Hazing in Texas: A Complete Guide for Leon Valley Families Seeking Justice and Accountability

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

It’s 2 a.m. on a Sunday. Your phone rings—a call you hoped never to receive. Your child, a freshman at a Texas university, is slurring their words, confused, and scared. They’re at an off-campus fraternity house or sorority event, and something has gone terribly wrong. They were pressured to drink far beyond any reasonable limit, forced through humiliating acts, or subjected to brutal physical “conditioning” as part of a “tradition.” Other students are filming with their phones, laughing, but no one is calling for help. Your child feels trapped between loyalty to the group they wanted to join and their own crumbling safety. For families in Leon Valley, this nightmare scenario is not hypothetical. It happens at universities across Texas, including schools where our community sends its brightest young adults.

Right now, our firm is actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history—the Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi (Beta Nu chapter) lawsuit. This $10 million case alleges systematic abuse that left a young man with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, hospitalized for four days, facing potential permanent organ damage. The details are shocking: forced consumption of food until vomiting, “waterboarding” with a hose, humiliating “pledge fanny pack” requirements, and extreme physical hazing at locations including Yellowstone Boulevard Park and a Culmore Drive residence. This case, filed in late 2025, represents exactly what we fight against every day: institutional failures, dangerous traditions, and life-altering injuries disguised as “bonding.”

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Leon Valley, across Bexar County, and throughout the San Antonio metropolitan area who need to understand the reality of hazing in 2025. We’ll explain what hazing really looks like today, how Texas law protects (or fails) victims, what major national cases teach us, and what’s happening at Texas universities where Leon Valley students enroll—from UTSA in our own backyard to major hubs like UT Austin, Texas A&M, Baylor, and the University of Houston. Whether your child attends school minutes from home in San Antonio or hours away in College Station, Texas hazing law and experienced Texas counsel can help your family seek answers and accountability.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

In the first 48 hours:

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

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

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

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

For Leon Valley families who may not be familiar with modern Greek life or campus organizations, understanding what constitutes hazing is the first step toward protecting your child. Hazing is not just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” It 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. Crucially, “I agreed to it” does not make it safe or legal when there is peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion.

Modern hazing falls into several distinct categories that every Leon Valley parent should recognize:

Alcohol and Substance Hazing

This remains the most common and most dangerous form of hazing. It includes forced or coerced drinking through “lineups” where pledges must rapidly consume alcohol, drinking games like “Bible study” where incorrect answers mean more drinks, and “Big/Little” nights where new members are given handles of liquor. The tragic cases of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green (Pi Kappa Alpha) and Max Gruver at LSU (Phi Delta Theta) both followed this exact script. In Texas, we see the same patterns: forced consumption leading to alcohol poisoning, hospitalization, and in the worst cases, death. The Leonel Bermudez case at UH also involved forced eating and drinking components that contributed to medical crisis.

Physical Hazing

This includes paddling, beatings, extreme calisthenics (“smokings” with hundreds of push-ups or squats), sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme temperatures. The Texas A&M Corps of Cadets has faced lawsuits alleging binding and degrading positions. The UH Pi Kappa Phi case involved extreme workouts leading to rhabdomyolysis—a dangerous muscle breakdown condition. Physical hazing often masquerades as “conditioning” or “team building” but crosses into abuse when it exceeds safe limits or includes punitive elements.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

This category includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts (“elephant walk,” “roasted pig” positions), degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. These acts cause profound psychological harm and often create environments where sexual assault becomes more likely. The Northwestern University football scandal revealed how athletic programs can harbor sexualized hazing culture.

Psychological Hazing

Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from family and friends, forced confessions, and public shaming—whether in meetings or on social media—constitute psychological hazing. This form of abuse can be harder to document but leaves deep emotional scars, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

Digital/Online Hazing

The smartphone era has created new avenues for abuse. Group chat dares on GroupMe or WhatsApp, “challenges” shared on Instagram or TikTok, pressure to create compromising content, and public humiliation via social media constitute digital hazing. The constant connectivity means students can be harassed 24/7, losing sleep and sanity to never-ending demands.

