Texas Hazing Lawsuits: A Complete Guide for City of Graford & Palo Pinto County Families

If Your Child Was Hazed in Texas, You’re Not Alone—And You Have Legal Rights

Every parent in City of Graford, Palo Pinto County sends their child to college with hope. They imagine campus life, new friendships, and bright futures at schools like Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, or other institutions across our state. What they don’t imagine is their child being forced to drink until they vomit, being beaten with paddles, or lying in a hospital bed with kidney failure because a fraternity, sorority, or campus organization decided that “tradition” mattered more than human safety.

Right now, just a few hours east of here in Houston, Attorney911 is leading one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being hazed by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. The details are shocking: forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion; and the humiliating “pledge fanny pack” rule requiring him to carry condoms and sex toys 24/7. He was hospitalized for four days, his urine was brown from muscle breakdown, and he faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. This $10 million lawsuit names the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, their housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders.

This is happening in Texas right now. And if your child attends any Texas university—whether it’s the University of Houston where our active case is, or Texas A&M where City of Graford families often send their students, or UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any of the 96 campuses across our state—they could be at risk.

What This Guide Offers City of Graford & Palo Pinto County Families

This comprehensive guide explains what every Palo Pinto County parent needs to know about hazing in 2025. We’ll cover:

What hazing really looks like today (not the old stereotypes)
Texas hazing laws and your legal rights under the Education Code
Major national hazing cases and what they mean for Texas families
What’s happening at Texas universities your child might attend
How fraternities and sororities operate—both locally and nationally
What evidence wins hazing cases in the digital age
Practical steps for City of Graford parents and students
Why Attorney911 is uniquely qualified to handle Texas hazing litigation

Whether your child attends Texas A&M University (where many Palo Pinto County students go), UT Austin, or any other Texas campus, this information could be critical to their safety and your family’s legal rights.

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 at Texas Universities

Beyond the Stereotypes: Modern Hazing Is Systematic

For families in City of Graford and across Palo Pinto County, understanding hazing requires looking beyond the movie stereotypes of harmless pranks. Today’s hazing is often a systematic process designed to break down new members, create loyalty through shared trauma, and maintain secrecy through fear. It happens in fraternities, sororities, Corps of Cadets programs, athletic teams, spirit groups, marching bands, and even some academic organizations.

Modern hazing has evolved to avoid detection while becoming more psychologically sophisticated and legally dangerous. Here’s what Palo Pinto County parents need to recognize:

The Five Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing (The Most Deadly)

This remains the single most common cause of hazing deaths nationwide and at Texas schools. It’s not “just drinking”—it’s coerced, forced, or pressured consumption beyond safe limits:

“Big/Little” or “Bid Acceptance” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor
Drinking games with punishment rules (“Bible study,” “family tree,” trivia where wrong answers = drinks)
Lineups and chugging challenges timed or competitive
Forced consumption of unknown substances (mixers with drugs, concoctions, “jungle juice”)

What this looks like in Texas: At Texas A&M, University of Houston, UT Austin, and other campuses, these events often happen at off-campus houses or remote retreats to avoid university oversight. The national case of Max Gruver at LSU (forced drinking during “Bible study”) and Stone Foltz at Bowling Green (entire bottle of whiskey) show exactly how these patterns play out—and they’re happening here in Texas too.

2. Physical Hazing and Endurance Tests

These aren’t “workouts”—they’re punitive physical abuse disguised as conditioning:

“Smokings” or extreme calisthenics (hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse)
Forced exercise in dangerous conditions (extreme heat/cold, inadequate hydration)
Paddling, beating, or striking with hands or objects
Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or 3 AM wake-up calls
Food/water restriction as punishment

The medical danger: In our University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case, Leonel Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown that floods the kidneys with toxins—from forced extreme exercise. This condition can cause permanent kidney damage or death. When Palo Pinto County students participate in college athletics or Corps programs, they need to distinguish between legitimate conditioning and disguised hazing.

