Hazing in Texas Colleges: A Comprehensive Guide for City of Palacios and Matagorda County Families

Immediate Help for a Hazing Emergency in Palacios

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW from fraternity, sorority, Corps, or athletic team hazing anywhere in Texas—whether they’re at school in Houston, College Station, Austin, or beyond—you need immediate help.

CALL 911 for any medical emergency, then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911).

We are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, and we provide immediate, aggressive, professional help for Texas families facing hazing crises. For families right here in Palacios, Matagorda County, and across the Texas Gulf Coast, we understand that when your child is hurt at college, distance doesn’t diminish your fear or their need for protection.

In the First 48 Hours:

Get Medical Attention Immediately: Even if your child insists they’re “fine,” hazing injuries like rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown), alcohol poisoning, or internal injuries can be fatal if untreated.
Preserve Evidence BEFORE It’s Deleted: Screenshot all group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage), photograph injuries from multiple angles, save physical items (clothing, paddles, receipts).
Write Everything Down: Record who, what, when, where while memories are fresh.
DO NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority directly (they’ll destroy evidence)
- 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 narratives. We help Palacios families preserve evidence and protect their children’s rights.

The Palacios Parent’s Nightmare: When Campus “Tradition” Turns to Trauma

Imagine this scenario, familiar to too many Texas families: Your child—maybe a student at University of Houston, Texas A&M, or another Texas campus—joins what seems like a respected organization. They want connection, tradition, belonging. Then the texts start coming at all hours. The “optional” events that aren’t really optional. The late-night “study sessions” that leave them exhausted. The drinking games framed as “bonding.” The physical demands disguised as “conditioning.”

For parents in Palacios, watching from our coastal community while our children navigate campuses hours away, the helplessness is profound. When that call finally comes—”Mom, Dad, something’s wrong”—or when you see the bruises, the weight loss, the personality change during a visit home, the reality hits: This isn’t just college mischief. This is hazing, and it can cause permanent physical and psychological damage.

Right now, in Texas, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country. Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student, allegedly endured months of brutal hazing as a Pi Kappa Phi (Beta Nu chapter) pledge in fall 2025—forced dress codes, mandatory “fanny packs” filled with humiliating items, overnight chauffeuring duties, and extreme physical abuse including being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” and forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting. The November 3, 2025, “workout” of 100+ push-ups and 500 squats left him with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, brown urine, and a four-day hospitalization with critically high creatine kinase levels. The Pi Kappa Phi chapter was suspended on November 6 and voted to surrender its charter on November 14. We represent Mr. Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders.

This case—documented in Click2Houston, ABC13, and Hoodline coverage—isn’t an outlier. It’s the reality of modern hazing at Texas universities. And for Palacios families whose children attend UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or other Texas campuses, understanding this reality is the first step toward protection and accountability.

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

Hazing has evolved far beyond the “animal house” stereotypes. Today’s hazing is digitally coordinated, psychologically sophisticated, and often disguised as “team building” or “tradition.” For Palacios parents who may be unfamiliar with modern Greek life or campus organization dynamics, recognizing the signs is crucial.

The Three-Tier Reality of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Harmless”)

24/7 Digital Control: Constant GroupMe/WhatsApp demands, required instant responses, location tracking via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
Servitude Requirements: Acting as personal drivers at all hours, cleaning members’ rooms, running errands, being “on call”
Psychological Manipulation: Social isolation from non-members, required secrecy from parents and university, demeaning nicknames
Academic Interference: Mandatory late-night meetings during exams, required event attendance that conflicts with classes

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Creates Hostile Environment)

Sleep Deprivation: Late-night “meetings,” 3 AM wake-up calls for “workouts,” multi-day events with minimal rest
Forced Consumption: Overeating bland foods (milk, bread, hot dogs) until vomiting, chugging unpleasant substances
Extreme Exercise: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups/squats beyond safe limits, “wall sits” until collapse
Public Humiliation: Embarrassing costumes in public, forced performances, “roasting” sessions

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (High Injury/Death Risk)

Forced Alcohol Consumption: “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, drinking games where wrong answers mean drinking, lineups, funneling
Physical Beatings: Paddling, punching, kicking, “branding” with burns or cuts
Dangerous “Tests”: Blindfolded tackle rituals (“glass ceiling”), forced fights, swimming while intoxicated
Sexualized Hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault
Chemical Exposure: Industrial cleaners poured on skin (causing chemical burns requiring skin grafts), as in a Texas A&M SAE case

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

While fraternities and sororities receive most attention, hazing permeates many campus organizations:

Fraternities & Sororities: Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council (Divine Nine), multicultural Greek organizations
Corps of Cadets/Military Groups: Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, ROTC units
Athletic Teams: Football, basketball, baseball, cheer, spirit squads
Performance Groups: Marching bands, spirit organizations like Texas Cowboys
Academic/Service Clubs: Some honor societies, service organizations

Texas Hazing Law: What Palacios Families Must Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes in the Education Code (Chapter 37, Subchapter F) that provide both criminal penalties and civil liability pathways. Understanding this framework is essential for Palacios families considering legal action.

Texas Education Code § 37.151: The Hazing 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.

