Hazing in Texas: A Complete Legal Guide for Highland Park Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at SMU, UT Austin, Texas A&M, or Any Texas Campus—You’re Not Alone

Picture this: Your son from Highland Park is a new member at an SMU fraternity just minutes from home. What began as exciting “bonding” has become something darker. He’s receiving texts at 3 AM demanding immediate responses. He’s exhausted, losing weight, and making excuses about mysterious bruises. When you ask directly, he clams up—”It’s just tradition, everyone does it.” Then you see a group chat screenshot where pledges are ordered to drink until they vomit, followed by sprints “to build brotherhood.” Your child isn’t at some distant university; this is happening right here in the Dallas area, at schools where Highland Park families have sent generations of students.

Or perhaps your daughter at UT Austin—a school where many Highland Park graduates continue their education—has become withdrawn and anxious. Her texts mention “mandatory study sessions” that last until dawn, humiliating costumes, and threats that speaking up will get her “cut.” She’s afraid to tell you everything, afraid to quit, afraid of what her newfound “sisters” might do.

This isn’t parental anxiety. This is the reality of modern hazing in Texas. And right now, across our state, families are discovering that the organizations they trusted with their children’s college experience have betrayed that trust in the most dangerous ways.

We know because we’re fighting one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases right now. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after brutal hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. His urine turned brown. He was hospitalized for four days. He faced permanent kidney damage—all because fraternity leaders forced him through extreme workouts, humiliation rituals, and dangerous “traditions” while the university and national organization failed to intervene.

This $10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, and 13 individual fraternity leaders shows exactly what happens when hazing escalates unchecked. And what families in Highland Park need to understand is this: The same national organizations operating at UH also have chapters at SMU, UT Austin, Texas A&M, Baylor, and every other Texas campus where your children might be. The same dangerous patterns. The same institutional failures. The same need for experienced legal intervention.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES IN HIGHLAND PARK & DALLAS COUNTY

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

What This Guide Offers Highland Park Families

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Highland Park, University Park, and across Dallas County who need to understand:

1. What hazing really looks like in 2025—not old stereotypes, but the digital coercion, psychological abuse, and dangerous rituals happening right now at Texas campuses
2. How Texas law protects your child—and why “consent” doesn’t matter when there’s power imbalance and coercion
3. What we’re learning from landmark cases—including our ongoing $10 million lawsuit against University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi
4. What’s happening at Texas universities—with specific focus on SMU (just minutes from Highland Park), UT Austin, Texas A&M, Baylor, and other schools where Dallas County families send students
5. How national fraternity/sorority patterns repeat—the same organizations causing deaths in other states operate here too
6. What legal options you have—and how experienced Texas hazing attorneys build cases that force accountability
7. Practical steps you can take now—evidence preservation, reporting strategies, and protecting your child’s future

If your child attends or is considering any Texas university—whether it’s SMU down the road, UT Austin three hours south, Texas A&M four hours away, or any campus in between—this information could protect them. Hazing doesn’t respect zip codes, school colors, or family legacies. It exploits tradition, loyalty, and the desire to belong. And it’s happening in our community.

Hazing in 2025: What Highland Park Parents Need to Recognize

Many Highland Park families have fond memories of Greek life or campus organizations from their own college days. What’s happening now is different. The hazing that injures and kills students today has evolved with technology, become more secretive, and often disguises itself as “wellness” or “team building.”

The Modern Definition: Beyond “Just Party Pranks”

Hazing in 2025 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. The critical understanding for Highland Park parents is this: When there’s power imbalance—older members controlling new members’ social futures—”I agreed to it” doesn’t make it safe or legal.

Texas law recognizes this reality. The Education Code defines hazing as intentional, knowing, or reckless acts that endanger mental or physical health for purposes of initiation or affiliation. Consent is not a defense.

Five Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the deadliest form. At SMU, UT Austin, Texas A&M—anywhere with Greek life—the patterns repeat:

• Forced consumption games: “Bible study” where wrong answers mean drinking, “family tree” drinking charts
• Mandatory drinking quotas: Finish a bottle, handle, or exact amount within time limits
• Coerced consumption of unknown mixtures or drugs
• In our UH Pi Kappa Phi case: pledges forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediate sprints

2. Physical Hazing
Not just paddling (though that still occurs), but sophisticated physical abuse:

• Extreme calisthenics disguised as “workouts”: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion
• “Smokings” that push beyond physical limits
• Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or 3 AM wake-up calls
• Food/water restriction or forced consumption
• In our UH case: bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, lying in vomit-soaked grass, cold-weather exposure in underwear

