The Complete Guide to Hazing & Campus Abuse for Manvel, Texas Families: Your Legal Rights & Resources

If your child attends college anywhere in Texas, from the University of Houston to Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, you need to understand the reality of modern hazing. For families in Manvel, Pearland, Alvin, and across Brazoria County, this isn’t abstract—it’s about your student who might be just an hour away at UH or further at a statewide campus. What starts as “tradition” or “bonding” can quickly become dangerous, degrading, and illegal. Our firm, Attorney911, is leading one of Texas’s most serious current hazing cases: the $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. We’re writing this comprehensive guide because families in Manvel deserve to know the truth about hazing, the law, and how to protect their children.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

In the first 48 hours:

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

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours: Evidence disappears fast. 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 Beyond the Stereotypes

Hazing is no longer just about “hell week” or paddling. For Manvel families with students at Texas campuses, modern hazing combines digital coercion, psychological pressure, and physical danger disguised as “tradition.”

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (The Gateway)

24/7 digital control: GroupMe chats demanding instant responses at all hours
Servitude requirements: Acting as designated drivers, running errands, cleaning for older members
Social isolation: Cutting off contact with non-members, requiring permission to socialize
Geo-tracking: Forced location-sharing via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (The Escalation)

Sleep deprivation: Mandatory 3 AM meetings, multi-day events with minimal rest
Food/water manipulation: Forced consumption of spoiled food, hot sauce, excessive bland foods
Extreme “workouts”: Hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, sprints in extreme weather
Public humiliation: Embarrassing costumes, public performances, degrading nicknames

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (The Crisis Point)

Forced alcohol consumption: “Lineup” drinking games, Big/Little nights with handles of liquor
Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, kicking—often framed as “discipline”
Dangerous physical tests: “Glass ceiling” tackle rituals, blindfolded challenges, forced fights
Sexualized hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault
Chemical hazing: Industrial cleaners, raw eggs, or other substances poured on pledges

Our Current Case: Leonel Bermudez at University of Houston

Right now, we’re fighting one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases. Leonel Bermudez, a UH student, was subjected to systematic abuse as a Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu pledge in fall 2025. The hazing included:

“Pledge fanny pack” humiliation: Required to carry condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices 24/7
Extreme physical abuse: Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, lying in vomit-soaked grass
Simulated waterboarding: Sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”
Forced consumption: Made to drink milk, eat hot dogs and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediate sprints
The Nov 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion

The result? Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, was hospitalized for four days, and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. The Pi Kappa Phi chapter was suspended November 6, 2025, and members voted to surrender their charter November 14. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing.” This is happening right now in Texas—and it’s why Manvel families need this information.

Texas Hazing Law & Liability: What Manvel Families Must Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Foundation

Under Texas law—which governs cases affecting Manvel families—hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that:

Endangers mental or physical health or safety of a student
Occurs for pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership
Can happen on or off campus (location doesn’t matter)

Critical Texas provisions:

§37.155: Consent is NOT a defense—even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing
Class B Misdemeanor: Default penalty (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
State Jail Felony: If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death
Organizational liability: Fraternities/sororities can be fined up to $10,000 per violation
Good-faith reporting immunity: Those who report in good faith are protected

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Dual Pathways to Accountability

Criminal Cases (State Prosecution)

Brought by district attorneys
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in deaths
For Manvel families: Brazoria County DA or campus county DA handles prosecution

Civil Cases (Family-Led Litigation)

Brought by victims/families
Aim: Compensation and accountability
Potential claims: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Our role: We build civil cases that force institutions to change while securing compensation for families

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

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently
Strengthens prevention education
Public hazing data required by 2026
Impact for Manvel: More transparency from Texas universities coming soon

Title IX & Clery Act

Title IX applies when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
Clery requires reporting certain crimes in annual security reports
For UH/Texas A&M/UT: Federal compliance adds another layer of potential liability

Who Can Be Liable? The Complete Defendant Universe

Individual Students: Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
Local Chapter: The fraternity/sorority as a legal entity
National Headquarters: For failing to supervise or ignoring prior incidents
Universities: For negligent supervision or deliberate indifference
Housing Corporations: Property owners who enabled dangerous activities
Alumni Organizations: Groups that funded or supported hazing traditions

