The Definitive Guide to Hazing in Texas: What Every Town of Cross Timber Family Must Know

If Your Child Has Been Hazed at a Texas University, This Guide Has the Answers You Need

Imagine this scenario: Your child, a promising student from our Town of Cross Timber community, arrives at a major Texas university. They join an organization they believe will provide lifelong friendships and opportunities. Within weeks, you notice changes. They’re exhausted, anxious, and secretive about their activities. One night, you get a call: your child is in the emergency room with severe injuries from a “group workout” that turned violent. University officials offer vague reassurances while the organization claims it was “voluntary team building.” You’re left with medical bills, trauma, and no clear path to accountability.

For families in Town of Cross Timber, Burleson, Cleburne, and across Johnson County, this nightmare scenario is not hypothetical. Right now, in our own state, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country: the Leonel Bermudez University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case. This $10 million lawsuit alleges extreme physical abuse, forced consumption of food and drink until vomiting, simulated waterboarding, and degrading rituals that left Bermudez with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring four days of hospitalization and ongoing treatment for potential permanent kidney damage.

This case, which we at Attorney911 are actively litigating, shows exactly what Texas families are facing. Whether your child attends the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, Tarleton State, or any other Texas campus, the patterns are disturbingly similar. This comprehensive guide provides Town of Cross Timber families with everything you need to understand hazing in 2025, your legal rights under Texas law, and how to hold the right parties accountable when your child has been harmed.

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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like Today

For Town of Cross Timber families who may have experienced Greek life in a different era, today’s hazing often operates with disturbing sophistication. What once might have been dismissed as “harmless pranks” now involves systematic psychological manipulation, digital control, and institutional cover-ups that make detection and accountability challenging.

Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. Crucially, under Texas law, “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there is peer pressure and power imbalance.

Main Categories of Hazing in Today’s Texas Universities

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the deadliest form, with patterns including forced “lineup” drinking, “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor, trivia games where wrong answers equal shots, and coercive environments where refusing to drink means social exclusion. In our Leonel Bermudez case at UH, forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting was followed immediately by sprints, creating a dangerous cycle of distress.

Physical Hazing
Beyond traditional paddling, today’s physical hazing includes extreme calisthenics disguised as “workouts,” cold exposure in underwear, lying in vomit-soaked grass, and systematic sleep deprivation. The Bermudez case involved 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, “save-your-brother” drills, and bear crawls that crossed into medical danger.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, “roasted pig” positioning seen in Texas A&M Corps cases, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. The mandatory “pledge fanny pack” at UH containing condoms and sex toys represents this category’s humiliating nature.

Psychological Hazing
Systematic verbal abuse, isolation from non-members, constant fear of expulsion for minor infractions, and psychological manipulation create environments where students feel trapped. The requirement to respond instantly to group chats at all hours represents modern psychological control.

Digital/Online Hazing
Group chat dares, forced social media challenges, public humiliation via Instagram or TikTok, geo-tracking demands, and pressure to create compromising content represent hazing’s digital evolution. This evidence, while destructive to victims, often provides the digital paper trail needed to prove cases.

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Texas

While fraternities and sororities receive most attention, Town of Cross Timber families should know hazing occurs in multiple campus organizations:

• Fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / military-style groups
• Spirit squads and tradition clubs
• Athletic teams (including football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
• Marching bands and performance groups
• Some service, cultural, and academic honor societies

Social status, tradition, and secrecy keep these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal. The organizations often operate with sophisticated knowledge of how to avoid detection while maintaining harmful traditions.