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

This category creates profound psychological trauma:

Forced nudity or partial nudity in group settings
Simulated sexual acts (“elephant walk,” “roasted pig” positions)
Degrading costumes or roles in public or private
Coerced production of sexual content (photos, videos)
Acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones

Texas-specific concern: The Texas A&M Corps “roasted pig” case involved a cadet allegedly bound between beds with an apple in his mouth in a sexually suggestive position. These acts aren’t “jokes”—they’re intentional humiliation that can cause lasting psychological harm.

4. Psychological Hazing and Coercion

The mental manipulation is often more damaging than physical acts:

Verbal abuse, shouting, “grilling” sessions
Social isolation from non-members
Threats of expulsion from the organization
Forced deception (lying to parents, university, authorities)
“Love bombing” followed by punishment cycles

Digital dimension: Today, this happens constantly via GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord, and other group chat platforms where members can monitor and control pledges 24/7.

5. Digital and Online Hazing

This is the newest frontier, especially concerning for tech-savvy Palo Pinto County students:

Group chat dares and challenges that escalate
Forced social media posts (embarrassing TikToks, Instagram stories)
Location tracking demands (sharing Find My Friends 24/7)
Digital “scavenger hunts” that involve illegal or dangerous acts
Coerced sharing of compromising content

Why this matters: Digital evidence—when preserved—can be the most powerful proof in a hazing case. But it disappears quickly when organizations realize they’re being investigated.

Where Hazing Happens in Texas (It’s Not Just Fraternities)

Palo Pinto County families should understand that hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural councils)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC programs
Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer, etc.)
Spirit and Tradition Organizations (Texas Cowboys, etc.)
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Some Academic and Professional Societies

The common thread isn’t the type of organization—it’s the power imbalance between new and existing members, the coercive environment, and the justification of “tradition.”

Texas Hazing Laws: What City of Graford & Palo Pinto County Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Foundation

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes in the Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. These laws apply to every student at every Texas university, whether they’re from City of Graford attending Texas A&M or from anywhere in Palo Pinto County at any Texas institution.

§ 37.151: The Definition That Matters

Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, 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 points for Palo Pinto County families:

Location doesn’t matter—on-campus, off-campus, at a retreat, at someone’s home: all are covered
Mental OR physical harm counts—psychological trauma is legally recognized
“Reckless” is enough—they don’t need to have intended harm, just been reckless about the risk
It applies to ALL organizations—not just Greek life

§ 37.152: Criminal Penalties That Can Affect Your Child’s Future

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

Additional crimes:

Failing to report hazing (if you’re a member/officer and you knew): misdemeanor
Retaliating against someone who reports: misdemeanor

§ 37.153: Organizational Liability—Holding Groups Accountable

Organizations can be prosecuted criminally if:

The organization authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
An officer or member acting officially knew about hazing and failed to report it

Penalties for organizations:

Fine up to $10,000 per violation
University can revoke recognition and ban from campus

§ 37.154: Protection for Those Who Report

A person who in good faith reports a hazing incident to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from the report.

Critical for Palo Pinto County students: In medical emergencies, Texas law and university policies often provide amnesty for students who call 911, even if they were drinking underage or involved themselves. Saving a life comes first.

§ 37.155: Consent Is NOT a Defense

This is the most important section for families to understand:

“It is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity.”

Plain English: Even if your child “agreed” or “wanted to prove themselves,” it’s still a crime if it meets the hazing definition. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure isn’t true voluntary consent.

§ 37.156: University Reporting Requirements

Texas colleges must:

Provide hazing prevention education
Publish hazing policies
Maintain and publish annual reports of hazing violations

What this means for you: Universities like UT Austin already publish hazing violation lists (hazing.utexas.edu), showing which organizations have been disciplined. These reports can be powerful evidence in civil cases.

