The Complete Guide to Hazing Laws, Cases, and Accountability for Elgin, Texas Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You’re Not Alone—And You Have Rights

For parents in Elgin, Bastrop, Manor, and across Travis County, sending your child to college is a milestone filled with pride and hope. You imagine them making friends, joining campus organizations, and building their future at schools like the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M, or other Texas universities. What you don’t imagine is the phone call that changes everything—a call where your child is injured, hospitalized, or worse, because of dangerous “traditions” disguised as bonding.

Right now, in Houston just 45 minutes from Elgin, our firm is actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas. We represent Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter. According to the Click2Houston investigation, Bermudez was subjected to months of abuse as a pledge in fall 2025: forced to carry a humiliating “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms and sex toys, endure hours of sprints and bear crawls at Yellowstone Boulevard Park, and face threats of expulsion if he didn’t comply. The physical abuse culminated in a November 3 workout where he was forced through over 100 push-ups and 500 squats. Days later, he was hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure—his urine had turned brown from muscle tissue breakdown, a potentially life-threatening condition.

This isn’t an isolated incident. It’s proof that severe, dangerous hazing is happening right now at Texas universities, and families in our Central Texas community need to understand their rights and options when tradition turns into trauma.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES IN ELGIN:

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 your child insists they’re “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority directly
- 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.

What This Guide Offers Elgin Families

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Elgin, Bastrop, Lockhart, and throughout Travis and Bastrop counties who need to understand:

What modern hazing actually looks like in 2025—beyond the stereotypes
How Texas and federal law protects—or fails to protect—your child
What we’ve learned from national hazing deaths and how those lessons apply to Texas universities
What’s happening at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Baylor, SMU, and UH—schools where Elgin families commonly send their children
Your legal options when hazing causes injury, trauma, or death
Practical steps to protect your child and hold organizations accountable

Whether your child attends UT Austin just 25 miles from Elgin, Texas A&M two hours away, or any other Texas campus, this information could be critical to their safety and your family’s recovery.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like for Central Texas Students

Hazing isn’t just “boys will be boys” or harmless pranks. For Elgin students at Texas universities, hazing in 2025 falls into three dangerous categories that often overlap:

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing: The Most Common Killer

This remains the leading cause of hazing deaths nationwide. For UT Austin, Texas A&M, or Baylor students from Elgin, this might look like:

“Big/Little” nights where pledges are given entire bottles of liquor to consume
Drinking games like “Bible study” where wrong answers mean forced shots
“Lineups” where pledges must chug alcohol in rapid succession
Pressure to consume unknown substances or dangerous combinations

In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case we’re litigating, Leonel Bermudez was forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediately forced to sprint. This dangerous combination of forced consumption and extreme physical exertion directly caused his life-threatening kidney condition.

2. Physical Hazing: Beyond “Tough Love”

Physical abuse disguised as conditioning affects students from Elgin at Corps programs, athletic teams, and fraternities:

“Smokings” or extreme workouts beyond safe limits (like Bermudez’s 500 squats)
Paddling and beatings, especially in underground or off-campus settings
Sleep and food deprivation during “hell weeks”
Exposure to extreme elements—cold weather in minimal clothing, heat without water

3. Psychological and Digital Hazing: The 24/7 Torment

Modern technology means hazing follows Elgin students everywhere:

Group chat monitoring with required instant responses at all hours
Social media humiliation through forced posts or “challenges”
Geo-tracking demands via Find My Friends or Life360
Public shaming in chapter meetings or group settings
Isolation from family and non-Greek friends

Where Hazing Happens at Texas Schools

Elgin families should understand that hazing extends beyond stereotypical fraternity parties:

Fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural groups)
Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs, especially at Texas A&M
Athletic teams from football to cheerleading
Spirit and tradition organizations like Texas Cowboys at UT
Marching bands and performance groups
Some academic and service organizations

The common thread? Power imbalance, secrecy, and tradition used to justify abuse.