Texas Hazing Law & Liability Framework: What Town of Cross Timber Families Must Understand

Texas has specific laws governing hazing, and understanding them is crucial for families seeking accountability. The legal framework operates on multiple levels: Texas state law, federal requirements, and institutional policies that all interact in complex ways.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code Chapter 37)

Chapter 37 of the Texas Education Code provides the foundation for hazing law in our state. It defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
• 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 Town of Cross Timber families:

• Location doesn’t matter – can happen on or off campus
• Harm can be mental or physical
• “Reckless” conduct is enough – doesn’t require malicious intent
• “Consent” is not a defense – even if the victim agreed, it’s still hazing if it meets the definition

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases

• Brought by the state (prosecutor)
• Aim: punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical hazing-related charges in Texas:
  • Hazing offenses (Class B misdemeanor to state jail felony)
  • Furnishing alcohol to minors
  • Assault, battery, or manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil Cases

• Brought by victims or surviving families
• Aim: monetary compensation and accountability
• Focus on:
  • Negligence and gross negligence
  • Wrongful death
  • Negligent hiring/supervision
  • Premises liability
  • Emotional distress

Both types can run side-by-side, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. Many families in cases like the UH Pi Kappa Phi matter pursue civil litigation even while criminal investigations proceed.

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

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
This federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently, strengthen hazing education and prevention, and maintain public hazing data (phased in by around 2026). For Town of Cross Timber families, this means universities will eventually have more publicly accessible data about hazing incidents.

Title IX & Clery Act
When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations can be triggered. The Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics; hazing incidents often overlap with those categories when there are assaults or alcohol/drug crimes.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit in Texas?

Individual Students
Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover them up. In the UH case, 13 individual fraternity leaders were named.

Local Chapter/Organization
The fraternity/sorority or club itself if it’s a legal entity. The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation was named in the Bermudez lawsuit.

National Fraternity/Sorority
Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters is a defendant in the UH case.

University or Governing Board
The school or regents may be sued under negligence or civil-rights theories. The University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents are defendants in the ongoing litigation.

Third Parties
Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces, bars or alcohol providers (under dram shop theories), security companies, or event organizers.

Every case is fact-specific; not every party is liable in every situation, but experienced hazing attorneys investigate all potential avenues of accountability.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Families Can Learn

Understanding national patterns helps Town of Cross Timber families recognize that what happened to their child isn’t an isolated incident but part of systemic problems within certain organizations and systems.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
Bid-acceptance event with heavy drinking, severe falls captured on chapter cameras, hours delayed before medical help, dozens of criminal charges, new Pennsylvania anti-hazing law. Takeaway: Extreme intoxication, delay in calling 911, and culture of silence create devastating legal consequences.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
“Bible study” drinking game where forced drinking followed incorrect answers, death led to felony hazing law in Louisiana (Max Gruver Act). Takeaway: Legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Pledge forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey, died from alcohol poisoning, multiple criminal convictions, BGSU settled for nearly $3 million. Takeaway: Universities face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
Pledge subjected to violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat, suffered fatal head injuries, help delayed, multiple convictions, fraternity banned from Pennsylvania. Takeaway: Off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous as parties, and national organizations face serious sanctions.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University football (2023–2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within football program, multiple lawsuits, head coach fired, confidential settlements. Takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life into major athletic programs with systemic abuse.

What These Cases Mean for Town of Cross Timber Families

Common threads: forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, cover-ups. Reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after tragedy and litigation. Texas families facing hazing are not alone and operate in a landscape shaped by these national lessons.

Texas Focus: Universities Relevant to Town of Cross Timber Families

Town of Cross Timber families send students to universities across Texas, from nearby Tarleton State and Texas A&M to more distant campuses like UT Austin and UH. Understanding the specific landscape at each institution is crucial for recognizing risks and knowing where to turn for help.

