The Complete Guide for Florence, Texas Families: Understanding Hazing Lawsuits at Texas Universities

The Florence Family’s Nightmare: A Story Beginning at a Texas Campus

It’s a Friday night in fall. Your child, a student at the University of Houston or Texas A&M, is at an off-campus fraternity house for what they were told is a “new member bonding event.” The atmosphere shifts from excitement to something darker. There’s pressure to drink far beyond their limit, “friendly” dares turn into humiliating commands, and the cheering of older members starts to sound more like mocking. Your child feels trapped—caught between wanting to belong and a growing sense that this is wrong, even dangerous. They think about calling you, but fear the social consequences or “getting the chapter in trouble.” This scenario isn’t just a parent’s worst fear; it’s a reality for Texas families, including those right here in Florence and across Williamson County.

Right now, in Texas, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered catastrophic injuries during his fall 2025 pledge period with the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. The details of this case—detailed in a $10 million lawsuit filed in Harris County—reveal what modern hazing truly looks like: forced, extreme physical workouts; psychological humiliation including mandatory “pledge fanny packs” filled with degrading items; and simulated waterboarding tactics that led to Bermudez developing life-threatening rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring a four-day hospitalization. This is happening here in Texas, to students from communities like ours.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Florence, Georgetown, Round Rock, and throughout Williamson County who need to understand the harsh realities of campus hazing. Whether your child attends a nearby school like Southwestern University in Georgetown, or has gone further to major hubs like the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M, Baylor, or SMU, the risks are present. We will explain what hazing looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects your child, what major cases teach us, and—most importantly—what legal options and support exist for families facing this crisis.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

• Call 911 for medical emergencies
• Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• We provide immediate help—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
  • Photograph injuries from multiple angles
  • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
• Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity/sorority
  • Sign anything from the university or insurance company
  • Post details on public social media
  • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

• Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
• Universities move quickly to control the narrative
• We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

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

For Florence families unfamiliar with modern Greek life dynamics, hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypes of “harmless pranks” or “boys will be boys” behavior. Today’s hazing is a calculated system of control that exploits technology, psychology, and institutional loopholes.

A Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. Critically, the statement “I agreed to it” does not make it safe or legal when there exists the power imbalance and peer pressure inherent in pledge relationships. What might start as seemingly “voluntary” participation quickly becomes inescapable under threat of social exclusion or direct punishment.

The Five Main Categories of Hazing Today

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the single most common—and most deadly—form of hazing. It includes forced or coerced drinking during “Big/Little” nights, “bid acceptance” parties, or drinking games like “Bible study” where wrong answers mandate consumption. Students are often given entire bottles of liquor and pressured to finish them, leading to alcohol poisoning levels that can be fatal. The Leonel Bermudez case involved forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed immediately by sprints—a dangerous combination that directly contributed to his medical crisis.

2. Physical Hazing
This extends beyond traditional paddling to include extreme calisthenics (“smokings”) designed to cause physical collapse, sleep deprivation through mandatory late-night meetings, food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme elements. In Bermudez’s case, this included 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, and being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” with threats of actual waterboarding.

3. Psychological and Humiliating Hazing
This involves systematic degradation: forced nudity or wearing degrading costumes, public shaming sessions, verbal abuse, isolation from non-members, and “roasts” designed to break down self-esteem. The “pledge fanny pack” rule in the UH case—requiring constant carry of condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items—represents psychological hazing intended to control and demean.

4. Digital/Online Hazing
The newest frontier involves 24/7 control via technology. Pledges must respond instantly to group chat messages at all hours, share live location data, participate in social media “challenges,” and create compromising content for entertainment. Messages are often deleted to avoid detection, making immediate evidence preservation critical.

5. Sexualized Hazing
This includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexually degrading positions, and in some cases, sexual assault. These acts create profound trauma and often overlap with Title IX violations.