Criminal Cases vs. Civil Lawsuits: Understanding the Difference

When hazing occurs, there are typically two parallel legal tracks:

Criminal Cases (The State vs. Individuals/Organizations)

Brought by: District Attorney or County Attorney
Purpose: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Common charges: Hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in deaths
Outcome affects: Criminal records, future employment, professional licenses

Civil Lawsuits (Victims/Families vs. Responsible Parties)

Brought by: Victims or surviving families through attorneys like Attorney911
Purpose: Compensation for damages and accountability
Common claims: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress
Outcome affects: Financial recovery for medical bills, lost education, pain and suffering

Critical point for Palo Pinto County families: A criminal conviction is NOT required to pursue a civil case. Many of the largest hazing settlements occur without any criminal charges being filed.

Federal Laws Overlaying Texas Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)

This federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid (virtually all Texas universities) to:

Report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthen hazing education and prevention
Maintain public hazing data (phasing in by 2026)

Title IX and Clery Act Implications

When hazing involves:

Sexual harassment or assault
Gender-based hostility
Crimes that must be reported under Clery

Federal obligations can be triggered, potentially allowing lawsuits against universities for deliberate indifference.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Texas Hazing Case?

Based on our experience with the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case and other Texas hazing litigation, potential defendants include:

1. Individual Students

Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
In our UH case: 13 individual fraternity leaders including president, pledgemaster

2. Local Chapters/Organizations

The Texas-registered entity (many have EINs and legal standing)
Chapter officers acting in official capacity

3. National Fraternities/Sororities

Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, supervise chapters
Our UH case names Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
Liability often hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents

4. Housing Corporations and Alumni Associations

Separate legal entities that own/control chapter houses
In Texas, we track 125+ IRS-registered Greek organizations (house corporations, alumni chapters)
. Example from public records: Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 46-2267515, Frisco, TX 75035)

5. Universities and Governing Boards

The school or regents under negligence theories
Key questions: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference
Our UH case names University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents

6. Third Parties

Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces
Bars or alcohol providers (Texas dram shop liability)
Security companies or event organizers

National Hazing Cases Every Texas Family Should Know

Why National Patterns Matter for Palo Pinto County Families

The same fraternities and sororities that operate at Texas A&M, UT Austin, UH, SMU, and Baylor also operate nationwide. When a national organization like Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, or Phi Delta Theta has hazing deaths or serious injuries in other states, that pattern shows they knew or should have known the risks. This “foreseeability” is critical in Texas civil cases.

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Repeating Script

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

What happened: 20-year-old pledge forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
Medical outcome: Died from alcohol poisoning
Legal outcome: $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Why this matters for Texas: Pi Kappa Alpha operates at UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, SMU, Baylor, and other Texas campuses. The “Big/Little” drinking night is a known, repeating script that nationals should have eliminated.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

What happened: Pledge forced to participate in “Bible study” drinking game; wrong answers = forced drinking
Medical outcome: Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
Legal outcome: Family settlement; Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
Why this matters for Texas: Phi Delta Theta operates at UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, SMU, and other Texas schools. Drinking games disguised as “education” are a common hazing method.

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

What happened: Pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night”
Medical outcome: Death from alcohol poisoning
Legal outcome: Multiple criminal prosecutions; confidential civil settlement
Why this matters for Texas: This is the same national fraternity involved in our active University of Houston case. Patterns repeat across chapters.

Physical Hazing with Lasting Injury

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)

What happened: 18-year-old pledge forced to consume excessive alcohol during “pledge dad reveal”
Medical outcome: Severe, permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care)
Legal outcome: Settlements with 22 defendants, reportedly multi-million dollar
Why this matters for Texas: Phi Gamma Delta operates at UT Austin, Texas A&M, and other Texas campuses. Non-fatal injuries can be more devastating than deaths financially and emotionally.

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

What happened: Pledge blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
Medical outcome: Died from traumatic brain injury; help delayed
Legal outcome: National fraternity criminally convicted; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Why this matters for Texas: Shows that national organizations can face criminal liability, not just civil. Off-campus retreats don’t protect them.

