The Complete Guide to Hazing Litigation for Edgeworth, Texas Families: Holding Fraternities, Sororities, and Universities Accountable

If you are a parent in Edgeworth, Texas, and the unthinkable has happened—your child has been hurt, humiliated, or hospitalized because of a fraternity, sorority, Corps of Cadets, or campus organization—you are not alone. The fear, confusion, and anger you feel are justified. Right now, in our own state, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country, proving that these are not isolated incidents but part of a dangerous pattern that Texas families can and must confront.

We represent Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The allegations are horrific: forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; humiliating “pledge fanny pack” rules; and extreme physical workouts that led Mr. Bermudez to develop rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown, he was hospitalized for four days, and he faces the ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. This is happening now, at a major Texas university.

This guide is for you—the parents and families in Edgeworth, Belton, Killeen, and across Bell County who need to understand the reality of modern hazing, your legal rights under Texas law, and how to fight for accountability when institutions fail to protect your child.

A Texas Parent’s Worst Nightmare: Understanding Hazing in 2025

Hazing is not a relic of the past or simple “horseplay.” It is a calculated abuse of power that endangers physical and mental health for the sake of tradition, affiliation, or status. For families in Central Texas, understanding its modern forms is the first step toward protection.

Today’s hazing transcends the stereotypical “Hell Week.” It is a sophisticated system of control that often leaves no visible bruises but causes profound harm. It exists across organizations:

• Fraternities & Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, Multicultural)
• Corps of Cadets & ROTC programs
• Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading)
• Spirit & Tradition Groups (like the Texas Cowboys)
• Marching Bands & Performing Arts Groups

The tactics have evolved but the goal remains: to assert dominance and force compliance through fear and humiliation.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing:

1. Subtle Hazing: Behaviors that emphasize power imbalance. This includes forced servitude (acting as a 24/7 designated driver, cleaning members’ rooms), social isolation, being assigned derogatory nicknames, or “mandatory” events that interfere with academics. Digitally, it manifests as constant group chat monitoring, demands for instant responses at all hours, and forced location sharing.

2. Harassment Hazing: Actions that cause emotional or physical discomfort. This includes sleep deprivation through late-night “meetings,” verbal abuse and intimidation, food/water restriction, forced consumption of unpleasant substances (hot sauce, spoiled food), and prolonged, punitive calisthenics (“smokings”).

3. Violent Hazing: Activities with a high potential for severe injury or death. This is what we see in cases like Leonel Bermudez’s. It encompasses forced alcohol consumption (chugging, drinking games, “Big/Little” nights), physical beatings or paddling, dangerous physical “tests” (like blindfolded tackles), sexualized hazing and assault, kidnapping/restraint, and exposure to extreme elements.

The line between “tradition” and abuse is clear in the eyes of Texas law. If the activity endangers physical or mental health for the purpose of initiation or affiliation, it is hazing. Consent is not a defense when given under peer pressure, coercion, and the overwhelming desire to belong.

Texas Hazing Law & Liability: The Legal Framework for Edgeworth Families

Texas has strong anti-hazing statutes, but understanding how they translate to real-world accountability is crucial for Bell County families seeking justice.

The Foundation: Texas Education Code, Chapter 37

Texas law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—on or off campus—that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership in any organization.

Key Provisions for Parents to Know:

• Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor. If it causes injury requiring medical treatment, it becomes a Class A misdemeanor. If it causes serious bodily injury or death, it is a state jail felony. Individuals can also be charged for failing to report hazing or for retaliating against someone who reports.
• Organizational Liability: The fraternity, sorority, or club itself can be prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 per violation if it authorized or encouraged the hazing, or if an officer knew and failed to report it.
• Consent is NOT a Defense: Texas Education Code § 37.155 is unequivocal: a victim’s “agreement” to participate is not a legal defense against hazing charges.
• Good-Faith Reporting Immunity: The law protects those who, in good faith, report hazing to authorities from civil or criminal liability that might stem from the report. This is critical for encouraging bystanders to call for help.

Civil vs. Criminal Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

• Criminal Cases: Brought by the state (e.g., Bell County District Attorney’s Office) to punish wrongdoing with jail time, fines, and probation. Charges can include hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, or manslaughter.
• Civil Lawsuits: Brought by victims and families to secure compensation for damages and force institutional change. This is where we hold every responsible party accountable—from the individual who poured the drink to the national headquarters that turned a blind eye.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Hazing Case?