Texas A&M University: Aggie Traditions and Hidden Dangers

Campus & Culture Snapshot
Located in College Station, Texas A&M hosts over 1,000 student organizations including a robust Greek system and the Corps of Cadets. The university’s traditions run deep, but some have masked dangerous hazing practices. For Town of Cross Timber families, A&M represents both academic excellence and a complex social landscape requiring vigilance.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels
Texas A&M prohibits hazing in any form through University Rule 24.01.03.M1 and Student Rule 24. The university maintains reporting through the Dean of Students, Student Conduct Office, and specialized channels for Corps of Cadets incidents. However, the decentralized nature of the Corps and Greek systems can complicate reporting and enforcement.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Two pledges alleged forced strenuous activity with substances including industrial-strength cleaner poured on them, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The fraternity was suspended for two years, and pledges sued for $1 million.
• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million; A&M stated it handled the matter under its rules.
• Ongoing Investigations: Multiple Greek organizations have faced suspensions for alcohol-related hazing, physical abuse, and endangerment in recent years.

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed
Involved agencies may include University Police Department and/or College Station Police. Civil suits typically file in Brazos County courts. Potential defendants include individual students, the chapter, national headquarters, Texas A&M University, and property owners. The dual Greek/Corps structure means cases may involve multiple administrative processes.

What A&M Students & Parents Should Do

• Report immediately to Student Conduct Office (979-845-0542) AND Corps leadership if applicable
• Document everything: A&M’s size means evidence can get lost in bureaucracy
• Request copies of prior conduct violations involving the same organization
• Contact experienced hazing attorneys who understand A&M’s unique institutional culture
• Beware of pressure to resolve through “internal processes” that may minimize accountability

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Continuing Challenges

Campus & Culture Snapshot
UT Austin’s large Greek community and numerous spirit organizations operate within a university that publishes hazing violations publicly—a relative rarity. For Town of Cross Timber families, UT represents both greater transparency and ongoing challenges with high-profile organizations.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels
UT prohibits hazing under Institutional Rules and maintains a public hazing violations website (hazing.utexas.edu). Reporting channels include the Office of the Dean of Students, UT Police Department, and anonymous reporting systems. The public database represents both opportunity and risk—organizations know violations become public record.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

• 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: Multiple sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, and punishment-based practices.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): Australian exchange student alleged assault resulting in dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose. The chapter was already under suspension for prior violations.

Public Violations Database Insights
UT’s transparency reveals patterns: alcohol violations (45%), physical hazing (30%), psychological abuse (25%). The database shows certain organizations with repeat violations despite probationary status, indicating systemic enforcement challenges.

What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

• Check the public hazing database before your child joins any organization
• Report through multiple channels: Dean of Students (512-471-2841), UTPD, AND the organization’s national headquarters
• Use public violation records as leverage in negotiations and litigation
• Document everything—UT’s size means individual cases can get lost without thorough evidence
• Consult attorneys experienced with UT’s administrative processes and public records laws

University of Houston: Our Active Case and Systemic Issues

Campus & Culture Snapshot
As urban commuter and residential mix, UH’s Greek system operates both on-campus and in surrounding Houston neighborhoods. The university has faced multiple high-profile hazing incidents, including our active Leonel Bermudez case that reveals systemic issues requiring urgent attention.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels
UH prohibits hazing under SAM 01.D.19 and maintains reporting through the Dean of Students, Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life, and UH Police Department. However, the off-campus nature of much Greek activity complicates oversight and enforcement.

The Leonel Bermudez Case: What It Reveals
Our active litigation against UH and Pi Kappa Phi reveals patterns every Town of Cross Timber family should recognize:

• Systematic Humiliation: Mandatory “pledge fanny pack” with degrading contents
• Physical Abuse: Extreme workouts culminating in rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
• Psychological Control: Constant threats of expulsion for non-compliance
• Institutional Knowledge Pattern: Prior incidents with similar organizations suggest systemic issues

Historical Context: Prior UH Incidents

• 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha Case: Pledges allegedly deprived of food, water, and sleep; one student suffered lacerated spleen after being slammed onto table
• Multiple Greek Suspensions: Various organizations suspended for alcohol violations, physical hazing, and endangerment
• Pattern of Off-Campus Activity: Much hazing occurs at private residences like the Culmore Drive location in the Bermudez case

