The Complete Guide to Hazing in Texas: What Parents in Town of Lake City & Across the State Must Know

If Your Child Was Hurt in a Fraternity, Sorority, or Campus Organization, We Can Help

It’s a quiet evening in Town of Lake City. Your phone rings, and the voice on the other end is your child, a student at a Texas university. They’re trying to sound okay, but you hear the strain. They mention “mandatory” late-night meetings, being “on call” for older members, and unexplained exhaustion. Or worse—they’re calling from a hospital, where doctors say they have alcohol poisoning or a severe muscle injury called rhabdomyolysis. They’re scared, confused, and asking you what to do. The university says they’re “investigating,” but days turn into weeks with no answers. The organization’s leaders are telling everyone to keep quiet. You feel powerless, hundreds of miles away in San Patricio County, watching your child suffer while institutions you trusted seem more concerned with their reputations than with justice.

This nightmare is real for Texas families right now. At this very moment, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. We represent Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity, its Beta Nu chapter housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. According to detailed media reports from Click2Houston and ABC13, Bermudez was subjected to months of systematic abuse as a Pi Kappa Phi pledge in fall 2025.

The hazing included: forced 24/7 carrying of a “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms and sex toys; sleep deprivation through overnight chauffeuring duties; extreme physical workouts including sprints, bear crawls, and wheelbarrow races; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; and a November 3 workout where he was forced to complete 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion. The result? Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis—severe skeletal muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown, he couldn’t stand without help, and he was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels. He now faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

This is happening in Texas right now. And if it’s happening at UH, it’s happening at other Texas campuses where Town of Lake City families send their children—Texas A&M, UT Austin, Texas State, Texas Tech, and beyond.

This guide exists because families in Town of Lake City and throughout the Coastal Bend region deserve to know the truth about hazing in 2025: what it really looks like, how Texas law protects their children, what national patterns tell us about institutional failures, and what legal options exist when universities and fraternities violate their duty 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:

Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they’re “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Town of Lake City & Across Texas

For parents in Town of Lake City who may be unfamiliar with modern Greek life and campus organizations, understanding what constitutes hazing is the first step toward protecting your child. Hazing is no longer just about silly pranks or harmless traditions. In 2025, hazing is a sophisticated system of coercion, abuse, and cover-up that can leave permanent physical and psychological scars.

The Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. The critical element that Town of Lake City families must understand is this: “I agreed to it” does NOT make it legal or safe. Texas law recognizes that when there’s a power imbalance between established members and new pledges, true voluntary consent often doesn’t exist.

Main Categories of Hazing Affecting Texas Students

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common—and most deadly—form of hazing. It includes forced or coerced drinking during “Big/Little” nights, “bid acceptance” parties, or drinking games like “Bible study” where wrong answers mean chugging. Students are often pressured to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol quickly, sometimes from handles of liquor or through funneling. In some cases, pledges are forced to consume drugs or unknown substances.

Physical Hazing
This includes paddling and beatings (still common despite national prohibitions), extreme calisthenics or “smokings” that go far beyond normal conditioning, sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or mandatory overnight driving duties, food/water deprivation, and exposure to extreme temperatures. The Leonel Bermudez case at UH involved all these elements: forced workouts to the point of rhabdomyolysis, sleep deprivation from overnight duties, and exposure to cold weather while in underwear.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This category includes forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (“elephant walk,” “roasted pig” positions), degrading costumes or role-playing, and acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones. The “pledge fanny pack” in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case—containing condoms and sex toys that pledges had to carry 24/7—falls squarely into this category of humiliation-based hazing.

Psychological Hazing
This involves verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members, manipulation through “family” rhetoric, forced confessions of personal information, and public shaming during meetings or on social media. The psychological impact can be as damaging as physical injuries, leading to PTSD, depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation.

Digital/Online Hazing
The 2025 evolution of hazing includes group chat dares, social media “challenges,” pressure to create or share compromising images/videos, constant monitoring via location-sharing apps, and public humiliation on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, or Discord. Pledges might be required to respond instantly to messages at all hours, share their location 24/7, or post embarrassing content.