Where Hazing Happens

Contrary to popular belief, hazing is not limited to fraternities. In Texas, we see dangerous hazing in:

• Fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / military-style groups
• Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
• Spirit squads and tradition clubs
• Marching bands and performance groups
• Some academic and service organizations

For Leon Valley families, understanding that hazing can occur in any group where there’s a power imbalance between new and established members is crucial. The common thread is social status, tradition, and secrecy—elements that keep these practices alive even when everyone knows they’re illegal.

Texas Hazing Law and Liability Framework: What Leon Valley Families Need to Know

Texas has specific legal provisions addressing hazing, but understanding how they work in practice is essential for families in Leon Valley and throughout Bexar County. The law provides both criminal penalties and civil recourse, but navigating these systems requires experienced guidance.

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

Texas law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that endangers mental or physical health or safety and occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Key provisions that Leon Valley families should understand:

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

• Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (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

§ 37.155 Consent Not a Defense:
This is crucial: Consent is not a defense to hazing prosecution. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law recognizes that power imbalance and peer pressure mean true voluntary consent often doesn’t exist in hazing situations.

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:
A person who in good faith reports hazing to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from the report. This protection encourages calling for help in emergencies.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by the state (prosecutor)
• Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical hazing-related charges: hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Example: In the Stone Foltz case, multiple fraternity members faced criminal hazing charges

Civil Cases:

• Brought by victims or surviving families
• Aim: Monetary compensation and accountability
• Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
• Example: The Leonel Bermudez case seeks $10 million for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and punitive damages

Both types can proceed simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. Many families find civil litigation provides the most meaningful accountability, uncovering systemic failures and securing compensation for medical bills, therapy, and other expenses.

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections and Requirements

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
This federal legislation requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently, strengthen prevention efforts, and maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026). This means better information for families but also more compliance obligations for universities.

Title IX and Clery Act:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. The Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics—hazing incidents often overlap with these categories. These federal frameworks provide additional avenues for accountability when universities fail to respond appropriately.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Understanding potential defendants helps Leon Valley families grasp the scope of accountability:

Individual Students:
Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover them up. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, 13 individual fraternity leaders are named defendants.

Local Chapter/Organization:
The fraternity/sorority or club itself. Chapters often have housing corporations (like the Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc. with EIN 462267515 in Frisco, TX) that own property and carry insurance.

National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters:
Organizations like Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters can be liable based on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents, their policies (or lack thereof), and their supervision of chapters.

University or Governing Board:
Schools may face liability under negligence theories or civil rights claims. Public universities like UTSA and UT Austin have some sovereign immunity protections but can still be sued under certain circumstances.

Third Parties:
Property owners, landlords, bars providing alcohol (under Texas dram shop law), security companies, or event organizers may share liability depending on their role.

Every case depends on specific facts, but experienced hazing attorneys know how to identify all potentially liable parties to maximize accountability and compensation.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What History Teaches Us About Texas Risks

Understanding major national hazing cases helps Leon Valley families recognize patterns and appreciate the stakes involved. These aren’t distant tragedies—they’re blueprints for what can happen at Texas universities.

Alcohol Poisoning Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):
A bid-acceptance event with forced drinking led to Piazza falling multiple times, with fraternity members delaying medical help for hours. Security camera footage captured the tragedy. This case resulted in dozens of criminal charges, civil litigation, and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. The takeaway for Texas families: extreme intoxication combined with delayed emergency response creates devastating legal exposure.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017):
During a “Big Brother” night, Coffey was given a handle of liquor and drank to dangerous levels. His death led to criminal hazing charges and FSU temporarily suspending all Greek life. This demonstrates how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights repeat with tragic consistency.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
A “Bible study” drinking game required pledges to drink when answering questions incorrectly. Gruver died with a BAC of 0.495%. His death spurred Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony. For Leon Valley families: legislative change often follows public outrage after preventable deaths.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
Foltz was forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey during a pledge event. His family reached a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). This case shows universities can face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
During a fraternity retreat, Deng was blindfolded, weighted with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled in a “glass ceiling” ritual. He suffered fatal head injuries while members delayed calling 911. The fraternity was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years, and multiple members received jail sentences. This demonstrates that off-campus “retreats” can be particularly dangerous, and national organizations face serious sanctions.