1. Individual Students: The members who planned, executed, or concealed the hazing.
2. The Local Chapter: The on-campus organization as a legal entity.
3. The National Headquarters: For failing to supervise, enforce policies, or act on known patterns of abuse across its chapters.
4. The University: For negligent supervision, deliberate indifference to known risks, or violating duties under Title IX or the Clery Act.
5. Third Parties: Landlords of off-campus houses, property owners, or alcohol providers.

Federal Laws That Apply on Every Campus:

• The Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently and maintain public hazing data.
• Title IX: Prohibits sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment and assault that often accompanies hazing.
• The Clery Act: Mandates that universities report certain crimes, including assaults occurring on campus or during school-sponsored events.

The National Pattern: Why History Repeats Itself in Texas

The hazing that injured Leonel Bermudez at UH is not an anomaly. It follows a deadly national script written by decades of preventable tragedies. Understanding this pattern is key to proving liability.

Forced Alcohol Hazing: The Deadliest Pattern

• Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi, 2017): Died from traumatic brain injuries after a bid-acceptance night of forced drinking. Brothers delayed calling 911 for hours. Result: Dozens of criminal charges, civil suits, and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.
• Max Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta, 2017): Died from alcohol poisoning after a “Bible study” drinking game. Result: Felony convictions and Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act.
• Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021): Died after being forced to drink a bottle of alcohol. Result: Over $10 million in total settlements from the national fraternity and university.
• Andrew Coffey (Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi, 2017): Died after a “Big Brother Night.” The national organization involved is the same one we are currently litigating against at UH.

Violent Physical & Ritualized Hazing

• Chun “Michael” Deng (Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi, 2013): Died from head trauma during a blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat. The national fraternity was criminally convicted.
• Danny Santulli (Univ. of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta, 2021): Suffered permanent, catastrophic brain damage from forced drinking. His family reached multi-million dollar settlements with 22 defendants.

These cases establish foreseeability. When a national fraternity like Pi Kappa Phi has a death at one chapter, it is on notice that its rituals are lethal. When the same pattern emerges at UH, it cannot claim ignorance.

Hazing at Texas Universities: A Guide for Edgeworth Families

Edgeworth families are directly connected to a network of Texas universities. Your child may attend a local campus or a major hub hours away. Wherever it happens, Texas law and experienced Texas counsel can help.

Local Campuses for Bell County Families

Texas A&M University-Central Texas (Killeen, Bell County)
As a growing campus in our own county, TAMU-Central Texas is a primary destination for local students. While its Greek life footprint is evolving, the culture of any student organization carries inherent hazing risks. Families must be vigilant about any group demanding secrecy or unquestioning loyalty.

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (Belton, Bell County)
This private Christian university in Belton has its own student organizations and traditions. Hazing can manifest even in groups with religious affiliations, often disguised as “discipline” or “team building.” UMHB’s internal conduct process is the first line of reporting, but serious injuries demand external legal advice.

Major Statewide Universities for Texas Families

University of Houston: The Active Case in Our Backyard
The Leonel Bermudez case is a stark lesson in UH’s Greek life dangers. The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter’s conduct—from the “pledge fanny pack” to simulated waterboarding—occurred at the chapter house, a Culmore Drive residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park. Despite UH calling the conduct “deeply disturbing” and the chapter surrendering its charter, only a lawsuit forces full accountability. UH has a history of hazing incidents, including a 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case where a pledge suffered a lacerated spleen.

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life Risks
For many Central Texas families, Texas A&M is a top choice. Its dual environments present unique risks:

• Corps of Cadets: A 2023 lawsuit alleged cadets were subjected to degrading hazing, including being bound in a “roasted pig” position. The university stated it handled the matter internally.
• Fraternity Hazing: A lawsuit alleged Sigma Alpha Epsilon pledges suffered severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts after being doused with industrial cleaner. The chapter was suspended.

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Repeated Violations
UT Austin maintains a public hazing violations log—a resource that also reveals recurring problems. Recent entries show:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Sanction: Probation.
• Texas Wranglers (Spirit Group): Multiple sanctions for alcohol-related hazing and forced physical activity.
  This public record is powerful evidence in civil cases, demonstrating a pattern that the university and organizations knew or should have known about.

