The Complete Guide to Hazing in Texas: Protecting Your Child at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU & Baylor

If Your Child Was Hazed in Texas, You’re Not Alone

Imagine receiving that phone call in the middle of the night. Your child, a student at a Texas university, is in the emergency room. Their urine is brown—a sign of severe muscle breakdown. They can’t stand without help. The fraternity they were pledging called it “tradition” or “team building.” You learn about forced workouts, humiliation, and dangerous rituals. This isn’t just a story; this is happening right now to Texas families. In late 2025, we filed a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The allegations are severe: a “pledge fanny pack” containing humiliating items, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, and extreme workouts that caused rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure requiring four days of hospitalization. This case, unfolding in Harris County courts, shows what Texas families are up against.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in City of Midway and across Texas who need to understand the reality of modern hazing, Texas law, and what happened at our major universities. Whether your child attends school in your community or hours away, the patterns are disturbingly similar, and the legal protections are available right here in Texas.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

In the first 48 hours:

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

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

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

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025

For City of Midway families unfamiliar with modern Greek life or campus organizations, hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypes. Today’s hazing is sophisticated, digitally-enabled, and often disguised as legitimate activities.

The Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. Crucially, “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there’s peer pressure and a significant power imbalance. In Texas, consent is explicitly not a defense to hazing charges.

Five Main Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common and dangerous form. It includes forced or coerced drinking during “Big/Little” nights, “bid acceptance” parties, or drinking games like “Bible study” where wrong answers mean drinking. The Stone Foltz case at Bowling Green shows the deadly pattern: a pledge forced to consume nearly a full bottle of whiskey, leading to fatal alcohol poisoning and a $10 million settlement.

2. Physical Hazing
Beyond traditional paddling, physical hazing now includes extreme calisthenics framed as “workouts” or “conditioning.” In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, Leonel Bermudez was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion. Other physical hazing includes sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme temperatures.

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts (like the “roasted pig” position reported in Texas A&M Corps cases), degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. The Northwestern University football scandal revealed sexualized hazing within athletic programs.

4. Psychological Hazing
Verbal abuse, threats, isolation, manipulation, and public shaming—often documented in group chats where pledges are ridiculed. Psychological hazing creates trauma that can last longer than physical injuries.

5. Digital/Online Hazing
The newest frontier includes group chat dares, “challenges” shared on Instagram or TikTok, pressure to create compromising content, and 24/7 digital monitoring where pledges must respond instantly to messages at all hours.

Where Hazing Happens Beyond Fraternities

While Greek organizations dominate headlines, hazing occurs in:

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

The common thread across all these groups is social status, tradition, and secrecy that keep dangerous practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Texas Hazing Laws & Federal Overlays: What City of Midway Families Need to Know

Under Texas law—which governs cases involving City of Midway families—hazing has specific definitions and consequences that every parent should understand.

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

§ 37.151 Definition
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 Points for Texas Families:

Location doesn’t matter: can happen on or off campus
Harm can be mental or physical
Intent: Doesn’t have to be malicious; “reckless” is enough (knew the risk and did it anyway)
“Consent is not a defense” (Texas Education Code § 37.155): Even if the victim agreed, it’s still hazing if it meets the definition

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, fine up to $2,000)
Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes injury that requires medical treatment
State Jail Felony: If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death

Also Criminal:

Failing to report hazing (if you’re a member or officer and you knew about it): misdemeanor
Retaliating against someone who reports hazing: misdemeanor

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability
Organizations (fraternities, sororities, clubs, teams) can be criminally prosecuted for hazing if:

The org authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
An officer or member acting in official capacity knew about hazing and failed to report it

Penalties for organizations:

Fine up to $10,000 per violation
University can revoke recognition and ban the org from campus

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting
A person who in good faith reports a hazing incident to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from the report. This encourages bystanders and victims to report without fear of getting in trouble, though students often still fear social consequences.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (prosecutor)
Aim: punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical hazing-related charges: hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, or manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: monetary compensation and accountability
Focus on: negligence and gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring/supervision, premises liability, emotional distress

Both types can run side-by-side, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. Many families pursue civil cases even when prosecutors decline to file criminal charges.

