Hazing in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for New Waverly Families

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

The late-night call no parent in Walker County ever wants to receive: your child’s voice is weak, slurred, or filled with shame. They’re telling you about something that happened at their fraternity, sorority, Corps event, or athletic team—something about forced drinking, extreme workouts, humiliation, or injuries they’re trying to minimize. You hear fear in their voice, not just pain. They might say, “It’s just tradition,” or “Everyone does it,” or the most chilling phrase: “I agreed to it.” For families in New Waverly, Huntsville, and across Walker County, this nightmare scenario is unfolding right now at universities across Texas, including at Sam Houston State University right in our community and at major campuses where our children study.

We are The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™). Right now, we are leading one of the most serious hazing lawsuits in Texas history—the $10 million hazing and abuse case of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. This isn’t a abstract example; it’s our active litigation, happening now in Harris County, demonstrating exactly what we do for Texas families facing institutional hazing.

This guide is written specifically for parents and families in New Waverly, Huntsville, and throughout Walker County who need to understand the brutal reality of modern hazing, Texas law, and what genuine accountability looks like. Whether your child attends Sam Houston State University here in Walker County, has traveled to the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor, or any other Texas campus, the patterns are distressingly similar. We will explain what hazing really looks like in 2025, the Texas and federal laws that apply, the national cases that set the precedent, and what options your family has for seeking justice and preventing this from happening to another student.

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 for Walker County Families

For many New Waverly parents, “hazing” might conjure images of harmless pranks or outdated stereotypes. The reality in 2025 is systematic, often digitally-coordinated abuse designed to break down new members through humiliation, exhaustion, and fear. It happens in fraternities, sororities, the Corps of Cadets, athletic teams, spirit groups like the Sam Houston State University Orange Pride, and even academic clubs.

A Modern, Texas-Legal Definition of Hazing

Under Texas Education Code Chapter 37, hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization.

In plain English: 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. Critically, consent is not a defense. Even if your child said “yes” under immense peer pressure, it’s still legally hazing.

The Five Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the deadliest form. It’s not “just drinking.” It’s coerced consumption: “Big/Little” nights with entire bottles of liquor, “Bible study” drinking games where wrong answers mean shots, lineups where pledges must chug until they vomit. In our UH Pi Kappa Phi case, Leonel Bermudez was forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then forced to sprint.

2. Physical Hazing
This includes paddling, beatings, and what’s often disguised as “conditioning”: extreme calisthenics, “smokings,” sleep deprivation, and exposure to elements. At Yellowstone Boulevard Park in Houston, our client faced 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, and creed recitation under threat of expulsion. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table for over an hour.

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, and acts with racist or sexist overtones. The “pledge fanny pack” in the UH case contained condoms and a sex toy—humiliation as control.

4. Psychological Hazing
Verbal abuse, isolation, manipulation, and threats. New members are told to lie to parents and university officials, creating a wall of secrecy.

5. Digital/Online Hazing
This is the new frontier. Pledges are monitored 24/7 via GroupMe, required to share live locations, forced to post embarrassing content on TikTok or Instagram, and harassed if they don’t respond instantly to messages at 3 AM. Digital evidence—often deleted—is now the most critical proof in hazing cases.

Where Hazing Happens: Beyond the Frat House

While fraternities and sororities are frequently implicated, hazing permeates many campus organizations:

• Corps of Cadets and ROTC units (noted in Texas A&M cases).
• Athletic teams (from football to cheerleading).
• Spirit and tradition groups (like the Texas Cowboys at UT or the Orange Pride at SHSU).
• Marching bands and performance groups.
• Cultural and academic clubs.

The common thread is power imbalance, tradition used as justification, and a culture of silence. For a student from New Waverly, the pressure to belong can override their own safety.

Texas Hazing Law & Liability: What Walker County Families Must Know

Texas has specific statutes governing hazing, and understanding them is crucial for families seeking accountability.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

§ 37.151 – Definition: As noted above, hazing is broadly defined to include reckless acts that endanger physical or mental health for initiation purposes.

§ 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: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment.
• State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death.

§ 37.153 – Organizational Liability: Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation and face loss of university recognition.

§ 37.154 – Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting: Those who report hazing in good faith are immune from liability. Many universities, including SHSU, have medical amnesty policies to encourage calling 911.

§ 37.155 – Consent Not a Defense: This critical provision states that victim consent is not a defense to hazing charges.

