The Complete Guide to Hazing & Campus Abuse for Jollyville, Williamson County Families

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

As a parent in Jollyville or anywhere across Williamson County, sending your child to college is a moment filled with pride and hope. You imagine them finding community, pursuing their passions, and building lifelong friendships. The reality of a hazing phone call—a late-night emergency from a hospital, a whispered confession of abuse, or the university’s official notice of a serious incident—shatters that vision completely. You are suddenly facing a powerful institution, a secretive organization, and a child who may be physically injured, traumatized, or worse.

Right now, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity, its Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The allegations are horrific: a “pledge fanny pack” rule requiring humiliation items, forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and extreme physical workouts that led to Bermudez developing rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure—his urine turned brown, and he was hospitalized for four days. The chapter has been shut down, but the fight for accountability and to prevent this from happening to another Texas family continues. This is not an isolated incident in Houston; it is part of a dangerous pattern affecting students from Jollyville to College Station, Austin to Waco.

This guide is written specifically for parents and families in Jollyville, Round Rock, Cedar Park, and across Williamson County. If your child attends the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any Texas campus, you need to understand what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects your child, and what legal options you have when institutions fail to keep students safe.

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:

1. Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
2. 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)
3. Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
4. 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

For families in Jollyville and Williamson County, understanding modern hazing means looking beyond “boys will be boys” pranks or “harmless traditions.” Today’s hazing is sophisticated, often digitally documented, and designed to evade university detection while maintaining coercive control over new members. It occurs in fraternities, sororities, Corps of Cadets programs, athletic teams, spirit groups like the Texas Cowboys, and even academic organizations.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (Psychological Control)
This is the gateway that establishes power imbalance. It includes:

• Mandatory servitude: Acting as 24/7 designated drivers, cleaning members’ rooms, running personal errands
• “Pledge fanny pack” rules: Carrying humiliating items (condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices) at all times, as in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case
• Social isolation: Cutting off contact with non-members, requiring permission for basic activities
• Digital monitoring: Required immediate responses to GroupMe messages at all hours, location sharing via Snapchat Maps or Find My Friends
• Sleep and schedule control: Mandatory late-night “study sessions” or meetings that interfere with academics

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Emotional & Physical Discomfort)
This creates a hostile environment and often escalates to violence:

• Verbal abuse and degradation: Yelling, screaming, insults, “roasting” sessions designed to break down self-esteem
• Forced consumption: Eating excessive amounts of bland food (milk, bread, hot dogs) or unpleasant substances until vomiting
• Extreme calisthenics: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, squats, or wall-sits until collapse
• Public humiliation: Forced to wear degrading costumes, perform embarrassing acts in public, create humiliating social media content
• Environmental exposure: Lying in vomit-soaked grass, being locked in cold rooms, as alleged in multiple Texas cases

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (High Risk of Injury or Death)
This is criminal conduct that destroys lives:

• Forced alcohol consumption: “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, drinking games like “Bible study” where wrong answers mean drinking, lineups and chugging contests
• Physical beatings and paddling: Traditional in some NPHC organizations despite national prohibitions, but also occurring in IFC groups
• “Waterboarding” simulations: Being sprayed in the face with a hose while pinned down, as alleged in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case
• Dangerous physical tests: Blindfolded tackle rituals (“glass ceiling”), forced fights, swimming while intoxicated
• Sexualized hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault
• Chemical exposure: Industrial cleaner poured on skin causing chemical burns, as in a Texas A&M SAE case

The Digital Evolution of Hazing

Today’s hazing leaves a digital footprint that can become powerful evidence:

• Group chat coercion: GroupMe, WhatsApp, and Discord messages show planning, threats, and real-time coordination
• Social media documentation: Instagram Stories, TikTok videos, and Snapchats that members think are “private” but become public in litigation
• Geo-tracking demands: Required location sharing to monitor compliance with hazing schedules
• Evidence destruction instructions: Messages about deleting content, “what to say if questioned” coaching

For Jollyville parents, the key recognition is this: if your child is being pressured, coerced, or threatened into activities that endanger their physical or mental health for the purpose of joining or maintaining status in a group—that is hazing, regardless of what the organization calls it.