Federal Laws That Overlay Texas Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
Requires colleges that receive federal aid to:

Report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthen hazing education and prevention
Maintain public hazing data (phased in by around 2026)

Title IX / Clery Act
When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations can be triggered. Clery requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics; hazing incidents often overlap with those categories when there are assaults or alcohol/drug crimes.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

1. Individual Students
The ones who planned, supplied the alcohol, carried out the acts, or helped cover them up. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we named 13 individual fraternity leaders including the chapter president, pledgemaster, and risk manager.

2. Local Chapter / Organization
The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if it’s a legal entity). We also sued the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation in the UH case.

3. National Fraternity/Sorority
Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents. Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters is a defendant in our UH lawsuit.

4. University or Governing Board
The school or regents may be sued under certain negligence or civil-rights theories. Key questions: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference. We sued both UH and the UH System Board of Regents.

5. Third Parties
Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces, bars or alcohol providers (under dram shop theories), security companies or event organizers.

Every case is fact-specific; not every party is liable in every situation, but experienced hazing attorneys investigate all potential sources of accountability.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Families Can Learn

These national cases set precedents that City of Midway families can rely on in Texas courts. They show tragic patterns that repeat across campuses and organizations.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
Bid-acceptance event with heavy drinking. Severe falls captured on chapter cameras; hours delayed before medical help. Dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members; civil litigation; new Pennsylvania anti-hazing law named after him. Takeaway: Extreme intoxication, delay in calling 911, and a culture of silence can be legally devastating.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
Big/little event; pledge given a handle of liquor; drank to dangerous levels; died. Criminal hazing charges against members; FSU temporarily suspended Greek life and overhauled policies. Takeaway: Formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a repeating script for disaster.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
“Bible study” drinking game; forced to drink when answering questions incorrectly. Death led to felony hazing law in Louisiana (Max Gruver Act). Family secured a $6.1 million verdict. Takeaway: Legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Pledge night; forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey; died from alcohol poisoning. Multiple criminal convictions; BGSU agreed to nearly $3 million settlement with the family; other settlements with fraternity/individuals totaled approximately $10 million. Takeaway: Universities can face significant financial and reputational consequences along with fraternities.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
Pledge at a fraternity retreat subjected to violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual. Suffered fatal head injuries; help was delayed. Multiple members convicted; fraternity banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. Takeaway: Off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous or worse than parties, and national orgs can face serious sanctions.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program. Multiple lawsuits against the university, staff; head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired and later settled a wrongful-termination suit confidentially. Takeaway: Hazing is not limited to Greek life; big-money athletic programs can harbor systemic abuse.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

Common threads: forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed or denied medical care, cover-ups. Reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after tragedy and litigation. Texas families facing hazing at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor are not alone and are operating in a landscape shaped by these national lessons. These cases provide pattern evidence that can prove foreseeability in Texas lawsuits—showing that organizations knew or should have known their practices were dangerous.

Texas University Focus: UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor

For City of Midway families, understanding what’s happening at specific Texas campuses is crucial. While your child may attend school hours away, these patterns affect families throughout our state.

University of Houston (UH)

Campus & Culture Snapshot
UH is a large urban campus with active Greek life encompassing multiple councils: Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council, Multicultural Greek Council, United Greek Council, and National Pan-Hellenic Council. The campus mix of commuter and residential students creates unique dynamics for Greek organizations.

UH Hazing Policy & Reporting
UH prohibits hazing whether on-campus or off-campus, specifically banning forced consumption of alcohol/food/drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and mental distress as initiation. Reporting channels exist through the Dean of Students, conduct offices, and campus police. UH posts hazing statements and some disciplinary information publicly.

The Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi Case (2025)
This active $10 million lawsuit exemplifies severe hazing at UH. Key allegations include:

“Pledge fanny pack” rule with degrading contents (condoms, sex toy, nicotine devices)
Enforced dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, overnight driving duties
Extreme physical hazing: sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, cold-weather exposure in underwear
Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting, then repeated sprints
The Nov 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion

Medical consequences: Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe skeletal muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, passed brown urine, was hospitalized for four days, and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

Defendants include: University of Houston, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders/members.

Institutional response: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended the Beta Nu chapter on Nov 6, 2025; chapter members voted to surrender their charter on Nov 14, 2025; UH labeled the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion and cooperation with law enforcement.

