Hazing Lawsuits in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for Iowa Colony Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You’re Not Alone

For parents in Iowa Colony and across Brazoria County, sending your child to college represents both tremendous pride and natural worry. You’ve supported them through high school at Iowa Colony High School, watched them excel in our community, and trusted them to the care of Texas universities. But what happens when that trust is broken by the very organizations promising brotherhood, sisterhood, and tradition?

Right now, just an hour north of our community in Brazoria County, a case unfolding at the University of Houston demonstrates exactly how dangerous campus hazing has become. In late 2025, Leonel Bermudez—a transfer student who had accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter—filed a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit after suffering rhabdomyolysis (severe skeletal muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown, he couldn’t stand without help, and he required four days of hospitalization with critically elevated creatine kinase levels confirming acute kidney injury.

According to the Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case, Bermudez was subjected to systematic abuse that included:

A “pledge fanny pack” rule requiring him to carry condoms, a sex toy, nicotine devices, and other humiliating items 24/7
Extreme physical hazing including sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, and “save-your-brother” drills
Cold-weather exposure in underwear and lying in vomit-soaked grass
Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” with threats of actual waterboarding
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed immediately by sprints
The November 3 “workout” where he was forced to complete 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion

The ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit details how another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour. The chapter was suspended on November 6, 2025, and members voted to surrender their charter on November 14—but only after Bermudez was hospitalized and our firm filed suit on his behalf.

This isn’t just a Houston problem. It’s a Texas problem that affects families throughout Brazoria County, including right here in Iowa Colony. When your child attends Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor, or any Texas campus, they enter an ecosystem with more than 1,423 Greek organizations operating across 25 Texas metros. Our firm maintains what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a proprietary database tracking every IRS-registered fraternity, sorority, and Greek organization in Texas, complete with EINs, legal names, and mailing addresses. We know who these organizations are, where they operate, and how to hold them accountable.

Understanding Hazing in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

For Iowa Colony families, recognizing modern hazing requires looking beyond dated stereotypes. Today’s hazing isn’t just about “boys will be boys” pranks—it’s systematic abuse that often includes:

Digital Coercion and Control

24/7 group chat monitoring with immediate response demands
Geo-tracking through Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
Social media policing and forced content creation
Digital humiliation via TikTok challenges or Instagram story dares

Disguised as “Wellness” or “Team Building”

Extreme workouts framed as “fitness challenges”
Sleep deprivation called “bonding nights”
Forced consumption rituals labeled “nutrition education”
Psychological abuse disguised as “character building”

Retreat-Based Hazing to Avoid Detection

Moving dangerous activities to Airbnbs or rural properties
“Big/Little reveal” weekends at off-campus locations
Traditional hazing rituals during “brotherhood retreats”

Texas law under Education Code Chapter 37 defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of initiation or affiliation. Consent is not a defense. Location doesn’t matter—whether it happens at the Pi Kappa Phi house at UH, a Culmore Drive residence in Houston, or Yellowstone Boulevard Park where Bermudez was abused, it’s still hazing.

The Texas Legal Framework: What Iowa Colony Families Need to Know

Criminal vs. Civil Liability

When hazing occurs in Texas, multiple legal avenues exist:

Criminal Prosecution

Class B misdemeanor for basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A misdemeanor if hazing causes injury requiring medical treatment
State jail felony if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death
Additional charges for failing to report hazing or retaliating against reporters

Civil Lawsuits

Wrongful death claims for families who have lost children
Personal injury claims for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress
Negligence claims against universities for failing to protect students
Negligent supervision claims against national fraternities/sororities

Texas-Specific Protections

Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. This is crucial for Iowa Colony families to understand—even if your child “agreed” to participate, the power imbalance, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion mean courts recognize this isn’t true voluntary consent.

Good-faith reporter immunity under § 37.154 protects students who call for help. Many universities, including those our Iowa Colony students attend, have medical amnesty policies encouraging emergency calls without alcohol/drug penalties.

Federal Overlay: The Stop Campus Hazing Act

The 2024 Stop Campus Hazing Act requires colleges receiving federal aid to:

Report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthen hazing education and prevention programs
Maintain public hazing data by 2026
This builds on existing Title IX obligations for gender-based harassment and Clery Act crime reporting

Where Iowa Colony Students Face Hazing Risks

University of Houston (45 miles from Iowa Colony)

For Iowa Colony families with students at UH, the Bermudez case demonstrates serious risks. UH hosts active Greek life with:

17 Interfraternity Council chapters including Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi
6 Panhellenic sororities including Chi Omega, Delta Gamma, Zeta Tau Alpha
National Pan-Hellenic Council (Divine Nine) organizations
Multicultural Greek Council groups

UH’s hazing policy prohibits forced consumption, sleep deprivation, and physical mistreatment both on and off campus. Yet the Pi Kappa Phi case shows enforcement gaps. When hazing occurs at UH, cases may involve UHPD, Houston Police Department, and civil suits in Harris County courts.