Texas Hazing Law: What Elgin Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Child’s Legal Protection

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws that apply whether your Elgin student attends UT Austin, Texas A&M, or any other Texas campus. Here’s what matters most for Travis County families:

Definition (Texas Education Code § 37.151):
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in any organization
Can happen on or off campus—location doesn’t matter

Critical Protections for Elgin Families:

Consent Is NOT a Defense (§ 37.155):
Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it’s still hazing under Texas law. Courts recognize that peer pressure and power imbalance make true consent impossible.
Criminal Penalties Scale with Harm (§ 37.152):
- Class B Misdemeanor: 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
Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):
Fraternities, sororities, and clubs can be fined up to $10,000 per violation and face campus bans.
Good-Faith Reporter Protection (§ 37.154):
Students who report hazing or call 911 in emergencies have legal protection, even if they were drinking underage or involved.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (Travis County DA for UT Austin cases, Brazos County DA for Texas A&M, etc.)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Common charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in deaths

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or families like yours
Aim: Compensation for damages and accountability
Focus: Medical bills, pain and suffering, lost education, wrongful death
Can proceed even without criminal charges

Federal Laws That Protect Your Elgin Student

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires universities receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently and strengthen prevention (phased in through 2026)
Title IX: Applies when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain crimes that often overlap with hazing

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat at Texas Schools

The tragedies happening at Texas universities follow the same patterns seen nationwide. Elgin families should understand these cases because they show how organizations repeat dangerous behaviors—and how families have held them accountable.

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Most Common Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
The 20-year-old pledge was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. He died from alcohol poisoning. His family reached a $10 million settlement—$7 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national, $3 million from BGSU. This demonstrates that both universities and national fraternities face massive liability.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
Forced to participate in a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant drinking. His blood alcohol concentration reached 0.495%. His death led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony. His family received a $6.1 million verdict.

Why This Matters for Elgin Families: The same fraternities involved in these deaths—Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta—have chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Baylor, and SMU. Their national organizations knew these drinking games were deadly but failed to prevent them at multiple campuses.

Physical Hazing with Deadly Consequences

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
Blindfolded and weighted with a backpack, he was repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual at a Pennsylvania retreat. He died from traumatic brain injuries. The national fraternity was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter—proving organizations, not just individuals, face criminal liability.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021):
Forced to drink excessive alcohol during a “pledge dad reveal,” he suffered permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care). His family settled with 22 defendants, showing how many parties can share liability.

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the program. Multiple lawsuits led to coach firings and confidential settlements. This proves hazing exists in multi-million dollar athletic programs with extensive oversight.

Key Takeaways for Travis County Parents:

Patterns repeat: The same dangerous traditions (drinking games, physical endurance tests) recur across campuses
Cover-ups are common: Organizations often delay medical care to avoid getting in trouble
National organizations know: They have anti-hazing policies because they’ve been sued before
Multi-million dollar accountability is possible: These cases show universities and fraternities can be held financially responsible

Texas University Focus: Where Elgin Students Are at Risk

University of Texas at Austin: Closest to Home, Highest Transparency

For Elgin families: UT Austin is just 25 miles away—the university most accessible to Travis County students. Its public hazing violations database offers transparency other schools lack.

Recent Documented Incidents from UT’s Public Hazing Log:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Chapter placed on probation with mandatory hazing prevention education.
Texas Wranglers (multiple years): Sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, and punishment-based practices.
Spirit organizations: Multiple groups disciplined for physical endurance tests and humiliation rituals.

How UT Handles Hazing:

Public violations log at hazing.utexas.edu
Office of the Dean of Students investigations
UTPD and Austin Police Department jurisdiction depending on location
Organizational probation, suspension, or revocation of recognition

What Elgin Families Should Know About UT Cases:

Prior violations matter: UT’s public log can show patterns that strengthen civil cases
Mixed jurisdiction: Off-campus hazing might involve Austin PD instead of UTPD
Transparency advantage: Public records requests can uncover more than at private schools

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

For Elgin families: Many Central Texas students choose A&M for its traditions and community. The Corps of Cadets and Greek system both have documented hazing issues.

Notable A&M Hazing Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):
Two pledges alleged being covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. They sued for $1 million. The fraternity was suspended for two years. This shows how hazing methods evolve to include chemical dangers.

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023):
A cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” position with an apple in his mouth. He sought over $1 million. Texas A&M stated it handled the matter internally.

How A&M Responds:

Student Conduct Office investigations
Corps-specific regulations and discipline
Organizational suspensions and probation
Challenge: Less public transparency than UT’s violations log

Baylor University: Private School Complexities

For Elgin families: Baylor’s religious identity and Waco location attract many Central Texas students. Its history with institutional scandals affects how it handles hazing.

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):
14 players suspended following hazing investigation. The staggered suspensions during the season showed the program’s systemic issues.

What Makes Baylor Cases Different:

Private university status affects transparency
Religious branding influences institutional response
Prior sexual assault scandal context shapes oversight approaches

Southern Methodist University: Affluent Greek Culture

For Elgin families: SMU’s Dallas location and strong Greek life attract students seeking private education with social connections.

Kappa Alpha Order Paddling Incident (2017):
New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, and deprived of sleep. Chapter suspended with recruiting restrictions until 2021.

