Hazing, Fraternities & Sororities, and Your Legal Rights: A Complete Guide for Families in the Town of Melvin and Across Texas

For Families in the Town of Melvin: When Campus “Tradition” Becomes Criminal Abuse

Your child calls home from college. Their voice is strained, exhausted. They brush off your concerns—”Just stressed with classes, Mom.” But the stories don’t add up. Unexplained bruises. A sudden, fearful secrecy about their new fraternity or sorority. Midnight texts demanding they report for “mandatory study sessions.” As a parent in the Town of Melvin, in the heart of McCulloch County, you sent your student off to build a future, not to be broken by dangerous rituals.

Right now, in our own state, we are fighting for a young man who lived this nightmare. Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student at the University of Houston, accepted a bid to the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter in the fall of 2025. What followed was not brotherhood but a months-long campaign of humiliation, forced labor, and violence that nearly killed him. He was subjected to degrading rules like carrying a “pledge fanny pack” filled with condoms and sex toys, forced to act as an overnight chauffeur, and endure hours of “study blocks.” The physical abuse escalated: sprints, bear crawls, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and being forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, only to be ordered to sprint again.

The breaking point came on November 3, 2025. After being forced through over 100 push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion, Mr. Bermudez’s body began to shut down. Days later, he was crawling up stairs, unable to stand. His urine turned brown—a classic sign of rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening condition where muscle tissue breaks down and floods the kidneys. He was rushed to the hospital and spent four days fighting acute kidney failure, with lab tests showing critically high creatine kinase levels. His risk of permanent kidney damage remains. We filed a $10 million lawsuit on his behalf against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the chapter’s housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The chapter was suspended and then voted to surrender its charter. The university called the conduct “deeply disturbing.”

This is not an isolated horror story from a distant campus. It is proof of a pervasive, dangerous culture that exists within Greek organizations and other campus groups across Texas. If your child attends Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas A&M University-Central Texas in Killeen, or any major university like Texas A&M in College Station or UT Austin, they could be at risk.

This guide is for you—the parents, families, and students in the Town of Melvin and throughout McCulloch County. We will explain what modern hazing truly looks like, the Texas laws designed to protect your child, the national patterns of abuse that repeat on our campuses, and the legal pathways to accountability and recovery. You are not alone, and what you do next matters.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

• If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:
  • Call 911 for medical emergencies.
  • Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We provide immediate help—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.
• In the first 48 hours:
  • Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine.”
  • Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
    • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately.
    • Photograph injuries from multiple angles.
    • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects).
  • Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where).
  • Do NOT:
    • Confront the fraternity/sorority.
    • Sign anything from the university or insurance company.
    • Post details on public social media.
    • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence.
• Contact an experienced hazing attorney: Evidence disappears fast. We can help preserve it and protect your child’s rights. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an immediate, confidential consultation.

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

Hazing is not just “boys will be boys” or harmless pranks. It is a calculated abuse of power designed to create dominance through fear, humiliation, and pain. For families in the Town of Melvin, understanding its modern forms is the first step to recognizing danger.

Under Texas law (Education Code Chapter 37), hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—on or off campus—directed at a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student. Crucially, the victim’s “consent” is not a legal defense.

Today’s hazing often falls into three escalating tiers:

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing & Digital Control. This establishes power imbalance and isolation. It includes forced servitude (cleaning, errands, being “on call”), social isolation from non-members, and being stripped of basic privileges. In 2025, this is enforced through 24/7 digital monitoring: mandatory GroupMe chats where pledges must respond instantly, location-sharing via Snapchat Maps, and social media policing.

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing. This causes clear discomfort and harm. It includes sleep deprivation from late-night “meetings,” verbal abuse and “grilling” sessions, forced consumption of unpleasant substances (like hot sauce or excessive milk), and extreme, punitive calisthenics (“smokings”). Public humiliation, like being forced to wear degrading costumes, is common.

