The Complete Guide to Hazing Laws, Cases & Liability: A Resource for Wise County, City of New Fairview Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You Are Not Alone

A phone buzzes in the middle of the night. A parent in City of New Fairview or nearby Decatur checks the screen with that familiar mix of concern and hope—maybe it’s just a late-night study session. But the message is fragmented, anxious: “I can’t talk… mandatory… don’t tell anyone.” Your child, who left for college just months ago with dreams of friendship and tradition, is now somewhere on a Texas campus—maybe at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas A&M in College Station, or UT Austin—facing something they don’t understand. They’re cold, exhausted, forced to consume things that make them sick, told this is how they “earn their letters.” They feel trapped between wanting to belong and knowing something is dangerously wrong.

This is not a hypothetical scenario. Right now, in Harris County, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity, and 13 individual members of its Beta Nu chapter. The details are shocking: a “pledge fanny pack” containing humiliating items, forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, brutal workouts at Yellowstone Boulevard Park, and simulated waterboarding with a hose. The result? Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis—severe skeletal muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown. He was hospitalized for four days and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

For families in City of New Fairview, Rhome, and across Wise County, this case matters profoundly. The same national organizations that operate at UH have chapters at universities where your children study. The same dangerous traditions, the same institutional cover-ups, the same insurance companies that fight accountability—they exist throughout Texas. Whether your child attends a local campus like the University of North Texas (just 45 miles from City of New Fairview) or a major hub like Texas A&M or UT Austin, understanding hazing in 2025 could save their health, their education, or their life.

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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas

Clear, 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. For City of New Fairview families whose children might be pledging at Texas universities, it’s crucial to understand that “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there is peer pressure and power imbalance.

Texas law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of initiation or affiliation. This definition covers both on-campus and off-campus activities, and consent is explicitly not a defense under Texas Education Code § 37.155.

Main Categories of Hazing in Modern Greek Life

Alcohol and Substance Hazing:

• Forced or coerced drinking during “Big/Little” nights, bid acceptance parties, or drinking games
• Chugging challenges, “lineups,” and games requiring rapid consumption
• Being pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances, sometimes including drugs
• At the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi chapter, pledges were forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then made to do immediate sprints

Physical Hazing:

• Paddling and beatings (still occurring despite national prohibitions)
• Extreme calisthenics or “workouts” far beyond normal conditioning—like the 100+ push-ups and 500 squats forced upon Leonel Bermudez
• Sleep deprivation through mandatory late-night meetings or early-morning summons
• Food/water restriction or forced consumption of unpalatable substances
• Exposure to extreme cold/heat or dangerous environments
• The UH Pi Kappa Phi case included cold-weather exposure in underwear and lying in vomit-soaked grass

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing:

• Forced nudity or partial nudity
• Simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, or humiliating positions
• Acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones
• The “pledge fanny pack” rule at UH required pledges to carry condoms, sex toys, and other humiliating items 24/7

Psychological Hazing:

• Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members
• Manipulation, forced confessions, or public shaming
• Creating fear of expulsion or social exclusion for non-compliance

Digital/Online Hazing:

• Group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation via Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok
• Pressure to create or share compromising images/videos
• 24/7 availability demands with immediate response requirements
• Geo-tracking demands through Find My Friends or similar apps

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Texas Universities

Hazing is not limited to “frat parties.” For Wise County students, risks exist in:

Fraternities and Sororities:

• Interfraternity Council (IFC) fraternities
• Panhellenic sororities
• National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC – Divine Nine) organizations
• Multicultural Greek Council groups

Corps of Cadets / Military-Style Groups:

• Texas A&M Corps of Cadets has faced multiple hazing allegations
• ROTC programs at various Texas universities

Athletic Teams:

• Football, basketball, baseball programs
• Cheer and spirit squads
• Club and intramural sports

Performance Groups:

• Marching bands
• Theater troupes
• Dance teams

Academic and Service Organizations:

• Honor societies
• Professional fraternities
• Student government associations

The common thread across all groups is social status, tradition, and secrecy that keep these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal. For families in Boyd, Aurora, and across Wise County, this means your child could be at risk in organizations beyond the stereotypical fraternity house.