Athletic Program Hazing and Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025):
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program over multiple years. Multiple lawsuits followed, head coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired (and later settled a wrongful-termination suit), and the university faced massive reputational damage. This reminds Texas families that hazing extends beyond Greek life into big-money athletic programs.

What These Cases Mean for Leon Valley Families

Common threads in national hazing tragedies include forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, and institutional cover-ups. Reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements typically follow only after tragedy and litigation. Leon Valley families facing hazing at UTSA, UT Austin, Texas A&M, or other Texas schools are operating in a landscape shaped by these national lessons. The patterns are recognizable, foreseeable, and—with proper legal intervention—preventable.

Texas University Focus: Where Leon Valley Students Face Hazing Risks

Leon Valley families send students to universities across Texas, from our local UTSA campus to major hubs hours away. Understanding the specific hazing landscape at each institution helps parents recognize risks and respond effectively.

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA): Our Local Campus

Campus and Culture Snapshot

UTSA serves as the primary public university for the San Antonio area, with many Leon Valley students choosing to commute or live on campus. As a growing institution with expanding Greek life, UTSA faces typical hazing challenges as its fraternity and sorority system matures. The university’s location in Bexar County means local families deal with Bexar County courts, San Antonio police, and UTSA PD when incidents occur.

Official Hazing Policy and Reporting

UTSA prohibits hazing through its Student Code of Conduct and provides reporting channels through the Dean of Students Office and UTSA Police Department. Like all Texas public universities, UTSA must comply with Chapter 37 of the Education Code and maintain hazing prevention education.

Documented Incidents and Greek Presence

While UTSA’s Greek life is younger than at some Texas schools, it includes chapters of national organizations with problematic hazing histories. The university’s Multicultural Greek Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and Interfraternity Council all oversee organizations that require vigilance. Specific chapter conduct records may be obtained through public records requests or discovery in litigation.

How a UTSA Hazing Case Might Proceed for Leon Valley Families

1. Jurisdiction: Cases would typically be filed in Bexar County courts or federal court in the Western District of Texas
2. Investigating Agencies: UTSA PD has primary jurisdiction on campus; San Antonio Police Department handles off-campus incidents
3. Potential Defendants: Individual students, local chapters, national organizations, and potentially UTSA itself depending on knowledge and response
4. Evidence Sources: Group chats, UTSA conduct records, medical records from local hospitals like University Hospital or Methodist Healthcare

What UTSA Students and Leon Valley Parents Should Do

• Report immediately to UTSA Dean of Students: (210) 458-4720
• Document everything before contacting the chapter or university
• Understand that as a commuter school, hazing may occur in off-campus apartments or houses throughout San Antonio
• Preserve evidence from GroupMe, WhatsApp, or Instagram—these digital trails are crucial
• Contact a hazing attorney familiar with Bexar County courts and procedures

University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin)

Campus and Culture Snapshot

UT Austin represents a destination campus for many high-achieving Leon Valley students. With over 60 fraternity and sorority chapters and a deeply ingrained Greek culture, UT has faced consistent hazing challenges. The university’s public hazing violations page provides unprecedented transparency but also reveals ongoing problems.

Official Hazing Policy and Transparency

UT Austin maintains one of Texas’ most transparent hazing reporting systems at hazing.utexas.edu. The site lists organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions. This transparency helps families but also indicates persistent issues requiring vigilance.

Documented Incidents and Responses

Example: Pi Kappa Alpha (2023) – New members were directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, found to be hazing. The chapter was placed on probation and required to implement new hazing-prevention education.

Example: Texas Wranglers – This spirit organization has faced sanctions for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing, demonstrating that non-Greek groups also present risks.

Example: Sigma Alpha Epsilon – The UT chapter faced allegations in 2024 involving assault of an international student, resulting in injuries including a dislocated leg and broken nose.

