The Complete Guide to Hazing in Texas: What Lone Oak Families Must Know

If Your Child was Hazed in Texas, You Need Answers Now

Imagine your child—a bright student from Lone Oak you sent to college with hopes and pride—texts you at 2 AM from an off-campus house. The message is vague, anxious. Hours later, you learn they were forced to drink dangerous amounts of alcohol, endure humiliating acts, or perform extreme physical exercises until they collapsed. They’re now in the hospital, facing kidney failure or traumatic injury. The university says they’re “looking into it.” The fraternity brothers have closed ranks. Messages are being deleted. And you’re sitting in your Lone Oak home, terrified, angry, and completely unsure what to do next.

This nightmare is real, and it’s happening right now in Texas. In November 2025, our firm filed a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity, and 13 individual fraternity leaders on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a UH student who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after enduring brutal hazing rituals. The allegations include forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”; 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion; and the humiliating “pledge fanny pack” rule. He was hospitalized for four days, passed brown urine, and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

If you’re a parent in Lone Oak, Hunt County, or anywhere in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, this isn’t just a news story—it’s a warning. Your child at Texas A&M University-Commerce (just minutes from Lone Oak), at the University of North Texas in Denton, at Texas A&M in College Station, or at any Texas campus could be facing similar dangers. This comprehensive guide exists because families like yours deserve more than vague promises and institutional cover-ups. You deserve the truth about what hazing looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects (or fails) your child, and what legal options exist for real accountability.

What This Guide Covers for Lone Oak Families

This is the definitive resource for Texas families facing the hazing crisis. Written specifically for parents in Lone Oak, Greenville, Commerce, and across Hunt County and the DFW Metroplex, we’ll explain:

What modern hazing actually looks like (far beyond the stereotypes)
Texas hazing laws and who can be held liable when things go wrong
National hazing cases that set the precedent for what Texas families can achieve
Campus-by-campus reality at schools where Lone Oak students attend: University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, and especially Texas A&M University-Commerce right here in our county
The hidden network of Greek organizations operating across Texas with legal identities, insurance, and liability
How to build a serious case with evidence that survives institutional pushback
Practical steps for parents and students in the first 48 hours and beyond
Why our Texas-based firm brings unique advantages to hazing litigation

Whether your child attends school here in Hunt County or hours away at a major Texas university, the legal principles, institutional patterns, and defense tactics are shockingly similar. We serve families throughout Texas from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices, and we understand the particular concerns of Lone Oak parents who value community, accountability, and protecting their children from harm.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:
ideoCall 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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas

Beyond “Boys Will Be Boys”: The Modern Reality

For parents in Lone Oak who may not have experienced modern Greek life, today’s hazing bears little resemblance to the “harmless pranks” of outdated stereotypes. Hazing in 2025 is systematic, documented, digitally coordinated, and often disguised as “tradition” or “team building.” It’s the intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers a student’s physical or mental health for purposes of joining or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

The Three-Tier Reality of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing – The Gateway
What many dismiss as “just how it works” actually sets the stage for escalation:

24/7 digital control: GroupMe chats where pledges must respond instantly at all hours
Servitude requirements: Acting as designated drivers until 4 AM, cleaning brothers’ apartments, running personal errands
Social isolation: Being told to cut contact with non-members, girlfriends/boyfriends, or family
“Voluntary” mandatory events: “Optional” meetings that carry social consequence if missed

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing – The Degradation
Where emotional and physical discomfort becomes systematic:

Sleep deprivation: Late-night “study sessions,” 3 AM wake-up calls for meaningless tasks
Food/water manipulation: Forced consumption of spoiled food, excessive milk, hot sauce, or other substances
Humiliation rituals: Public “roasts,” demeaning costumes, forced performances
Psychological warfare: Constant criticism, threat of expulsion, manufactured guilt

Tier 3: Violent Hazing – Where Lives Are Endangered
The activities that lead to hospitalization, permanent injury, and death:

Forced alcohol consumption: “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, drinking games with wrong-answer penalties
Physical brutality: Paddling, beatings, extreme calisthenics to the point of collapse (like the 100+ push-ups and 500 squats in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case)
Dangerous environments: Exposure to extreme cold, confinement in small spaces, “retreats” at remote locations
Sexualized abuse: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, coercion

