The Missouri City Parents Guide to Hazing & Campus Abuse at Texas Universities

If you are a parent in Missouri City or Fort Bend County, your worst nightmare may start with a late-night phone call from your college student. The voice on the line is scared, confused, maybe slurred from alcohol or shaking with pain. They talk about “traditions,” “big brother night,” or “mandatory workouts.” They describe being forced to consume food or alcohol until they vomit, being paddled, deprived of sleep, or humiliated on social media. You hear the fear in their voice and realize: my child is being hazed, and I don’t know what to do or who to trust.

Right now, just a short drive from your Missouri City neighborhood, one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history is unfolding. In late 2025, a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit was filed on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student pledge, against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. According to the Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case, Bermudez suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after enduring forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and completing extreme workouts including 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion. He passed brown urine, was hospitalized for four days, and now faces potential permanent kidney damage.

This is not happening at some distant campus—this is happening here, in our Greater Houston area, at a university where many Missouri City students attend. The Pi Kappa Phi chapter has been shut down, but the legal battle for accountability, led by our firm, continues. It stands as proof that severe hazing is not a relic of the past; it’s a present danger for Texas students, including those from our community.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Missouri City and Fort Bend County families. We will explain what modern hazing really looks like, break down Texas hazing laws that govern cases like the UH lawsuit, examine the Greek ecosystems at universities where Missouri City students enroll, and provide you with actionable steps to protect your child. We are The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™), and we are currently leading the litigation in the Leonel Bermudez case. We serve families throughout Texas from our Houston office, fighting for accountability when institutions fail to protect students.

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)

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 quickly: Evidence disappears fast. We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

Understanding Hazing in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

For Missouri City parents who may not be familiar with today’s campus climate, hazing has evolved far beyond harmless pranks. It is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—on or off campus—that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in a group. Under Texas law, a victim’s “consent” is not a defense.

Modern hazing manifests in several interconnected categories:

Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This remains the most common and deadly form. It includes forced chugging, “lineup” drinking games, “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor, and games like “Bible study” where wrong answers mandate drinking. The goal is rapid, dangerous intoxication.

Physical Hazing: This includes paddling or beatings, extreme calisthenics or “smokings” (like the 500 squats in the UH case), sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme elements. “Workouts” are often framed as conditioning but are punitive and dangerous.

Psychological and Humiliating Hazing: This involves verbal abuse, threats, isolation, forced confessions, and public shaming. A modern example is the “pledge fanny pack” from the UH case, where pledges were forced to carry condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items 24/7.

Sexualized Hazing: This includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts (like the “roasted pig” positioning alleged in a Texas A&M Corps case), and sexually degrading rituals. These acts create profound trauma.

Digital Hazing: This is the new frontier. Pledges are subjected to 24/7 control via GroupMe or WhatsApp, required to respond instantly at all hours, share their live location, and post humiliating content on TikTok or Instagram. This creates constant anxiety and makes evidence preservation critical.

Hazing occurs in fraternities and sororities, Corps of Cadets programs, athletic teams, spirit groups, marching bands, and even some academic clubs. The common thread is the abuse of power under the guise of tradition, secrecy, and loyalty.

Texas Hazing Law: What Missouri City Families Need to Know

The legal framework for hazing in Texas is established under Chapter 37, Subchapter F of the Texas Education Code. Understanding these laws is crucial for Missouri City families, as they govern any incident involving a Texas student, whether at UH, Texas A&M, or any other institution.

Key Provisions of Texas Hazing Law:

1. Broad Definition: Hazing is defined 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. This applies on or off campus.

2. Criminal Penalties:

   • Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that does not cause injury.
   • Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing that causes injury requiring medical treatment.
   • State Jail Felony: Hazing that causes serious bodily injury or death (like the rhabdomyolysis in the UH case).

3. Consent is NOT a Defense (Texas Education Code § 37.155): This is vital. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law recognizes that power imbalance and peer pressure invalidate true consent. The fraternity cannot claim immunity because your child showed up.

