The Complete Guide to Hazing in Texas: What Every Granite Shoals Parent Needs to Know

For Families in Granite Shoals, Burnet County, Marble Falls, and Across the Highland Lakes: Understanding Campus Hazing, Your Legal Rights, and How to Protect Your Student

If Your Student is in Danger Right Now: Immediate Help

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

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately, even if your student insists they’re “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it disappears: screenshot group chats, photograph injuries, save physical items
Write down everything while memory is fresh
Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours—evidence disappears fast

1. Introduction: The Hidden Reality of Hazing for Granite Shoals Families

Picture this: Your son from Granite Shoals returns from his first semester at the University of Texas at Austin, just 80 miles southeast of your home. He’s quieter than usual, nursing unexplained bruises, and jumps when his phone buzzes. When you ask about fraternity life, he shuts down: “I can’t talk about it. It’s tradition.” What you don’t see: the deleted GroupMe messages showing forced drinking dares, the 3 AM “study sessions” that were actually extreme workouts, and the growing fear that speaking up means betraying the brotherhood he thought he wanted.

Or consider this real case happening right now in Texas: Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student at the University of Houston, joined Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter in fall 2025. What followed wasn’t brotherhood but systematic abuse: forced to carry a “pledge fanny pack” with humiliating items, subjected to sprints and bear crawls until vomiting, sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and coerced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats until he developed life-threatening rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown. He was hospitalized for four days. The chapter has been shut down, and Attorney911 represents Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, and 13 individual fraternity leaders.

This is not ancient history or a problem “somewhere else.” This happened at a major Texas university in 2025. It’s happening in fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, athletic teams, and spirit groups across our state—including at schools where Granite Shoals families send their children: UT Austin, Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas A&M University, Baylor University, and beyond.

This comprehensive guide exists for one reason: to arm families in Granite Shoals, Burnet County, Marble Falls, and across the Highland Lakes region with the knowledge you need to protect your students. We’ll cover:

What modern hazing actually looks like in 2025 (beyond the stereotypes)
Texas hazing laws and your family’s legal rights
National hazing cases and how they apply to Texas universities
Campus-by-campus realities at schools Granite Shoals students attend
How national fraternity and sorority histories create predictable patterns
Building a case: evidence, damages, and legal strategy
Practical guides for parents, students, and witnesses
Why Attorney911 brings unique advantages to Texas hazing cases

If you’re reading this because something feels wrong with your student’s campus experience, trust that instinct. You’re not overreacting. And you don’t have to navigate this alone.

2. Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like (Beyond the Stereotypes)

The Modern Definition: Coercion Disguised as Tradition

Hazing isn’t just “pranks” or “boys will be boys.” Legally and practically, hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—on or off campus—directed against a student for the purpose of joining, maintaining membership in, or gaining status within any organization, that endangers mental or physical health or safety.

The critical element? Power imbalance. When an 18-year-old freshman wants to belong and faces pressure from older members who control that belonging, “consent” becomes meaningless. That’s why Texas law explicitly states: consent is not a defense to hazing.

Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (The Gateway)

Digital control: 24/7 GroupMe monitoring, required immediate responses, location-sharing demands
Servitude: Mandatory chauffeuring, cleaning members’ apartments, running errands at all hours
Social isolation: Restriction from seeing non-members, required attendance that conflicts with academics
Psychological manipulation: “If you really want to be one of us, you’ll do this”

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (The Escalation)

Sleep deprivation: Late-night “meetings,” 3 AM wake-up calls, multi-day events with minimal rest
Forced consumption: Eating disgusting food combinations, drinking excessive amounts (milk, hot sauce)
Extreme exercise: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups/squats, “workouts” until collapse
Public humiliation: Embarrassing costumes in public, demeaning nicknames, social media shaming

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (The Catastrophe)

Forced alcohol consumption: “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, drinking games with wrong-answer penalties
Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, “tackle” rituals, “glass ceiling” blindfolded tests
Sexualized abuse: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault
Dangerous environments: Locked in freezing rooms, left outside in extreme weather, hazardous dares

Where Hazing Happens in 2025

While fraternities dominate headlines, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Fraternities & Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural chapters)
Corps of Cadets & ROTC (military-style traditions gone wrong)
Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheerleading)
Spirit & Tradition Groups (Texas Cowboys, Rangers, and similar organizations)
Marching Bands & Performance Groups
Academic & Honor Societies
Club Sports & Intramural Teams