The Digital Transformation of Hazing

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

Group chat coordination: Planning happens on GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord
Social media humiliation: Forced TikTok challenges, Instagram story dares
Location tracking: Find My Friends or Life360 requirements
Evidence creation: Members film hazing “for the brothers” then share in private groups

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

While fraternities dominate headlines, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
Corps of Cadets and military-style programs
Athletic teams (from football to cheerleading)
Spirit and tradition groups (Texas Cowboys, Saddle Tramps, etc.)
Marching bands and performance groups
Academic and service organizations

For Lone Oak families with students at Texas A&M University-Commerce, understanding that hazing isn’t limited to “frat parties” is crucial. The psychology is consistent: group dynamics, power imbalance, tradition justification, and fear of exclusion create environments where dangerous behaviors become normalized.

Texas Hazing Law: What Lone Oak Families Must Understand

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Legal Foundation

Texas has one of the nation’s clearer anti-hazing statutes, but its strength depends on enforcement and understanding. Here’s what every Lone Oak parent needs to know:

§ 37.151: The Definition That Changes Everything
Hazing means 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 Implications for Lone Oak Families:

Location doesn’t matter: Off-campus houses, Airbnbs, retreat centers—all covered
“Reckless” is enough: They don’t need to intend harm, just disregard obvious risk
Scope is broad: Mental health endangerment counts alongside physical

§ 37.152: Criminal Penalties That Should Deter

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

§ 37.155: The Consent Defense That Doesn’t Work
This is crucial: “Consent is not a defense to prosecution for hazing.” When fraternity brothers say “he wanted to do it,” the law says that doesn’t matter. Courts recognize that power imbalance and group pressure make true consent impossible.

Criminal vs. Civil: Two Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases (The State’s Role)

Brought by: District Attorney’s office (in Hunt County, that would be the 354th District Court or County Court at Law)
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Common charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in deaths
Reality: Prosecutions vary widely by county; some DAs aggressively pursue hazing, others see it as “college kids being kids”

Civil Cases (Your Family’s Path)

Brought by: Victims or surviving families
Goal: Compensation and accountability
Legal theories: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
Critical fact: You don’t need a criminal conviction to file a civil case

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

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
Starting around 2026, Texas universities receiving federal aid must:

Publicly report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthen prevention education
Maintain public hazing data

Title IX Implications
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. This can mean:

University investigation requirements
Potential federal oversight
Additional legal claims

Clery Act Considerations
Hazing incidents that constitute crimes (assault, alcohol offenses) may require disclosure in annual security reports.

Who Can Be Liable: The Chain of Responsibility

When we investigate hazing cases for Lone Oak families, we look at every entity in the chain:

1. Individual Students

Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
Personal assets and future earnings at risk

2. Local Chapter/Organization

The fraternity/sorority as a legal entity
Often has insurance coverage (typically $1-5 million)
Officers can face personal liability

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters

Set policies, receive dues, supervise chapters
Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known
Often have deeper insurance ($10-50 million+)

4. University or Governing Board

Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT): Some sovereign immunity but exceptions exist
Private universities (SMU, Baylor): Fewer immunity protections
Liability theories: Negligent supervision, deliberate indifference, premises liability

5. Third Parties

Property owners/landlords of chapter houses
Bars or alcohol providers (Texas dram shop liability)
Security companies or event organizers

6. Alumni and Housing Corporations

Often separate legal entities with their own insurance
Frequently overlooked but critically important

The Texas Sovereign Immunity Challenge

For Lone Oak families with students at public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT), understanding sovereign immunity is crucial:

What It Is: Legal doctrine protecting government entities from certain lawsuits
How It Applies: Limits but doesn’t eliminate university liability
Exceptions We Use:

Gross negligence or willful misconduct (not just ordinary negligence)
Ministerial vs. discretionary acts (enforcing published policies is often ministerial)
Title IX violations (can waive immunity)
Suing individuals in personal capacity (not official capacity)

