The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits for Families in Corral City, Texas

Understanding Your Rights and Seeking Justice After Campus Hazing

A Texas-Specific Resource for Denton County Families

As parents in Corral City, you send your children to Texas universities with hope and pride. But what happens when that trust is betrayed by systematic abuse disguised as tradition? Right now, in our own state, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the nation—a case that shows exactly how dangerous these practices remain in 2025 and beyond. This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Corral City families to understand hazing, Texas law, and what to do when the unimaginable happens.

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 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.

The Texas Case That Changed Everything: Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi

Before we discuss the broader landscape, you need to know about the case that is currently defining hazing litigation in Texas. In late 2025, we filed a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, housing corporation, the UH System Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity leaders.

What Actually Happened at UH

Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi in September 2025. What followed was months of systematic abuse that nearly killed him:

The Humiliation: Pledges were forced to carry a “pledge fanny pack” 24/7 containing condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices, and other degrading items. They faced enforced dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, weekly interviews, and overnight chauffeuring duties for members.

The Physical Abuse: At locations including the Pi Kappa Phi house, a Culmore Drive residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park, Bermudez endured:
7/Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, and “save-your-brother” drills
7/Cold-weather exposure in only underwear
7/Being forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass
7/Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” with threats of actual waterboarding
7/Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed immediately by sprints
7/The “Nov 3 workout”: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, and creed recitation under threat of expulsion

Other Brutal Acts: Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. A different pledge lost consciousness during early-morning workouts at Yellowstone Park.

The Medical Catastrophe

On November 3, 2025, after the extreme workout, Bermudez’s body began to shut down. He developed rhabdomyolysis—severe skeletal muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, could not stand without help, and was hospitalized for four days. Lab tests showed critically high creatine kinase (CK) levels, confirming both conditions. He now faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage and long-term physical and psychological harm.

Institutional Response and Accountability

The defendants in this case include not just the individuals but the entire institutional structure that enabled this abuse:
• University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents
• Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
• The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation
• 13 individual fraternity leaders/members (chapter president, pledgemaster, sorority relations chair, risk manager, and others)

After media exposure through Click2Houston and ABC13 coverage, the institutions responded:
• November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended the Beta Nu chapter
• November 14, 2025: Chapter members voted to surrender their charter; the chapter was shut down
• UH labeled the alleged conduct “deeply disturbing”, promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion, and pledged cooperation with law enforcement

This case matters to Corral City families because it proves several critical points:

The most severe hazing is happening RIGHT NOW in Texas
Universities and national fraternities will only act decisively when faced with public exposure and legal action
The medical consequences can be life-altering, even when the victim survives
Comprehensive investigation can identify EVERY entity behind the abuse—from individual members to national headquarters

As Attorney Lupe Peña (he/him) stated in the ABC13 coverage: “If this prevents harm to another person…Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” We represent Bermudez because this is exactly the type of institutional failure we exist to confront.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like at Texas Universities

The Modern Definition That Every Corral City Parent Needs

Hazing is no longer just “boys being boys” or harmless pranks. In 2025, hazing encompasses 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 Corral City parents, the critical understanding is this: “I agreed to it” does not make it safe or legal when there is peer pressure and power imbalance.

Texas law (Education Code Chapter 37) defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of initiation or affiliation. Consent is explicitly not a defense.

The Five Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common—and most deadly—form of hazing. For Corral City students, this might look like:

Forced or coerced drinking during “bid acceptance” or “Big/Little” nights
Chugging challenges, “lineups,” or drinking games with punishment for wrong answers
Being pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances
The “alcohol overdose” script that killed Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha, BGSU), Max Gruver (Phi Delta Theta, LSU), and Andrew Coffey (Pi Kappa Phi, FSU)

2. Physical Hazing
Beyond traditional paddling, today’s physical hazing includes:

Extreme calisthenics, “workouts,” or “smokings” far beyond normal conditioning (like the 100+ push-ups/500 squats in the UH case)
Sleep deprivation through late-night “meetings” or 3 AM wake-up calls
Food/water deprivation or forced consumption of disgusting substances
Exposure to extreme cold/heat or dangerous environments