4. Organizational Liability: The fraternity, sorority, or other student organization itself can be prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 per violation if it authorized or encouraged the hazing.

5. Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting: Individuals who report hazing in good faith to university officials or law enforcement are immune from civil or criminal liability. This encourages calling for help.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases:

• Criminal Cases: Brought by the state (like the Harris County District Attorney). Aim is punishment (fines, jail, probation).
• Civil Cases: Brought by the victim and their family. Aim is compensation for damages (medical bills, pain and suffering, lost future earnings) and accountability. These are separate tracks; a criminal case is not required to file a civil lawsuit.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?
Our investigative approach identifies every potentially responsible party:

• Individual Students who planned, participated in, or covered up the hazing.
• The Local Chapter as an entity.
• The National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters (like Pi Kappa Phi national in the UH case). We investigate their knowledge of prior incidents and the effectiveness of their risk management.
• The University (like UH) for negligent supervision, deliberate indifference, or failure to enforce its own policies.
• Housing Corporations & Alumni Associations that own or control property where hazing occurs.
• Third Parties like landlords of off-campus houses or bars that furnished alcohol.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Mapping the Greek Ecosystem for Missouri City Families

At Attorney911, we don’t start from scratch. We maintain a proprietary data engine built from public records, allowing us to immediately understand the organizational landscape behind any hazing incident affecting a Missouri City student. This is part of how we build formidable cases.

Where Missouri City Families Send Their Kids:
Missouri City students fan out across Texas, but commonly attend:

• Local/Regional Campuses: University of Houston (main campus, Clear Lake, Downtown), Texas Southern University, Houston Baptist University, Prairie View A&M University.
• Major Statewide Hubs: Texas A&M University (College Station), University of Texas at Austin, Baylor University (Waco), Southern Methodist University (Dallas), Texas State University (San Marcos), Texas Tech University (Lubbock).

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Connected to Missouri City Families

The following are real entities recorded in public IRS (Business Master File) and organizational data, illustrating the complex network behind Greek life. This is a small sample of the over 1,400 Greek-related organizations we track across Texas.

Houston Metro Area & Fort Bend County Entities:

• Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation, EIN 371768785, Missouri City, TX 77459. IRS B83 filing.
• Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Houston, TX. Cause IQ metro listing (Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land).
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae, Houston, TX. Cause IQ metro listing.
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Alpha Kappa Omega (Grad Chapter), Houston, TX. Cause IQ metro listing.
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter, Houston, TX. Cause IQ metro listing.

Statewide University & Chapter Support Entities:

• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc., EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035. IRS B83 filing.
• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter, EIN 746084905, Houston, TX 77204. IRS B83 filing.
• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc., EIN 133048786, College Station, TX 77845. IRS B83 filing.
• Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi, EIN 746047117, Austin, TX 78705. IRS B83 filing.
• Chi Omega Fraternity, EIN 740555581, Austin, TX 78705. IRS B83 filing (house corporation).

National Brands with Texas Presence (IRS & Cause IQ Overlap):

• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority appears in both IRS data (EIN 364091267, Waco) and Cause IQ metro listings for Houston and Beaumont, showing how national brands operate through multiple chapter types across the state.
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, with numerous Texas chapter EINs (in Denton, Tyler, El Paso, Austin, Lubbock, College Station, Victoria), is also listed in Cause IQ data for Beaumont and Abilene metros, demonstrating the reach of academic honor societies.

This directory exists to show Missouri City parents that when hazing occurs, there is a tangible, investigable network of organizations behind the Greek letters. We use this data to identify all entities that may share liability and insurance coverage.

University Spotlight: Where Missouri City Students Are at Risk

University of Houston (UH) – Your Local Campus

For many Missouri City students, UH is the local flagship. The ongoing Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case is a stark reminder of the risks. According to the ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit, hazing occurred at the chapter house, a Culmore Drive residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park, involving hog-tying, forced overeating, and simulated waterboarding. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and the chapter is now closed. For Missouri City families, this means:

• Jurisdiction: Incidents may involve UHPD, Houston Police, or Fort Bend County authorities.
• Action Steps: Report to UH’s Dean of Students Office and demand their prior disciplinary records for the involved organization.