How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

1. Jurisdiction: Travis County courts or federal court in the Western District of Texas
2. Investigating Agencies: UTPD and Austin Police Department
3. Evidence Advantage: UT’s public violations page provides pre-existing pattern evidence that strengthens civil cases
4. Potential Defendants: Individual members, chapters, national organizations (many with Texas-based entities), and potentially UT System

What UT Austin Students and Leon Valley Parents Should Do

• Check hazing.utexas.edu to see if your child’s organization has prior violations
• Report to UT Dean of Students and UTPD simultaneously
• Understand that Austin’s off-campus housing market means hazing often occurs in properties not owned by universities or fraternities
• Act quickly—UT’s transparency means evidence is more accessible but also that organizations are sophisticated at cover-ups
• Consider that travel to Austin for meetings with counsel may be necessary, but initial consultations can occur remotely

Texas A&M University

Campus and Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M’s unique culture includes both robust Greek life and the Corps of Cadets, each with documented hazing issues. For Leon Valley students attracted to A&M’s traditions or engineering programs, understanding both environments is crucial.

Documented Incidents and Responses

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. The fraternity was suspended for two years, and plaintiffs sought $1 million in damages.

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” position with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million, with A&M stating it handled the matter under its rules.

Recent Allegations: Ongoing litigation involves allegations of rhabdomyolysis from extreme physical hazing, demonstrating that dangerous practices persist despite increased awareness.

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

1. Jurisdiction: Brazos County courts (College Station) or federal jurisdiction when appropriate
2. Unique Aspects: Corps cases involve military-style chain of command issues; Greek cases often involve well-resourced national organizations
3. Evidence Challenges: Strong institutional loyalty can make witness cooperation difficult initially
4. Potential Defendants: Individuals, chapters, nationals, The Texas A&M University System, and in Corps cases, possibly individual officers or supervisors

What Texas A&M Students and Leon Valley Parents Should Do

• Recognize that both Greek life and Corps traditions present hazing risks
• Report to Student Conduct Office and, for Corps issues, through appropriate military-style channels
• Document everything—A&M’s tradition-heavy culture can normalize dangerous behavior
• Understand that College Station’s relatively isolated location may mean limited medical resources for serious injuries
• Contact counsel familiar with both Greek litigation and military-style organization cases

Baylor University

Campus and Culture Snapshot

Baylor’s religious identity and history of scrutiny over football and Title IX issues create a complex environment for hazing response. The university’s “zero tolerance” policies exist alongside recurring misconduct issues.

Documented Incidents and Responses

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players were suspended following a hazing investigation, with staggered suspensions affecting the early season. This demonstrated that athletic programs—even at religious institutions—face hazing challenges.

Ongoing Greek Life Issues: Baylor’s fraternities and sororities, while smaller than some Texas schools, include chapters of national organizations with problematic histories. The university’s handling of these issues occurs against the backdrop of prior institutional crisis management challenges.

How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

1. Jurisdiction: McLennan County courts (Waco) or federal court
2. Institutional Factors: Baylor’s private status affects sovereign immunity issues; religious branding may influence jury perceptions
3. Evidence Considerations: Internal church or religious context may complicate some cases but doesn’t eliminate liability
4. Potential Defendants: Individuals, chapters, national organizations, Baylor University (as a private entity with fewer immunity protections)

What Baylor Students and Leon Valley Parents Should Do

• Report through Baylor’s Student Conduct process but understand the university’s complicated history with institutional response
• Document meticulously—religious contexts sometimes pressure victims to forgive rather than pursue accountability
• Recognize that Waco’s smaller legal community may mean fewer attorneys with hazing expertise
• Consider that national organizations may try to distance themselves from “rogue chapter” behavior at religious institutions
• Contact counsel experienced with private university litigation and religious institution cases

University of Houston (UH)

Campus and Culture Snapshot

UH’s urban commuter campus hosts active Greek life with multiple fraternities and sororities. The ongoing Leonel Bermudez case against UH and Pi Kappa Phi provides a current, serious example of hazing risks at the university.

