The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits & Campus Accountability for Tool, Texas Families

A Nightmare That Hits Close to Home

Imagine a fall evening in Texas. A student from Tool—someone who grew up fishing at Cedar Creek Lake, attending Mabank High School games, and dreaming of college success—is at an off-campus fraternity house in College Station or Austin. What begins as “bonding” turns dangerous: forced drinking, humiliating acts, extreme physical exertion. The student feels trapped, isolated from their Henderson County support system, afraid to speak up as their health deteriorates. Days later, a frantic call home to Tool: they’re in the hospital with kidney failure, or worse.

This isn’t a hypothetical. Right now, in Texas, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student. His ordeal with the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter involved the “pledge fanny pack” of degrading items, enforced late-night driving duties, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, and extreme workouts that left him with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure—his urine was brown. He was hospitalized for four days, facing permanent kidney damage. This $10 million lawsuit names not just the fraternity members, but the University of Houston, its Board of Regents, and Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters.

If you’re a parent in Tool, Payne Springs, Eustace, or anywhere in Henderson County, this case proves that the hazing nightmare can and does happen to Texas students. Your child attending Texas A&M, UT Austin, University of Houston, or any Texas campus could be at risk. This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Henderson County families to understand what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects your child, what’s happening at our major universities, and what legal options exist when institutions fail to prevent harm.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:
- Call 911 for medical emergencies
- Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
- We provide immediate help—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™
In the first 48 hours:
- Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
- Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  - Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
  - Photograph injuries from multiple angles
  - Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
- Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
- Do NOT:
  - Confront the fraternity/sorority
  - Sign anything from the university or insurance company
  - Post details on public social media
  - Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence
Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:
- Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
- Universities move quickly to control the narrative
- We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

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

For Tool families sending children to college, understanding modern hazing is critical. It’s evolved far beyond old stereotypes into sophisticated, often digitally-enabled abuse.

Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. Crucially, “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal under Texas law when there’s peer pressure and power imbalance. The law recognizes that consent given under duress isn’t real consent.

Main Categories of Hazing Affecting Texas Students

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common and deadliest form. It includes forced or coerced drinking during “bid acceptance” nights, “Big/Little” events, “family tree” drinking games, and lineups where pledges must consume dangerous amounts. The Leonel Bermudez case involved forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting. At Texas A&M, Sigma Alpha Epsilon pledges were covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts.

Physical Hazing
This includes paddling, beatings, extreme calisthenics (“smokings”), sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme environments. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, Bermudez endured sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills, and cold-weather exposure in underwear. At Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets, a cadet alleged being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This involves forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. The “pledge fanny pack” in the UH case contained condoms and a sex toy as part of systematic humiliation. Other cases involve “elephant walks” and other sexually degrading traditions.

Psychological Hazing
Verbal abuse, threats, isolation, manipulation, and public shaming create lasting trauma. The constant “grilling” sessions, interrogation-style interviews, and threats of expulsion create psychological pressure that keeps victims silent.

Digital/Online Hazing
Modern hazing includes group chat dares, “challenges” shared on Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok, and pressure to create compromising content. Pledges are often required to respond instantly to messages at all hours, share live locations, and post humiliating content. This digital trail often provides crucial evidence.

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Texas

Hazing extends beyond Greek life at every Texas university:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC at Texas A&M and other military-style programs
Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs like Texas Cowboys at UT
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Some Academic, Service, and Cultural Organizations

The common threads are social status, tradition, and secrecy that keep these practices alive despite everyone “knowing” hazing is illegal. For Tool families with children at Texas campuses, recognizing these patterns early can prevent tragedy.

Law & Liability Framework: Texas + Federal Protection for Your Family

Texas has specific laws designed to protect students from hazing, but understanding how they work in practice is crucial for Henderson County families seeking accountability.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code Chapter 37)

Texas Education Code Chapter 37, Subchapter F defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that endangers mental or physical health or safety and occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any student organization.

Key Points for Tool Families:

Location doesn’t matter—off-campus hazing is still illegal
Mental or physical harm both qualify
“Reckless” conduct is enough—they don’t need malicious intent
Consent is NOT a defense—even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing

Criminal Penalties:

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing without serious injury (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

Organizations Can Be Prosecuted Too:
Fraternities, sororities, clubs, and teams can face fines up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report it.

Good-Faith Reporting Protection:
Those who report hazing in good faith to universities or law enforcement are immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result. This is crucial—encourage your child to report without fear of getting in trouble themselves.

