Campus Hazing in Texas: A Complete Legal Guide for Flatonia Families

For Flatonia Parents: When Your Child’s College Dreams Turn Dangerous

Imagine this: Your child, a freshman at a Texas university you worked hard to send them to, texts you at 2 AM from an off-campus fraternity house. The message is vague—”Everything’s fine, don’t worry”—but something feels wrong. Days later, you’re rushing them to the emergency room with brown urine, severe muscle breakdown, and kidney failure. The doctors use words like “rhabdomyolysis” and “acute kidney injury.” You learn your child was forced through hundreds of push-ups and squats, made to consume ridiculous amounts of food until vomiting, and sprayed in the face with a hose “like waterboarding.” This isn’t a hypothetical scenario. This is exactly what happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter in fall 2025—and our firm, Attorney911, represents him in his $10 million lawsuit against the university, the national fraternity, and individual members.

If you’re a parent in Flatonia, Fayette County, your child might attend Texas A&M University just over an hour away in College Station, the University of Texas at Austin within driving distance, or any of Texas’s 96 universities with active Greek life. Wherever they are, the reality of modern hazing should concern every Texas family. This comprehensive guide explains what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects (or fails) victims, and what legal options exist when institutions betray your trust.

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 evidence, 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: Beyond the Stereotypes

What “Hazing” Really Means Today

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” Under Texas law and in reality, hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—on or off campus—directed against a student for purposes of initiation or affiliation that endangers mental or physical health or safety. The key word is “reckless”—they don’t need to intend harm; they just need to disregard obvious risks.

For Flatonia families sending children to Texas universities, understanding modern hazing methods is critical:

Alcohol and Substance Hazing:

Forced consumption games (“century club,” “power hour,” “family tree”)
Lineups where pledges must drink rapidly
Coerced consumption of dangerous substances (hot sauce, milk until vomiting, unknown mixtures)
The “Big/Little” night script that killed Stone Foltz at Bowling Green

Physical Hazing:

Extreme calisthenics (“smokings”) like the 100+ push-ups and 500 squats Leonel Bermudez endured
Paddling, beating, or “disciplinary” physical punishment
Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or mandatory 3 AM meetings
Exposure to extreme elements (cold weather in underwear, lying in vomit-soaked grass)

Psychological and Digital Hazing:

24/7 group chat monitoring with instant response demands
Public humiliation on social media (forced TikTok videos, embarrassing posts)
Geographic tracking via Find My Friends or Life360
Social isolation from non-members and family

Sexualized and Degrading Hazing:

Forced nudity or partial nudity
Simulated sexual acts (“elephant walk,” “roasted pig” positions)
Humiliating costumes or “pledge fanny packs” with condoms, sex toys
Racist, homophobic, or sexist role-playing

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

While fraternities dominate headlines, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural chapters)
Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs (Texas A&M’s Corps has faced multiple lawsuits)
Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer—Northwestern’s football scandal shows this isn’t just Greek life)
Spirit and Tradition Groups (Texas Cowboys, Silver Spurs, and similar organizations)
Marching Bands and Performance Groups (Florida A&M’s tragic case proved this)
Academic and Service Organizations (even honor societies sometimes cross lines)

The common thread? Power imbalance, secrecy, and tradition override safety and common sense.

Texas Hazing Law: What Flatonia Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws in the Education Code. For families in Flatonia and across Fayette County, understanding these provisions helps you understand your child’s rights:

Definition (Section 37.151):
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in any organization that:

Endangers mental or physical health or safety, OR
Involves brutal treatment, forced consumption, or other substantial risk

Key Points for Texas Families:

Location Doesn’t Matter: On-campus, off-campus at a Flatonia-area Airbnb, or at a remote retreat—all locations count
“Consent is Not a Defense” (Section 37.155): Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law
Criminal Penalties (Section 37.152):
- Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (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 (Section 37.153): Fraternities themselves can be fined up to $10,000 per violation
Immunity for Reporting (Section 37.154): Good-faith reporters are protected—critical for bystanders who want to help

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

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

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or families like yours
Goal: Compensation and accountability
Legal theories: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress
Burden of proof: Preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not)

Critical Point: You can pursue a civil case even if no criminal charges are filed. The standards and goals are different.