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

• Forced nudity or partial nudity
• Simulated sexual acts, degrading positions, humiliating costumes
• Acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones
• Public shaming rituals
• In our UH case: “pledge fanny packs” containing condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items required 24/7

4. Psychological Hazing

• Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members
• Manipulation and forced confessions
• Creating fear of social exclusion or retaliation
• Gaslighting (“This is normal,” “Everyone before you did it”)

5. Digital/Online Hazing
This is particularly concerning for tech-savvy Dallas County students:

• Group chat dares and challenges (GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord)
• Social media humiliation via Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok
• Geo-tracking demands (sharing location 24/7 via Find My Friends)
• Pressure to create or share compromising content
• Digital “check-ins” at all hours with punishment for slow responses

Where Hazing Happens: It’s Not Just “Frat Boys”

Highland Park families should understand that hazing extends beyond stereotypical fraternity basements:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural groups)
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC at Texas A&M and other military-style programs
• Spirit Squads and Tradition Groups (Texas Cowboys, cheer teams, mascot programs)
• Athletic Teams (from football to swimming—Northwestern University’s $50M+ settlements show athletics aren’t immune)
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups
• Academic and Service Organizations

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

Texas Hazing Law: What Highland Park Families Need to Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes that provide both criminal penalties and civil liability pathways. Understanding this framework helps Highland Park families know their rights and what accountability looks like.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

Definition (Plain English Version):
Hazing means 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 pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any student organization

Key Points for Dallas County Families:

• Location doesn’t matter—on-campus, off-campus, at retreats, all count
• Mental OR physical harm qualifies
• “Reckless” is enough—they don’t need to have intended harm, just ignored obvious risks
• §37.155: Consent is NOT a defense—even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing

Criminal Penalties in Texas

• Class B Misdemeanor: Basic 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
• Additional crimes: Failure to report hazing, retaliation against reporters

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.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases (The State vs. Individuals):

• Brought by prosecutors (Dallas County, Harris County, etc.)
• Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical charges: Hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in deaths
• Important: A criminal conviction isn’t required for civil action

Civil Cases (Your Family vs. Responsible Parties):

• Brought by victims or surviving families
• Aim: Compensation and accountability
• Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
• Both can proceed simultaneously—many families pursue both paths

Federal Overlay: New Protections for Texas Students

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

• Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently
• Strengthens prevention programs
• Creates public hazing databases (phased in by 2026)
• Applies to SMU, UT Austin, Texas A&M, Baylor, UH—all major Texas schools

Title IX & Clery Act:

• When hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, Title IX obligations trigger
• Clery requires reporting certain crimes—hazing often overlaps with assault/alcohol crimes
• These federal laws provide additional accountability layers

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Every case is fact-specific, but potential defendants include:

1. Individual Students: Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
2. Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity/sorority/club itself (if incorporated)
3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters: Often have deepest pockets and prior knowledge of patterns
4. Universities & Governing Boards: For negligence in supervision, enforcement, or response
5. Third Parties: Property owners, landlords, alcohol providers, security companies

In our UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we named 13 individual fraternity leaders, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, the University of Houston, and the UH System Board of Regents. Comprehensive liability tracing is critical.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Highland Park Families Can Learn from Other States

The tragedies in other states aren’t distant news—they’re previews of what could happen here if patterns aren’t broken. These cases also establish legal precedents that benefit Texas families.

Alcohol Poisoning Death Pattern: The Deadliest Script

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

• 20-year-old pledge forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
• Died from alcohol poisoning
• $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
• Highland Park Takeaway: The same Pi Kappa Alpha organization operates at SMU, UT Austin, Texas A&M, Baylor. Their national leadership knew this pattern.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

• “Bible study” drinking game—wrong answers meant drinking
• Died with 0.495% BAC
• Louisiana passed “Max Gruver Act” making hazing a felony
• Highland Park Takeaway: Drinking games aren’t innocent fun—they’re lethal patterns national organizations should have eradicated

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

• “Big Brother Night” with handles of hard liquor
• Died from acute alcohol poisoning
• FSU suspended all Greek life temporarily
• Highland Park Takeaway: This is the same Pi Kappa Phi national organization involved in our UH case

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: Beyond Alcohol

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

• Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled in “glass ceiling” ritual
• Died from traumatic brain injury; help delayed
• Pi Delta Psi banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
• National fraternity criminally convicted
• Highland Park Takeaway: Off-campus retreats can be deadliest; national organizations face criminal liability

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

• Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within football program
• Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
• Head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit
• Highland Park Takeaway: Big-money athletic programs at Texas schools harbor similar risks

What These Cases Mean for Dallas County Families

Common threads emerge:

1. Forced drinking patterns repeat across organizations and states
2. Delayed medical care worsens outcomes and increases liability
3. National organizations had prior knowledge of dangerous traditions
4. Multi-million dollar settlements follow tragedy
5. Legislative changes often come only after litigation exposes failures

For Highland Park families: The same national organizations operating in these deadly cases have chapters at Texas schools. The patterns are known. The risks are foreseeable. And when organizations fail to act, litigation becomes necessary to force change.