The common thread? Social status, tradition, and secrecy keep these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

The Digital Evolution: Hazing in the Smartphone Era

Modern hazing has adapted to technology:

Group Chat Tyranny: WhatsApp, GroupMe, Discord, and Signal groups where pledges must respond instantly at all hours
Social Media Humiliation: Forced TikTok challenges, Instagram story dares, public shaming
Evidence Destruction: Coaching on “disappearing messages,” Snapchat use, deleting evidence
Digital Surveillance: Required Life360 or Find My Friends sharing, checking in via photo proof

For Granite Shoals parents: Your student’s constant phone anxiety might not be typical teen behavior—it could be compliance with a dangerous system.

3. Texas Hazing Law: What Granite Shoals Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Foundation

Texas has one of the nation’s clearer anti-hazing statutes. Here’s what matters for Granite Shoals families:

Legal Definition (Sec. 37.151):
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, that:

Endangers mental or physical health or safety, AND
Occurs for pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership

Key Provisions:

Criminal Penalties (Sec. 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
Additional crimes: Failure to report hazing, retaliation against reporters

Organizational Liability (Sec. 37.153):
Fraternities, sororities, clubs, and universities can face:

Fines up to $10,000 per violation
Loss of university recognition
Criminal prosecution if organization authorized or encouraged hazing

Consent is NOT a Defense (Sec. 37.155):
Texas law explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to the hazing activity.” This destroys the most common excuse.

Good-Faith Reporter Protection (Sec. 37.154):
Those who report hazing in good faith receive immunity from civil or criminal liability. Many Texas universities extend this to alcohol amnesty for those calling 911 in medical emergencies.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases (The State vs. Individuals):

Who brings it: District Attorney or County Attorney
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Charges may include: Hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
Burden of proof: Beyond a reasonable doubt

Civil Cases (Your Family vs. Responsible Parties):

Who brings it: Victims or surviving families
Goal: Compensation and accountability
Claims may include: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Burden of proof: Preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not)

Critical Insight: These cases can run simultaneously. You don’t need a criminal conviction to pursue civil justice. In fact, many families find civil litigation brings more meaningful accountability than criminal proceedings alone.

Federal Overlay: Title IX, Clery Act, and the Stop Campus Hazing Act

Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, federal Title IX obligations trigger. Universities must investigate and take prompt corrective action.

Clery Act: Requires colleges to report certain crimes and maintain safety statistics. Hazing incidents involving assaults, alcohol crimes, or sexual offenses often fall under Clery reporting.

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This new federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid to:
– Report hazing incidents more transparently
– Strengthen hazing education and prevention
– Maintain public hazing databases (phased in by 2026)

For Granite Shoals families: These federal laws create additional pressure points and reporting requirements that can work in your favor during investigations.

Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Hazing Lawsuit?

1. Individual Students:

Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
Chapter officers with supervisory responsibility

2. Local Chapter/Organization:

The fraternity/sorority as a legal entity
Housing corporations that own chapter houses

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters:

Organizations that set policies, collect dues, and supervise chapters
Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents

4. Universities & Governing Boards:

Public universities (UT, Texas A&M, etc.) with some sovereign immunity limitations
Private universities (Baylor, SMU) with fewer immunity protections
Liability based on prior warnings, policy enforcement, and response

5. Third Parties:

Landlords of off-campus houses or event venues
Alcohol providers under Texas Dram Shop law
Security companies or event organizers

For Granite Shoals families pursuing justice: casting a wide net during investigation often reveals multiple liable parties with insurance coverage.

4. National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
A 20-year-old pledge died after being forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. The fraternity members delayed calling for help. Outcome: Multiple criminal convictions; $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU).

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
Pledge died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%) after a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. Outcome: Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony in Louisiana; individual convictions; multi-million-dollar confidential settlements.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
Pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night” where pledges were given handles of hard liquor. Outcome: Criminal convictions; FSU suspended all Greek life temporarily; confidential settlements.

Takeaway for Granite Shoals Families: Forced drinking nights follow predictable scripts. When a Texas chapter repeats these same rituals despite national warnings, that pattern becomes powerful evidence of negligence.