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
Some of the most psychologically damaging acts include:

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

4. Psychological Hazing
The invisible wounds that can last longest:

Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members
Manipulation or forced confessions of personal information
Systematic degradation of self-worth and identity

5. Digital/Online Hazing
The newest frontier that Corral City parents might not recognize:

Group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation via Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok
Pressure to create or share compromising images/videos
24/7 accessibility demands through messaging apps
Geo-tracking requirements through apps like Find My Friends

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

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

Greek Life: IFC fraternities, Panhellenic sororities, NPHC (Divine Nine) organizations, multicultural Greek groups

Corps of Cadets/Military Programs: Especially at Texas A&M, but also in ROTC units statewide

Athletic Teams: Football, basketball, baseball, cheer, and other sports teams

Spirit and Tradition Groups: Texas Cowboys, Aggie Band, and similar organizations

Marching Bands and Performance Groups

Some Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations

The common thread is social status, tradition, and secrecy—organizations that promise belonging and prestige while demanding dangerous proof of loyalty.

Local Connections: The Greek Ecosystem Around Corral City and Denton County

Universities Where Corral City Families Send Their Children

As a Denton County community, Corral City families have both immediate local options and major statewide universities within reach:

Local/Regional Campuses:
• University of North Texas (Denton) – Just minutes from Corral City, UNT hosts significant Greek life with multiple fraternity and sorority chapters
• Texas Woman’s University (Denton) – Another local option with Greek organizations
• North Central Texas College (Gainesville) – Community college with student organizations
• Collin College (Various campuses) – Serving the broader North Texas region

Major Statewide Hubs (Common for Corral City Students):
• University of Texas at Austin – Many Texas students’ top choice, with massive Greek system
• Texas A&M University (College Station) – Particularly for Corps of Cadets and traditional Greek life
• Texas Tech University (Lubbock) – Major Panhellenic and IFC presence
• Baylor University (Waco) – Significant Greek life despite religious affiliation
• Southern Methodist University (Dallas) – Premier private university with historic Greek system
• University of Houston – Where our flagship Bermudez case is unfolding

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Corral City Families

If you are a parent in Corral City, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. Through our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain detailed records of the organizational structures that operate throughout our state. Below are real examples from public filings that show the network of Greek entities in Texas.

Tier 1: Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro Area (Including Denton County)

The DFW metro contains 510 Greek-related organizations according to Cause IQ data. These include undergraduate chapters, alumni associations, housing corporations, and honor societies that serve students from Corral City attending local and statewide universities.

Example Organizations from Public Records:

Kappa Delta Sorority – Gamma Beta Chapter – Located in Denton, Texas – (Chapter at Texas Woman’s Univ. in Denton) – Source: Cause IQ Metro Listing
University of North Texas – Denton, Texas – Major public university with active Greek life – Source: Texas Universities Table
Texas Woman’s University – Denton, Texas – Women’s university with Greek organizations – Source: Texas Universities Table
EIN 263170920: HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI – 411 Texas St, Room 219, Denton, TX 76204 – Academic honor society – Source: IRS B83 Public Filing
EIN 262025321: ALPHA EPSILON PI FRATERNITY – 920 W Prairie St, Denton, TX 76201-5816 – Mu Gamma Chapter – Source: IRS B83 Public Filing
Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity – Fort Worth, TX – 12650 N Beach St #30, Suite 114, Fort Worth, TX 76244 – Christian fraternity – Source: Cause IQ Metro Listing
EIN 742911848: BETA UPSILON CHI – 12650 N Beach St, Suite 114, PMB 305, Fort Worth, TX 76244-4245 – Fraternity organization – Source: IRS B83 Public Filing
EIN 741380362: TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC – PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147-0061 – Educational foundation – Source: IRS B83 Public Filing
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation – Fort Worth, TX – (Kappa Sigma housing foundation, Fort Worth) – Source: Cause IQ Metro Listing
Delta Kappa Gamma Society chapters – Various locations across North Texas – Educators’ society – Source: Cause IQ Metro Listing