Texas Focus: Where Highland Park Families Send Their Students

Highland Park and Dallas County families have deep connections to Texas universities. Whether it’s SMU just minutes away, UT Austin with its strong academic pull, Texas A&M with family traditions, or other campuses across the state, understanding each school’s hazing landscape is critical.

Southern Methodist University: In Highland Park’s Backyard

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
SMU’s proximity to Highland Park means many local students live at home while participating in campus life. This doesn’t insulate them from hazing risks. SMU has approximately 10 IFC fraternities and 8 Panhellenic sororities, plus NPHC and multicultural groups. The university’s 2017 hazing scandal involving Kappa Alpha Order resulted in chapter suspension and highlighted ongoing risks.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting:
SMU prohibits hazing on and off campus. Reporting channels include:

• Office of Student Affairs and Student Conduct
• SMU Police Department
• Anonymous reporting via Real Response system
• Greek Life advisors

Documented Incidents & Responses:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep. Chapter suspended until at least 2021.
• Ongoing disciplinary matters: SMU, as a private university, discloses less than public schools, but internal records obtained through litigation often reveal patterns.

How an SMU Hazing Case Proceeds:

• SMU Police handle on-campus incidents
• University Park Police or Dallas PD handle off-campus locations
• Civil suits typically filed in Dallas County courts
• SMU’s private status affects sovereign immunity arguments but not liability for negligence

What SMU Students & Highland Park Parents Should Do:

1. Document everything—SMU’s disciplinary process can be opaque
2. Request prior conduct records for the organization involved
3. Understand SMU’s internal process but don’t rely on it exclusively
4. Consult counsel early—SMU has experienced defense teams

University of Texas at Austin: Academic Excellence with Greek Life Risks

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
UT Austin’s massive Greek community includes approximately 60 fraternities and sororities. Many Highland Park graduates continue their education here, drawn by academic reputation and family legacies. UT’s public hazing violations log (hazing.utexas.edu) provides unusual transparency but also reveals ongoing issues.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting:
UT maintains one of Texas’s most transparent hazing disclosure systems. Their policy prohibits all hazing, with reporting through:

• Office of the Dean of Students
• UTPD
• Title IX Office (for gender-based hazing)
• Online hazing report form

Documented Incidents & Responses (From Public Log):

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Sanction: Probation, required hazing prevention education.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party, suffering dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose. Student sued for over $1 million. Chapter already under suspension for prior violations.
• Texas Wranglers (spirit organization): Multiple sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing.
• Various fraternities: Probation for alcohol hazing, humiliation rituals, physical abuse.

How a UT Hazing Case Proceeds:

• UTPD and/or Austin PD jurisdiction
• Civil suits typically in Travis County courts
• UT’s public violation log provides powerful pattern evidence
• Sovereign immunity considerations for a public university

What UT Students & Highland Park Parents Should Do:

1. Check the public log for the organization’s history
2. Document through UT’s system but preserve independent evidence
3. Understand Travis County legal landscape
4. Act quickly—UT’s transparency doesn’t guarantee accountability

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

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Texas A&M’s unique culture includes both robust Greek life and the Corps of Cadets. For Highland Park families with Aggie traditions, understanding both environments is crucial. Recent lawsuits have targeted both fraternities and Corps programs.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting:
A&M prohibits hazing in all student organizations. Reporting through:

• Student Conduct Office
• Corps of Cadets Commandant’s Office (for Corps incidents)
• University Police Department
• Anonymous reporting systems

Documented Incidents & Responses:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (~2021): Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts. Pledges sued for $1 million. Fraternity suspended for two years.
• Corps of Cadets (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth. Sought over $1 million. A&M stated it handled matter internally.
• Kappa Sigma (2023): Ongoing litigation alleging rhabdomyolysis from extreme physical hazing.

