The Definitive Texas Hazing Lawsuit Guide for Families in Newark, Wise County

When the Pledge Process Turns to Abuse: A Newark Family’s Guide to Hazing Lawsuits in Texas

Imagine your child, a college freshman filled with excitement about making new friends and joining a campus organization, calls home from their University of Houston dorm. Their voice is tired, anxious. They mention “mandatory study sessions” that run until 3 AM, being “on call” to drive older members around Houston at all hours, and strange requests they can’t talk about. A few weeks later, you’re rushing down I-45 to a Houston emergency room after receiving a panicked call—your child is hospitalized with kidney failure after a fraternity “workout” that left them passing brown urine.

This exact scenario unfolded for the family of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who nearly died after extreme hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter in fall 2025. Right now, we at Attorney911 are fighting his $10 million lawsuit against the university, the national fraternity, and 13 individual members. His case—involving forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, being sprayed with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and 100+ push-up sessions that caused life-threatening rhabdomyolysis—proves that severe hazing isn’t just happening somewhere else. It’s happening at Texas universities where Newark families send their children.

For families in Newark, Wise County, and throughout North Texas, the reality of modern hazing demands urgent understanding. This comprehensive guide explains what hazing looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects your child, what’s happening at major universities including those your Newark student might attend, and what legal options exist when tradition becomes trauma.

Immediate Crisis Response for Newark Families

IF YOUR CHILD IS IN DANGER RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies or immediate threats
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Get medical attention even if your child insists they’re “fine”
PRESERVE EVIDENCE BEFORE DELETION:
- Screenshot ALL group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage)
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles with a ruler for scale
- Save physical items (pledge packets, paddles, clothing)
- Write down everything your child tells you (names, dates, locations)

DO NOT:

Confront the fraternity/sorority directly
Sign anything from the university or insurance company
Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence
Post details on public social media

Understanding Hazing in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

What Modern Hazing Really Looks Like

Hazing has evolved far beyond the “harmless pranks” of decades past. Today, it’s a sophisticated system of psychological control, physical endangerment, and digital surveillance that exploits young people’s desire for belonging. For Newark families watching their children head off to Texas universities, understanding these modern patterns is the first step toward protection.

Alcohol & Substance Hazing: The most common and deadly form remains forced consumption. Newark students at Texas A&M, UT Austin, or UH might face “Big/Little” nights where they’re given handles of liquor, “lineup” drinking games where incorrect answers mean rapid consumption, or “family tree” rituals requiring dangerous alcohol intake. The Leonel Bermudez case at UH involved forced eating of hot dogs, milk, and peppercorns until vomiting—a classic food/alcohol hazing hybrid.

Physical Endurance Hazing: Extreme exercise disguised as “conditioning” or “workouts” has hospitalized multiple Texas students. Bermudez’s 100+ push-ups and 500 squats session caused rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown leading to kidney failure. Other patterns include “smokings” (exhaustive calisthenics), cold exposure in underwear, sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions,” and dangerous physical tests.

Digital & Psychological Control: Today’s hazing operates through group chats that demand 24/7 availability. Newark students might be required to:

Respond instantly to messages at any hour
Share live location via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
Post humiliating content on social media as “challenges”
Maintain constant communication while being verbally abused in chats

Sexualized & Humiliating Rituals: The “pledge fanny pack” in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case contained condoms and sex toys—part of systematic humiliation. Other patterns include forced nudity, simulated sexual acts (“elephant walks”), racial or gender-based degradation, and public shaming rituals.

Where Hazing Happens at Texas Universities

While fraternities and sororities dominate headlines, Newark families should know hazing occurs in multiple organizations their children might join:

Fraternities & Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, Multicultural councils)
Corps of Cadets & ROTC programs (especially at Texas A&M)
Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading)
Spirit & Tradition Groups (Texas Cowboys, cheer teams, marching bands)
Academic & Honor Societies
Cultural & Service Organizations

The common thread isn’t the organization type—it’s the abuse of power dynamics where established members exploit newcomers’ desire for acceptance.

Texas Hazing Law: What Newark Families Need to Know

The Texas Education Code Framework

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes in Education Code Chapter 37 that provide both criminal penalties and civil liability pathways. For Newark families pursuing accountability, understanding these laws is crucial.

