The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits & Student Safety in Morris County, Texas

For families in Morris County, the nightmare often begins with a phone call you never expected. Your son, a proud new Aggie, sounds different—exhausted and secretive. Your daughter, excited to join a sorority at UT, suddenly can’t discuss her weekend plans. Then comes the hospital visit: brown urine, severe muscle breakdown, a diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure from extreme physical hazing. Or worse, silence, followed by a knock at the door.

Right now, in Texas, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student whose fall 2025 pledge period with the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter allegedly involved forced humiliation, violence, and dangerous physical tests that landed him in the hospital for four days with life-threatening kidney damage. This $10 million lawsuit names the university, the national fraternity, its housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The chapter has been shut down, but the physical and psychological harm to Leonel continues.

This comprehensive guide is for every parent in Morris County—from Daingerfield to Naples, from Omaha to Lone Star—who sends a child to college in Texas. We’ll explain what modern hazing really looks like, how Texas law protects your child, what’s happening on campuses today, and what legal options exist when institutions fail to keep students safe.

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:

1. Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
2. Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
   • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
   • Photograph injuries from multiple angles
   • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
3. Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
4. 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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like for Morris County Students

Many Morris County parents remember hazing as “pranks” or “rough initiation.” Today’s reality is more systematic, more digitally documented, and often more dangerous.

The Modern Definition

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining or maintaining membership in a group, where the behavior endangers physical/mental health, humiliates, or exploits. The key insight for Morris County families: “I agreed to it” or “I wanted to fit in” does not make it legal when there’s peer pressure and power imbalance.

Five Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common and deadly form. It’s not just “college drinking.” It’s systematic coercion:

• “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor to finish
• “Bible study” or trivia games where wrong answers mean forced shots
• Lineups where pledges must drink rapidly in sequence
• Obligatory pre-gaming before any social event

In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, Leonel Bermudez was allegedly forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then made to immediately run sprints.

2. Physical Hazing
Beyond “conditioning,” this is punishment disguised as tradition:

• “Smokings” or extreme calisthenics until collapse (100+ push-ups, 500 squats as in the UH case)
• Paddling and beatings with wooden paddles, belts, or hands
• Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or 3 AM wake-up calls
• Exposure elements like being left outside in cold weather in underwear
• Chemical hazing where substances cause burns (as in a Texas A&M SAE case)

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
Designed to break down dignity and enforce loyalty through shame:

• Forced nudity or partial nudity during rituals
• Simulated sexual acts (“elephant walk,” “roasted pig” positions)
• Degrading costumes or “pledge attire” meant to embarrass
• Racist, sexist, or homophobic role-playing

In the UH case, pledges allegedly carried a “pledge fanny pack” 24/7 containing condoms, sex toys, and nicotine devices as humiliation.

4. Psychological Hazing
The invisible wounds that often last longest:

• Verbal abuse and constant criticism during interviews
• Social isolation from non-members
• Threats of expulsion for any perceived failure
• “Roasts” where members tear down pledges’ insecurities

5. Digital/Online Hazing
The newest frontier, exploiting today’s connected students:

• 24/7 group chat monitoring with required immediate responses
• Social media humiliation through forced TikTok challenges or embarrassing posts
• Location tracking via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
• Coerced content creation of compromising videos or images

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

For Morris County families, it’s crucial to understand this extends beyond stereotypes:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC (especially at Texas A&M)
• Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
• Spirit & Tradition Groups (Texas Cowboys, etc.)
• Marching Bands & Performance Groups
• Academic & Service Organizations

The common thread isn’t the type of group—it’s power imbalance, secrecy, and tradition that keep these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Texas Hazing Law: What Morris County Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws protecting students from hazing, but understanding them requires cutting through legal complexity.