Athletic Program Hazing: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

What happened: Former players alleged sexualized and racist hazing within football program
Legal outcome: Multiple lawsuits; head coach fired and settled wrongful-termination confidentially
Why this matters for Texas: Texas has major athletic programs at UT Austin (Longhorns), Texas A&M (Aggies), Baylor, etc. Hazing isn’t limited to Greek life.

What These Cases Mean for City of Graford Families

Patterns repeat: The same dangerous behaviors occur across campuses
Nationals know: Headquarters have extensive anti-hailing manuals because they’ve seen deaths
Universities often fail: Institutional responses frequently prioritize reputation over safety
Civil litigation drives change: Multi-million dollar settlements force accountability
Texas isn’t immune: Our state has its own serious cases, like our active UH Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit

Texas Universities: What Palo Pinto County Families Need to Know

Understanding Where City of Graford Students Attend

Families in City of Graford and Palo Pinto County typically send students to:

Regional/Nearby Campuses:

Tarleton State University (Stephenville, Erath County) – 60 miles from Graford
Texas A&M University (College Station) – 190 miles, popular choice
University of North Texas (Denton) – 120 miles
Texas Tech University (Lubbock) – 180 miles
Midwestern State University (Wichita Falls) – 90 miles

Major Statewide Hubs (Common Destinations):

University of Texas at Austin
University of Houston (site of our active Pi Kappa Phi case)
Baylor University (Waco)
Southern Methodist University (Dallas)
Texas State University (San Marcos)

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Palo Pinto County Families

As part of our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain detailed public records on Texas Greek organizations. These entities often hold insurance and legal responsibility when hazing occurs. Here are examples relevant to where Palo Pinto County students attend:

Organizations at Tarleton State University Area:

Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc (EIN 27-3662583, Lufkin, TX 75904)
Alpha Tau Omega Housing Corporation of Eta Iota Chapter (EIN 30-0517788, Nacogdoches, TX 75965)
Phi Kappa Psi Texas Epsilon Chapter (EIN 45-2729519, Nacogdoches, TX 75965)

Organizations at Texas A&M University (Where Many Graford Students Attend):

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (EIN 13-3048786, College Station, TX 77845)
Eta Alpha House Corporation of Kappa Delta Sorority (EIN 74-2930349, College Station, TX 77840)
Beta Theta Pi – Eta Chapter House Corp. (Cause IQ listing, College Station, TX)
Sigma Chi Fraternity – Eta Upsilon Chapter (Cause IQ listing, College Station, TX)

Texas-Wide Snapshot:

125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations in IRS B83 filings
1,423 fraternity/sorority entities across 25 Texas metros per Cause IQ data
510 organizations in Dallas-Fort Worth metro alone
188 organizations in Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro

These public records matter because when hazing occurs, these are the legal entities that may hold insurance coverage and liability. We track them so families don’t start from zero.

University of Houston: Site of Our Active $10 Million Hazing Lawsuit

Campus Context for Palo Pinto County Families:

While UH is 260 miles from City of Graford, it’s Texas’s third-largest university and a destination for students statewide. Our active case here shows that serious hazing litigation is happening right now in Texas.

Official Hazing Policy:

UH prohibits hazing on or off campus, including forced consumption, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and mental distress as initiation. Reporting goes through Dean of Students, conduct offices, and campus police.

