Hazing at Texas Universities: A Comprehensive Legal Guide for Hutto Families

A Night No Hutto Parent Should Imagine

It’s late on a Thursday night in the fall semester. Your student, a freshman at the University of Houston, texts that they’re “studying with friends” and will be home late. What you don’t know is that they’re actually at the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity house, being forced through their third hour of extreme calisthenics as part of “pledge week.” They’ve already consumed excessive amounts of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, been sprayed in the face with a hose, and are now being told that failure to complete 500 squats means expulsion from the fraternity they worked so hard to join.

Across Texas, from Houston to College Station to Austin, similar scenes play out every semester—not just in fraternities, but in sororities, Corps programs, athletic teams, and spirit groups. What begins as “tradition” or “bonding” often crosses into illegal hazing that causes serious injury, psychological trauma, and sometimes death.

Right now, in Harris County, we’re actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas: Leonel Bermudez’s $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi. Bermudez, a UH student, suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after brutal hazing that included forced consumption of milk and hot dogs, extreme workouts, and simulated waterboarding. He was hospitalized for four days and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter has been shut down, but the legal battle for accountability continues—and it shows exactly what Hutto families are up against when hazing happens.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24-48 hours:

Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
Universities move quickly to control the narrative
We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

What This Guide Covers for Hutto Families

This comprehensive guide to hazing and the law in Texas is written specifically for families in Hutto and across Williamson County who need to understand:

What modern hazing looks like in 2025 (far beyond old stereotypes)
How Texas and federal law treat hazing incidents
What we’ve learned from major national cases and how they apply to Texas families
What’s happening at University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor—schools where Hutto students commonly attend
What legal options victims and families in Hutto and throughout Central Texas may have

Hutto families have deep connections to Texas universities. Many students commute to nearby Texas State University in San Marcos (just 30 minutes away) or make the longer trek to UT Austin, Texas A&M, or University of Houston. Wherever your student attends school, Texas hazing law and experienced Texas counsel can help when things go wrong.

This article provides general information, not specific legal advice. Our firm can evaluate individual cases based on their specific facts. We serve families throughout Texas, including Hutto and all of Williamson County.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

The Modern Definition of Hazing

For Hutto families unfamiliar with today’s Greek life and campus organizations, hazing has evolved far beyond simple pranks. We define hazing as 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.

Critical understanding for parents: “I agreed to it” does not make it legal or safe. Texas law specifically states that consent is not a defense to hazing, recognizing the power imbalance and peer pressure inherent in these situations.

Main Categories of Hazing Affecting Texas Students

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common—and most dangerous—form of hazing. At Texas campuses, this includes forced or coerced drinking during “Big/Little” nights, bid acceptance parties, and games like “Bible study” where incorrect answers mean drinking. The Leonel Bermudez case at UH involved forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting. Nationally, alcohol hazing has caused numerous deaths, including Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University and Max Gruver at LSU.

Physical Hazing
Beyond traditional paddling, today’s physical hazing includes extreme calisthenics called “smokings,” sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme environments. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, Bermudez was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats, left in vomit-soaked grass, and sprayed with a hose. At Texas A&M, SAE pledges suffered chemical burns requiring skin grafts after having industrial-strength cleaner poured on them.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. The Texas A&M Corps faced a lawsuit alleging cadets were bound in “roasted pig” positions with apples in their mouths. These acts cause deep psychological trauma that can last years.

Psychological Hazing
Verbal abuse, threats, isolation, public shaming, and manipulation are common. The constant fear of being “cut” or ostracized creates immense pressure on students.

Digital/Online Hazing
Today’s hazing happens on GroupMe, WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok. Pledges might be required to post humiliating content, respond instantly to messages at all hours, or share their location via tracking apps. This 24/7 digital control represents a new frontier in hazing that previous generations never faced.

Where Hazing Happens Across Texas Campuses

While fraternities receive most attention, hazing occurs in many organizations where Hutto students participate:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC (especially at Texas A&M)
Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs (like Texas Cowboys at UT)
Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading)
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Some Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations

The common threads are social status, tradition, and secrecy. Even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal, the pressure to belong keeps these practices alive.