The Reality: Even with immunity arguments, universities often settle to avoid bad publicity and discovery. In the Stone Foltz case at Bowling Green State University (a public institution), the university paid nearly $3 million despite potential immunity defenses.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Precedents Show

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: From Pennsylvania to Texas

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)

What happened: Bid-acceptance night with forced drinking, Piazza suffered fatal falls captured on chapter security cameras, brothers delayed calling 911 for 12 hours
Legal outcome: 18 members charged with 1,000+ criminal counts, involuntary manslaughter convictions, $100,000+ in fines, chapter permanently banned
Texas lesson: Security footage and delayed medical response create powerful evidence; culture of silence has criminal consequences

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

What happened: “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking, Gruver’s BAC reached 0.495%, died from alcohol toxicity
Legal outcome: Multiple criminal convictions, Louisiana passed Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony, confidential civil settlement
Texas lesson: “Games” and “traditions” don’t protect from felony charges; state legislatures respond to public outrage

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

What happened: “Big/Little” night where Foltz was forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol, died from alcohol poisoning
Legal outcome: $10 million total settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU), multiple criminal convictions, chapter president personally ordered to pay $6.5 million
Texas lesson: National organizations pay when patterns repeat; individual officers face massive personal liability

Physical Hazing Patterns: From New York to Texas Campuses

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)

What happened: “Glass ceiling” ritual at Pennsylvania retreat, blindfolded pledge repeatedly tackled while weighted down, fatal brain injury, delayed 911 call
Legal outcome: National fraternity criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years, individual prison sentences
Texas lesson: Off-campus “retreats” don’t eliminate liability; national organizations can face criminal conviction

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)

What happened: “Pledge dad reveal” night with forced drinking, Santulli suffered catastrophic brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see, requires 24/7 care)
Legal outcome: Settlements with 22 defendants, multi-million dollar total, criminal charges against members
Texas lesson: Non-fatal injuries can result in lifetime care costs exceeding $20+ million; multiple defendants spread liability

Athletic Hazing Patterns: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

What happened: Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within football program over years
Legal outcome: Multiple lawsuits, head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired then settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially, university reputational damage
Texas lesson: Hazing penetrates big-money athletic programs; coaching staff and university administrators face liability

What These National Cases Mean for Lone Oak Families

Patterns repeat: The same fraternities with the same “traditions” cause the same injuries across states
Nationals have notice: When Pi Kappa Alpha has alcohol deaths at Bowling Green, they can’t claim “we didn’t know” when it happens at UH
Settlements are substantial: From $375,000 to $14 million, juries and insurers recognize the value of young lives
Individual accountability exists: Chapter presidents and officers face personal financial ruin
Cover-ups backfire: Delayed 911 calls, deleted messages, coached witnesses – all create additional liability

Texas Universities: Campus-by-Campus Reality for Lone Oak Families

Understanding Your Child’s Campus Environment

For Lone Oak parents, knowing the specific landscape where your child studies is crucial. Each Texas university has its own Greek ecosystem, enforcement patterns, and historical incidents. We’ll focus especially on campuses with direct connections to Hunt County families.

Texas A&M University-Commerce: Our Local University

Campus & Culture Snapshot for Lone Oak Families

Texas A&M University-Commerce sits just minutes from Lone Oak in our own Hunt County. With approximately 12,000 students, it represents the first college choice for many Hunt County families. The Greek system here includes:

Fraternities: Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, Pi Kappa Alpha, and others
Sororities: Multiple National Panhellenic Conference chapters
NPHC Organizations: Divine Nine historically Black fraternities and sororities
Local impact: Many Lone Oak and Greenville graduates attend A&M-Commerce, creating close community ties that can complicate reporting when hazing involves local families

Documented Incidents & Institutional Response

While A&M-Commerce doesn’t maintain the public hazing log of UT Austin, incidents occur and follow patterns seen at larger campuses:

Alcohol-related hazing in fraternity new member processes
Social media challenges that cross into coercion
“Tradition” enforcement that isolates new members

The university’s Office of Student Engagement oversees Greek life with standard anti-hazing policies, but Like many regional campuses, resources for proactive monitoring are limited compared to flagship institutions.

