🚨 Hazing Legal Emergency: Your Child’s Life vs. Fraternity “Tradition”

Attorney 911 is currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know exactly what happens when fraternities cross the line. And we know how to fight back.

If your child was hazed in Faulkner County, Arkansas — whether at Harding University, Central Baptist College, or any other institution — you need to act immediately. The same fraternities that waterboarded our client operate right here in Faulkner County. The same negligence exists at Faulkner County universities. And the same devastating consequences are happening to Faulkner County families.

⚠️ What Happened in Houston Could Happen in Faulkner County

Our client, Leonel Bermudez, wasn’t even a University of Houston student when Pi Kappa Phi hazed him. He was a “ghost rush” — a prospective member expected to transfer. They did this to someone who wasn’t even enrolled yet.

What they did to him:

• Waterboarded him with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced him to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down
• Struck him with wooden paddles
• Forced him to eat until he vomited, then made him keep running through his own vomit
• Another pledge lost consciousness during these workouts — they kept going

The result:

• Severe rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
• Acute kidney failure
• 3 nights, 4 days in the hospital
• Permanent health consequences

This isn’t “tradition.” This isn’t “brotherhood.” This is torture.

And it’s happening in Faulkner County right now.

🏛️ Faulkner County Universities: The Same Risks Exist Here

Faulkner County is home to Harding University and Central Baptist College — both institutions with active Greek life programs. The same national fraternities operate chapters here:

• Pi Kappa Phi (the fraternity we’re suing)
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (paid $6.1 million after Max Gruver’s death)
• Beta Theta Pi (paid $110 million after Timothy Piazza’s death)
• Pi Kappa Alpha (involved in the 2017 UH hazing case)

These organizations have a documented history of hazing. They have paid millions in settlements. And they continue to operate in Faulkner County.

Harding University Greek Life:

Harding has an active Greek system with multiple fraternities and sororities. While the university has policies against hazing, the same national organizations with hazing histories operate here. If you’re a Harding parent, ask yourself:

• Do you know what “pledging” really means at your child’s fraternity?
• Do you know what activities are considered “tradition”?
• Do you know if your child is being subjected to physical or psychological abuse?

Central Baptist College Greek Life:

Central Baptist College also has Greek organizations. While the college is smaller, the risks are the same. National fraternities operate under the same policies — or lack thereof — that led to Leonel Bermudez’s hospitalization.

🔍 Warning Signs Your Child Is Being Hazed in Faulkner County

Hazing doesn’t always look like what you see in movies. It’s often more insidious. Here are the signs Faulkner County parents should watch for:

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
• Extreme fatigue or difficulty walking
• Complaints of muscle pain or weakness
• Dark or brown urine (sign of rhabdomyolysis — muscle breakdown)
• Vomiting or signs of alcohol poisoning
• Weight loss or changes in appetite
• Sleep deprivation (falling asleep in class, during meals)

Behavioral Signs:

• Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
• Increased secrecy about activities
• Fear of retribution if they talk
• Changes in mood (anxiety, depression, irritability)
• Sudden drop in academic performance
• Avoiding certain people or places
• Wearing unusual clothing or carrying odd items (like a fanny pack with sexual objects, as in our case)
• Talking about “traditions” that sound extreme or dangerous

Digital Signs:

• Sudden deletion of social media posts or apps
• New group chats (GroupMe, Snapchat, WhatsApp) they won’t show you
• Texts about “meetings” or “activities” that sound suspicious
• Photos or videos that disappear from their phone
• Jokes or comments about “initiation” or “pledging” that make you uncomfortable

If you notice any of these signs, your child may be in danger. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

📞 Faulkner County Families: What To Do Right Now

Step 1: Remove Your Child from Danger

If you suspect your child is being hazed, get them out immediately. Their safety is the top priority. Don’t wait to “gather evidence” — get them to a safe place first.

Step 2: Seek Medical Attention

Even if your child says they’re “fine,” take them to a doctor. Some injuries — like rhabdomyolysis — aren’t immediately obvious. Symptoms can develop over days. Early medical documentation is critical for your case.

Step 3: Preserve All Evidence

Do not let your child delete anything. Preserve:

• All text messages and group chats
• All social media posts and messages (screenshot everything)
• All photos and videos from their phone
• Any physical evidence (clothing, items used in hazing)
• Any written materials (pledge manuals, schedules, notes)

If you need help preserving digital evidence, call us. We can guide you through the process.