Texas A&M University (90 miles from Iowa Colony)

Many Iowa Colony students attend Texas A&M, where unique risks exist in both Greek life and the Corps of Cadets:

Greek Life Incidents

Sigma Alpha Epsilon chemical burns case (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner causing severe burns requiring skin grafts
Multiple fraternity suspensions for alcohol hazing and physical abuse

Corps of Cadets Traditions

2023 lawsuit alleging cadet was bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth
Simulated sexual acts and degrading treatment during initiation
Traditional practices that cross into hazing territory

Texas A&M handles cases through Student Conduct and Corps regulations, but civil lawsuits often reveal deeper institutional knowledge of dangerous traditions.

Other Major Texas Campuses

University of Texas at Austin maintains a public Hazing Violations page showing repeated sanctions against organizations including Pi Kappa Alpha (forced milk consumption and calisthenics) and spirit groups like Texas Wranglers.

Southern Methodist University as a private institution has less public transparency but has suspended chapters like Kappa Alpha Order (2017) for paddling and forced drinking.

Baylor University’s 2020 baseball hazing incident resulted in 14 player suspensions, demonstrating athletic program risks alongside Greek life concerns.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Track Accountability

For Iowa Colony families, understanding who can be held responsible requires knowing the organizational landscape. Our firm maintains comprehensive data on Texas Greek organizations:

Public Records Directory: Fraternities and Sororities Serving Texas Families

IRS B83-Backbone Organizations (Sample)

Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, EIN 746064445, Nederland TX 77627 (IRS B83 filing)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, EIN 364091267, Waco TX 76710 (IRS B83 filing)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc, EIN 741380362, Fort Worth TX 76147 (IRS B83 filing)
Beta Upsilon Chi, EIN 742911848, Fort Worth TX 76244 (IRS B83 filing)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, EIN 263170920, Denton TX 76204 (IRS B83 filing)
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc, EIN 475370943, Houston TX 77204 (IRS B83 filing)
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, EIN 237279532, Prairie View TX 77446 (IRS B83 filing)
Chi Omega Fraternity, EIN 740555581, Austin TX 78705 (IRS B83 filing)
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter, EIN 746084905, Houston TX 77204 (IRS B83 filing)
Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, EIN 900927378, San Antonio TX 78249 (IRS B83 filing)

Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro (188 Greek Organizations)

Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Houston TX (Cause IQ metro listing)
Alpha Phi Omega – Bayou City Alumni, Houston TX (Cause IQ metro listing)
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae, Houston TX (Cause IQ metro listing)
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Alpha Kappa Omega, Houston TX (Cause IQ metro listing)
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity – Eta Rho Sigma, Houston TX (Cause IQ metro listing)

Cross-Validated Brands (IRS + Cause IQ Matches)

Beta Upsilon Chi appears in both IRS data (EIN 742911848) and Cause IQ metro listings
Sigma Gamma Rho appears in IRS data and multiple Cause IQ metro chapters
Pi Kappa Alpha appears in IRS data and Cause IQ’s Texas District listing

This data matters because when hazing occurs, liability extends beyond individual students to:

Individual members who planned or participated
Chapter officers who knew or should have known
Local chapter organizations (if incorporated)
National headquarters that set policies and collect dues
Housing corporations that own properties
Alumni organizations that fund and advise
Universities that recognize and sponsor groups

National Patterns That Predict Texas Outcomes

The Bermudez case follows patterns seen nationwide:

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths

Stone Foltz, Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): $10M settlement
Timothy Piazza, Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Dozens of criminal convictions
Max Gruver, LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): $6.1M verdict, Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act
Andrew Coffey, Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Chapter closure, policy reforms

Physical and Ritualized Hazing

Chun “Michael” Deng, Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): National fraternity criminally convicted
Danny Santulli, University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021): Permanent brain damage, multi-defendant settlements

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University football (2023-2025): Multiple lawsuits, coaching changes, confidential settlements
Baylor baseball (2020): 14 player suspensions for hazing violations

These cases establish precedents that help Iowa Colony families. When national organizations like Pi Kappa Phi (involved in both the Coffey death and Bermudez injury) show repeated patterns, courts recognize foreseeability. When universities receive prior warnings and fail to act, they face negligent supervision claims.