Texas Law & Liability Framework

Texas Hazing Law Basics

Under Texas law—which governs cases involving Hutto families—hazing is broadly defined in the Education Code (Chapter 37, Subchapter F) as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership that:

Endangers physical health or safety (e.g., beating, forced exercise, forced consumption)
OR substantially affects mental health or safety (e.g., extreme humiliation, intimidation)

Key points for Hutto parents:

Can happen on or off campus (location doesn’t matter)
Can be mental or physical harm
Recklessness is enough (knew the risk and did it anyway)
“Consent is not a defense” – Even if your child agreed, it’s still hazing

Criminal vs Civil Cases

Criminal Cases

Brought by the state (district attorney)
Aim: punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Charges can include hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, or manslaughter in fatal cases
In Texas, hazing is typically a Class B misdemeanor, but becomes a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death

Civil Cases

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: monetary compensation and accountability
Focus on negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case

Both types can proceed simultaneously. The Bermudez case against UH and Pi Kappa Phi is a civil lawsuit seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.

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

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
This new federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid to:

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

Title IX & Clery Act
When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. The Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics—hazing often overlaps with these categories.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Hutto families should understand that multiple parties can share responsibility:

Individual Students
Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover them up.

Local Chapter/Organization
The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if incorporated). In the UH case, 13 individual fraternity leaders are named alongside the chapter.

National Fraternity/Sorority
Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Their liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents. Pi Kappa Phi national is named in the UH lawsuit.

University or Governing Board
Schools may be sued under negligence or civil-rights theories. Key questions involve prior warnings, policy enforcement, and deliberate indifference. UH and the UH System Board of Regents are defendants in the Bermudez case.

Third Parties
Landlords of event spaces, bars that overserved alcohol, security companies, or event organizers.

Every case is fact-specific. Our investigation determines which parties share responsibility in each situation.

National Hazing Case Patterns That Affect Texas Families

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
Bid-acceptance event with heavy drinking led to fatal falls captured on chapter cameras. Help was delayed for hours. Dozens faced criminal charges; civil litigation followed; Pennsylvania enacted the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. Takeaway for Hutto families: Extreme intoxication combined with delay in calling 911 creates devastating legal exposure.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
Big/little event where pledge was given a handle of liquor and drank to dangerous levels. Criminal hazing charges followed; FSU temporarily suspended Greek life. Takeaway: Formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are repeating scripts for disaster.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
“Bible study” drinking game forced drinking for incorrect answers. Death led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute). Takeaway: Legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Pledge forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey during pledge night. Multiple criminal convictions; BGSU settled for nearly $3 million; additional settlements with fraternity/individuals. Takeaway: Universities face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
Pledge subjected to violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat suffered fatal head injuries with delayed help. Multiple convictions; fraternity banned from Pennsylvania. Takeaway for Hutto parents: Off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous as parties, and national organizations face serious sanctions.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program. Multiple lawsuits against university and staff; head coach fired and later settled confidentially. Takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life into major athletic programs with systemic abuse.

What These Cases Mean for Hutto Families

Common threads in these national cases—forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, cover-ups—mirror what we see in Texas. Reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after tragedy and litigation. Hutto families facing hazing at Texas universities are not alone and operate in a landscape shaped by these national lessons.

Texas University Focus: Where Hutto Students Attend

University of Houston: The Flagship Case in Our Backyard

Campus & Hutto Connection
UH’s large urban campus attracts students from across Texas, including Hutto and Williamson County. With active Greek life encompassing fraternities, sororities, NPHC organizations, and multicultural groups, the potential for hazing exists across multiple organizations. For Hutto families, UH represents both geographic proximity (approximately 2.5 hours away) and a common destination for local students.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting
UH prohibits hazing on or off campus, specifically banning forced consumption of alcohol/food/drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and mental distress during initiation. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students, conduct offices, and campus police. UH posts hazing statements and some disciplinary information publicly.