Where Hazing Happens: Beyond Fraternity Row

While fraternities and sororities receive most attention, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

• Corps of Cadets and military-style groups (particularly at Texas A&M)
• Athletic teams from football to cheerleading
• Spirit and tradition groups like Texas Cowboys or similar organizations
• Marching bands and performance groups
• Some academic, service, and cultural organizations

The common threads are social status, tradition, and secrecy—elements that keep these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal. For Florence families, understanding this breadth is crucial because your child might be at risk in multiple campus contexts, not just Greek life.

The Texas Legal Framework: How State and Federal Law Protect Your Child

Under Texas law—which governs cases involving Florence families and Texas universities—hazing is treated with serious legal consequences. The framework combines state criminal statutes, civil liability pathways, and federal oversight.

Texas Hazing Law Basics: Education Code Chapter 37

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in the Education Code that are broader than many families realize. Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
• Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Key Provisions for Florence Families:

Criminal Penalties (§37.152):

• Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, fine up to $2,000)
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes injury requiring medical treatment
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death

Organizational Liability (§37.153):
Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report it.

Critical Protection: Consent is NOT a Defense (§37.155)
Texas law explicitly states that the victim’s consent is not a defense to hazing charges. This legal recognition that “consent” under peer pressure isn’t true voluntary consent is crucial for families who hear “but they agreed to it” from organizations.

Good-Faith Reporting Immunity (§37.154):
Students who report hazing in good faith are protected from civil or criminal liability. Many universities extend this to medical amnesty—protecting those who call 911 in alcohol emergencies from underage drinking charges.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by the state (district attorney)
• Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Standard: “Beyond a reasonable doubt”

Civil Cases:

• Brought by victims or surviving families
• Aim: Monetary compensation and accountability
• Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
• Standard: “Preponderance of the evidence” (more likely than not)

These cases can run simultaneously, but a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. The Leonel Bermudez case is a civil lawsuit seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and punitive damages—while criminal investigations may proceed separately.

Federal Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
This federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently, strengthen prevention programs, and maintain public hazing data—with full implementation by 2026.

Title IX:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations are triggered, requiring specific investigation and response protocols from universities.

Clery Act:
Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics; hazing incidents often overlap with these categories when assaults or alcohol/drug crimes occur.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Liability extends far beyond the individual who directly caused harm:

1. Individual Students:
Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover them up can face personal liability. In the Bermudez case, 13 individual fraternity leaders/members are named as defendants.

2. Local Chapter/Organization:
The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if incorporated) and its officers. The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation is a defendant in our UH case.

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters:
National organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters can be liable based on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents. Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters is named in our lawsuit.

4. University or Governing Board:
Schools may be sued under negligence theories if they had prior warnings or failed to enforce policies. The University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents are defendants in the Bermudez case.

5. Third Parties:
Landlords of event spaces, alcohol providers (under dram shop laws), security companies, or event organizers may share liability depending on circumstances.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What History Teaches Us About Current Risks

The tragic cases that make national headlines aren’t isolated incidents—they reveal patterns that repeat across campuses, including here in Texas. For Florence families, understanding these patterns helps recognize warning signs and comprehend the legal landscape.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: A Deadly Script

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):
During a bid-acceptance event with forced drinking, Piazza suffered severe falls captured on chapter cameras. Members delayed calling for help for hours. The case resulted in dozens of criminal charges, civil litigation, and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. Takeaway: Extreme intoxication combined with delay in calling 911 creates devastating liability.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
Gruver died during a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. His death led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, upgrading hazing to a felony. Takeaway: Legislative reform often follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
Foltz died after being forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey during a pledge event. The case resulted in multiple convictions and a $3 million settlement with BGSU, plus additional settlements with the fraternity. Takeaway: Universities face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing: Beyond Alcohol

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
Deng died during a violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a fraternity retreat, with help deliberately delayed. The national fraternity was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years and members received jail sentences. Takeaway: Off-campus “retreats” can be particularly dangerous, and national organizations face serious sanctions.

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025):
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program, leading to multiple lawsuits, the head coach’s firing, and confidential settlements. Takeaway: Hazing extends to big-money athletic programs with systemic abuse issues.