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

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

Forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Takeaway for Manvel: Same fraternity operates at Texas campuses

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

“Bible study” drinking game—wrong answers = forced drinking
Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
Takeaway: Drinking games are deadly predictable

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

Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking
Multiple falls captured on chapter cameras; delayed medical help
Dozens of criminal charges; Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law enacted
Takeaway: Security footage and delayed care create massive liability

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

Blindfolded, weighted “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat
Fatal head injuries; delayed 911 call
National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and manslaughter
Takeaway for Texas: Off-campus retreats are high-risk locations

Danny Santulli – Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)

“Pledge dad reveal” night with forced drinking
Severe permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see)
Settlements with 22 defendants, reportedly multi-million dollar
Takeaway: Non-fatal injuries can be catastrophically disabling

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

Alleged sexualized, racist hazing within football program
Multiple lawsuits; head coach fired; confidential settlements
Takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to major athletic programs

What These Cases Mean for Manvel Families

These national patterns repeat in Texas. The same fraternities, same rituals, same cover-ups. When we see forced drinking at a Texas chapter, we know Pi Kappa Alpha nationals have seen this before at Bowling Green. When we see physical abuse, we know Phi Gamma Delta has paid for similar conduct in Missouri. This pattern evidence is crucial for proving negligence and securing accountability.

Texas University Focus: Where Manvel Students Attend

University of Houston: Your Neighbor Campus

For Manvel Families: UH is just 30 miles north—the most accessible major university for our community. Many Manvel students commute or live on campus there.

UH Greek Ecosystem:

26+ fraternities including Pi Kappa Phi (now closed), Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma
6 Panhellenic sororities, multicultural groups, NPHC Divine Nine chapters
188 Greek-related organizations in Houston metro per our data

Recent UH Hazing History:

Leonel Bermudez/Pi Kappa Phi (2025): Our current $10 million lawsuit—rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure
Pi Kappa Alpha (2016): Pledge suffered lacerated spleen; chapter suspended
Multiple disciplinary actions: Alcohol violations, policy breaches leading to probation

UH Hazing Policy:

Prohibits hazing on/off campus
Reporting to Dean of Students, UHPD, Conduct Office
Transparency gap: Less public disclosure than UT Austin

If Hazing Happens at UH:

Jurisdiction: UHPD and/or Houston Police depending on location
Civil venue: Harris County courts
Evidence sources: Group chats often on GroupMe, Instagram, Snapchat
Our advantage: We’re Houston-based—we know these courts, these insurers, these defense firms

Texas A&M University: The Aggie Connection

For Manvel Families: Many Brazoria County students become Aggies. The Corps culture and Greek life create unique hazing risks.

Texas A&M Greek Ecosystem:

19+ IFC fraternities, 14 Panhellenic sororities
Corps of Cadets with separate tradition/hazing dynamics
42 Greek organizations in College Station-Bryan metro area

Recent A&M Hazing Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial cleaner causing severe burns requiring skin grafts; chapter suspended; lawsuit filed
Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023): Cadet allegedly bound between beds with apple in mouth, simulated sexual acts; sought $1+ million
Multiple chapter suspensions: Alcohol violations, hazing investigations

A&M’s Unique Challenge:

Corps traditions sometimes blur into hazing
University tries to balance tradition with safety
Our experience: We understand both Greek and Corps dynamics

If Hazing Happens at A&M:

Jurisdiction: University Police, College Station PD
Civil venue: Brazos County courts
Special considerations: Corps cases involve military-style chain of command issues

University of Texas at Austin: The Flagship Campus

UT’s Transparency Advantage:

Public Hazing Violations page (hazing.utexas.edu)
Lists organizations, dates, conduct, sanctions
For Manvel families: This transparency helps prove pattern knowledge

Recent UT Hazing Violations:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party; injuries included dislocated leg, broken nose; chapter already under suspension
Texas Wranglers/Spirit Groups: Multiple sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol hazing

UT Austin Greek Ecosystem:

60+ fraternity/sorority chapters
154 Greek organizations in Austin metro per our data
Includes IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural councils

If Hazing Happens at UT:

Jurisdiction: UTPD, Austin Police
Civil venue: Travis County courts
Evidence advantage: Public violation history helps prove prior notice

Southern Methodist University & Baylor University

SMU (Dallas):