Southern Methodist University & Baylor University
These private institutions have their own hazing histories, from SMU’s Kappa Alpha Order suspension for paddling and forced drinking to Baylor baseball team hazing suspensions. Their private status often means less public transparency, making aggressive legal discovery essential.

The Organizations Behind the Letters: Public Records & National Histories

When hazing occurs, the visible actors are the chapter members. But behind them stands a complex network of legally recognized organizations—housing corporations, alumni chapters, and national headquarters—that our firm tracks through public records. This data-driven approach is what builds unbeatable cases.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: What We Know Before You Call

To show parents in Edgeworth the depth of our investigative readiness, here is a snapshot of the public records we maintain on Greek-life organizations connected to Texas campuses:

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Texas Families

Statewide Snapshot: Our data engine tracks 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metros, built from IRS filings, university records, and commercial databases.

Relevant to Central Texas & Major Campuses:

• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc | EIN: 133048786 | 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845 | IRS B83 Public Filing
• Eta Alpha House Corporation of Kappa Delta Sorority | EIN: 742930349 | 404 University Dr E Ste D, College Station, TX 77840 | IRS B83 Public Filing
• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc | EIN: 462267515 | 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035 | IRS B83 Public Filing (Entity connected to the UH lawsuit chapter)
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi | EIN: 900293166 | 114 Henderson Hall 4233 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843 | IRS B83 Public Filing
• Texas Rho Housing Corporation (ΣAE) | Austin, TX | Cause IQ Metro Listing – Austin
• Building Corporation – Alpha Delta Pi (Delta) | Austin, TX | Cause IQ Metro Listing – Austin
• Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon Chapter | College Station, TX | Cause IQ Metro Listing – College Station
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Brazos Valley Alumnae | College Station, TX | Cause IQ Metro Listing – College Station

Why This Directory Matters for Your Case:
We don’t start from zero. When you contact us about a hazing incident at Texas A&M or UT, we already have the EINs, legal names, and addresses of the organizations that may hold insurance and liability. This allows us to immediately subpoena records, identify asset-holding entities, and prevent defense attorneys from hiding behind corporate veils.

National Histories Create Foreseeability
The fraternity involved at your child’s school has a past. Pi Kappa Alpha has the Foltz death. Sigma Alpha Epsilon has a documented pattern of alcohol-related injuries across the country. Phi Delta Theta has the Gruver death. In litigation, we use these national histories to prove that the organization was on notice that its culture and rituals were dangerous. Their failure to enact real reform is negligence.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages with Attorney911

Turning a traumatic hazing incident into a successful legal claim requires immediate, strategic action and investigative depth. This is where our experience in catastrophic injury and complex institutional litigation makes the difference.

The Critical 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Window
Digital evidence disappears quickly. Members delete GroupMe chats, Snapchats vanish, and phones are “lost.” Our first priority is helping you preserve:

1. Screenshots of ALL Group Chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord) with timestamps and sender names visible.
2. Photos & Videos of injuries, locations, and any objects used (paddles, alcohol bottles).
3. Medical Records from the ER, hospital, or clinic. Ensure the cause (“hazing,” “forced drinking”) is documented.
4. Witness Information: Names and contact details for other pledges, roommates, or bystanders.
5. Physical Evidence: Do not wash clothing with stains; secure any props or items used.

Watch our video on using your phone to document a legal case for a detailed guide.

Overcoming Institutional Defense Tactics
We know the playbook because Mr. Lupe Peña used to help write it as an insurance defense attorney. We anticipate and counter their strategies:

• “The Pledge Consented”: We cite Texas law (§ 37.155) and use digital evidence to show coercion.
• “It Was a Rogue Chapter”: We subpoena national headquarters’ records to show prior complaints and pattern of similar incidents across the country.
• “It Happened Off-Campus”: We establish the university’s and national’s control and knowledge, citing cases like Pi Delta Psi where nationals were convicted for off-campus retreat hazing.
• “Insurance Doesn’t Cover Intentional Acts”: We argue that the organization’s negligent supervision—not just the intentional hazing—is covered, and pursue all available policies.