The Physical Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
Pledge died from traumatic brain injury after being blindfolded, weighted with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual at a remote retreat. Help was deliberately delayed. Outcome: National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years; members received jail sentences.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
18-year-old pledge suffered severe, permanent brain damage after forced drinking during “pledge dad reveal” night. He cannot walk, talk, or see and requires 24/7 care. Outcome: Multiple criminal charges; settlements with 22 defendants reportedly totaling millions.

Takeaway: Off-campus “retreats” and remote locations don’t eliminate liability—they often make hazing more dangerous. National organizations can face criminal prosecution, not just civil liability.

The Athletic Hazing Pattern

Northwestern University Football Program (2023–2025)
Former players alleged systemic sexualized and racist hazing within the football program over years. Outcome: Multiple lawsuits against university and staff; head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired (later settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially); university facing massive liability.

Western Kentucky University Swim Team (2012–2015)
Investigation revealed hazing dating back years including verbal/physical abuse. Outcome: Entire swim program suspended for five years; coaching staff terminated; $75,000 settlement with former team member.

Takeaway: Hazing extends far beyond Greek life. Major athletic programs with significant university investment can harbor the most severe abuse, often enabled by coaching staff.

What These National Cases Mean for Granite Shoals Families

Patterns are predictable: The same scripts (Big/Little nights, drinking games, extreme workouts) repeat across the country
Cover-ups compound liability: Delaying medical help, destroying evidence, and coaching witnesses turn bad situations into catastrophic legal exposure
National organizations know: When a Texas chapter repeats conduct that caused deaths elsewhere, “we didn’t know” becomes an impossible defense
Universities get sued too: Beyond individual fraternity members, schools face massive liability for inadequate supervision

The cases above aren’t abstract—they’re the legal precedents and settlement benchmarks that shape what happens when Granite Shoals families pursue justice.

5. Texas Universities: Campus-by-Campus Reality for Granite Shoals Families

Understanding Your Geographic Reality

Granite Shoals sits in the heart of Texas’s Highland Lakes region in Burnet County. Your students likely attend:

Primary Destinations:

University of Texas at Austin (80 miles southeast – most common for high-achieving students)
Texas State University, San Marcos (55 miles southeast – popular regional choice)
Texas A&M University, College Station (150 miles east – Corps and engineering draws)

Other Texas Schools Granite Shoals Students Attend:

Baylor University (Waco), Southern Methodist University (Dallas), Texas Tech University (Lubbock)
Regional options: University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (Belton), Concordia University Texas (Austin)
Community colleges: Austin Community College, Central Texas College

Critical Insight: Hazing doesn’t respect geographic boundaries. Whether your student is at UT Austin 80 miles away or Texas A&M 150 miles away, the legal principles and our firm’s capability to help remain the same. We serve families throughout Texas from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices.

5.1 University of Texas at Austin: The Flagship Campus

For Granite Shoals Families: UT Austin represents the most common university destination for high-achieving students from our region. The drive down Highway 71 to Austin is familiar to countless families. When hazing happens here, it involves Burnet County students and may eventually involve Burnet County courts if lawsuits are filed in a student’s home jurisdiction.

Campus Culture & Greek Life:
UT hosts approximately 60 fraternity and sorority chapters serving over 6,000 students, plus numerous spirit groups (Texas Cowboys, Texas Rangers), athletic teams, and academic organizations. The sheer size means hazing incidents often go unreported until tragedy strikes.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations List:
Unlike many universities, UT maintains a public hazing violations page showing organizations sanctioned for hazing:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation with required hazing-prevention education
Texas Wranglers spirit organization: Multiple sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing
Various fraternities: Documented cases of sleep deprivation, forced consumption, psychological abuse

Recent High-Profile Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (January 2024):
An Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted by SAE members at a party, suffering dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose. The student sued for over $1 million. The chapter was already under suspension for prior violations.

“Absolute Texxas” Spirit Group (2022):
University disciplined this spirit organization for hazing violations including alcohol/drug misconduct, blindfolding, kidnapping, and degrading new members.

