Hazing in Texas: A Complete Guide for Hunters Creek Village Families

When the Unthinkable Happens at College: What Hunters Creek Village Parents Need to Know

Imagine your child, a bright student from our Hunters Creek Village community, accepts a bid to join a fraternity or sorority at a Texas university. What begins as excitement about finding community slowly transforms into something darker. Mandatory late-night meetings interfere with studies. Group chats buzz at all hours with demands. Your child comes home exhausted, withdraws from family conversations, and makes excuses for unexplained bruises. Then comes the call no parent wants: your child is in the emergency room, suffering from acute kidney failure after being forced through extreme physical hazing. The urine was brown. The muscle breakdown was severe. The hospital stay lasts four days, and the risk of permanent kidney damage looms.

This isn’t hypothetical. This exact medical catastrophe happened to Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student, during his fall 2025 pledge period with the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. The hazing he endured—including forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by immediate sprints; 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion; and being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”—culminated in rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. We represent Leonel in his $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, the UH System Board of Regents, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders.

For families in Hunters Creek Village, Memorial, River Oaks, and across Houston’s affluent communities, this case serves as a stark warning: the universities where we send our children harbor dangerous traditions that can turn deadly. This comprehensive guide explains what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects (and sometimes fails) our students, what’s happening at Texas universities, and what legal options exist when institutions fail to protect our children.

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 your child insists they’re “fine”
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
  • Photograph injuries from multiple angles
  • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing)
• Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity/sorority directly
  • 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 Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

The Modern Definition: Coercion Disguised as Tradition

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless initiation.” Under Texas law (Education Code Chapter 37), hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that endangers mental or physical health and occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in any student organization.

The critical distinction for Hunters Creek Village families: “Consent” is not a defense in Texas. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the power imbalance, peer pressure, and fear of social exclusion create coercion that the law recognizes as invalid consent.

Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Harmless”)

• 24/7 group chat monitoring and instant response demands
• Forced chauffeuring of older members at all hours
• “Pledge fanny packs” containing humiliating items (as in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case: condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices)
• Mandatory “study blocks” that are actually surveillance periods
• Social isolation from non-members and family
• Geographic tracking via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Creates Hostile Environment)

• Sleep deprivation through late-night “meetings” or 3 AM wake-up calls
• Forced consumption of unpleasant substances (spoiled food, hot sauce, excessive bland foods)
• Extreme calisthenics framed as “conditioning” but actually punitive
• Public humiliation through embarrassing costumes or performances
• “Roasts” or interrogation sessions designed to break down self-esteem
• Digital humiliation through forced social media posts or TikTok challenges

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (High Risk of Injury or Death)

• Alcohol coercion: “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, “Bible study” drinking games, lineups where wrong answers mean forced drinking
• Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, “gladiator” fights, blindfolded tackle rituals
• Sexualized hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, “elephant walks”
• Dangerous environments: Locked in freezing rooms, left outside in extreme weather, denied bathroom access
• Chemical exposure: Industrial cleaners poured on skin causing chemical burns (as alleged in Texas A&M SAE case)
• Fire hazing: Setting pledges on fire during “skits” (San Diego State Phi Kappa Psi case)

Where Hazing Happens: Beyond Fraternity Row

While fraternities and sororities dominate headlines, Hunters Creek Village families should know hazing occurs in:

• Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs (military-style discipline crossing into abuse)
• Athletic teams (from football to cheerleading)
• Spirit organizations (Texas Cowboys, Texas A&M’s Ross Volunteers)
• Marching bands and performance groups
• Academic honor societies and service organizations
• Cultural and identity-based organizations

The common thread: any group with initiation rituals, power imbalances between new and established members, and secretive traditions can develop hazing cultures.

Texas Hazing Law: What Hunters Creek Village Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Foundation

Definition (§37.151): Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership.