Criminal vs Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (prosecutor)
Aim: punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Example: In the Leonel Bermudez UH case, criminal referrals were promised

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: monetary compensation and accountability
Focus on: negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
No criminal conviction required to pursue civil action

Both can proceed simultaneously. Many families pursue civil cases even when criminal charges aren’t filed, as the burden of proof is different (preponderance of evidence vs beyond reasonable doubt).

Federal Laws That Apply to Texas Hazing

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently, strengthen prevention, and maintain public hazing data by 2026. This will give Tool families better information about campus risks.

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

Clery Act:
Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics. Hazing incidents often overlap with assault or alcohol/drug crimes that must be reported.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Individual Students:
Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover them up. In the UH case, 13 individual fraternity leaders are named.

Local Chapter/Organization:
The fraternity/sorority or club itself if it’s a legal entity. The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation is a defendant.

National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters:
Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters is named in the UH lawsuit based on what they knew or should have known.

University or Governing Board:
Schools may be sued under negligence or civil rights theories. The University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents are defendants in the Bermudez case.

Third Parties:
Landlords of event spaces, bars/alcohol providers (under Texas dram shop laws), security companies, or event organizers.

Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys know how to identify all potentially liable parties to ensure full accountability for Tool families.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Texas Families

The tragedies that have made national headlines aren’t distant abstractions—they’re patterns that repeat at Texas schools. Understanding these cases helps Henderson County families recognize risks and know that accountability is possible.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):
A bid-acceptance event with forced drinking led to fatal falls captured on chapter cameras. Help was delayed for hours. Dozens faced criminal charges; Pennsylvania enacted the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. For Tool families: This shows how delayed medical care and cover-up culture can be lethal.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
A “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking resulted in a 0.495% BAC death. Louisiana enacted the Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony. For Tool families: Legislative change follows public outrage—your voice matters.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
Forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey during pledge night, Foltz died from alcohol poisoning. The family reached a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). For Tool families: Universities face real financial consequences for failures.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
A blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat caused fatal head injuries. Help was delayed. The national fraternity was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter—banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. For Tool families: Nationals can face criminal liability, not just civil.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025):
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the program. Multiple lawsuits led to coach firings and confidential settlements. For Tool families: Hazing extends beyond Greek life into athletic programs with similar institutional cover-ups.

What These Cases Mean for Henderson County Families

Common threads in all these cases: forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, and organized cover-ups. Reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after tragedy and litigation. Your family facing hazing at a Texas school isn’t alone—you’re operating in a landscape shaped by these national lessons. The legal precedents, jury verdicts, and legislative changes from these cases directly support Texas families seeking accountability today.

Texas Focus: Where Tool Families Send Their Children

Henderson County families have deep connections to Texas universities. Whether your child attends nearby UT Tyler or travels to major hubs like Texas A&M or UT Austin, understanding campus-specific hazing realities is essential.

University of Houston: The Active Case in Our Backyard

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
As Texas’s third-largest university, UH serves many East Texas students. With over 40 Greek organizations and active student life, it’s where the Leonel Bermudez case exposes systemic issues. For Tool families, UH is within driving distance and a common choice for local students.

Documented Incident & Response – The Flagship Case:
In late 2025, Leonel Bermudez filed a $10 million lawsuit alleging severe hazing by Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter. Specific acts included:

“Pledge fanny pack” with condoms, sex toy, nicotine devices
Enforced dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, overnight driving duties
Extreme physical hazing: sprints, bear crawls, lying in vomit-soaked grass
Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
The Nov 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
Medical consequences: rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, 4-day hospitalization

Institutional Response:

Nov 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends Beta Nu chapter
Nov 14, 2025: Chapter members vote to surrender charter; chapter shut down
UH labels conduct “deeply disturbing,” promises disciplinary measures up to expulsion and cooperation with law enforcement

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds:
For Henderson County families, cases may involve Houston Police Department and Harris County courts. Our firm’s Houston office is strategically located to handle these cases. Potential defendants include individual students, the chapter, Pi Kappa Phi national, UH, and property owners.

What UH Students & Tool Parents Should Do:

Report to UH Dean of Students Office and UHPD
Document everything immediately—GroupMe chats disappear quickly
Seek medical care at UTHealth or Memorial Hermann
Contact an attorney familiar with Harris County courts and UH procedures
Preserve evidence before UH or the fraternity secures it

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

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Many Henderson County students choose A&M for its tradition and reputation. The Corps of Cadets and robust Greek life present dual hazing risks. For Tool families, College Station is a common destination.