Definition (Section 37.151): Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for purposes of initiation into, affiliation with, or maintaining membership in any organization that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
Involves brutality, physical activity, sleep deprivation, exposure to elements, confinement, or other potentially harmful activities
Involves consumption of food, drink, drugs, or other substances
Involves other activities that adversely affect mental health or dignity

Critical Texas-Specific Provisions:

Consent is NOT a Defense (Section 37.155): Even if your Newark student “agreed” to participate, Texas law explicitly states consent doesn’t legalize hazing. Courts recognize that power imbalances, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion make true voluntary consent impossible in these situations.

Criminal Penalties (Section 37.152):

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 Charges: Individual officers can face charges for failing to report hazing

Organizational Liability (Section 37.153): The organization itself can be fined up to $10,000 per violation and lose university recognition. This means both individuals AND the fraternity/sorority/group can face consequences.

Good-Faith Reporting Protection (Section 37.154): Students who report hazing or call for medical help in emergencies receive immunity from university discipline and criminal prosecution related to their own involvement. This is critical for Newark students afraid of “getting in trouble.”

Civil Liability vs. Criminal Prosecution

Newark families often ask: “Can we sue even if no one is criminally charged?” The answer is YES. These are separate paths:

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (DA’s office)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Standard: “Beyond reasonable doubt”
Result: Criminal record for perpetrators

Civil Lawsuits:

Brought by victims/families
Aim: Compensation and accountability
Standard: “Preponderance of evidence” (more likely than not)
Result: Financial recovery for medical bills, pain/suffering, future care

The Leonel Bermudez case illustrates this perfectly: while criminal investigations continue, we’re simultaneously pursuing his civil rights and personal injury claims. Many successful hazing cases settle confidentially through civil litigation before criminal trials conclude.

Federal Laws Overlaying Texas Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This federal law requires universities receiving federal funding (all public Texas schools plus most privates) to:

Publicly report hazing incidents starting around 2026
Maintain hazing prevention programs
Provide transparency about disciplinary outcomes
For Newark families, this means better access to information about which organizations have histories of violations.

Title IX & Clery Act: When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based discrimination, Title IX requires universities to investigate and potentially provide remedies. The Clery Act mandates reporting of certain crimes—including some hazing-related offenses—in annual security reports.

National Hazing Patterns: Why History Matters for Newark Families

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Repeating Script

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (2021): Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” night, forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol, died from alcohol poisoning. Result: $10 million settlement ($7M from national Pi Kappa Alpha, ~$3M from BGSU).

Max Gruver – LSU (2017): Phi Delta Theta “Bible study” drinking game, forced drinking for incorrect answers, died with 0.495% BAC. Result: Louisiana passed the Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony; civil settlement.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State (2017): Beta Theta Pi bid acceptance night, excessive drinking, fatal falls caught on chapter cameras, delayed medical care. Result: Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania; dozens of criminal convictions.

What This Means for Newark Families: These aren’t isolated incidents—they’re predictable patterns. When your child joins a fraternity/sorority with this national history, the organization knew or should have known the risks. This “foreseeability” strengthens civil negligence claims.

Physical & Ritualized Violence

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College (2013): Pi Delta Psi “glass ceiling” ritual at Pennsylvania retreat, blindfolded tackling, fatal head injuries, delayed help. Result: National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri (2021): Phi Gamma Delta “pledge dad reveal” night, forced excessive drinking, permanent severe brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see). Result: Settlements with 22 defendants; ongoing 24/7 care needed.

Texas A&M SAE Chemical Burns (2021): Sigma Alpha Epsilon pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. Result: $1 million lawsuit; chapter suspension.

Newark Connection: These patterns repeat across state lines. The same national organizations operating at Texas universities have established histories of dangerous rituals. When investigating a hazing case involving a Newark student, we immediately research that national organization’s history nationwide.

Athletic & Non-Greek Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025): Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing within the football program spanning years. Result: Multiple lawsuits, head coach firing and confidential settlement, program overhaul.

Baylor Baseball (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation. Result: Staggered suspensions, internal discipline.

Takeaway for Newark Families: Hazing isn’t limited to Greek letters. If your child is an athlete, band member, or joins any group with power imbalances, similar risks exist. The legal principles remain the same.