What UH Students & Parents Should Do

• Report to Dean of Students (713-743-5478) AND Houston Police if off-campus
• Document off-campus locations thoroughly—addresses, photos, descriptions
• Request prior conduct records for the organization through public information requests
• Consult attorneys with specific UH/Houston experience—jurisdictional issues matter
• Act quickly—Houston’s size means evidence disappears rapidly

Southern Methodist University: Private Challenges and Greek Dominance

Campus & Culture Snapshot
SMU’s affluent student body and dominant Greek system create unique dynamics where social status intersects with tradition. For Town of Cross Timber families considering SMU, understanding the balance between Greek life and accountability is crucial.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels
As a private institution, SMU maintains hazing prohibitions through the Student Code of Conduct and Greek Life policies. Reporting channels include the Office of Student Affairs, SMU Police, and anonymous systems like Real Response. Private status affects transparency in investigations and outcomes.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep; chapter suspended until 2021 with recruiting restrictions
• Multiple Greek Investigations: Various organizations have faced suspensions for alcohol hazing, physical abuse, and endangerment
• NPHC Organizations: Several Divine Nine organizations have faced disciplinary action for traditional practices crossing into hazing

Private University Considerations
SMU’s private status means:

• Less public transparency about violations and outcomes
• Different legal standards for institutional liability
• Potential for confidential settlements that hide patterns
• Need for specialized legal strategies addressing private institution dynamics

What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

• Use anonymous reporting systems initially if concerned about retaliation
• Document everything—private universities control narratives carefully
• Request disciplinary outcomes through your attorney (public institutions have different disclosure requirements)
• Consider both campus conduct processes AND civil litigation—they serve different purposes
• Consult attorneys experienced with private university litigation and Greek life dynamics

Baylor University: Faith, Football, and Accountability Challenges

Campus & Culture Snapshot
Baylor’s Christian identity and football prominence create complex dynamics around accountability and institutional protection. For Town of Cross Timber families in faith communities, understanding Baylor’s particular challenges is important.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels
Baylor prohibits hazing through the Student Conduct Code and maintains reporting through the Office of Student Conduct, Baylor Police Department, and anonymous systems. The university’s response to athletic and Greek incidents has evolved following broader institutional challenges.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

• Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation, staggered suspensions over early season
• Greek Life Incidents: Multiple organizations sanctioned for alcohol hazing, physical abuse, and endangerment
• Athletic Program Scrutiny: Ongoing attention to cultural issues following broader athletic department challenges

Faith-Based Institution Considerations
Baylor’s religious identity affects:

• Potential emphasis on “forgiveness” over accountability
• Different community dynamics around reporting
• Potential resistance to external scrutiny
• Need for culturally sensitive legal approaches

What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

• Document everything thoroughly—institutional narratives may emphasize protection
• Report through multiple channels simultaneously
• Be prepared for faith-based language in institutional responses
• Consult attorneys experienced with faith-based institutions AND hazing litigation
• Understand that Baylor’s status as private Christian institution affects legal strategies

Tarleton State University: Local Considerations for Town of Cross Timber Families

Campus & Culture Snapshot
As part of the Texas A&M System located in Stephenville, Tarleton State represents a common destination for Johnson County students. The university’s growing Greek system and tradition-rich environment require specific attention from local families.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels
Tarleton prohibits hazing under University Procedure 34.04.99.T0.01 and maintains reporting through the Dean of Students, Student Conduct Office, and University Police Department. As part of the A&M System, policies align with system-wide standards but enforcement varies by campus.

Local Considerations for Town of Cross Timber Families

• Proximity: Stephenville’s 90-minute drive means families may be unaware of issues until advanced stages
• Community Connections: Close-knit campus community affects reporting dynamics
• System Resources: A&M System backing provides resources but also bureaucratic complexity
• Document Everything: Smaller campus doesn’t mean less need for thorough documentation

What Tarleton Students & Parents Should Do

• Report to Dean of Students (254-968-9080) AND local Stephenville authorities if off-campus
• Document organizational connections to A&M main campus—system relationships matter
• Utilize A&M System resources while recognizing campus-specific dynamics
• Consult attorneys familiar with the A&M System’s multi-campus structure
• Act quickly—smaller communities can close ranks around organizations

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

Understanding the national patterns of specific organizations helps Town of Cross Timber families recognize that local incidents are rarely isolated. When a Texas chapter repeats behaviors that caused deaths or injuries elsewhere, it demonstrates systemic problems within the national organization.

