The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits in Texas: What Martin County Families Need to Know About Fraternity, Sorority, & Campus Abuse
If your child goes to a Texas college, the call you dread might start with a hospital, a campus police report, or a tearful confession about “tradition.” For families in Martin County, this nightmare became a legal reality at the University of Houston in late 2025. A fraternity’s “pledge education” left a young man with broken-down muscles, brown urine, and acute kidney failure. Right now, we are fighting that case—a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity, its Beta Nu chapter housing corporation, and 13 individual members. This is not a distant news story; it is active, serious litigation happening in Texas courts, and it shows exactly what families in our community are up against.
This guide is for every parent in Martin County, Stanton, Tarzan, and across the Permian Basin who has a child at a Texas college or university. We will explain what modern hazing really looks like, how Texas law applies, and what you can do if your child is hurt. We are The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™). We are Texas-based complex litigation attorneys, and we represent hazing victims and their families. Our goal here is to provide you with the knowledge and resources you need during a crisis.
IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES IN MARTIN COUNTY
If you are reading this because you suspect your child is in danger right now:
- Call 911 for any medical emergency.
- Then call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We provide immediate legal guidance.
- In the first 48 hours:
- Get medical attention immediately.
- PRESERVE EVIDENCE: Screenshot all group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, texts), photograph injuries, and save any physical items.
- Write down everything your child tells you (who, what, when, where).
- DO NOT confront the fraternity/sorority, sign anything from the university, or post details on social media.
We serve families across Texas from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. If your child was hazed at Texas Tech in Lubbock, UT in Austin, Texas A&M in College Station, or any campus in between, we have the data, experience, and determination to help.
1. Hazing in 2025: From “Pledge Packs” to Digital Coercion
Hazing is no longer just about secret handshakes or silly pranks. It is a calculated system of control, humiliation, and abuse designed to test loyalty through suffering. The recent University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case illustrates the brutal reality.
Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student, accepted a bid to Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter in September 2025. What followed was a months-long campaign of abuse. He was forced to carry a “pledge fanny pack” 24/7 containing condoms, a sex toy, and nicotine devices. He endured forced dress codes, overnight chauffeuring duties, and hours-long “study blocks.” The physical hazing included sprints, bear crawls, and being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.”
At an off-campus residence and at Yellowstone Boulevard Park, the abuse intensified. He was forced to consume excessive amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then made to sprint. On November 3, he was forced through over 100 push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion. Days later, he was hospitalized for four days, diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. His urine was brown. This is what hazing looks like now.
It happens in fraternities, sororities, Corps of Cadets programs, athletic teams, and spirit groups. The methods have evolved:
- Digital Hazing: 24/7 group chat monitoring, mandatory location sharing, social media humiliation.
- “Wellness” Disguises: Extreme workouts framed as “fitness challenges.”
- Off-Campus Evasion: Rituals moved to Airbnbs or private rentals to avoid campus oversight.
- Psychological Coercion: Framing dangerous acts as “voluntary” while implying refusal means exclusion.
For a parent in Martin County, the warning signs might be sudden secrecy, exhaustion, unexplained injuries, fear of their phone, or a drastic change in personality. Trust your instincts.
2. The Texas Legal Framework: Criminal Penalties & Civil Liability
Texas takes hazing seriously under Education Code Chapter 37. The law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership. Crucially, the victim’s “consent” is not a defense.
- Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor. It becomes a Class A misdemeanor if it causes bodily injury, and a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals can also be charged for failing to report hazing.
- Civil Liability: This is where families can seek accountability and compensation. A civil lawsuit can target:
- Individual Members who planned or carried out the acts.
- The Local Chapter as an organization.
- The National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters for negligent supervision.
- The University for deliberate indifference or failure to protect students.
- Housing Corporations and property owners.
In the UH case, the lawsuit names the university, the Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual members. This comprehensive approach is critical to uncovering all sources of liability and insurance coverage.
Federal laws also apply. The Clery Act requires crime reporting, and Title IX can be triggered if hazing involves sexual harassment. The Stop Campus Hazing Act of 2024 mandates greater transparency from universities, with full implementation by 2026.
3. The National Pattern: Why Fraternity Histories Matter for Martin County Families
The Pi Kappa Phi case at UH is not an isolated event. It fits a decades-long, national pattern of institutional failure. When we take on a case, we investigate the national history of the organization involved. This pattern evidence establishes “foreseeability”—that the national headquarters knew or should have known the risks.