Documented Incidents & Responses:

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

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023):
A cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. He sought over $1 million; A&M stated it handled the matter under its rules.

How A&M Handles Hazing:
Through Student Conduct Office and Corps regulations. Civil cases often focus on both Greek life and Corps traditions. Brazos County courts handle these cases, but Henderson County families can work with our firm through our statewide reach.

What A&M Students & Tool Parents Should Do:

Report to Student Conduct Office and A&M PD
Document Corps or fraternity traditions carefully
Seek medical care at Baylor Scott & White
Understand both university disciplinary and civil legal options
Act quickly—traditions run deep and cover-ups are common

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Repeated Violations

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
UT attracts top students from across Texas, including Henderson County. Its public hazing violations page offers more transparency than most schools, revealing ongoing patterns.

Documented Violations from UT’s Public Log:

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

Texas Wranglers (2022): Spirit organization sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing.

Additional Greek organizations regularly appear for alcohol hazing, physical endurance tests, and humiliation rituals.

How UT Handles Hazing:
UTPD and Austin PD may be involved depending on location. Travis County courts handle cases. UT’s public violation log can be powerful evidence in civil suits by showing patterns and institutional knowledge.

What UT Students & Tool Parents Should Do:

Check UT’s public hazing violations page for organizational patterns
Report to Dean of Students and UTPD
Document using UT’s online reporting system
Seek medical care at UT Health Austin
Use UT’s transparency to your advantage in building a case

Southern Methodist University: Private Campus Challenges

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
SMU’s affluent Dallas campus attracts some Henderson County students. Private university status affects transparency, but hazing risks persist in Greek life.

Documented Incident:

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

How SMU Handles Hazing:
Through private disciplinary processes with less public disclosure. Civil suits can compel discovery even when internal reports aren’t public. Dallas County courts typically handle cases.

What SMU Students & Tool Parents Should Do:

Use SMU’s anonymous reporting (Real Response system)
Document everything—private schools control narratives tightly
Seek medical care at Texas Health Dallas
Be prepared for institutional resistance to transparency
Consider both university discipline and civil action

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Historical Challenges

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Baylor’s Waco campus and religious identity attract some East Texas families. Past scandals create complex dynamics for hazing accountability.

Documented Incident:

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

How Baylor Handles Hazing:
Through conduct processes influenced by religious branding. McLennan County courts handle cases. Baylor’s history with institutional response to misconduct creates particular challenges.

What Baylor Students & Tool Parents Should Do:

Report through Baylor’s conduct system
Document carefully—institutional protection is strong
Seek medical care at Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest
Understand how religious identity may affect responses
Consider legal options beyond internal discipline

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: What We Know About Organizations Affecting Tool Families

Our firm maintains an unmatched database of Texas Greek organizations—not from speculation, but from public records. This intelligence helps Henderson County families understand who really stands behind the letters.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Tool Families

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Records):
The IRS shows 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations with EINs, legal names, and mailing addresses. These aren’t just social clubs—they’re legal entities that can be held accountable. Examples affecting campuses where Tool students enroll:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 462267515 – Frisco, TX 75035 (from UH case)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – EIN 741380362 – Fort Worth, TX 76147
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – EIN 746064445 – Nederland, TX 77627 (Epsilon Kappa Chapter)
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – EIN 746084905 – Houston, TX 77204
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – EIN 475370943 – Houston, TX 77204 (Theta Delta chapter)

Metro-Level Greek Presence (Cause IQ Data):

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510 Greek organizations
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188 Greek organizations
Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154 Greek organizations
College Station-Bryan Metro: 42 Greek organizations
Waco Metro: 27 Greek organizations

Total Texas Fraternities & Sororities: 1,423 across 25 metros—all tracked in our system.

Why National Histories Matter for Tool Families

When your child joins a fraternity or sorority at a Texas school, they’re joining an organization with a national history that creates liability patterns:

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ):
National pattern: Stone Foltz death at BGSU ($10M settlement), David Bogenberger death at NIU ($14M settlement). For Tool families: This national knew about Big/Little alcohol hazing risks.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ):
National pattern: Multiple hazing deaths, traumatic brain injury lawsuit at Alabama, chemical burns case at Texas A&M. For Tool families: This isn’t “one bad chapter”—it’s a national pattern.

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):
National pattern: Max Gruver death at LSU led to Louisiana felony hazing law. For Tool families: Nationals have been repeatedly warned.

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):
National pattern: Andrew Coffey death at FSU, now Leonel Bermudez case at UH. For Tool families: The same organization, same risks.