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Proceeds:

• University Police and/or College Station PD
• Civil suits in Brazos County courts
• Complex sovereign immunity issues as a public university
• Corps cases involve military-style command structure complicating liability

What Texas A&M Students & Highland Park Parents Should Do:

1. Distinguish between Greek and Corps systems—different chains of command
2. Document through both university and external channels
3. Understand Brazos County legal environment
4. Consider both individual and institutional defendants

Baylor University: Private School with Historical Challenges

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Baylor’s religious identity and recent history of institutional crises (sexual assault scandal) create unique dynamics for hazing cases. Highland Park families considering Baylor should understand these complexities.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting:
Baylor maintains “zero tolerance” hazing policies. Reporting through:

• Student Conduct Administration
• Baylor Police Department
• Anonymous “Campus Watch” system

Documented Incidents & Responses:

• Baseball Team Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation. Suspensions staggered over season.
• Various Greek organizations: Periodic disciplinary actions (private university disclosures limited)
• Pattern: Baylor’s institutional response often emphasizes internal resolution over transparency

How a Baylor Hazing Case Proceeds:

• Baylor PD and/or Waco PD
• Civil suits in McLennan County courts
• No sovereign immunity (private university)
• Religious affiliation can complicate certain claims but not negligence

What Baylor Students & Highland Park Parents Should Do:

1. Document meticulously—Baylor’s internal process can be insular
2. Request prior incident records (may require legal demand)
3. Understand Waco legal landscape
4. Consider media strategy carefully given Baylor’s sensitivity

University of Houston: Our Current $10 Million Case

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
While farther from Highland Park, UH matters because our ongoing litigation establishes precedents affecting all Texas universities. The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu case shows how hazing escalates when institutions fail to act.

Our Case – Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi:

• September 2025: Bermudez accepts bid to Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter
• September-October: Forced dress codes, hours-long “study” blocks, weekly interviews, overnight chauffeuring, 24/7 “pledge fanny pack” humiliation
• October: Another pledge hog-tied face-down on table with object in mouth for over an hour
• November 3: Bermudez forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
• November 6: Pi Kappa Phi national suspends chapter after hazing reports
• November 6-9: Bermudez deteriorates, passes brown urine, hospitalized four days with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
• November 14: Chapter members vote to surrender charter
• November 21-22: Media coverage reveals full scope (Click2Houston, ABC13, Hoodline)

Legal Significance for All Texas Families:

1. Comprehensive defendant targeting: University, national fraternity, housing corporation, 13 individuals
2. Medical documentation: Hospital records proving rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney injury
3. Institutional response patterns: UH called conduct “deeply disturbing” but litigation necessary for accountability
4. Media strategy: Responsible publicity to encourage other victims to come forward

What UH Case Means for Highland Park:
The same Pi Kappa Phi national organization operates chapters statewide. Their risk management failures at UH indicate systemic issues. Our litigation strategy—targeting every liable entity—serves as a model for any Texas hazing case.

The Greek Ecosystem Serving Highland Park Families: Public Records Directory

Attorney911 maintains a Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracking over 1,400 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. For Highland Park families, understanding this ecosystem is critical. Below are verified public records of organizations operating in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro that serve Dallas County students.

IRS B83 Registered Organizations in Dallas-Fort Worth Area

These are tax-exempt Greek organizations registered with the IRS, showing the formal infrastructure behind campus letters:

• Beta Upsilon Chi – EIN: 742911848 – Fort Worth, TX 76244 – Fraternity foundation
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – EIN: 741380362 – Fort Worth, TX 76147 – Kappa Sigma housing foundation
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – EIN: 521278573 – Dallas, TX 75241 – Lambda Lambda chapter
• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – EIN: 475370943 – Houston, TX 77204 – Theta Delta chapter (also serves Texas campuses)
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc – EIN: 521345951 – Nolanville, TX 76559 – Mu Delta Zeta chapter
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – EIN: 364091267 – Waco, TX 76710 – Xi Chi chapter
• Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – EIN: 746064445 – Nederland, TX 77627 – Epsilon Kappa chapter alumni
• Kappa Sigma Fraternity – EIN: 756067776 – Fort Worth, TX 76109 – Theta chapter
• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – EIN: 746084905 – Houston, TX 77204
• Phi Delta Theta Fraternity – EIN: 900927378 – San Antonio, TX 78249 – Texas Xi chapter

What This Means for Highland Park Parents:
Each EIN represents a legal entity that can be sued, that may carry insurance, and that has formal governance structures. When hazing occurs, we trace liability through these registered organizations, not just the campus chapter name.

Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Greek Organizations (From Cause IQ Data)

The DFW metro contains 510 Greek organizations according to Cause IQ analysis. Examples serving SMU and other local campuses:

• Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity – Fort Worth, TX – 12650 N Beach St
• Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta) – Arlington/Dallas area – national sorority headquarters
• Tri Delta Educational Fund of SMU – Dallas, TX – Southern Methodist University
• Chi Omega Educational Corporation – Fort Worth, TX – TCU and regional
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation – Fort Worth, TX
• Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity – Gamma Psi Chapter – Fort Worth, TX – TCU
• Sigma Nu Fraternity – Lambda Epsilon Chapter – Fort Worth, TX – TCU
• Kappa Delta Sorority – Gamma Beta Chapter – Denton, TX – Texas Woman’s University
• Delta Delta Delta – Arlington Alumnae Chapter – Dallas, TX

Highland Park Connection:
Many of these organizations have alumni living in Highland Park and University Park who serve as advisors, donors, and housing corporation board members. This connectivity means liability can extend into our community.

Where Highland Park Families Send Students: Campus Connections

Based on educational patterns and geographic proximity, Highland Park students commonly attend:

Primary Local/Regional:

1. Southern Methodist University (Dallas County) – 15 minutes from Highland Park
2. University of Texas at Dallas (Richardson, Dallas County) – 30 minutes
3. University of North Texas (Denton County) – 45 minutes
4. Texas Christian University (Tarrant County) – 45 minutes
5. University of Texas at Arlington (Tarrant County) – 30 minutes

Major Statewide Hubs (Common for Highland Park Graduates):

1. University of Texas at Austin (Travis County)
2. Texas A&M University (Brazos County)
3. Baylor University (McLennan County)
4. Texas Tech University (Lubbock County)
5. University of Houston (Harris County)

Greek Life at These Campuses:

• SMU: 10 IFC fraternities, 8 Panhellenic sororities, NPHC, multicultural groups
• UT Austin: ~60 Greek organizations across all councils
• Texas A&M: Robust Greek life plus Corps of Cadets organizations
• Baylor: Active Greek community within private Christian context
• TCU: Significant Greek presence in Fort Worth

Practical Implication for Highland Park Families:
Your child’s risk exists across this spectrum. The national organizations with hazing histories at distant schools have chapters at local campuses too. Our investigative approach tracks organizations across all campuses they serve.

National Fraternity & Sorority Histories: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

When Highland Park parents ask, “Could this happen here?” the answer lies in national patterns. The same organizations causing deaths in Ohio, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania have Texas chapters. Their national leadership knows the risks but often fails to implement effective prevention.

Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike)

• Stone Foltz (Bowling Green, 2021): Death from forced drinking; $10M settlement
• David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois, 2012): Alcohol poisoning death; $14M settlement
• Texas Presence: Chapters at SMU, UT Austin, Texas A&M, Baylor, UH, most major campuses
• Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking nights consistently cause deaths nationwide

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE)

• Texas A&M Chapter (~2021): Chemical burns from industrial cleaner; $1M lawsuit
• UT Austin Chapter (2024): Assault causing multiple fractures; $1M+ lawsuit
• University of Alabama (2023): Traumatic brain injury lawsuit
• National Pattern: Multiple deaths and injuries despite “elimination” of pledging in 2014

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

• Andrew Coffey (Florida State, 2017): Alcohol poisoning death
• Our UH Case (2025): Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
• National Response: Often suspends chapters after incidents but systemic issues persist

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

• Max Gruver (LSU, 2017): “Bible study” drinking game death; Louisiana felony hazing law
• Texas Presence: Most major campuses including UT Austin, Texas A&M

Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ)

• Chad Meredith (University of Miami, 2001): Drowning after drinking; $12.6M verdict
• Texas A&M (2023): Rhabdomyolysis litigation ongoing
• National: Pattern of alcohol-related incidents

Why National Histories Matter Legally

Foreseeability Doctrine:
If a national organization knew about dangerous hazing patterns from prior incidents at other chapters, they should have taken reasonable steps to prevent recurrence at Texas chapters. Failure to do so supports negligence claims.

Pattern Evidence:
Multiple incidents involving the same organization, even in different states, show systematic failures rather than “rogue chapters.”

Punitive Damages Potential:
When organizations show conscious disregard for known risks, Texas courts may award punitive damages to punish and deter.

Insurance Coverage Implications:
National organizations’ insurance policies may respond differently when pattern evidence shows systemic failures versus isolated incidents.

Breaking the “Rogue Chapter” Defense

National organizations often claim: “This was a rogue chapter violating our policies.” Our approach counters this by:

1. Subpoenaing national records showing prior incidents
2. Demonstrating inadequate training/supervision
3. Showing financial ties (dues, insurance payments)
4. Proving national advisors knew or should have known

In our UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we’ve alleged national headquarters failed to adequately supervise despite known risks from their Florida State chapter death.