The Leonel Bermudez Case: Active Litigation
In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against:

University of Houston
UH System Board of Regents
Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation
13 individual fraternity leaders/members

The hazing included:

“Pledge fanny pack” rule with degrading contents (condoms, sex toy, nicotine devices)
Enforced dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, overnight driving duties
Extreme physical hazing: sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, cold-weather exposure in underwear
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting, then repeated sprints
The Nov 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion
Simulated waterboarding: sprayed in face with hose
Another pledge hog-tied face-down on a table with object in mouth for over an hour

Medical Catastrophe
Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe skeletal muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, couldn’t stand without help, and was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels confirming the diagnoses. He faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

Institutional Response

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

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds for Hutto Families
Involved agencies may include UHPD and/or Houston Police Department. Civil suits typically file in Harris County courts. Potential defendants include individual students, the chapter, national fraternity/sorority, university, and property owners. Our firm’s Houston office provides local representation for these cases.

What UH Students & Hutto Parents Should Do

Report immediately to Dean of Students and UHPD
Document prior complaints if known
Contact experienced Houston-based hazing attorneys who understand UH’s specific landscape
Preserve digital evidence before it’s deleted

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture & Greek Life

Campus & Hutto Connection
Many Hutto students choose Texas A&M for its academic reputation and traditional campus life. The 90-minute drive makes College Station accessible for weekend visits. A&M’s Corps of Cadets and extensive Greek life create multiple environments where hazing can occur.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)
Two pledges alleged forced strenuous activity with substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit poured on them, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The fraternity was suspended for two years; pledges sued for $1 million. This case demonstrates the extreme physical dangers in some hazing rituals.

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023)
A cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million; A&M stated it handled the matter under its rules. This highlights that hazing extends beyond Greek life into military-style organizations.

How A&M Handles Hazing
Texas A&M addresses hazing through Student Conduct and Corps regulations. The university has taken public stances against hazing but continues to face incidents. Civil cases often focus on both Greek life and Corps traditions, requiring attorneys familiar with both cultures.

What A&M Students & Hutto Parents Should Do

Understand both university conduct processes and Corps-specific regulations
Document everything immediately—Corps cases often involve complex hierarchies
Seek counsel experienced with A&M’s unique military-style organizations
Don’t assume “tradition” makes harmful practices acceptable

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency & Repeated Violations

Campus & Hutto Connection
UT Austin represents the closest major university to Hutto at just 45 minutes away, making it a common choice for local students. Its size and Greek life prominence mean hazing risks are ever-present.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page
Unlike many universities, UT maintains a public Hazing Violations page listing organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions. This transparency provides valuable evidence for families but also shows repeated violations continue despite consequences.

Documented Incidents Include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation with required hazing-prevention education
Texas Wranglers & Spirit Organizations: Sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, punishment-based practices
Multiple organizations show pattern violations despite progressive discipline

How UT Cases Proceed
Cases may involve UTPD and Austin Police Department. Prior violations on UT’s public log strongly support civil suits by showing patterns and institutional knowledge. Our familiarity with UT’s disciplinary system helps navigate these cases effectively.

What UT Students & Hutto Parents Should Do

Check UT’s public hazing violations page for organization history
Report through multiple channels: Dean of Students, UTPD, conduct office
Use UT’s transparency as leverage in civil cases
Document everything—UT’s size means cases can get lost without proper evidence

Southern Methodist University: Private Campus Challenges

Campus & Hutto Connection
While farther from Hutto (approx. 3.5 hours), SMU attracts students for its academic reputation and strong Greek life. As a private university, SMU operates under different transparency rules than public institutions.

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017)
New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep. Chapter suspended; restrictions on recruiting until around 2021. This case shows that even affluent, private campuses face serious hazing issues.

SMU’s Hazing Prevention
SMU maintains reporting forms and anonymous systems (like Real Response). However, private university status affects public transparency. Civil suits can compel discovery even when internal reports aren’t publicly posted, requiring strategic legal approaches.

What SMU Students & Hutto Parents Should Do

Understand that private university processes differ from public institutions
Use anonymous reporting systems if concerned about retaliation
Seek counsel experienced with private university liability issues
Document everything—private schools often control narratives tightly

Baylor University: Religious Identity & Athletic Culture

Campus & Hutto Connection
Baylor’s religious identity and strong athletic programs attract students from Hutto and across Texas. Its history of scrutiny over football and Title IX issues creates a complex environment for hazing cases.

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020)
14 players suspended following hazing investigation; suspensions staggered over early season. This athletic hazing case demonstrates that sports programs aren’t immune to initiation abuses.