The Flagship Case: Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi

This active $10 million lawsuit alleges systematic abuse during Fall 2025 that left Bermudez with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Key details every Leon Valley parent should know:

Hazing Methods:

• “Pledge fanny pack” requirement containing condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices
• Forced dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, overnight chauffeuring duties
• Extreme physical hazing: sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races in cold weather
• Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”
• Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting, followed by sprints
• The November 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion

Medical Catastrophe:

• Developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure
• Passed brown urine, could not stand without help
• Hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels
• Faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage

Institutional Response:

• November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends Beta Nu chapter
• November 14, 2025: Chapter members vote to surrender charter; chapter shut down
• UH labels conduct “deeply disturbing,” promises disciplinary measures up to expulsion
• Defendants include: UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national, housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders

Why This Case Matters for Leon Valley Families:

• Demonstrates that severe, life-altering hazing happens right now at Texas universities
• Shows multiple layers of potential liability: individuals, chapters, nationals, universities
• Illustrates how digital evidence (group chats, social media) and medical records build cases
• Proves experienced hazing counsel can take on powerful institutions immediately

How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

1. Jurisdiction: Harris County courts or federal court in the Southern District of Texas
2. Investigating Agencies: UHPD and Houston Police Department
3. Medical Resources: Houston’s medical center provides excellent documentation but also expert defense medical examinations
4. Legal Community: Houston’s large legal market means sophisticated defense counsel but also experienced plaintiff’s attorneys

What UH Students and Leon Valley Parents Should Do

• Report immediately to UH Dean of Students and UHPD
• Understand that Houston’s spread-out geography means hazing may occur far from campus
• Document everything—the Bermudez case shows detailed evidence is crucial
• Recognize that UH’s status as a public university affects sovereign immunity considerations
• Contact counsel familiar with Houston courts, Harris County procedures, and complex institutional litigation

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: What Leon Valley Families Need to Know About Organizations Behind the Letters

Understanding the national organizations behind local fraternity and sorority chapters helps Leon Valley families recognize patterns, foresee risks, and build stronger cases when hazing occurs.

Why National Histories Matter

When a Pi Kappa Phi chapter at UH repeats the same dangerous behaviors that killed Andrew Coffey at FSU, that’s not coincidence—it’s pattern. National fraternity and sorority headquarters maintain anti-hazing policies precisely because they’ve seen deaths and catastrophic injuries. When Texas chapters ignore these lessons, it demonstrates systemic failure supporting negligence claims against national organizations.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: What We Know About Greek Organizations in Your Area

Our firm maintains a comprehensive database of Texas Greek organizations drawn from public records. For Leon Valley families in the San Antonio metropolitan area, here’s what the data shows:

San Antonio Metro Greek Presence (Cause IQ Data):

• Approximately 86 Greek-related organizations in the metro area
• Includes undergraduate chapters, alumni associations, honor societies, and professional organizations
• Examples serving our community:
  • Sigma Chi Fraternity – Alpha Lambda Chapter at Trinity University
  • Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – San Antonio Alumnae Chapter
  • Kappa Alpha Psi – San Antonio Alumni Chapter
  • Xi Omicron Iota House Association at Trinity University

Texas-Wide Greek Infrastructure (IRS B83 Data):
Public records show 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations with Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), including:

• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – EIN 364091267, Waco, TX 76710 (recorded in IRS B83 filings)
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – EIN 237279532, Prairie View, TX 77446 (Prairie View alumni chapter)
• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternitiy Inc. – EIN 475370943, Houston, TX 77204 (Theta Delta chapter)
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated – EIN 521345951, Nolanville, TX 76559 (Mu Delta Zeta chapter)
• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc. – EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035 (housing corp for UH chapter)

Major National Brands Operating in Texas (IRS-Cause IQ Overlap):
These organizations appear in both IRS and metro data, showing statewide presence:

• Pi Kappa Alpha – Multiple Texas chapters and alumni associations
• Sigma Gamma Rho – Undergraduate and alumnae chapters across Texas
• Kappa Alpha Psi – Active in multiple Texas metros including San Antonio
• Phi Kappa Phi (Honor Society) – Chapters at Texas universities including UTSA

Organization-Specific Risk Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ):

• National History: Stone Foltz death (BGSU, $10M settlement), David Bogenberger death (NIU, $14M settlement)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Baylor, SMU, UH
• Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing, physical abuse, repeated violations despite national policies

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ):

• National History: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide; eliminated pledge program in 2014 due to pattern
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, SMU, UH
• Texas Incidents: Chemical burns case at Texas A&M (2021), assault case at UT Austin (2024)
• Pattern: Physical violence, dangerous substances, athletic-style hazing

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):