Key Provisions for Hunters Creek Village Families:

• Location doesn’t matter: On-campus, off-campus, at retreats—all covered
• “Consent is not a defense” (§37.155): Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing
• Criminal penalties (§37.152):
  • Class B misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
  • Class A misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
  • State jail felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death
• Organizational liability (§37.153): Fraternities, sororities, and clubs can be fined up to $10,000 per violation
• Good-faith reporting immunity (§37.154): Those who report hazing to authorities are protected from liability

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases (The State vs. Individuals/Organizations)

• Brought by prosecutors (Harris County DA for UH cases)
• Aim: Punishment through jail, fines, probation
• Common charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Reality: Many hazing cases plead down to misdemeanors; serious penalties often require injury or death

Civil Cases (Your Family vs. Those Responsible)

• Brought by victims and families
• Aim: Compensation for damages and institutional accountability
• Legal theories: Negligence, gross negligence, negligent supervision, premises liability, wrongful death
• Advantage: Lower burden of proof than criminal cases; can uncover institutional cover-ups through discovery

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

Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility, universities must investigate and respond. For Hunters Creek Village families, this means:

• Universities receiving federal funds (all Texas public universities) have Title IX obligations
• Sexualized hazing triggers specific reporting and response requirements
• Failure to respond adequately can create additional liability

Clery Act: Requires universities to report campus crime statistics, including certain hazing-related offenses. The 2024 Stop Campus Hazing Act strengthens these requirements, mandating more transparent hazing reporting by 2026.

Who Can Be Liable? The Defendant Universe in Hazing Cases

From our experience representing Leonel Bermudez and other hazing victims, liability extends to:

1. Individual Students

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

2. Local Chapters

• The fraternity/sorority as an entity (if incorporated)
• Housing corporations that own chapter properties

3. National Organizations

• Headquarters that set policies, collect dues, and supervise chapters
• Critical evidence: Prior incident reports showing patterns of similar conduct at other chapters

4. Universities and Governing Boards

• Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) under certain negligence theories
• Private universities (SMU, Baylor) with fewer immunity protections
• Key question: What did the university know, and when did they know it?

5. Third Parties

• Property owners/landlords of off-campus houses
• Alcohol providers under dram shop laws
• Security companies hired for events

National Hazing Case Patterns: The Scripts That Keep Repeating

Alcohol Poisoning: The Most Deadly Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, 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
• Takeaway for Hunters Creek Village families: Formulaic drinking nights are predictable and preventable

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

• “Bible study” drinking game: wrong answers = forced drinking
• Died with 0.495% BAC (six times legal limit)
• Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act created felony hazing statute
• $6.1 million verdict against fraternity members
• Takeaway: Drinking games disguised as “traditions” are lethal scripts

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

• “Big Brother Night” with handles of liquor
• Died from acute alcohol poisoning
• FSU suspended all Greek life temporarily
• Takeaway: The same national organization involved in the UH case has fatal history

Physical and Ritualized Hazing Patterns

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

• Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
• Fatal traumatic brain injury; delayed 911 call
• National fraternity criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
• Banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
• Takeaway: Off-campus retreats don’t eliminate liability

Danny Santulli – Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)

• Forced to drink dangerous amounts during “pledge dad reveal”
• Severe permanent brain damage: cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care
• Settlements with 22 defendants, reportedly multi-million dollar
• Takeaway: Non-fatal cases can involve catastrophic lifelong injuries

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

• Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing within football program
• Multiple lawsuits; head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired then settled wrongful-termination suit
• Takeaway: Big-money athletic programs have similar power imbalances and secrecy

What These Cases Mean for Hunters Creek Village Families

1. Patterns are predictable: The same scripts (Big/Little nights, drinking games, physical “tests”) repeat across campuses
2. Delayed medical care worsens outcomes: Cover-up culture leads to fatal delays in calling 911
3. National organizations have prior knowledge: Many have seen these exact scenarios before
4. Multi-million dollar accountability is possible: From $10M (Foltz) to $12.6M (Meredith) to $14M (Bogenberger)
5. Legislative change follows tragedy: Pennsylvania (Piazza Law), Louisiana (Max Gruver Act), Ohio (Collin’s Law), Florida (Chad Meredith Law)

Texas University Focus: Where Hunters Creek Village Students Attend

University of Houston: Houston’s Home Campus

For Hunters Creek Village families, UH represents our local major university—just minutes from our community yet hosting the severe Pi Kappa Phi hazing case we’re actively litigating.