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Texas

While fraternities and sororities receive the most attention, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

).Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
).Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups (especially at Texas A&M)
).Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs (like the Texas Cowboys at UT)
).Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer, etc.)
).Marching Bands and Performance Groups
).Some Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations

The common thread across all these groups is social status, tradition, and secrecy. Even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal, the pressure to maintain traditions, prove loyalty, and gain social standing keeps these practices alive. For Town of Lake City families with children at Texas universities, understanding that hazing isn’t limited to Greek life is crucial.

Texas Hazing Law: What Families in Town of Lake City & San Patricio County Need to Know

When your child has been hazed at a Texas university, you’re operating within a specific legal framework that governs everything from criminal charges to civil lawsuits. Understanding this framework helps Town of Lake City families navigate what comes next.

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37, Subchapter F (Hazing)

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in the Education Code that apply to all educational institutions in the state. The law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

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

Key Points for Town of Lake City Families:

Location doesn’t matter—hazing at an off-campus house, Airbnb, or retreat is still hazing
Mental harm counts as much as physical harm
“Reckless” conduct is enough—they don’t have to intend to cause harm
Consent is NOT a defense (Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states this)

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law

For Individuals:

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, fine up to $2,000)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing that causes injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing that causes serious bodily injury or death

Additional Criminal Provisions:

Failing to report hazing (if you’re a member or officer and you knew about it): misdemeanor
Retaliating against someone who reports hazing: misdemeanor

For Organizations:
Fraternities, sororities, clubs, and other organizations can be criminally prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged the hazing, or if an officer/member acting in official capacity knew about hazing and failed to report it.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (district attorney or county prosecutor)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Burden of proof: Beyond a reasonable doubt

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: Monetary compensation and accountability
Typical claims: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring/supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
Burden of proof: Preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not)

Critical Insight for Town of Lake City Families: These cases can run side-by-side. A criminal conviction is NOT required to pursue a civil case. In fact, many hazing cases proceed civilly even when criminal charges aren’t filed or are reduced.

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

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
This federal law requires colleges that receive federal aid to:

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

Title IX
When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations are triggered. Universities must investigate and respond appropriately.

Clery Act
Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics. Hazing incidents often overlap with Clery reportable crimes when there are assaults or alcohol/drug crimes.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

1. Individual Students
The ones who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover them up. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, 13 individual members were named as defendants, including the chapter president, pledgemaster, sorority relations chair, and risk manager.

2. Local Chapter/Organization
The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if it’s a legal entity). The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation was specifically named in the UH lawsuit.

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters
Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters is a defendant in the UH case. Liability often hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents at other chapters.

4. University or Governing Board
The school or regents may be sued under negligence or civil rights theories. The University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents are defendants in the Bermudez case. Key questions: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference.

5. Third Parties
Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces, bars or alcohol providers (under dram shop theories), security companies, or event organizers.

Every case is fact-specific. Not every party is liable in every situation, but experienced hazing attorneys know how to identify all potentially responsible entities.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Town of Lake City Families

The hazing case patterns established nationally directly impact how Texas courts view cases involving Town of Lake City students. These cases aren’t just tragic stories—they’re legal precedents that shape what’s foreseeable, what constitutes negligence, and what damages are appropriate.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
The 20-year-old pledge was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” night and died from alcohol poisoning. Multiple fraternity members were convicted of hazing-related charges. The family reached a $10 million settlement in 2023 ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). This case established that universities can face multi-million dollar liability even when the hazing occurs off-campus.

Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
The pledge was forced to participate in a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. He died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%). Multiple members were charged, one convicted of negligent homicide. The case led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, upgrading hazing to a felony. The family received a $6.1 million verdict.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
The 19-year-old died from traumatic brain injuries after a bid acceptance night with extreme alcohol consumption. The fraternity’s security cameras captured his falls and the hours-long delay in calling for help. Eighteen fraternity members faced over 1,000 criminal counts total. The case resulted in Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

What This Means for Town of Lake City Families: Forced drinking games and “Big/Little” events are known, foreseeable dangers. When fraternities repeat these patterns—as Pi Kappa Phi did at UH with forced consumption rituals—they can’t claim “we didn’t know this could happen.”