How a UT Hazing Case Proceeds:

Jurisdiction: Typically Travis County courts in Austin, though cases can sometimes be filed in a student’s home county (like Burnet County)
Investigating agencies: UT Police Department (UTPD) for on-campus incidents, Austin Police Department for off-campus
University process: Office of the Dean of Students investigates, can impose sanctions up to expulsion
Civil litigation: Often filed in Travis County District Court, though strategic considerations may suggest other venues

What UT Students & Granite Shoals Parents Should Do:

Report immediately to: UTPD (512-471-4441), Dean of Students (512-471-2841), and UT’s online hazing report form
Document UT’s response: Request copies of all communications; note delays or inadequate responses
Check the public violations list: See if the organization has prior sanctions at tinyurl.com/UThazing
Understand geographic reality: Austin is close enough for direct involvement but may require local legal counsel familiar with Travis County courts

5.2 Texas State University, San Marcos: The Regional Powerhouse

For Granite Shoals Families: At just 55 miles away, Texas State represents the most accessible four-year university for many Highland Lakes students. The proximity means students come home more frequently—and may show signs of hazing earlier.

Campus Culture & Greek Life:
Texas State hosts 30+ fraternity and sorority chapters with particular strength in traditional Greek life. The San Marcos river location leads to off-campus events that can evade university oversight.

Documented Hazing Issues:
While less transparent than UT, Texas State has faced multiple hazing incidents:

Fraternity suspensions for alcohol-related hazing, physical abuse
Sorority disciplinary actions for psychological hazing, servitude demands
Athletic team investigations particularly in sports with strong traditions

How a Texas State Hazing Case Proceeds:

Jurisdiction: Hays County courts (San Marcos), potentially Travis County for certain defendants
Investigating agencies: Texas State University Police Department, San Marcos Police Department
Proximity advantage: Granite Shoals families can easily visit campus, meet with administrators, and transport evidence

What Texas State Students & Parents Should Do:

Utilize proximity: Visit campus personally if concerns arise; don’t rely solely on phone communication
Report to multiple channels: Texas State University Police (512-245-2805), Dean of Students (512-245-2124), and Hays County law enforcement for off-campus incidents
Document the river culture: Note if hazing involves river activities, Airbnb rentals along the river, or other San Marcos-specific venues
Consider jurisdictional strategy: Hays County may offer different legal dynamics than larger counties

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

For Granite Shoals Families: Texas A&M attracts students interested in engineering, agriculture, and the distinctive Corps of Cadets culture. The 150-mile distance means families may be less aware of early warning signs.

Corps of Cadets Hazing Reality:
The Corps represents both a proud tradition and a persistent hazing risk environment:

Documented Corps Hazing Case (2023 Lawsuit):
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. Texas A&M stated it handled the matter under its rules.

Greek Life Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):
Two pledges alleged forced strenuous activity with substances including industrial-strength cleaner poured on them, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The pledges sued for $1 million; fraternity suspended for two years.

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Proceeds:

Jurisdiction: Brazos County courts (College Station)
Unique elements: Corps cases involve military-style hierarchy and tradition defenses
University response: Often emphasizes internal military discipline over civilian legal processes

What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do:

Understand the dual systems: Corps disciplinary processes run parallel to university conduct systems
Document tradition arguments: Note when hazing is defended as “tradition” or “military discipline”
Report beyond the Corps chain of command: While respecting military hierarchy, also report to civilian university authorities and local police
Consider the engineering context: For non-Corps students, document if hazing exploits academic pressures (all-night “study sessions” that are actually abuse)

5.4 Baylor University: Private School Dynamics

For Granite Shoals Families: Baylor’s Christian identity and Waco location (100 miles northeast) attract students seeking faith-based education. The university’s history with sexual assault scandals creates both sensitivity to misconduct and potential institutional defensiveness.

Documented Hazing Issues:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):
14 players suspended following hazing investigation; suspensions staggered over the early season. The university handled internally with limited transparency.

Greek Life Context:
Baylor’s Greek system operates alongside strong religious programming, creating unique dynamics where hazing may be defended as “character building” or “accountability.”

How a Baylor Hazing Case Proceeds:

Jurisdiction: McLennan County courts (Waco)
Private university dynamics: Fewer public records, more confidentiality agreements
Religious context: Potential faith-based defenses or mediation approaches

What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do:

Document religious justifications: If hazing is defended using faith language, preserve those statements
Understand Baylor’s history: The university’s previous scandal responses may influence current handling
Consider mediation preferences: Baylor may push for faith-based mediation; understand your rights to pursue legal action regardless
Report to external authorities: Don’t rely solely on internal processes; involve Waco police for criminal conduct

5.5 Southern Methodist University: Affluent Greek Culture

For Granite Shoals Families: SMU’s Dallas location (200 miles northeast) and national reputation attract students seeking elite connections. The affluent Greek culture can involve significant financial hazing (forced expensive purchases) alongside traditional abuse.