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37, Subchapter F

The Core Definition (Simplified):
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

1. Endangers mental or physical health or safety AND
2. Occurs for pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any student organization

Key Points for Morris County Families:

• Location doesn’t matter – off-campus houses, retreats, and Airbnbs are all covered
• Mental harm counts – not just physical injuries
• “Reckless” is enough – they don’t need to intend harm, just disregard obvious risks
• Consent is NOT a defense – even if your child “agreed,” it’s still illegal

Criminal Penalties in Texas

• Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
• Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
• State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

Additional criminal exposure:

• Failing to report hazing if you’re a member/officer who knew: misdemeanor
• Retaliating against someone who reports: misdemeanor

Organizational Liability

Texas law explicitly allows organizations to be prosecuted if:

• The organization authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
• An officer/member acting officially knew and failed to report it

Penalties for organizations:

• Fines up to $10,000 per violation
• University can revoke recognition and ban from campus

Critical Protections for Reporters

• Good-faith immunity: Those who report hazing to university/law enforcement in good faith are immune from civil/criminal liability that might otherwise result
• 911 Amnesty: Many Texas universities (and the law) provide protections for those who call for medical help, even if they were drinking underage or involved

Federal Law Overlay

Three key federal frameworks affect Texas hazing cases:

1. Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to:

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

2. Title IX
When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger, creating additional liability pathways and reporting requirements.

3. Clery Act
Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics; hazing often overlaps with assault, alcohol, or drug crimes that must be disclosed.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding Both Tracks

Criminal Cases (State brings charges):

• Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Prosecutor: District Attorney’s office (county where hazing occurred)

Civil Cases (Family brings lawsuit):

• Goal: Compensation and accountability
• Typical claims: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
• Filed in: Civil courts (often where defendants are located or where harm occurred)

Critical Insight for Morris County Families:
These tracks run independently. You don’t need criminal charges to file a civil case. Many families pursue both, but the civil system is where you recover compensation for medical bills, trauma, and future care needs.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Affect Morris County Families

The hazing incidents making national headlines aren’t abstract—they establish legal precedents and patterns that directly impact Texas cases. Here are the cases that changed everything.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

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

• What happened: Bid-acceptance night with extreme drinking. Piazza fell multiple times, suffering fatal head injuries. Fraternity brothers delayed calling 911 for hours.
• Legal aftermath: Dozens of criminal charges against members; civil litigation; Pennsylvania enacted Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.
• Morris County relevance: Shows how delayed medical care dramatically increases liability and how security footage can become crucial evidence.

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

• What happened: “Big/Little” night where pledge was forced to consume nearly a full bottle of whiskey. Died from alcohol poisoning.
• Legal aftermath: Multiple criminal convictions; $10 million total settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU).
• Morris County relevance: Demonstrates national fraternity liability even when they claim “rogue chapter.” Also shows universities face significant settlements.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

• What happened: “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. Died with 0.495% BAC.
• Legal aftermath: Multiple members charged; Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony.
• Morris County relevance: Established that drinking games as hazing create felony exposure.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
(mentioned as known case)

• What happened: Pledge at retreat subjected to violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual. Suffered fatal head injuries; help was delayed.
• Legal aftermath: Multiple convictions; national fraternity convicted of aggravated assault/involuntary manslaughter; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.
• Morris County relevance: Proves off-campus retreats don’t eliminate liability and that national organizations face criminal prosecution.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)
(mentioned as known case)

• What happened: Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within football program over years.
• Legal aftermath: Multiple lawsuits; head coach fired; confidential settlements.
• Morris County relevance: Shows hazing extends beyond Greek life to big-money athletic programs with similar institutional cover-up patterns.

Severe Injury & Catastrophic Damage

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
(mentioned as known case)

• What happened: “Pledge dad reveal” night with forced excessive drinking. Suffered severe, permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see).
• Legal aftermath: Multiple criminal charges; settlements with 22 defendants reportedly in the multi-millions.
• Morris County relevance: Demonstrates non-fatal cases can involve lifetime care costs exceeding death cases.

Sigma Chi – College of Charleston (2024)

• What happened: Pledge alleged physical beatings, forced drug/alcohol consumption, psychological torment.
• Legal aftermath: Family received more than $10 million in damages.
• Morris County relevance: Shows juries award substantial damages for severe psychological harm.