How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed
Involved agencies may include UHPD and/or Houston Police Department, depending on location. Civil suits might be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Houston/Harris County. Our UH case is proceeding through the Harris County court system.

What UH Students & Parents Should Do

Report hazing to UH Dean of Students Office immediately
Document prior complaints and past incidents if known
Contact experienced Houston-based hazing attorneys who understand UH’s specific dynamics
Preserve digital evidence before UH or the fraternity can delete it
Seek medical attention even for seemingly minor injuries

Texas A&M University

Campus & Culture Snapshot
Texas A&M’s unique culture includes both robust Greek life and the Corps of Cadets, creating multiple environments where hazing can occur. The university hosts Collegiate Panhellenic Council sororities, Interfraternity Council fraternities, Multicultural Greek Council organizations, and National Pan-Hellenic Council chapters.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)
Two pledges alleged forced strenuous activity with substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, spit poured on them, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The pledges sued the fraternity for $1 million; the fraternity was suspended for two years by the university.

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023)
A cadet alleged degrading hazing, including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. He sought over $1 million in damages. Texas A&M stated it handled the matter under its rules, highlighting the separate disciplinary system for Corps activities.

How Hazing Cases Proceed at Texas A&M
Cases may involve Texas A&M University Police Department and local Bryan/College Station police. The Corps of Cadets has its own internal disciplinary system, but civil cases can proceed independently in Brazos County courts.

University of Texas at Austin (UT)

Campus & Culture Snapshot
UT Austin hosts approximately 60 fraternity and sorority chapters across multiple councils: University Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council, Texas Asian Pan-Hellenic Council, Multicultural Greek Council, and National Pan-Hellenic Council. UT maintains one of the most transparent hazing violation databases among Texas universities.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page
UT publicly lists organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions. Recent examples include:

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

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (January 2024): Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members at party; injuries included dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose. Student sued SAE chapter for over $1 million; chapter already under suspension for prior hazing/safety violations.

Other Groups: Texas Wranglers and spirit organizations have been sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, or punishment-based practices.

Transparency & Pattern Evidence
UT’s public database provides powerful evidence for civil cases by showing patterns and institutional knowledge. When an organization has prior violations, it becomes harder for them to claim “we didn’t know this could happen.”

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Campus & Culture Snapshot
SMU’s private, affluent campus features strong Greek presence with Panhellenic Council sororities, Interfraternity Council fraternities, and National Pan-Hellenic Council chapters. As a private institution, SMU has different transparency requirements than public universities.

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017)
New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep; chapter suspended; restrictions on recruiting until around 2021. This case highlights that even at prestigious private institutions, dangerous traditions persist.

SMU’s Hazing Prevention
SMU maintains hazing prevention efforts including reporting forms and anonymous systems like Real Response. However, private university status affects public transparency, making experienced legal investigation crucial for uncovering internal reports and prior incidents.

Baylor University

Campus & Culture Snapshot
Baylor’s religious identity and history of scrutiny over football and Title IX issues creates a complex environment for hazing accountability. The university hosts active Greek life alongside major athletic programs.

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020)
14 players suspended following a hazing investigation; suspensions staggered over the early season. This case demonstrates that hazing extends beyond Greek life to athletic departments, even at religious-affiliated institutions.

Baylor’s Broader Context
Baylor’s past sexual assault scandal and religious branding create unique challenges for hazing accountability. Official “zero tolerance” policies sometimes conflict with institutional protection of reputation.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

For City of Midway families, understanding the connection between local chapters and their national organizations’ histories is crucial for building strong cases.

Why National Histories Matter

Many fraternities/sororities on Texas campuses are part of national organizations with extensive hazing histories. National headquarters maintain thick anti-hazing manuals and risk policies because they have seen deaths and catastrophic injuries in the past. When a Texas chapter repeats the same script that got another chapter shut down or sued in another state, that shows foreseeability and supports negligence arguments against national entities.

