
• Forced consumption challenges masked as “team building”
• Retreats to off-campus Airbnbs or remote properties to avoid university oversight
• “Voluntary” activities with clear social consequences for non-participation

Systematic Humiliation & Degradation

• Enforced dress codes and “pledge uniforms”
• Mandatory servitude as drivers, cleaners, and personal assistants
• Public shaming rituals and verbal abuse sessions
• Forced participation in sexually suggestive or degrading acts

The psychological impact is often as severe as the physical harm. Students from Clute who enter these environments face intense pressure to comply, fearing social isolation, reputational damage, or academic consequences if they speak out.

Texas Hazing Law: What Clute Families Need to Know

The Legal Framework Protecting Texas Students

Texas has some of the nation’s clearest hazing statutes, but understanding how they work requires cutting through legal complexity. Under Texas Education Code Chapter 37, several critical provisions protect students from Brazoria County to the Panhandle:

Texas Education Code § 37.151: The Broad Definition
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—whether on or off campus—that endangers a student’s mental or physical health or safety for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or membership in any organization. This definition covers everything from forced drinking to psychological torment.

Critical Protections for Clute Families:

• § 37.155: Consent Is NOT a Defense – Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law recognizes that true consent is impossible under peer pressure and power imbalance
• § 37.154: Good-Faith Reporter Immunity – Students who report hazing or call 911 in emergencies receive protection from liability
• § 37.152: Escalating Criminal Penalties – Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death is a state jail felony
• § 37.153: Organizational Liability – Fraternities, sororities, and universities can face criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits

The Intersection of Texas and Federal Law

In addition to Texas statutes, these federal frameworks apply to hazing incidents:

The Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
This federal legislation requires colleges receiving federal funds (including all Texas public universities) to report hazing incidents transparently and implement prevention programs by 2026.

Title IX & The Clery Act
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based discrimination, Title IX obligations are triggered. The Clery Act requires reporting of certain crimes occurring on or near campus.

For Clute families navigating a hazing situation, understanding these overlapping legal frameworks is crucial. The statute of limitations—generally two years from injury in Texas—can be tolled under certain circumstances, but acting quickly is essential. Our video Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case? explains these deadlines in detail.

National Patterns, Texas Realities: What History Teaches Us

When National Fraternity Histories Repeat in Texas

The same national organizations involved in high-profile deaths across the country maintain active chapters at Texas universities where Clute students enroll. These patterns aren’t coincidental—they reflect systemic issues within national fraternity structures:

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ) – “Pike”

• Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, 2021): Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol; $10 million settlement
• David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois, 2012): Alcohol poisoning death; $14 million settlement
• Texas Presence: Multiple Texas chapters including at universities popular with Clute students

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ) – “SAE”

• Multiple campus suspensions nationwide for hazing violations
• Texas A&M Chemical Burns Case (2021): Industrial cleaner poured on pledges causing severe burns requiring skin grafts
• Texas Presence: Active chapters across Texas university system

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

• Max Gruver (LSU, 2017): “Bible study” drinking game death; Louisiana’s “Max Gruver Act” strengthening penalties
• National Response: Elimination of pledging process in some chapters

The Critical Legal Connection
When these national patterns repeat at Texas universities, they create powerful legal arguments. National fraternities cannot claim they “didn’t know” the risks when identical conduct caused deaths at other chapters. This foreseeability and prior notice become central to establishing negligence and justifying substantial damages.

Texas Universities: Where Clute Families Send Their Students

Understanding the Campus Environments

Clute students attend universities across Texas, each with distinct Greek life cultures, disciplinary systems, and hazing histories. Understanding these institutional landscapes helps families recognize risks and navigate responses.

University of Houston: The Urban Commuter Campus

For Clute Families: Just an hour’s drive north via Highway 288, UH represents the most geographically accessible major university for many Brazoria County students. Its urban setting and commuter population create unique Greek dynamics.

Documented Hazing Incidents:

• 2025 – Pi Kappa Phi (Beta Nu): Leonel Bermudez case detailed above; chapter suspended and charter surrendered
• 2016 – Pi Kappa Alpha: Pledge suffered lacerated spleen during hazing; criminal charges filed
• 2014 – Multiple Organizations: Disciplinary actions for alcohol-related hazing violations

UH Reporting & Response System:

• Office of Dean of Students – primary disciplinary authority
• UH Police Department jurisdiction extends to off-campus events involving recognized organizations
• Online hazing reporting portal with confidential options

What Makes UH Cases Different:
Harris County courts handle civil litigation, offering experienced judges familiar with institutional liability cases. The university’s status as part of the state system creates sovereign immunity considerations but doesn’t prevent successful claims.