What These National Cases Mean for Morris County

1. Patterns are predictable: The same scripts (Big/Little nights, drinking games, physical “tests”) repeat across campuses and organizations.

2. Settlements are substantial: From $375,000 early verdicts to recent $10M+ settlements, courts recognize the profound harm.

3. Institutional liability is real: Universities and nationals pay significant amounts when their systems fail.

4. Individual officers face consequences: Pi Kappa Alpha president Daylen Dunson was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million to Stone Foltz’s family.

5. Legislation follows tragedy: Ohio, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and Florida all strengthened laws after high-profile deaths.

For Morris County families, these cases aren’t just news stories—they’re the legal landscape that shapes what happens if hazing touches your family.

Texas Universities: What’s Happening at Campuses Morris County Families Attend

Morris County students attend universities across Texas. Whether commuting to nearby schools or living at distant campuses, understanding each university’s hazing landscape is crucial.

University of Houston: The Current Crisis

The Leonel Bermudez Case – Our Active Litigation
Right now, we’re leading one of Texas’s most serious hazing cases. Leonel Bermudez’s experience allegedly involved:

Specific Hazing Acts:

1. “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation requiring 24/7 carry of condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices
2. Enforced dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, overnight chauffeuring duties
3. Extreme physical hazing including:
   • Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills
   • Cold-weather exposure in underwear
   • Lying in vomit-soaked grass
   • Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”
   • Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
   • The Nov 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
4. Other chapter conduct: Another pledge allegedly hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour

Medical Consequences:

• Developed rhabdomyolysis (severe skeletal muscle breakdown)
• Acute kidney failure requiring four-day hospitalization
• Passed brown urine, couldn’t stand without help
• Lab tests showed critically high creatine kinase levels
• Ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage

Institutional Response:

• Nov 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends Beta Nu chapter
• Nov 14, 2025: Chapter members vote to surrender charter; chapter shut down
• UH statement: Conduct “deeply disturbing,” promises disciplinary measures up to expulsion and cooperation with law enforcement

Full Defendant Universe:

• University of Houston
• UH System Board of Regents
• Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
• Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation
• 13 individual fraternity leaders/members

Why This Matters for Morris County:
This case proves hazing causing life-altering injuries is happening right now in Texas. The same organizations operating at UH have chapters across Texas campuses where Morris County students enroll.

UH Greek Life Landscape:
UH hosts approximately 40+ Greek organizations across four councils:

• Interfraternity Council (IFC): 17+ fraternities including Alpha Sigma Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon
• Houston Panhellenic Council: 6 sororities
• Multicultural Greek Council: 6+ fraternities/sororities
• National Pan-Hellenic Council: All Divine Nine organizations

Prior UH Incidents:

• 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case: Pledge suffered lacerated spleen after alleged physical hazing; chapter faced misdemeanor charges and suspension
• Multiple other fraternities disciplined for “conduct likely to produce mental or physical discomfort”

For Morris County UH Families:

• Reporting channels: Dean of Students, UHPD, online reporting forms
• Jurisdiction: HPD may investigate off-campus incidents; UHPD handles on-campus
• Evidence preservation: Critical due to Houston’s large Greek community and rapid evidence destruction

Texas A&M University-Commerce: Your Local Campus

For many Morris County families, Texas A&M University-Commerce is the closest four-year university. Located just 40 miles west in Hunt County, it’s a common choice for commuting students.