Step 4: Do NOT Confront the Fraternity

Do not talk to fraternity leadership, university administrators, or their lawyers without legal counsel. Anything you say can be used against you. Let us handle all communications.

Step 5: Contact Attorney 911 Immediately

Time is critical. In Arkansas, you typically have 3 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, but evidence disappears fast. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 or email ralph@atty911.com.

⚖️ Your Legal Rights as a Faulkner County Hazing Victim

Arkansas Hazing Laws

Arkansas has strong anti-hazing laws. Under Arkansas Code § 6-5-201, hazing is defined as:

“Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one (1) student acting alone or with others, directed against any other student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, participating in, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization.”

This includes:

• Physical brutality (hitting, paddling, waterboarding)
• Forced consumption of food, alcohol, or drugs
• Sleep deprivation
• Psychological abuse
• Any activity that endangers mental or physical health

Consent is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, Arkansas law explicitly states that consent does not justify hazing.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

In hazing cases, multiple parties can be held responsible:

In our Houston case, we’re suing all of these parties. Faulkner County families can pursue the same accountability.

Types of Damages You Can Recover

If your child was hazed in Faulkner County, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Faulkner County families: These damages are real. We’ve seen them firsthand in our Houston case.

💰 Why $10 Million? The Precedent for Faulkner County Families

You might be thinking: “$10 million sounds like a lot.” But when you consider the lifelong impact of hazing, it’s not.

Here’s what other families have received:

Our $10 million demand is directly in line with these precedents.

Here’s what $10 million covers for a Faulkner County victim:

• $500,000 in past and future medical bills
• $1,000,000 for pain and suffering
• $1,000,000 for mental anguish and emotional distress
• $2,000,000 for lost earning capacity (if injuries affect career)
• $5,000,000 in punitive damages (to punish the fraternity and prevent future hazing)
• $500,000 for legal fees and expenses

This isn’t about greed. It’s about justice. It’s about making sure these organizations can’t afford to keep hazing students.

🏥 The Medical Reality: What Hazing Does to Faulkner County Students

Hazing isn’t just “a little roughhousing.” It causes real, lasting damage. Here’s what we’ve seen in our cases:

Rhabdomyolysis (What Happened to Our Client)

What it is: The breakdown of muscle tissue that releases a damaging protein into the blood.

Causes in hazing:

• Extreme physical exertion (500 squats, 100 pushups, bear crawls)
• Prolonged muscle compression
• Physical trauma (being struck with paddles)

Symptoms:

• Severe muscle pain and weakness
• Dark, brown, or red urine (myoglobinuria)
• Difficulty moving or walking
• Fatigue, confusion, nausea

Dangers:

• Acute kidney failure (requires hospitalization)
• Cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
• Compartment syndrome (requires emergency surgery)
• Death

Long-term consequences:

• Chronic kidney disease
• Need for dialysis
• Kidney transplant
• Permanent exercise limitations

Alcohol Poisoning

What it is: A life-threatening condition caused by drinking too much alcohol too quickly.

Causes in hazing:

• Forced drinking (chugging, drinking games)
• “Big brother” nights where pledges are expected to drink large quantities
• Peer pressure to keep up with others

Symptoms:

• Confusion, stupor, or unconsciousness
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Slow or irregular breathing
• Hypothermia (low body temperature)
• Pale or blue-tinged skin

Dangers:

• Respiratory arrest (stopping breathing)
• Cardiac arrest (heart stopping)
• Death

Long-term consequences:

• Brain damage from oxygen deprivation
• Liver damage
• Alcohol use disorder

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

What it is: A disruption in normal brain function caused by a blow to the head.

Causes in hazing:

• Being struck with objects (paddles, bottles)
• Falls during physical activities
• Being shaken or thrown

Symptoms:

• Headache
• Confusion or disorientation
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Memory problems
• Mood changes

Dangers:

• Permanent cognitive impairment
• Personality changes
• Increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases (like CTE)
• Death

Long-term consequences:

• Difficulty with concentration and memory
• Mood disorders (depression, anxiety)
• Difficulty maintaining employment
• Increased risk of suicide

Psychological Trauma

What it is: The emotional and mental impact of experiencing or witnessing abuse.

Causes in hazing:

• Waterboarding (simulated drowning)
• Humiliation rituals
• Sleep deprivation
• Threats of violence or expulsion
• Sexual humiliation
• Being forced to engage in degrading acts

Symptoms:

• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Panic attacks
• Nightmares or flashbacks
• Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
• Difficulty trusting others
• Suicidal ideation

Long-term consequences:

• Chronic mental health disorders
• Difficulty forming healthy relationships
• Substance abuse (self-medicating)
• Academic or career disruption
• Increased risk of suicide

🎓 Faulkner County Universities: Your Duty to Protect Students

Universities in Faulkner County have a legal and moral duty to protect their students from hazing. When they fail, they can be held liable.