Tier 2: Major Texas Greek Hubs Relevant to Corral City Families

These organizations operate at the universities where Corral City students frequently enroll:

University of Texas at Austin Organizations:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp. – Austin, TX – (Univ. of Texas chapter house corp.) – Source: Cause IQ Metro Listing
Delta Tau Delta – Gamma Iota Chapter – Austin, TX – (Univ. of Texas chapter house) – Source: Cause IQ Metro Listing
EIN 740555581: CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY – 2711 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705-4018 – Chi Omega House Corporation – Source: IRS B83 Public Filing
EIN 463831593: HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI – 2307 Vanderbilt Cir, Austin, TX 78723-1542 – Texas State University chapter – Source: IRS B83 Public Filing

Texas A&M University Organizations:

Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon Chapter – College Station, TX – (Texas A&M chapter) – Source: Cause IQ Metro Listing
EIN 900293166: HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI – 114 Henderson Hall, 4233 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843 – Texas A&M University chapter – Source: IRS B83 Public Filing
EIN 133048786: KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC – 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845-6681 – Chapter organization – Source: IRS B83 Public Filing

University of Houston Organizations:

EIN 746084905: SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER – 4300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204-3067 – Chapter organization – Source: IRS B83 Public Filing
Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Houston, TX – (Alumni/house corp.) – Source: Cause IQ Metro Listing
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter – Houston, TX – (Undergrad chapter) – Source: Cause IQ Metro Listing

Tier 3: Texas-Wide Greek Network Snapshot

Statewide, our tracking identifies 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. These entities form the backbone of Greek life that touches Corral City families:

EIN 364091267: SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY – 1101 Melrose Dr, Waco, TX 76710-4154 – Chapter organization – Source: IRS B83 Public Filing
EIN 752609909: SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY – 1205 Monroe St, Commerce, TX 75428-2561 – Mu Zeta chapter – Source: IRS B83 Public Filing
EIN 746064445: PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY – 1855 Highway 69 N, Nederland, TX 77627-8843 – Epsilon Kappa Chapter – Source: IRS B83 Public Filing
EIN 900927378: PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY – 13211 Lost Lake Dr, San Antonio, TX 78249-3625 – Texas Xi chapter – Source: IRS B83 Public Filing
EIN 203507402: FRANK HEFLIN FOUNDATION – 9000 W Country Club Rd, Canyon, TX 79015-5815 – Phi Delta Theta alumni fund – Source: IRS B83 Public Filing

Cross-Validated National Brands in Texas

These organizations appear in both IRS records and Cause IQ data, confirming their operational presence in Texas:

Beta Upsilon Chi – Appears in both IRS (EIN 742911848) and Cause IQ (Fort Worth listing)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation – Appears in both IRS (EIN 741380362) and Cause IQ (Fort Worth foundation)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Multiple EINs (364091267, 752609909) with Cause IQ chapter listings in Houston and Beaumont
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – EIN 746064445 with Cause IQ alumni association in Houston
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Seven different EINs across Texas with Cause IQ campus chapter listings

This directory represents just a fraction of the organizational network we track. When hazing occurs, we don’t start from zero—we already know the names, EINs, and mailing addresses of the organizations that may hold insurance and responsibility. This investigative depth is what allows us to build comprehensive cases like the Bermudez lawsuit against UH and Pi Kappa Phi.

Texas Law & Liability Framework: What Corral City Families Must Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Legal Foundation

For Corral City families, Texas law provides specific protections against hazing. Understanding these statutes is crucial for protecting your children.