Campus Snapshot:

• Public university with ~12,000 students
• Active Greek life with IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural organizations
• Part of the Texas A&M University System

Greek Organizations at A&M-Commerce:

• IFC Fraternities: Sigma Chi, Pi Kappa Alpha, others
• Panhellenic Sororities: Multiple national organizations
• NPHC: All Divine Nine organizations present

Hazing Policy & Reporting:

• Follows Texas A&M System policies prohibiting hazing
• Reporting through Dean of Students and campus police
• Subject to Texas Education Code Chapter 37

Why Morris County Families Should Care:

• Geographic proximity means many local students attend
• Commuting students may face different hazing dynamics than residential students
• Smaller Greek community doesn’t eliminate risk—sometimes increases secrecy

If Hazing Occurs at A&M-Commerce:

• Jurisdiction: Commerce PD and campus police
• Civil venue: Hunt County courts
• System connections: May involve Texas A&M System legal resources

Other Major Texas Universities Morris County Students Attend

Texas A&M University – College Station
Corps of Cadets Context:
The Corps represents a unique hazing environment with military-style traditions. Recent cases include:

• 2023 Corps lawsuit: Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth; sought over $1 million
• University response: A&M stated it handled matter under its rules

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case:

• Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
• Pledges sued for $1 million; fraternity suspended for two years

For Morris County A&M Families:

• Corps vs. Greek life: Different cultures, similar hazing risks
• Reporting complexity: Multiple jurisdictions (Corps, Greek, university)
• Tradition defense: “This is how we’ve always done it” is common but legally invalid

University of Texas at Austin
Transparency Leader:
UT Austin maintains a public Hazing Violations page listing organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions.

Recent Examples:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; found to be hazing; chapter probation
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024): Australian exchange student alleged assault resulting in dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose; sued for over $1 million
• Multiple spirit groups (Texas Wranglers, etc.) sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol hazing

Why This Matters:

• Pattern evidence: Prior violations on UT’s public log strengthen civil cases by showing organizational knowledge
• Transparency advantage: More public information aids investigations

Southern Methodist University
Private University Dynamics:
As a private institution, SMU has different transparency obligations but similar legal liabilities.

Recent History:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep-deprived; chapter suspended through 2021
• Ongoing Greek life scrutiny in affluent campus environment

Baylor University
Post-Scandal Environment:
Following major athletic scandals, Baylor faces particular scrutiny around institutional response.

Baseball Hazing (2020):

• 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Staggered suspensions across early season

For Morris County Baylor Families:

• Religious context: Doesn’t eliminate hazing risk
• Athletic focus: High-profile sports programs require particular vigilance

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Public Records Every Morris County Parent Should Know

At The Manginello Law Firm, we maintain what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of every Greek organization, housing corporation, alumni chapter, and related entity in Texas. This isn’t theoretical; it’s built from public records that show who really operates behind the letters.

Why This Database Matters for Morris County Families

When hazing occurs, finding liable parties and insurance coverage requires knowing:

1. Legal entity names (not just “Sigma Chi”)
2. Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) for insurance tracing
3. Mailing addresses for legal service
4. Organizational relationships between nationals, housing corps, and chapters

We’ve compiled data from:

• IRS B83 filings: 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations
• Texas Universities: 96 campuses with Greek life
• Cause IQ metro analysis: 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
• Official campus rosters: Verified chapter listings

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Morris County Families

Below are actual public records entries for organizations that operate in Texas. These aren’t accusations—they’re facts from public filings that show the network of entities behind campus Greek life.

Northeast Texas & Regional Organizations:

1. TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-COMMERCE CHAPTER ENTITIES

   • Legal Name: SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY ZETA ETA
   • EIN: 756060974 | Commerce, TX 75429
   • Role: Chapter housing/operations entity | Data Source: IRS B83 filing

2. NORTH TEXAS METRO ORGANIZATIONS

   • Legal Name: DELTA PHI CHAPTER OF THETA CHI FRATERNITY ALUMNI HOUSING
   • EIN: 900239693 | Dallas, TX 75208
   • Role: Alumni housing corporation | Data Source: IRS B83 filing

3. Legal Name: FORT WORTH ALUMNI CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INCORPORATED

   • EIN: 752755600 | Fort Worth, TX 76101
   • Role: Alumni chapter/foundation | Data Source: IRS B83 filing

Major University Hub Organizations (Where Morris County Students Attend):

1. TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

   • Legal Name: HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI
   • EIN: 900293166 | College Station, TX 77843
   • Role: Academic honor society chapter | Data Source: IRS B83 filing