How a Hazing Case at A&M-Commerce Might Proceed

For Lone Oak families, the legal geography matters:

Criminal jurisdiction: Hunt County Sheriff’s Office or Commerce PD
Court venue: 354th District Court in Greenville or Hunt County courts
University process: Office of Student Conduct investigations
Practical reality: Close-knit community can create reporting hesitancy; families worry about “making waves” locally

What A&M-Commerce Students & Parents Should Do

Know the reporting channels: Dean of Students office, Campus Police (903-886-5868), anonymous reporting options
Document everything locally: Injuries treated at Hunt Regional Healthcare leave medical records in our community
Understand the dual dynamic: Local connections can pressure silence, but also mean evidence and witnesses are geographically close
Seek counsel familiar with Hunt County courts: Procedures and personalities in 354th District Court differ from Houston or Austin

University of Houston: The Flagship Case in Our Backyard

Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Houston case involving Leonel Bermudez and Pi Kappa Phi represents the most serious current hazing litigation in Texas. For Lone Oak families, UH matters because:

Many Hunt County students transfer to UH after starting at A&M-Commerce
Houston’s job market attracts graduates, creating ongoing Texas connections
The Pi Kappa Phi case sets precedents affecting all Texas hazing litigation

The Bermudez Case: What Every Texas Parent Should Know

The Timeline That Shows Systematic Abuse:

Sept 16, 2025: Bermudez accepts bid from Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter
Sept-Oct 2025: Enforced dress codes, mandatory interviews, overnight chauffeuring duties, “pledge fanny pack” humiliation
Oct 13, 2025: Another pledge hog-tied face-down on table with object in mouth for over an hour
Nov 3, 2025: Bermudez forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threat
Nov 6-9, 2025: Hospitalized for four days with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure

Medical Catastrophe with Lasting Consequences:

Diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown)
Acute kidney failure requiring hospitalization
Passed brown urine indicating muscle tissue in kidneys
Lab tests showed critically high creatine kinase levels
Ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage

Institutional Response Patterns:

Nov 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends Beta Nu chapter
Nov 14, 2025: Chapter members vote to surrender charter
UH statement: Conduct “deeply disturbing,” cooperation with law enforcement promised

Legal Action:

$10 million lawsuit filed in Harris County
Defendants include: UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national HQ, Beta Nu housing corporation, 13 individual fraternity leaders
Our firm’s role: Lead counsel for Bermudez

What the UH Case Means for Lone Oak Families

Pattern recognition: The same methods (forced drinking, extreme exercise, humiliation) occur across Texas campuses
Medical urgency: Symptoms like brown urine require immediate ER attention
Multiple defendants: Lawsuits target everyone from individual members to national headquarters
Chapter consequences: Chapters do get shut down when evidence is compelling

Texas A&M University-College Station: Corps Culture and Greek Life

Campus & Culture Snapshot

For Lone Oak families with students at Texas A&M, understanding two parallel worlds is crucial:

The Corps of Cadets:

Tradition-heavy military-style environment
Documented hazing incidents including:
- 2023 lawsuit: Cadet alleged being bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth
- Physical endurance tests disguised as training
- Psychological pressure unique to military-style hierarchy

Greek Life at A&M:

60+ fraternities and sororities
Sigma Alpha Epsilon lawsuit (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner causing chemical burns requiring skin grafts
Social pressure amplified in highly traditional environment

Unique A&M Considerations for Lone Oak Parents

“Tradition” defense: Organizations often claim hazing is “century-old tradition”
Institutional loyalty: Pressure not to “embarrass the Aggie family”
Dual systems: Students in Corps and Greek life face compounded risks
Geographic reality: College Station’s isolated location can delay family response

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Patterns

Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin maintains Texas’ most transparent hazing database at hazing.utexas.edu. For Lone Oak families, this transparency cuts both ways:

What the Public Log Shows:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Multiple organizations: Repeated violations across years
Sanction patterns: Probation, education requirements, temporary suspensions

What Transparency Means for Your Case:

Prior notice evidence: Organizations can’t claim “we didn’t know this was dangerous”
Pattern establishment: Repeated violations support negligence claims
Discovery roadmap: Public records guide our investigation