Tier 3: Violent Hazing. This has high potential for catastrophic injury or death. This is what happened to Leonel Bermudez. It encompasses:

• Forced/Coerced Alcohol Consumption: “Big/Little” nights, “family tree” drinking games, lineups, and forced chugging.
• Physical Beatings: Paddling, punching, “branding,” or dangerous “tests” like blindfolded tackles.
• Sexualized Hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault.
• Environmental Dangers: Exposure to extreme cold, being locked in confined spaces, or dangerous driving tasks.

These acts are frequently disguised as “team building,” “wellness challenges,” or “tradition.” They are deliberately moved off-campus to Airbnbs or private rentals to avoid university oversight. The goal is always the same: to break down the individual to cement group loyalty.

The Texas Legal Framework: Criminal Charges and Civil Liability

For families in Melvin seeking justice, it’s critical to understand the dual legal pathways: criminal prosecution by the state and civil lawsuits for compensation. Texas has specific tools to address hazing, but they require knowledgeable navigation.

Texas Criminal Hazing Law (Chapter 37 of the Education Code)

The Texas statute provides clear, broad definitions and penalties:

• Definition: An intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers physical or mental health for purposes of initiation/affiliation. Location does not matter—off-campus hazing is still a crime.
• Consent is NOT a Defense: Texas law explicitly states that a victim’s agreement is irrelevant (§37.155).
• Criminal Penalties:
  • Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine).
  • Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing that causes injury requiring medical treatment.
  • State Jail Felony: Hazing that causes serious bodily injury or death.
• Organizational Liability: Fraternities, sororities, or clubs themselves can be fined up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged the hazing, or if an officer knew and failed to report it.
• Immunity for Reporters: Individuals who in good faith report hazing or call for medical help are generally protected from prosecution related to that report.

Civil Lawsuits for Damages and Accountability

A criminal case punishes the perpetrator. A civil lawsuit, which we handle, seeks to compensate the victim and hold every responsible party accountable. These are separate but can proceed simultaneously. In a civil hazing case, we can pursue claims against:

1. The Individual Perpetrators: The members who planned, executed, or covered up the abuse.
2. The Local Chapter: As a legal entity, if it exists.
3. The National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters: For negligent supervision, failure to enforce policies, and having prior knowledge of dangerous patterns.
4. The University: For negligent supervision, deliberate indifference to a known risk, or Title IX violations (if the hazing is sex-based).
5. Third Parties: Landlords of unsafe properties, alcohol providers (under dram shop laws), or security companies.

The “Stop Campus Hazing Act” of 2024 now requires universities receiving federal funds to report hazing incidents more transparently, creating a stronger paper trail for families.

National Hazing Case Patterns: The Script that Repeats in Texas

The tragedy at UH is not an anomaly. It follows a decades-old script written by national fraternities that have seen the same deadly patterns play out on campuses across the country. Understanding these national cases is key to proving that what happens to Texas students was foreseeable—and preventable.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): A 20-year-old pledge died from alcohol poisoning after a “Big/Little” night where he was forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol. His family reached a $10 million settlement ($7M from the national fraternity, ~$3M from the university).
• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): A 19-year-old died from traumatic brain injuries after a bid-acceptance night of extreme drinking. Fraternity members delayed calling for help for hours. The case led to sweeping criminal charges and Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.”
• Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): A pledge died from alcohol toxicity after a “Bible study” drinking game. The case resulted in a $6.1 million verdict and Louisiana’s “Max Gruver Act,” making hazing a felony.
• Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021): An 18-year-old pledge suffered permanent, catastrophic brain damage from coerced drinking. His family settled with 22 defendants, highlighting the potential for life-altering, non-fatal injuries.

These cases show the consistent, deadly patterns: forced drinking, delayed medical care, institutional knowledge of risks, and cover-ups. The same national organizations involved in these tragedies—Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta—have active chapters at Texas universities. When they allow the same rituals, they are knowingly playing with fire.