Texas A&M University – A Prime Destination

The Corps of Cadets and vigorous Greek life present specific risks. Past incidents include a Sigma Alpha Epsilon lawsuit where pledges suffered chemical burns requiring skin grafts, and a Corps of Cadets lawsuit alleging degrading sexualized hazing. Missouri City parents of Aggies should be aware of the culture and know that hazing is not confined to Greek life.

University of Texas at Austin

UT maintains a public hazing violations log, offering some transparency. Entries show patterns: Pi Kappa Alpha sanctioned for forced milk consumption and calisthenics (2023); spirit groups disciplined for forced workouts. This public record can be powerful evidence in a civil case, showing the university’s prior knowledge of a group’s conduct.

Southern Methodist University (SMU) & Baylor University

These private institutions have faced their own scandals (SMU’s Kappa Alpha Order paddling suspension; Baylor’s baseball team hazing). Their private status may affect transparency, but does not shield them from civil liability for negligent supervision.

National Fraternity Histories & Why They Matter for Your Case

When a chapter at UH or Texas A&M hazes, it is rarely an isolated incident. National organizations like Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, and Pi Kappa Phi have long, documented histories of hazing deaths and injuries across the country. This pattern evidence is critical in court.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): Responsible for the death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State (2021), leading to a $10 million settlement, and David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University (2012), leading to a $14 million settlement.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): Faced a traumatic brain injury lawsuit in Alabama (2023), the chemical burns lawsuit at Texas A&M, and has been involved in multiple alcohol-poisoning deaths nationwide.
• Phi Delta Theta: The death of Max Gruver at LSU (2017) from a “Bible study” drinking game led to Louisiana’s felony hazing “Max Gruver Act.”
• Pi Kappa Phi: The death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State (2017) during a “Big Brother Night” mirrors the dangerous patterns alleged in the UH case we are litigating.

For Missouri City parents, this means: if your child is hazed by a chapter of a national fraternity with this history, we can argue the national organization had foreseeable knowledge of the risk. Their generic anti-hazing policies are not enough if they failed to effectively supervise and enforce them. This history strengthens claims for punitive damages and increases settlement leverage.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Our Strategy

When you contact us about a potential hazing case, we immediately deploy an investigative strategy honed from over 25 years of complex litigation, including our work on the BP Texas City explosion case.

Critical Evidence We Pursue:

1. Digital Forensics: Deleted GroupMe, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Instagram messages. We work with experts to recover them. This evidence shows planning, participation, and cover-ups.
2. Internal Fraternity Records: Pledge manuals, “tradition” documents, risk management reports, and communication with national headquarters.
3. University Records: Prior disciplinary files on the group, Clery Act reports, internal emails among administrators obtained through discovery.
4. Medical Documentation: ER records, lab tests (like the critical creatine kinase levels showing rhabdomyolysis), and psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
5. Witness Testimony: Other pledges, former members, roommates, and RAs.

Damages We Fight to Recover:

• Economic Damages: All medical bills (past and future), lost tuition, and diminished future earning capacity if injuries are permanent.
• Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, humiliation, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Wrongful Death Damages: In the ultimate tragedy, we seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and the family’s emotional suffering.

Our Unique Litigation Advantages:

• Insurance Insider Knowledge: Our attorney, Mr. Lupe Peña (he/him), spent years as an insurance defense lawyer for national firms. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers fight claims, set reserves, and use delay tactics. We know their playbook.
• Federal Court & Complex Case Experience: Managing Partner Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. We are not intimidated by the deep-pocketed defense teams universities and nationals hire.
• Data-Driven Investigation: We use our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine from day one to identify all liable entities.
• Spanish-Language Services: Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, ensuring our entire Missouri City community has full access to justice.