Texas University Hazing Realities: Where Newark Students Are at Risk

University of Houston: The Current Front Line

For Newark Families: While UH is 250+ miles from Newark, many Wise County students attend, drawn by strong programs and urban opportunities. The Leonel Bermudez case proves the dangers are real.

The Bermudez Case Timeline (Fall 2025):

Sept 16: Accepts Pi Kappa Phi bid
Sept-Oct: Forced dress codes, overnight chauffeuring, humiliating “pledge fanny pack” rule (condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices)
Oct 13: Witnesses another pledge hog-tied face-down with object in mouth for over an hour
Nov 3: Forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats at Yellowstone Boulevard Park
Nov 6-9: Hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure; passes brown urine
Legal Action: Our $10 million lawsuit names UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, housing corporation, and 13 individual members

UH’s Greek Landscape:

125+ registered Greek organizations in the Houston metro area (per Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine data)
Major fraternities with national hazing histories present on campus
Reporting channels: Dean of Students Office, UHPD, online reporting forms

What Newark UH Families Should Know:

Immediate Reporting: UH has amnesty protections for good-faith reporters
Evidence Collection: Houston police (HPD) may have jurisdiction for off-campus incidents
Legal Venue: Civil cases typically filed in Harris County courts
Pattern Evidence: We maintain records of prior UH hazing incidents for establishing foreseeability

Texas A&M University: Tradition and Risk

Newark Proximity: At approximately 200 miles from Newark, Texas A&M attracts many North Texas students for its engineering, business, and agricultural programs. The Corps of Cadets adds another layer of hazing risk.

Documented A&M Cases:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021): Pledges allegedly doused with industrial cleaner causing severe burns requiring skin grafts. Result: $1 million lawsuit, chapter suspension.

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023): Cadet allegedly bound between beds in humiliating position with apple in mouth during hazing ritual. Result: Over $1 million lawsuit filed.

Recent A&M Hazing Violations: Public records show ongoing issues with alcohol hazing, physical endurance tests, and psychological abuse across multiple organizations.

A&M’s Unique Factors:

Corps of Cadets culture with military-style discipline traditions
Strong Greek life presence with 42+ Greek organizations in College Station metro area
University transparency: Publishes some disciplinary outcomes
Brazos County jurisdiction for legal proceedings

For Newark A&M Families:

Reporting: Student Conduct Office, Corps leadership (if applicable), campus police
Evidence Preservation: Crucial given A&M’s tradition-heavy culture that normalizes some abusive behaviors
Legal Strategy: Often requires proving deviation from established safety protocols

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Patterns

Austin Connection: While UT Austin is 200+ miles from Newark, its prestige draws students statewide. UT’s public hazing violation log provides unique insight into patterns.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations (Examples):

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume excessive milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Sanction: Probation, mandatory hazing prevention education.

Texas Wranglers (Multiple Years): Spirit organization cited for alcohol hazing, physical endurance tests, degrading activities.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): Ongoing investigation into assault allegations involving international student.

UT’s Greek Ecosystem:

154+ Greek organizations in Austin metro area
Public violation log at hazing.utexas.edu (more transparent than most Texas schools)
Major national fraternities with documented hazing histories present on campus

For Newark UT Families:

Use the Public Log: Check if your child’s organization has prior violations
Document Everything: UT’s process is more transparent but still institutional-focused
Legal Leverage: Prior violations establish clear “notice” to university and organizations
Travis County Courts: Where civil cases typically proceed

Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Universities: Closer to Home for Newark

Newark’s Regional Context: Located in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area, Newark families often have children at:

University of North Texas (Denton): 45 miles from Newark
Texas Christian University (Fort Worth): 35 miles from Newark
University of Texas at Arlington: 30 miles from Newark
Southern Methodist University (Dallas): 40 miles from Newark

DFW Greek Landscape (Per Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine):

510+ Greek organizations across the metro area
Concrete Examples from Public Records:
- Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity: 12650 N Beach St #114, Fort Worth, TX 76244
- Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation: PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147
- Delta Delta Delta National Headquarters: Dallas area
- Multiple chapter house corporations in Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington

SMU-Specific Issues:

Private university with affluent Greek culture
Kappa Alpha Order (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation violations
Transparency Challenges: Less public reporting than state schools
Dallas County Jurisdiction: Courts familiar with institutional cases