Texas Hazing Law & Liability Framework: What Wise County Families Need to Know

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code Chapter 37)

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in the Education Code that protect students at both public and private institutions. For City of New Fairview families whose children attend Texas universities, understanding these laws is crucial:

§ 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.

Plain English Explanation:
If someone makes your child do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they meant to do it or were reckless about the risk, that’s hazing under Texas law. Location doesn’t matter—it can happen on or off campus. The harm can be mental or physical. Even “reckless” behavior (knew the risk and did it anyway) qualifies. Most importantly: “Consent” is not a defense.

§ 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 requiring medical treatment
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death

Additional criminal provisions:

• 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. Many Texas universities also provide amnesty for students who call 911 in medical emergencies, even if they were drinking underage.

§ 37.155 Consent Not a Defense:
This critical provision states it is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity. This directly rebuts the common defense of “they agreed to it.”

§ 37.156 Reporting by Educational Institutions:
Texas colleges and universities must:

• Provide hazing prevention education to students
• Publish hazing policies
• Maintain and publish annual reports of hazing violations and disciplinary actions

Criminal vs Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by the state (prosecutor)
• Aim: punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical hazing-related criminal charges:
  • Hazing offenses
  • Furnishing alcohol to minors
  • Assault, battery
  • Manslaughter in fatal cases
• Example: In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, criminal referrals were made by the university

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
• A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case

Federal Overlay: Stop Campus Hazing Act, Title IX, Clery

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 assault or alcohol/drug crimes that require reporting

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Individual Students:

• Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
• In the UH case, 13 individual members were named as defendants

Local Chapter / Organization:

• The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if it’s a legal entity)
• The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation was named in the UH lawsuit

National Fraternity/Sorority:

• Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
• Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters is a defendant in the UH case
• Liability can hinge on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents

University or Governing Board:

• The University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents are defendants
• The university owned/controlled the chapter house
• Key questions: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference

Third Parties:

• Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces (like the Culmore Drive residence in the UH case)
• Bars or alcohol providers (under dram shop theories)
• Security companies or event organizers

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Texas Families

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—the same national fraternity involved in the UH case.

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). 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. 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 a violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual. Suffered fatal head injuries; help was delayed. Multiple members convicted; fraternity banned from Pennsylvania. 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 Wise County 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 UNT, Texas A&M, UT, or other Texas schools are not alone and are operating in a landscape shaped by these national lessons.

The Pi Kappa Phi case at UH demonstrates that even in 2025, with all the awareness and “zero tolerance” policies, severe hazing continues. The organization that caused Andrew Coffey’s death in 2017 was still engaging in similar conduct at UH in 2025. This pattern of repeat offenses across chapters of the same national organization is exactly why experienced legal representation matters.

Texas University Focus: Where Wise County Families Send Their Children

Understanding the Local Greek Ecosystem for City of New Fairview Families

Wise County families have deep connections to Texas higher education. Whether your child attends the University of North Texas in nearby Denton County, commutes to Texas Woman’s University, or attends a major hub like Texas A&M, UT Austin, or Texas Tech, understanding the specific hazing landscape at these institutions is crucial.

The Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Greek Landscape:
According to our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—compiled from IRS records, university data, and Cause IQ analyses—the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area contains 510 Greek-related organizations. These include undergraduate chapters, alumni associations, housing corporations, and honor societies that City of New Fairview students may encounter.

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

Our firm maintains an extensive database of Texas Greek organizations compiled from public records. This investigative resource helps us identify all potentially liable entities in hazing cases. Below are examples of organizations recorded in public filings that operate in North Texas and statewide:

North Texas Metro Area Examples:

• Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity, EIN 742911848, Fort Worth, TX 76244 (IRS B83 filing)
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc, EIN 741380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147 (IRS B83 filing)
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, EIN 521278573, Dallas, TX 75241 (IRS B83 filing)
• Delta Kappa Gamma Society – Gamma Sigma, Gainesville, TX (Cause IQ metro listing)
• Kappa Delta Sorority – Gamma Beta Chapter, Denton, TX (Cause IQ metro listing)