2. Legal Name: BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC

   • EIN: 462267515 | Frisco, TX 75035
   • Role: Fraternity housing corporation | Data Source: IRS B83 filing

3. UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM

   • Legal Name: SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER
   • EIN: 746084905 | Houston, TX 77204
   • Role: Chapter operations entity | Data Source: IRS B83 filing

4. Legal Name: ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC

   • EIN: 475370943 | Houston, TX 77204
   • Role: Chapter entity | Data Source: IRS B83 filing

National Brands with Texas Presence (Cross-Validated in Multiple Data Sources):

1. SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY

   • IRS EIN: 364091267 | Waco, TX 76710
   • Cause IQ Listing: Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter, Houston, TX
   • Significance: Same national brand appears in both IRS and metro data

2. HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI

   • IRS EIN: 263170920 | Denton, TX 76204
   • Cause IQ Listing: Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Lamar Univ., Beaumont, TX
   • Significance: Academic honor society with multiple Texas chapters

Metro-Level Context for Morris County Families:

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510 Greek Organizations

• Includes alumni chapters, housing corporations, educational foundations
• Legal Name: BETA UPSILON CHI FRATERNITY
• EIN: 742911848 | Fort Worth, TX 76244
• Role: Christian fraternity headquarters | Data Source: IRS B83 + Cause IQ overlap

Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188 Greek Organizations

• Legal Name: TEXAS DISTRICT OF PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY
• EIN matches Pi Kappa Alpha entities in IRS data
• Role: Alumni/house corporation district | Data Source: Cause IQ metro listing

What This Means for Your Case:

1. Insurance Tracing: Each EIN corresponds to potential insurance coverage
2. Liability Expansion: House corporations and alumni chapters can share liability
3. National Connections: Same brands appear across Texas, creating pattern evidence
4. Asset Identification: Mailing addresses enable legal service and asset discovery

When we take a hazing case, we don’t start from zero. We already know the organizational landscape because we’ve built this directory from public records. For Morris County families, this means we can immediately identify all potentially liable entities rather than wasting months on organizational research.

Fraternity & Sorority National Histories: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

National organizations know their hazing histories. When the same patterns repeat at Texas chapters, it strengthens cases by showing foreseeability and negligent supervision.

Why National Histories Matter for Morris County Cases

Texas courts consider:

• Did the national organization know or should have known about risks?
• Did they meaningfully enforce anti-hazing policies?
• Did prior incidents at other chapters create a pattern?

Major Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / “Pike”)

• Stone Foltz (2021): Bowling Green State University, alcohol poisoning death, $10M settlement
• David Bogenberger (2012): Northern Illinois University, alcohol poisoning death, $14M settlement
• Texas Pattern: Multiple Texas chapters disciplined including UH and UT

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / “SAE”)

• Traumatic Brain Injury Case (2023): University of Alabama, ongoing litigation
• Chemical Burns Case (2021): Texas A&M University, $1M lawsuit
• Assault Case (2024): UT Austin, $1M+ lawsuit
• National Response: Eliminated traditional pledge process in 2014 after pattern of deaths

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

• Max Gruver (2017): LSU, “Bible study” drinking game death, led to Louisiana felony hazing law
• Texas Presence: Multiple Texas campuses including UH, A&M, UT

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

• Andrew Coffey (2017): Florida State University, alcohol poisoning death
• Leonel Bermudez (2025): University of Houston, our active $10M lawsuit
• Pattern: Big/Little events with forced drinking

Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ)

• Timothy Piazza (2017): Penn State, delayed medical care death, landmark prosecution
• Texas Presence: Multiple Texas campuses

How We Use National Histories in Texas Cases

1. Establish Foreseeability

   • Show national knew specific rituals (drinking games, physical tests) caused prior injuries
   • Demonstrate they failed to implement effective safeguards

2. Pattern Evidence

   • Same organization, same script, different campus
   • Proves这不是 “rogue chapter” but predictable pattern

3. Negligent Supervision Claims

   • Nationals collect dues, provide materials, visit chapters
   • Creates duty to supervise and intervene

4. Punitive Damages Arguments

   • Knowing disregard of known risks
   • Inadequate response to prior incidents

For Morris County families, this means when hazing involves organizations with national histories, your case may be stronger because we can show this wasn’t an isolated incident but part of a pattern the organization should have prevented.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Recovery for Morris County Families

When hazing causes harm, building a successful case requires specific evidence, strategic decisions, and understanding what recovery actually means.