Organization Mapping & National Patterns

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike)

National History: Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green ($10 million settlement), David Bogenberger death at Northern Illinois ($14 million settlement)
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing events with forced consumption

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE)

National History: Multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide; traumatic brain injury lawsuit at University of Alabama; chemical burns case at Texas A&M; assault case at UT Austin
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor
Pattern: Physical abuse, forced drinking, chemical exposure

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

National History: Andrew Coffey death at Florida State University
Texas Presence: Chapter at UH (Beta Nu – now closed), other Texas campuses
Pattern: Extreme physical hazing, forced consumption leading to medical emergencies
Current Case: Our active $10 million lawsuit against UH Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

National History: Max Gruver death at LSU ($6.1 million verdict)
Texas Presence: Chapters at multiple Texas universities
Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games, forced consumption

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Track Organizations

At Attorney911, we maintain a comprehensive database of Texas Greek organizations compiled from public records. This includes:

IRS B83 Backbone – 125 Texas-Registered Greek Organizations
Every tax-exempt organization the IRS classifies as B83 with a Texas mailing address. Examples from our database:

Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, EIN 746064445, Nederland, TX 77627 – EPSILON KAPPA CHAPTER
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035
Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Sigma Incorporated, EIN 882755427, San Marcos, TX 78666
Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc, EIN 273662583, Lufkin, TX 75904
Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, EIN 900927378, San Antonio, TX 78249 – TEXAS XI

Cause IQ Metro Organizations – 129 Organizations Across 15 Texas Metros
Our tracking includes organizations like:

Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (Houston metro)
Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corp. (Austin metro)
Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity (Dallas-Fort Worth metro)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Mu Epsilon Chapter (Beaumont-Port Arthur metro)

Texas Universities – 96 Campuses
We monitor all major Texas universities, including the 5 focus schools plus others where City of Midway families send students.

Brand Overlap Analysis – 36 Cross-Validated Organizations
We identify organizations appearing in both IRS and Cause IQ data, showing how the same national brands operate across Texas through multiple legal entities.

This data engine means we don’t start from zero when investigating hazing cases. We already know the organizational structures, insurance entities, and historical patterns that most families discover only after months of investigation.

How National Patterns Support Texas Cases

Pattern evidence from national histories helps prove:

Foreseeability: The organization knew or should have known the risks
Negligence: Failure to enforce policies or supervise chapters
Punitive damages potential: Reckless disregard for safety
Institutional knowledge: Prior incidents put them on notice

In our UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we’re drawing on national patterns of similar conduct to establish that the national organization had constructive notice of these dangerous practices.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages & Strategy

For City of Midway families, understanding how hazing cases are built demystifies the legal process and shows why early action is critical.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Communications (THE MOST IMPORTANT EVIDENCE)

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, fraternity apps: These often contain planning discussions, acknowledgments of activities, and post-incident cover-up attempts
Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok comments: Social media evidence showing events, injuries, or acknowledgments
Digital forensics can recover deleted messages, but original screenshots are best

Photos & Videos

Content filmed by members during events: Often shared in group chats or posted privately
Security camera or doorbell footage at houses and venues: Can establish timelines and participation
Injury documentation: Photos taken immediately and over several days show progression

Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, ritual “traditions” lists
Emails/texts from officers about “what we’ll do to pledges”
National policies and training materials showing what they knew

University Records

Prior conduct files, probation/suspensions, letters of warning
Incident reports to campus police or student conduct offices
Clery reports and similar disclosures

Medical & Psychological Records

Emergency room and hospitalization records
Surgery and rehab notes
Toxicology reports
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidality)

Witness Testimony

Other pledges, members, roommates, RAs, coaches, trainers, bystanders
Former members who quit or were expelled often provide crucial testimony

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses)

Medical bills & future care: ER, ICU, surgeries, ongoing treatment, physical therapy, medications, long-term care for permanent injuries
Lost earnings / educational impact: Missed semesters, tuition losses, delayed graduation, reduced earning capacity from permanent disabilities
Other economic losses: Property damage, relocation costs to transfer schools

Non-Economic Damages (Compensable Harm)

Physical pain & suffering: From injuries and recovery
Emotional distress & psychological harm: PTSD, depression, anxiety, trauma, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life: Can no longer participate in activities they loved
Reputational harm: Social stigma, difficulty transferring or getting jobs

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

Economic losses: Funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support
Non-economic losses: Loss of companionship, love, and society; grief and emotional suffering; loss of guidance and counsel

Punitive Damages (When Available)

Purpose: Punish especially reckless, willful, or malicious conduct; deter future hazing
When awarded: Prior warnings ignored, particularly cruel conduct, cover-up attempts, callous indifference to known risks