Major Texas University Hub Organizations:

• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, EIN 900293166, College Station, TX 77843 (Texas A&M University chapter)
• Chi Omega Fraternity, EIN 740555581, Austin, TX 78705 (UT Austin house corporation)
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, EIN 364091267, Waco, TX 76710 (IRS B83 filing)
• Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, EIN 746064445, Nederland, TX 77627 (IRS B83 filing)
• Sigma Phi Lambda Inc, EIN 201237505, Corinth, TX 76210 (IRS B83 filing)

Texas-Wide Snapshot:
Our data tracks 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metros, including:

• Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land: 188 organizations
• Austin-Round Rock: 154 organizations
• San Antonio: 86 organizations
• Lubbock: 59 organizations
• College Station-Bryan: 42 organizations

These organizations form the backbone of Greek life at Texas universities. When hazing occurs, identifying all related entities—national headquarters, local housing corporations, alumni associations—is essential for holding the right parties accountable and ensuring adequate insurance coverage exists to compensate victims.

University of North Texas (Denton) – The Closest Major University to Wise County

Campus & Culture Snapshot for Wise County Families:
Located just 45 miles from City of New Fairview, UNT is a natural choice for many Wise County students. With over 44,000 students, it’s one of Texas’s largest universities. UNT has an active Greek life community with approximately 40 fraternities and sororities across four governing councils: Interfraternity Council (IFC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), and College Panhellenic Council (CPC).

Hazing Policy & Reporting:
UNT prohibits hazing as defined by Texas law and outlines specific prohibited behaviors including forced alcohol consumption, physical abuse, sleep deprivation, and public humiliation. Reports can be made to the Dean of Students Office, UNT Police Department, or through anonymous online reporting systems.

Documented Incidents & Responses:
UNT maintains disciplinary records that have included hazing violations. Like many universities, specific case details are often protected by privacy laws, but patterns emerge through public records and litigation. The proximity to City of New Fairview means Wise County families should be particularly vigilant about UNT Greek life activities.

How a UNT Hazing Case Might Proceed:

• Jurisdiction: Denton County courts or federal court for the Eastern District of Texas
• Involved agencies: UNT Police Department and/or Denton Police Department
• Potential defendants: Individuals, chapter, national organization, university
• For Wise County families: Legal proceedings would typically occur in Denton, but our firm can handle representation remotely and travel as needed

What UNT Students & Wise County Parents Should Do:

• Document all incidents immediately with photos, screenshots, and detailed notes
• Report to UNT Dean of Students Office: (940) 565-2648
• Contact UNT Police for criminal incidents: (940) 565-3000
• Preserve all digital evidence before it’s deleted
• Consult with an attorney experienced in Texas hazing cases before making statements to university officials or insurance adjusters

Texas A&M University – A Major Destination for Texas Students

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets and extensive Greek life create multiple environments where hazing can occur. With one of the nation’s largest Greek systems and a tradition-heavy culture, A&M has faced significant hazing challenges.

Documented Incidents & Responses:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): 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.
• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth; sought over $1 million.
• Kappa Sigma Rhabdomyolysis Case (2023): Allegations of hazing resulting in severe muscle breakdown injury; ongoing litigation.

How a Texas A&M Case Might Proceed:

• Brazos County jurisdiction
• Complex cases involving both university and military-style traditions
• Multiple potential defendants including individual cadets, corps leadership, fraternity nationals

University of Texas at Austin – Flagship Campus with Public Transparency

Campus Culture & Unique Transparency:
UT Austin maintains a public Hazing Violations page (hazing.utexas.edu) that lists organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions—one of the most transparent systems in Texas.

Documented Incidents from Public Records:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; found to be hazing; chapter placed on probation with required hazing-prevention education.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024): Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members resulting in dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose; student sued SAE chapter for over $1 million.
• Texas Wranglers & Other Spirit Groups: Multiple sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, or punishment-based practices.

What UT’s Transparency Means for Wise County Families:
The public violations log provides powerful evidence in civil cases by showing patterns and institutional knowledge. When an organization has prior violations, it becomes much harder for them to claim “we didn’t know this could happen” or “this was a rogue incident.”