Texas A&M University: Tradition & The Corps Culture

For Clute Families: Many Brazoria County students choose Texas A&M for its academic programs and traditional campus experience. The Corps of Cadets and strong Greek system create unique hazing risks.

Documented Hazing Incidents:

• 2023 – Corps of Cadets: Lawsuit alleging cadet bound in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth during hazing
• 2021 – Sigma Alpha Epsilon: Chemical burns from industrial cleaner poured on pledges; $1 million lawsuit
• Multiple Years – Various Organizations: Disciplinary sanctions for alcohol hazing, physical abuse

Texas A&M’s Dual Systems:

• Student Conduct Office handles Greek organization violations
• Corps of Cadets maintains separate disciplinary procedures
• University Police Department with jurisdiction in College Station

Critical Considerations for Clute Families:
Texas A&M’s tradition-heavy environment can normalize concerning behaviors. The university’s status as a public institution affects liability thresholds but doesn’t prevent successful litigation when gross negligence is established.

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency & Public Records

For Clute Families: UT Austin attracts Clute students seeking prestigious academic programs. The university’s relatively transparent hazing violation reporting provides valuable public data.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Log:

• 2023 – Pi Kappa Alpha: New members directed to consume milk and perform excessive calisthenics; probation imposed
• 2022 – Texas Wranglers (Spirit Group): Alcohol-related hazing violations
• Multiple Years: Various organizations sanctioned for forced workouts, humiliation rituals

UT’s Reporting Advantage:
The publicly available violations log at hazing.utexas.edu provides families with prior history of organizations—valuable evidence when establishing pattern and knowledge.

Legal Venue Considerations:
Travis County courts handle civil litigation, with judges experienced in university-related cases. UT’s status as a flagship institution affects settlement dynamics and media attention.

Southern Methodist University: Private Campus Dynamics

For Clute Families: SMU attracts students seeking private university education with strong professional networks. The affluent campus environment creates distinct Greek life dynamics.

Documented Hazing Incidents:

• 2017 – Kappa Alpha Order: Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation; multi-year suspension
• Multiple Anonymous Reports: Investigated through SMU’s Real Response system

Private University Distinctions:

• Less public reporting than state institutions
• Different liability standards without sovereign immunity protections
• Often substantial institutional resources for defense

Strategic Considerations:
SMU’s private status changes discovery processes and settlement dynamics. The university’s significant endowment and reputation concerns can affect case valuations.

Baylor University: Religious Identity & Oversight Challenges

For Clute Families: Baylor’s religious affiliation attracts many Texas families. The university’s history with institutional response to misconduct creates important context.

Documented Hazing Incidents:

• 2020 – Baseball Team: 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Multiple Greek Organizations: Disciplinary actions for alcohol and physical hazing

Baylor’s Unique Context:
Following previous institutional scandals, Baylor has implemented reformed reporting systems but continues to face scrutiny regarding organizational oversight.

Legal Strategy Implications:
Baylor’s religious affiliation doesn’t prevent civil claims but can affect jury composition and media coverage in McLennan County.

The Organizational Landscape: Tracking Greek Entities in Texas

Public Records Reality: The Texas Greek Ecosystem

At Attorney911, we maintain what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations, their legal structures, insurance coverage, and historical patterns. This investigative foundation allows us to immediately identify all potentially liable entities when Clute families contact us.

IRS B83 Organizations in Texas: The Legal Backbone
The IRS maintains records of tax-exempt organizations classified as “B83 – Student Sororities, Fraternities.” In Texas, this includes 125+ registered entities with Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), legal names, and mailing addresses. Examples relevant to universities Clute students attend include:

• EIN 133048786: KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC – 3007 EARL RUDDER FWY S, COLLEGE STATION, TX 77845
• EIN 262025321: ALPHA EPSILON PI FRATERNITY – 920 W PRAIRIE ST, DENTON, TX 76201 (Mu Gamma Chapter)
• EIN 462267515: BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC – 10601 BIG HORN TRL, FRISCO, TX 75035
• EIN 740555581: CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY – 2711 RIO GRANDE ST, AUSTIN, TX 78705 (House Corporation)
• EIN 746064445: PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY – 1855 HIGHWAY 69 N, NEDERLAND, TX 77627 (Epsilon Kappa Chapter)