Documented Hazing Issues:

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):
New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep; chapter suspended with multi-year recruiting restrictions.

Financial Hazing Pattern:
Unique to affluent campuses like SMU: forced purchase of expensive alcohol, designer items for members, luxury event costs passed to pledges.

How an SMU Hazing Case Proceeds:

Jurisdiction: Dallas County courts
Financial discovery: May involve tracing substantial financial transactions
Private university tactics: Aggressive confidentiality demands, sophisticated legal defense

What SMU Students & Parents Should Do:

Document financial demands: Save receipts, Venmo/PayPal records, bank statements showing coerced spending
Understand Dallas legal landscape: Different judges, different norms than Central Texas
Prepare for confidentiality pressure: SMU may aggressively pursue sealed settlements
Report to Dallas authorities: SMU Police Department (214-768-3333) and Dallas Police Department for off-campus incidents

6. Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories Meet Texas Chapters

Why National Histories Matter for Granite Shoals Families

When your student is hazed by a chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at UT Austin, you’re not dealing with an isolated group of college students. You’re dealing with:

A national organization that has faced virtually identical hazing incidents at other campuses
Insurance carriers that have paid millions in prior settlements
Risk management policies written specifically because of those prior incidents
Legal defense playbooks refined through decades of litigation

In legal terms, this creates foreseeability—the national organization knew or should have known this could happen based on its own history.

Major National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / “Pike”) – Present at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas State

National History: Stone Foltz alcohol poisoning death ($10M settlement), David Bogenberger death ($14M settlement)
Texas Pattern: Multiple chapter suspensions at Texas schools for alcohol hazing, physical abuse
Legal Significance: National HQ has paid nine-figure settlements for identical conduct

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / “SAE”) – Present at UT Austin, Texas A&M, SMU

National History: Traumatic brain injury lawsuit at Alabama, chemical burns case at Texas A&M
Texas Incidents: UT Austin assault lawsuit (2024), Texas A&M chemical burns case (2021)
Legal Significance: SAE eliminated pledge program nationally in 2014 due to liability—shows knowledge of risk

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ) – Present at UH (Beta Nu chapter now closed), UT Austin

National History: Andrew Coffey alcohol poisoning death at FSU
Texas Current Case: Leonel Bermudez rhabdomyolysis case at UH – we represent him in $10M lawsuit
Legal Significance: Active litigation demonstrates ongoing pattern despite national “reforms”

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ) – Present at UT Austin, Texas A&M

National History: Max Gruver alcohol poisoning death at LSU ($6.1M verdict)
Legal Significance: Louisiana passed Max Gruver Act creating felony hazing after this case

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ) – Present at Texas A&M, SMU

National History: Multiple chapter suspensions for physical hazing
Texas Incidents: SMU suspension (2017), ongoing investigations
Legal Significance: Persistent paddle-based hazing despite national prohibitions

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: What We Know About Texas Greek Organizations

At Attorney911, we maintain what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Texas Greek organizations built from publicly available records. Here’s what it shows about organizations operating near Granite Shoals and serving Texas students:

IRS B83 Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (Sample):
These are tax-exempt organizations the IRS classifies as Greek-letter entities with Texas addresses:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515) – Frisco, TX 75035
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN 741380362) – Fort Worth, TX 76147
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter (EIN 746084905) – Houston, TX 77204
Kappa Sigma Fraternity (EIN 756067776) – Fort Worth, TX 76109
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc (EIN 475370943) – Houston, TX 77204

Austin-Round Rock Metro Area Greek Entities (from Cause IQ Data):
The metro area containing UT Austin shows 154 Greek-related organizations including:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp. (Austin – UT chapter house corporation)
Delta Tau Delta – Gamma Iota Chapter (Austin – UT chapter house)
Beta Xi House Corp. of Kappa Kappa Gamma (Austin – UT chapter house corporation)
Building Corporation – Alpha Delta Pi (Austin – UT chapter property)

What This Means for Granite Shoals Families:
These aren’t just student clubs. They’re legal entities with Employer Identification Numbers, registered addresses, and often insurance policies. When hazing occurs, these entities—not just individual students—can be held liable.