Baylor’s Broader Context
Baylor’s religious branding, honor code, and prior scandals interact uniquely with hazing claims. The university promotes “zero tolerance” but faces recurring misconduct challenges. Understanding this cultural context is essential for effective representation.

What Baylor Students & Hutto Parents Should Do

Recognize how religious identity may affect reporting and responses
Document everything—Baylor’s history shows institutional patterns matter
Seek counsel familiar with both hazing law and religious institutional dynamics
Don’t assume religious affiliation prevents harmful behaviors

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

Why National Histories Matter for Hutto Families

The fraternities and sororities on Texas campuses—Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Phi, Kappa Alpha Order, and others—are part of national organizations with documented hazing histories across the country.

National headquarters maintain thick anti-hazing manuals and risk policies precisely because they’ve seen deaths and catastrophic injuries. When a Texas chapter repeats the same script that got another chapter shut down in Ohio or Louisiana, that shows foreseeability and supports negligence arguments against national entities.

Organization Mapping: National Patterns at Texas Schools

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ)

UH Chapter: Present on campus
National History: Stone Foltz death (BGSU, $10M settlement), David Bogenberger death (NIU, $14M settlement)
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing, forced consumption rituals
Texas Connection: UT Austin chapter sanctioned for milk consumption hazing (2023)

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ)

Texas A&M Chapter: Chemical burns lawsuit ($1M demand)
UT Austin Chapter: Assault lawsuit involving exchange student
National History: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide, traumatic brain injury case at Alabama
Pattern: Physical violence, chemical exposure, assault
Texas Reality: Active litigation at multiple Texas campuses

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

Multiple Texas Campuses: Chapters across state
National History: Max Gruver death (LSU) leading to Louisiana felony hazing law
Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games, forced alcohol consumption
Legal Impact: Created precedent for state legislative responses

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

UH Chapter: Beta Nu shut down after Bermudez case
National History: Andrew Coffey death (FSU)
Pattern: Physical endurance hazing, forced consumption
Current Litigation: Our active $10M lawsuit shows national pattern repeating at UH

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ)

SMU Chapter: Suspended for paddling and alcohol hazing
National Pattern: Traditional physical hazing, alcohol coercion
Texas Presence: Multiple campus chapters with documented incidents

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: The Data Behind the Letters

Our firm maintains what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations across Texas. This isn’t theoretical; it’s built from public records:

IRS B83 Backbone – 125 Texas-Registered Greek Organizations
These are tax-exempt organizations the IRS classifies as student sororities and fraternities with Texas addresses. Examples from our database that serve Hutto families include:

KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC (EIN: 133048786) | 3007 EARL RUDDER FWY S, COLLEGE STATION, TX 77845
SIGMA PHI EPSILON TEXAS ETA (EIN: 824398421) | 1305 FM 359 RD, RICHMOND, TX 77406
BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC (EIN: 462267515) | 10601 BIG HORN TRL, FRISCO, TX 75035
TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC (EIN: 741380362) | PO BOX 470061, FORT WORTH, TX 76147
ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC (EIN: 475370943) | 5019 CALHOUN RD, HOUSTON, TX 77204

Texas Universities – 96 Campuses
From our comprehensive database, schools relevant to Hutto families include:

Texas State University (San Marcos, Hays County) – 30 minutes from Hutto
University of Texas at Austin (Travis County) – 45 minutes from Hutto
Texas A&M University (College Station, Brazos County) – 90 minutes from Hutto
Baylor University (Waco, McLennan County) – 45 minutes from Hutto
University of Houston (Harris County) – 2.5 hours from Hutto
Southwestern University (Georgetown, Williamson County) – 20 minutes from Hutto

Metro-Level Greek Presence
The Austin-Round Rock metro area encompassing Hutto contains 154 Greek-related organizations according to Cause IQ data. The Dallas-Fort Worth metro (where many Hutto students attend school) contains 510 organizations. This density means multiple organizations operate where Hutto students participate.

Brand Overlap Evidence
Organizations like Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority appear in both IRS data (EIN: 364091267 in Waco; EIN: 752609909 in Commerce) and Cause IQ metro data (Houston chapter, Beaumont chapters). This cross-validation shows how the same national brands operate across Texas metros and campuses.