What These Cases Mean for Florence Families

These national precedents matter because:

1. They establish legal principles Texas courts follow
2. They show settlement ranges families might expect
3. They reveal patterns that repeat at Texas schools
4. They demonstrate that institutions can be held accountable

The common threads—forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, cover-ups—are exactly what we see in Texas cases like Leonel Bermudez’s. These aren’t “isolated incidents” but predictable outcomes of dangerous traditions.

Texas University Focus: Where Florence Students Attend and What Parents Must Know

Florence families send their children to universities across Texas. Whether to nearby Southwestern University in Georgetown, or to major hubs like UT Austin, Texas A&M, Baylor, SMU, or the University of Houston, understanding each campus’s specific hazing landscape is crucial.

University of Houston: Current Crisis and Historical Context

For Florence Families: While UH is approximately 160 miles from Florence, many Williamson County students attend, making this case particularly relevant. The ongoing Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit demonstrates what can happen at any Texas campus.

Campus Snapshot:

• Large urban campus with significant Greek life
• Active fraternity/sorority community with multiple governing councils
• History of hazing incidents leading to suspensions

The Bermudez Case – What Happened:
Our client Leonel Bermudez suffered catastrophic injuries during his Fall 2025 pledge period with Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter. The hazing included:

• Mandatory “pledge fanny packs” with degrading items
• Extreme physical workouts (100+ push-ups, 500 squats, bear crawls)
• Forced consumption leading to vomiting followed by immediate exercise
• Simulated waterboarding with a hose
• The result: Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, four-day hospitalization, ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage

Institutional Response:

• Pi Kappa Phi national suspended the chapter November 6, 2025
• Chapter voted to surrender charter November 14, 2025
• UH called conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary action
• Our lawsuit names UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national, housing corporation, and 13 individual members

Previous UH Hazing Incidents:

• 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case: Pledge suffered lacerated spleen during multi-day event with deprivation of food, water, and sleep
• Multiple other fraternity suspensions for alcohol misuse and policy violations

What Florence Families Should Know About UH:

• Reporting goes through Dean of Students Office and UHPD
• Prior incidents establish pattern evidence useful in litigation
• Civil cases typically filed in Harris County courts
• Immediate evidence preservation is critical as group chats are often deleted

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life Parallels

For Florence Families: At approximately 100 miles from Florence, Texas A&M is a common destination for Williamson County students, particularly those interested in engineering, agriculture, or the Corps of Cadets.

Campus Snapshot:

• Strong Corps of Cadets tradition with military-style discipline
• Active Greek life with historical hazing issues
• Multiple documented cases of severe hazing

Documented Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):
Two pledges alleged being covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. They sued for $1 million; the fraternity received a two-year suspension.

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” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million; A&M stated it handled the matter internally.

What Florence Families Should Know About Texas A&M:

• The Corps has its own disciplinary system alongside university conduct processes
• Hazing occurs in both Greek life and Corps traditions
• Evidence collection must account for both digital and physical proof
• Cases may involve Brazos County courts and A&M’s specialized legal counsel

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Repeated Violations

For Florence Families: Just 30 miles from Florence, UT Austin is effectively our neighboring campus. Many Florence students commute or live in Austin while attending UT.

Campus Snapshot:

• Maintains public Hazing Violations page with organizational sanctions
• History of repeated violations despite transparency
• Major Greek life presence with ongoing issues

Documented Incidents from UT’s Public Log:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023):
New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Sanction: Probation and mandatory hazing prevention education.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024):
Australian exchange student alleged assault resulting in dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose. Lawsuit seeks over $1 million.

Multiple Spirit Organizations:
Various groups sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, or punishment-based practices.

What Florence Families Should Know About UT Austin:

• The public violations page provides valuable pattern evidence for litigation
• Reporting channels include Dean of Students and UTPD
• Travis County courts typically handle civil cases
• UT’s relative transparency doesn’t prevent repeated violations

Southern Methodist University: Private Campus Challenges

For Florence Families: At approximately 200 miles from Florence, SMU attracts Williamson County students interested in business, arts, and private university education.

Campus Snapshot:

• Private university with affluent student body
• Strong Greek life presence
• Different transparency standards than public institutions

Documented Incidents:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017):
New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep. Chapter suspended until approximately 2021.