Texas Hazing Law: What Williamson County Families Need to Know

Texas has some of the most comprehensive anti-hazing statutes in the country, but understanding how they apply in practice is critical for families in Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, and throughout Williamson County.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Foundation

Definition (Texas Education Code §37.151):
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

1. Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
2. Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Key Implications for Jollyville Families:

• Location doesn’t matter: Hazing at an off-campus Airbnb, a member’s family home in Williamson County, or a remote retreat is still illegal
• “Reckless” is enough: They don’t need to intend harm—just be reckless about known risks
• Mental health counts: Psychological abuse, humiliation, and coercion qualify alongside physical injury

Criminal Penalties (Texas Education Code §37.152)

Texas law creates escalating penalties:

• 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 (like the rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case)

Additional Crimes That Often Accompany Hazing:

• Furnishing alcohol to minors
• Assault, aggravated assault
• Sexual assault
• Manslaughter or criminally negligent homicide in fatal cases

Critical Protections for Victims and Witnesses

Consent is NOT a Defense (Texas Education Code §37.155):
This is perhaps the most important provision for families. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, signed a waiver, or went along with the activities, it is still hazing under Texas law. Courts recognize that true consent cannot exist in power-imbalanced environments with peer pressure and fear of exclusion.

Good-Faith Reporter Immunity (Texas Education Code §37.154):
Students who report hazing or call for medical help in good faith are protected from university discipline and civil liability. Many Texas campuses extend this to alcohol amnesty—your child won’t get in trouble for underage drinking if they’re calling 911 to save a life.

Organizational Liability (Texas Education Code §37.153)

The organization itself can face:

• Criminal fines up to $10,000 per violation
• Civil liability for damages
• University sanctions including permanent expulsion from campus

This means the fraternity, sorority, or club itself—not just individual members—can be held accountable.

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
This 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, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. The Clery Act requires reporting of certain crimes—many hazing incidents involving assault or alcohol crimes must be publicly reported.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The tragic cases that make national headlines are not anomalies—they are predictable patterns that repeat because organizations fail to change their cultures. For families in Jollyville, these cases show what’s at stake and how other families have pursued accountability.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
The 20-year-old pledge was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” night. He died from alcohol poisoning. The family reached a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). Multiple members were criminally convicted. Pattern relevance: The same “Big/Little” drinking ritual occurs at Texas chapters.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
Pledge died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%) during a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant drinking. Louisiana enacted the Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony. Pattern relevance: Drinking games as “education” or “tradition” are common across fraternities.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017):
Pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night.” Pattern relevance: The same national fraternity (Pi Kappa Phi) is currently being sued by Attorney911 in the UH case.

The Physical Violence Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):
The 19-year-old died from traumatic brain injuries after falls during a bid acceptance night. Security cameras captured the events and the 19-hour delay in calling for help. Dozens faced criminal charges. Pennsylvania enacted the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. Pattern relevance: Delayed medical care is a consistent theme in hazing deaths.

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
Pledge died from head injuries during a blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat. The national fraternity was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter. Pattern relevance: Off-campus retreats are common hazing venues in Texas too.

The Severe Injury Pattern

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021):
The 18-year-old suffered permanent, catastrophic brain damage after forced drinking. He cannot walk, talk, or see and requires 24/7 care. The family settled with 22 defendants. Pattern relevance: Non-fatal injuries can still mean lifetime disability.

Texas A&M Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):
Pledges alleged being covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. They sued for $1 million. Pattern relevance: This happened right here in Texas.

What These Cases Mean for Jollyville Families

1. Patterns are predictable: The same rituals, games, and traditions recur because national organizations fail to eradicate them
2. Cover-up culture is universal: Delayed medical care, destroyed evidence, and witness intimidation happen everywhere
3. Legal accountability is possible: Families have won multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
4. Your case is not unique: What happened to your child has happened before elsewhere—that pattern evidence strengthens your case

Texas University Focus: Where Williamson County Students Attend

Williamson County families send their children to universities across Texas. Whether your child attends Southwestern University right here in Georgetown, commutes to UT Austin, or lives at Texas A&M, understanding the specific landscape at each campus is crucial.