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
The pledge was blindfolded, weighted down with a heavy backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual at a remote retreat. He died from traumatic brain injuries while fraternity members delayed calling 911. Multiple members were convicted, and the national fraternity was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter. Pi Delta Psi was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

What This Means for Town of Lake City Families: Off-campus “retreats” and ritualized physical hazing carry extreme risks. Nationals can face organizational criminal liability—not just civil liability—when they fail to supervise chapters.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)
Former players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the football program over multiple years. Multiple lawsuits were filed against the university and coaching staff. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired, then settled a wrongful-termination suit confidentially with Northwestern in August 2025.

What This Means for Town of Lake City Families: Hazing isn’t limited to Greek life. Major athletic programs—including those at Texas universities—can harbor systemic abuse. When your child is an athlete, you need to be just as vigilant about hazing risks.

The Common Threads for Texas Families

These national cases establish clear patterns:

Forced drinking remains the most common fatal hazing method
Delayed medical care dramatically worsens outcomes and increases liability
Cover-up attempts (destroying evidence, coaching witnesses) lead to additional charges and punitive damages
National organizations face liability when chapters repeat conduct seen in prior incidents
Universities can be held accountable for failing to act on known patterns

For Town of Lake City families with children at Texas universities, these patterns mean that when similar conduct occurs here, the legal framework for holding organizations accountable already exists.

Texas University Focus: Where Town of Lake City Families Send Their Children

Town of Lake City families have connections to universities throughout Texas. Whether your child attends a nearby institution like Texas A&M University-Kingsville or Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, or heads to major hubs like Texas A&M in College Station or UT Austin, understanding the hazing landscape at these schools is crucial.

The Coastal Bend Connection: Universities Near Town of Lake City

Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Located just 40 miles from Town of Lake City in Kleberg County, TAMUK serves many students from San Patricio County. The university has active Greek life, including fraternities and sororities that are part of national organizations with documented hazing histories.

Del Mar College (Corpus Christi)
As a community college with growing student organizations, Del Mar serves Town of Lake City students seeking affordable higher education close to home.

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Many Town of Lake City students pursue degrees at this growing university, which has expanding Greek life and student organizations.

For Town of Lake City Families: When hazing occurs at these regional institutions, jurisdiction typically involves local police departments (Kingsville PD, Corpus Christi PD) and may involve courts in Kleberg or Nueces Counties. Evidence collection and witness interviews often happen close to home, which can be both a logistical advantage and an emotional challenge for affected families.

Major Texas Universities with Significant Town of Lake City Connections

While Town of Lake City students attend schools across Texas, certain universities draw significant numbers from our community. Here’s what parents need to know about each:

University of Houston (UH)

For Town of Lake City Families: While UH is approximately 200 miles from Town of Lake City, many students from our community attend this large urban campus. The ongoing Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates the serious hazing risks present at UH.

Campus & Greek Life Snapshot:
UH hosts approximately 60 fraternity and sorority chapters across four governing councils: Interfraternity Council (IFC), Houston Panhellenic Council, Multicultural Greek Council, and National Pan-Hellenic Council (Divine Nine). The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter involved in the Bermudez case was part of the IFC.

UH Hazing Policy & Reporting:
UH prohibits hazing on or off campus and provides reporting channels through the Dean of Students Office, Student Conduct and Care, and campus police. According to the Click2Houston report, UH responded to the Pi Kappa Phi allegations by calling the conduct “deeply disturbing,” promising disciplinary measures up to expulsion, and cooperating with law enforcement.