Federal Laws Overlapping Texas Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently
Mandates public hazing data by 2026
Affects every major Texas university

Title IX:

When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
Creates additional reporting obligations for universities
Can provide alternative legal pathways

Clery Act:

Requires crime reporting and statistics
Hazing incidents involving assaults or alcohol crimes often trigger Clery reporting

The Leonel Bermudez Case: Hazing Happening Right Now in Texas

The University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi Case We’re Litigating

Before we discuss national patterns, understand this: right now, we’re fighting one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases. Leonel Bermudez’s experience at University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter represents exactly what Flatonia families should recognize:

The Timeline (Fall 2025):

September 16: Bermudez accepts bid to Pi Kappa Phi
September-October: Forced dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, mandatory interviews, overnight chauffeuring duties
October 13: Another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour
November 3: Bermudez forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion
November 6: Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters suspends chapter
November 6-9: Bermudez hospitalized four days with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
November 14: Chapter votes to surrender charter

Specific Hazing Methods Used:

“Pledge fanny pack” rule requiring constant carrying of condoms, sex toy, nicotine devices
Physical abuse: sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills
Degrading treatment: lying in vomit-soaked grass, cold-weather exposure in underwear
Waterboarding simulation: Sprayed in face with hose “similar to waterboarding”
Forced consumption: Milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting, then immediate sprints
Extreme workouts: Yellowstone Boulevard Park dawn sessions causing loss of consciousness

Medical Consequences:

Rhabdomyolysis (severe skeletal muscle breakdown)
Acute kidney failure
Brown urine signaling kidney damage
Critically high creatine kinase levels
Ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage

Defendants in Our Lawsuit:

University of Houston
UH System Board of Regents
Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
Beta Nu housing corporation
13 individual fraternity leaders/members

This isn’t ancient history or something happening “elsewhere.” This is happening right now in Texas, and we’re leading the litigation. When we say we understand hazing cases, we mean we’re actively fighting them.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Most Common Fatal Pattern

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

Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Chapter president personally ordered to pay $6.5 million

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

Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking
Fell multiple times captured on chapter cameras
Brothers delayed calling 911 for hours
Dozens of criminal charges, new Pennsylvania anti-hazing law

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

“Bible study” drinking game (wrong answers = forced drinking)
Died with 0.495% BAC
Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony
$6.1 million verdict against fraternity

Andrew Coffey – Florida State (Pi Kappa Phi, 2017):

“Big Brother Night” with handle of liquor
Died from acute alcohol poisoning
FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life

Physical and Ritualized Hazing

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

Blindfolded, weighted “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat
Fatal head injuries, delayed medical care
National fraternity criminally convicted
Banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

Texas A&M Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2021):

Pledges covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, spit
Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
$1 million lawsuit, chapter suspended

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025):

Sexualized, racist hazing allegations
Multiple lawsuits, head coach fired
Confidential settlement with fired coach
Shows hazing extends beyond Greek life

What These Cases Mean for Flatonia Families:

Patterns repeat: The same scripts (Big/Little nights, drinking games, extreme workouts) recur across states
Delayed medical care worsens outcomes: Hours matter in alcohol poisoning and trauma cases
Cover-ups are standard: Organizations routinely destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Settlements reach millions: $1M–$14M ranges for deaths, substantial amounts for injuries
Laws change after tragedy: Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Ohio, Florida all strengthened laws after deaths

Texas Universities: Where Flatonia Students Actually Attend

Understanding Flatonia’s College Connections

Flatonia, Texas, sits in Fayette County along the I-10 corridor between Houston and San Antonio. Families here typically send children to:

Primary Universities for Flatonia Students:

Texas A&M University (College Station) – 1.5 hours away, largest destination
University of Texas at Austin – 2 hours away
Texas State University (San Marcos) – 1.5 hours away
University of Houston – 2 hours away
Blinn College (Brenham) – 1 hour away, often transfers to Texas A&M

Other Common Destinations:

Sam Houston State University (Huntsville)
Baylor University (Waco)
Texas Tech University (Lubbock)
Various University of Texas system schools

The reality for Flatonia parents: Your child is likely at a Texas campus with active Greek life and hazing risk. Let’s examine the major universities.

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

For Flatonia Families: Texas A&M is the most likely destination for your child. Its Corps of Cadets and massive Greek system create unique hazing risks.