Metro Area Concentrations:

• Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land: 188 Greek organizations
• Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington: 510 Greek organizations
• Austin-Round Rock: 154 Greek organizations
• College Station-Bryan: 42 Greek organizations
• Waco: 27 Greek organizations

Why This Matters for Clute Families:
When hazing occurs, multiple entities may share liability: the local chapter, the housing corporation, the alumni association, the national headquarters, and insurance carriers. Our database allows us to immediately identify all potentially responsible parties rather than starting from zero.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Recovery

The Attorney911 Approach to Complex Hazing Litigation

When Clute families contact us about hazing incidents, we implement a systematic approach developed through decades of complex litigation against institutional defendants.

Immediate Evidence Preservation
Within the first 48 hours, we guide families through critical evidence preservation:

1. Digital Evidence Capture

   • Screenshots of GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage threads with timestamps visible
   • Social media content before deletion (Instagram Stories, Snapchat, TikTok)
   • Email communications with chapter officers or university officials
   • Cloud backups of mobile devices

2. Physical Evidence Documentation

   • Photographing injuries from multiple angles with scale reference
   • Preserving clothing, props, or objects used in hazing
   • Securing medical records and ambulance reports
   • Documenting locations with photographs

3. Witness Identification

   • Other pledges who witnessed events
   • Roommates or friends who observed changes
   • Medical personnel who treated injuries
   • University staff who received reports

Our video Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case? provides practical guidance for this critical phase.

Investigating the Organizational Web
We immediately begin investigating all potentially liable entities:

• National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters: Prior incident history, policy enforcement, insurance coverage
• University Administration: Prior complaints, disciplinary history, Clery Act reports
• Housing Corporations & Alumni Associations: Property ownership, control, insurance
• Individual Members & Officers: Personal assets, homeowner insurance policies

Damages Analysis & Valuation
Hazing cases involve complex damages calculations:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses (emergency care, hospitalization, rehabilitation)
• Future medical needs (ongoing therapy, medications, specialist care)
• Lost educational investment (tuition, fees, delayed graduation)
• Diminished earning capacity (for permanent injuries)

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress (PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses)
• Humiliation and loss of dignity
• Loss of educational experience

Wrongful Death Damages (when applicable)

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship and support
• Emotional trauma to family members
• Lost future earnings

Insurance Coverage Strategy
Our unique advantage comes from Attorney Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney. He understands exactly how fraternity and university insurers:

• Value and reserve hazing claims
• Use Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to minimize injuries
• Deploy delay tactics to pressure families
• Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”

This insider knowledge allows us to navigate coverage disputes and, when necessary, pursue bad faith claims against insurers who wrongfully deny coverage.

Practical Guides for Clute Parents & Students

Immediate Action Steps: The First 48 Hours

If You Suspect Your Child Is Being Hazed:

1. Start a Documentation Log

   • Write down dates, times, and what your child tells you
   • Note behavioral changes: sleep patterns, mood, academic performance
   • Document unexplained injuries or medical issues

2. Have a Non-Confrontational Conversation

   • “I’m concerned about your safety, not getting anyone in trouble”
   • “You can tell me anything – I’m on your side”
   • “If anything feels wrong or dangerous, you can leave”

3. Preserve Digital Evidence

   • Ask to see group chats (take screenshots immediately)
   • Check social media for concerning posts or messages
   • Note any location sharing or tracking demands

If Your Child Has Been Injured:

1. Medical Care First

   • Go to ER immediately for any concerning symptoms
   • Tell medical staff “This happened during fraternity/sorority hazing”
   • Request copies of all medical records and test results

2. Evidence Preservation

   • Photograph injuries from multiple angles daily
   • Save all clothing worn during incident (do not wash)
   • Screenshot any digital communications about the event

3. Contact Attorney911 Immediately

   • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance
   • We’ll help you navigate next steps while protecting rights
   • Early legal involvement prevents critical mistakes

Common Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

Based on decades of handling hazing cases, we’ve identified critical errors families make:

Mistake #1: Letting Your Child Delete Evidence
What happens: “I don’t want to get anyone in trouble” leads to deleted messages
Why it’s fatal: Looks like cover-up; destroys the case
Our advice: Preserve everything – embarrassment fades, evidence doesn’t

Mistake #2: Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly
What happens: Parents demand answers from chapter leaders
Why it’s fatal: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Our advice: All communication should go through attorneys

Mistake #3: Signing University “Resolution” Agreements
What happens: Universities offer quick “internal resolution”
Why it’s fatal: Often includes liability waivers for pennies on the dollar
Our advice: Never sign anything without attorney review

Mistake #4: Posting on Social Media
What happens: Emotional posts about what happened
Why it’s fatal: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Our advice: Digital silence until case resolves

Mistake #5: Talking to Insurance Adjusters
What happens: “We just need your statement to process the claim”
Why it’s fatal: Recorded statements used against you; lowball settlements
Our advice: “Please contact my attorney”

Our video Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case covers these pitfalls in detail.