Recent Documented Incident – Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu (2025):
As detailed in media reports from Click2Houston, ABC13, and Hoodline, the hazing included:

“Pledge fanny pack” humiliation requirements
Forced dress codes and overnight chauffeuring duties
Extreme physical workouts at Yellowstone Boulevard Park
Hose spraying “similar to waterboarding”
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
Hog-tying of another pledge for over an hour
A November 3 workout causing rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds:

Jurisdiction: Harris County courts (Houston)
Investigating Agencies: UH Police Department and/or Houston Police Department
Potential Defendants: Individual students, local chapter, national fraternity, UH, UH System Board of Regents, property owners
Legal Venue: State District Courts in Harris County or federal court for certain claims

What UH Students & Town of Lake City Parents Should Do:

Report immediately to UH Dean of Students Office
Preserve all digital evidence (GroupMe, text messages, social media)
Seek medical attention and obtain complete records
Contact an attorney experienced in Houston-based hazing litigation
Document all communications with university officials

Texas A&M University (College Station)

For Town of Lake City Families: Texas A&M draws students from throughout Texas, including San Patricio County. The Corps of Cadets and strong Greek life present particular hazing risks that parents should understand.

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Texas A&M has one of the largest Greek systems in the nation and the nation’s largest Corps of Cadets program. Both have documented hazing incidents.

Documented Hazing Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):
Two pledges alleged they were covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The pledges sued the fraternity for $1 million, and the chapter was suspended for two years.

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (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. He sought over $1 million in damages. Texas A&M stated it handled the matter under its internal rules.

How Hazing Cases at Texas A&M Proceed:

Jurisdiction: Brazos County courts
Investigating Agencies: Texas A&M University Police Department, Bryan Police Department, College Station Police Department
Special Considerations: Corps cases may involve military-style chain of command issues
Legal Venue: State District Courts in Brazos County

What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do:

Understand both university conduct processes and potential criminal liability
For Corps incidents, document chain of command responses
Preserve evidence particularly carefully in athletic or Corps contexts where “tradition” defenses are common
Seek attorneys familiar with both Greek life and military-style organization hazing

University of Texas at Austin

For Town of Lake City Families: UT Austin attracts top students from across Texas, including our community. The university’s public hazing violations database provides transparency but also reveals ongoing patterns.

Campus & Transparency Snapshot:
UT Austin maintains a public Hazing Violations page that lists organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions—a level of transparency unmatched by many Texas universities.

Documented Violations from Public Database:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023):
New members were directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Found to be hazing. Sanction: Chapter placed on probation and required to implement new hazing-prevention education.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024):
An Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members at a party, suffering a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose. The student sued the SAE chapter for over $1 million. The chapter was already under suspension for prior hazing/safety violations.

Texas Wranglers (Multiple Years):
This spirit organization has faced repeated sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, and punishment-based practices.

How UT Austin Hazing Cases Proceed:

Jurisdiction: Travis County courts
Investigating Agencies: UT Austin Police Department, Austin Police Department
Evidence Advantage: Public violations database provides pattern evidence for civil cases
Legal Venue: State District Courts in Travis County

What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do:

Check the public hazing violations database for prior incidents involving the same organization
Use the documented patterns in negotiations and litigation
Report through both university channels and, when appropriate, Austin PD
Preserve evidence particularly thoroughly when dealing with organizations with prior violations

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

For Town of Lake City Families: SMU’s private university status and affluent student body create a different dynamic for hazing cases, affecting both liability and settlement strategies.

Campus Snapshot:
SMU is a private university with a strong Greek presence and reputation for affluent student body. Private university status affects both transparency and legal strategies.

Documented Incident – Kappa Alpha Order (2017):
New members reported being paddled, forced to drink alcohol, and deprived of sleep. The chapter was suspended, with restrictions on recruiting until around 2021.

How SMU Hazing Cases Proceed:

Jurisdiction: Dallas County courts
Investigating Agencies: SMU Police Department, Dallas Police Department
Special Considerations: Private university status means different sovereign immunity issues
Legal Venue: State District Courts in Dallas County

What SMU Students & Parents Should Do:

Understand that private universities have different reporting obligations and transparency standards
Preserve evidence carefully, as internal processes may be less documented than at public institutions
Consider both university disciplinary processes and potential civil litigation
Seek attorneys experienced with private university liability issues

Baylor University

For Town of Lake City Families: Baylor’s religious identity and history of scrutiny over institutional responses to misconduct create a complex landscape for hazing cases.