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): At Bowling Green State, Stone Foltz died in 2021 after being forced to drink a bottle of alcohol. His family secured a $10 million settlement.
- Beta Theta Pi: At Penn State, Timothy Piazza died in 2017 after a night of forced drinking, leading to the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania.
- Phi Delta Theta: At LSU, Max Gruver died in 2017 from alcohol poisoning during a “Bible study” drinking game, resulting in Louisiana’ Max Gruver Act.
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): Has faced numerous lawsuits nationwide, including at Texas A&M where pledges alleged being doused in industrial cleaner causing chemical burns.
The same national organizations named in these landmark cases have chapters at every major Texas university. When a chapter at UT Austin or Texas Tech repeats these dangerous “traditions,” the national organization cannot claim ignorance. This history strengthens civil claims for families in Martin County by proving the conduct was predictable and preventable.
4. The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Mapping the Greek Ecosystem
Most families start from zero. We start with data. Our firm maintains a proprietary Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine built from public records, including IRS filings, university rosters, and corporate databases. This allows us to immediately identify every entity behind a fraternity or sorority—the house corporations, alumni chapters, and national networks that may hold insurance and liability.
For families in West Texas, this means we understand the connections between campuses like Texas Tech University and the broader Greek system. Here is a snapshot of the deeply networked Greek ecosystem in Texas:
Public Records Directory: Fraternity, Sorority & Greek Organizations Registered in Texas
The following are real entities recorded in public filings. This is the kind of data we use to build a case.
- Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 46-2267515), Frisco, TX 75035 – IRS B83 Filing. This is the housing entity for the UH chapter sued in the Bermudez case.
- Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN 74-1380362), Fort Worth, TX 76147 – IRS B83 Filing.
- Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (EIN 74-6064445), Nederland, TX 77627 – IRS B83 Filing.
- Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity (EIN 52-1278573), Dallas, TX 75241 – IRS B83 Filing.
- Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc (EIN 47-5381060), San Marcos, TX 78666 – IRS B83 Filing.
- Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (EIN 36-4091267), Waco, TX 76710 – IRS B83 Filing.
- Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (EIN 90-0293166), College Station, TX 77843 – IRS B83 Filing (Texas A&M Chapter).
- Frank Heflin Foundation (EIN 20-3507402), Canyon, TX 79015 – IRS B83 Filing (Phi Delta Theta alumni fund).
- Beta Upsilon Chi (EIN 74-2911848), Fort Worth, TX 76244 – IRS B83 Filing.
- Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity Texas Gamma Chapter (EIN 91-1981478), Fort Worth, TX 76109 – IRS B83 Filing.
Statewide, our data tracks over 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metros, including 188 in the Houston metro and 59 in the Lubbock metro near Texas Tech. This investigative depth is why we can immediately answer the critical question: “Who is really responsible, and who insures them?”
5. Where Martin County Families Send Their Kids: Campus-Specific Realities
Parents in Martin County have children at universities across the state. Some attend regional schools like Texas Tech University in Lubbock or the University of Texas of the Permian Basin in Odessa. Many others head to the major statewide hubs. Understanding the specific landscape at these schools is crucial.
Texas Tech University (Lubbock)
As a primary university for West Texas families, Texas Tech has a significant Greek life presence. Hazing allegations have surfaced here, including cases involving severe physical strain leading to rhabdomyolysis. Universities often face claims of negligent supervision when dangerous traditions persist.
University of Texas at Austin
UT Austin publishes a notable public hazing violations log. Recent entries include Pi Kappa Alpha in 2023 for directing new members to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. This public record is a powerful tool for showing a pattern of known, unaddressed behavior.
Texas A&M University (College Station)
Beyond fraternities, Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets has faced serious hazing allegations. In one lawsuit, a cadet alleged being bound in a degrading “roasted pig” position. The university typically asserts it handles matters internally, but civil litigation can uncover whether their response was adequate.
Southern Methodist University (Dallas) & Baylor University (Waco)
These private universities have active Greek systems but often less public transparency. Investigations into chapters like Kappa Alpha Order at SMU have led to suspensions. Our approach involves using legal discovery to obtain internal reports and disciplinary records that are not publicly posted.
University of Houston
The ongoing Pi Kappa Phi case is the most severe recent example. The university called the conduct “deeply disturbing,” and the chapter voted to surrender its charter. The lawsuit alleges the university failed to intervene despite systemic signs.
For a family in Martin County, the path to accountability begins with understanding that each campus has its own dynamics, but the legal principles of duty, negligence, and liability apply universally.
6. Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages
When you contact us, we move immediately to preserve evidence and build a commanding case. The defense playbook is predictable: claim it was “optional,” blame “rogue individuals,” or argue the university didn’t know. We dismantle these arguments with evidence.
Critical Evidence We Pursue:
- Digital Forensics: Deleted GroupMe, WhatsApp, and text messages. Social media posts, Stories, and location tags.
- Chapter Records: Internal “pledge educator” manuals, meeting notes, and communications with national headquarters.
- University Files: Prior disciplinary records for the same group obtained via discovery or public records requests.
- Medical Documentation: ER records, lab tests (like creatine kinase levels proving rhabdomyolysis), and psychological evaluations for PTSD.
- Witness Testimony: Other pledges, former members, roommates, and advisors.
Potential Damages for Families:
A civil lawsuit seeks to make the victim whole and hold institutions accountable. Recoverable damages can include:
- Economic Damages: All medical bills (past and future), lost wages, and diminished future earning capacity.
- Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, trauma, humiliation, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Wrongful Death Damages: In the ultimate tragedy, families can seek funeral costs, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering.
Our advantage in these fights is twofold. First, our attorney Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense lawyer for a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers evaluate claims, fight coverage, and use delay tactics. Second, managing partner Ralph Manginello has experience in litigation against the largest institutional defendants, including being one of the few Texas firms involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation. We are not intimidated by powerful opponents.
7. Practical Steps for Martin County Parents and Students
For Parents:
- Listen Without Judgment: If your child opens up, create a safe space. Your goal is information and safety.
- Seek Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor, get a professional evaluation. Describe the hazing to the doctor so it’s documented.
- Preserve Everything: Help your child screenshot every relevant chat and photograph injuries. Do not let them delete anything.
- Consult a Lawyer Before Reporting: An attorney can help you navigate reporting to the university or police to protect your child’s rights and avoid missteps.
- Document Communications: Keep a log of all calls and emails with the university, the organization, or insurance companies.
For Students:
- Your Safety Comes First: In an immediate emergency, call 911. Texas law often provides amnesty for those seeking help.
- You Have the Right to Leave: You can de-pledge or resign at any time. Send a clear text or email, then do not attend “exit meetings.”
- Preserve Evidence Secretly: Screenshot conversations and take photos of injuries. Save them in a secure cloud folder.
- Know Your Reporting Options: You can report to the Dean of Students, campus police, or anonymously through the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE).
Critical Mistakes That Can Harm a Case:
- Deleting digital evidence.
- Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly (they will lawyer up and destroy evidence).
- Signing a university “resolution” agreement without an attorney’s review.
- Posting about the incident on social media.
- Waiting too long. Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury, but evidence vanishes quickly.
8. Why Families in Martin County Choose Attorney911
When your family is in crisis, you need advocates who combine relentless investigation with genuine compassion. We are not a high-volume settlement mill. We are trial-tested litigators who build cases to win.
- Insider Insurance Knowledge: Mr. Peña’s defense background means we anticipate and counter every insurance company tactic.
- Complex Institutional Litigation: Our BP Texas City experience proves we can face billion-dollar defendants—a national fraternity or major university is not intimidating.
- Data-Driven Investigation: We don’t start from scratch. Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine gives us a map of liability from day one.
- Dual Civil & Criminal Insight: Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand the interplay between criminal charges and civil suits.
- Spanish-Language Services: Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, ensuring all families can access help and be fully understood.
- Contingency Fee Basis: You pay nothing unless we win your case. We invest in your fight from the start.
We are currently leading the litigation in the Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi case. We have seen the medical reports, the deleted messages, and the institutional responses. We know what it takes to fight for accountability at this level.
9. Your Next Step: A Free, Confidential Consultation
If you suspect your child has been hazed—whether at Texas Tech, UT, A&M, UH, or any Texas campus—you do not have to navigate this alone. The institutions involved will have teams of lawyers. You deserve expert advocates on your side.
We offer a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation to every family. In this conversation, we will:
- Listen carefully to your story.
- Explain the legal options specific to your situation.
- Discuss the investigation process and what to expect.
- Answer your questions about timelines, costs, and strategy.
You are under no pressure to hire us. Our goal is to ensure you have the information needed to make the best decision for your family.
Contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLD / Attorney911 Today
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 or lupe@atty911.com
Se habla Español.
We protect victims like you throughout Texas. Let us help you fight for accountability, recovery, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you took a stand.
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)
Website: https://attorney911.com