Documented Incident: Our Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi Case

What happened: Fall 2025 pledge period with systematic abuse
Hazing methods: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation; forced overeating until vomiting; hose spraying “like waterboarding”; 100+ push-ups/500 squats under threat
Medical outcome: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
Institutional response: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended chapter Nov 6, 2025; chapter surrendered charter Nov 14, 2025; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”
Legal action: $10 million lawsuit filed by Attorney911 (Ralph Manginello & Lupe Peña) in Harris County
Media coverage: Click2Houston, ABC13, Hoodline

Prior UH Hazing History:

2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case: Pledge suffered lacerated spleen; chapter faced misdemeanor charges and suspension
Multiple other fraternity suspensions for alcohol violations and “likely to produce discomfort”

What Palo Pinto County Families Should Know About UH Cases:

Jurisdiction typically involves Harris County courts
UHPD and Houston PD may both have involvement
Civil suits can target individuals, chapter, national, university, housing corporation
Public records show multiple UH Greek organizations registered in Texas

Texas A&M University: Where Many City of Graford Students Attend

Campus Context:

190 miles from City of Graford, Texas A&M is a common destination for Palo Pinto County students. Its Corps of Cadets and strong Greek life present dual hazing risks.

Official Policies:

Student Conduct handles Greek life cases
Corps has separate regulations but must comply with university hazing policy
Reporting through multiple channels including anonymous systems

Documented Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)

What happened: Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner
Medical outcome: Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
Legal outcome: Pledges sued for $1 million; chapter suspended
Why this matters: Shows evolution beyond alcohol to chemical hazing

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023)

What happened: Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts
Allegations: Bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth
Legal outcome: Sought over $1 million; A&M stated handled internally
Why this matters: Non-Greek organizations also haze

What Palo Pinto County Families Should Know About Texas A&M:

Brazos County jurisdiction for local cases
Dual systems: Greek life and Corps have different oversight but same legal standards
Aggie network can create pressure not to report
Public records show multiple A&M Greek organizations with Texas registrations

University of Texas at Austin

Campus Context:

While 200 miles from City of Graford, UT Austin is a top destination for Texas students. Its public hazing violations page (hazing.utexas.edu) provides unusual transparency.

Public Hazing Violations Page:

UT publishes organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions. Examples:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023)

Conduct: New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Sanction: Probation, required hazing prevention education

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024)

What happened: Australian exchange student alleged assault at party
Injuries: Dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
Legal outcome: Sued for over $1 million; chapter already under suspension

What Palo Pinto County Families Should Know About UT:

Travis County jurisdiction
Public records advantage: Violation history is published
Pattern evidence: Multiple violations show organizational knowledge
Major Greek presence: 60+ fraternity/sorority chapters

Southern Methodist University

Campus Context:

Private university in Dallas (120 miles from Graford) with affluent student body and strong Greek presence.

Documented Incident:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017)

What happened: New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived
Outcome: Chapter suspended; recruiting restrictions until ~2021

What Palo Pinto County Families Should Know About SMU:

Dallas County jurisdiction
Private university: Less public transparency than public schools
Greek-dominated social life: Pressure to join can be intense
National patterns matter: Same organizations here have national hazing histories

Baylor University

Campus Context:

Private Christian university in Waco (120 miles from Graford) with history of scrutiny over institutional responses.

Documented Incident:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020)

What happened: Hazing investigation within baseball program
Outcome: 14 players suspended; staggered suspensions during season

What Palo Pinto County Families Should Know About Baylor:

McLennan County jurisdiction
Religious context: Can affect reporting dynamics
Athletic program hazing: Not limited to Greek life
Institutional history: Prior Title IX scandal affects current oversight

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus Presence + National Histories

Why National Patterns Matter in Texas Courts

When we represent Palo Pinto County families in hazing cases, we don’t just look at what happened at their child’s Texas campus. We investigate what that national organization knew from incidents at other chapters nationwide. This “pattern evidence” can prove:

Foreseeability: They knew this type of hazing could cause injury/death
Gross negligence: Their prevention efforts were inadequate
Punitive damages basis: Their conduct was willful/reckless

Organizations with Documented National Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (“Pike”)

National history: Stone Foltz death (BGSU, $10M settlement); David Bogenberger death (NIU, $14M settlement)
Texas presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, SMU, Baylor, others
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing nights

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (“SAE”)