When a Texas chapter repeats scripts that got chapters shut down elsewhere, that shows foreseeability—the national knew or should have known the risks. This supports negligence claims and punitive damages.

Campus Rosters: Where These Organizations Operate

University of Houston Greek Life includes:
Pi Kappa Phi (Beta Nu—now closed), Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, and 40+ other organizations where similar patterns could emerge.

Texas A&M Greek Life includes:
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (chemical burns case), Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, and 60+ other organizations within the Corps and Greek systems.

UT Austin Greek Life includes:
Organizations regularly appearing on hazing violations logs, with public patterns of misconduct.

For Tool families, this means: the organization your child joins has a history, either locally or nationally. That history matters in court.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & What Tool Families Can Recover

When hazing harms your child, building a strong case requires specific expertise. Here’s what Henderson County families need to know about the process.

Evidence That Wins Hazing Cases

Digital Communications (Most Critical):
GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Snapchat, TikTok, fraternity apps. The UH case evidence includes group chats planning activities. We use digital forensics to recover deleted messages when necessary.

Photos & Videos:
Content filmed during events, security camera footage, Ring/doorbell footage at houses. The hog-tying incident in the UH case was documented.

Internal Organization Documents:
Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, ritual “traditions,” emails/texts from officers. Nationals’ own training materials often contradict their actions.

University Records:
Prior conduct files, probation/suspension letters, incident reports, Clery reports. UT’s public violation log is a goldmine for pattern evidence.

Medical & Psychological Records:
ER/hospitalization records, surgery notes, toxicology reports, psychological evaluations for PTSD/depression. Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis diagnosis was confirmed by critically high creatine kinase levels.

Witness Testimony:
Pledges, members, roommates, RAs, coaches, bystanders, former members who quit. In the UH case, other pledges witnessed the hog-tying and extreme workouts.

Damages: What Tool Families Can Recover

Economic Damages:

Medical bills (ER, ICU, surgery, ongoing treatment)
Future medical care (therapy, medications, life care for severe injuries)
Lost earnings/educational impact (missed semesters, delayed workforce entry)
Diminished earning capacity for permanent disabilities

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering from injuries
Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life (can’t participate in college experience)
Reputational harm

Wrongful Death Damages (for families):

Funeral/burial costs
Loss of companionship, love, and support
— Grief and emotional suffering of family members
Loss of guidance for younger siblings

Punitive Damages (when available):
To punish especially reckless or malicious conduct and deter future hazing. Available when defendants had prior warnings and ignored them, or showed callous indifference.

How Recovery Works in Practice

Most Cases Settle:
Confidential terms often, but some public like Foltz $10M, Gruver $6.1M. Settlements fund immediate medical care, long-term treatment, educational continuity, and sometimes foundations to prevent future harm (like Carson Starkey’s Aware Awake Alive).

Trials Are Rare But Powerful:
When institutions won’t settle fairly, trials can result in larger verdicts and public accountability. Our firm’s trial readiness changes how defendants negotiate.

Accountability Beyond Money:

Institutional reform through consent decrees
Chapter closures or organizational bans
Public transparency requirements
Vindication and prevention of future harm

Practical Guides & FAQs for Tool Families

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Weight loss/gain from food/water restriction or stress
Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, 3 AM calls)
Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family, old friends, non-group activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Academic decline, missing classes, dropping grades

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?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”
“Are they asking you to keep secrets from me or the university?”

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing:

Immediate safety: If in danger, call 911 or campus police
Document everything: Write down what your child says, screenshot messages, photograph injuries
Reporting: Campus authorities (Dean of Students), local police if crimes occurred, national anti-hazing hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE)
Legal consultation: Contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 early—we can help preserve evidence before it’s destroyed
What NOT to do: Don’t confront the organization directly, don’t sign university forms without legal advice, don’t post on social media

For Students: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to?
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?
Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this?

If you answered YES to any, it’s likely hazing.

How to Exit Safely:

If in immediate danger: Call 911, get to safe location
To quit/de-pledge: Tell someone outside the org first, send email/text to chapter president, don’t go to “one last meeting”
Protect from retaliation: Document threats, file complaints, seek protective orders if necessary

Evidence Collection for Students:

Screenshot group chats with timestamps and names visible
Record conversations (Texas is one-party consent)
Photograph injuries immediately with scale reference
Save everything digital—don’t delete even if embarrassed
Tell medical providers you were hazed for documentation
Get witness names and contact information

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence
What parents 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 nearly impossible
What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly
What parents 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 a lawyer first

3. Signing University “Release” or “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

4. Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer
What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control messaging

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

Short FAQ for Henderson County 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 protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law 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.