Critical Evidence Categories

1. Digital Evidence (Most Important Today)

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack
• Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook
• Photos/videos: Content filmed during events
• Digital forensics: Recovering deleted messages
• Morris County insight: Rural students may use different apps than urban campuses

2. Medical Documentation

• ER/hospital records: Must mention “hazing” in history
• Specialist evaluations: Nephrology (kidney), psychiatry (PTSD), orthopedics (fractures)
• Lab results: Creatine kinase levels for rhabdomyolysis, toxicology reports
• Future care plans: For permanent injuries like kidney damage or PTSD

3. Organizational Records

• Chapter documents: Pledge manuals, meeting minutes, financial records
• National materials: Risk management policies, training materials
• University files: Prior conduct reports, warning letters, Clery reports

4. Witness Information

• Other pledges: Often afraid but may cooperate with protection
• Former members: Sometimes willing to testify about past hazing
• Bystanders: Roommates, neighbors, venue staff

Damages: What Can Be Recovered

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

• Medical expenses: Past and future care
• Lost income/earning capacity: Missed work, reduced future earnings
• Educational costs: Tuition for withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships
• Property damage: Destroyed clothing, phones, etc.

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm):

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

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

• Funeral/burial costs
• Loss of companionship and support
• Emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages (When Available):

• Purpose: Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
• When awarded: Prior warnings ignored, cover-ups attempted, extreme cruelty
• Texas caps: Generally limited but exceptions for gross negligence

The Recovery Process

Most Cases Settle (Confidentially)

• Timeline: 1-3 years typically
• Process: Investigation → demand → negotiation → mediation → settlement
• Advantage: Privacy, certainty, faster resolution

When Cases Go to Trial

• Reasons: Liability denial, low settlement offers, public accountability goal
• Risks: Uncertainty, publicity, time/cost
• Advantage: Public verdict, potential for higher awards

What Settlement Funds Actually Cover:

1. Medical bills (often have liens that must be paid)
2. Attorney fees and costs (contingency percentage + expenses)
3. Future care needs (structured settlements for lifetime care)
4. Family recovery (loss of support, emotional harm)

Insurance Coverage Battles

Fraternity and university insurers often fight coverage using:

• Intentional act exclusions: Claiming hazing was “intentional”
• Criminal act exclusions: Arguing illegal acts aren’t covered
• Policy limits disputes: Claiming multiple policies don’t all apply

Our Insider Advantage:
Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney. He knows exactly how these companies:

• Value and reserve claims
• Use Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to minimize injuries
• Deploy delay tactics to pressure families
• Fight coverage under exclusions

This knowledge lets us anticipate and counter insurance strategies that often defeat less experienced attorneys.

Practical Guides for Morris County Families, Students & Witnesses

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries
• Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
• Weight loss/gain from food restriction or stress eating
• Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, 3 AM calls)
• Injuries to hands/back from paddling or exercise
• Chemical burns or skin damage
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (even if child doesn’t normally drink)

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

• Sudden secrecy about organization activities
• Withdrawal from family, old friends, non-group activities
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
• Defensive when asked about the organization
• Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”
• Sudden obsession with pleasing older members
• Talking about “just getting through this”

Academic & Financial Red Flags:

• Grades dropping suddenly
• Missing classes or assignments for “mandatory” events
• Unexpected large expenses (forced purchases, “fines”)
• Overdrafts or requests for money without clear explanation

Digital Behavior:

• Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
• Anxiety when phone buzzes
• Deleting messages or clearing history obsessively
• Receiving calls/texts at all hours demanding immediate response
• Social media posts showing concerning activities

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally):

1. “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
2. “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
3. “What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
4. “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
5. “Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
6. “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”
7. “Are they asking you to keep secrets from me or the university?”