§ 37.156 – Institutional Reporting: Texas colleges must maintain and publish annual reports of hazing violations. UT Austin’s public hazing log is a model; families should check if their child’s school has similar transparency.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases: Brought by the state (Walker County District Attorney, Harris County DA, etc.). Aim is punishment: jail, fines, probation. Charges can include hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, or even manslaughter.

Civil Cases: Brought by victims or their families. Aim is compensation for damages and institutional accountability. These cases can proceed even without criminal charges and can target a wider range of defendants.

In our UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we are pursuing civil accountability against 17 defendants: the University of Houston, the UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. This multi-defendant approach is often necessary to uncover all sources of liability and insurance.

Federal Law Overlay: Title IX, Clery, and the Stop Campus Hazing Act

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently and strengthen prevention. Public hazing data reporting is phased in by 2026.
• Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations are triggered, creating additional liability for universities.
• Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain campus crimes. Hazing incidents involving assault or alcohol crimes may be Clery-reportable.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

1. Individual Students: Those who planned, executed, or covered up the hazing.
2. Local Chapter: The fraternity/sorority as a legal entity (often a housing corporation).
3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters: For failing to supervise, enforce policies, or act on prior knowledge.
4. University or Governing Board: For negligent supervision, deliberate indifference, or Title IX violations.
5. Third Parties: Landlords of off-campus houses, alcohol providers (under dram shop laws), security companies.

For New Waverly families, this means a case might involve defendants in Walker County (if related to SHSU), Harris County (for UH or national headquarters), and beyond.

National Hazing Case Patterns: The Script Repeats in Texas

Tragically, hazing deaths and injuries follow predictable scripts. These national cases are not distant news—they set legal precedents that directly affect what Texas families can achieve in court.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: Fatal “Traditions”

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): A 20-year-old pledge died after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. The chapter president was later ordered to pay $6.5 million personally. The national Pi Kappa Alpha and BGSU reached a $10 million settlement with the family.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Died from alcohol poisoning after a “Bible study” drinking game. This led to Louisiana’ Max Gruver Act, strengthening felony hazing penalties. The family later won a $6.1 million verdict.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Died during a “Big Brother” night. His case prompted FSU to suspend all Greek life temporarily.

What this means for Texas: The “Big/Little” drinking night is a repeated, foreseeable risk. National fraternities know this pattern kills, yet chapters continue the practice. This “prior notice” is powerful evidence in civil lawsuits.

Physical & Ritualized Violence

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Pledge died from traumatic brain injury after a violent, blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat. The national fraternity was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter—a landmark for organizational liability. Pi Delta Psi was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

What this means for Texas: Off-campus retreats and physical rituals are extremely high-risk. National organizations can be held criminally and civilly responsible.

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): Former players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the football program, leading to multiple lawsuits, the firing of the head coach, and confidential settlements. This demonstrates hazing’s reach into multi-million dollar athletic departments.

Key Takeaways for New Waverly Families

1. Patterns are everything: The same “traditions” (forced drinking, extreme workouts) cause injury and death year after year.
2. Nationals have prior knowledge: Court rulings increasingly hold that national headquarters are on notice about these dangerous patterns.
3. Universities can be liable: Settlements with BGSU ($3M), LSU, and others show schools face financial and reputational consequences.
4. The legal landscape is evolving: Victim-led lawsuits have driven new state laws and federal reforms.

The case we are litigating right now—Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi—follows this exact pattern: forced consumption, extreme physical hazing, severe injury (rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure), and institutional defendants attempting to deflect blame.

Texas University Focus: Where New Waverly Families Send Their Kids

Walker County families have deep connections to Texas universities. Many students attend Sam Houston State University right here in Huntsville. Others travel to Texas A&M University in College Station, the University of Houston, UT Austin, Baylor, and other major campuses. Each has its own Greek life ecosystem and hazing history.

Sam Houston State University (Huntsville, Walker County)

Campus & Culture Snapshot: As the home university for many New Waverly students, SHSU has an active Greek community with fraternities and sororities across the IFC, Panhellenic, and NPHC councils. Its proximity means incidents here directly impact our local community.

Hazing Policy & Reporting: SHSU prohibits hazing as defined by Texas law. Reports can be made to the Dean of Students’ Office, University Police Department, or anonymously through the university’s online system.

Local Jurisdiction: A hazing case involving SHSU would involve the Huntsville Police Department and/or SHSU PD, with potential civil filings in Walker County courts. The university, as part of the Texas State University System, has certain sovereign immunity protections but can still be held accountable for gross negligence or Title IX violations.