Documented Incidents:

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023):
- Cadet alleged “roasted pig” binding between beds with apple in mouth
- Simulated sexual acts, degradation
- Sought over $1 million
- A&M claimed handled internally under Corps regulations
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021):
- Industrial cleaner poured on pledges causing severe burns
- Skin graft surgeries required
- $1 million lawsuit, chapter suspended
Multiple Greek Life Suspensions:
- Annual disciplinary actions for hazing violations
- Alcohol-related incidents most common

What Makes A&M Different:

Corps traditions sometimes blur into hazing
Massive Greek system (one of nation’s largest)
“Culture of tradition” that can resist change
Separate disciplinary systems for Corps vs. regular students

If Hazing Happens at A&M:

Location determines jurisdiction (College Station PD vs. campus police)
Civil cases often filed in Brazos County courts
Both Corps and Greek systems have their own chain of command
Evidence preservation is critical—traditions create loyalty that impedes witnesses

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Repeated Violations

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page: Unlike many schools, UT maintains a public log at hazing.utexas.edu—showing they know problems persist.

Recent Documented Cases:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023):
- New members forced to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
- Chapter placed on probation, required hazing prevention education
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault (2024):
- Australian exchange student assaulted at party
- Dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
- Over $1 million lawsuit, chapter already under suspension
Multiple Spirit Group Sanctions:
- Texas Cowboys, Silver Spurs, and similar organizations
- Forced workouts, alcohol hazing, punishment-based traditions

UT’s Approach:

Relatively transparent compared to peer institutions
Public violation log creates discoverable pattern evidence
Still sees repeated violations despite policies

For Flatonia Families with UT Students:

Check the public violation log for your child’s organization
Pattern evidence from prior violations strengthens civil cases
Austin location means Travis County courts typically handle cases

University of Houston: Our Active Litigation Campus

Beyond the Bermudez Case: While we’re litigating the Pi Kappa Phi case, UH has other documented incidents:

Prior Incidents:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2016):
- Pledge suffered lacerated spleen during multi-day event
- Chapter faced misdemeanor charges, university suspension
Multiple Greek Life Suspensions:
- Alcohol-related hazing most common
- Social probation, suspension terms vary

UH’s Regulatory Environment:

Urban campus with off-campus housing challenges
Houston PD often involved in off-campus incidents
Harris County courts handle most civil litigation

If You’re a Flatonia Family with UH Connection:

Distance to Houston manageable for legal consultations
We have Houston office for in-person meetings
Harris County courts familiar with institutional litigation

Southern Methodist University and Baylor University

SMU’s Affluent Greek Culture:

Private university with strong Greek presence
Kappa Alpha Order incident (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation
Chapter suspended through 2021
Less public transparency than public universities

Baylor’s Complex History:

Religious identity intersects with Greek life
Baseball hazing (2020): 14 players suspended
Broader Title IX history affects institutional response
McLennan County courts typically handle cases

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Data We Use for Your Case

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Entities Serving Texas Families

At Attorney911, we maintain what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Texas Greek organizations compiled from public records. For Flatonia families, understanding this landscape helps you understand who might be liable in your child’s case.

Texas-Wide Snapshot:

1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metros
188 organizations in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro (relevant for UH cases)
510 organizations in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro (relevant for SMU/UT Arlington)
154 organizations in Austin-Round Rock metro (relevant for UT Austin)
42 organizations in College Station-Bryan metro (relevant for Texas A&M)

Sample Texas-Registered Greek Entities (IRS B83 Records):

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc
EIN: 46-2267515 | Frisco, TX 75035
Data source: IRS B83 filing

Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc
EIN: 74-1380362 | Fort Worth, TX 76147
Data source: IRS B83 filing

Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Epsilon Kappa Chapter
EIN: 74-6064730 | Nederland, TX 77627
Data source: IRS B83 filing

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority
EIN: 36-4091267 | Waco, TX 76710
Data source: IRS B83 filing

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Texas A&M Chapter
EIN: 90-0293166 | College Station, TX 77843
Data source: IRS B83 filing

Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Theta Rho Chapter
EIN: 81-2525354 | College Station, TX 77845
Data source: IRS B83 filing

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc
EIN: 13-3048786 | College Station, TX 77845
Data source: IRS B83 filing

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae
Cause IQ listing | Houston, TX
Data source: Cause IQ metro data

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity – Texas Rho Corp.
Cause IQ listing | Austin, TX
Data source: Cause IQ metro data

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity
Cause IQ listing | Fort Worth, TX 76244
Data source: Cause IQ metro data

Why This Directory Matters for Your Case:

Identifies Insured Entities: House corporations and alumni chapters often carry insurance
Traces National Connections: Shows how local chapters connect to national headquarters
Reveals Financial Footprints: EINs help trace assets and insurance coverage
Proves Organizational Reality: Many groups claim to be “just students” but have formal legal structures