§ 37.151 Definition of Hazing:
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 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 Points for Corral City Parents:

Location doesn’t matter—off-campus houses, retreats, or off-site events still constitute hazing
Harm can be mental or physical—PTSD and psychological trauma count
Reckless behavior is enough—they don’t need to intend specific harm
“Consent is not a defense”—even if your child “agreed,” it’s still illegal

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing without 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 Criminal Provisions:

Failing to report hazing if you’re a member/officer who knows about it: misdemeanor
Retaliating against reporters: misdemeanor

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability:
Fraternities, sororities, clubs, and teams can be criminally prosecuted if:

The organization authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
An officer/member acting officially knew and failed to report

Organizational Penalties:

Fines up to $10,000 per violation
University can revoke recognition and ban the organization

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:
Someone who in good faith reports hazing to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability resulting from the report. This includes amnesty for calling 911 in alcohol emergencies.

§ 37.155 Consent NOT a Defense:
The statute explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity.” This directly counters the most common defense.

§ 37.156 Institutional Reporting Requirements:
Texas colleges must:

Provide hazing prevention education
Publish hazing policies
Maintain and publish annual reports of hazing violations and disciplinary actions

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by: The State of Texas (prosecutor)
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical Charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Burden of Proof: Beyond a reasonable doubt

Civil Cases:

Brought by: Victims or surviving families (like the Bermudez lawsuit)
Goal: Compensation and accountability
Claims: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring/supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
Burden of Proof: Preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not)

Critical Insight: These cases can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction is NOT required to pursue civil justice. In fact, many hazing cases settle civilly even without criminal charges.

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthens hazing education and prevention
Mandates public hazing data (phasing in through 2026)
Directly affects UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and other public universities

Title IX:

Triggered when hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility
Creates additional reporting and investigation requirements
Can provide alternative accountability pathways

Clery Act:

Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics
Hazing incidents often overlap with reportable assaults or alcohol crimes

Who Can Be Liable in a Corral City Family’s Hazing Lawsuit?

1. Individual Students:

Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
Personal assets and future earnings at risk

2. Local Chapter/Organization:

The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if incorporated)
Chapter treasury, assets, and local insurance

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters:

Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
Deep-pocket defendants with national insurance policies
Liability based on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents

4. University or Governing Board:

Texas public universities (UH, A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity but exceptions exist
Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections
Liability for negligent supervision, deliberate indifference, premises liability

5. Third Parties:

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

6. Alumni and Housing Corporations:

Separate legal entities that own chapter houses
Additional insurance coverage sources

In the Bermudez case, we named all these categories: 13 individuals, the local chapter, housing corporation, national Pi Kappa Phi, UH, and UH System Board of Regents. This comprehensive approach maximizes accountability and recovery.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What History Teaches Us About Texas Risks

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern That Kills

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

Bid-acceptance event with forced heavy drinking
Severe falls captured on chapter cameras; 4-hour delay before calling 911
18 fraternity members charged with 1,000+ criminal counts
Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law resulted
Takeaway for Corral City Families: Delayed medical care turns bad situations into fatalities. The “wait and see” approach kills.

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

“Bible study” drinking game: wrong answers = forced drinking
BAC of 0.495% at death
Multiple members charged; one convicted of negligent homicide
Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute) enacted
Takeaway: Drinking games aren’t games—they’re Russian roulette with alcohol.

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

“Big/Little” night: forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million total settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Chapter President ordered to pay $6.5 million personally
Takeaway: Nationals know these rituals are deadly but allow them to continue.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing Patterns

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

“Glass ceiling” ritual: blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled
Fatal traumatic brain injury; help delayed
National fraternity criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
Pi Delta Psi banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Takeaway: Off-campus “retreats” are particularly dangerous, and national organizations can face direct criminal liability.

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025):

Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within football program
Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
Head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired, later settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially
Takeaway: Big-money athletic programs harbor systemic abuse with institutional protection.