Why National Histories Matter in Texas Cases

When we investigate hazing cases at Texas universities, we look beyond the local chapter to the national organization’s history. This establishes crucial legal concepts:

Foreseeability
If a national organization knew about similar incidents at other chapters, they should have anticipated and prevented them at Texas chapters.

Pattern and Practice
Repeated similar incidents across multiple chapters demonstrate systemic issues rather than “rogue” behavior.

Negligent Supervision
National organizations that collect dues, provide materials, and maintain oversight have legal duties to supervise chapters effectively.

Punitive Damages Basis
Willful disregard of known patterns can support claims for punitive damages designed to punish and deter.

Organization-Specific Patterns Relevant to Texas Universities

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ)

• National Pattern: Multiple alcohol poisoning deaths including Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021) and David Bogenberger (NIU, 2012)
• Texas Presence: Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, Tarleton State
• Legal Significance: National organization settled Foltz case for $7 million plus university’s $3 million, showing significant liability exposure

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ)

• National Pattern: Multiple hazing deaths leading to elimination of traditional pledge process in 2014
• Texas Presence: Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
• Texas Incidents: Chemical burns case at Texas A&M, assault case at UT Austin
• Legal Significance: Pattern of similar incidents across campuses demonstrates national knowledge

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

• National Pattern: Andrew Coffey alcohol poisoning death (FSU, 2017)
• Texas Presence: Active at UH (Beta Nu chapter now closed), other Texas campuses
• Current Case: Our active litigation on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against UH chapter
• Legal Significance: National headquarters named in $10 million lawsuit, showing direct liability

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

• National Pattern: Max Gruver alcohol poisoning death (LSU, 2017)
• Texas Presence: Active at multiple Texas campuses
• Legal Significance: Louisiana passed Max Gruver Act creating felony hazing, influencing Texas legislative discussions

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ)

• National Pattern: Multiple paddling and physical hazing incidents
• Texas Presence: Active at Texas A&M, SMU, other campuses
• Texas Incidents: SMU chapter suspension for paddling and alcohol hazing
• Legal Significance: Physical hazing traditions continuing despite national policies

How National Histories Strengthen Texas Cases

When we represent Texas families, we subpoena national organization records to establish:

• Prior incident reports from other chapters
• Internal communications about hazing risks
• Inadequate enforcement of anti-hazing policies
• Knowledge of specific dangerous traditions

This evidence transforms a “local incident” into part of a national pattern, significantly increasing leverage in negotiations and potential recovery.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

For Town of Cross Timber families facing the aftermath of hazing, understanding how cases are built, what damages are available, and what strategies work provides crucial perspective during a difficult time.

Evidence: The Foundation of Every Strong Case

Digital Communications

• GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, fraternity-specific apps
• Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok comments and videos
• Recoverable deleted messages through digital forensics
• Metadata showing timestamps, locations, and participants

Photos & Videos

• Content filmed by members during events (often shared in group chats)
• Security camera or doorbell footage at houses and venues
• Injury documentation with progressive photos showing healing
• Social media posts and stories capturing events

Internal Organization Documents

• Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, tradition documents
• Emails and texts from officers about activities
• National policies, training materials, risk management guides
• Financial records showing alcohol purchases

University Records

• Prior conduct files, probation/suspension letters
• Incident reports to campus police or conduct offices
• Clery Act reports and annual security reports
• Internal emails among administrators about the organization

Medical & Psychological Records

• Emergency room and hospitalization records
• Surgery reports, rehabilitation notes, specialist evaluations
• Toxicology reports and blood alcohol levels
• Psychological evaluations documenting PTSD, depression, anxiety