Southern Methodist University and Baylor University: Private Campus Realities

SMU Considerations

Private university status affects transparency
Affluent student population doesn’t eliminate risk
Kappa Alpha Order incident (2017): New members paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep

Baylor Considerations

Religious identity and past scandals create complex environment
Baseball hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following investigation
Institutional pressures unique to faith-based campuses

The Common Threads Across Texas Campuses

Alcohol remains the #1 weapon: Forced consumption patterns repeat everywhere
Digital evidence is critical: Group chats coordinate and document
Institutional self-protection: Universities often prioritize reputation over student safety initially
Geographic doesn’t equal protection: Rural campuses like A&M-Commerce see the same patterns as urban ones

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: What Lies Beneath the Letters

Why National Histories Matter for Lone Oak Families

When your child is hazed by “Sigma Whatever” at a Texas campus, you’re not dealing with just a group of college students. You’re facing:

A national organization with decades of hazing incidents
Insurance policies designed to limit payouts
Legal structures meant to shield assets
Defense playbooks refined over years of litigation

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Map the Greek Universe

To properly represent Lone Oak families, we maintain what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of every Greek organization operating in Texas. This isn’t theoretical; it’s built from public records that show who really controls these organizations.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Lone Oak Families

What most parents never see is the legal infrastructure behind Greek life. Here are examples from our database showing the organizational reality:

In the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro (188+ Greek Organizations):

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity: 12650 N Beach St #30, Suite 114, Fort Worth, TX 76244
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc: EIN 741380362, PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147-0061
Delta Delta Delta – Arlington Alumnae Chapter: Dallas, TX-based alumnae chapter serving DFW
Kappa Delta Sorority – Gamma Beta Chapter: Chapter at Texas Woman’s University in Denton

National Organizations with Texas Presence (IRS B83 Filings):

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc: EIN 133048786, 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845-6681
Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation: EIN 371768785, 4102 Eastshore St, Missouri City, TX 77459-1820
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc: EIN 462267515, 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035-6629 (entity related to UH chapter)
Sigma Chi Fraternity Zeta Eta: EIN 756060974, PO Box 1403, Commerce, TX 75429-1403 (Texas A&M University-Commerce)

Honor Societies and Professional Organizations:

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Texas A&M University: EIN 900293166, 114 Henderson Hall 4233 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-0001
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Inc: EIN 760221936, PO Box 271704, Houston, TX 77277-1704

What This Database Reveals for Litigation

Multiple entities per fraternity: National HQ, housing corporation, alumni foundation—all potentially liable
Insurance identification: Each entity typically has separate insurance
Asset tracing: Legal names and EINs allow us to find where money resides
Pattern evidence: When the same national appears in multiple hazing incidents, foreseeability is established

National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ) – The Repeated Pattern

Stone Foltz: Bowling Green State University, 2021, $10 million settlement
David Bogenberger: Northern Illinois University, 2012, $14 million settlement
Texas chapters: Multiple incidents at UT, Texas A&M, other campuses
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol nights, forced consumption traditions

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ) – Chemical Burns and Brain Injuries

Texas A&M lawsuit: Chemical burns from industrial cleaner, skin grafts required
University of Alabama: Traumatic brain injury lawsuit
UT Austin: Assault case with fractured bones
Pattern: Physical brutality combined with substance abuse

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ) – Bible Study to Death

Max Gruver: LSU, 2017, $6.1 million verdict, Louisiana felony hazing law
Pattern: Drinking games disguised as “study,” forced rapid consumption

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ) – Current Texas Litigation

Andrew Coffey: Florida State University, 2017, death from alcohol poisoning
Leonel Bermudez: University of Houston, 2025, $10 million lawsuit, kidney failure
Pattern: Systematic physical and psychological abuse over weeks

How National Histories Create Liability

When we represent Lone Oak families, we use national patterns to prove:

Foreseeability: The national knew this could happen based on other chapters
Inadequate response: Prior incidents resulted in minimal consequences
Pattern and practice: The same methods cause the same injuries
Willful blindness: Nationals ignore warning signs to preserve chapter numbers and dues

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Realistic Expectations

Evidence Collection: The Digital Crime Scene

In 2025, hazing cases are won or lost in the first 48 hours of evidence preservation. Here’s what Lone Oak families must secure:

Digital Evidence (The Most Critical Category)

Group Messaging Apps:

GroupMe: The fraternity/sorority standard – screenshot FULL threads with timestamps
iMessage/SMS: Don’t delete anything – take photos of the phone screen if needed
WhatsApp/Signal/Telegram: Encrypted but screenshots work
Discord servers: Capture channel histories and direct messages

Social Media Evidence:

Instagram Stories: Disappear after 24 hours – screenshot immediately
Snapchat: The most ephemeral – screenshot as soon as viewed
TikTok/YouTube: Videos of “fun” events often show coercion
Facebook events: Planning evidence

How to Preserve Properly:

Capture sender names and timestamps
Show context (messages before and after)
Save in native resolution (don’t compress)
Backup to cloud storage immediately
Email copies to yourself and your attorney

Medical Documentation That Makes Your Case

Critical Steps:

Go to ER immediately with any concerning symptoms
Tell medical staff “I was hazed” – get it in the record
Request complete records: ER report, lab results (especially blood alcohol, creatine kinase), discharge instructions
Follow up with specialists: Nephrologists for kidney issues, neurologists for head injuries
Mental health evaluation: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses matter

Physical Evidence Often Overlooked

Clothing worn during hazing: Don’t wash it – blood, vomit, chemical stains tell stories
Paddles or props: If safe to secure them
Receipts: For alcohol purchases, costume rentals, other forced expenses
Photographs of injuries: Multiple angles over days to show progression

Institutional Records We Obtain Through Discovery

University conduct files: Prior incidents involving same organization
National fraternity records: Risk management files, incident reports
Insurance policies: All potentially applicable coverage
Property records: Who owns the house where hazing occurred

Damages: Understanding What’s at Stake

When we evaluate cases for Lone Oak families, we look at these damage categories:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical Expenses:

Past bills (ER, hospital, surgery)
Future care (therapy, medications, lifelong treatment for permanent injuries)
Life care plans: For catastrophic injuries like Danny Santulli’s – can exceed $20 million

Lost Income & Earning Capacity:

Missed work/school
Reduced future earnings from disability
Educational setbacks (lost scholarships, delayed graduation)

Non-Economic Damages (The Human Cost)

Physical Pain & Suffering:

Acute pain from injuries
Chronic pain from permanent damage
Loss of physical abilities

Emotional Distress:

PTSD diagnosis
Depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation
Humiliation, loss of dignity
Lifelong trauma: Events at 19 can affect entire lives

Loss of Enjoyment of Life:

Can’t participate in sports, activities
Damaged relationships
Lost college experience

Wrongful Death Damages (When the Unthinkable Happens)

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship for parents and siblings
Grief and emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Conduct Is Egregious)

Purpose: Punish and deter particularly reckless behavior
When awarded: Prior warnings ignored, cover-ups attempted, extreme cruelty
Texas caps: Generally limited but exceptions exist for intentional conduct

Realistic Case Timelines and Processes

Phase 1: Investigation (Weeks 1-12)

Evidence preservation
Witness interviews
Medical record collection
Demand letter preparation

Phase 2: Negotiation (Months 3-12)

Insurance company engagement
Settlement discussions
Mediation attempts

Phase 3: Litigation (Year 1-3+)

Filing lawsuit
Discovery (document requests, depositions)
Expert witness preparation
Trial preparation

Phase 4: Resolution

Settlement (85-90% of cases)
Trial (10-15% of cases)
Appeal (if necessary)

Insurance Coverage Battles: The Hidden Front

Fraternity and university insurance fights involve complex issues:

Common Insurance Arguments:

“Hazing is intentional act – coverage excluded”
“Student consented – no duty to defend”
“Occurrence wasn’t during policy period”

How We Counter:

Negligent supervision theory: Even if hazing was intentional, failure to supervise was negligent
Multiple policies: Chapter, national, university, individual homeowners
Bad faith claims: When insurers wrongfully deny coverage

Practical Guides: What Lone Oak Families Should Do Now

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical Indicators:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water manipulation
Sleep deprivation patterns (late calls, early demands)

Behavioral Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family and old friends
Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability
Constant phone monitoring for group chats

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes for “mandatory” events
Losing scholarships or academic standing

Digital Behavior:

24/7 phone attachment
Anxiety when messages arrive
Deleting history obsessively
Location sharing demands

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally)

“How are things going with [organization]? Are they respecting your time?”
“What do new members typically have to do?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt or been hurt yourself?”
“Do you feel like you could leave if you wanted to?”