The University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi Case: A Texas-Specific Warning

The Leonel Bermudez case represents everything modern hazing litigation involves:

The Conduct:

“Pledge fanny pack” humiliation system
Extreme physical workouts leading to rhabdomyolysis
Simulated waterboarding with hose spraying
Forced consumption until vomiting
Systematic sleep deprivation and servitude

The Medical Catastrophe:

Rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown)
Acute kidney failure
Brown urine, inability to stand
Four-day hospitalization
Risk of permanent kidney damage

The Defendant Universe:

University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents
Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters
Beta Nu Housing Corporation
13 individual fraternity leaders (chapter president, pledgemaster, etc.)

The Institutional Response:

November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends Beta Nu chapter
November 14, 2025: Chapter members vote to surrender charter
University calls conduct “deeply disturbing,” promises expulsion and criminal referrals

Why This Matters for All Texas Families:
This isn’t a historical case—it’s active litigation happening right now. It shows:

Universities and nationals will suspend/close chapters after incidents
Medical consequences can be life-altering
Multiple entities share liability
Attorney911 is already leading this level of litigation in Texas

7. Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Legal Strategy

Evidence: The Digital Crime Scene

Modern hazing cases are won or lost on digital evidence preservation. Here’s what matters:

Group Chat Evidence (Most Critical):

Platforms: GroupMe (most common), WhatsApp, iMessage groups, Discord, Signal
What to preserve: Screenshot ENTIRE conversations with timestamps visible
Critical content: Planning messages, instructions, threats, admissions, cover-up discussions
Forensic recovery: Even deleted messages can often be recovered through digital forensics

Social Media Evidence:

Platforms: Instagram stories, TikTok challenges, Snapchat, Facebook
What to preserve: Videos of hazing, humiliating posts, location check-ins
Preservation method: Screenshot AND screen record where possible

Medical Documentation:

Immediate care: ER records, ambulance reports, hospitalization documents
Key phrases: Ensure medical records state “patient reports hazing” or similar
Ongoing treatment: Follow-up care, specialist visits, therapy records
Psychological impact: PTSD diagnoses, anxiety/depression treatment records

University & Organizational Records:

Prior incidents: Previous hazing violations by same organization
Policy documents: National risk management manuals, university conduct codes
Communication records: Emails between chapter and nationals, internal investigations

Witness Information:

Other pledges: Often the most valuable witnesses once they feel safe
Former members: Those who quit or were expelled may testify
Bystanders: Roommates, neighbors, venue staff
Expert witnesses: Medical professionals, Greek life experts, digital forensics specialists

For Granite Shoals Families: Evidence preservation starts NOW. Don’t delete anything, even if it’s embarrassing. Take screenshots immediately. Email them to yourself for preservation.

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical expenses: Past and future treatment, therapy, medications
Lost income: Student’s lost wages, parent’s lost income if caring for student
Educational costs: Tuition for interrupted semesters, lost scholarships
Future earning capacity: Reduced lifetime earnings if permanent disability

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real Harm):

Physical pain and suffering: From injuries, medical procedures
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment: Can no longer participate in college life, activities
Reputational harm: Social stigma, difficulty transferring schools

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragedy Strikes):

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support: Deceased’s future earnings potential
Loss of companionship: Family’s emotional suffering
Parents’ grief and mental anguish

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Especially Reckless):

Purpose: Punish defendants and deter future conduct
When awarded: Particularly egregious conduct, cover-ups, prior warnings ignored
Texas caps: Generally limited but higher for certain intentional conduct

Settlement Realities:

Most cases settle before trial (confidential terms often)
National precedents: $1M–$14M for deaths, $375K–multi-million for severe injuries
Texas factors: Sovereign immunity for public universities may affect amounts

Legal Strategy: Overcoming Common Defenses

Fraternities, nationals, and universities use predictable defenses. Here’s how we overcome them:

Defense #1: “The Student Consented”

Our response: Texas law explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing (Sec. 37.155)
Evidence: Show coercion through group chat threats, power imbalance, fear of exclusion

Defense #2: “This Was a Rogue Chapter – National Didn’t Know”

Our response: Pattern evidence from other chapters shows foreseeability
Evidence: National’s own prior incident reports, similar cases at other schools

Defense #3: “It Happened Off-Campus – Not Our Responsibility”

Our response: Location doesn’t eliminate duty when organization sponsors/controls events
Evidence: Chapter organized event, members in leadership roles, national policies apply everywhere