Campus Culture Snapshot:

• Large urban commuter/residential mix
• Active Greek life: 17 IFC fraternities, 6 Panhellenic sororities, NPHC, MGC organizations
• Locations of recent hazing: Pi Kappa Phi house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park

UH Hazing Policy & Reporting:

• Prohibits hazing on and off campus
• Reporting through Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct, UHPD
• Recent transparency improvement: Public hazing violation lists (following UT’s model)

Documented Incidents Beyond Pi Kappa Phi:

• 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha: Pledge suffered lacerated spleen during multi-day event with food/water/sleep deprivation
• Multiple organizations on disciplinary probation for “conduct likely to produce mental or physical discomfort”
• Pattern: Alcohol misuse, physical endurance tests, humiliation rituals

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds for Hunters Creek Village Families:

1. Jurisdiction: Harris County courts (downtown Houston, accessible from Hunters Creek Village)
2. Investigating agencies: UHPD and/or Houston Police Department
3. Medical facilities: Texas Medical Center hospitals (where Leonel Bermudez was treated)
4. Legal venue: Harris County district courts or federal Southern District of Texas

What UH Students & Hunters Creek Village Parents Should Do:

• Document everything immediately: UH chapters use GroupMe, iMessage, Instagram
• Report to both UHPD AND Houston PD if off-campus
• Request prior disciplinary records of the organization through public information requests
• Contact an attorney familiar with Harris County courts and UH’s internal processes

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

For Hunters Creek Village families with Aggie traditions, Texas A&M presents unique hazing risks in both Greek life and the Corps of Cadets.

Campus Culture Snapshot:

• Strong Corps of Cadets tradition with military-style discipline
• Active Greek life: 19 IFC fraternities, 14 Panhellenic sororities
• Unique risk: Interaction between Corps hazing culture and Greek traditions

Documented Incidents:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, spit causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. $1 million lawsuit filed.
• Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023): Cadet alleged being bound between beds in simulated sexual position with apple in mouth, sought over $1 million.
• Kappa Sigma Rhabdomyolysis Case (2023): Ongoing litigation involving extreme physical hazing causing muscle breakdown

Texas A&M’s Response Pattern:

• Internal investigations through Student Conduct and Corps regulations
• Chapter suspensions common (SAE suspended for two years)
• Challenge: Separating “traditional discipline” from illegal hazing in Corps culture

What Aggie Families from Hunters Creek Village Should Know:

1. Dual systems: Both Greek life and Corps have independent disciplinary processes
2. Medical resources: College Station hospitals may transfer serious cases to Houston (familiar to Hunters Creek Village families)
3. Legal complexity: Cases may involve both university discipline and Brazos County criminal charges

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Ongoing Issues

For Hunters Creek Village families seeking transparency, UT Austin leads Texas in public hazing disclosure—but violations continue.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page (hazing.utexas.edu):

• Lists organizations, dates, conduct, sanctions since 2018
• Example entries:
  • Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Sanction: Probation, hazing prevention education.
  • Texas Wranglers (2022): Spirit organization sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol hazing.
  • Multiple fraternities: Alcohol-related hazing, physical endurance tests, humiliation.

Campus Culture Factors:

• Strong Greek life presence: ~60 fraternity/sorority chapters
• Active spirit organizations with tradition-heavy cultures
• Urban location: Off-campus houses in West Campus area, frequent party venues

How UT Cases Differ:

• Transparency advantage: Prior violations are public, helping establish pattern evidence
• Austin jurisdiction: Travis County courts and Austin PD involvement
• Medical resources: Dell Seton Medical Center (Level I trauma center)

Advice for UT-Austin Families in Hunters Creek Village:

• Check the public database before your child joins any organization
• Documentation is critical: UT chapters use encrypted apps (Signal, Telegram) requiring immediate screenshots
• Multi-jurisdictional: Events often span Austin, Travis County, and surrounding areas

Southern Methodist University: Private University Challenges

For Hunters Creek Village families considering private education, SMU presents different oversight challenges.