What Florence Families Should Know About SMU:

• Private university status affects public records availability
• Civil discovery can uncover internal reports not publicly posted
• Dallas County courts typically have jurisdiction
• Immediate legal intervention is crucial for evidence preservation

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Institutional Challenges

For Florence Families: Approximately 100 miles from Florence, Baylor attracts Williamson County students seeking faith-based education, particularly in health sciences and business.

Campus Snapshot:

• Religious identity with stated “zero tolerance” for hazing
• History of institutional challenges regarding abuse and transparency
• Documented hazing incidents across multiple organizations

Documented Incidents:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):
14 players suspended following hazing investigation; staggered suspensions affected early season.

What Florence Families Should Know About Baylor:

• Religious branding can complicate institutional accountability arguments
• McLennan County courts typically handle cases
• Pattern of institutional response to scandals may affect hazing cases
• Immediate evidence preservation is equally critical despite religious context

Fraternities and Sororities: National Histories That Predict Local Risk

For Florence families, understanding that local chapters at Texas universities are part of national organizations with documented hazing histories is crucial. These national patterns establish foreseeability—the legal concept that harm was predictable based on past incidents.

Why National Histories Matter Legally

When a Texas chapter repeats behavior that caused deaths or injuries at other chapters nationwide, that pattern shows:

1. The national organization knew or should have known the risks
2. Their anti-hazing policies were inadequate or unenforced
3. They failed to take reasonable steps to prevent repeat incidents

This pattern evidence strengthens negligence claims and can support punitive damages arguments.

Major National Organizations Present at Texas Campuses

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

• National History: Stone Foltz death (Bowling Green, 2021), David Bogenberger death (Northern Illinois, 2012)
• Texas Presence: UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor
• Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing events leading to fatalities

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

• National History: Multiple deaths nationwide; traumatic brain injury case (Alabama, 2023)
• Texas Presence: UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU (chemical burns case)
• Pattern: Alcohol hazing, physical abuse, chemical incidents

Pi Kappa Phi:

• National History: Andrew Coffey death (Florida State, 2017)
• Texas Presence: UH (Bermudez case), Texas A&M
• Pattern: Extreme physical hazing leading to medical emergencies

Phi Delta Theta:

• National History: Max Gruver death (LSU, 2017)
• Texas Presence: UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor
• Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games with fatal outcomes

Kappa Alpha Order:

• National History: Multiple paddling and alcohol hazing incidents
• Texas Presence: Texas A&M, SMU (2017 suspension)
• Pattern: Physical beatings combined with forced drinking

The Legal Strategy Connection

In our Leonel Bermudez case against Pi Kappa Phi, the national organization’s history—including Andrew Coffey’s death at Florida State—directly supports our arguments that:

1. They knew extreme physical hazing could cause catastrophic injury
2. Their policies failed to prevent similar conduct at UH
3. They should be held accountable for not implementing effective safeguards

For Florence families, this means that if your child is harmed by a chapter of a national organization with prior incidents, that history becomes powerful evidence in your case.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategic Considerations

When hazing causes harm, building a strong case requires systematic evidence collection, understanding of damages, and strategic navigation of complex liability issues. Here’s what Florence families should understand about this process.

Critical Evidence Categories

1. Digital Communications (Most Important):

• GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack conversations
• Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok content
• Immediate action: Screenshot EVERYTHING before deletion
• Forensic recovery: Even deleted messages can often be recovered

In the Bermudez case, group chats would have revealed planning of events, instructions to pledges, and discussions among members—all critical for proving who knew what and when.