What SHSU Students & New Waverly Parents Should Do:

• Document everything immediately using your phone.
• Report to both SHSU authorities and the Huntsville PD if crimes are suspected.
• Understand that university disciplinary processes are separate from civil or criminal legal action.
• Contact an attorney who understands the interplay between SHSU’s internal processes and Texas law.

The University of Houston & The Leonel Bermudez Case

This is our active litigation. In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a UH student who suffered life-threatening injuries as a Pi Kappa Phi pledge.

The Hazing Conduct (Detailed Proof):

• The “pledge fanny pack” rule: carrying condoms, a sex toy, nicotine devices.
• Forced dress codes, overnight driving duties, weekly interviews.
• Physical abuse at Yellowstone Boulevard Park: sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills.
• Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.”
• Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by sprints.
• The November 3 “workout”: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion.

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

Institutional Response: Pi Kappa Phi national suspended the Beta Nu chapter on November 6, 2025. Members voted to surrender their charter on November 14. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised cooperation with law enforcement.

Why This Matters for All Texas Families: This case demonstrates the extreme physical and psychological abuse that can occur even at major, regulated universities. It shows how national fraternities and universities respond when faced with serious litigation. And it proves that experienced Texas counsel can take on these powerful institutions.

Texas A&M University

Corps of Cadets Culture: The Corps has faced hazing allegations, including a 2023 lawsuit where a cadet alleged being bound in a “roasted pig” position with an apple in his mouth. These traditions, often defended as “character-building,” can cross into illegal hazing.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Two pledges alleged substances including industrial-strength cleaner were poured on them, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. They sued for $1 million.

What College Station Parents Should Know: Texas A&M handles hazing through its Student Conduct office and Corps regulations. Civil cases may focus on both Greek life and Corps traditions. The university’s status as a state entity affects liability but does not prevent lawsuits.

University of Texas at Austin

Public Transparency Model: UT Austin maintains a public Hazing Violations page, listing organizations, conduct, and sanctions—a resource families should check.

Example Incidents: Pi Kappa Alpha (2023) sanctioned for directing new members to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Various spirit groups and fraternities have been placed on probation for alcohol-related hazing and forced workouts.

Legal Environment: Cases may involve UTPD or Austin PD. UT’s public log of prior violations is powerful evidence in civil suits to show pattern and knowledge.

Southern Methodist University & Baylor University

As private institutions, SMU and Baylor have different liability frameworks than public universities. Both have faced hazing incidents:

• SMU: Kappa Alpha Order chapter suspended in 2017 for paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation.
• Baylor: Baseball team hazing investigation in 2020 led to 14 player suspensions.

For families considering these schools, it’s important to ask about their specific hazing prevention measures and transparency in reporting violations.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Public Records Directory for Walker County Families

One of our key advantages is our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a proprietary database built from public records that tracks over 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metros. This isn’t theoretical; it’s concrete data we use to investigate liability. Below is a sample of the public records we maintain to understand the organizational landscape affecting Texas students.

Why We’re Sharing This: If you are a parent in New Waverly or Huntsville, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. These are public filings from the IRS (Business Master File) and other sources. We track them so families never start from zero.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Walker County & Texas Families

Sam Houston State University & Walker County Area:

• Kappa Alpha Order – Gamma Sigma Chapter: West Texas A&M University chapter, Canyon, TX 79015 (IRS B83 filing).
• Delta Kappa Gamma Society – Zeta Zeta Chapter: Educators’ society chapter, Canyon, TX 79015 (Cause IQ Amarillo Metro listing).
• Chi Omega – Upsilon Zeta Building Association: Chapter housing entity, Amarillo, TX 79118 (IRS EIN 752290669).

Major Texas Universities Where Walker County Students Attend:

• University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi Related Entities:
  • Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc., EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035 (IRS B83 filing).
  • Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation, EIN 371768785, Missouri City, TX 77459.
• Texas A&M University Related Entities:
  • Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc., EIN 133048786, College Station, TX 77845.
  • Eta Alpha House Corporation of Kappa Delta Sorority, EIN 742930349, College Station, TX 77840.
• University of Texas at Austin Related Entities:
  • Chi Omega Fraternity (House Corporation), EIN 740555581, Austin, TX 78705.
  • Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi, EIN 746047117, Austin, TX 78705.
• Statewide & National Organizations with Texas Presence:
  • Sigma Phi Lambda Inc. (multiple chapters), EIN 201237505, Corinth, TX 76210.
  • Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (multiple campus chapters), EIN 263170920, Denton, TX 76204.
  • Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity (multiple alumni chapters), EIN 237279532, Prairie View, TX 77446.