Practical Guide for Iowa Colony Parents

Warning Signs Your Student May Be Being Hazed

Physical Indicators

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water restriction
Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, 3 AM calls)
Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage
Signs of alcohol poisoning even if your child doesn’t normally drink

Behavioral Changes

Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family, non-Greek friends
Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensiveness when asked about the group
Fear of “getting the chapter in trouble”
Obsession with pleasing older members
Talking about “just getting through this”

Academic Red Flags

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

Immediate 48-Hour Action Plan

Hours 1-6 (Crisis Response)

If injured or intoxicated: Get to ER immediately
Safety first: Remove from dangerous situation
Evidence preservation: Screenshot messages shown, photograph injuries
Documentation: Write down everything they tell you (who, what, when, where)
Legal guidance: Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate advice

Hours 6-24 (Evidence Preservation)

Digital evidence: Help preserve all group chats, texts, social media (do NOT delete)
Physical evidence: Secure clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
Medical records: Request copies of all ER/hospital documentation
Witness list: Record names and contact info for other pledges, bystanders
University communications: Note any contacts from school but don’t respond yet

Hours 24-48 (Strategic Decisions)

Legal consultation: Speak with experienced hazing attorneys
Reporting decisions: With lawyer’s guidance, decide on campus/law enforcement reporting
University response: Refer school contacts to your attorney
Insurance contact: Do NOT speak to insurance adjusters without counsel
Evidence backup: Upload all screenshots and photos to cloud storage

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Letting evidence be deleted: “Cleaning up” group chats looks like obstruction
Confronting the organization directly: Triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching
Signing university “resolution” forms: Often includes liability waivers
Posting details on social media: Defense attorneys screenshot everything
Returning for “one last meeting”: Opens door to pressure and intimidation
Waiting for university “internal process”: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate
Talking to insurance adjusters unrepresented: Recorded statements used against you

Watch our video on common client mistakes that can ruin injury cases for more guidance.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence Strategy for Iowa Colony Families

Digital Evidence Collection

Group Messaging Platforms

GroupMe (most common for Greek communication)
iMessage/SMS group texts
WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram
Discord servers
Fraternity/sorority-specific apps

Proper Documentation Method

Capture full threads with sender names and timestamps visible
Don’t crop excessively—show authentic context
Save in native resolution (no compression)
Back up immediately to cloud storage and email to yourself
For disappearing messages (Snapchat, Instagram vanish mode): screenshot instantly

Our video on using your cellphone to document a legal case provides step-by-step guidance.

Medical Documentation Protocol

Seek immediate medical care for any injuries or intoxication
Tell providers “I was hazed” for proper documentation
Request copies of:
- ER reports and ambulance records
- Lab results (blood alcohol, kidney function, toxicology)
- Imaging (X-rays, CT, MRI)
- Discharge instructions
Follow up with specialists to document ongoing effects
Mental health evaluation for PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnosis

Institutional Records Discovery

University Records (Via Discovery)

Prior discipline of same organization
Campus police incident reports
Clery Act reports showing patterns
Title IX complaints if applicable
Internal administrator emails about the organization

National Fraternity/Sorority Records

Prior incident reports from this chapter
Risk management files and training materials
Communications between local and national
Insurance policies and coverage information

Damage Recovery Framework for Hazing Victims

Economic Damages

Medical Expenses

Past bills: ER, hospitalization, surgery, medications
Future care: Ongoing therapy, psychiatric treatment, life care plans
Catastrophic injury cases (like rhabdomyolysis) may require lifetime medical management

Lost Income & Earning Capacity

Missed semesters and delayed graduation
Lost scholarships (academic, athletic, Greek-based)
Diminished future earning capacity for permanent disabilities
Parental income loss if caregiving required

Non-Economic Damages

Physical Pain & Suffering

Pain from injuries during hazing
Ongoing pain from permanent damage
Loss of physical abilities and enjoyment

Emotional Distress

Diagnosed PTSD, depression, anxiety
Humiliation, shame, loss of dignity
Fear, nightmares, flashbacks
Loss of trust in institutions

Loss of Educational Experience

What they came to college for versus what they endured
Relationship damage and social withdrawal
Reputational harm if incident becomes public

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support from deceased
Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
Family members’ grief and emotional suffering
Parents’ and siblings’ mental health treatment

Why Attorney911 for Iowa Colony Hazing Cases

Our Texas Hazing Litigation Credentials

Insurance Insider Advantage
Mr. Lupe 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
Deploy independent medical exams to reduce settlements
Fight coverage under intentional act exclusions

His background means we anticipate defense strategies before they’re deployed. Learn more about Mr. Peña’s insurance defense experience.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience
Ralph Manginello’s involvement in BP Texas City explosion litigation demonstrates our capability against billion-dollar defendants. We’ve faced massive corporations with unlimited legal budgets and won. This experience directly applies to taking on national fraternities and university systems.