Defense #4: “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”

Our response: Paper policies mean nothing without enforcement
Evidence: Show prior violations with minimal consequences, inadequate training

Defense #5: “University Has Sovereign Immunity”

Our response: Exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations
Strategy: Sue individuals in personal capacity, identify ministerial duty breaches

Defense #6: “Insurance Doesn’t Cover Intentional Acts”

Our response: Negligent supervision claims may still be covered
Strategy: Identify all potential policies, pursue bad faith claims if denied

The Attorney911 Advantage in Hazing Cases

1. Insurance Insider Knowledge (Lupe Peña’s Background):
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers:

Value and undervalue claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Fight coverage under exclusions
This insider knowledge is invaluable for maximizing recovery.

2. Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello’s Background):
Our involvement in BP Texas City explosion litigation proves we can take on billion-dollar defendants. The same skills apply to universities and national fraternities:

Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Multi-defendant case management
Expert witness coordination
Trial readiness that forces better settlements

3. Dual Civil/Criminal Capability:
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can:

Advise on criminal exposure for involved students
Navigate parallel criminal and civil proceedings
Protect witnesses with potential criminal liability

4. Texas-Specific Investigative Resources:
Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. We know:

Which entities have insurance
Prior incident histories
Organizational structures and relationships
You don’t start from zero—we start with data

5. Spanish-Language Services:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish. Hispanic families in Granite Shoals and across Texas can receive full consultation and representation in Spanish.

8. Practical Guides & FAQs for Granite Shoals Families

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Student May Be Being Hazed:

Physical Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts (especially if excuses don’t add up)
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food restriction or stress eating
Sleep deprivation (perpetually tired, odd-hour activities)
Injuries to hands/back from paddling or exercise

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

New secrecy about organizational activities
Withdrawal from family and old friends
Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensiveness when asked about the group
Fear of “letting the chapter down” or “getting in trouble”
Constant phone anxiety (monitoring group chats)

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or assignments
Skipping exams for “mandatory” events
Losing scholarships or academic standing

Financial Red Flags:

Unexpected large expenses (dues, forced purchases)
Buying excessive alcohol or gifts for members
Overdrafts, maxed cards, unusual money requests

How to Talk to Your Student (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 new members to do?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
“Do you feel like you could leave if you wanted to?”
“Are they asking you to keep secrets?”

If Your Student Opens Up:

Listen without judgment
Prioritize safety over status
Get medical attention if needed
Preserve evidence immediately
Contact an attorney before taking other actions

For Students: Self-Assessment and Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would the university or my parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do themselves?
Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this?

If You Answer YES to Any: It’s Likely Hazing

How to Exit Safely:

Immediate danger: Call 911, get to a safe location
Wanting to quit: Send email/text: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation may occur
Report retaliation to campus police and Dean of Students

Evidence Collection (Do This NOW):

Screenshot group chats with timestamps and names visible
Photograph injuries from multiple angles (use coin for scale)
Save everything digital – don’t delete even if embarrassed
Record conversations (Texas is one-party consent state)
Get medical documentation and say “I was hazed” for the record
Identify witnesses with contact information

For Former Members/Witnesses: Coming Forward

If You Participated and Regret It:

Your testimony may prevent future harm
Cooperating can be a step toward personal accountability
You may want your own legal advice about potential exposure
Attorney911 can help navigate witness protection and cooperation agreements

If You Witnessed Hazing:

Your evidence could save lives
Good-faith reporter protections exist in Texas
Anonymous reporting options are available
Consider both campus reporting and law enforcement

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting Your Student Delete Evidence

What families think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up, can be obstruction of justice, makes case impossible
What to do instead: Preserve EVERYTHING immediately – screenshot, photograph, save

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 instead: Document everything, call attorney 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 right to sue; settlements are often far below value
What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

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

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

MISTAKE #5: Letting Your Student Go to “One Last Meeting”

What organizations say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic”
Why it’s wrong: They pressure, intimidate, extract damaging statements
What to do instead: Once considering legal action, all communication through lawyer

MISTAKE #6: Waiting “To See How University Handles It”

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

MISTAKE #7: Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without Lawyer

What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim”
Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball
What to do instead: Politely decline: “My attorney will contact you”

Frequently Asked Questions for Granite Shoals Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UT, Texas A&M, etc.) have some sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals personally. Private universities (Baylor, SMU) have fewer immunity protections. Every case is fact-specific—contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case analysis.