SMU’s Approach:

Private university with less public disclosure
Anonymous reporting systems like Real Response
Greek Life office oversight with varying effectiveness

University of Houston: Active Litigation Shows Systemic Issues

For Elgin families: UH is a common choice for Houston-area students. Our firm’s active litigation there reveals how hazing operates in large urban Greek systems.

The Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi Case (2025):
Beyond the physical abuse, the case reveals systemic failures:

Multiple locations: Pi Kappa Phi house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Park
Chapter officer involvement: President, pledgemaster, risk manager all named
Institutional response: Chapter suspended Nov. 6, voted to surrender charter Nov. 14
Medical consequences: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, four-day hospitalization

This case demonstrates that even when chapters are quickly shut down, the damage to students is already done—and accountability requires legal action.

Fraternities and Sororities: National Histories That Matter for Elgin Families

When your Elgin student joins a fraternity or sorority at a Texas university, they’re joining an organization with a national history. Those histories matter because they show patterns of behavior—and knowledge—that can create liability.

Why National Organizations Are Legally Responsible

National fraternities and sororities aren’t just letterheads. They:

Collect dues from members
Provide insurance coverage (often with hazing exclusions)
Set policies and training requirements
Have prior incident reports from chapters nationwide
Know which “traditions” are dangerous because they’ve caused deaths before

Organizations with Documented Nationwide Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green (2021): $10 million settlement
David Bogenberger death at Northern Illinois (2012): $14 million settlement
UH chapter incidents: Prior suspensions for hazing violations
Pattern: Alcohol-focused “Big/Little” events repeatedly cause deaths

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

Multiple hazing deaths nationwide led to elimination of traditional pledge process (2014)
Texas A&M chemical burns case (2021): $1 million lawsuit
UT Austin assault case (2024): Over $1 million lawsuit for exchange student injuries
Pattern: Physical and alcohol hazing across multiple Texas campuses

Pi Kappa Phi:

Andrew Coffey death at Florida State (2017): Led to Greek system suspension
Leonel Bermudez case at UH (2025): $10 million lawsuit, chapter closure
Pattern: Endurance-based hazing causing physical collapse

Phi Delta Theta:

Max Gruver death at LSU (2017): $6.1 million verdict, Louisiana felony hazing law
Multiple chapter suspensions nationwide for alcohol hazing
Pattern: Drinking games disguised as “education” or “tradition”

How National Histories Strengthen Your Elgin Case

In litigation, we use these patterns to prove:

Foreseeability: The national organization knew this type of hazing was dangerous
Inadequate prevention: Their training and policies failed to stop predictable harm
Prior notice: Previous incidents at other chapters put them on notice
Pattern and practice: This wasn’t “rogue individuals” but organizational culture

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages for Elgin Families

Critical Evidence That Wins Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Important):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord—even deleted messages can be recovered
Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok videos showing hazing events
Location data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends tracking, timestamped photos
Planning communications: Emails, texts about “traditions” or “pledge education”

Watch our video on using your phone to document evidence for best practices on preserving digital proof.

Physical Evidence:

Photographs of injuries (initial and progression)
Medical records explicitly stating “hazing” as cause
Objects used in hazing (paddles, alcohol bottles, props)
Damaged clothing or personal items

Institutional Records:

University conduct files through public records requests
National fraternity incident reports obtained via discovery
Insurance policies covering chapters and nationals
Prior warning letters or probation documents

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges experiencing similar abuse
Former members who quit due to hazing
Roommates, RAs, or friends who observed changes
Medical professionals documenting injuries

Types of Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical bills (ER, hospitalization, surgery, therapy)
Future medical care (ongoing treatment, life care plans)
Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, transfer expenses)
Lost earning capacity (if injuries affect career prospects)

Non-Economic Damages (Substantial):

Pain and suffering from physical injuries
Emotional distress, PTSD, depression, anxiety
Humiliation and loss of dignity
Loss of enjoyment of life and educational experience

Wrongful Death Damages:

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of companionship and guidance for family
Emotional suffering of parents and siblings
Lost financial support the student would have provided

Punitive Damages (When Appropriate):

Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
Deter future hazing
Available when defendants knew risks and ignored them

Navigating Insurance Coverage Fights

Fraternities and universities have insurance—but insurers often fight hazing claims:

Common Insurance Defenses:

“Hazing is an intentional act, not covered”
“The policy excludes criminal conduct”
“This chapter wasn’t officially recognized”

Our Insider Advantage:
Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how insurers value claims, use Independent Medical Exams to reduce settlements, and delay cases to pressure families. This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with fraternity and university insurance companies.