Ralph’s federal court admission (Southern District of Texas) and HCCLA membership provide both civil and criminal hazing expertise. Learn more about Ralph Manginello’s background.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

Logging accident brain injury with vision loss: Multi-million dollar settlement
Car accident leading to partial amputation: Multi-million dollar settlement
Trucking wrongful death cases: Millions recovered for families
Maritime back injury: Significant cash settlement

Spanish Language Services
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, serving Iowa Colony’s Hispanic families with cultural understanding and clear communication.

Our Investigation Methodology

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine
We maintain proprietary databases tracking:

125+ IRS-registered Texas Greek organizations with EINs and addresses
96 Texas university campuses and their Greek ecosystems
1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
National hazing incident patterns across organizations

Expert Network Deployment

Medical experts for injury assessment and life care planning
Digital forensics specialists for deleted message recovery
Greek life culture experts for coercion analysis
Economists for damage valuation
Psychologists for trauma assessment

Strategic Evidence Preservation
We move immediately to:

Secure group chat evidence before deletion
Obtain university records through public requests
Identify all potentially liable entities
Preserve witness testimony before coaching occurs

Immediate Steps for Iowa Colony Families

If Hazing Is Happening Right Now

Medical Emergency: Call 911 if injured or dangerously intoxicated
Safety First: Remove your student from dangerous situation
Evidence Preservation: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries
Documentation: Write detailed notes while memory is fresh
Legal Consultation: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 within 24 hours

If You’re Investigating Past Hazing

Gather Existing Evidence: Collect all messages, photos, medical records
Witness Identification: List others who may have seen or experienced similar treatment
University Inquiry: Request prior discipline records for the organization
Legal Evaluation: Consult with attorneys to assess case viability
Statute of Limitations Awareness: Texas generally allows 2 years from injury, but exceptions exist

Watch our video on Texas statutes of limitations for specific guidance.

If You’re a Student Currently Being Hazed

Safety Planning: Identify exit strategies from dangerous situations
Evidence Collection: Screenshot messages as you receive them
Confidential Reporting: Utilize university anonymous reporting systems
Medical Attention: Seek care immediately for any injuries
Legal Protection: Understand your rights under Texas hazing laws

Frequently Asked Questions for Iowa Colony Families

Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity limitations, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing employees individually. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Each case depends on specific facts about university knowledge and response.

Is hazing a felony in Texas?
It can be. Basic hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, but becomes a state jail felony if causing serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report known hazing.

What if it happened off-campus?
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. The Pi Delta Psi case involved a retreat in the Pocono Mountains, and the national fraternity was criminally convicted.

How much does a hazing lawsuit cost?
We work on contingency for personal injury cases—no fee unless we win. Watch our video explaining how contingency fees work. We advance case costs and only recover them if we secure compensation for you.

Will my child’s name be public?
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize family privacy while pursuing accountability, requesting sealed records and confidential settlement terms when possible.

What’s the first step?
Contact us for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll listen to your story, review any evidence, explain legal options, and help you decide the best path forward—with no obligation to proceed.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If hazing has affected your Iowa Colony family, you don’t have to navigate this alone. The same organizations that operate at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor have national patterns of abuse—and national resources to defend themselves. You need attorneys with equal resources and determination.

Immediate Consultation Available

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
24/7 Availability: We understand emergencies don’t wait for business hours
Spanish Services: Lupe Peña available at lupe@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

We listen without judgment to understand what happened
We review evidence you’ve preserved and explain what else matters
We identify all potentially liable parties (individuals, chapters, nationals, universities)
We explain legal options: criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
We discuss realistic timelines and expectations
We explain our contingency fee structure clearly
No pressure to decide immediately—take time to consider your options

Serving Iowa Colony and All of Texas
While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas. Whether your student attends school near Iowa Colony or anywhere in Texas, we have the resources and experience to help.

The Bermudez case at UH shows that hazing continues despite policies and promises. It shows that organizations prioritize self-preservation over student safety. And it shows that holding them accountable requires determination, resources, and legal expertise.

If your family is facing this situation, call us today. Let us help you get answers, secure accountability, and prevent this from happening to another Iowa Colony family.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Case

Click2Houston (KPRC 2) – “Urine was brown: Pledge sues over severe hazing at University of Houston’s shut down Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”
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 (KTRK) – “Waterboarding, forced eating, physical punishment: Lawsuit alleges abuse faced by injured pledge at UH’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”
https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
Hoodline – “University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Face $10M Lawsuit Over Alleged Hazing and Abuse”
https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational 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 Injury 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 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 (Spanish services)