National history: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide; traumatic brain injury suit (Alabama)
Texas presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, with documented incidents at both
Pattern: Alcohol hazing, physical abuse, chemical hazing (Texas A&M case)

Phi Delta Theta

National history: Max Gruver death (LSU, led to felony hazing law)
Texas presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, SMU
Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games

Pi Kappa Phi

National history: Andrew Coffey death (FSU)
Texas presence: Chapter at UH (our active case), other Texas campuses
Pattern: Big Brother nights, physical endurance hazing

Kappa Alpha Order

National history: Multiple hazing suspensions including SMU chapter
Texas presence: Chapters at SMU, Texas Tech, others
Pattern: Paddling, alcohol hazing

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Track Organizations

At Attorney911, we don’t rely on guesswork. We maintain a comprehensive database of Texas Greek organizations using:

IRS B83 Public Filings:

125+ Texas-registered entities with EINs, legal names, addresses. Examples:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 46-2267515, Frisco, TX 75035)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN 74-1380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (EIN 36-4091267, Waco, TX 76710)

Texas University Rosters:

Official chapter lists from UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor websites

Cross-Validated Brand Tracking:

When an organization appears in both IRS data and campus rosters (like Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon), we can trace:

National headquarters
Texas housing corporations
Alumni associations
Insurance coverage pathways

Metro-Level Analysis:

510 organizations in Dallas-Fort Worth metro
188 organizations in Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro
154 organizations in Austin-Round Rock metro

This tracking matters because when hazing occurs, we already know:

Legal entity names for lawsuits
Potential insurance carriers
Prior incident history at other chapters
Organizational structure for liability claims

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

Modern Evidence Collection: The Digital Revolution

In 2025, most hazing evidence is digital. For Palo Pinto County families, understanding what to preserve—and doing it quickly—is critical.

1. Digital Communications (Most Important Evidence)

Group messaging apps: GroupMe (most common), WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, Discord
Text messages: iPhone/Android group texts
Social media DMs: Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook Messenger
Fraternity-specific apps: Many organizations have proprietary apps

Preservation method: SCREENSHOT IMMEDIATELY with:

Sender names/profile pics visible
Timestamps visible
Full context (messages before and after)
Native resolution (don’t compress)

Watch our video on evidence preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

2. Photo and Video Evidence

Injuries: Photograph immediately from multiple angles; include scale (coin/ruler)
Progression photos: Take daily photos as bruises/injuries develop
Locations: Where hazing occurred (houses, rooms, venues)
Objects: Paddles, alcohol bottles, props, costumes
Events: If safe to record, video of hazing or admissions

3. Medical Documentation

ER/hospital records: Request complete copies
Key phrase: “Tell medical providers you were hazed” so it’s documented
Lab results: Blood alcohol, toxicology, kidney function (critical for rhabdomyolysis)
Psychological evaluation: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses

4. Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts
Emails/texts from officers about activities
National policies and training materials (obtained via discovery)

5. University Records

Prior conduct files on same organization
Incident reports to campus police/conduct office
Clery Act reports (publicly available)
Internal emails about the organization (via discovery)

6. Witness Information

Other pledges’ contact information
Roommates, RAs, friends who noticed changes
Former members who quit or were expelled

Damages in Hazing Cases: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses)

Medical expenses: Past and future (ER, hospitalization, surgery, therapy)
Lost income/earnings: Time off work, delayed graduation, diminished earning capacity
Educational costs: Tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships
Life care plans: For catastrophic injuries (like Danny Santulli’s 24/7 care needs)

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective But Real Harm)

Physical pain and suffering from injuries
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life: Can’t participate in activities they loved
Reputational harm: Social stigma, difficulty transferring

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

Funeral/burial costs
Loss of financial support deceased would have provided
Loss of companionship, love, guidance
Grief and emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages (When Conduct Is Especially Bad)