What These Cases Mean for Corral City Families

Patterns Repeat: The same rituals that killed students elsewhere are happening at Texas universities
Delayed Care Kills: The hours between injury and medical attention often determine survival
Cover-Ups Are Standard: Organizations prioritize self-protection over student safety
Legislative Change Follows Tragedy: Texas law could strengthen with sufficient public pressure
Comprehensive Suits Work: Naming all responsible parties maximizes accountability

Texas University Focus: Where Corral City Students Face Risk

University of North Texas (Denton) – Your Local Campus

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot:
For Corral City families, UNT represents the most immediate Greek life exposure. Located just minutes away in Denton, UNT hosts approximately 40 Greek organizations serving over 3,000 students. The campus features traditional IFC fraternities, Panhellenic sororities, NPHC (Divine Nine), and multicultural Greek organizations. As a commuter-friendly campus with growing residential population, UNT’s Greek life balances traditional recruitment with modern student dynamics.

5.1.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting:
UNT prohibits hazing as defined by Texas law. The university’s Student Code of Conduct specifically bans “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off campus” that endangers mental or physical health for initiation or affiliation purposes. Reporting channels include:

Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities
UNT Police Department
Anonymous reporting through Dean of Students website
Greek Life office compliance reports

5.1.3 Documented Incidents & Responses:
While specific hazing incidents at UNT are often handled internally, the university’s proximity to Corral City means local families should be particularly vigilant. The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine shows multiple Greek organizations registered in Denton County, including those with national hazing histories.

5.1.4 How a UNT Hazing Case Might Proceed:
For Corral City families, a UNT case would involve:

Jurisdiction: Denton County courts and police departments
Investigating Agencies: UNT Police Department and/or Denton Police Department
Legal Venues: Denton County courthouses, potentially federal court for Title IX claims
Local Advantage: Proximity allows for easier evidence collection, witness interviews, and court appearances

5.1.5 What UNT Students & Corral City Parents Should Do:

Document Everything: Screenshot UNT-specific group chats (GroupMe, Discord servers)
Report Through Proper Channels: Use UNT’s centralized reporting system
Preserve Physical Evidence: Chapter houses near campus may contain relevant evidence
Know Local Resources: Denton County medical facilities will handle emergency care
Consult Local Counsel: Texas attorneys familiar with Denton County courts and UNT administration

Texas Woman’s University (Denton) – Additional Local Option

5.2.1 Campus & Culture:
TWU’s Greek system differs from traditional models but still presents hazing risks. With historically women-focused organizations and growing coeducational programs, parents should understand that hazing occurs in sororities and women’s organizations too.

5.2.2 Special Considerations:

Different organizational structures than traditional fraternities
Emphasis on “sisterhood” activities that can mask hazing
Potential for psychological hazing rather than physical
Documented cases of sorority hazing nationwide

University of Texas at Austin – Major Destination for Corral City Students

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot:
UT Austin’s Greek system is among the largest and most influential in Texas, with approximately 60 fraternity and sorority chapters involving thousands of students. For Corral City families, UT represents both opportunity and risk—the university’s prestige attracts many Denton County students, but its Greek life has documented hazing issues.

5.3.2 Hazing Transparency Leadership:
UT operates one of Texas’s most transparent hazing reporting systems at hazing.utexas.edu. The public violations log shows real cases, including:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; found to be hazing; chapter placed on probation with required hazing-prevention education
Texas Wranglers (Spirit Group): Sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing
Multiple organizations: Probation for “activities likely to cause mental or physical discomfort”

5.3.3 How Corral City Families Can Use UT’s Transparency:

Check the Database Before Joining: Research organizations your child considers
Document Patterns: Multiple violations of the same organization strengthen civil cases
Prove Institutional Knowledge: UT’s public records show the university knew about problems

5.3.4 Strategic Considerations:

UT’s size means investigations can be bureaucratic and slow
The university has substantial legal resources for defense
Prior violations on the public log create powerful evidence of notice and pattern

Texas A&M University – Corps of Cadets and Traditional Greek Life

5.4.1 Unique Risk Profile:
Texas A&M presents dual hazing risks: traditional Greek life AND the Corps of Cadets. For Corral City families, understanding both systems is crucial.