Witness Testimony

• Other pledges and new members
• Current and former organization members
• Roommates, resident advisors, bystanders
• Coaches, trainers, academic advisors

Damages: What Texas Law Allows Families to Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses)

• Medical Expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, ongoing treatment, future medical needs
• Lost Income & Earning Capacity: Missed work, delayed graduation, reduced lifetime earnings for permanent injuries
• Educational Impact: Lost tuition, forfeited scholarships, transfer costs
• Other Costs: Counseling, travel for treatment, replacement of damaged property

Non-Economic Damages (Compensation for Harm)

• Physical Pain & Suffering: Documented through medical records and testimony
• Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation, trauma
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Inability to participate in activities, permanent limitations
• Reputational Harm: Social stigma, digital footprint consequences

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragically Applicable)

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support and inheritance
• Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
• Emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages (When Conduct Warrants)

• Designed to punish particularly reckless or malicious conduct
• Available when defendants show conscious indifference to known risks
• Subject to Texas caps but significant in appropriate cases

Legal Strategy: How We Approach Texas Hazing Cases

Immediate Response Phase (First 72 Hours)

• Evidence preservation through forensic collection
• Medical documentation coordination
• Witness identification and initial interviews
• Strategic reporting decisions (campus, police, national headquarters)

Investigation Phase (Weeks 1-12)

• Comprehensive digital evidence collection
• Public records requests to universities
• Preservation letters to potential defendants
• Expert consultations (medical, psychological, economic)

Demand & Negotiation Phase (Months 3-9)

• Comprehensive demand packages to all potential defendants
• Negotiation with multiple insurance carriers
• Mediation preparation and execution
• Settlement structure evaluation

Litigation Phase (When Necessary)

• Strategic venue selection (county, federal, multi-district)
• Discovery targeting national organization patterns
• Expert witness development and testimony
• Trial preparation with focus on institutional accountability

Insurance Coverage Complexities in Hazing Cases

Hazing cases involve multiple potential insurance policies:

• University liability policies
• National fraternity/sorority insurance
• Chapter housing corporation coverage
• Individual member homeowner’s policies
• Special event insurance

Insurance companies frequently argue hazing constitutes “intentional acts” excluded from coverage. Our experience with insurance defense tactics helps navigate these arguments to maximize available coverage.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Town of Cross Timber Families

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
• Extreme fatigue and sleep deprivation beyond normal academic stress
• Sudden weight changes from food/water restriction or stress
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability, withdrawal
• Secretive behavior about organizational activities
• Constant phone use for group chat monitoring with anxiety about responses
• Financial changes: unexpected expenses, requests for money without clear reasons
• Academic decline: dropping grades, missed classes, lost scholarships

How to Talk to Your Child About Concerns

1. Choose a private, calm setting without distractions
2. Use open-ended questions: “How are things with [organization]?” not “Are they hazing you?”
3. Express concern without accusation: “I’ve noticed you seem exhausted and stressed lately.”
4. Emphasize safety over loyalty: “Your health and safety matter more than any organization.”
5. Offer unconditional support: “Nothing you tell me will change how much I love and support you.”

If Your Child Is Hurt: Immediate Steps

1. Medical Care First: Seek appropriate medical attention immediately
2. Document Everything: Photos, notes, evidence preservation
3. Contact Attorney911: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 before any other reporting
4. Strategic Reporting: With legal guidance, report to appropriate authorities
5. Avoid Common Mistakes: No social media, no confrontation, no signed agreements

For Students: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide
Ask yourself:

• Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
• Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would the university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
• Are new members treated differently than established members?
• Am I being told to keep secrets or lie about activities?