Practical Guide for Missouri City Parents & Students

For Parents: Warning Signs & Action Steps

Warning Signs: Unexplained injuries or bruises, extreme fatigue/sleep deprivation, drastic mood changes (anxiety, withdrawal), sudden secrecy about group activities, constant stressed phone monitoring, financial drains for “fines” or “mandatory” purchases.

What to Do:

1. Prioritize Safety & Health: Get medical care immediately.
2. Preserve Evidence: Have your child screenshot ALL group chats and social media posts. Photograph injuries. Do not delete anything.
3. Document: Write down everything your child tells you with dates, times, and names.
4. Consult a Lawyer BEFORE Reporting: We can guide you on how to report to the university or police without compromising your civil case. Do not sign any university-offered resolution agreements without legal review.
5. Avoid Common Mistakes: Do not confront the fraternity directly. Do not post about the incident on social media. Do not let your child go to “one last meeting.”

For Students: Knowing Your Rights

• It IS Hazing If: You feel coerced, unsafe, or humiliated. If it’s secret and tied to membership, it likely violates policy and law.
• You Can Leave: You have the legal right to quit a pledging process or organization at any time.
• Reporting Protections: Texas law and most university policies offer immunity or amnesty for those who report hazing or call for help in an emergency.
• Evidence is Key: Use your phone. Take screenshots, photos, and videos (where safe). This video on using your phone to document evidence explains best practices.

Critical FAQ for Missouri City Families

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of injury. However, complexities can affect this. Watch our video on Texas statutes of limitations and contact us immediately to protect your rights.

Q: What if it happened off-campus at a private house?
A: Location does not defeat liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be responsible based on their knowledge, sponsorship, and control over the organization. The Pi Delta Psi case, where hazing at a Pennsylvania retreat led to a death and the fraternity’s criminal conviction, proves this.

Q: Will this ruin my child’s future or put their name in the news?
A: We prioritize your family’s privacy. Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We can seek protective orders and sealed records to minimize public exposure while aggressively pursuing accountability.

Q: Can we afford a lawyer?
A: Yes. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay no upfront costs, and our fee is a percentage of the recovery we secure for you. If we don’t win, you don’t pay attorney fees. Learn more in our video explaining how contingency fees work.

Why Missouri City Families Choose Attorney911 for Hazing Cases

When your family is in crisis, you need more than a lawyer; you need advocates who understand the landscape, the opponents, and the profound personal toll. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911) is uniquely equipped to guide Missouri City families through the aftermath of hazing.

We are not spectators; we are currently leading the litigation in the Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case. We are already in the fight against the institutional failures that allow hazing to persist. Our approach is built on:

• Proof from an Active Case: The UH lawsuit is our flagship demonstration of serious, high-stakes hazing litigation happening now in our community.
• A Data-Driven Blueprint: Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine means we start your case with knowledge, not guesswork.
• Insider Adversarial Knowledge: Mr. Peña’s defense background gives us an unbeatable advantage in insurance negotiations and trial strategy.
• A Record Against Giants: Our experience in the BP Texas City explosion litigation proved we can hold massive, resource-rich institutions accountable.
• Compassion for Your Family: We listen without judgment. Our goal is to secure justice for your child and help your family heal.

Your Next Step: A Confidential, No-Obligation Consultation

If you suspect your Missouri City student has been hazed at any Texas campus—whether it’s UH, Texas A&M, UT, or anywhere else—you are not alone. The path to accountability starts with a conversation.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a free, confidential case evaluation. We will:

• Listen carefully to your story.
• Explain your family’s legal rights and options under Texas law.
• Discuss our investigative approach and what you can expect.
• Answer your questions about timing, process, and costs.

We serve families throughout Texas from our Houston office. We are here for our Missouri City and Fort Bend County neighbors.

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911).
Direct Line: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

Se habla Español. Contact Mr. Lupe Peña directly for assistance in Spanish.

Let us help you turn this crisis into a pursuit of justice, accountability, and prevention for all Texas students.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of the 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:

• Documenting Evidence with Your Phone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Texas Statutes of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client Mistakes to Avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• How Contingency Fees Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website:

• Contact & Information: https://attorney911.com

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