Harding University’s Responsibilities:

• Duty to supervise Greek life organizations
• Duty to investigate reports of hazing
• Duty to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Duty to educate students about hazing risks
• Premises liability if hazing occurs on university-owned property

Central Baptist College’s Responsibilities:

• Same duties as Harding
• Additionally, as a smaller institution, they may have more direct oversight of Greek organizations
• Failure to act on hazing reports is negligence

What Faulkner County Universities Should Be Doing (But Often Aren’t):

1. Regular inspections of fraternity and sorority houses
2. Anonymous reporting systems for hazing
3. Mandatory anti-hazing training for all Greek life members
4. Immediate suspension of organizations with hazing allegations
5. Public reporting of hazing incidents (transparency)
6. Partnership with parents to ensure student safety
7. Criminal referrals for hazing incidents

If your child was hazed at a Faulkner County university, we will hold the institution accountable for their failures.

🏛️ National Fraternities: The Culture of Negligence

National fraternities like Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Beta Theta Pi have known about hazing for decades. They’ve paid millions in settlements. They’ve had students die. And yet, they continue to allow it.

Here’s the pattern we’ve seen:

1. A student is hazed (often resulting in hospitalization or death)
2. The chapter is “suspended” (temporarily)
3. The national organization issues a statement about “taking hazing seriously”
4. They “investigate” (internally, with no real changes)
5. They “implement new policies” (that aren’t enforced)
6. They allow the chapter to reopen (often with the same leadership)
7. The cycle repeats

This is not an accident. This is a culture of negligence.

In our Houston case:

• Pi Kappa Phi had a student die from hazing in 2017 (Andrew Coffey)
• They had 8 years to fix their culture
• They did nothing
• In 2025, Leonel Bermudez was hospitalized with kidney failure

The same pattern exists in Faulkner County. These organizations know the risks. They choose to ignore them.

📢 To Faulkner County Fraternities: We Are Watching

To the fraternities operating in Faulkner County:

We know who you are. We know your national organizations. We know your chapter presidents. We know your pledgemasters.

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that are securing $10+ million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. The same evidence that is exposing Pi Kappa Phi’s culture of abuse exists in your GroupMe chats, your Snapchat stories, your text messages.

If you haze students in Faulkner County, we will find you. We will sue you. We will shut you down.

To Pi Kappa Phi specifically:
We are coming for you. You had 8 years after Andrew Coffey’s death to fix your culture. You failed. You had a student hospitalized with kidney failure. And your response? “We look forward to returning to campus.”

Your chapter may be closed, but your accountability is just beginning.

🗣️ To Faulkner County Students: You Are Not Alone

If you’re a student in Faulkner County who has been hazed, you are not alone. What happened to you is not your fault. You didn’t “deserve” it. You didn’t “ask for it.”

You have rights. You have options. And you have people who will fight for you.

What You Can Do:

1. Get to a safe place. Your safety is the top priority.
2. Tell someone you trust. A parent, a friend, a mentor.
3. Seek medical attention. Even if you feel “fine,” some injuries aren’t immediately obvious.
4. Preserve evidence. Don’t delete anything. Screenshot everything.
5. Contact us. We can help you understand your options.

We Will Protect You:

• Confidentiality: We will protect your identity.
• No cost: We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.
• No fear: We will protect you from retaliation.
• No judgment: We believe you. We stand with you.

Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 or visit attorney911.com.

📞 Faulkner County Families: Your Next Steps

1. Call Attorney 911 Immediately

1-888-ATTY-911 (available 24/7)
Email: ralph@atty911.com

We offer:

• Free, confidential consultations
• No upfront costs (contingency fee)
• Remote consultations for Faulkner County families
• Willingness to travel to Faulkner County for your case

2. Gather Evidence

Do not let your child delete anything. Preserve:

• All text messages and group chats
• All social media posts and messages
• All photos and videos
• Any physical evidence
• Any written materials from the fraternity

If you need help preserving digital evidence, we can guide you.

3. Seek Medical Attention

Take your child to a doctor immediately. Some injuries — like rhabdomyolysis — aren’t immediately obvious. Early medical documentation is critical.

4. Do NOT Talk to the Fraternity or University Alone

Anything you say can be used against you. Let us handle all communications.