What This Data Means for Hutto Families

When your child is hazed, you’re not just dealing with a local chapter. You’re facing:

National organizations with documented hazing histories
Multiple insurance policies (chapter, national, university)
Complex corporate structures designed to limit liability
Institutional knowledge of prior incidents

Our data engine helps identify every entity behind the letters—house corporations, alumni organizations, national headquarters—so families never start from zero in their search for accountability.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

Evidence Collection: What Wins Hazing Cases

Digital Communications

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage: The #1 evidence source in modern hazing cases
Social Media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok content showing hazing
Recovery Capability: Digital forensics can often recover deleted messages
In the Bermudez Case: Group chats showed planning, instructions, and aftermath discussions

Photos & Videos

Content filmed by members during events (often shared in group chats)
Security camera or doorbell footage at houses and venues
Injury documentation with timestamps

Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” lists
Emails/texts from officers about activities
National policies and training materials showing what should have been prevented

University Records

Prior conduct files, probation/suspension records
Incident reports to campus police or conduct offices
Clery reports and similar disclosures
Public Records Advantage: Texas public universities must provide certain records upon request

Medical & Psychological Records

Emergency room and hospitalization records
Toxicology reports (critical in alcohol hazing cases)
Psychological evaluations documenting PTSD, depression, anxiety
In Bermudez Case: Medical records showed critically high creatine kinase levels confirming rhabdomyolysis

Witness Testimony

Other pledges, members, roommates, RAs
Former members who quit or were expelled
Bystanders who saw what happened

Damages: What Hutto Families Can Recover

Medical Bills & Future Care

Immediate care (ER, ICU, hospitalization)
Surgeries, ongoing treatment, medications
Long-term care for permanent injuries (like kidney damage in Bermudez case)
Psychological treatment for trauma

Lost Earnings / Educational Impact

Missed semesters or withdrawn enrollment
Delayed entry into workforce
Reduced earning capacity for permanent disabilities
Lost scholarships or academic opportunities

Non-Economic Damages

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life
Damage to reputation and relationships

Wrongful Death Damages (for families)

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of companionship and support
Emotional harm to parents and siblings
Lost financial support from deceased

Punitive Damages

When defendants’ conduct is especially reckless or malicious
Designed to punish and deter future hazing
Available under Texas law in appropriate cases

The Role of Different Defendants & Insurance Coverage

National fraternities and universities carry insurance policies that often become central to cases. Insurers frequently argue:

Hazing or intentional acts are excluded from coverage
Policies don’t cover certain defendants or conduct
Claims exceed policy limits

Our insurance insider advantage comes from Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how these companies:

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions
Negotiate settlements

We identify all potential coverage sources:

Chapter insurance policies
National fraternity insurance
University liability coverage
Individual members’ homeowners policies
Third-party venue insurance

Strategic Considerations for Hutto Families

Timing is Critical

Evidence disappears quickly (deleted messages, coached witnesses)
Statutes of limitations apply (generally 2 years in Texas)
Universities control narratives if families wait

Multiple Avenues for Accountability

Criminal complaints (police, district attorney)
Civil lawsuits for damages
University disciplinary processes
Federal complaints (Title IX, Clery)

Privacy Concerns
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. Families can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms to protect their child’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Hutto Families

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Weight loss or gain (from food/water restriction or stress)
Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, calls at 3 AM)
Injuries to hands, back, legs from paddling or forced exercise
Signs of alcohol poisoning even if your child doesn’t normally drink

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-Greek activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensive when asked about the organization
Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”

Digital/Social Behavior:

Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Anxiety when phone buzzes or pings
Deleting messages or clearing browser history obsessively
Receiving calls/texts at all hours demanding immediate response
Social media posts showing humiliating or concerning activities

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing

Ask open questions: “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
Express concern without judgment: “I’ve noticed you seem exhausted/stressed. Is everything okay?”
Listen carefully: If they open up, listen without interrupting or minimizing
Emphasize safety: “Your safety matters more than any organization”
Offer support: “No matter what, I’m here for you”

If Your Child Is Hurt

Get medical attention immediately—even if they insist they’re “fine”
Document everything: Photos of injuries, screenshots of messages, notes of what they tell you
Save physical evidence: Clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
Contact an attorney within 24-48 hours before evidence disappears

Dealing with the University

Document every communication with administrators
Ask specifically about prior incidents involving the same organization
Don’t sign anything without legal review
Remember: university processes are designed to protect the institution, not necessarily your child

For Students/Pledges: Safety & Rights

Is This Hazing or Just Tradition?
Ask yourself:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents or the university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?