Building a Hazing Case: How Attorney911 Investigates for Highland Park Families

When Highland Park families contact us about potential hazing, we follow a comprehensive investigative protocol developed from our BP Texas City explosion litigation experience and decades of complex civil litigation.

Phase 1: Immediate Evidence Preservation (First 48 Hours)

Digital Evidence Collection:

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, fraternity apps
• Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat (screenshot before disappearance), TikTok
• Recovery of deleted messages via digital forensics experts
• Geo-location data from Find My Friends, Snapchat Maps, Life360

Physical Evidence:

1. Injury documentation: Photographs from multiple angles, progression over days
2. Clothing preservation: Unwashed items with stains, tears, substances
3. Object preservation: Paddles, bottles, props used in hazing
4. Receipts/records: For alcohol purchases, costumes, other forced expenses

Medical Evidence:

• ER/hospital records documenting injuries
• Toxicology reports showing blood alcohol levels
• Specialist evaluations (kidney function, psychological trauma)
• Future care needs assessments

In our UH case: Hospital records proved rhabdomyolysis through critically elevated creatine kinase levels. This objective medical evidence overcame potential “he said/she said” disputes.

Phase 2: Institutional Discovery

University Records:

• Prior conduct files for the organization
• Incident reports to campus police
• Internal emails among administrators
• Clery Act reports showing patterns
• Title IX files if sexualized hazing involved

National Fraternity/Sorority Records:

• Risk management files
• Prior incident reports from other chapters
  **Training materials and policy manuals
• Communications with local chapter
• Insurance policies and coverage information

Third-Party Records:

• Landlord/property owner records
• Bar/venue surveillance footage
• Security company reports
• Alcohol provider records (dram shop liability)

Phase 3: Liability Analysis & Defendant Mapping

We identify every potentially liable entity:

1. Individual Participants: Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
2. Chapter Leaders: Presidents, pledge educators, risk managers
3. Local Chapter Entity: If incorporated separately
4. Alumni Boards/Housing Corporations: Often own properties and provide oversight
5. National Headquarters: Deepest pockets, prior knowledge of patterns
6. Universities: For negligent supervision or enforcement
7. Property Owners: Premises liability for dangerous conditions
8. Alcohol Providers: Dram shop liability for over-serving

In our UH case: We named 13 individual fraternity leaders, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, Beta Nu housing corporation, University of Houston, and UH System Board of Regents. Comprehensive targeting prevents defendants from pointing fingers at each other.

Phase 4: Damages Development

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost educational opportunities (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
• Lost earning capacity (for permanent injuries)
• Therapy and counseling costs

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress/PTSD
• Humiliation and loss of dignity
• Loss of enjoyment of college experience

Wrongful Death Damages (If Applicable):

• Funeral/burial costs
• Loss of companionship and support
• Family’s emotional suffering

Punitive Damages Potential:
When defendants show conscious disregard for safety or attempt cover-ups, Texas law may allow punitive damages to punish and deter.

Phase 5: Strategic Resolution

Settlement vs. Trial Analysis:

• Most cases settle confidentially before trial
• Settlement amounts vary based on injuries, liability clarity, defendant resources
• National precedent: $1M-$14M settlements in death cases
• Our approach: Build trial-ready cases to maximize settlement leverage

Institutional Reform Components:
We often seek non-monetary terms:

• Mandatory hazing prevention programs
• Independent monitoring
• Chapter closures or membership reforms
• Transparency requirements

Our UH Case Strategy:
By publicly filing (while protecting client privacy through pseudonym options) and engaging responsible media, we:

1. Encourage other victims to come forward
2. Pressure institutions toward meaningful reform
3. Establish legal precedents benefiting all Texas families
4. Honor our client’s courage in coming forward

Practical Guides & FAQs for Highland Park Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Action Steps

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
• Extreme fatigue beyond normal academic stress
• Weight changes (from forced restriction or stress)
• Sleep deprivation patterns (late-night calls, early wake-ups)
• Secretive behavior about organization activities
• Personality changes: anxiety, withdrawal, defensiveness
• Financial changes: unexpected expenses, requests for money
• Digital anxiety: panicked about phone notifications, deleting messages

How to Talk to Your Child:

1. Choose neutral time: Not when they’re rushing to an event
2. Use open questions: “How are things going with [organization]?” not “Are they hazing you?”
3. Express concern, not accusation: “I’m worried about your exhaustion” not “Your fraternity is abusive”
4. Emphasize safety over status: “Your health matters more than any membership”
5. Offer unconditional support: “You can always come home, no questions asked”

If Your Child Is Injured:

1. Medical care first: Even if they resist, prioritize health
2. Document everything: Photos, notes of what they say, witness names
3. Preserve evidence: Don’t let them delete messages or wash clothing
4. Contact us immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911 for evidence preservation guidance

Dealing with the University:

• Document all communications
• Ask specific questions about prior incidents involving the organization
• Don’t accept vague promises of “internal investigation”
• Understand the university’s dual role: investigating misconduct while limiting liability

For Students: Rights and Safety Strategies

Is This Hazing? Quick Self-Assessment:

• Are you being pressured to do something dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would you do this if you truly had free choice (no social consequences)?
• Are activities hidden from university officials or parents?
• Do older members make you do things they don’t do themselves?
• Are you told to keep secrets or lie about activities?