2. Photos and Videos:

• Content filmed during hazing events
• Security camera or doorbell footage at venues
• Injury documentation over time (bruises evolve)

3. Internal Organization Documents:

• Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” documents
• Emails/texts from officers about activities
• National policies and training materials (obtained through discovery)

4. University Records:

• Prior conduct files on the same organization
• Incident reports to campus police or conduct offices
• Clery Act reports and similar disclosures

5. Medical and Psychological Records:

• Emergency room and hospitalization records
• Surgical notes, rehabilitation documentation
• Toxicological reports (blood alcohol levels)
• Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses)

6. Witness Testimony:

• Other pledges, members, roommates, RAs
• Former members who quit or were expelled
• Bystanders, venue staff, emergency responders

Understanding Damages in Hazing Cases

Damages represent what families can recover to compensate for harm:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

• Medical expenses: Past and future care, including potential lifelong treatment
• Lost earnings: Missed work, diminished future earning capacity
• Educational costs: Interrupted education, lost scholarships, transfer expenses

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real):

• Physical pain and suffering from injuries
• Emotional distress, PTSD, depression, anxiety
• Humiliation and loss of dignity
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Wrongful Death Damages (If Applicable):

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship and emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Available):

• Designed to punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
• Available in Texas under certain circumstances
• Often driven by evidence of prior incidents and cover-ups

In the Bermudez case, damages include:

• Four-day hospitalization and ongoing medical care
• Risk of permanent kidney damage
• Pain and suffering from rhabdomyolysis
• Emotional trauma from humiliation and fear
• Educational disruption

Insurance Coverage Complexities

National fraternities and universities typically have insurance policies, but insurers often argue:

• Hazing is excluded as “intentional conduct”
• Certain defendants aren’t covered
• Policy limits are insufficient

Our insider knowledge from Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney is crucial here. We understand how insurers value claims, use independent medical exams to reduce settlements, and deploy delay tactics. We fight for coverage and, when necessary, pursue bad faith claims against insurers who wrongfully deny claims.

Practical Guides and FAQs for Florence Families

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries
• Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
• Weight changes from food/water restriction
• Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, 3 AM calls)
• Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (even if they don’t normally drink)

Behavioral Changes:

• Sudden secrecy about organization activities
• Withdrawal from family and old friends
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
• Defensive when asked about the group
• Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”
• Constant phone monitoring for group chat messages

Academic Red Flags:

• Grades dropping suddenly
• Missing classes or sleeping through them
• Skipping assignments for “mandatory” events

Questions to Ask (Gently):

1. “How are things going with [the organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
2. “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
3. “What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
4. “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
5. “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”

If You Suspect Hazing:

Immediate Safety:

• If your child is in physical danger, call 911
• Get medical attention immediately
• Remove them from the dangerous situation

Document Everything:

• Write down dates, times, and what your child tells you
• Screenshot any texts, group chats, or photos they show you
• Photograph visible injuries from multiple angles
• Save physical evidence (clothing, receipts, objects)

Reporting Decisions:

• Campus authorities: Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct
• Local police: If crimes occurred (assault, furnishing alcohol to minors)
• National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (anonymous)

Legal Consultation:

• Contact a hazing attorney early—even if unsure about litigation
• We can help preserve evidence before it’s destroyed
• Navigate university processes that often favor the institution
• Protect against retaliation or pressure

For Students: Self-Assessment and Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something unsafe or humiliating?
• Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would my parents or the university approve if they knew exactly what’s happening?
• Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this?

If You Answer YES to Any:

• It’s likely hazing
• You have legal rights regardless of “consent”
• You deserve help and protection

How to Exit Safely:

If in Immediate Danger:

• Call 911 or campus police
• Get to a safe location (dorm, friend’s place, public area)
• You will not get in trouble for calling for help in an emergency

If You Want to Quit:

• Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
• Send an email/text to the chapter president: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
• Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where they might pressure you
• If you fear retaliation, report that fear to campus police immediately

Evidence Collection for Students:

• Screenshots: Capture full conversations with timestamps
• Recordings: Texas is a one-party consent state (you can record conversations you’re part of)
• Photos: Injuries, locations, objects used in hazing
• Medical care: Tell providers you were hazed so it’s documented
• Witnesses: Names and contact information for others who saw what happened

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting Your Child Delete Messages

• What families think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
• Why it’s wrong: Looks like a cover-up; can be obstruction of justice
• What to do: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the Organization Directly

• What families think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
• Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• What to do: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation

MISTAKE #3: Signing University “Resolution” Forms

• What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or internal agreements
• Why it’s wrong: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often far below value
• What to do: Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing it first

MISTAKE #4: Posting on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer

• What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
• Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
• What to do: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

MISTAKE #5: Waiting “To See How the University Handles It”

• What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally”
• Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
• What to do: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

Why Attorney911 for Florence Families Facing Hazing Cases

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. From our Texas offices, we serve families throughout the state, including those in Florence, Georgetown, Round Rock, and across Williamson County who are dealing with hazing at any Texas campus.