Campus Culture Snapshot:

• Affluent student body with strong Greek presence
• Smaller Greek system but high participation rates
• Private university status: Less public transparency than state schools

Documented Incidents:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived. Chapter suspended until 2021.
• Multiple organizations under ongoing disciplinary review
• Pattern: Social media hazing, alcohol coercion, psychological manipulation

SMU’s Response System:

• Anonymous reporting via Real Response system
• Internal conduct process with less public disclosure
• Challenge: Private university records harder to obtain without litigation

What SMU Families Should Know:

• Insurance dynamics: SMU’s private status affects liability insurance and coverage disputes
• Dallas jurisdiction: Dallas County courts, Dallas PD involvement for off-campus incidents
• Medical resources: Dallas hospitals including Parkland (Level I trauma center)

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Accountability Challenges

For Hunters Creek Village families valuing faith-based education, Baylor’s history with institutional accountability matters.

Campus Culture Context:

• Religious identity influencing disciplinary approach
• History of Title IX scrutiny affecting overall institutional response patterns
• Greek life: 5 IFC fraternities, 9 Panhellenic sororities

Documented Incidents:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Multiple Greek organizations under disciplinary review
• Pattern: Alcohol-related incidents, physical endurance tests

Baylor’s Unique Challenges:

• Balancing religious mission with legal accountability
• History of institutional protection affecting victim trust
• Waco jurisdiction: McLennan County courts, different legal environment than Houston

Advice for Baylor Families:

• Understand Baylor’s unique disciplinary culture
• Document through both university and external channels
• Consider medical care in Waco versus transfer to Houston specialists

Fraternity and Sorority National Histories: Pattern Evidence Matters

Why National Headquarters Knowledge Creates Liability

When we represent hazing victims like Leonel Bermudez, we subpoena national headquarters records to establish a critical legal principle: foreseeability. If the same national organization has seen identical hazing patterns cause injury or death at other chapters, they cannot claim “we had no idea this could happen.”

Major National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – The Stone Foltz Pattern

• Stone Foltz (BGSU 2021): $10 million settlement
• David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois 2012): $14 million settlement
• Multiple chapters suspended nationally for alcohol hazing
• Present at: UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Chemical and Physical Abuse Pattern

• Texas A&M Chemical Burns (2021): $1 million lawsuit
• University of Alabama TBI Case (2023): Traumatic brain injury lawsuit
• University of Texas Assault Case (2024): Fractured tibia, broken nose lawsuit
• National pattern: Physical beatings, dangerous substances, alcohol coercion
• Present at: UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor

Pi Kappa Phi – Our Current UH Case

• Andrew Coffey (Florida State 2017): Hazing death, chapter closed
• Leonel Bermudez (UH 2025): Rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, our active litigation
• National response: Headquarters suspended Beta Nu chapter within days of report
• Pattern: Physical endurance tests, humiliation rituals, alcohol coercion

Phi Delta Theta – The Max Gruver Legacy

• Max Gruver (LSU 2017): $6.1 million verdict, Louisiana felony hazing law
• National response: Implemented “dry” housing policy after death
• Pattern: Drinking games disguised as “traditions”
• Present at: UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor

How Pattern Evidence Strengthens Your Case

In the Leonel Bermudez UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re establishing that:

1. Pi Kappa Phi national knew about alcohol and physical hazing risks from the Andrew Coffey death
2. Training materials existed but weren’t effectively implemented at UH
3. Supervision systems failed despite national knowledge of chapter risks
4. The same script (physical endurance, humiliation, alcohol) repeated at UH

For Hunters Creek Village families, this means:

• Your case isn’t starting from scratch—there’s precedent
• National headquarters can’t plausibly claim “we didn’t know”
• Settlement values reflect organizational knowledge and prior incidents
• Punitive damages become possible when organizations ignore clear patterns

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages

The Evidence That Wins Cases in 2025

Digital Evidence (Most Critical)

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, Discord, fraternity-specific apps
• Recovery methods: Even deleted messages can be recovered through digital forensics
• Metadata: Timestamps, participant lists, location data
• Social media: Instagram Stories, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook
• Preservation protocol: Screenshot immediately, back up to cloud, do NOT let phone storage fill up

Medical Documentation

• Emergency records: ER reports, ambulance records, ICU notes
• Lab results: Blood alcohol, toxicology, kidney function (creatine kinase levels for rhabdomyolysis)
• Imaging: X-rays, CT scans, MRIs for physical injuries
• Psychological evaluation: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
• Future care plans: For catastrophic injuries requiring lifelong treatment

Institutional Records

• University files: Prior disciplinary reports, probation letters, warning emails
• National headquarters records: Incident reports from other chapters, training materials
• Insurance policies: Fraternity, university, property owner coverage
• Public records: Clery reports, campus crime statistics

Witness Testimony

• Other pledges: Often afraid but willing to testify under protection
• Former members: Those who quit or were expelled
• Roommates and friends: Observed behavior changes
• Medical personnel: Documented injuries and patient statements
• Expert witnesses: Toxicologists, psychologists, Greek life culture experts

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

• Medical expenses: Past and future care, including potential lifelong treatment
• Lost earnings: Missed semesters, delayed career entry, reduced earning capacity
• Educational costs: Tuition for withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships
• Therapy and counseling: Often needed for years after trauma

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real Harm)

• Physical pain and suffering: From injuries and recovery
• Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment: Can’t participate in college life, sports, activities
• Reputational harm: Social stigma, difficulty transferring schools

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragedy Strikes)

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support: Future earnings the deceased would have provided
• Loss of companionship: For parents, siblings, spouses
• Emotional suffering: Grief, trauma of sudden loss

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Egregious)

• Purpose: Punish defendants and deter future conduct
• When awarded: Gross negligence, willful ignorance, cover-up attempts
• Texas caps: Generally limited, but exceptions for certain intentional conduct

Insurance Coverage Battles: Where Insider Knowledge Matters

Why Mr. Lupe Peña’s Defense Background Is Critical:
As a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm, Mr. Peña knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers will fight hazing claims:

Common Insurance Defense Tactics:

1. “Intentional act” exclusion: Claiming hazing is intentional and therefore not covered
2. “Rogue chapter” argument: Arguing national headquarters didn’t know or approve
3. Lowball settlements: Offering quick, low-value settlements before families hire counsel
4. Delay tactics: Dragging out cases to pressure financially strained families
5. IME manipulation: Using “independent” medical exams to minimize injuries

Our Counter-Strategy:

• Negligent supervision claims: Even if hazing was intentional, failure to supervise was negligent
• Pattern evidence: Showing nationals knew or should have known based on prior incidents
• Bad faith claims: Suing insurers when they wrongfully deny coverage
• Multiple policy targets: Identifying all potential coverage (chapter, national, university, property owner)

Practical Guides: What Hunters Creek Village Families Should Do

For Parents: Warning Signs and Response Protocol

Physical Warning Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts (especially in patterns suggesting paddling)
• Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
• Weight changes from food/water restriction
• Injuries to hands, back, legs
• Chemical burns or skin damage
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (even if your child doesn’t normally drink)

Behavioral and Emotional Changes:

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

Academic Red Flags:

• Grades dropping suddenly
• Missing classes or falling asleep in class
• Skipping assignments for “mandatory” events
• Losing scholarships or academic standing

The 48-Hour Action Checklist for Hunters Creek Village Parents:

HOUR 1-6 (CRISIS RESPONSE):

1. Medical priority: Get to ER if injured or intoxicated
2. Safety: Remove from dangerous situation
3. Evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries
4. Notes: Write down everything they tell you
5. Legal call: Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911