If You Answer Yes: It’s Hazing
Texas law protects you even if you “agreed.” Consent isn’t a defense when there’s power imbalance.

Exiting Safely:

1. Immediate danger: Call 911, get to safe location
2. Planning to quit: Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
3. Formal resignation: Email/text chapter president: “I resign effective immediately”
4. Safety first: Don’t go to “one last meeting” where pressure/retaliation might occur
5. Document threats: Save any retaliation evidence for protective orders

Good-Faith Reporting Protections:
Texas law and most university policies protect those who report emergencies, even if they were drinking underage. Calling 911 for someone in danger shouldn’t get you in trouble.

For Witnesses/Former Members: Coming Forward

If You Participated and Now Regret It:

• Your testimony can prevent future harm
• Consult your own attorney about potential exposure
• Cooperation can sometimes mitigate consequences
• Silence perpetuates the cycle of abuse

If You Witnessed Hazing:

• Your evidence could save lives
• Anonymous reporting options exist (1-888-NOT-HAZE)
• Texas law protects reporters from retaliation
• Consider speaking with an attorney about how to come forward safely

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence

• Mistake: Letting your child “clean up” embarrassing messages
• Reality: Looks like cover-up, can be obstruction of justice
• Better: Preserve everything immediately

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

• Mistake: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
• Reality: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• Better: Document everything, call attorney first

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

• Mistake: Trusting university’s “internal process”
• Reality: Often includes liability waivers, low settlements
• Better: No signatures without attorney review

4. Social Media Posts

• Mistake: Venting online for support
• Reality: Defense screenshots everything, inconsistencies hurt credibility
• Better: Private documentation only

5. Waiting “to see how the university handles it”

• Mistake: Trusting institutional self-investigation
• Reality: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes run
• Better: Act now, preserve independently

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, under various theories. Public universities (UT, Texas A&M, UH) have sovereign immunity limitations but can be sued for gross negligence, Title IX violations, or when suing employees personally. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) 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 Education Code §37.152 makes hazing a Class B misdemeanor normally, but a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face misdemeanor charges for failing to report.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the activities?”
Texas Education Code §37.155: “Consent is not a defense.” Courts recognize that power imbalance, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion mean true consent isn’t possible in hazing contexts.

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

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

“Will my child’s name be public?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We can seek sealed records and confidential settlements. We prioritize privacy while pursuing accountability.

“What will this cost our family?”
We work on contingency fee—no upfront costs, no fee unless we recover compensation. We advance investigation costs and only recover them if we win. This makes justice accessible regardless of family resources.

Why Attorney911 for Highland Park Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. Here’s why Highland Park families choose The Manginello Law Firm:

Our Unmatched Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (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 insurance companies:

• Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
• Use delay tactics to pressure families
• Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
• We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello’s BP Credential)
Our firm was one of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation against billion-dollar defendants. This experience translates directly to hazing cases because:

• We’re not intimidated by national fraternities or universities with unlimited legal budgets
• We know how to trace liability through complex organizational structures
• We have federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• We’ve faced the toughest defense teams and won

Current Texas Hazing Litigation (Our UH Pi Kappa Phi Case)
Right now, we’re leading one of Texas’s most serious hazing lawsuits—the $10 million Leonel Bermudez case against University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi. This means:

• We’re actively developing hazing litigation strategies in real time
• We’re establishing precedents that benefit all Texas families
• We understand the current landscape of university and fraternity defenses
• We’re connected to the latest medical and digital evidence standards

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience
We have recovered millions for families in complex wrongful death cases. For hazing cases, this means:

• Experience working with economists to value lost futures
• Understanding of lifetime care needs for brain injuries, organ damage, PTSD
• Knowledge of how to present emotional damages compellingly
• Track record of settlements that force institutional change

Criminal + Civil Dual Capability (Ralph’s HCCLA Membership)
Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (elite criminal defense credential) means we:

• Understand criminal hazing charges and how they interact with civil cases
• Can advise witnesses/former members with potential criminal exposure
• Know how to navigate dual-track proceedings
• Understand constitutional protections during investigations

Investigative Depth & Expert Networks
We maintain relationships with:

• Digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages
• Medical experts specializing in rhabdomyolysis, TBI, PTSD
• Greek life culture experts to explain power dynamics
• Economists for damages calculations
• Life care planners for catastrophic injuries

Texas Geographic Mastery
With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we understand:

• Local court procedures across Texas counties
• University-specific cultures and policies
• Regional variations in Greek life
• How to venue cases strategically

Spanish-Language Services
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish—critical for serving Texas’s diverse population with cultural sensitivity.