Private university with affluent Greek culture
Kappa Alpha Order (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation; chapter suspended
Transparency challenge: Private school, less public reporting

Baylor (Waco):

Religious identity, history of institutional scrutiny
Baseball hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following investigation
Cultural context: Religious branding interacts with abuse claims

For Manvel Families: These schools may be farther, but Texas law still applies, and our firm serves families statewide.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories Meet Texas Chapters

Why National Histories Matter for Your Case

When a Texas chapter repeats behavior that got a chapter shut down in Ohio or Louisiana, that shows foreseeability. National headquarters can’t claim “we didn’t know” when the same pattern caused deaths elsewhere.

Major Fraternities With Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – At UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor

Stone Foltz (BGSU): $10 million settlement
David Bogenberger (NIU): $14 million settlement
Pattern: Big/Little alcohol nights, forced consumption
Texas presence: Multiple chapters across all 5 major campuses

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – At UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor

Traumatic Brain Injury (Alabama): Ongoing lawsuit
Chemical Burns (Texas A&M): Skin graft case
Assault (UT Austin): Exchange student injury case
Pattern: Physical abuse, dangerous initiations
Texas fact: SAE has faced allegations at multiple Texas schools

Pi Kappa Phi – At UH, Texas A&M, UT

Andrew Coffey (FSU): Alcohol poisoning death
Leonel Bermudez (UH): Our current rhabdomyolysis case
Pattern: Physical endurance tests, forced consumption
Current status: Beta Nu chapter closed at UH

Phi Delta Theta – At UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor

Max Gruver (LSU): Drinking game death, $6.1M verdict
Pattern: “Bible study” drinking rituals
Legislative impact: Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act

Tracking Organizations: Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

For Manvel families, understanding who’s behind these groups matters. We maintain a comprehensive database of Texas Greek organizations:

Houston Metro Area (188 organizations):

Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation – EIN 371768785 – Missouri City, TX 77459
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – EIN 746084905 – Houston, TX 77204
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – EIN 475370943 – Houston, TX 77204
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated – Sigma Gamma Chapter – EIN 392352450 – Houston, TX 77254
Beta Lambda Chapter – Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc – EIN 990483761 – Houston, TX 77084

Texas-Wide IRS Registered Organizations (125 entities):

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc – EIN 133048786 – College Station, TX 77845
Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity – EIN 262025321 – Denton, TX 76201
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 462267515 – Frisco, TX 75035
Sigma Phi Epsilon Texas Eta – EIN 824398421 – Richmond, TX 77406
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Multiple EINs across Texas campuses

Why This Data Matters:

Identifies legal entities that may carry insurance
Shows network of affiliated organizations
Helps trace responsibility from local chapter to national headquarters
For Manvel families: We already know the corporate structures behind these groups

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages & Strategy

Critical Evidence Collection (The First 48 Hours)

Digital Evidence (Most Important):

GroupMe/WhatsApp/iMessage: Screenshot FULL threads with timestamps
Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok videos of events
Deleted Messages: Digital forensics can often recover them
Location Data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends history

Medical Documentation:

ER Records: Must state “patient reports hazing incident”
Lab Results: Blood alcohol, toxicology, kidney function (creatine kinase for rhabdo)
Psychological Evaluation: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
Photographs: Injuries at multiple stages

Physical Evidence:

Clothing with stains or damage
Paddles, props, alcohol containers
Receipts for forced purchases

Institutional Records:

University conduct files (obtained via discovery)
National fraternity risk management reports
Prior incident reports at same chapter

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages:

Medical bills (past and future)
Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Diminished earning capacity (for permanent injuries)
Life care plans (24/7 care for catastrophic injuries)

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
Loss of enjoyment of life
Humiliation and loss of dignity

Wrongful Death Damages:

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Available):

Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
Deter future hazing
Texas caps: Generally limited but available for gross negligence

Our Litigation Strategy: Why Experience Matters

1. Insurance Coverage Battles:

Fraternity and university insurers often deny coverage claiming “intentional acts”
Our insurance insider knowledge (Mr. Lupe Peña was a defense attorney) helps navigate exclusions
We identify ALL potential policies: chapter, national, university, individual members

2. Pattern Evidence Development:

Subpoena national headquarters for prior incident reports
Show same organization had same problems at other campuses
Prove foreseeability and negligent supervision