The 48-Hour Action Checklist for Lone Oak Parents

HOUR 1-6 (Immediate Crisis):

✅ Medical: If injured or intoxicated, go to Hunt Regional ER or call 911
✅ Safety: Remove from dangerous situation
✅ Evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries
✅ Notes: Write down everything they tell you (date, time, details)
✅ Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance

HOUR 6-24 (Evidence Preservation):

✅ Digital: Help preserve all group chats (do NOT delete)
✅ Physical: Secure clothing, receipts, objects
✅ Medical records: Request Hunt Regional Healthcare records
✅ Witnesses: Names and contacts for other pledges
✅ University: Note any communications but don’t respond yet

HOUR 24-48 (Strategic Decisions):

✅ Legal consultation: Speak with experienced hazing attorney
✅ Reporting decision: Campus police, local police, or both?
✅ University response: Refer them to your attorney
✅ Insurance: Don’t talk to adjusters without counsel
✅ Evidence backup: Cloud storage for all evidence

Dealing with Texas A&M University-Commerce Administration

Key Contacts:

Dean of Students Office
Office of Student Conduct
Campus Police: 903-886-5868
Title IX Coordinator (if sexual elements involved)

What to Document:

All communications (emails, calls, meetings)
Promises made and broken
Timeline of institutional response
Prior incidents they acknowledge

For Students: Self-Protection and Safe Exits

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide

Ask yourself:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something dangerous or degrading?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
Is this activity something we hide from outsiders?
Are older members making us do things they don’t have to do?

If YES to any, it’s likely hazing.

How to Exit Safely

If in Immediate Danger:

Call 911 or campus police
Get to safe location (dorm, friend’s place, public area)
Use Good Samaritan protections (you won’t get in trouble for seeking help)

If You Want to Quit:

Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
Send email/text to chapter president: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” – that’s where pressure happens
If retaliation occurs, report to Dean of Students and police

Evidence Collection for Students

While It’s Happening:

Voice memos: Texas is one-party consent – record conversations you’re part of
Photos/videos: Injuries, locations, objects used
Screenshots: Group chats with timestamps visible
Medical documentation: Tell providers “I was hazed” – get it in records

Preservation Rules:

Don’t delete anything, even if embarrassing
Backup to cloud storage
Share with trusted adult or attorney

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting your child delete evidence

Why it’s fatal: Looks like cover-up, obstruction of justice
Right move: Preserve everything immediately

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the fraternity directly

Why it’s fatal: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Right move: Document quietly, then call attorney

MISTAKE #3: Signing university “resolution” forms

Why it’s fatal: May waive right to sue, settlements are lowball
Right move: No signatures without attorney review

MISTAKE #4: Posting on social media

Why it’s fatal: Defense attorneys screenshot everything, inconsistencies hurt
Right move: Document privately, let lawyer control messaging

MISTAKE #5: Waiting “to see how university handles it”

Why it’s fatal: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Right move: Preserve now, consult lawyer immediately

Frequently Asked Questions for Lone Oak Families

“Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals personally. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer 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 law makes basic hazing a Class B misdemeanor, 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.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states: “Consent is not a defense to prosecution for hazing.” Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but 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.