University of Houston: The Current Battleground

For Jollyville families: UH is a common choice for Williamson County students seeking an urban university experience with strong professional programs. The current Pi Kappa Phi case shows that serious hazing happens at commuter-friendly campuses too.

Recent History & Current Case:
We are actively litigating Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi, a $10 million hazing lawsuit alleging:
2. Extreme physical hazing: Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races in cold weather, lying in vomit-soaked grass
3. Simulated waterboarding: Sprayed in face with hose while pinned down
4. Forced consumption: Milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting, then immediate sprints
5. Medical catastrophe: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, 4-day hospitalization
6. Organizational response: Chapter suspended Nov 6, 2025; charter surrendered Nov 14, 2025; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”

UH’s Greek Landscape:

• IFC Fraternities: Alpha Epsilon Pi, Alpha Sigma Phi, Beta Theta Pi, Delta Upsilon, Kappa Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi (currently suspended), Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Sigma Nu, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Theta Chi
• Panhellenic Sororities: Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Delta Gamma, Delta Zeta, Phi Mu, Zeta Tau Alpha
• NPHC Organizations: All Divine Nine organizations present

UH’s Record & Response:

• Public hazing violations list is less transparent than UT Austin’s
• 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case: pledge suffered lacerated spleen during hazing
• Multiple chapter suspensions for alcohol violations and “likely to produce discomfort” behaviors

For UH Parents & Students:

• Reporting: Dean of Students Office, UHPD, online reporting forms
• Evidence preservation: Houston PD may have jurisdiction for off-campus incidents
• Legal venue: Civil cases typically filed in Harris County courts

Texas A&M University: Tradition, Corps, and Greek Life

For Jollyville families: Many Williamson County students choose Texas A&M for its strong engineering, business, and agricultural programs. The Corps of Cadets adds another layer of tradition-bound organizations where hazing occurs.

Documented Incidents:

1. Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021):

   • Pledges covered in industrial cleaner, raw eggs, spit
   • Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
   • $1 million lawsuit filed; chapter suspended

2. Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023):

   • Cadet alleged being bound between beds in degrading position with apple in mouth
   • Simulated sexual acts, humiliation
   • Sought over $1 million; A&M stated handled internally

3. Corpus Christi ESPN Report (2023):

   • Investigation found hazing in Corps units including forced drinking, physical abuse
   • A&M stated “we do not condone any form of hazing”

A&M’s Greek & Corps Landscape:

• Corps of Cadets: Military-style structure with its own hazing risks
• IFC Fraternities: 19+ chapters including Alpha Gamma Rho, Alpha Sigma Phi, Alpha Tau Omega, Beta Theta Pi, Delta Tau Delta, Kappa Alpha Order, Kappa Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Sigma Nu, Sigma Phi Epsilon
• Panhellenic Sororities: 14+ chapters including Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Delta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Pi Beta Phi, Zeta Tau Alpha

A&M’s Record & Response:

• Student Conduct office handles Greek life cases
• Corps has its own command structure and discipline system
• Multiple chapter suspensions in past decade

For A&M Parents & Students:

• Dual reporting paths: Student Conduct for Greeks, Corps command for cadets
• Local jurisdiction: College Station PD for off-campus incidents
• Unique challenge: Deeply ingrained traditions in both Greek and Corps systems

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Continued Problems

For Jollyville families: UT Austin is essentially in Williamson County’s backyard, with many students commuting from Cedar Park, Round Rock, and Jollyville. UT’s public hazing database provides unprecedented transparency—and shows ongoing issues.

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

Recent Sanctions Include:

1. Pi Kappa Alpha (2023):

   • New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
   • Found to be hazing; chapter placed on probation with required education

2. Texas Wranglers (Spirit Organization, 2022):

   • New members subjected to forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing
   • Organization suspended

3. Additional Organizations sanctioned for alcohol coercion, physical punishment, humiliation rituals

UT’s Greek Landscape:

• IFC Fraternities: Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Sigma Phi, Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Sigma Nu, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Tau Kappa Epsilon
• Panhellenic Sororities: Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Phi, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Delta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Pi Beta Phi, Zeta Tau Alpha
• NPHC & Multicultural: Active Divine Nine and multicultural Greek presence

UT’s Record & Response:

• Most transparent public database in Texas
• Still shows recurring violations year after year
• Suggests sanctions may not be severe enough to deter behavior

For UT Parents & Students:

• Use the database: Check if your child’s organization has prior violations
• Reporting: Dean of Students, UTPD, online forms
• Legal advantage: Prior violations on public record strengthen civil cases

Southern Methodist University: Private Campus Challenges

For Jollyville families: SMU attracts Williamson County students seeking private university experience with strong business and arts programs. Private status means less public transparency.