For Newark DFW-Area Families:

Proximity Advantage: Easier to visit campus, attend meetings, gather evidence
Local Legal Knowledge: We understand Dallas, Tarrant, and Denton county courts
Metro-Wide Patterns: Hazing behaviors often mirror across DFW campuses
Multiple Reporting Options: Campus police, local city PD (Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington police)

Fraternity & Sorority National Histories: The Pattern Evidence

Why National Records Matter for Your Newark Student’s Case

When a fraternity with 200 chapters nationwide has a hazing death in Ohio, then the same thing happens to your child at a Texas chapter, that’s not coincidence—it’s foreseeable negligence. National organizations create liability through:

Standardized Rituals: Many hazing practices are transmitted through national “traditions”
Inadequate Supervision: Nationals often fail to monitor local chapter compliance
Prior Notice: Previous incidents put them on notice of risks
Insurance Coverage: Nationals typically carry liability policies that can provide compensation

Major National Organizations Present at Texas Universities

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

National History: Stone Foltz death (BGSU 2021), multiple other alcohol hazing deaths
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
Pattern: “Big/Little” drinking nights, forced alcohol consumption
Legal Significance: Prior incidents establish clear foreseeability

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

National History: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide, traumatic brain injury lawsuit (Alabama), chemical burns case (Texas A&M)
Texas Presence: Chapters at all five major Texas universities
Pattern: Physical violence, dangerous initiations, alcohol hazing
Legal Strategy: National’s knowledge of prior incidents strengthens negligence claims

Phi Delta Theta:

National History: Max Gruver death (LSU 2017) leading to Louisiana felony hazing law
Texas Presence: Multiple Texas chapters
Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games, alcohol poisoning risks
Legal Advantage: Well-documented national pattern aids proof

Pi Kappa Phi:

National History: Andrew Coffey death (FSU 2017), Leonel Bermudez case (UH 2025)
Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, others
Pattern: Physical endurance hazing, alcohol coercion
Current Litigation: We are actively litigating against them in the Bermudez case

Kappa Alpha Order:

National History: Multiple hazing suspensions including SMU chapter (2017)
Texas Presence: SMU, Texas A&M, other campuses
Pattern: Paddling, physical abuse, alcohol hazing
Documentation: Public records of prior violations available

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Our Investigative Advantage

For Newark families, understanding that we don’t start from scratch is crucial. Our firm maintains what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of:

Texas-Specific Greek Organization Data:

125+ IRS-registered Texas Greek organizations with EINs, legal names, addresses
510+ Greek entities in DFW metro alone (your Newark student’s likely area)
Campus-by-campus chapter information for UH, A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor
National brand tracking showing same organizations across Texas metros

Concrete Examples from Public Records:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc
EIN: 46-2267515 | 10601 Big Horn Trail, Frisco, TX 75035
Source: IRS B83 filing – the housing corporation for the UH chapter being sued

Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc
EIN: 74-1380362 | PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147
Source: IRS B83 filing – educational foundation for Kappa Sigma chapters

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter
Location: Houston, TX | Source: Cause IQ metro records

Kappa Alpha Psi – Arlington-Grand Prairie Alumni Chapter
EIN: 23-2452759 | PO Box 542901, Grand Prairie, TX 75054
Source: IRS B83 filing – shows alumni network reach

Why This Matters for Your Case:

Immediate Entity Identification: We know which legal entities to sue (chapter, housing corp, alumni assoc, national)
Insurance Coverage Mapping: Different entities carry different insurance policies
Pattern Establishment: Shows how national brands operate across Texas
Investigation Speed: We don’t waste time discovering basic organizational structures

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages

Critical Evidence Collection for Newark Families

48-HOUR EVIDENCE PRESERVATION CHECKLIST:

DIGITAL EVIDENCE (MOST CRITICAL):

Group Chats: Screenshot entire threads (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord)
Social Media: Save stories, posts, DMs before deletion (24-hour Snapchat/Instagram stories disappear fast)
Photos/Videos: Download all media from events, injuries, locations
Location Data: Preserve Google Maps/Snapchat location history if hazing occurred at multiple sites
Communication Apps: Fraternity-specific apps often contain planning discussions

PHYSICAL EVIDENCE:

Injuries: Photograph daily as bruises develop/change
Medical Records: Request ALL records including ambulance reports, ER notes, lab results
Objects: Save paddles, pledge packets, clothing with stains/damage
Receipts: For alcohol purchases, costume rentals, other forced expenses

WITNESS INFORMATION:

Other Pledges: Names, contact info, what they witnessed
Members Who Left: Former members often willing to testify about patterns
Bystanders: Roommates, neighbors, Uber drivers who saw something
Medical Providers: ER doctors, nurses who treated injuries

INSTITUTIONAL RECORDS (OBTAINED VIA LEGAL PROCESS):

University Files: Prior complaints, disciplinary records, investigation reports
National Fraternity Records: Risk management files, prior incident reports
Insurance Policies: Coverage documents from all potential defendants
Property Records: Who owns the house where hazing occurred

Legal Strategy: Overcoming Common Defenses

When Newark families come to us, they often hear the same arguments from organizations. Here’s how we counter them:

DEFENSE: “Your Child Consented”

Our Response: Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Power imbalances, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion make true consent impossible.
Evidence Used: Group chat messages showing implicit threats, testimony about social consequences of refusal, expert testimony on group dynamics.

DEFENSE: “This Was a Rogue Chapter – National Didn’t Know”

Our Response: Nationals have constructive notice based on prior incidents nationwide. Their training materials acknowledge hazing risks precisely because they know it happens.
Evidence Used: Subpoenaed national records showing prior complaints, pattern evidence from other chapters, risk management manuals that anticipate these exact behaviors.

DEFENSE: “It Happened Off-Campus – Not Our Responsibility”

Our Response: Universities and nationals maintain control over recognized organizations regardless of location. Off-campus hazing is predictable and often intentional to avoid detection.
Evidence Used: University recognition agreements, national oversight policies, evidence that events followed organizational traditions.

DEFENSE: “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”

Our Response: Paper policies without meaningful enforcement are worthless. We show the gap between written rules and actual practice.
Evidence Used: Prior violations with minimal consequences, testimony about ineffective training, evidence of policy violations being ignored.

DEFENSE: “Insurance Doesn’t Cover Intentional Acts”

Our Response: Even if hazing was intentional, the negligence (failure to supervise, train, monitor) may still be covered. We identify all potential insurance sources.
Our Advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as an insurance defense attorney means we know exactly how insurers try to deny claims—and how to overcome those denials.

Damages: What Newark Families Can Recover

ECONOMIC DAMAGES (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical Bills: ER visits, hospital stays, surgeries, ongoing treatment
Future Medical Care: Physical therapy, psychological counseling, medications
Lost Educational Costs: Tuition for semesters missed, lost scholarships
Earning Capacity Loss: Reduced future earnings if injuries cause permanent disability
Other Expenses: Travel for treatment, tutoring, alternative housing

NON-ECONOMIC DAMAGES (Subjective Harm):

Physical Pain & Suffering: Documented through medical records and testimony
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses from mental health professionals
Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in college life, activities, relationships
Humiliation & Dignity Harm: Particularly significant in hazing cases involving public degradation

WRONGFUL DEATH DAMAGES (For Families):

Funeral & Burial Costs
Loss of Companionship & Support: Economic analysis of deceased’s potential lifetime contributions
Parental & Sibling Grief: Therapy costs, emotional suffering
Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious conduct, to punish and deter

TEXAS-SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS:

Sovereign Immunity: Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some protection, but exceptions exist for gross negligence
Comparative Fault: Texas follows modified comparative fault – if plaintiff is 50% or less at fault, recovery reduced by percentage of fault
Damage Caps: Some limitations on non-economic damages in certain cases

Practical Guides for Newark Parents, Students, and Witnesses

For Newark Parents: Warning Signs and Action Steps

RED FLAGS YOUR NEWARK STUDENT MAY BE BEING HAZED:

Physical Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Rapid weight loss or gain
Signs of alcohol poisoning (even if your child doesn’t normally drink)
Chemical burns or skin damage

Behavioral Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family and non-member friends
Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability
Constant phone checking/responding to group chats
Financial requests for unexplained expenses

Academic Impact:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep in class
Losing scholarships or academic standing

HOW TO TALK TO YOUR CHILD:

Choose Neutral Timing: Not when they’re stressed or rushing
Use Open Questions: “How are things with [organization]?” not “Are they hazing you?”
Express Concern, Not Accusation: “I’m worried about how tired you seem” not “You’re being hazed”
Emphasize Safety: “Your health matters more than any organization”
Offer Unconditional Support: “Whatever’s happening, we’re here for you”

IMMEDIATE ACTION STEPS:

Medical Priority: Get professional evaluation even for “minor” injuries
Evidence Preservation: Follow our 48-hour checklist above
Document Everything: Write down what your child tells you with dates
Legal Consultation: Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 before talking to university officials
Safety Planning: If retaliation is feared, help your child secure alternative housing

For Newark Students: Recognizing and Escaping Hazing

IS THIS HAZING? DECISION GUIDE:

Are you being pressured to do something dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would you participate if there were no social consequences for refusing?
Are older members making you do things they don’t have to do?
Are you told to keep secrets or lie about activities?
Do you feel trapped between loyalty and safety?

IF YOU ANSWERED YES: Trust your instincts. What you’re experiencing meets Texas’s legal definition of hazing.

SAFE EXIT STRATEGIES:

Medical Emergency: Call 911 if anyone is injured or dangerously intoxicated
Confidential Report: Use university anonymous reporting systems
Formal Resignation: Email chapter president: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Safety Net: Tell a trusted adult (parent, professor, counselor) before taking action
Document First: Preserve evidence BEFORE announcing your departure

YOUR RIGHTS UNDER TEXAS LAW:

Good-Faith Reporter Protection: You won’t face university discipline for reporting
Criminal Victim Status: Even if you “participated,” you’re the victim, not perpetrator
Civil Recovery Rights: You may have compensation claims for injuries
Retaliation Protection: Harassment after reporting can lead to additional claims

For Witnesses & Former Members: Coming Forward

IF YOU WITNESSED HAZING:

Your testimony could prevent future injuries or deaths
You may have evidence (photos, messages) that seem minor but establish patterns
Anonymous reporting options exist through campus systems and national hotlines
Consulting with an attorney can protect you while you do the right thing

IF YOU PARTICIPATED AND REGRET IT:

Many former members carry guilt about their involvement
Coming forward can be part of personal accountability and healing
Legal protections exist for cooperative witnesses
Your insider perspective is invaluable for establishing organizational patterns

NATIONAL ANTI-HAZING HOTLINE: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)

Anonymous 24/7 reporting
Not affiliated with Attorney911 but a valuable resource

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

WHAT NEWARK FAMILIES MUST AVOID:

Letting Evidence Be Destroyed: “
I’ll delete these embarrassing messages so my child doesn’t get in more trouble”
- REALITY: Looks like cover-up, makes case nearly impossible
- INSTEAD: Preserve everything immediately
Confronting the Organization Directly:
“I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
- REALITY: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
- INSTEAD: Document quietly, then call us at 1-888-ATTY-911
Signing University “Resolution” Forms:
“The Dean said if we sign this, they’ll handle everything internally”
- REALITY: You may waive legal rights for minimal concessions
- INSTEAD: NO SIGNING without attorney review
Posting on Social Media:
“I want everyone to know what happened”
- REALITY: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
- INSTEAD: Private documentation only
Waiting “To See How the University Handles It”:
“Let’s give them a chance to do the right thing”
- REALITY: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
- INSTEAD: Parallel track: preserve evidence while university investigates
Talking to Insurance Adjusters:
“They just need a statement to process the claim”
- REALITY: Recorded statements are used against you
- INSTEAD: “Please contact my attorney”

Why Attorney911 for Newark Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Litigation

INSURANCE INSIDER KNOWLEDGE – Mr. Lupe Peña’s Advantage:

Former Insurance Defense Attorney: Spent years at national defense firm representing insurance companies
Knows Their Playbook: Understands exactly how fraternity/university insurers value claims, use delay tactics, argue coverage exclusions
Spanish Language Services: Fluent Spanish for Newark Hispanic families (Se habla Español)
Practical Quote from Mr. Peña: “If this prevents harm to another person…Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

COMPLEX INSTITUTIONAL LITIGATION – Ralph Manginello’s Experience:

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar defendant
Federal Court Admitted: United States District Court, Southern District of Texas
HCCLA Membership: Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association credential signals elite criminal defense capability
25+ Years Experience: Practicing since 1998, founded firm in 2001

CURRENT TEXAS HAZING LITIGATION – The Bermudez Case:

Active $10 Million Lawsuit: Representing Leonel Bermudez against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, 13 members
Media Coverage: Featured in Click2Houston, ABC13, Hoodline reports
Proven Strategy: Combining civil rights claims, personal injury, institutional negligence
Evidence Mastery: Digital forensics for deleted messages, medical expert collaboration for rhabdomyolysis proof

TEXAS GEOGRAPHIC MASTERY:

Houston Office: Primary location for Harris County cases (UH, Houston-area schools)
Statewide Reach: Serving Newark families throughout Wise County and North Texas
DFW Understanding: Familiar with Dallas, Tarrant, Denton county courts and procedures
University-Specific Knowledge: Deep research on UH, A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor policies and histories

Our Investigative Process for Newark Cases

PHASE 1: IMMEDIATE RESPONSE (0-48 Hours)

Evidence Preservation Letters: Sent to universities, organizations, social media platforms
Digital Forensics: Recovery of deleted messages through technical means
Witness Interviews: Immediate contact before stories become “coordinated”
Medical Record Collection: Authorization for all treatment documentation

PHASE 2: INVESTIGATIVE DEVELOPMENT (Weeks 1-4)

Public Records Requests: University disciplinary records, police reports, property ownership
National Pattern Research: Prior incidents involving same organizations nationwide
Expert Consultation: Medical specialists, psychologists, economists, Greek life experts
Insurance Mapping: Identifying all potential coverage sources

PHASE 3: CASE STRATEGY (Month 2+)

Defendant Identification: Chapter, housing corp, alumni assoc, national, university, individuals
Legal Theory Development: Negligence, gross negligence, civil rights, premises liability
Settlement vs. Trial Analysis: Based on evidence strength, defendant resources, client goals
Damage Quantification: Economic analysis of all losses

PHASE 4: RESOLUTION

Demand Package: Comprehensive presentation of evidence and damages
Negotiation/Mediation: Most cases settle confidentially
Trial Preparation: Ready to proceed if fair settlement not offered
Post-Resolution: Assistance with structured settlements, advocacy involvement

Contingency Fee Structure: No Cost Unless We Win

HOW IT WORKS FOR NEWARK FAMILIES:

No Upfront Fees: We cover all case costs initially
Only Paid if Successful: Percentage of recovery only if we win settlement or verdict
Cost Reimbursement: Case expenses repaid from recovery
Transparent Agreement: Clear terms explained before you decide

WHY THIS MATTERS:

Access to Justice: Families shouldn’t avoid legal help due to cost concerns
Aligned Interests: We only succeed if you succeed
Risk Management: We carefully evaluate cases before accepting on contingency

Call to Action for Newark Families

Your Next Steps for Accountability and Recovery

If hazing has impacted your Newark family—whether your child attends UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any Texas campus—you don’t have to navigate this alone.

CONTACT US FOR A FREE, CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION:

Phone: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781 (after hours/weekends)
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com

SPANISH SERVICES AVAILABLE:
Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN YOUR FREE CONSULTATION:

Listen Without Judgment: We hear your full story first
Evidence Review: We look at what you’ve preserved (photos, messages, medical records)
Legal Options Explained: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Realistic Assessment: Strengths, challenges, likely outcomes
Cost Transparency: Contingency fee explanation with no obligation
Time to Decide: No pressure to hire us immediately

SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEWARK FAMILIES:
While our physical offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas including Wise County and the entire DFW metro area. Distance doesn’t prevent effective representation—modern technology allows thorough consultation and case management regardless of location.

The patterns are clear, the laws exist, and the precedents are established. What happened to Leonel Bermudez at UH, to Stone Foltz at Bowling Green, to Timothy Piazza at Penn State—these aren’t isolated incidents. They’re predictable outcomes when institutions prioritize tradition over safety.

Your child’s health and future matter more than any organization’s reputation. The accountability you seek today could prevent another family’s tragedy tomorrow.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

Attorney911 Educational Videos:
4. Evidence Preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
5. Statute of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
6. Client Mistakes to Avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
7. Contingency Fees Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website:
8. 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
Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com