• National History: Andrew Coffey death (FSU, 2017)
• Texas Presence: Chapter at UH (now closed), other Texas campuses
• Current Case: Leonel Bermudez lawsuit at UH alleging extreme physical and psychological hazing
• Pattern: Physical endurance hazing, humiliation, alcohol components

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):

• National History: Max Gruver death (LSU, 2017) leading to Louisiana felony hazing law
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, SMU, Baylor
• Pattern: Drinking games, alcohol poisoning risk, “Bible study” format

How National Patterns Strengthen Texas Cases

When we represent a Leon Valley family in a hazing case, we don’t start from scratch. We:

1. Research National Histories: Subpoena national organization records showing prior incidents
2. Establish Foreseeability: Demonstrate the national knew or should have known about risks
3. Show Policy-Enforcement Gaps: Compare written policies to actual chapter supervision
4. Build Pattern Evidence: Connect Texas incidents to national trends

This approach transforms individual cases into institutional accountability, often leading to policy changes that prevent future harm.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Realistic Expectations for Leon Valley Families

When hazing injures your child, understanding the legal process helps manage expectations and make informed decisions. Here’s what experienced hazing litigation involves.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Communications (The Most Important Evidence in 2025):

• Group Messaging: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage groups, Discord servers
• Social Media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok comments, Facebook Messenger
• Evidence Recovery: Even deleted messages can often be recovered through digital forensics
• Example: In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, group chats likely documented “fanny pack” rules, workout schedules, and coordination among members

Photos and Videos:

• Content filmed by members during events (often shared in group chats)
• Security camera or doorbell footage at houses and venues
• Injury documentation: photograph immediately and over several days to show progression
• Tip: Include a ruler or coin for scale in injury photos

Internal Organization Documents:

• Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” documents
• Emails/texts from officers about activities
• National policies and training materials (obtained through discovery)
• Financial records showing alcohol purchases or other relevant expenses

University Records:

• Prior conduct files, probation/suspension letters
• Incident reports to campus police or conduct offices
• Clery Act reports and similar disclosures
• Internal emails among administrators about the organization

Medical and Psychological Records:

• Emergency room and hospitalization records
• Toxicology reports (blood alcohol, drug screens)
• Psychiatric evaluations documenting PTSD, depression, anxiety
• Crucial: Tell medical providers the injuries resulted from hazing so it’s documented

Witness Testimony:

• Other pledges, members, roommates, RAs, coaches, bystanders
• Former members who quit or were expelled
• Expert witnesses: medical professionals, psychologists, Greek life experts

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

• Medical Expenses: Past and future bills, therapy, medications, equipment
• Lost Income/Earning Capacity: Time off work, diminished future earnings if permanently disabled
• Educational Impact: Tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships, delayed graduation
• Example: In severe cases like rhabdomyolysis or brain injury, future care can cost millions

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical Pain and Suffering: From injuries and treatment
• Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of Enjoyment: Can’t participate in activities they loved
• Loss of Educational Experience: What they came to college for

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support and companionship
• Emotional harm to parents and siblings

Punitive Damages (When Appropriate):

• To punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
• Available in Texas under certain circumstances
• Example: When organizations had prior warnings and ignored them

Realistic Case Timeline and Process

Phase 1: Immediate Response (First 48 Hours)

• Medical care and evidence preservation
• Initial consultation with counsel
• Decision about reporting to authorities

Phase 2: Investigation (First 1-3 Months)

• Evidence collection and organization
• Witness interviews
• Preservation letters to prevent evidence destruction
• Initial case assessment

Phase 3: Pre-Litigation (Months 3-6)

• Demand package to potential defendants
• Negotiation attempts
• Decision about filing lawsuit

Phase 4: Litigation (6 Months – 2+ Years)

• Filing complaint and serving defendants
• Discovery process: document requests, depositions, interrogatories
• Expert witness preparation
• Mediation/settlement conferences
• Possible trial preparation

Phase 5: Resolution

• Settlement (most common)
• Trial verdict (rare but sometimes necessary)
• Post-resolution compliance monitoring

Most cases settle during litigation, often at mediation. Trials are rare but necessary when institutions won’t take responsibility. The Stone Foltz and Max Gruver cases both resulted in substantial settlements without trials.