Purpose: Punish reckless/willful conduct and deter future hazing
When awarded: Prior warnings ignored, particularly cruel conduct, cover-ups
Texas caps: Generally limited but can be substantial

How Recovery Works in Practice

Settlement vs. Trial

Most cases settle (confidential terms)
Trials are rare but can result in larger verdicts
Our approach: Prepare every case for trial to maximize settlement leverage

Settlement Fund Uses

Immediate needs: Medical bills, lost income, funeral costs
Long-term care: Ongoing therapy, medications, life care
Educational continuity: Transfer to complete degree elsewhere
Legacy/advocacy: Many families create foundations (e.g., Aware Awake Alive from Carson Starkey case)

Non-Financial Recovery

Accountability: Seeing individuals/institutions held responsible
Institutional reform: Settlement terms often require policy changes
Prevention: Knowing the case may prevent future harm
Closure: For some families, the process helps process grief

Practical Guides & FAQs for Palo Pinto County Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Action Steps

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical: Unexplained bruises/burns/cuts; extreme exhaustion; weight changes; sleep deprivation patterns
Behavioral: Sudden secrecy; withdrawal from family/friends; personality changes (anxiety, irritability); defensiveness about the organization
Academic: Grades dropping; missing classes; skipping assignments for “mandatory” events
Financial: Unexpected large expenses; buying excessive alcohol/items for others
Digital: Constant group chat monitoring; anxiety about phone notifications; deleting messages obsessively

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally)

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

Immediate Action Checklist for Parents

HOUR 1–6 (CRISIS):

Medical care if injured/intoxicated
Safety: Remove from dangerous situation
Evidence: Screenshot messages shown to you
Notes: Write down everything they tell you
Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911

HOUR 6–24 (EVIDENCE):

Digital preservation: Help child save all messages (DO NOT DELETE)
Physical evidence: Secure clothing, receipts, objects
Medical records: Request ER/hospital copies
Witnesses: Write down names/contact info
University communications: Note but don’t respond yet

HOUR 24–48 (STRATEGY):

Legal consultation: Speak with experienced hazing attorney
Reporting decision: With lawyer’s guidance
Evidence backup: Upload everything to cloud storage

For Students: Safety Planning and Rights

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide

Ask yourself:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something?
Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this?

If YES to any, it’s likely hazing.

How to Exit Safely

Immediate danger: Call 911 or campus police
Want to quit: Tell someone outside the org first; send email/text to chapter president: “I resign effective immediately”
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where pressure/retaliation might occur
If fearing retaliation: Report to Dean of Students and campus police

Evidence Collection for Students

Screenshots of group chats with timestamps/names visible
Voice memos/recordings (Texas is one-party consent state)
Photos/videos of injuries, locations, objects
Save everything digital—don’t delete even if embarrassed
Medical documentation: Tell providers you were hazed
Witness information: Names/contacts of others who saw

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

Learn from our video on client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

1. Letting Your Child Delete Evidence

What parents think: “I don’t want them in more trouble”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
What to do instead: Preserve everything, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly

What parents think: “I’ll give them a piece of my mind”
Why it’s wrong: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
What to do instead: Document first, call lawyer before any confrontation

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or internal agreements
Why it’s wrong: May waive right to sue; settlements often far below value
What to do instead: Do NOT sign without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media Before Talking to Lawyer

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

5. Waiting “to See How University Handles It”

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

Hazing FAQs for Texas Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”

Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals personally. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”

It can be. Texas law makes hazing a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death.

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”

Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense. Courts recognize “consent” under peer pressure isn’t voluntary.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”

Generally 2 years from date of injury/death in Texas. But the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm/cause wasn’t immediately known. Time is critical—evidence disappears. Learn more in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

“What if hazing happened off-campus?”

Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities/nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge. Many major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat) happened off-campus with multi-million-dollar judgments.

“Will my child’s name be in the news?”

Most cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed records and confidential terms. We prioritize family privacy while pursuing accountability.