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 (and undervalue) hazing claims, understand their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello):
Our firm is one of the few in Texas involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. We have federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) and are not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams. We’ve faced corporations with deeper pockets than any fraternity or university.

Current, Active Hazing Litigation:
Right now, we are leading the Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi case—a $10 million lawsuit alleging catastrophic hazing injuries. This isn’t historical experience; it’s current, active litigation that keeps us on the cutting edge of hazing law and institutional defense tactics.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience:
We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases, working with economists to value lifetime care needs for brain injuries and permanent disabilities. We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force real accountability.

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:
Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. We can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure, and we know how to navigate parallel proceedings.

Investigative Depth and Expert Networks:
We maintain relationships with:

• Medical experts (rhabdomyolysis specialists, nephrologists, psychiatrists)
• Digital forensics specialists for recovering deleted evidence
• Greek life culture experts
• Economists and life care planners
• Institutional policy experts

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Advantage

Beyond legal experience, we maintain a Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine built from public records that gives us an investigative edge:

We Track Texas Greek Organizations:
Our database includes 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations with EINs, legal names, and addresses from IRS B83 filings. For example:

• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035)
• Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (EIN 746064445, Nederland, TX 77627)
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Sigma Incorporated (EIN 882755427, San Marcos, TX 78666)

We Understand University Connections:
We track which organizations operate at which Texas campuses, helping us identify all potentially liable entities in a hazing case.

We Recognize National Patterns:
When a fraternity with a national history of alcohol hazing incidents has a chapter at a Texas school, we know what patterns to investigate and what evidence to seek.

What Makes Hazing Cases Different—And Why Experience Matters

Powerful Institutional Defendants:
Universities and national fraternities have experienced defense lawyers, public relations teams, and institutional priorities that often conflict with victim interests. We know how they operate.

Insurance Coverage Fights:
Insurers regularly try to deny coverage for hazing as “intentional acts.” We fight these denials and pursue bad faith claims when appropriate.

Balancing Privacy and Accountability:
We help families navigate the tension between seeking justice and protecting privacy, using confidential settlements and sealed records when possible.

Understanding the Culture:
We know how Greek organizations, Corps programs, and athletic teams operate behind closed doors. We understand traditions, power dynamics, and the mechanisms of secrecy.

Your Next Steps: A Clear Path Forward for Florence Families

If hazing has impacted your family, whether through injury, trauma, or tragedy, you don’t have to face this alone. From our Texas offices, we serve families in Florence and throughout Williamson County, whether your child attends a nearby school or a campus hours away.

What to Expect in Your Free, Confidential Consultation

When you contact Attorney911:

We Listen Without Judgment:
We understand this is one of the hardest things a family can face. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide clear, honest guidance about your options.

We Review Available Evidence:
We’ll look at any evidence you’ve preserved—photos, messages, medical records—and explain what additional evidence we might seek.

We Explain Your Legal Options:
We’ll outline potential paths forward:

• Criminal reporting
• Civil lawsuit
• Both approaches
• University disciplinary processes
• Or simply getting answers and closure

We Discuss Realistic Expectations:
We’ll explain typical timelines, what the process involves, and what outcomes might be possible based on similar cases.

We Explain Costs Clearly:
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. There are no hidden fees or surprise bills.

No Pressure to Decide:
We provide the information you need to make an informed decision. There’s no obligation to hire us during the consultation.

How to Contact Us

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. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

Serving All of Texas from Our Texas Offices

While we’re based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including:

• Florence, Georgetown, Round Rock and all of Williamson County
• Greater Austin and Central Texas
• Houston and the Gulf Coast
• Dallas-Fort Worth and North Texas
• San Antonio and South Texas
• Every community across our state

Important 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 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