If You Answer “Yes” to Any:

1. Immediate Safety: Remove yourself from dangerous situations
2. Document Evidence: Screenshots, photos, notes while fresh
3. Confidential Consultation: Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
4. Medical Attention: Seek care even for seemingly minor issues
5. Strategic Exit: Plan safe departure with professional guidance

Your Legal Rights in Texas

• You cannot be punished for calling 911 in good faith (Texas Good Samaritan laws)
• Hazing is a crime—you are the victim, not perpetrator
• Consent is not a defense to hazing under Texas law
• You have the right to leave any organization at any time
• You can request no-contact orders through universities

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence

   • What happens: Digital trail disappears, case becomes “he said/she said”
   • Right approach: Preserve everything, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Organization

   • What happens: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, prepare defenses
   • Right approach: Document quietly, consult attorney first

3. Signing University Agreements

   • What happens: You may waive legal rights, accept inadequate resolutions
   • Right approach: Never sign anything without attorney review

4. Social Media Posts

   • What happens: Defense attorneys use inconsistencies against you
   • Right approach: Complete social media silence during case development

5. Delaying Medical Care

   • What happens: Injuries worsen, documentation gaps develop
   • Right approach: Seek care immediately, document everything

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters

   • What happens: Recorded statements used to minimize your claim
   • Right approach: “My attorney will contact you”

7. Waiting for University Investigations

   • What happens: Evidence disappears, statutes of limitations run
   • Right approach: Parallel tracks—legal action AND university process

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity limitations but exceptions exist for gross negligence and deliberate indifference. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case requires specific factual analysis—call 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific guidance.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas Education Code §37.152 makes hazing a Class B misdemeanor by default, but elevates to Class A misdemeanor if causing bodily injury, and state jail felony if causing serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the activities?”
Irrelevant under Texas law. Education Code §37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that power imbalances, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion negate true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately apparent. In cases involving cover-ups or minor victims, different rules may apply. Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses scatter, memories fade.

“What if hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national organizations can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Many major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus with successful litigation.

“Will this be confidential?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize client privacy while pursuing accountability.

“How much does legal representation cost?”
We work on contingency—no fee unless we recover compensation. You pay nothing upfront, and we cover case expenses initially. Fees come only from successful recoveries.

About Attorney911: Why Town of Cross Timber Families Trust Us With Hazing Cases

When your family faces the trauma of hazing, 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 Texas offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families across our state, including those in Town of Cross Timber, Johnson County, and throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth region.

Our Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm, learning exactly how insurance companies value claims, use delay tactics, and fight coverage. When fraternity and university insurers deploy their playbook, we know it because we used to run it. His Spanish-language fluency (Se habla Español) ensures all families receive culturally sensitive representation.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello)
Our involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation taught us how to take on billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. We’re not intimidated by national fraternities or university legal teams. Our federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) prepares us for complex multi-defendant cases.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Results
We’ve secured substantial recoveries in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, working with economists, life care planners, and medical experts to fully value our clients’ losses. We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force accountability.

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both criminal hazing charges and civil litigation. We can advise on dual-track cases and represent clients facing multiple legal proceedings.

Investigative Depth & Expert Network
We maintain relationships with digital forensics experts, medical specialists, psychologists, economists, and Greek life experts who help investigate hazing cases thoroughly. Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—tracking 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros—gives us unparalleled insight into institutional relationships and patterns.

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Data-Driven Advocacy

Unlike firms that approach hazing cases reactively, we maintain comprehensive data on Texas Greek organizations:

IRS B83 Public Records Analysis
We track 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations with EINs, including:

• Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation (EIN 371768785) – Missouri City, TX
• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515) – Frisco, TX
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN 741380362) – Fort Worth, TX
• Multiple National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations across Texas metros

Metro-Specific Organization Tracking
For the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro serving Town of Cross Timber families, we track 510 Greek organizations, including:

• Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity – Fort Worth, TX
• Delta Tau Delta Fraternity – Gamma Iota Chapter – Austin, TX
• Texas Sigma Alpha Epsilon corporations across major campuses
• Multiple Divine Nine graduate chapters throughout the metro

University Chapter Rosters
We maintain current rosters for Texas universities, understanding which national organizations operate at which campuses and their historical violation patterns.