48-Hour Action Plan:

HOUR 1-6 (Immediate Crisis):
✅ Medical: If injured/intoxicated, get to ER immediately
✅ Safety: Remove child from dangerous situation
✅ Evidence: Screenshot any messages shown; photograph injuries
✅ Notes: Write down everything they tell you (date, time, details)
✅ Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance

HOUR 6-24 (Evidence Preservation):
✅ Digital: Help preserve all group chats, texts (do NOT delete)
✅ Physical: Secure clothing, receipts, objects used
✅ Medical records: Request all ER/hospital records
✅ Witnesses: Write down names/contact info for others involved
✅ University: Note any communications but don’t respond yet

HOUR 24-48 (Strategic Decisions):
✅ Legal consultation: Speak with experienced hazing attorney
✅ Reporting decision: Decide whether/how to report (with lawyer’s guidance)
✅ University response: Refer school to your attorney
✅ Insurance: Do NOT talk to adjusters without lawyer
✅ Evidence backup: Upload everything to cloud storage

For Students: Self-Protection & Safe Exit

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something unsafe?
• Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
• Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would my parents/university approve if they knew?
• Am I being told to keep secrets or lie?

If You Answered YES: It’s likely hazing.

How to Exit Safely:

1. If in immediate danger: Call 911 or campus police
2. Tell someone outside the org first: Parent, RA, trusted friend
3. Send written resignation: Email/text chapter president: “I resign effective immediately”
4. Do NOT attend “one last meeting”: Where pressure/retaliation may occur
5. Document any retaliation: Screenshots, recordings (Texas is one-party consent)

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

• Good-faith reporter immunity: You can’t be punished for calling 911 for medical help
• Consent is not a defense: Even if you “agreed,” hazing is still illegal
• Civil lawsuit option: You can sue even without criminal charges
• No-contact orders: Available through university if harassed

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Evidence Be Destroyed

• Mistake: Having child delete messages to “avoid trouble”
• Consequence: Looks like cover-up; obstruction of justice; case becomes impossible
• Correct Action: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

• Mistake: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
• Consequence: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• Correct Action: Document everything, call lawyer first

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

• Mistake: Signing waivers or internal agreements under pressure
• Consequence: May waive right to sue; settlements often far below value
• Correct Action: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media First

• Mistake: “I want people to know what happened”
• Consequence: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
• Correct Action: Document privately; let lawyer control public messaging

5. Waiting for University to “Handle It”

• Mistake: “The university promised to investigate”
• Consequence: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
• Correct Action: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

Frequently Asked Questions for Morris County Families

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and individual employee actions. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case is fact-specific—call 1-888-ATTY-911 for case analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Default is Class B misdemeanor, but becomes state jail felony if causing serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report.

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

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm/cause wasn’t immediately known. In cover-up cases, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—call immediately.

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

“Will this be confidential?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

Why The Manginello Law Firm for Morris County Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)

• Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
• Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:
  • Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
  • Use delay tactics and coverage exclusion arguments
  • Deploy Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to minimize injuries
• “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello)

• BP Texas City explosion litigation—one of few Texas firms involved
• Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• Not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams
• HCCLA membership—elite criminal defense credential for dual civil/criminal cases
• “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Active Texas Hazing Litigation

• Currently representing Leonel Bermudez in the $10M UH Pi Kappa Phi case
• Direct experience with Texas hazing laws, courts, and institutional defendants
• Understanding of Texas-specific defenses and strategies

Multi-Million Dollar Catastrophic Injury Experience

• Proven track record in complex wrongful death and injury cases
• Experience working with economists on lifetime care valuations
• Network of medical experts, psychologists, and life-care planners
• “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Investigative Depth & Resources