Other Texas Universities Relevant to Wise County Families

Texas Woman’s University (Denton):
Just 45 miles from City of New Fairview, TWU has Greek life primarily through sororities and honor societies. While historically less documented for severe hazing, all Greek organizations carry risks.

Texas Tech University (Lubbock):
A popular choice for Texas students, Texas Tech has faced hazing incidents including alcohol poisoning cases and physical abuse allegations. Distance from Wise County doesn’t eliminate parental concerns or legal rights.

Community Colleges & Smaller Institutions:
Tarrant County College, Weatherford College, and other regional institutions also have student organizations where hazing can occur, though typically on a smaller scale than major universities.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

Why National Histories Matter for Texas Cases

Many fraternities and sororities on Texas campuses are part of national organizations with documented hazing histories across multiple states. When a Texas chapter repeats the same dangerous behaviors that caused injuries or deaths elsewhere, that pattern evidence becomes crucial in litigation.

Pattern Evidence & Foreseeability:
National headquarters often have thick anti-hazing manuals and risk policies because they have seen deaths and catastrophic injuries in the past. When they fail to enforce these policies or adequately supervise chapters, they can be held liable for foreseeable harm.

Major National Organizations with Texas Presence

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike):

• National History: Stone Foltz death (Bowling Green, 2021 – $10M settlement), David Bogenberger death (Northern Illinois, 2012 – $14M settlement)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Baylor, UNT
• Legal Significance: Multiple nine-figure settlements establish clear foreseeability of alcohol hazing risks

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE):

• National History: Multiple hazing-related deaths nationwide; traumatic brain injury case at University of Alabama; multiple Texas lawsuits
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin (current lawsuit), Texas A&M (chemical burns case), Texas Tech, SMU, Baylor
• Texas Incidents: Chemical burns case at A&M, assault case at UT Austin

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):

• National History: Andrew Coffey death (Florida State, 2017)
• Texas Presence: Chapter at University of Houston (currently involved in $10M lawsuit we are litigating)
• Current Case Details: Our client Leonel Bermudez suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure from hazing; chapter was suspended Nov 6, 2025 and surrendered charter Nov 14, 2025

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):

• National History: Max Gruver death (LSU, 2017 – led to Louisiana felony hazing law)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Baylor

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ):

• National History: Multiple hazing suspensions including SMU chapter
• Texas Presence: Chapters at SMU, Texas A&M, Texas Tech

How National Patterns Affect Texas Litigation

Discovery of Prior Incidents:
In litigation, we subpoena national organizations’ records to show:

• Prior complaints and incident reports at the same chapter
• Similar incidents at other chapters nationwide
• Internal communications about hazing risks
• Inadequate responses to prior violations

Insurance Coverage Implications:
National organizations typically carry liability insurance. When multiple incidents establish a pattern, insurance companies may:

• Attempt to deny coverage based on “expected or intended injury” exclusions
• Argue the national organization failed to implement adequate risk management
• Our insider knowledge of insurance defense tactics (from Mr. Lupe Peña’s former career as an insurance defense attorney) is crucial in these fights

Punitive Damages Potential:
When national organizations ignore clear patterns of harm, Texas courts may award punitive damages to punish reckless behavior and deter future misconduct. The substantial settlements in national cases (Foltz: $10M, Bogenberger: $14M, Gruver: $6.1M verdict) demonstrate what juries consider appropriate accountability.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages & Strategy for Wise County Families

Critical Evidence Collection in Modern Hazing Cases

Digital Communications (Most Important Category):

• Group Messaging Apps: GroupMe (most common), WhatsApp, iMessage group texts, Discord, Signal, Telegram
• Social Media Evidence: Instagram DMs/stories, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook Messenger
• Recovery Techniques: Digital forensics can often recover deleted messages, but immediate screenshots are best
• Example from UH Case: Group chats likely contained planning discussions, photos/videos of hazing, and instructions to pledges

Photos & Videos:

• Content filmed by members during events
• Security camera or doorbell footage at houses and venues
• Our video on using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Internal Organization Documents:

• Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” documents
• Emails/texts from officers about activities
• National policies and training materials

University Records:

• Prior conduct files, probation/suspension records
• Incident reports to campus police or conduct offices
• Clery Act reports and similar disclosures
• Obtained through public records requests or discovery in litigation

Medical & Psychological Records:

• Emergency room and hospitalization records (like Bermudez’s 4-day hospitalization)
• Surgery and rehabilitation notes
• Toxicology reports and lab results (critical for alcohol/drug cases)
• Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety

Witness Testimony:

• Other pledges, current/former members
• Roommates, RAs, coaches, trainers, bystanders
• Former members who quit or were expelled often become key witnesses

Categories of Damages in Hazing Cases

Medical Bills & Future Care:

• Immediate care (ER, ICU, hospitalization)
• Surgeries, ongoing treatment, physical therapy
• Long-term care for permanent injuries (like potential kidney damage in the UH case)
• Psychological counseling for trauma

Lost Earnings / Educational Impact:

• Missed semesters or withdrawal from school
• Lost scholarships (academic, athletic, Greek-based)
• Delayed entry into workforce
• Reduced earning capacity from permanent disabilities

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Damage to reputation and relationships

Wrongful Death Damages (for families):

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of companionship, love, and support
• Emotional harm to parents and siblings
• Lost financial support from deceased

Punitive Damages:

• Available in Texas for particularly reckless or malicious conduct
• Designed to punish defendants and deter future misconduct
• Capped under Texas law but can be substantial in egregious cases

The Role of Insurance Coverage in Hazing Cases

National fraternities and universities typically carry liability insurance, but insurers often fight coverage:

Common Insurance Defense Tactics:

• Claiming hazing is an “intentional act” excluded from coverage
• Arguing the policy doesn’t cover certain defendants or locations
• Delaying claims to pressure financially strained families

Our Insurance Insider Advantage:
Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows:

• How insurers value (and undervalue) claims
• Their delay tactics and settlement strategies
• How to counter “intentional act” exclusions by arguing negligent supervision
• Multiple insurance policies that may provide coverage (chapter, national, university, individual homeowners)

Practical Guides & FAQs for Wise County Families

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
• Extreme fatigue or exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
• Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-Greek activities
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability, anger
• Constant phone use for group chat monitoring with anxiety about missing messages
• Financial red flags: unexpected large expenses, maxed credit cards, unexplained purchases

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing:

• Ask open questions: “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
• Express concern without judgment: “I noticed you seem really tired/stressed lately”
• Emphasize safety over status: “Your health is more important than any organization”
• Assure support: “No matter what happened, we’re here for you and will help you through this”

If Your Child Is Hurt:

1. Get medical attention immediately—even if they insist they’re “fine”
2. Document everything:
   • Photograph injuries from multiple angles
   • Screenshot any concerning messages
   • Write down everything they tell you (dates, times, names, locations)
3. Preserve physical evidence: clothing, objects used in hazing, receipts
4. Contact an attorney before reporting to ensure evidence is properly preserved

Dealing with the University:

• Document every communication with administrators
• Ask specifically about prior incidents involving the same organization
• Request copies of all policies and procedures
• Do not sign anything without legal review
• Remember: the university’s interests may not align with your family’s

For Students / Pledges: Your Rights & Safety

Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? Ask Yourself:

• Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do themselves?
• Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?
• If you answered YES to any, it’s likely hazing.

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

• You cannot be punished for calling 911 in an emergency (good-faith reporter immunity)
• Consent is not a defense to hazing under Texas law
• You can request no-contact orders if you’re being harassed after reporting
• You have the right to leave any organization at any time

Exiting Safely:

• Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, trusted friend)
• Send a written resignation (email/text) to chapter leadership
• Do not go to “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
• If you fear retaliation, report it to campus police and the Dean of Students

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing 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 cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; ruins the case
• What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately—screenshots, photos, physical items

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
• 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 agreements
• Why it’s wrong: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often inadequate
• 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
• 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 runs
• What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

Watch our video on client mistakes that can ruin your case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Short FAQ for Wise County Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts.