This data-driven approach means we never start from zero when investigating hazing cases. We already know the organizational relationships, insurance structures, and historical patterns that matter for your case.

How We Approach Hazing Cases Differently

We Investigate Like Your Child’s Life Depends on It
Because it does. We pursue every lead: digital forensics for deleted messages, public records requests for prior violations, witness interviews other firms miss. The Leonel Bermudez case demonstrates our commitment—we’re pursuing a $10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, and 13 individual defendants because the harm demands accountability.

We Understand Texas-Specific Challenges
From sovereign immunity issues with public universities to the unique cultures of different Texas campuses, we navigate complexities other firms miss. We know which courts move quickly, which judges understand institutional liability, and how Texas law applies to your specific situation.

We Balance Aggressive Advocacy with Compassion
We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. We listen without judgment, explain options clearly, and support you through difficult decisions. Our goal isn’t just compensation—it’s accountability that prevents future harm and helps your family heal.

Call to Action: Your Next Steps as a Town of Cross Timber Family

If you suspect or know your child has been hazed at any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Town of Cross Timber, Burleson, Cleburne, and throughout Johnson County have the right to answers and accountability.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you contact Attorney911 for a confidential, no-obligation consultation:

We Listen Without Judgment
Tell us what happened in your own words. We understand this is difficult, and we create a safe space for you to share your story.

We Review Available Evidence
Bring any evidence you have: photos, messages, medical records. If you have nothing yet, that’s okay—we’ll explain how to preserve evidence properly.

We Explain Your Legal Options Clearly
We’ll outline potential paths: criminal reporting, civil litigation, university processes, or combinations. We explain pros, cons, and realistic expectations for each.

We Answer All Your Questions
Costs, timelines, privacy concerns, impact on your child’s education—we address everything honestly.

No Pressure to Hire
Take time to decide what’s right for your family. We provide information, not pressure.

Contact Attorney911 Today

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)
Email: lupe@atty911.com (Mr. Lupe Peña)

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

Important Information for Town of Cross Timber Families

Statute of Limitations Awareness
Texas generally allows 2 years from the date of injury to file a hazing lawsuit, but exceptions and complexities exist. Don’t let time run out on your family’s right to accountability.

Evidence Preservation Urgency
Digital evidence disappears within days—deleted group chats, formatted phones, disappeared social media posts. Physical evidence gets destroyed. Witnesses graduate or get coached. Contact us immediately to begin proper evidence preservation.

University Process vs. Legal Action
University conduct processes serve different purposes than civil litigation. Internal investigations may result in organizational probation but typically don’t provide compensation for damages or real accountability. We can help you navigate both tracks strategically.

Your Family’s Privacy
We prioritize client confidentiality. Most cases settle without public disclosure. We use sealed filings, protective orders, and confidential settlement terms to protect your family’s privacy while pursuing justice.

Conclusion: Your Family Doesn’t Have to Face This Alone

Hazing represents a profound betrayal of trust—trust in organizations promising friendship and opportunity, trust in universities promising safety, trust in systems promising accountability. For Town of Cross Timber families navigating this betrayal, the path forward can seem overwhelming.

But you don’t have to walk this path alone. The lessons from national cases, the protections in Texas law, and the experience of firms like ours exist to support families like yours. From the active litigation in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case to the historical patterns across Texas campuses, we know what works, what doesn’t, and how to build cases that secure both compensation and meaningful accountability.

Whether your child attends Tarleton State just up the road or UT Austin across the state, whether the harm occurred last week or last year, whether you have boxes of evidence or just troubling suspicions, we’re here to help. We serve families throughout Texas from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, bringing the same commitment to Town of Cross Timber families that we bring to every client.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us listen to your story, explain your rights, and help you take the next step toward healing and accountability. Because when institutions fail to protect our children, families shouldn’t have to face the consequences alone.

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