3. Institutional Liability Arguments:

Universities knew or should have known
Inadequate supervision or enforcement
Deliberate indifference to known risks
Title IX violations when hazing is gender-based

4. Digital Evidence Forensics:

Recover deleted messages and social media content
Authenticate timestamps and participant identities
Counter claims of “consent” or “exaggeration”

Practical Guides & FAQs for Manvel Families

For Parents: Warning Signs & Immediate Steps

Warning Signs Your Child Is Being Hazed:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with vague explanations
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Constant phone anxiety (checking GroupMe, fearing missed messages)
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
Academic decline (missing classes, dropping grades)
Financial strain (unexplained expenses, requests for money)

How to Talk to Your Child:

Start gently: “How are things going with [organization]?”
Ask specific but non-accusatory questions: “Have they been respectful of your time for studying and sleeping?”
Listen without judgment: If they open up, don’t interrupt with anger
Emphasize safety: “Your health matters more than any organization”
Offer unconditional support: “We’ll help you through this no matter what”

If Your Child Is Injured:

Medical care FIRST: Go to ER immediately
Document injuries: Photos from multiple angles
Preserve digital evidence: Screenshot messages BEFORE discussing with organization
Write contemporaneous notes: Date, time, what happened, who was there
Contact an attorney BEFORE talking to university or organization

For Students: Is This Hazing? What Are My Rights?

Questions to Ask Yourself:

Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew exactly what’s happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie about this?
Are older members making me do things they don’t have to do?

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

You cannot be punished for calling 911 in a medical emergency (good-faith immunity)
Consent is NOT a defense to hazing charges
You can sue even if you “agreed” to participate
You can request no-contact orders if harassed after reporting

How to Exit Safely:

Tell someone outside first: Parent, RA, trusted friend
Send written resignation: Email/text to chapter president: “I resign effective immediately”
Do NOT go to “one last meeting”: That’s where pressure/retaliation happens
Document any retaliation: Screenshot threats, save voicemails
Report retaliation immediately: To campus police and Dean of Students

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice
What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly

Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
What to do instead: Document everything, call a lawyer first

MISTAKE #3: Signing university “resolution” forms

Why it’s wrong: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often lowball
What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

MISTAKE #4: Posting details on social media

Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

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

Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case is fact-specific.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law makes hazing a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to participate?”
Irrelevant. Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure isn’t voluntary.

“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. Time is critical—call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

“What if it happened off-campus at a rental house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Many major hazing cases occurred off-campus.

“Will my child’s name be public?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Hazing Case

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers value claims
Understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello)

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 or university defense teams
“We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Dual Criminal/Civil Capability

Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Investigative Depth & Resources

Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
Experience obtaining hidden evidence via subpoena and discovery
Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Database of 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 metros
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Proven Results

Multi-million dollar settlements in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases
Current leadership of the $10 million Bermudez/UH/Pi Kappa Phi case
Experience against the same national organizations operating at Texas campuses

Our Approach: Empathy + Accountability

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

Compassionate Support: We listen without judgment, move at your pace, respect your privacy
Thorough Investigation: We leave no stone unturned—digital forensics, national records, witness interviews
Strategic Litigation: We build cases that force institutional change, not just quick settlements
Long-Term Perspective: We consider permanent injuries, future care needs, and life impacts

Serving Manvel & All Texas Families

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Manvel, Pearland, Alvin, Friendswood, and all Brazoria County communities. Whether your student is at UH just north of us or at a campus across the state, Texas hazing law applies, and we have the experience to help.

Your Next Step: Confidential Consultation

If hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone.

What to expect in your FREE consultation:

We listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
Answer questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
No pressure to hire us—take time to decide
Everything you tell us is confidential

Contact Attorney911 Today:

24/7 Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com
Hablamos Español: Lupe Peña provides Spanish-language consultations

For Manvel families specifically: Whether your student is at UH, Texas A&M, or any Texas campus, we’re here to help. The distance from Manvel to Houston is short, but the journey through a hazing case can be long. Let us guide you.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez/UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

Click2Houston report: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
ABC13 coverage: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
Hoodline summary: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Evidence preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes to avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Contingency fees explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Practice Areas:

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

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