Insurance Coverage Complexities

Fraternity and university insurance companies often fight hazing claims, arguing:

• Hazing is an “intentional act” excluded from coverage
• The policy doesn’t cover certain defendants
• Claims exceed policy limits

Our insider knowledge from Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney helps navigate these disputes. We identify all potential coverage sources and fight exclusion arguments.

Practical Guides and FAQs for Leon Valley Families Facing Hazing

For Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Response

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, burns, or cuts
• Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation beyond normal college stress
• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
• Secretive behavior about organization activities
• Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
• Financial strain from unexplained expenses
• Academic decline from missed classes or assignments

How to Talk to Your Child:

• Ask open questions without judgment: “How are things with your fraternity/sorority?”
• Express concern for safety rather than criticism: “I’m worried this might not be safe.”
• Emphasize support: “You can always come home, no questions asked.”
• Avoid ultimatums that might make them hide the situation more

If Your Child Is Hurt:

1. Medical First: Get immediate care, even if they resist
2. Document Everything: Photos of injuries, screenshots of messages, notes of what they say
3. Preserve Evidence: Don’t let them delete anything; save physical items
4. Contact Counsel: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 within 24-48 hours

Dealing with the University:

• Document every communication (emails, calls, meetings)
• Ask specifically about prior incidents involving the organization
• Don’t sign anything without legal review
• Understand the university’s primary interest is limiting liability, not necessarily justice for your child

For Students: Recognizing Hazing and Safe Exit Strategies

Is This Hazing? Simple Test:

• Do you feel unsafe, humiliated, or coerced?
• Would you do this if you had a real choice (no social consequences)?
• Is the activity hidden from the public or administrators?
• Are new members treated differently than established members?
• Does it involve alcohol, physical pain, or sexual elements?

If you answer “yes” to any, it’s likely hazing.

Safe Exit Strategies:

• In Immediate Danger: Call 911, then a trusted friend or family member
• Leaving the Organization: Send a simple email/text: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
• Don’t Go to “One Last Meeting”: This is often a pressure or intimidation tactic
• Secure Support: Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, counselor)

Protection from Retaliation:

• Document any threats or harassment (screenshots, recordings if legal)
• Report retaliation to campus police and Dean of Students
• In Texas, harassment and stalking are crimes; protective orders are available

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

1. Letting Evidence Be Destroyed

• Mistake: Allowing your child to delete messages or “clean up” their phone
• Why It’s Wrong: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
• Better Approach: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

• Mistake: Calling the fraternity president or showing up at the house
• Why It’s Wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• Better Approach: Document everything, call a lawyer before any confrontation

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

• Mistake: Signing waivers or agreements under pressure from administrators
• Why It’s Wrong: You may waive legal rights; settlements are often minimal
• Better Approach: “I need to have my attorney review this before I sign anything”

4. Posting on Social Media

• Mistake: Venting on Facebook or sharing details publicly
• Why It’s Wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
• Better Approach: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

5. Waiting for University “Internal Process”

• Mistake: Delaying legal action while the university “investigates”
• Why It’s Wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute of limitations runs
• Better Approach: Parallel tracks: university process AND legal preservation/action

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters

• Mistake: Giving recorded statements to insurance companies
• Why It’s Wrong: Statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball offers
• Better Approach: “Please contact my attorney at 1-888-ATTY-911”

Frequently Asked Questions from Texas Families

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

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas Education Code §37.152 makes hazing a Class B misdemeanor by default but upgrades it to a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Consent is not a defense to hazing in Texas. Education Code §37.155 explicitly states this. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t true voluntary consent. This was established in cases like Max Gruver and reinforced in the Stone Foltz litigation.

“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 known. In cases involving cover-ups, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to preserve your rights.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Many major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus with substantial judgments. The key is connection to the organization, not physical location.

“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.

“How much will this cost?”
We work on a contingency fee basis—no upfront costs, no fee unless we recover compensation for you. This makes justice accessible to families who couldn’t otherwise afford to take on wealthy fraternities and universities.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases: Our Unique Qualifications

When your Leon Valley 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. Here’s why The Manginello Law Firm stands apart in Texas hazing litigation.