Documented Incidents:

1. Kappa Alpha Order (2017):

   • New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived
   • Chapter suspended until 2021

2. Multiple Chapter Suspensions: Various organizations suspended for hazing violations in past decade, often with limited public details

SMU’s Greek Landscape:

• IFC Fraternities: Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Alpha Order, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi
• Panhellenic Sororities: Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Pi Beta Phi
• NPHC: Active Divine Nine chapters

SMU’s Record & Response:

• Private university = less public disclosure
• Real Response anonymous reporting system
• Internal discipline processes less visible to public

For SMU Parents & Students:

• Transparency challenge: Less public information available
• Reporting: Office of Student Affairs, SMU PD, Real Response system
• Legal strategy: May require discovery to obtain internal university records

Baylor University: In the Shadow of Larger Scandals

For Jollyville families: Baylor’s religious affiliation attracts some Williamson County families, but the university’s history with institutional response to misconduct is relevant context.

Documented Incidents:

1. Baseball Team Hazing (2020):

   • 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
   • Staggered suspensions during season

2. Multiple Greek Life Sanctions: Various chapters disciplined for alcohol violations and hazing behaviors

Baylor’s Greek Landscape:

• IFC Fraternities: Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi
• Panhellenic Sororities: Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Phi, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Pi Beta Phi, Zeta Tau Alpha
• NPHC: Active Divine Nine chapters

Baylor’s Record & Response:

• History of institutional response challenges (Title IX football scandal)
• Religious branding contrasts with recurring misconduct
• Internal processes under scrutiny

For Baylor Parents & Students:

• Context matters: University’s history affects response credibility
• Reporting: Student Conduct, Baylor PD
• Legal consideration: Religious affiliation doesn’t eliminate liability

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Tracking Organizational Networks

One of our unique advantages at Attorney911 is our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database tracking the organizational networks behind Greek life across Texas. For Jollyville families, this means we don’t start from scratch when investigating your case.

The Texas Greek Organizational Universe

Scope of Our Tracking:

• 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
• 125+ Texas-registered entities in IRS B83 filings (house corporations, alumni chapters, honor societies)
• 96 Texas university campuses with Greek life presence
• Cross-referenced national patterns from our hazing incident database

Why This Matters for Your Case:
When hazing occurs, liability doesn’t stop with the individual students. Our data engine helps identify:

1. Local chapter entities that may hold insurance
2. Alumni housing corporations that own properties where hazing occurred
3. National headquarters with deep pockets and prior knowledge
4. University-affiliated entities with oversight responsibility

Sample Texas Organizational Data

For Jollyville & Williamson County Context:

IRS-Registered Entities Serving Texas Campuses:

• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515) – Frisco, TX 75035
• Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation (EIN 371768785) – Missouri City, TX 77459
• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter (EIN 746084905) – Houston, TX 77204
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN 741380362) – Fort Worth, TX 76147
• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Theta Delta Chapter (EIN 475370943) – Houston, TX 77204
• Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi (EIN 746047117) – Austin, TX 78705

Metro Concentration Data:

• Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510 Greek organizations
• Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188 Greek organizations
• Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154 Greek organizations
• San Antonio Metro: 86 Greek organizations
• College Station-Bryan Metro: 42 Greek organizations

Universities Williamson County Families Attend

Local & Regional Options:

• Southwestern University (Georgetown, Williamson County) – Local liberal arts option
• Austin Community College (Multiple campuses) – Common starting point
• Texas State University (San Marcos, Hays County) – 45 minutes from Williamson County

Major Statewide Destinations:

• University of Texas at Austin (Travis County) – Primary destination
• Texas A&M University (Brazos County) – Strong engineering draw
• University of Houston (Harris County) – Business and pre-professional
• Baylor University (McLennan County) – Private religious option
• Southern Methodist University (Dallas County) – Private university option

National Fraternity & Sorority Histories: Patterns That Predict Liability

For Jollyville parents, understanding that the organization hazing your child has likely done this before—perhaps many times—is critical for building a strong case.