Practical Guides for Elgin Parents, Students, and Witnesses

For Elgin Parents: Warning Signs and Action Steps

Red Flags Your Child May Be Hazed:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Financial requests for unexplained “fines” or purchases
Academic decline from missing classes for “mandatory” events

If You Suspect Hazing:

Talk openly but non-confrontationally: “I’m concerned about your safety, not judgmental”
Listen without interrupting: Let them share at their own pace
Prioritize safety: If they’re in immediate danger, call 911
Document everything: Write down what they tell you with dates and details
Preserve evidence: Help them screenshot messages before deletion
Seek medical care: Even if they resist, some injuries need immediate attention
Consult an attorney early: Before talking to the university or organization

For Elgin Students: Recognizing and Escaping Hazing

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

Would I do this if I truly had a free choice?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents or the university approve if they knew details?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie?
Are older members making me do things they don’t have to do?

How to Exit Safely:
NETPOSITIVE

Tell someone first: Contact a trusted adult, RA, or friend outside the organization
Send written resignation: Email chapter president: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Avoid “one last meeting”: They may pressure or retaliate
Document retaliation: Save any threatening messages
Use campus resources: Dean of Students, counseling center, campus police

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

You cannot be punished for calling 911 in an emergency
Consent is not a defense to hazing charges
You can request no-contact orders if harassed
You have the right to leave any organization at any time

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

MISTAKES TO AVOID:

Deleting evidence: Messages, even embarrassing ones, are critical proof
Confronting the organization directly: They’ll lawyer up and destroy evidence
Signing university “resolution” forms: Often waive your right to sue
Posting on social media: Defense attorneys screenshot everything
Waiting for university investigations: Evidence disappears, statutes of limitations run
Talking to insurance adjusters alone: Recorded statements are used against you
Letting your child return for “closure”: Pressure and intimidation often follow

Watch our video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case for more guidance on protecting your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions for Elgin Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes. Public universities (UT, Texas A&M, UH) have some sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence and Title IX violations. Private schools (SMU, Baylor) have fewer protections. Every case depends on specific facts.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law makes hazing a state jail felony when it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face misdemeanor charges for failing to report hazing.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the activities?”
Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense. Courts recognize that peer pressure and power imbalance make true consent impossible in hazing situations.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but exceptions exist. Evidence disappears quickly, so immediate action is critical. Learn more in our video on Texas statutes of limitations.

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

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

“How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?”
We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. Watch our video explaining how contingency fees work.

Why Attorney911 for Elgin Hazing Cases

Texas-Based, Nationally Relevant Expertise

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Elgin, Bastrop, Lockhart, and across Travis and Bastrop counties. When your 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.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value claims, use delay tactics, and fight coverage. “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation (Ralph Manginello):
As one of the few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation, we’ve faced billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. We’re not intimidated by national fraternities or universities.

Multi-Million Dollar Results:
We’ve recovered millions in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We work with economists, life care planners, and medical experts to build cases that force real accountability, not cheap settlements.

Dual Civil/Criminal Expertise:
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. We can advise on both tracks.

Investigative Depth:
We deploy digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages, subpoena national fraternity records, and uncover university files others miss. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

How We Approach Hazing Cases Differently

Immediate Evidence Preservation: We act within hours to secure digital evidence before deletion
Comprehensive Defendant Identification: We identify all liable parties—individuals, chapters, nationals, universities, insurers
Pattern Evidence Development: We document prior incidents showing organizational knowledge
Strategic Settlement vs. Trial Decisions: We prepare every case for trial, which forces better settlements
Privacy Protection: We shield families from unnecessary public exposure while pursuing justice

Your Next Steps: Contact Us Today

If hazing has impacted your Elgin family—whether your child attends UT Austin, Texas A&M, Baylor, SMU, UH, or any Texas campus—you don’t have to face this alone.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We listen without judgment: Tell us what happened in complete confidence
We review your evidence: Photos, messages, medical records—whatever you have
We explain your options: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
We discuss realistic expectations: Timelines, possible outcomes, challenges
We answer all your questions: About costs, privacy, process, everything
No pressure to decide: Take time to think before committing

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

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

Serving All of Texas from Our Houston Office

While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas. Distance doesn’t matter—we handle cases remotely and travel as needed. What matters is getting your family the experienced legal help you deserve.

Whether you’re in Elgin, Austin, College Station, Waco, Dallas, or anywhere in Texas, if hazing has hurt your child, call us today. Let us help you get answers, hold the right people accountable, and prevent this from happening to another family.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Click2Houston investigation: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
ABC13 coverage: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
Hoodline summary: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Using your phone 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 Main Website:

Contact for free consultation: 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