The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro (which contains many national headquarters) has 188 Greek-related organizations according to Cause IQ data. Examples include:

• Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Houston, TX.
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae Chapter, Houston, TX.
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter, Houston, TX.

The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro has 510 Greek-related organizations. Examples include:

• Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity, Fort Worth, TX 76244.
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc., Fort Worth, TX 76147.

What This Directory Means for Your Case:
When hazing occurs, multiple entities may share liability: the undergraduate chapter, the housing corporation that owns the house, the alumni chapter that advises them, and the national headquarters that collects dues and sets policy. Our directory helps map this universe immediately. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, this meant identifying not just the local chapter but the national headquarters, the housing corporation, and 13 individual members as defendants.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

For New Waverly families navigating this crisis, understanding how a case is built demystifies the process and highlights why immediate action is critical.

The Evidence That Wins Cases

1. Digital Communications (Most Critical):

• GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage threads: Show planning, coercion, and aftermath.
• Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat videos, TikTok posts documenting events.
• Recovered Data: Digital forensics can often retrieve deleted messages.

2. Photos & Videos:

• Injuries documented over time.
• Scenes of hazing activities.
• Security or doorbell camera footage from houses.

3. Medical Records:

• ER reports, hospitalization records, lab results (like the critically high creatine kinase levels showing rhabdomyolysis in our UH case).
• Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety.

4. Organizational Documents:

• Pledge manuals, “tradition” lists, meeting notes.
• National fraternity risk management policies and prior incident reports.

5. University Records:

• Prior conduct violations for the same organization (obtained via public records requests or discovery).
• Clery Act reports, Title IX investigation files.

6. Witness Testimony:

• Other pledges, former members, roommates, RAs.

Categories of Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

• Medical expenses (past and future), including lifelong care for catastrophic injuries.
• Lost wages and diminished future earning capacity.
• Educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships).

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering.
• Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation.
• Loss of enjoyment of life.

Wrongful Death Damages (for families):

• Funeral and burial costs.
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and financial support.
• Emotional suffering of parents and siblings.

Punitive Damages: In cases of particularly reckless or intentional conduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish defendants and deter future behavior.

In the national cases discussed, settlements and verdicts have ranged from $375,000 to over $14 million, depending on the severity of injury, the conduct, and the defendants involved.

Overcoming Common Institutional Defenses

We know the playbook because we’ve fought these battles:

Defense: “The Pledge Consented.”
Our Response: Texas law §37.155 states consent is not a defense. We show the power imbalance and coercion.

Defense: “This Was a Rogue Chapter; National Didn’t Know.”
Our Response: We subpoena national records to show prior incidents and patterns across chapters, proving “constructive notice.”

Defense: “It Happened Off-Campus.”
Our Response: Liability is based on relationship and control, not just geography. Nationals and universities that sponsor organizations retain responsibility.

Defense: “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies.”
Our Response: We show the gap between paper policies and actual enforcement, highlighting prior violations that resulted in minimal punishment.

Defense: “Insurance Doesn’t Cover Intentional Acts.”
Our Response: We argue that negligent supervision by the national or university is covered, and we identify all potential insurance policies.

Our experience as former insurance defense attorneys (Mr. Lupe Peña) is invaluable here. We know how insurers value claims, use delaying tactics, and fight coverage—and we know how to counter them.

Practical Guides & FAQs for New Waverly Parents and Students

For Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Steps

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

• Unexplained injuries (bruises, burns, limping).
• Extreme exhaustion, sleep deprivation.
• Sudden secrecy about organization activities.
• Personality changes: anxiety, withdrawal, irritability.
• Constant phone use for group chats, anxiety when messages arrive.
• Financial requests for unexplained “fines” or “dues.”

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing:

1. Prioritize Safety: If in immediate danger, call 911.
2. Document Everything: Write down what your child tells you with dates. Screenshot any messages they show you.
3. Seek Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation and tell the doctor about the hazing.
4. Contact an Attorney Before Reporting: We can advise on how to report to best preserve evidence and protect your child from retaliation.
5. Do Not Confront the Organization: This triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching.