High-Risk National Organizations Present at Texas Schools

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / “Pike”):

• National History: Stone Foltz death (BGSU, $10M settlement), David Bogenberger death (Northern Illinois, $14M settlement)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
• Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing, physical abuse
• Liability Insight: National had prior warnings about deadly drinking rituals

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / “SAE”):

• National History: Multiple hazing deaths nationally, traumatic brain injury lawsuit (Alabama), chemical burns case (Texas A&M)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU
• Pattern: Alcohol coercion, physical violence, chemical exposure
• Liability Insight: Nationally known as “hazing-prone” with repeated sanctions

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):

• National History: Andrew Coffey death (Florida State), current UH case we’re litigating
• Texas Presence: Chapter at UH (currently suspended), Texas A&M, UT Austin
• Pattern: Alcohol poisoning, physical endurance tests
• Liability Insight: Active litigation shows ongoing serious hazing

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):

• National History: Max Gruver death (LSU, Louisiana’s “Max Gruver Act” felony hazing law)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
• Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games, alcohol poisoning
• Liability Insight: National awareness of deadly drinking rituals

Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ):

• National History: Chad Meredith death (Miami, $12.6M verdict), Texas A&M rhabdomyolysis case
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor
• Pattern: Alcohol coercion, physical hazing leading to medical emergencies
• Liability Insight: Major verdicts show jury willingness to award significant damages

How National Histories Strengthen Your Texas Case

1. Foreseeability: National knew this could happen based on prior incidents
2. Pattern Evidence: Same rituals, games, and traditions recurring
3. Negligent Supervision: Failure to enforce own policies despite knowledge
4. Punitive Damages: Repeated warnings ignored shows reckless indifference

When we take a hazing case, we subpoena national headquarters for:

• Prior incident reports from this chapter
• Communications about hazing warnings
• Risk management files
• Training materials that were (or weren’t) implemented

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages

For Jollyville families considering legal action, understanding how a hazing case is built—from evidence collection to damages calculation—is essential for making informed decisions.

Critical Evidence Categories

1. Digital Communications (Most Important Evidence):

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord, iMessage threads showing planning, coordination, threats
• Social media: Instagram Stories, Snapchats, TikTok videos, Facebook posts documenting hazing
• Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “deleted” content
• Location data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends history, Uber/Lyft receipts

2. Photographic & Video Evidence:

• Injury documentation: Photos immediately after and over several days showing progression
• Event documentation: Videos taken by participants (often shared in group chats)
• Location evidence: Photos of houses, rooms, props used in hazing

3. Medical Records:

• Emergency care: ER reports, ambulance records, initial assessments
• Diagnostic tests: Blood work (alcohol levels, kidney function for rhabdomyolysis), imaging
• Specialist care: Follow-up with specialists documenting ongoing issues
• Psychological evaluation: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses

4. Organizational Documents:

• Chapter records: Pledge manuals, meeting minutes, financial records showing alcohol purchases
• National documents: Risk management policies, training materials, prior incident reports
• University records: Conduct files, Clery reports, internal emails about the organization

5. Witness Testimony:

• Other pledges: Often willing to cooperate once someone breaks the silence
• Former members: Those who quit or were expelled frequently have valuable information
• Bystanders: Roommates, neighbors, venue staff
• Expert witnesses: Medical professionals, Greek life culture experts, economists

Legal Strategy & Defendant Identification

Comprehensive Defendant Approach:
We don’t just sue the obvious parties. Our investigation identifies all potentially liable entities:

1. Individual Participants: Those who planned, executed, or covered up the hazing
2. Chapter Officers: Presidents, risk managers, pledge educators with supervisory responsibility
3. Local Chapter Entity: The legal entity that may hold insurance
4. Alumni Housing Corporation: Often owns the house where hazing occurred
5. National Headquarters: Sets policies, collects dues, has prior knowledge of patterns
6. University/Board of Regents: For negligent supervision, Title IX violations, Clery Act failures
7. Third Parties: Property owners, alcohol providers, security companies

Insurance Coverage Strategy:

• Multiple policy review: Chapter insurance, national umbrella policies, university liability coverage
• Coverage disputes: Anticipating and fighting “intentional act” exclusions
• Bad faith claims: When insurers wrongfully deny valid claims

Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

• Medical expenses: Past and future care, including lifelong needs for catastrophic injuries
• Lost income/earning capacity: Missed semesters, delayed career start, reduced lifetime earnings
• Educational costs: Lost tuition, forfeited scholarships, transfer expenses

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain & suffering: From injuries, medical procedures, ongoing pain
• Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation, loss of enjoyment of life
• Reputational harm: Social stigma, difficulty transferring schools

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

• Funeral & burial expenses
• Loss of companionship, love, guidance
• Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering
• Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided

Punitive Damages:
Available when defendants show reckless indifference or intentional misconduct—common when organizations ignore prior warnings.

Settlement vs. Trial Considerations

Most Cases Settle Confidentially:

• Protects victim privacy
• Avoids public trial stress
• Provides certainty of outcome
• Often includes non-disclosure agreements

When Trials Happen:

• Defendants refuse reasonable settlement offers
• Public accountability is prioritized over privacy
• Legal precedents need to be established
• Punitive damages are sought

Our Approach:
We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. That preparation creates leverage for settlement while ensuring we’re ready if settlement fails.

Practical Guides for Jollyville Families & Students

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

• Physical signs: Unexplained injuries, extreme exhaustion, weight changes, sleep deprivation
• Behavioral changes: Sudden secrecy, withdrawal from family/friends, personality changes, defensiveness
• Academic red flags: Dropping grades, missed classes, lost scholarships
• Financial red flags: Unexpected large expenses, maxed credit cards, vague requests for money
• Digital behavior: Constant phone monitoring, anxiety about messages, deleted conversations

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally):

1. “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
2. “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
3. “What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
4. “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
5. “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”

Immediate Action Checklist:

1. Safety first: Remove from dangerous situation, get medical care if needed
2. Evidence preservation: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries, save physical items
3. Documentation: Write down everything they tell you with dates/times
4. Legal consultation: Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 before taking other steps
5. Strategic reporting: With lawyer’s guidance, report to appropriate authorities

For Students: Self-Protection & Safe Exit Strategies

Is This Hazing? Assessment Questions:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something unsafe or humiliating?
• Would I do this if there were no social consequences for refusing?
• Am I being told to keep secrets from parents, university, or outsiders?
• Are only new members required to do this while older members watch or participate?

How to Exit Safely:

1. Immediate danger: Call 911, get to safe location
2. Planned exit: Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
3. Formal resignation: Email/text chapter leadership: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
4. No final meetings: Don’t attend “one last meeting” where pressure/retaliation might occur
5. Retaliation response: Document threats, report to university/police, consider protective order

Evidence Collection for Students:

• Screenshots: Full conversations with timestamps, before/after context
• Recordings: Texas is one-party consent—you can record conversations you’re part of
• Photos: Injuries (with scale like coin/ruler), locations, objects used
• Medical documentation: Tell providers you were hazed for medical record
• Witness info: Names/contact for others who saw what happened

Reporting Channels:

• Campus: Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct, Title IX Office, campus police
• Criminal: Local police if crimes occurred (assault, furnishing alcohol to minors)
• Anonymous: National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
• Legal: Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (confidential consultation)

Critical Mistakes That Destroy Hazing Cases

MISTAKE #1: Letting Your Child Delete Evidence

• What happens: Messages disappear, photos are lost, case becomes “he said/she said”
• Correct action: Preserve everything immediately—even embarrassing content

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the Organization Directly

• What happens: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, prepare defenses
• Correct action: Document quietly, consult attorney first, let lawyer handle communication

MISTAKE #3: Signing University “Resolution” Forms

• What happens: You may waive right to sue, accept inadequate settlement
• Correct action: DO NOT sign anything without attorney review