Campus Snapshot:
Baylor’s religious identity, combined with its history of scrutiny over football and Title IX issues, creates a complex environment for hazing cases.

Documented Incident – Baylor Baseball (2020):
Fourteen players were suspended following a hazing investigation, with suspensions staggered over the early season.

How Baylor Hazing Cases Proceed:

Jurisdiction: McLennan County courts
Investigating Agencies: Baylor Department of Public Safety, Waco Police Department
Special Considerations: Religious institution status may affect certain legal arguments
Legal Venue: State District Courts in McLennan County

What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do:

Document all communications carefully, as religious institutions may frame issues differently
Understand how Baylor’s prior scandals might affect their response to new allegations
Preserve evidence thoroughly, as institutional responses may be influenced by reputation management concerns
Seek attorneys familiar with both hazing litigation and religious institution liability issues

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: Public Records & Organizational Networks

For Town of Lake City families navigating a hazing crisis, understanding the organizational landscape behind campus Greek life is crucial. These aren’t just social clubs—they’re legal entities with tax identification numbers, insurance policies, and complex networks of liability.

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 the state built from public records. This isn’t theoretical; it’s concrete data that helps us identify all potentially liable entities in a hazing case.

IRS B83 Backbone – 125 Texas-Registered Greek Organizations
The IRS Business Master File includes every tax-exempt organization classified as B83 (Student Sororities, Fraternities) with a Texas mailing address. These include house corporations, alumni chapters, honor societies, and related entities. For example:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 46-2267515) – 10601 Big Horn Trail, Frisco, TX 75035-6629
Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation (EIN 37-1768785) – 4102 Eastshore Street, Missouri City, TX 77459-1820
Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc (EIN 27-3662583) – 1416 Sleepy Hollow Drive, Lufkin, TX 75904-4805
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc (multiple chapters across Texas with different EINs)

Cause IQ Metro Organizations – The Corpus Christi & Regional Context
For Town of Lake City families, understanding the Greek organizations in the Corpus Christi metropolitan area (which includes San Patricio County) is particularly relevant. According to Cause IQ data, the Corpus Christi metro has 21 Greek-related organizations, including:

Alpha Sigma Phi – Iota Phi Chapter (Texas A&M–Corpus Christi)
Sigma Chi Fraternity – Zeta Pi (Texas A&M–Kingsville)
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Corpus Christi Alumnae (graduate chapter)
Kappa Sigma Fraternity – Rho-Psi Colony (Texas A&M–Corpus Christi)

Texas Universities – Where Town of Lake City Students Attend
Beyond the major universities discussed above, Town of Lake City students attend institutions throughout Texas. Our database tracks 96 Texas campuses, including regional institutions like:

Texas A&M University-Kingsville (Kingsville, Kleberg County)
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (Corpus Christi, Nueces County)
Del Mar College (Corpus Christi, Nueces County)
Coastal Bend College (multiple locations in the region)

Why Organizational Mapping Matters for Your Case

When your child is hazed, identifying all potentially liable entities is crucial for several reasons:

Insurance Coverage: Different entities have different insurance policies. A national fraternity’s insurance might exclude hazing, but a housing corporation’s policy might provide coverage.
Asset Recovery: Some entities might have substantial assets while others don’t. Judging against an entity with no assets is meaningless.
Pattern Evidence: Tracking an organization across multiple campuses shows whether they had notice of prior incidents.
Jurisdictional Strategy: Some entities might be subject to jurisdiction in courts more favorable to your case.

For Town of Lake City Families: This organizational intelligence means we don’t start from scratch when you contact us about a hazing incident. We already know how to identify the housing corporations, alumni associations, and national organizations behind the campus chapters. This investigative head start can be crucial in a case where evidence disappears quickly.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories & Local Patterns

The national organizations behind campus chapters have documented histories of hazing incidents across the country. These histories matter because they establish what these organizations knew or should have known about the risks of their rituals and traditions.

Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories in Texas

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

National History: Stone Foltz fatal hazing at Bowling Green State University ($10M settlement), David Bogenberger fatal hazing at Northern Illinois University ($14M settlement)
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Texas Tech, Texas State
Local Pattern: UT Austin chapter sanctioned in 2023 for forcing new members to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

National History: Multiple hazing-related deaths nationwide; eliminated traditional pledge process in 2014 due to pattern
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Texas Tech
Local Patterns:
- Texas A&M chapter involved in 2021 chemical burns case ($1M lawsuit)
- UT Austin chapter involved in 2024 assault case against Australian exchange student ($1M+ lawsuit)

Pi Kappa Phi

National History: Andrew Coffey fatal hazing at Florida State University
Texas Presence: Chapter at UH (Beta Nu, now closed)
Local Pattern: UH Beta Nu chapter involved in 2025 Leonel Bermudez case ($10M lawsuit)

Phi Delta Theta

National History: Max Gruver fatal hazing at LSU ($6.1M verdict)
Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, Texas Tech
Local Pattern: National organization has faced multiple hazing deaths

Kappa Alpha Order

National History: Multiple hazing suspensions nationwide
Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, Texas Tech, SMU
Local Pattern: SMU chapter suspended in 2017 for paddling and forced drinking

What National Histories Mean for Texas Cases

When a Texas chapter repeats the same hazing script that caused deaths or injuries at other chapters, that establishes:

Foreseeability: The national organization knew or should have known this conduct was occurring
Negligence: Failure to prevent known, dangerous patterns
Punitive Damages Basis: Reckless disregard for known risks

For example, when Pi Kappa Phi’s UH chapter engaged in forced drinking and extreme physical hazing in 2025, the national organization couldn’t claim “we didn’t know this could happen.” They had already dealt with Andrew Coffey’s death at Florida State from similar conduct.

For Town of Lake City Families: This pattern evidence is crucial in settlement negotiations and trial. It transforms a “isolated incident” narrative into proof of systemic failure. When we represent hazing victims, we obtain national organizations’ internal records showing what they knew about hazing risks and what they did (or didn’t do) to prevent them.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Damages

For Town of Lake City families facing a hazing crisis, understanding how a case is built—from evidence collection to damages calculation—can help you make informed decisions about legal representation and strategy.

Evidence Collection: The 2025 Digital Landscape

Digital Communications (Most Critical Evidence)

Group Messaging: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage group texts, Discord servers, fraternity-specific apps
Social Media: Instagram stories/DMs, Snapchat (screenshot immediately), TikTok, Facebook Messenger
Emails: Organizational communications, calendar invites to “events”
Preservation Method: Screenshot with timestamps and participant names visible; do NOT delete anything; use screen recording for disappearing content

In the UH Pi Kappa Phi Case: Group chats reportedly contained planning discussions and evidence of the hazing activities. Our firm’s experience with digital forensics—honed through years of complex litigation—allows us to recover deleted messages and reconstruct digital evidence trails.

Photos & Videos

Injuries: Multiple angles with scale reference (coin/ruler); progressive photos over days
Locations: Houses, rooms, venues where hazing occurred
Events: If safe to record, footage of hazing in progress (but safety first)
Social Media Content: Posts showing hazing events, even if captioned as “jokes”

Medical Documentation

Immediate Care: ER reports, ambulance records, hospitalization records
Specialist Care: Follow-up with specialists documenting ongoing effects
Psychological Care: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses and treatment records
Critical Step: Tell medical providers “I was hazed” so it’s documented in records

Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” documents
Risk management files from national organizations
Emails between local chapters and nationals

University Records

Prior conduct files on the same organization
Incident reports to campus police or conduct offices
Clery Act reports and annual security reports

Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses)