“What if it happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. 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. We can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

About The Manginello Law Firm: Why Texas Hazing Cases Need Texas Expertise

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

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

Insurance Insider Advantage: We Know Their Playbook

Lupe Peña’s Defense Background:

Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:
- Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
- Use delay tactics to pressure families
- Argue coverage exclusions
- Set reserves and negotiation parameters
“We analyze their strategies the way trial lawyers deconstruct a case—because we used to run their playbook.”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions

Ralph Manginello’s BP Texas City Experience:

One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
“We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We understand how to investigate root-cause negligence in complex institutions.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience

Proven track record in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases
Collaboration with economists for lifetime care valuations
Experience with life-care plans for brain injuries, permanent disabilities
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force real accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Dual Capability

Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
Understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
Navigates both tracks simultaneously when necessary

Investigative Depth: Uncovering What Institutions Hide

Our Expert Network:

Digital forensics specialists: Recover deleted messages, social media evidence
Medical experts: Nephrologists, neurologists, toxicologists, psychiatrists
Greek life culture experts: Understand group dynamics, tradition justifications
Economists: Quantify lifetime losses, future care costs
Life-care planners: Catastrophic injury needs assessment

Evidence Mastery:

Experience obtaining hidden evidence: Group chats, chapter records, national files
University records through discovery and public information requests
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Spanish-Language Services for Texas Families

Hablamos Español: Lupe Peña provides consultations in Spanish
Cultural understanding of Texas Hispanic community concerns
Servicios legales completos disponibles en español

Our Connection to Lone Oak and Hunt County

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families across Texas, including Lone Oak and Hunt County. We understand:

The community values of Hunt County families
The practical realities of campuses like Texas A&M University-Commerce
The jurisdictional nuances of 354th District Court and Hunt County procedures
How local connections can complicate reporting and recovery

What Sets Us Apart in Hazing Litigation

Data-Driven Approach: We maintain the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—actual data on 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
Pattern Recognition: We see how the same national organizations repeat the same dangerous behaviors
Institutional Knowledge: We understand how universities and fraternities structure themselves to limit liability
Trial Readiness: We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial—because that’s what gets fair settlements
Victim-Centered: We prioritize your family’s healing and privacy while pursuing accountability

Our Philosophy: Accountability Through Excellence

We believe:

Every student deserves to be safe on campus
Every family deserves answers when that safety is violated
Every institution must be held accountable when they enable harm
The best way to prevent future hazing is to make current hazing too costly to ignore

We’re not just lawyers; we’re advocates for systemic change. The Leonel Bermudez case against UH and Pi Kappa Phi isn’t just about one student—it’s about changing what’s acceptable on Texas campuses.

Your Next Steps: A Clear Path Forward for Lone Oak Families

If You’re Still Reading, You Likely Need Help

If this guide resonates because you’re living this nightmare, here’s what to do right now:

Step 1: Contact Us for a Confidential Consultation

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for immediate connection
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781 (for after-hours emergencies)
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

What Your Free Consultation Includes

We listen without judgment: Tell us what happened in complete confidence
Evidence review: We’ll look at what you’ve preserved and advise on next steps
Legal options explained: Criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Realistic assessment: Timelines, challenges, potential outcomes
Cost transparency: Contingency fee basis—we don’t get paid unless we win
No pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

Step 2: Preserve While You Decide

Even before you hire us:

Continue screenshotting and backing up evidence
Document all communications with university
Keep detailed notes of everything
Avoid the critical mistakes listed above

Step 3: Understand the Commitment

If we take your case, you can expect:

Regular updates (we commit to contact every 2-3 weeks)
Clear explanations of each legal step
Respect for your family’s privacy and healing process
Aggressive pursuit of accountability
Transparency about settlement offers and recommendations

Why Time Is Your Enemy and Our Ally

Evidence disappears:

Group chats auto-delete
Witnesses graduate and scatter
Memories fade
Institutions “lose” records

Legal deadlines approach:

Texas statutes of limitations run
Preservation demands must be issued
Investigations must begin before trails go cold

Psychological wounds deepen:

Trauma untreated becomes PTSD
Academic careers derail
Family stress compounds

Final Message to Lone Oak Families

Whether your child attends Texas A&M University-Commerce here in Hunt County, University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or any Texas campus, you don’t have to face this alone. You don’t have to accept institutional stonewalling. You don’t have to watch your child suffer without accountability.

The Leonel Bermudez case shows what’s possible when families fight back. The national precedents show that justice, while hard-won, is achievable. The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine shows we have the data to back our claims.

Your child’s safety, your family’s healing, and preventing this from happening to others—that’s what’s at stake. And that’s worth fighting for.

Call us today. Let’s start getting answers.

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
Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com