MISTAKE #4: Posting on Social Media

• What happens: Defense attorneys screenshot everything, inconsistencies hurt credibility
• Correct action: Document privately, let lawyer control public messaging

MISTAKE #5: Waiting for University Investigation

• What happens: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute of limitations runs
• Correct action: Preserve evidence NOW, consult lawyer immediately

MISTAKE #6: Talking to Insurance Adjusters

• What happens: Recorded statements used against you, early lowball settlements
• Correct action: “My attorney will contact you”

MISTAKE #7: Letting Child Return for “One Last Meeting”

• What happens: Pressure, intimidation, statements extracted that hurt the case
• Correct action: Once considering legal action, all communication through lawyer

Frequently Asked Questions for Williamson County Families

“Can we sue a Texas public university for hazing?”
Yes, under specific 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 in their personal capacity. The key is building a case that shows the university knew or should have known about the hazing and failed to take appropriate action. Many cases settle before immunity becomes a decisive issue.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas Education Code §37.152 makes hazing a state jail felony when it causes serious bodily injury or death. For less severe cases, it’s a misdemeanor. Additionally, hazing often involves separate felony charges like aggravated assault, sexual assault, or manslaughter.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to participate?”
Consent is not a defense to hazing in Texas. Education Code §37.155 explicitly states this. Courts recognize that true consent cannot exist in environments with power imbalance, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion. This is one of the most important protections for victims.

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

“What if hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national organizations can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus and resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

“Will my child’s name be public?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability, though some families choose public litigation to prevent future harm to others.

“How much does it cost to hire a hazing attorney?”
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. This makes quality legal representation accessible to families regardless of financial situation.

“What about criminal charges against my child if they were involved?”
We have dual civil/criminal capability. Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand criminal defense. We can advise on cooperation agreements, immunity, and navigating parallel criminal and civil proceedings.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including Jollyville, Round Rock, Cedar Park, and all of Williamson County.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Lupe Peña):
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims, their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello):
Our firm was one of the few in Texas involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation against billion-dollar defendants. We have federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) and are not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams. We’ve taken on the biggest corporations and won.

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:
Our comprehensive database tracks 1,423 Greek organizations across Texas, IRS filings for 125+ entities, and 96 campuses. We don’t start from scratch—we already understand the organizational networks behind the letters.

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

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:
Ralph’s HCCLA membership means we understand criminal hazing charges and how they interact with civil litigation. We can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure and navigate parallel proceedings.

Investigative Depth & Expert Network:
We maintain relationships with medical experts, digital forensics specialists, Greek life culture experts, economists, and psychologists. We know how to obtain hidden evidence: deleted group chats, chapter records, national headquarters files, and university internal documents.

Spanish-Language Services:
Hablamos Español. Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can serve Hispanic families throughout Texas in their native language.

Our Approach to Hazing Cases

1. Immediate Response: Evidence preservation begins within hours
2. Comprehensive Investigation: Identifying all potentially liable parties
3. Strategic Insurance Analysis: Navigating coverage disputes and bad faith claims
4. Expert Collaboration: Medical, economic, and cultural experts building your case
5. Trial Preparation: Preparing every case as if it’s going to trial for maximum leverage
6. Family-Centered Advocacy: Keeping you informed, protecting privacy, pursuing justice

We understand this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. This isn’t about bravado or quick settlements—it’s about thorough investigation and real accountability.

Call to Action for Jollyville & Williamson County Families

If your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any other university—we want to hear from you. Families in Jollyville, Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, and throughout Williamson County have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a Confidential Consultation

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

• We’ll listen to your story without judgment
• Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
• Explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
• Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
• Answer your 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 you tell us is confidential

Contact Information

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

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

Statute of Limitations Warning

Texas generally gives you 2 years from the date of injury or death to file a hazing lawsuit. However, evidence disappears quickly—witnesses graduate, memories fade, organizations destroy records. Do not wait. Call us today to protect your rights and begin preserving evidence.

Whether you’re in Jollyville or anywhere across 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 Attorney911 today: 1-888-ATTY-911

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