Campus Greek Rosters: Where Specific Chapters Operate

Using official university sources, we track which national organizations operate at Texas campuses:

University of Houston (Selected):

Pi Kappa Phi (Beta Nu) – chapter closed November 2025
Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Pi Kappa Alpha
Kappa Sigma
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

Texas A&M University (Selected):

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (inactive due to suspension)
Pi Kappa Alpha
Beta Theta Pi
Phi Delta Theta
Delta Delta Delta Sorority
Kappa Alpha Theta

UT Austin (Selected):

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (multiple suspensions)
Pi Kappa Alpha (recent probation)
Kappa Sigma
Texas Cowboys (spirit group with violations)
Delta Gamma Sorority

This tracking matters because:

Prior violations at one chapter can show pattern for nationals
Insurance coverage often follows national affiliations
Alumni networks and house corporations may share liability

Fraternity and Sorority National Histories: Patterns That Predict Liability

Why National Histories Matter in Texas Cases

When a Texas chapter hazes, it’s rarely the first time that national organization has seen such behavior. National histories create foreseeability—the legal concept that they should have known and prevented it.

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ):
. Stone Foltz – Bowling Green (2021): $10M settlement
. David Bogenberger – Northern Illinois (2012): $14M settlement
. Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol nights, forced consumption
. Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ):
. Traumatic Brain Injury – Alabama (2023 lawsuit)
. Chemical Burns – Texas A&M (2021 lawsuit)
. Assault – UT Austin (2024 lawsuit)
. Pattern: Physical abuse, dangerous substances
. Texas Presence: Multiple chapters across Texas

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):
. Andrew Coffey – Florida State (2017 death)
. Leonel Bermudez – University of Houston (2025 our case)
. Pattern: Extreme physical hazing, forced consumption
. Texas Presence: Chapter at UH (now closed), other Texas chapters

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):
. Max Gruver – LSU (2017 death, $6.1M verdict)
. Pattern: Drinking games, “Bible study” format
. Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, others

Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ):
. Chad Meredith – Miami (2001 drowning, $12.6M verdict)
. Rhabdomyolysis case – Texas A&M (2023 ongoing)
. Pattern: Alcohol hazing, dangerous physical tests
. Texas Presence: Nearly every major Texas campus

How Pattern Evidence Strengthens Your Case

In civil litigation, we use national histories to show:

Foreseeability: The national knew or should have known this could happen
Inadequate Prevention: Their policies/training failed to prevent predictable harm
Gross Negligence: Repeated incidents show reckless disregard
Punitive Damages Basis: Pattern of ignoring warnings justifies punishment

For Flatonia families, this means: if your child’s fraternity has national history of similar hazing, your case is stronger. We investigate those connections as part of our standard process.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Realistic Expectations

Evidence That Wins Cases (And How to Preserve It)

Digital Evidence (Most Critical):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook posts
Texts/DMs: Screenshot entire conversations with timestamps
Deleted messages: Digital forensics can often recover them

How Flatonia Parents Should Preserve Digital Evidence:

Don’t let your child delete anything—even if embarrassing
Screenshot immediately: Messages disappear quickly
Capture full context: Show who sent, timestamps, group members
Back up to cloud: Email screenshots to yourself immediately
Document disappearance: Note if messages were deleted

Physical and Medical Evidence:

Photograph injuries immediately and over days (bruises evolve)
Save clothing with stains or damage (don’t wash)
Keep medical records from ER, hospital, follow-up visits
Document psychological impact: Therapy records for PTSD, anxiety, depression

Institutional Records (We Obtain via Discovery):

University conduct files on the organization
National fraternity incident reports
Insurance policies and coverage documents
Prior complaints and warning letters

Understanding Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical bills (ER, hospitalization, surgery, therapy)
Future medical care (ongoing treatment, rehabilitation)
Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, transferred schools)
Diminished earning capacity (if permanent injury affects career)

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress (PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation)
Loss of enjoyment of life
Damage to reputation and relationships

Wrongful Death Damages (for families):

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship and guidance
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Appropriate):

To punish especially reckless or intentional conduct
Requires showing gross negligence or malice
Capped in Texas but available in appropriate cases

The Insurance Coverage Battle (Where Insider Knowledge Matters)

Why Mr. Lupe Peña’s Defense Background Matters:
As a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm, Mr. Peña knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers fight claims:

Common Insurance Tactics:

“Intentional act” exclusions: Claiming hazing is intentional, not covered
Delay strategies: Dragging out cases to pressure families
Lowball settlements: Early offers far below case value
IME games: Using insurer-friendly doctors to minimize injuries

How We Counter These Tactics:

Argue negligent supervision (covered) vs. intentional hazing (maybe excluded)
Identify all possible policies: chapter, national, university, homeowners
Use bad faith claims when insurers unreasonably deny coverage
Trial readiness forces serious settlement discussions

Practical Guides for Flatonia Families

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Hazed:

Unexplained injuries (bruises, burns, limping)
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Personality changes (anxiety, withdrawal, defensiveness)
Secretive about organization activities
Constant phone monitoring for group chat demands
Financial requests without clear explanations
Academic decline (missing classes, falling grades)

How to Talk to Your Child:

Choose timing: Private, calm, no distractions
Open questions: “How are things really going with [organization]?”
Listen without judgment: If they open up, don’t interrupt with anger
Emphasize safety: “Your health matters more than any group”
Offer unconditional support: “We’ll help you through this no matter what”

If Your Child Is Injured:

Medical care first: ER visit even if they resist
Preserve evidence: Photograph injuries, screenshot messages
Document everything: Write down what they tell you
Contact us immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911
Do NOT confront the organization: Let us handle communication

For Students: Your Rights and Safety

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

Would I do this if I truly had free choice?
Is this dangerous or degrading?
Would advisers/parents approve if they knew details?
Am I being told to keep secrets?
Are only new members doing this?

How to Exit Safely:

Tell someone first: Parent, trusted friend, RA
Send written resignation: Email/text to president: “I resign effective immediately”
Avoid “one last meeting”: That’s where pressure happens
Document threats: Save any retaliation messages
Report if unsafe: Campus police, Dean of Students

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

You cannot be punished for calling 911 in good faith
Consent is not a defense to hazing charges
You can sue civilly even if no criminal charges
Good-faith reporters have immunity protections

Critical Mistakes That Destroy Cases

What NOT to Do:

Delete messages or photos: Looks like cover-up, loses critical evidence
Confront the organization: They lawyer up and destroy evidence
Sign university “resolution” forms: Often include waivers of legal rights
Post on social media: Defense attorneys screenshot everything
Wait for university investigation: Evidence disappears during “internal reviews”
Talk to insurance adjusters alone: Recorded statements used against you
Let your child return to “explain”: Pressure and intimidation happen

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):

Former insurance defense attorney at national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity/university insurers fight claims
Understands their valuation methods, delay tactics, coverage arguments
“We know their playbook because Mr. Peña used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation (Ralph Manginello):

One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
25+ years handling cases against powerful defendants
“We’ve faced billion-dollar corporations. Fraternities and universities don’t intimidate us.”

Multi-Million Dollar Results:

Wrongful death settlements in the millions
Catastrophic injury cases with lifetime care planning
Experience working with economists to value futures

Criminal + Civil Dual Capability:

Ralph’s HCCLA membership signals elite criminal defense knowledge
Understands how criminal charges interact with civil cases
Can advise witnesses with potential criminal exposure

Investigative Depth:

Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
Experience obtaining hidden evidence via discovery
Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine with 1,423 Greek organizations tracked

Our Active Texas Hazing Litigation

Right now, we’re litigating Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi:

$10 million lawsuit filed late 2025
Representing victim of extreme physical hazing
Suing university, national fraternity, housing corporation, 13 individuals
Case pending in Harris County courts

This isn’t theoretical knowledge. We’re currently fighting one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases. When we say we understand hazing litigation, we mean we’re in the courtroom now.

Your Next Steps: Consultation with Attorney911

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

For Flatonia Families: We understand you might be hours from our Houston office. We accommodate remote consultations and travel as needed.

In Your Consultation, We’ll:

Listen to your story without judgment or interruption
Review any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, messages, medical records)
Explain legal options:
- Criminal reporting (if appropriate)
- Civil lawsuit possibilities
- University disciplinary process
- Insurance claims
Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
Answer questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
Provide next steps for evidence preservation
No pressure to hire us—take time to decide

Everything you tell us is confidential. Even if you don’t hire us, your information stays protected.

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

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

Serving Flatonia and All of Texas:
While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas. Distance doesn’t prevent us from vigorously representing your family.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:
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/
https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs – Using phone to document evidence
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c – Statute of limitations explained
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY – Client mistakes that ruin cases
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc – How contingency fees work

Attorney911 Website:
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