The Texas Campus Landscape: Where Melvin Families Send Their Students

Families in McCulloch County and the Town of Melvin have strong ties to universities across Texas. Some students commute to regional schools; others head to major statewide hubs. Hazing risks exist at all levels.

Regional Universities for Melvin and Central Texas Families

Many students from our area attend strong regional universities, each with its own Greek life ecosystem.

Angelo State University (San Angelo, Tom Green County)
As a member of the Texas Tech University System, Angelo State has an active Greek community. While specific public incident logs may be limited, the presence of national fraternities and sororities means the national risk patterns apply here. A hazing case in San Angelo would involve local law enforcement and potentially the Tom Green County courts, but the legal strategy of holding national organizations accountable remains the same.

Texas A&M University-Central Texas (Killeen, Bell County)
Serving the Central Texas region, this growing campus is part of the sprawling Texas A&M system. Families in Melvin should know that hazing policies and enforcement can vary within a university system, and vigilance is key.

Major Statewide University Hubs

Many Melvin families also send students to the flagship universities that dominate Texas Greek life. The patterns at these schools directly impact our community.

University of Houston (UH) – The Current Front Line
As the home of the ongoing Leonel Bermudez/Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, UH is a case study in institutional failure. The university’s Greek life includes a wide array of Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and Multicultural Greek Council chapters. The alleged hazing occurred at the chapter house, an off-campus residence on Culmore Drive, and at Yellowstone Boulevard Park. For Melvin families with students at UH, this case demonstrates that severe abuse can happen at a major urban commuter school. The response involved UH police, Houston PD, and litigation in Harris County courts.

Texas A&M University (College Station) – Tradition and Risk
The culture at Texas A&M, including its storied Corps of Cadets, carries unique hazing risks. We have seen serious cases here:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Chemical Burns Case: Pledges alleged being doused with substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts. The chapter was suspended, and a lawsuit was filed.
• Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case: A cadet alleged degrading hazing, including being bound between beds in a simulated sexual position with an apple in his mouth. He sought over $1 million in damages.

Texas A&M’s sheer size and tradition-heavy environment mean hazing can be hidden within both Greek and military-style systems. Cases here may involve Brazos County courts and intense public scrutiny.

University of Texas at Austin (UT) – Transparency and Repeated Violations
UT Austin maintains a public Hazing Violations page, offering a window into ongoing issues. Recent entries include:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members were directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, resulting in probation.
• Texas Wranglers (Spirit Group): Sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing.
  This public log is a double-edged sword: it shows transparency but also proves that even published sanctions don’t always deter future abuse. Cases here play out in Travis County.

Baylor University (Waco) & Southern Methodist University (Dallas)
Private universities like Baylor and SMU have their own Greek life challenges, often with less public reporting. Baylor faced a baseball team hazing scandal in 2020, while SMU’s Kappa Alpha Order chapter was suspended for paddling and forced drinking. Civil lawsuits against private schools face different legal hurdles than public ones, but the path to accountability remains.

The Organizations Behind the Letters: National Histories Meet Texas Chapters

The fraternity or sorority your child is rushing is not just a local club. It is part of a multi-million dollar national organization with a documented history of risk. This history forms the backbone of a civil lawsuit, proving the national knew the dangers.

Our firm maintains the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, a proprietary database built from public records that maps the network of Greek organizations across the state. For example, IRS records show the legal entities behind these groups. This data is crucial for identifying every potentially liable party in a lawsuit.

Consider the national patterns of organizations present at Texas schools:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): National pattern of “Big/Little” alcohol deaths (Stone Foltz).
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): Multiple deaths and severe injury lawsuits nationwide, including the chemical burns case at Texas A&M.
• Pi Kappa Phi: The national at the center of the UH lawsuit and the Andrew Coffey death at Florida State.
• Phi Delta Theta: The national involved in the Max Gruver death at LSU.