• Digital forensics capability for recovering deleted messages
• Organizational intelligence from our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine
• Expert network specific to hazing injuries (nephrology for kidney damage, psychiatry for PTSD)
• “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

How We Approach Hazing Cases Differently

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation
Within hours of your call, we guide evidence preservation:

• How to properly screenshot group chats before deletion
• What photos to take of injuries and locations
• How to document witness information
• What NOT to do (common mistakes that destroy cases)

2. Comprehensive Defendant Identification
We don’t just sue the obvious parties. Using our database, we identify:

• National fraternity/sorority headquarters
• Housing corporations and alumni chapters
• Individual officers and active members
• University entities and responsible administrators
• Third parties (property owners, alcohol providers)

3. Strategic Insurance Coverage Analysis
Mr. Peña’s defense background lets us:

• Identify all potential insurance policies
• Anticipate and counter coverage denial arguments
• Negotiate from strength rather than reacting to insurer tactics

4. Victim-Centered Approach
We understand this isn’t just a legal case—it’s a family crisis:

• Spanish-language services available (Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish)
• Regular communication (we update clients every 2-3 weeks minimum)
• Respect for privacy and emotional needs
• Focus on recovery and prevention, not just compensation

Our Connection to Morris County

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Morris County and all of Northeast Texas. We understand that:

• Many Morris County students attend Texas A&M-Commerce, Texas A&M, UT, UH, and other Texas campuses
• Rural communities like yours face unique challenges in accessing specialized legal help
• Local courts and jurisdictions matter in hazing cases
• Your family’s privacy and reputation in a close-knit community are paramount

We’ve represented families from small towns across Texas, and we understand how to navigate both the legal complexities and the community dynamics that come with hazing cases.

Your Next Step: Confidential Consultation for Morris County Families

If hazing has touched your family, you don’t have to navigate this alone. The institutions involved have experienced lawyers and PR teams. You deserve the same level of representation.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you’ll speak directly with our team. Your consultation includes:

1. Listening Without Judgment
We’ll hear your story and understand what happened to your child. Everything you tell us is confidential.

2. Evidence Review
We’ll look at any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, texts, medical records) and explain what else we need.

3. Legal Options Explained
We’ll outline your family’s options:

• Criminal reporting (to campus police, local police, or both)
• Civil lawsuit possibilities
• University disciplinary processes
• What each path involves, realistically

4. Realistic Expectations
We’ll discuss:

• Possible timelines (months to years)
• What compensation might cover
• Challenges you may face
• How we can help at each step

5. No-Pressure Decision Making
We won’t pressure you to hire us on the spot. Take time to discuss with family. We’ll answer any follow-up questions.

Our Fee Structure

We work on a contingency fee basis for hazing cases:

• No upfront costs – you pay nothing to start your case
• No fee unless we win – we only get paid if we recover compensation for you
• Transparent costs – we explain all expenses upfront
• Fair percentage – typical contingency percentages apply

This means you can get experienced legal help regardless of your financial situation.

Contact Information

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Legal Emergency Lawyers™

Phone: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781 (Ralph Manginello)

Email:

• Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com
• Lupe Peña: lupe@atty911.com (Spanish services/Hablamos Español)

Website: https://attorney911.com

Office Locations:

• Houston, Texas (Primary)
• Austin, Texas
• Beaumont, Texas

Serving: Morris County and all of Texas

A Final Word to Morris County Parents

The call you never wanted to make—about hazing, injuries, hospitals—has already been made by too many Texas families. The phone call you can make, to get help and protection for your child, is to us.

Whether your student is at Texas A&M-Commerce just down the road, at a major university hours away, or anywhere in between, Texas hazing law protects them. Experienced Texas counsel can enforce those protections.

Don’t let institutions with deep pockets and experienced lawyers intimidate you into silence or inadequate settlements. Don’t let deleted messages and graduated witnesses destroy your chance at accountability.

Call us today. Let us help you get answers, secure your child’s future care, and hold the right people accountable. Because in Morris County and across Texas, no family should face hazing violence alone.

Call Attorney911 Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

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 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