Damages: What Texas Law Allows Families to Recover
A civil lawsuit seeks to make the victim whole and punish reckless behavior. Recoverable damages include:

• Economic Damages: All medical bills (past and future), lost wages, costs of psychological care, and diminished future earning capacity if injuries are permanent.
• Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, humiliation, PTSD, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Wrongful Death Damages: For families who have lost a child, this includes funeral costs, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious conduct, courts may award damages to punish the defendant and deter future behavior.

Practical Steps for Edgeworth Parents & Students

If You Suspect or Discover Hazing:

IMMEDIATE ACTION (First 48 Hours):

1. Safety First: If there is a medical emergency, call 911. Texas has good-faith reporter protections.
2. Preserve Evidence: Follow the evidence checklist above. Do not delete anything.
3. Seek Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor. Document everything and tell providers the cause was hazing.
4. Contact an Attorney: Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 before reporting to the university. We can help you navigate the process to protect your rights.
5. Write It Down: Document everything your child tells you while memories are fresh.

What NOT to Do: Critical Mistakes That Can Harm Your Case

• DO NOT let your child delete texts or group chats.
• DO NOT confront the fraternity/sorority directly.
• DO NOT sign any documents from the university or an insurance adjuster.
• DO NOT post details on social media.
• DO NOT assume the university’s internal process will deliver justice or fair compensation.

FAQs for Texas Families

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of injury. However, complexities like the discovery rule or a victim’s age can affect this. Learn more in our video on Texas statutes of limitations. Do not wait.

“Can we sue the university?”
Yes, depending on the facts. Public universities have certain immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence or violations of federal law like Title IX. Private universities like SMU and Baylor have fewer immunity barriers. Our investigation determines the best legal strategy.

“How much will this cost?”
We handle hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront fees. We only get paid if we secure a settlement or verdict for you. See how contingency fees work.

“Will our name be public?”
Most cases settle confidentially before a public trial. We always prioritize your family’s privacy and can seek protective orders for sensitive information.

Why Edgeworth Families Choose Attorney911: Texas-Based, Nationally Relevant Hazing Experts

When your family is facing a hazing crisis, you need more than a generic personal injury firm. You need attorneys who understand the intricate power dynamics of Greek life, the tactics of institutional defendants, and the Texas courts where your case will be fought.

Our Proven Edge in Hazing Litigation:

1. Insurance Insider Knowledge (Mr. Lupe Peña):
Mr. Peña (he/him) spent years as a defense attorney for national insurance companies. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers will try to deny, delay, and undervalue your claim. We use this insider knowledge to counter their tactics from day one. Learn about Mr. Peña’s background.

2. Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello):
We are one of the few Texas firms that handled BP Texas City explosion litigation, taking on a billion-dollar corporation. That same level of resourcefulness and tenacity is what we bring to cases against national fraternities and university boards. We are not intimidated by deep-pocketed opponents. Learn about Ralph Manginello’s experience.

3. The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:
As demonstrated in this guide, we maintain a proprietary database of over 1,400 Texas Greek organizations. We don’t start investigating when you call—we continue an investigation we started years ago. This data-driven approach identifies every potentially liable entity.

4. Dual Civil & Criminal Capability:
Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand the criminal hazing process. We can seamlessly advise on interacting with police, navigating parallel criminal and civil cases, and protecting your child’s rights from all angles.

5. A Record of Results in Catastrophic Cases:
We have recovered millions for clients in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We know how to work with economists and life-care planners to build a full picture of the damages—both economic and human—that hazing inflicts.

We Serve All of Texas, Starting with a Free Consultation
From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families across Texas, including those right here in Edgeworth, Belton, Killeen, and throughout Bell County. If your child has been hazed at a Texas university—or at any university nationwide—we can help.

Your Next Step: A Confidential, No-Obligation Consultation
Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). In your free consultation, we will:

• Listen compassionately to your story.
• Review any evidence you have preserved.
• Explain your family’s legal rights and options under Texas law.
• Outline a potential strategy for investigation and accountability.
• Answer all your questions about the process and our contingency fee structure.

Se habla Español. Contact Mr. Lupe Peña directly for consultation in Spanish.

You do not have to navigate this nightmare alone. Let us use our experience, data, and determination to fight for your child’s future and ensure no other family suffers this pain.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911 Today.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 | Visit: https://attorney911.com

Legal Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is unique, and outcomes depend on specific facts and applicable law. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly. For a confidential consultation regarding a hazing matter, contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911.