“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 to hazing. Courts recognize “consent” under peer pressure and fear of exclusion isn’t true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a hazing 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 tolled. Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. 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 child’s name be in the news?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

Why Attorney911 for Hazing Cases: Texas Experience That Matters for Tool Families

When your Henderson County family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful Texas institutions fight back—and how to win anyway.

Our Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims, their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. As he says, “We know their playbook because we used to run it.” For Tool families, this means we start with insider knowledge of how the other side operates.

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello):
Our firm was one of the few in Texas involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations and winning. That same experience applies to national fraternities and universities with unlimited legal budgets. We’re not intimidated by powerful defendants; we’ve faced them before. Our federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) means we’re equipped for Title IX and complex institutional cases.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience:
We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases, collaborating with economists to value lifetime care needs for brain injuries and permanent disabilities. We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force accountability. The Leonel Bermudez UH case demonstrates our commitment to serious hazing litigation right now in Texas.

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:
Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. We can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure, navigating both legal tracks effectively.

Investigative Depth with Texas-Specific Knowledge:
Our network includes medical experts, digital forensics specialists, economists, and psychologists familiar with Texas campuses. We know how to obtain hidden evidence—GroupMe chats from Texas fraternities, chapter records from nationals, university files through Texas public records requests. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

How We Build Hazing Cases for Texas Families

Evidence Preservation Within First 48 Hours:
We guide families to screenshot disappearing messages, photograph injuries, secure physical evidence, and document witness information before fraternities and universities secure their defenses.

Identifying All Potentially Liable Parties:
Using our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we identify not just obvious defendants but house corporations, alumni organizations, nationals, universities, and third parties—ensuring maximum accountability and insurance coverage.

Navigating Texas-Specific Legal Challenges:
We understand sovereign immunity issues with public universities, Texas dram shop laws for alcohol providers, and the unique cultural dynamics of Texas Greek life and Corps traditions.

Balancing Privacy with Accountability:
We help families pursue justice while protecting their child’s privacy through confidential settlements and sealed records when appropriate.

Our Connection to Tool and Henderson County

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Tool, Payne Springs, Eustace, Mabank, and all of Henderson County. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects entire communities—not just individual students. When Henderson County families send children to Texas A&M, UT, UH, or other campuses, they deserve Texas-based counsel who understands both the legal landscape and the community values.

We’ve handled cases involving students from across East Texas, navigating the journey from local hospitals to major university medical centers, from Henderson County court considerations to metropolitan litigation venues. We speak your language—both legally and culturally.

Your Next Step: Free, Confidential Consultation for Tool Families

If hazing has impacted your family—whether your child attends school in Texas or elsewhere—you don’t have to face this alone. The journey toward accountability begins with a conversation.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911 or contact us online:

We’ll Listen Without Judgment:
Tell us what happened in your own words. We understand this is painful and confusing.

Review Your Evidence:
Share photos, screenshots, medical records, or any documentation you have. Even if you think it’s not important, it might be crucial.

Explain Your Legal Options:
We’ll outline possible paths: criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither. We explain the pros and cons of each approach.

Discuss Realistic Timelines and Expectations:
We’re honest about what to expect—no false promises, just straightforward information.

Answer All Your Questions:
About costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win), about privacy, about how this affects your child’s education.

No Pressure to Hire Us:
Take time to decide what’s right for your family. We provide information, not pressure.

Everything Is Confidential:
What you tell us stays between us, protected by attorney-client privilege even if you don’t hire us.

Clear Contact Information for Tool Families

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

Spanish-Language Services:
Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

A Final Word to Henderson County Families

The case we’re fighting right now for Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston shows that hazing isn’t “just tradition” or “boys being boys.” It’s serious, dangerous, and sometimes life-threatening behavior that institutions have a duty to prevent. When they fail—when universities look away, when nationals issue policies they don’t enforce, when chapters repeat deadly patterns—families have the right to demand accountability.

Your child’s safety and wellbeing matter more than any organization’s reputation. Your family’s peace of mind matters more than any institution’s convenience. The law exists to protect students, and experienced legal counsel exists to enforce those protections when systems fail.

Whether you’re in Tool, Payne Springs, Eustace, or anywhere in Henderson County, if hazing has touched your family, reach out. Let’s have a conversation about your options, your rights, and how we can help you move forward toward healing and accountability.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re here to listen, to explain, and if appropriate, to fight for the justice your family deserves.

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