5.4.2 Documented Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

Two pledges alleged forced strenuous activity
Substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, spit poured on them
Caused severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
Pledges sued for $1 million; fraternity suspended for two years
Takeaway: Hazing methods evolve beyond alcohol to include chemical dangers

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023):

Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts
Being bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth
Sought over $1 million in damages
Texas A&M stated it handled matter under Corps regulations
Takeaway: Military-style programs have their own hazing traditions and protections

5.4.3 Special Considerations for Corral City Families:

Corps cases involve different chains of command and reporting structures
Military traditions create cultural barriers to reporting
Both Greek and Corps cases may involve off-campus locations in Bryan/College Station

Southern Methodist University – Private University Challenges

5.5.1 Campus Culture:
SMU’s affluent, private university environment creates unique dynamics. Greek life is deeply embedded in social structures, with approximately 40% of undergraduates participating.

5.5.2 Documented Incidents:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017):

New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep
Chapter suspended; recruiting restrictions until approximately 2021
Takeaway: Even “traditional” Southern fraternities face modern accountability

5.5.3 Private University Differences:

Less transparency than public institutions
Different disciplinary processes
Potential for donor influence on outcomes
Still subject to Texas criminal hazing laws

Baylor University – Religious Identity and Accountability Challenges

5.6.1 Historical Context:
Baylor’s recent history with athletic scandals and Title IX issues creates a complex environment for hazing accountability.

5.6.2 Documented Incident:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):

14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Suspensions staggered over early season
Details never fully disclosed publicly
Takeaway: Athletic program hazing occurs even at religious institutions

5.6.3 Special Considerations:

Religious branding may create pressure to handle matters “internally”
Prior scandals mean university is particularly sensitive to bad publicity
May settle cases quickly to avoid further reputation damage

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

Why National Histories Matter for Corral City Families

When your child joins a fraternity or sorority at a Texas university, they’re not just joining a local club—they’re joining a national organization with a history. That history matters legally, because it shows foreseeability: the national organization knew or should have known that certain rituals were dangerous based on what happened at other chapters.

Organization Mapping: National Patterns in Texas Chapters

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / “Pike”):

National History: Stone Foltz alcohol poisoning death (BGSU, 2021); David Bogenberger death (NIU, 2012); multiple other alcohol-related hazing incidents
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, others
Legal Significance: National HQ paid $7 million in Foltz settlement, showing they recognize severe liability
Pattern: “Big/Little” nights with forced alcohol consumption

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / “SAE”):

National History: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide; traumatic brain injury lawsuit (Alabama, 2023); eliminated traditional pledge process in 2014 due to pattern
Texas Cases: Chemical burns case (Texas A&M, 2021); assault lawsuit (UT Austin, 2024)
Pattern: Physical abuse combined with substance hazing

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):

National History: Andrew Coffey alcohol poisoning death (FSU, 2017)
Current Texas Case: Leonel Bermudez lawsuit (UH, 2025) – rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from physical/psychological hazing
Pattern: Extreme physical hazing combined with psychological abuse

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):

National History: Max Gruver alcohol poisoning death (LSU, 2017)
Texas Presence: Multiple Texas chapters
Pattern: “Bible study” or quiz-based drinking games

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ):

National History: Multiple hazing suspensions including SMU chapter (2017)
Pattern: Physical paddling and alcohol hazing

How National Patterns Become Legal Evidence

In civil lawsuits like the Bermudez case, we use national histories to prove:

Foreseeability: The national organization knew this type of hazing was occurring in its chapters
Inadequate Response: Their anti-hazing policies weren’t effectively enforced
Pattern and Practice: This wasn’t a “rogue chapter” but part of a systemic problem
Punitive Damages Basis: The organization’s reckless disregard for known dangers

For Corral City families, this means: if your child is hazed by an organization with national hazing history, that history strengthens your case significantly.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy for Corral City Families

Modern Evidence Collection: What Wins Cases in 2025

Digital Communications (Most Critical Evidence):