Medical Expenses: Past and future care, including potential lifelong treatment for conditions like kidney damage (as in the UH rhabdomyolysis case)
Lost Income/Earning Capacity: Time off work for recovery, reduced future earning potential if injuries are permanent
Educational Costs: Tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships, delayed graduation

Non-Economic Damages

Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries and medical treatments
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation, loss of enjoyment of life
Reputational Harm: Social stigma, difficulty transferring schools

Wrongful Death Damages (When Applicable)

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support and companionship
Grief and emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages

Available when defendants show reckless disregard or intentional misconduct
Designed to punish and deter similar conduct
In Texas, subject to statutory caps except in certain intentional tort cases

Insurance Coverage Strategies

Hazing cases often involve complex insurance coverage issues. Fraternity and university insurers frequently argue that hazing is an “intentional act” excluded from coverage. Our approach, informed by Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney, includes:

Identifying All Potential Policies: National organization policies, housing corporation policies, university policies, individual member homeowner’s policies
Navigating Exclusions: Arguing that even if hazing was intentional, negligent supervision claims may be covered
Bad Faith Claims: Pursuing insurers who wrongfully deny coverage or fail to defend

For Town of Lake City Families: The insurance battle is often where cases are won or lost. Having an attorney who understands insurance company tactics—because he used to employ them—provides a critical advantage.

Practical Guides for Town of Lake City Families, Students & Witnesses

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries (especially if excuses don’t add up)
Extreme fatigue, exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight loss or gain (from food/water restriction or stress)
Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, calls at 3 AM, inability to sleep)
Injuries to hands, back, legs from paddling or forced exercise
Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage
Signs of alcohol poisoning or drug use

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-member activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability, anger
Defensive when asked about the organization
Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”
Sudden obsession with pleasing older members
Talking about “just having to get through this”

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep in class
Skipping exams to attend “mandatory” events
Losing scholarships or academic standing

Digital/Social Behavior:

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

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally)

“How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
“Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
“What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable or that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”
“Are they asking you to keep secrets from me or the university?”

48-Hour Action Checklist for Parents

Hour 1–6 (Immediate Crisis):
✅ Get medical attention if injured or intoxicated
✅ Remove child from dangerous situation
✅ Screenshot any messages they show you; photograph visible injuries
✅ Write down everything they tell you (date, time, what happened, who was there)
✅ Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance

Hour 6–24 (Evidence Preservation):
✅ Help child preserve all group chats, DMs, texts (do NOT delete anything)
✅ Secure clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
✅ Request copies of all ER/hospital records
✅ Write down names and contact info for other pledges, bystanders
✅ Note any communications from school but do NOT respond yet

Hour 24–48 (Strategic Decisions):
✅ Speak with experienced hazing attorney (Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911)
✅ Decide whether to report to campus police, local police, Dean of Students (with lawyer’s guidance)
✅ If school contacts you, refer them to your attorney
✅ Do NOT talk to any insurance adjuster without lawyer present
✅ Upload all screenshots and photos to cloud storage

For Students: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide
Ask yourself:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences, no fear of being “cut”)?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would the university or my parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do themselves?
Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?

If you answered YES to any of these, it’s likely hazing.

How to Exit Safely

If you’re in immediate danger: Call 911 or campus police
Get to a safe location (your dorm, a friend’s place, a public area)
Send an email or text to the chapter president stating: “I am resigning my pledge/membership effective immediately”
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where they might pressure or retaliate
If you fear retaliation, report that fear to the Dean of Students and campus police

Evidence Collection for Students

Screenshots of group chats with timestamps and participant names
Voice memos/recordings (Texas is a one-party consent state)
Photos/videos of injuries, locations, objects used
Save everything digital—don’t delete anything, even if embarrassed
Medical documentation telling providers “I was hazed”
Witness information for other pledges or bystanders

Your Legal Rights in Texas

You cannot be punished for calling 911 or seeking medical help in an emergency (good-faith reporter immunity)
Hazing is a crime; you are the victim, not the perpetrator (even if you “agreed”)
You can file a civil lawsuit for damages even if no criminal charges are filed
You can request a no-contact order through the university if you’re being harassed

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

MISTAKE 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 a cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

MISTAKE 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

MISTAKE 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 an attorney reviewing it first

MISTAKE 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

MISTAKE 5: Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”

What fraternities say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic”
Why it’s wrong: They pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that hurt the case
What to do instead: Once you’re considering legal action, all communication goes through your lawyer

MISTAKE 6: 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

MISTAKE 7: Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer

What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim”
Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball
What to do instead: Politely decline and say, “My attorney will contact you”

Watch our video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case for more guidance on what to avoid.