HOUR 6-24 (EVIDENCE PRESERVATION):

1. Digital backup: Help child preserve all chats (do NOT delete anything)
2. Physical evidence: Secure clothing, receipts, objects
3. Medical records: Request all ER/hospital documentation
4. Witness list: Names and contact info for others involved
5. University communication: Document all contact from school

HOUR 24-48 (STRATEGIC DECISIONS):

1. Legal consultation: Speak with experienced hazing attorney
2. Reporting decision: With lawyer’s guidance, decide on campus/local police reporting
3. University response: Refer school communications to your attorney
4. Insurance: Do NOT speak to adjusters without counsel
5. Backup: Upload all evidence to cloud storage

For Students: Is This Hazing? Decision Guide

Ask Yourself These Questions:

1. Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
2. Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
3. Would my parents or the university approve if they knew exactly what’s happening?
4. Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do themselves?
5. Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?

If You Answered YES to Any:

• It’s likely hazing
• You have legal rights regardless of “consent”
• Texas law protects you even if you “agreed”

How to Exit Safely:

1. Immediate danger: Call 911 or campus police
2. Safe location: Go to dorm, friend’s place, public area
3. Legal protection: Texas has good-faith reporter immunity for emergency calls
4. Formal resignation: Email chapter president: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
5. Do NOT attend “one last meeting”: This is where pressure and retaliation happen

Critical Mistakes That Destroy Hazing Cases

MISTAKE #1: Deleting Evidence

• What families think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
• Reality: Looks like cover-up, can be obstruction of justice
• Correct approach: Preserve EVERYTHING, even embarrassing content

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the Organization Directly

• What families think: “I’ll give them a piece of my mind”
• Reality: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• Correct approach: Document everything, call attorney BEFORE any confrontation

MISTAKE #3: Signing University “Resolution” Forms

• What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or internal agreements
• Reality: You may waive right to sue; settlements are often far below case value
• Correct approach: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

MISTAKE #4: Posting on Social Media

• What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
• Reality: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
• Correct approach: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

MISTAKE #5: Waiting for University Investigation

• What universities promise: “We’re investigating internally”
• Reality: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
• Correct approach: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

Frequently Asked Questions for Hunters Creek Village Families

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

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

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Consent is not a defense under Texas Education Code §37.155. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t voluntary. Your child’s participation doesn’t bar legal action.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from date of injury or death in Texas, but the discovery rule may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately known. In cover-up cases, the statute may be tolled. 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 knowledge. Many major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus with multi-million-dollar judgments.

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

Why Attorney911 for Hunters Creek Village Hazing Cases

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Our Investigative Advantage

When you contact our firm about a hazing case, we don’t start from zero. We maintain what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Texas Greek organizations built from public records:

Public Records Directory: Texas Greek Organizations
From IRS filings, university records, and public databases, we track:

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Records):

• KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC | EIN: 133048786 | COLLEGE STATION, TX 77845
• GAMMA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 161675890 | THE WOODLANDS, TX 77382
• PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY | EIN: 746064445 | NEDERLAND, TX 77627
• BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC | EIN: 462267515 | FRISCO, TX 75035
• SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER | EIN: 746084905 | HOUSTON, TX 77204

Houston Metro Greek Organizations (188 Total):

• Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity | Houston
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae | Houston
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter | Houston
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Alpha Kappa Omega | Houston

Why This Matters for Your Case:

1. We already know the legal entities behind the Greek letters
2. We can identify all potentially liable parties from day one
3. We understand organizational structures and insurance arrangements
4. We track patterns across campuses and organizations

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña’s Defense Background
As a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm, Mr. Peña brings indispensable insight:

• Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers value (and undervalue) claims
• Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies
• Can anticipate and counter defense motions before they’re filed
• Speaks fluent Spanish, serving Houston’s Hispanic community

Complex Institutional Litigation: Ralph Manginello’s BP Experience
Our involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation proves our capability against massive defendants:

• We’ve faced billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal budgets
• We understand complex document discovery and expert testimony
• We’re not intimidated by national fraternities or university legal teams
• Federal court experience (Southern District of Texas) for Title IX and civil rights claims

Dual Criminal/Civil Capability: HCCLA Membership
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association signals:

• Understanding of criminal hazing charges and defenses
• Ability to advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
• Relationships with prosecutors that can facilitate cooperation agreements
• Comprehensive approach covering all legal aspects

Proven Results in Catastrophic Cases
We’ve recovered millions in:

• Wrongful death cases with economist collaboration
• Catastrophic injury cases requiring life care planning
• Complex institutional negligence cases
• Cases involving permanent disability and lifelong care needs

How We Investigate Hazing Cases Differently

Digital Forensics Capability

• Recovery of deleted messages from GroupMe, WhatsApp, Signal
• Social media evidence preservation before deletion
• Geo-location data from phones and apps
• Timeline reconstruction from digital footprints

Expert Network

• Medical experts specializing in rhabdomyolysis, TBI, PTSD
• Toxicologists for alcohol poisoning cases
• Greek life culture experts explaining coercion dynamics
• Economists for lifetime care cost projections
• Digital forensics specialists for evidence recovery

Institutional Records Access

• Experience obtaining university disciplinary files
• Subpoena strategies for national headquarters records
• Public records request expertise for Clery reports
• Insurance policy discovery and coverage analysis

Our Commitment to Hunters Creek Village Families

We Understand Your Community
Based in Houston, we serve Hunters Creek Village, Memorial, River Oaks, and surrounding communities. We understand:

• The expectations families have for their children’s college experience
• The shock when trusted institutions fail
• The medical resources available in the Texas Medical Center
• The local legal landscape in Harris County courts

Spanish-Language Services
Mr. Peña provides full legal services in Spanish. Contact him directly at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

No Fee Unless We Win
We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your family. This ensures access to justice regardless of financial means.

Your Next Steps: Contact Attorney911 Today

Free Confidential Consultation for Hunters Creek Village Families

If hazing has impacted your family, we offer a no-obligation, confidential consultation to:

1. Listen to your story without judgment
2. Review any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, texts, medical records)
3. Explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
4. Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
5. Answer questions about costs (contingency fee – we don’t get paid unless we win)
6. Provide immediate guidance on evidence preservation and safety

No pressure to hire us on the spot—take time to make the right decision for your family. Everything you tell us is confidential.

Contact Information for Immediate Help

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

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

Resources for Additional Support

National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
University Reporting Channels:

• UH: Dean of Students Office, UHPD
• Texas A&M: Student Conduct Office, Corps Headquarters
• UT: Office of the Dean of Students, UTPD
• SMU: Dean of Student Life, SMU PD
• Baylor: Student Conduct Administration, Baylor PD

Medical Resources in Houston:

• Texas Medical Center Emergency Departments
• Memorial Hermann Hospital Trauma Center
• Houston Methodist Hospital
• Mental health services through university counseling centers

Final Message to Hunters Creek Village Families

The hazing that injured Leonel Bermudez at UH—and similar abuse happening at Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor—represents a failure at multiple levels: individual students making dangerous choices, chapters perpetuating harmful traditions, national organizations ignoring clear patterns, and universities failing to protect students they’re entrusted to educate.

As parents in Hunters Creek Village, we send our children to college expecting safety, growth, and opportunity. When institutions violate that trust, they must be held accountable. Through thorough investigation, strategic litigation, and unwavering advocacy, we help families recover compensation, obtain answers, and force changes that protect future students.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. The path forward begins with one call.

Contact Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us help you protect your child and hold the right people accountable.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of the Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing Lawsuit

Click2Houston (KPRC 2) 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 Eyewitness News Coverage:
https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

Hoodline Summary of the $10M Lawsuit:
https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos

Using Your Cellphone to Document Evidence:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Texas Statutes of Limitations Explained:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

How Contingency Fees Work:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website

Contact for Free Consultation:
https://attorney911.com

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, lupe@atty911.com