“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. The UH case involving rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure would likely qualify for felony charges.

“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 and fear of exclusion isn’t voluntary.

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but exceptions exist. The “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm wasn’t immediately known. In cover-up cases, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical. Learn more in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. The UH case involved both on-campus (chapter house) and off-campus (Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Park) locations.

“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: Why We’re Different for Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Litigation

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. For Wise County families dealing with hazing at Texas universities, here’s why we’re different:

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.”
• Learn more about Mr. Peña’s background: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

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.”
• Learn more about Ralph’s background: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/

Current Major Hazing Litigation Experience:

• Right now, we’re leading the $10 million Leonel Bermudez case against University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi
• This isn’t historical experience—it’s active, current expertise in sophisticated hazing litigation
• We understand the modern tactics organizations use to hide hazing and avoid accountability

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience:

• Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
• Experience valuing lifetime care needs (brain injury, permanent disability cases)
• Collaboration with economists, life care planners, and medical experts
• “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
• Navigates both tracks simultaneously for maximum leverage

Investigative Depth & Resources:

• Network of experts: medical specialists, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
• Experience obtaining hidden evidence (deleted group chats, chapter records, university files)
• Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine with data on 1,423 Greek organizations statewide
• “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Spanish-Language Services:
± Hablamos Español

• Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish
• Servicios legales en español disponibles
• Critical for serving Texas’s diverse population

Our Approach: Empathy, Investigation, Accountability

We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Your child went to college seeking community and came home injured, traumatized, or worse. Our job is to:

1. Get you answers about what really happened
2. Hold the right people accountable—not just individuals, but the institutions that enabled them
3. Secure compensation for medical care, therapy, lost education, and suffering
4. Help prevent this from happening to another family

This isn’t about bravado or quick settlements. It’s about thorough investigation and real accountability. The UH Pi Kappa Phi case shows what we mean:

• We filed a $10 million lawsuit within weeks of the hospitalization
• We named all responsible parties: 13 individuals, the chapter, the national, the housing corporation, AND the university
• We’re pursuing not just compensation for our client, but systemic change to protect future students

Call to Action: Wise County Families, You Have Rights & Options

If Hazing Has Impacted Your Family, We Want to Help

Whether your child attends UNT in nearby Denton, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or any other Texas campus, if hazing has caused injury or trauma, you don’t have to face this alone. The patterns are clear, the laws exist, and experienced legal help is available.

For Families in City of New Fairview, Decatur, Boyd, Aurora & Across Wise County:

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 Us Today:

• Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct: (713) 528-9070
• Cell: (713) 443-4781
• Website: https://attorney911.com
• Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)

Spanish Language Services Available:

• Hablamos Español
• Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish

Why Act Now?

Evidence disappears fast:

• Group chats are deleted within days
• Witnesses graduate or are coached on what to say
• Physical evidence is destroyed
• Universities conduct “internal investigations” that protect their interests

Statutes of limitations apply:

• Generally 2 years from injury in Texas
• But exceptions and complexities exist
• Do not wait until it’s too late

Your child deserves accountability:

• Not just from individuals who carried out hazing
• But from organizations that allowed it to happen
• And institutions that failed to protect students

Final Message to Wise County Families

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including City of New Fairview and across Wise County. We understand the deep connections Texas families have to our universities—the pride in sending children to UT, A&M, UNT, or other great schools. That’s why holding these institutions accountable matters so much.

The University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case proves that even in 2025, with all the awareness and policies, severe hazing continues. But it also proves that with determined legal action, accountability is possible. The chapter was shut down. The university is being forced to answer for its role. Our client is receiving medical care and pursuing justice.

If your family is facing something similar, we can help. You have rights. There are options. And you don’t have to navigate this alone.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s discuss what happened, what can be done, and how we can help your family move forward.

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, lupe@atty911.com

Plain Text Links to Key Resources:

News Coverage of the Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing Lawsuit:

• 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 YouTube Videos:
Choose Cellphone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

• Statute of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• Contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website & Contact:

• https://attorney911.com

Attorney Profiles:

• Ralph Manginello: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
• Lupe Peña: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/