How We’re Different from Other Firms

We Don’t Just Settle Quickly—We Build Cases That Force Accountability
Some firms push for quick settlements to move to the next case. We invest time and resources to:

• Uncover pattern evidence across chapters and years
• Trace liability to the deepest pockets
• Develop medical evidence for long-term impacts
• Pursue non-monetary reforms that prevent future harm

We Understand Greek Life from the Inside
We’ve investigated enough cases to understand:

• How chapters hide hazing as “tradition” or “bonding”
• The code of silence and how to break it
• The financial structures (dues, housing corporations, national funding)
• The alumni networks that enable ongoing problems

We’re Not Afraid of Publicity When It Helps
While protecting client privacy, we responsibly use media attention to:

• Encourage other victims to come forward
• Pressure institutions toward transparency
• Educate the public about hazing risks
• Honor our clients’ courage

We Think Multi-Generationally
Hazing cases often involve:

• Current students and recent graduates
• Alumni advisors who enabled problems
• University administrators with long tenures
• National organizations with decades of history

We trace liability across all relevant time periods and actors.

Call to Action for Highland Park Families

If you’re reading this because you suspect or know your child has been hazed at SMU, UT Austin, Texas A&M, Baylor, or any Texas campus, we want you to know three things:

First: You’re not alone. Hazing affects families across Texas, including here in Highland Park, University Park, and Dallas County. The shame and secrecy surrounding hazing make families feel isolated, but the patterns are widespread.

Second: You have rights. Texas law protects your child even if they “participated willingly.” Universities and national organizations have duties to prevent foreseeable harm. When they fail, they can be held accountable.

Third: Time matters. Evidence disappears quickly. Witnesses graduate or are coached. Memories fade. Statutes of limitations run. The sooner you act, the better we can preserve evidence and protect your child’s interests.

What to Expect When You Contact Us

Your Free, Confidential Consultation:

1. We listen without judgment: Tell us what happened in your own words
2. Evidence review: We’ll look at any photos, messages, medical records you have
3. Options explanation: We’ll explain criminal reporting, civil litigation, both, or neither
4. Realistic assessment: We’ll discuss likely timelines, challenges, and potential outcomes
5. Cost transparency: We explain our contingency fee—no recovery, no fee
6. No pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

Our Investigative Process:
If you choose to work with us, we’ll immediately:

1. Preserve evidence: Secure digital and physical evidence before disappearance
2. Identify witnesses: Document who saw what while memories are fresh
3. Medical advocacy: Ensure your child gets proper care and documentation
4. University navigation: Help you communicate with schools without compromising rights
5. Comprehensive investigation: Trace liability through all potentially responsible parties

Contact The Manginello Law Firm Today

For immediate help:

• Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct: (713) 528-9070
• Cell: (713) 443-4781

Online:

• Website: https://attorney911.com
• Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)

Spanish Services:

• Hablamos Español: Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com para consulta en español
• Servicios legales completos disponibles en español

Serving All of Texas from Offices in:

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

Whether your child attends SMU just minutes away, UT Austin a few hours south, Texas A&M within driving distance, or any campus across Texas, we can help. Hazing doesn’t respect school colors, family traditions, or geographic distance. It exploits the universal desire to belong. And when that exploitation turns dangerous, families need experienced advocates who understand both the emotional trauma and legal complexity.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us help you get answers, hold the right people accountable, and ensure no other family suffers what yours has endured.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

Attorney911 Main Website & Contact:
https://attorney911.com

Wrongful Death Practice Area (Relevant for Hazing Fatalities):
https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/

Criminal Defense Practice Area (Relevant When Hazing Involves Criminal Charges):
https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/

Ralph Manginello Attorney Profile:
https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/

Lupe Peña Attorney Profile:
https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

News Coverage of Our UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing Lawsuit:

• Click2Houston report: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
• ABC13 coverage: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• Hoodline summary: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Educational YouTube Videos:

• Evidence preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Statute of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client mistakes to avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• Contingency fees explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

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