For Students: Is This Hazing? How to Exit Safely

Ask Yourself:

• Am I being pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
• Am I being told to keep secrets?

If You Need to Exit:

• Your physical safety comes first. Call 911 if you need help.
• You have the legal right to quit at any time. Send a clear text or email: “I resign my membership effective immediately.”
• Do NOT go to a “final meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur.
• Tell a trusted adult (parent, RA, professor) immediately.
• Texas has good-faith reporter protections: You generally cannot be punished for calling 911 in a medical emergency, even if underage drinking was involved.

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin a Hazing Case

1. Deleting Digital Evidence: Preserve all group chats, texts, and social media posts. Their deletion can look like a cover-up.
2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority First: This gives them a head start to destroy evidence and lawyer up.
3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms: Universities may offer quick, confidential resolutions that waive your right to sue. Do not sign without an attorney.
4. Posting Details on Social Media: Defense attorneys monitor everything. Inconsistencies can hurt credibility.
5. Waiting for the University to “Handle It”: Internal processes are not designed for victim compensation or full accountability. The clock is ticking on the statute of limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions for Texas Families

“Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT, SHSU) have some sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence or Title IX violations. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity barriers. The specific facts determine viability.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death is a state jail felony. Individuals who fail to report hazing can also face misdemeanor charges.

“My child ‘agreed’ to the activities. Do we have a case?”
Yes. Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The law recognizes the coercive power of peer pressure and the desire to belong.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally, two years from the date of injury or death in Texas. However, the “discovery rule” or fraudulent concealment by defendants can sometimes extend this. Do not wait. Evidence disappears quickly.

“Will my child’s name be public?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We can often file under pseudonym (“John Doe”) and seek protective orders to seal sensitive records. Your family’s privacy is a priority.

“What if it happened at an off-campus house or retreat?”
Location does not eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can be responsible for off-campus conduct of their recognized organizations, especially if they knew or should have known about the risks.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand the unique dynamics of campus organizations, institutional cover-ups, and the specific defenses that national fraternities and universities deploy. You need the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

1. Insurance Insider Advantage – Mr. Lupe Peña:
Mr. Peña (he/him) spent years as an attorney at a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value claims, deploy delay tactics, and fight coverage. We know their playbook because we used to run it. This insider knowledge is critical when negotiating with deep-pocketed institutional defendants.

2. Complex Institutional Litigation Experience – Ralph Manginello:
Our firm was one of the few in Texas involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, facing billion-dollar defendants. We are not intimidated by national fraternities or major universities. We have federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) and a track record of taking on powerful institutions.

3. Active, High-Stakes Hazing Litigation:
We are not theoreticians. Right now, we are lead counsel in the $10 million Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit. This active case informs our strategy for every hazing client we represent. We are on the front lines of Texas hazing accountability.

4. Data-Driven Investigation – The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:
We maintain a proprietary database of over 1,423 Greek organizations in Texas, built from IRS filings, university records, and public data. We don’t start from scratch; we know how to trace liability from the local chapter to the national headquarters and affiliated entities.

5. Dual Civil & Criminal Capability:
Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) signals elite criminal defense knowledge. This is crucial when hazing involves criminal charges, or when we need to advise witnesses who may have exposure.

6. Compassionate, Client-Centered Advocacy:
We know this is one of the most traumatic experiences a family can endure. Our job is to carry the legal burden so you can focus on healing. We communicate regularly, fight for your privacy, and are driven by a mission to secure accountability and prevent future harm.

We Serve Families Throughout Texas, Including New Waverly and Walker County

From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we represent hazing victims and their families across Texas. Whether your child was injured at Sam Houston State University here in Walker County, at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, or any other campus, we have the knowledge, resources, and determination to help.

Your Next Step: A Confidential, No-Obligation Consultation

If hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to navigate this alone. The window for preserving evidence and taking action is short.

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

• Listen to your story with empathy and without judgment.
• Review any evidence you have gathered.
• Explain your legal options under Texas and federal law.
• Discuss the realistic timeline, process, and potential outcomes.
• Answer all your questions about costs (we work on a contingency fee basis—no fee unless we win).
• There is no pressure to hire us on the spot. Our goal is to ensure you have the information needed to make the best decision for your family.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). You can also reach us directly at (713) 528-9070 or via cell at (713) 443-4781.

Hablamos Español: For consultation in Spanish, please contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com.

Website: https://attorney911.com

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified Texas attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com