Group Messaging: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage group texts, Discord servers, fraternity-specific apps
Social Media: Instagram DMs/stories, Snapchat (screenshot before disappearance), TikTok messages
Preservation Method: Screenshot ENTIRE threads with timestamps and sender names visible. Don’t delete anything. Use screen recording for disappearing content.
Our Video Resource: Learn proper evidence preservation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Photos & Videos:

Injury documentation: Multiple angles, include ruler/coin for scale, track progression over days
Event footage: Social media posts, videos in group chats
Location evidence: House exteriors, room interiors, event venues
Security footage: Doorbell cameras, building security systems

Internal Organization Documents:

Pledge manuals, “tradition” documents, initiation scripts
Emails between officers about events
National policies and training materials

University Records (Obtained via Discovery):

Prior conduct files on the same organization
Incident reports to campus police or conduct offices
Clery Act reports and hazing disclosures
Internal emails about the organization

Medical & Psychological Records:

Emergency room reports (CRITICAL: say “this was hazing” to get it in record)
Hospitalization records, surgical notes, rehab documentation
Toxicology reports (blood alcohol, drug screens)
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses)

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges/members (often afraid but may cooperate with protection)
Roommates, RAs, bystanders
Former members who quit or were expelled
Medical personnel, first responders

Damages: What Corral City Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical Expenses: Past and future ER visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, therapy
Lost Income/Earning Capacity: Time off work for recovery, diminished future earnings from permanent disability
Educational Costs: Lost tuition, missed semesters, transfer expenses, lost scholarships
Other Economic Losses: Property damage, relocation costs, life care expenses for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm):

Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries, medical procedures, ongoing pain
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation, loss of dignity
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Can’t participate in activities they loved
Reputational Harm: Social stigma, difficulty transferring schools

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support and inheritance
Loss of companionship, love, guidance
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Applicable):

To punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
To deter future hazing
Available when defendants show conscious indifference to known risks

Insurance Coverage Strategies

Fraternity and university insurance fights are complex. As former insurance defense attorney Mr. Lupe Peña explains, insurers often argue:

Hazing is excluded as “intentional conduct”
Certain defendants aren’t covered under the policy
Policy limits are inadequate for the harm

Our strategies include:

Identifying ALL potential policies (chapter, national, university, homeowner’s, umbrella)
Arguing negligent supervision is covered even if hazing isn’t
Pursuing bad faith claims against insurers who wrongfully deny coverage
Maximizing recovery across multiple insurance sources

Practical Guides & FAQs for Corral City Families

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding

Warning Signs Your Corral City Student May Be Hazed:

Physical Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water restriction
Sleep deprivation (calls at 3 AM, all-night “mandatory” events)
Injuries to hands/back/legs from paddling or exercise
Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage
Signs of alcohol poisoning (even if your 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-organization activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensive when asked about the organization
Fear of “getting the chapter in trouble”
Obsession with pleasing older members
Talking about “just getting through this”

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep in class
Skipping assignments for “mandatory” events
Losing scholarships or academic standing

How to Talk to Your Child:

Ask open questions: “How are things with [organization]?” not “Are they hazing you?”
Express concern, not accusation: “I’m worried about how tired you seem” not “What are they doing to you?”
Emphasize safety: “Your health matters more than any organization”
Offer unconditional support: “We’ll help you no matter what”

48-Hour Action Checklist for Corral City Parents:

HOUR 1–6 (IMMEDIATE CRISIS):
✅ Medical: If injured or intoxicated, get to ER immediately (Denton hospitals or campus health)
✅ Safety: Remove child from dangerous situation
✅ Evidence: Screenshot any messages they show you; photograph visible injuries
✅ Notes: Write down everything they tell you (date, time, what happened, who was there)
✅ Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance

HOUR 6–24 (EVIDENCE PRESERVATION):
✅ Digital: Help child preserve all group chats, DMs, texts (do NOT delete anything)
✅ Physical: Secure clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
✅ Medical records: Request copies of all ER/hospital records
✅ Witnesses: Write down names and contact info for other pledges, bystanders
✅ University: Note any communications from school but do NOT respond yet