FAQs for Clute Families

“My child ‘agreed’ to participate – do we have a case?”
Yes. Texas law explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that true consent is impossible under peer pressure and power imbalance.

“What if it happened off-campus at a private house?”
Location doesn’t matter. Universities and national organizations can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Many major hazing cases involved off-campus locations.

“Will this bankrupt the students who did this?”
Typically, insurance covers claims. Most students have personal liability coverage through parents’ homeowner policies. National fraternities carry substantial insurance specifically for hazing claims.

“How long will this take?”
Most cases resolve within 1-3 years. Complex cases with multiple defendants may take longer. We move aggressively to prevent unnecessary delays.

“Can we afford a lawyer?”
We work on contingency – no fee unless we recover compensation. This makes justice accessible to all families, regardless of financial situation. Our video How Do Contingency Fees Work? explains this process.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

The Unique Qualifications That Matter for Clute Families

When your family faces the trauma of hazing, you need more than a general personal injury attorney. You need lawyers who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway.

Insurance Insider Advantage
Attorney Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers:

• Value and reserve hazing claims
• Use Independent Medical Exams to minimize injuries
• Deploy delay tactics to pressure families
• Argue coverage exclusions
  This insider knowledge allows us to counter their strategies effectively.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience
Attorney Ralph Manginello’s experience includes:

• BP Texas City Explosion Litigation – One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar defendants
• Federal Court Admissions – U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• HCCLA Membership – Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association credential
  We’re not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams.

Investigation Depth & Resources
Our network includes:

• Digital forensics experts to recover deleted evidence
• Medical specialists familiar with hazing injuries
• Economists for lifetime cost calculations
• Greek life culture experts for context
  We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

Proven Results in Catastrophic Cases
We have recovered millions for clients in:

• Wrongful death cases
• Traumatic brain injury claims
• Permanent disability matters
• Institutional cover-up situations

Spanish Language Services
Hablamos Español. Attorney Lupe Peña provides consultations in Spanish, ensuring all Texas families can access justice.

Our Connection to Clute & Brazoria County

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including Clute and all surrounding Brazoria County communities. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families across our region, and we’ve successfully represented clients from Lake Jackson to Freeport, Angleton to Pearland.

The geographical proximity to Houston means many Clute students attend University of Houston or other Houston-area campuses. We’re familiar with Harris County courts, Houston police procedures, and the specific dynamics of Houston-area Greek life.

Take Action Today: Protect Your Child’s Future

Your Next Steps: Confidential Consultation

If hazing has impacted your family, here’s what you should do right now:

1. Call Attorney911 Immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
2. Preserve Evidence: Follow our immediate action checklist
3. Get Medical Documentation: Ensure all injuries are properly diagnosed
4. Avoid Common Mistakes: Don’t talk to insurance, don’t sign anything, don’t post online
5. Let Us Guide You: We’ll handle the legal complexity while you focus on healing

Your Free Consultation Includes:

• Confidential case evaluation with an experienced hazing attorney
• Explanation of your legal options and realistic expectations
• Strategic advice for preserving evidence and protecting rights
• Clear explanation of our contingency fee structure
• No pressure to hire us – take time to make the right decision

For Spanish-Speaking Families:
Contact Attorney Lupe Peña directly at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

Why Time Matters Right Now

Evidence disappears quickly in hazing cases:

• Group chats are deleted within days
• Witnesses are coached on what to say
• Universities initiate “internal investigations” that control narratives
• The two-year statute of limitations continues ticking

The Bermudez case at University of Houston shows how quickly organizations respond when confronted with serious litigation. The Pi Kappa Phi chapter was suspended within days of reports and voted to surrender its charter shortly after. Early, aggressive legal action creates accountability and prevents future harm.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC. Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified Texas attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

• Click2Houston Report: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
• ABC13 Coverage: 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:

• Evidence Documentation: 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

Main Contact:

• Attorney911 Website: https://attorney911.com