Insurance Coverage & Institutional Defense Strategies

National fraternities and universities often have insurance policies that may cover hazing claims, but insurers frequently argue:

Hazing or intentional acts are excluded
The policy doesn’t cover certain defendants
Coverage limits are inadequate for severe injuries

Experienced hazing attorneys:

Identify all potential coverage sources (chapter policies, national policies, university policies, individual homeowner policies)
Navigate disputes about exclusions and intentional conduct
Pursue bad faith claims when insurers wrongfully deny coverage

Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney is invaluable here—he knows exactly how insurance companies fight these claims and how to counter their strategies.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Texas Families

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries
Extreme fatigue, exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight loss or gain (from food/water restriction or stress)
Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, calls at 3 AM)
Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage
Signs of alcohol poisoning or drug use

Behavioral & emotional changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-group activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability, anger
Defensive when asked about the organization
Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”

Academic red flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep in class
Skipping exams or assignments to attend “mandatory” events

Digital/social behavior:

Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Anxiety when phone buzzes or pings
Deleting messages or clearing browser history obsessively
Receiving calls/texts at all hours demanding immediate response

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing

Immediate safety:

If your child is in physical danger, call 911 or campus police immediately
Get them medical attention; prioritize health over “getting in trouble”

Document everything:

Write down dates, times, and what your child told you
Screenshot texts, group chats, or photos immediately
Photograph any visible injuries
Save any physical items (damaged clothing, receipts, props)

Reporting:

Campus authorities: Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct, campus police
Local police: If crimes occurred (assault, furnishing alcohol to minor)
University hotlines: Many schools have anonymous reporting
National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (anonymous, 24/7)

Legal consultation:

Contact an experienced hazing attorney early
A lawyer can help preserve evidence, navigate university processes, advise on options, and protect against retaliation

For Students: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide
Ask yourself:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would the university or my parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?

If you answered YES to any, it’s likely hazing.

How to Exit Safely
If you’re in immediate danger:

Call 911 or campus police
Get to a safe location
You will not get in trouble for calling for help in a medical emergency

If you want to quit/de-pledge:

You have the legal right to leave at any time
Tell someone outside the org first (parent, RA, friend)
Send an email/text to chapter leadership: “I am resigning effective immediately”
Do not go to “one last meeting” where they might pressure or retaliate

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence
What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like a cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly
What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, prepare defenses
What to do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation

3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms
What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements
Why it’s wrong: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often far below case value
What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing it first

4. Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer
What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility; can waive privilege
What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

5. Waiting “to see how the university handles it”
What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally”
Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute of limitations runs, university controls narrative
What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately; university process ≠ real accountability

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
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 in personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, 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.

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

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

About The Manginello Law Firm / Attorney911

When your family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including City of Midway and surrounding areas. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families across our region.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Hazing Cases?

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)

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

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello)

One of the 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 and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases with economist collaboration
Experience valuing lifetime care needs (brain injury, permanent disability cases)
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise

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 & Data Advantage

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists, Greek life culture experts
Experience obtaining hidden evidence (group chats, chapter records, university files)
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Current Active Hazing Litigation
Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case—a $10 million lawsuit alleging severe hazing leading to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. This isn’t theoretical expertise; we’re actively fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas.

What Makes Hazing Cases Different

Powerful institutional defendants with experienced defense lawyers
Insurance coverage fights requiring specialized knowledge
Balancing victim privacy with public accountability
Understanding Greek culture, tradition, and how to prove coercion
Digital evidence preservation before it’s destroyed
Pattern evidence from national histories

We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. This isn’t about bravado or quick settlements—it’s about thorough investigation and real accountability.

Call to Action: Get Help Today

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in City of Midway and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to what happened, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We’ll 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 your questions about costs (contingency fee – we don’t get paid unless we win)
No pressure to hire us on the spot – take time to decide
Everything you tell us is confidential

Contact Information:

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-Language Services:

Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish
Servicios legales en español disponibles

Clarifying Expectations:

Reading this article does not create an attorney–client relationship. Every case is unique, and we cannot guarantee specific outcomes. An experienced attorney can review your specific facts, explain your rights under Texas law, and help you understand your options.

Whether you’re in City of Midway or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions responsible for these injuries have deep pockets and experienced lawyers. You deserve the same level of representation. Call us today.

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