When a Texas chapter repeats a ritual that killed a student at another campus, it becomes powerful evidence of negligence and foreseeability. We use this pattern evidence to counter the national organization’s primary defense: “This was a rogue chapter; we didn’t know.”

Public Records: Greek Organizations Serving Texas Families

To illustrate the depth of our investigative work, here is a snapshot of the type of public data we track for families in Melvin and across Texas. These are not accusations but illustrations of the complex organizational web behind campus Greek life.

Examples from Texas Public Records (IRS & Cause IQ Data):

• Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, EIN 46-2267515, Frisco, TX 75035
• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc, EIN 13-3048786, College Station, TX 77845
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc, EIN 74-1380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147
• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc (Theta Delta Chapter), EIN 47-5370943, Houston, TX 77204
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (Texas Woman’s University Chapter), EIN 26-3170920, Denton, TX 76204

This data, combined with campus rosters, allows us to identify housing corporations, alumni associations, and national affiliates that may carry insurance or share liability. We don’t start from zero—we start with a map.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages with Attorney911

If your family is facing this crisis, knowing how a case is built can empower you. Our approach is methodical, aggressive, and informed by insider knowledge of how institutions fight back.

The Evidence That Wins Cases in 2025

1. Digital Communications: The #1 source of evidence. We forensically recover and analyze GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, and Snapchat logs. These show planning, coercion, threats, and cover-up attempts.
2. Photos & Videos: Content filmed by members themselves. We also seek security footage from houses, Airbnbs, and adjacent properties.
3. Internal Organization Documents: Pledge manuals, “tradition” binders, emails between chapter officers and national advisors.
4. University Records: Obtained through discovery or public records requests, these include prior conduct violations, warning letters, and Clery Act reports—proving the school knew of risks.
5. Medical & Psychological Records: Documenting the physical injury (e.g., rhabdomyolysis lab reports) and the psychological trauma (PTSD, depression diagnoses) is critical for damages.
6. Witness Testimony: Other pledges, former members, roommates, and RAs. We know how to safely interview witnesses who may be fearful.

Overcoming Institutional Defenses

We anticipate and dismantle the standard defenses:

• “They Consented”: Texas law invalidates this. We demonstrate the power imbalance and coercion.
• “Rogue Chapter/We Didn’t Know”: We use national pattern evidence and prior incidents to prove foreseeability.
• “It Happened Off-Campus”: We establish the university’s and national’s control and sponsorship of the group.
• “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”: We prove the policies were window-dressing, unenforced, and failed.

Recoverable Damages for Victims and Families

A civil lawsuit seeks to make the victim whole and hold defendants accountable through:

• Economic Damages: All medical bills (ER, hospitalization, surgery, future care), lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships).
• Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, trauma, humiliation, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Wrongful Death Damages (for families): Funeral costs, loss of financial support, and the profound loss of companionship, love, and guidance.
• Punitive Damages: In egregious cases, to punish reckless conduct and deter future hazing.

Practical Guide & FAQs for Melvin Parents and Students

For Parents: Warning Signs and Action Steps

Warning Signs:

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns.
• Extreme fatigue, sleep deprivation, drastic weight change.
• Sudden secrecy, withdrawal from family/friends, anxiety about phone alerts.
• Constant, servile errands for older members.
• Large, unexplained expenses.

What to Do:

1. Talk Calmly: Ask open-ended questions. “I’m worried about you. Is anything happening that feels unsafe or forced?”
2. Prioritize Safety: If injured or intoxicated, get medical care immediately.
3. Preserve Evidence: Help your child screenshot EVERYTHING before it’s deleted. Photograph injuries. Write a timeline.
4. Seek Legal Counsel Early: Before reporting to the university, talk to us. We can help you navigate the process without jeopardizing evidence or your rights.
5. Document University Communications: Keep records of all interactions with the school.

For Students: Is This Hazing? How to Get Out Safely.