HOUR 24–48 (STRATEGIC DECISIONS):
✅ Legal consultation: Speak with experienced hazing attorney (1-888-ATTY-911)
✅ Reporting decision: Decide whether to report to campus police, local police, Dean of Students
✅ University response: If school contacts you, refer them to your attorney
✅ Insurance: Do NOT talk to any insurance adjuster without lawyer present
✅ Evidence backup: Upload all screenshots to cloud storage

For Students: Self-Assessment & Safety

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

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

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

How to Exit Safely:

Immediate danger: Call 911, then campus police
Safe location: Your dorm, friend’s place, public area
Legal protection: Texas law protects those who call for help in emergencies
To quit: Send email/text to chapter president: “I resign effective immediately”
Do NOT go to “one last meeting”—that’s where pressure/retaliation happens

Evidence Collection for Students:

Screenshots: Capture full conversations with timestamps and names
Voice memos: Texas is one-party consent—you can record conversations you’re part of
Photos: Injuries, locations, objects used
Medical documentation: Tell providers “I was hazed” to get it in your record
Witness info: Names/contacts of others who saw what happened

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages
What happens: Looks like cover-up, can be obstruction of justice, destroys strongest evidence
Right approach: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly
What happens: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, prepare defenses
Right approach: Document everything, call a lawyer BEFORE any confrontation

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms
What happens: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often lowball
Right approach: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting Details on Social Media
What happens: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Right approach: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

5. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”
What happens: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs, university controls narrative
Right approach: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer
What happens: Recorded statements used against you; early settlements are lowball
Right approach:* “My attorney will contact you”

Watch our video on client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Frequently Asked Questions for Corral City Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UNT, UT, A&M) have sovereign immunity but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals personally. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. The Bermudez case against UH shows public universities can be sued successfully.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas classifies hazing as Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if causing serious bodily injury or death (like rhabdomyolysis in the UH case).

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
YES. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense. Courts recognize “consent” under peer pressure isn’t voluntary.

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately known. Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Many major cases occurred off-campus.

“Will my child’s name be in the news?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

Why Attorney911 for Corral City Hazing Cases

Our Texas-Based, Nationally Relevant Expertise

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

Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):
As a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm, Mr. Peña (he/him) knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims. He understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation (Ralph Manginello):
One of the few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation, we’ve taken on billion-dollar defendants and won. Our federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) means we’re not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience:
We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases with economist collaboration. We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force accountability, like the ongoing Bermudez $10 million lawsuit against UH and Pi Kappa Phi.

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:
Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. We can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure.

Investigative Depth with Texas-Specific Data:
Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. We don’t start from zero—we already know the organizational structures behind the letters. We investigate with a network of experts: medical specialists, digital forensics experts, economists, and psychologists.

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

Our Approach: Empathy, Investigation, Accountability

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

Get you answers about what really happened
Hold the right people accountable—from individual members to national headquarters
Help prevent this from happening to another family
Secure fair compensation for medical care, trauma, and life disruption

This isn’t about bravado or quick settlements. It’s about thorough investigation and real accountability, exactly what we’re achieving in the Bermudez case against UH and Pi Kappa Phi.

Call to Action for Corral City Families

If Hazing Has Impacted Your Family

If you or your child experienced hazing at UNT, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Corral City and throughout Denton County have the right to answers and accountability.

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 on 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)

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

Understanding the Commitment

Contingency fees mean you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. Learn more about how this works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Act Now to Protect Your Rights

Texas’s statute of limitations requires timely action. Don’t let evidence disappear or witnesses scatter. Whether you’re in Corral City or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, and we’re ready to help.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

For convenience, here are the full, plain-text URLs for resources mentioned in this guide:

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

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

Using Cellphone 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 Website:

Main Website & Contact: 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 (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)