About Attorney911: Why Texas Families Choose Us for Hazing Cases

Our Active Texas Hazing Litigation: The Leonel Bermudez UH Case

Right now, we’re leading one of Texas’s most significant hazing lawsuits. Our representation of Leonel Bermudez against University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi demonstrates exactly how we approach these cases:

What We’re Doing in This Active Case:

Complaint filed: $10 million demand for rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, hospitalization
Defendants named: UH, UH Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national, housing corporation, 13 individuals
Evidence gathered: Group chats, medical records, witness statements, organizational documents
Media coverage secured: Click2Houston, ABC13, Hoodline
Result already: Chapter suspended Nov 6, 2025; charter surrendered Nov 14, 2025

This isn’t hypothetical—we’re actively litigating serious Texas hazing cases right now.

Our Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage: 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
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Negotiate settlements from the defense perspective

He knows their playbook because he used to run it. This insider knowledge is invaluable for Palo Pinto County families facing well-funded opposition.

Complex Institutional Litigation: Ralph Manginello

Mr. Manginello’s experience includes:

BP Texas City explosion litigation (one of few Texas firms involved)
Federal court admission (Southern District of Texas)
25+ years of complex litigation
HCCLA membership (elite criminal defense credential)

We’ve taken on billion-dollar defendants. National fraternities and universities with unlimited legal budgets don’t intimidate us.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

While other lawyers start from zero, we already have:

125+ Texas Greek organization EINs and addresses from IRS B83 filings
1,423 entity database across 25 Texas metros
University chapter rosters for UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor
National pattern evidence from historical cases

We don’t guess—we know who the legal entities are, where they’re located, and what insurance they likely carry.

Bilingual Service for Texas Hispanic Families

Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish—critical for serving Texas’s diverse population. Language barriers shouldn’t prevent families from seeking justice.

How We’re Different from Other Texas Lawyers

We don’t just take cases—we investigate systems
We track organizations, not just incidents
We prepare every case for trial (most settle, but trial readiness matters)
We understand both criminal AND civil aspects (Ralph’s HCCLA membership)
We’re currently litigating major Texas hazing cases (not just marketing)

Our Contingency Fee Commitment

We work on contingency—no upfront costs, no fee unless we win. Learn how contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

This means:

No financial risk for your family
Alignment of interests—we only get paid if you recover
Access to justice regardless of family resources

Call to Action for City of Graford & Palo Pinto County Families

If Hazing Has Impacted Your Texas Student

Whether you’re in City of Graford, elsewhere in Palo Pinto County, or anywhere in Texas, if hazing has hurt your child, you have legal rights and options.

What to Expect When You Contact Us:

Confidential consultation: No obligation, just information
Case evaluation: We’ll review evidence, explain options
Clear explanation: Texas law, likely outcomes, realistic timelines
No pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family
Spanish services available: Hablamos Español

Contact Attorney911 Today:

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)
Website: https://attorney911.com

Service Areas:

While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including:

Palo Pinto County (City of Graford, Mineral Wells, Palo Pinto)
North Texas Region (Weatherford, Stephenville, Denton areas)
Statewide (all Texas university campuses)

Why Act Now?

Evidence disappears: Group chats get deleted, witnesses graduate
Statute of limitations: Texas generally gives 2 years from injury
University pressure: Schools often want quick “internal resolutions”
Medical documentation: Needs to happen while injuries are fresh
Your child’s recovery: Legal accountability can be part of healing

Final Word to Palo Pinto County Families

Sending your child to Texas A&M, UT Austin, UH, or any Texas university should be a time of pride and anticipation. When hazing turns that dream into a nightmare, you don’t have to face it alone.

We’re not just lawyers—we’re Texas parents who understand what you’re going through. We’re currently fighting one of the state’s most serious hazing cases. We know how to investigate, how to litigate, and how to get results.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s get your family the answers, accountability, and recovery you deserve.

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