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

“What if my student ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Consent is NOT a defense under Texas law (Education Code § 37.155). Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately known. In cover-up cases, the statute may be paused. TIME IS CRITICAL—evidence disappears fast. Call us immediately.

“What if hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Many major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus with multi-million-dollar judgments.

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

“What if my student was drinking underage during hazing?”
Texas law and most university policies provide amnesty for those calling 911 in medical emergencies. Your student’s underage drinking doesn’t eliminate the organization’s liability for forcing that drinking.

“Can we afford a lawyer?”
We work on contingency fee—no upfront costs, no fee unless we win. We advance all case expenses. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

9. Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Texas Hazing Case

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

When your Granite Shoals 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.

1. Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña’s Defense Background):
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers:

Value and undervalue hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Fight coverage under “intentional act” exclusions
Deploy independent medical exams to minimize injuries
Translation: We know their playbook because we used to run it.

2. Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:
Our involvement in BP Texas City explosion litigation proves our capability against billion-dollar defendants. The same skills apply to universities and national fraternities:

Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Multi-defendant case coordination
Expert witness networks (medical, economic, Greek life experts)
Trial readiness that forces better settlements

3. Current Texas Hazing Litigation Leadership:
Right now, we represent Leonel Bermudez in the $10 million University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case involving rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. This isn’t historical—it’s active litigation proving:

We’re already fighting this level of case in Texas
We understand modern hazing patterns and defenses
We’re not intimidated by national organizations or universities

4. Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:
We maintain a proprietary database of 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. When you come to us, we already know:

Which entities have insurance coverage
Prior incident histories at Texas campuses
Organizational structures and relationships
This isn’t starting from zero—it’s starting with intelligence

5. Dual Civil/Criminal Capability:
Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can:

Advise on criminal exposure for involved students
Navigate parallel criminal and civil proceedings
Protect witnesses with potential liability
This dual perspective is rare in hazing representation

6. Spanish-Language Services:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish. Hispanic families in Granite Shoals and across Texas can receive full consultation and representation in their preferred language.

7. Geographic Coverage:
From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas. Whether your student attends UT Austin, Texas State, Texas A&M, or any other Texas campus, we can help.

Our Philosophy: Empathy, Investigation, Accountability

We approach hazing cases with three priorities:

1. Your Student’s Wellbeing First:

Immediate medical attention and psychological support
Safety planning for academic continuity
Privacy protection throughout the process

2. Thorough Investigation:

Digital forensics for deleted evidence
Subpoena power for hidden records
Expert analysis of medical and psychological harm
Pattern evidence from national histories

3. Meaningful Accountability:

Holding all responsible parties accountable—not just convenient scapegoats
Pursuing reforms that prevent future harm
Financial compensation that reflects true harm
When appropriate, public accountability through litigation

Contact Attorney911 Today for a Free, Confidential Consultation

To Families in Granite Shoals, Burnet County, Marble Falls, and Across Texas:

If hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The organizations involved have lawyers. So should you.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We listen to your story without judgment
Review evidence you’ve preserved (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain legal options: criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Discuss realistic expectations for timelines and outcomes
Answer all questions about costs (contingency fee—no recovery, no fee)
No pressure to hire—take time to decide
Everything confidential—attorney-client privilege applies from first contact

Contact Information:

24/7 Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Office: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com

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

Serving All of Texas from Our Offices in:

Houston, Texas (Primary)
Austin, Texas
Beaumont, Texas

When You Call, Please Mention:

Which university/organization is involved
When the hazing occurred
Whether there are injuries requiring medical attention
If evidence has been preserved or deleted
Whether the university has been notified

Final Message to Granite Shoals Families

From our work on the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case to our broader hazing litigation experience, we’ve seen the devastation hazing causes. We’ve also seen the power of thorough investigation and determined advocacy.

Your student didn’t sign up for abuse. They signed up for community, friendship, and growth. When organizations betray that trust, they must be held accountable.

Don’t let embarrassment, fear, or uncertainty prevent you from seeking justice. What starts as whispers in Granite Shoals living rooms can become the case that changes campus culture statewide.

Call us today. Let’s discuss what happened, what can be done, and how we can help your family move forward.

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
24/7 Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Office: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com