5. Document Everything

Keep a record of:

• All medical visits and bills
• All communications with the fraternity or university
• All expenses related to the incident
• The impact on your child’s academic performance
• The impact on your child’s mental health

6. Know Your Rights

• You have 3 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit in Arkansas
• Consent is not a defense to hazing
• Multiple parties can be held liable
• You may be entitled to significant compensation

🎯 Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Faulkner County Hazing Case?

1. We’re Currently Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case

We’re not just talking about hazing — we’re fighting it in court right now. We know how these organizations operate. We know their playbook. And we know how to win.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

Both of our attorneys — Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena — worked for insurance companies before switching to represent victims. We know how they think. We know how they fight. And we know how to beat them.

3. Federal Court Authority

We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This means we can pursue hazing cases in federal court — a powerful tool when dealing with national fraternities.

4. Dual-State Bar Admission

We’re licensed in Texas and New York. This gives us strategic advantages when pursuing national organizations headquartered in different states.

5. Willingness to Travel to Faulkner County

We will come to Faulkner County for:

• Client meetings
• Depositions
• Trials
• Court appearances

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

6. Bilingual Services

We offer bilingual legal services in English and Spanish. If you’re more comfortable speaking Spanish, we can communicate with you in your preferred language.

7. Compassionate Representation

We understand the trauma hazing causes. We treat our clients with respect, compassion, and dignity. You’re not just a case to us — you’re a person who deserves justice.

8. Proven Results

We’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients. We’ve won cases against major institutions. And we’re ready to do the same for Faulkner County families.

📋 Faulkner County Hazing Victim Action Plan

The sooner you start, the stronger your case will be.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Faulkner County Families

Q: My child doesn’t want to get the fraternity in trouble. Should we still pursue legal action?

A: Yes. This isn’t about “getting the fraternity in trouble” — it’s about protecting your child and preventing future hazing. Many victims feel loyal to their fraternity, even after being hazed. But remember: the fraternity betrayed your child first. By speaking up, you’re not just helping your child — you’re helping future students who might be hazed.

Q: What if my child participated in some of the activities? Will that hurt our case?

A: No. Arkansas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the fraternity is still liable. Peer pressure, threats of expulsion, and fear of social exclusion negate any true consent.

Q: We’re not in Houston. Can you still help us in Faulkner County?

A: Absolutely. While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide. We offer:

• Remote consultations (phone, video)
• Willingness to travel to Faulkner County
• Federal court authority to pursue national fraternities
• Experience with out-of-state cases

Q: How much will this cost us?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• You pay $0 to hire us
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee is a percentage of your recovery
• If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

Q: What if the fraternity offers us money to stay quiet?

A: Do not accept any offers without consulting us first. Fraternities often offer quick settlements to avoid accountability. These offers are almost always too low. Once you accept, you lose the right to pursue additional compensation — even if your child’s medical bills end up being much higher.

Q: Can we sue the university too?

A: Yes. Universities have a duty to protect students from hazing. If they knew or should have known about hazing and failed to act, they can be held liable. In our Houston case, we’re suing the University of Houston for owning the fraternity house where the hazing occurred.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: It doesn’t matter. Hazing is illegal on or off campus. If the fraternity hazed your child at an off-campus location, they’re still liable.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?

A: In Arkansas, you typically have 3 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, evidence disappears quickly, so it’s important to act as soon as possible.

Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?

A: We will protect your child. Retaliation is illegal. We will take steps to ensure your child’s safety and confidentiality. In our Houston case, our client is fearful of retribution — we understand this fear and will protect Faulkner County victims similarly.

Q: Can we still pursue a case if the fraternity has been suspended?

A: Yes. Suspension doesn’t absolve the fraternity of liability. In fact, it can be evidence of their wrongdoing. In our Houston case, Pi Kappa Phi suspended the chapter after our client was hospitalized — but that doesn’t change what they did.

🔥 Final Message to Faulkner County Families

This is not just about your child. This is about every child.

When fraternities haze students, they’re not just hurting one person. They’re creating a culture of abuse that affects every student who comes after. They’re normalizing violence. They’re teaching young men that torture is acceptable if it’s called “tradition.”

But it’s not tradition. It’s abuse. And it has to stop.

By standing up for your child, you’re standing up for every student who might be hazed in the future. You’re sending a message that Faulkner County won’t tolerate this. You’re saying enough is enough.

We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are ready to fight for Faulkner County families.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 or visit attorney911.com.

Your child’s life is worth fighting for.