Insurance Insider Advantage: Knowing Their Playbook

Mr. Lupe Peña’s Background: Before joining our firm, Mr. Peña worked as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm, representing the very companies that insure fraternities and universities today. He knows exactly how they:

• Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
• Use delay tactics to pressure families
• Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
• Deploy defense medical exams to minimize injuries

This insider knowledge is invaluable. As Mr. Peña says, “We know their playbook because we used to run it.” When we demand fair compensation, we’re not guessing—we’re calculating based on how insurers actually assess risk and exposure.

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions

Ralph Manginello’s Credentials: Mr. Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation, taking on billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal budgets. This experience translates directly to hazing cases where we face:

• National fraternities with deep pockets and sophisticated defense teams
• University systems with institutional resources
• Insurance companies with teams of adjusters and attorneys

We’re not intimidated by powerful defendants. We’ve faced them before and won. Our federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) and complex case management skills mean we can handle the most challenging hazing litigation.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience

Our firm has recovered millions for families in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We understand how to:

• Work with economists to value lifetime care needs
• Collaborate with medical experts on complex conditions like rhabdomyolysis or traumatic brain injury
• Document non-economic damages like pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment
• Build cases that justify substantial compensation, not just quick settlements

The Stone Foltz $10 million settlement and Max Gruver $6.1 million verdict show what’s possible with experienced counsel. We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force real accountability.

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise

Ralph Manginello’s HCCLA Membership: His membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association signals elite criminal defense capability. This matters because hazing cases often involve:

• Parallel criminal investigations and charges
• Witnesses with potential criminal exposure
• Navigating the interaction between criminal and civil proceedings
• Advising clients on cooperation with authorities

We understand both sides of hazing cases, giving us strategic advantages in building civil claims while protecting clients’ interests in any criminal matters.

Investigative Depth and Expert Networks

We don’t just file lawsuits—we investigate thoroughly:

• Digital Forensics: Recovering deleted messages, social media evidence, geolocation data
• Records Acquisition: Subpoenaing national fraternity files, university conduct records, insurance policies
• Expert Network: Medical professionals, psychologists, Greek life experts, economists, life care planners
• Witness Development: Working with other pledges, former members, bystanders

Our investigation in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case uncovered detailed evidence of systematic abuse. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

Empathetic, Victim-Centered Advocacy

We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our approach balances:

• Aggressive legal action against responsible parties
• Compassionate support for victims and families
• Privacy protection throughout the process
• Long-term perspective on healing and recovery

As Mr. Manginello says, “Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family.” We measure success not just in settlements but in institutional change and prevention.

Your Next Steps: Contact Attorney911 for a Confidential Consultation

If you or your child experienced hazing at UTSA, UT Austin, Texas A&M, Baylor, UH, or any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Leon Valley, across Bexar County, and throughout the San Antonio region have the right to answers and accountability.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you’ll receive:

1. A Compassionate Listening Ear: We’ll hear your story without judgment
2. Case Assessment: Review of evidence, medical records, and circumstances
3. Legal Options Explained: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
4. Realistic Expectations: Timelines, potential challenges, likely outcomes
5. Cost Transparency: Contingency fee explanation—no recovery, no fee
6. No Pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family
7. Complete Confidentiality: Everything you tell us is protected

Why Time Is Critical

• Evidence Disappears: Group chats are deleted, witnesses are coached, physical evidence is destroyed
• Statutes of Limitations: Texas generally allows 2 years from injury, but exceptions apply
• University Pressure: Schools often push quick “resolutions” that limit future options
• Medical Documentation: Early intervention improves both health outcomes and case strength

Contact Information

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
24/7 Emergency Line: 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-Language Services:
Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish
Servicios legales en español disponibles

Final Message to Leon Valley Families

Whether you’re in Leon Valley proper, the greater San Antonio area, or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The patterns are recognizable, the legal pathways exist, and experienced counsel can guide you through this difficult time.

From the active UH Pi Kappa Phi case to historical precedents like Stone Foltz and Max Gruver, we know how to build strong hazing cases. We understand Texas law, university systems, Greek organizations, and—most importantly—what families need during crisis.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us help you seek the answers, accountability, and closure your family deserves.

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