If you feel unsafe, coerced, or humiliated, it is hazing. Trust your instincts.

• Your phone is your best evidence. Screenshot messages, even embarrassing ones. Do not delete anything.
• You have the right to leave. Send a clear text/email: “I resign my membership/pledgeship effective immediately.” Tell a trusted adult first.
• If you fear retaliation, report it to campus police and the Dean of Students. Stalking and threats are crimes.
• In a medical emergency, CALL 911. Texas law and most schools offer “good faith” amnesty for those who call for help.

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin a Hazing Case

1. Deleting Digital Evidence: This looks like a cover-up and destroys your case. Preserve, don’t purge.
2. Confronting the Fraternity Directly: This triggers their legal defense and leads to evidence destruction.
3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms: These often include waivers of your right to sue. Do not sign without a lawyer.
4. Posting on Social Media: Defense attorneys scour social media for inconsistencies. Keep details private.
5. Waiting for the University to “Handle It”: Universities often prioritize damage control over victim justice. Evidence disappears fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we sue a university in Texas for hazing?
Yes. While public universities have some sovereign immunity, exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing employees individually. Private universities like Baylor and SMU have fewer immunity barriers. The specific facts of your case determine the strategy.

How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
Generally, two years from the date of injury or death in Texas. However, complex rules about discovery and minor status can affect this. Do not wait. Evidence and witness memories fade.

What if it happened at an off-campus house?
Location does not defeat liability. National fraternities and universities can still be responsible for activities of recognized groups they sponsor, regardless of where the abuse occurs.

Will our names be public?
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We aggressively pursue sealed records and private settlement terms to protect your family’s privacy.

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

When your family is in a legal emergency caused by hazing, you need advocates who understand both the profound human trauma and the complex institutional battlefield. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911) is built for this fight.

Our Competitive Advantages for Texas Hazing Cases:

• Insider Insurance Knowledge: Our attorney, Mr. Lupe Peña, spent years as an insurance defense lawyer for a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers undervalue claims, deploy delay tactics, and fight coverage. We know their playbook because we used to run it. Learn more about Mr. Peña’s background here.
• Proven Experience Against Giants: Managing Partner Ralph Manginello was one of the few plaintiff attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, taking on a billion-dollar defendant. We are not intimidated by national fraternities or university legal teams. We have federal court experience and a track record of multi-million dollar results. See Ralph Manginello’s complete credentials.
• Data-Driven Investigation: We don’t start from scratch. We use our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—built from IRS data, university records, and national case histories—to immediately identify all potentially liable entities, from local housing corporations to national headquarters.
• Dual Civil & Criminal Capability: Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand the criminal side of hazing investigations. We can advise families and witnesses navigating both criminal and civil proceedings.
• Spanish-Language Services: Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish. We are committed to serving all Texas families. Se habla Español.

We are currently leading the litigation in the Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case because we have the skill, depth, and determination to see it through. We bring that same commitment to every family we represent.

Your Next Step: A Confidential Consultation for Melvin Families

If you are a parent in the Town of Melvin, McCulloch County, or anywhere in Texas whose child has been hazed, injured, or abused in connection with a fraternity, sorority, Corps program, athletic team, or other campus organization, we are here to listen and to help.

You do not have to navigate this alone. The institutions involved have lawyers whose job is to protect them. You need an advocate whose only job is to protect your child and your family.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC for a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation.

What to expect when you call 1-888-ATTY-911:

• We will listen to your story with compassion and without judgment.
• We will explain your legal rights and options in clear, plain English.
• We will discuss the investigation process and what we can do to preserve evidence immediately.
• We will answer your questions about timelines, costs, and what accountability looks like.
• We work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases—you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). You can also reach us directly at (713) 528-9070, or via email at ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com.

Visit our website to learn more about our firm: https://attorney911.com.

For families in the Town of Melvin and across Central Texas, the path to justice and healing begins with a single call. Let us help you take the next step.

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