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

Exiting Safely

You have the legal right to leave at any time
Tell someone outside the org first (parent, RA, friend) for safety
Send written resignation (email/text) to chapter leadership
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur

Reporting Options

On campus: Dean of Students, conduct office, campus police
Off campus: Local police, National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE)
Anonymous: Many schools have anonymous reporting systems

Good-Faith Reporting Protections
Texas law and most university policies protect those who report hazing or call for help in emergencies, even if they were involved. Don’t let fear of getting in trouble prevent someone from getting medical help.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence
What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly
What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
What to do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation

3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms
What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements
Why it’s wrong: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often far below case value
What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions for Hutto Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts.

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

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

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

“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases occurred off-campus and still resulted in judgments.

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

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action for Hutto Families

Why Attorney911 for Hutto Hazing Cases

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

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

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions
Negotiate settlements from their playbook

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello)
Our firm was one of the few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation. We’ve faced billion-dollar defendants and won. We’re not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams. Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) prepares us for complex hazing cases involving Title IX and civil rights claims.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience
We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases, working with economists to value lifetime care needs for brain injuries, permanent disabilities, and catastrophic harm. We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force accountability.

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise
Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. We can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure, ensuring comprehensive case strategy.

Investigative Depth
Our network includes medical experts, digital forensics specialists, economists, psychologists, and Greek life culture experts. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does. We know how to obtain hidden evidence: group chats, chapter records, university files that others can’t access.

Spanish-Language Services
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish—serving Hispanic families across Texas with culturally competent representation.

Our Connection to Hutto & Williamson County

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Hutto and all of Williamson County. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families right here in our community—whether your student attends nearby Texas State University in San Marcos, makes the commute to UT Austin, or lives on campus at Texas A&M or University of Houston.

We’ve seen firsthand how hazing devastates Central Texas families. The geographic proximity of Hutto to multiple universities (Texas State 30 minutes, UT Austin 45 minutes, Baylor 45 minutes) means local students spread across campuses where hazing risks exist. Our familiarity with these institutions, their policies, and their patterns gives Hutto families a distinct advantage.

What to Expect When You Contact Us

Your Confidential Consultation

We listen to your story without judgment
Review evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
Answer questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
No pressure to hire us on the spot—take time to decide
Everything confidential—attorney-client privilege protects our conversations

How We Investigate Hazing Cases

Immediate evidence preservation before deletion occurs
Digital forensics to recover deleted messages and social media content
Public records requests to university and organizations
Witness interviews with other pledges, members, bystanders
Expert consultation with medical professionals, psychologists, economists
Comprehensive liability analysis of all potential defendants
Strategic planning for optimal outcome

Our Fee Structure
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. This ensures access to justice for families who couldn’t otherwise afford to take on wealthy fraternities and universities.

Call to Action for Hutto Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether nearby at Texas State University, commuting distance at UT Austin, or farther at Texas A&M or University of Houston—we want to hear from you.

Families in Hutto and throughout Williamson County have the right to answers and accountability. The Leonel Bermudez case at UH shows that even when chapters are shut down, the fight for justice continues. You don’t have to face powerful institutions alone.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation:
Melden Sie sich jetzt an um die neuesten Firmen-Informationen zu erhalten. Wählen Sie die für Sie relevanten Inhalte aus. Wir schicken Ihnen so schnell wie möglich die gewünschten Informationen.
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 (Ralph Manginello) or lupe@atty911.com (Mr. Lupe Peña)

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

Whether you’re in Hutto proper, nearby Taylor, Georgetown, Round Rock, or anywhere across Central Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions protecting themselves have experienced lawyers—you should too.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s discuss what happened, your legal options, and how we can help your family find answers, accountability, and peace.

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

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

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

Attorney911 Main Website:

Contact and information: https://attorney911.com