Frequently Asked Questions for Town of Lake City 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—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

“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 or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Learn more in our video on Texas statutes of limitations.

“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 (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar 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.

“How much does it cost to hire a hazing attorney?”
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. This makes justice accessible to families who couldn’t otherwise afford to take on wealthy fraternities and universities. Learn how contingency fees work in our educational video.

“What if my child was drinking underage during the hazing?”
Texas law provides good-faith reporter immunity for those who seek medical help in emergencies. Your child’s underage drinking doesn’t prevent a hazing case—in fact, furnishing alcohol to minors is often one of the charges against fraternity members.

Why Attorney911 for Hazing Cases: Texas-Based, Nationally Relevant

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. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Town of Lake City and the surrounding Coastal Bend region.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

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. He understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. As he says, “We know their playbook because we used to run it.” This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with insurers who try to deny coverage for hazing claims.

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

Active Hazing Litigation Experience
Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case—a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit that has garnered national media attention. We’re not just talking about hazing litigation; we’re actively fighting one of the most serious cases in the country. This gives us current, practical experience with the exact issues Town of Lake City families face.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience
We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases, working with economists to value lifetimes lost and with medical experts to project lifelong care needs. In hazing cases involving permanent injuries like kidney damage (rhabdomyolysis) or traumatic brain injuries, this experience is crucial for ensuring full compensation.

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise
Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) gives us elite criminal defense capability. We understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation and can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure. This dual capability is rare among personal injury firms.

Investigative Depth & Digital Forensics
We maintain the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations across the state. We know how to obtain deleted group chats, subpoena national fraternity records, and uncover university files. Our network includes digital forensics experts, medical specialists, psychologists, and economists who help build compelling cases.

Spanish-Language Services
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, allowing us to serve Hispanic families in Town of Lake City and throughout Texas in their preferred language. Hablamos Español—contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

Our Approach: Empathy, Investigation, Accountability

We know hazing cases are among the most difficult experiences a family can face. Our approach balances:

Empathetic Support: We listen without judgment and provide clear guidance during a confusing time
Thorough Investigation: We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does
Strategic Accountability: We identify all responsible parties and pursue maximum accountability
Privacy Protection: We work to protect your family’s privacy while seeking justice
Prevention Focus: We believe accountability today prevents harm tomorrow

Call to Action for Town of Lake City Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether it’s Texas A&M-Kingsville just 40 miles away, a major university like UT Austin or Texas A&M College Station, or any institution in between—we want to hear from you.

Families in Town of Lake City, San Patricio County, and throughout the Coastal Bend region have the right to answers and accountability when universities and organizations fail to protect their students.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a Confidential, No-Obligation 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 (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)

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

Learn More About Our Practice

Wrongful Death Experience: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Criminal Defense Capability: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/
Ralph Manginello’s Background: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
Lupe Peña’s Insurance Experience: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Educational Resources

Evidence Preservation: Using your cellphone to document a legal case
Statute of Limitations: Texas deadlines for filing cases
Common Mistakes: Client errors that can ruin your case
Fee Structure: How contingency fees work

Whether you’re in Town of Lake City or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have teams of lawyers protecting their interests. You deserve the same level of representation.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, and we’re here to help.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified Texas attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com, lupe@atty911.com

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Using your cellphone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes that can ruin your case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website & Practice Areas:

Main website: https://attorney911.com
Wrongful death practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Criminal defense practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/
Ralph Manginello background: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
Lupe Peña background: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/