Key Points for Palacios Families:

Location Doesn’t Matter: Hazing at off-campus houses, Airbnbs, retreats, or bars is still illegal
“Consent” Is Not a Defense: Texas § 37.155 explicitly states victim consent doesn’t legalize hazing
Mental Harm Counts: Psychological trauma, humiliation, and coercion qualify
Recklessness Suffices: They don’t need to “intend” harm—just be reckless about obvious risks

Criminal Penalties (§ 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
7 Additional crimes: Failure to report hazing, retaliation against reporters

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153)

Fraternities, sororities, clubs, and universities themselves can face:

Criminal prosecution if they authorized or encouraged hazing
Fines up to $10,000 per violation
Civil lawsuits for negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress

Good-Faith Reporting Immunity (§ 37.154)

Students who report hazing or call 911 in good faith receive immunity from university discipline and limited criminal protection, even if they were drinking underage or involved themselves. This “medical amnesty” is critical—it saves lives by removing fear of “getting in trouble.”

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The tragedies at other universities aren’t distant news—they’re previews of what can happen here. National fraternities and sororities have documented patterns that repeat across campuses, including Texas schools where Palacios students attend.

Alcohol Poisoning Death Pattern

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

Forced to drink nearly entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from university)
Chapter permanently removed, multiple criminal convictions

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

“Bible study” drinking game—wrong answers meant forced drinking
Died with 0.495% BAC (six times legal limit)
Louisiana passed “Max Gruver Act” making hazing a felony
$6.1 million verdict for family

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

“Big Brother Night” with handles of hard liquor
Died from acute alcohol poisoning
FSU suspended all Greek life temporarily
Civil settlement confidential

Physical & Ritualized Hazing

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)

Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled in “glass ceiling” ritual
Died from traumatic brain injury; help delayed

National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter*

Banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years, $110,000+ fines

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)

Forced excessive drinking during “pledge dad reveal”
Severe permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; needs 24/7 care)
Settlements with 22 defendants, reportedly multi-million dollar total
Chapter closed

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

Widespread sexualized, racist hacing alleged over years
Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
Head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially
Demonstrates hazing extends far beyond Greek life

What These Cases Mean for Palacios Families

Patterns Repeat: The same fraternities (Pi Kappa Alpha, SAE, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Phi) operating at Texas universities have identical rituals nationwide
Universities Often Fail: Schools frequently know about problems but don’t intervene effectively until tragedy
Cover-Ups Are Standard: Delayed 911 calls, destroyed evidence, coached witnesses are common
Justice Is Possible: Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts show courts take hazing seriously
Laws Change After Tragedy: Pennsylvania’s Piazza Law, Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, Ohio’s Collin’s Law all followed deaths

Texas Universities: Where Palacios Students Face Hazing Risks

Palacios families send children to universities across Texas. Understanding the specific risks and histories at each campus helps parents ask the right questions and recognize warning signs.

University of Houston: The Current Crisis Campus

For Palacios Families: UH is approximately 100 miles from Palacios, making it accessible for many Matagorda County students. Its urban campus and diverse Greek life present specific risks.

Current Major Case – Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi:

Fall 2025 Pledging: Alleged months of systematic abuse
Specific Acts: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, overnight driving duties, hose spraying “similar to waterboarding,” forced overeating until vomiting, 100+ push-ups/500 squats workout
Medical Catastrophe: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, four-day hospitalization
Institutional Response: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended chapter Nov 6; chapter surrendered charter Nov 14; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”
Legal Action: $10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, housing corporation, 13 individuals
Our Role: Attorney911 represents Mr. Bermudez

UH Greek Life Scope:

16+ IFC Fraternities including Alpha Sigma Phi, Beta Theta Pi, Delta Upsilon, Kappa Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Sigma Nu, Sigma Phi Epsilon
6 Panhellenic Sororities including Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Delta Gamma, Delta Zeta, Phi Mu, Zeta Tau Alpha
Divine Nine NPHC organizations
Multicultural Greek Council groups

UH’s Public Records Challenge:
Unlike UT Austin, UH doesn’t maintain a public hazing violations database. This lack of transparency means families must often uncover prior incidents through litigation discovery.

What Palacios UH Families Should Do:

Ask Direct Questions: “Has this chapter had prior hazing reports?” to UH Dean of Students
Check National Records: Many nationals have internal incident databases
Document Everything: Houston Police Department (HPD) reports if off-campus; UHPD if on-campus
Act Quickly: Evidence disappears within days at large commuter campuses

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

For Palacios Families: Texas A&M is about 150 miles from Palacios, a common destination for Gulf Coast students seeking traditional college experience. The Corps of Cadets adds unique hazing risks.

Corps of Cadets Hazing History:

2023 Lawsuit: Cadet alleged degrading hazing including being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth
Sought over $1 million
A&M stated it handled matter under its rules
Demonstrates military-style organizations have severe hazing risks

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, spit
Caused severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
Pledges sued for $1 million
Chapter suspended for two years

Texas A&M Greek Life Scope:

19+ IFC Fraternities including Alpha Gamma Rho, Alpha Sigma Phi, Alpha Tau Omega, Beta Theta Pi, Delta Tau Delta, Kappa Alpha Order, Kappa Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Phi Gamma Delta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Sigma Nu, Sigma Phi Epsilon
14 Panhellenic Sororities including Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Epsilon Phi, Alpha Omicron Pi, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma, Delta Zeta, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Delta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Pi Beta Phi, Zeta Tau Alpha
Corps of Cadets with specific anti-hazing policies but documented incidents

What Palacios Texas A&M Families Should Do:

Understand Dual Systems: Both Greek life and Corps have hazing risks
Ask About Specific Chapters: Some have longer violation histories
Bryan/College Station Jurisdiction: Cases may involve Brazos County courts, College Station PD, or A&M University PD
Document Corps Issues: Different chain of command but same legal standards apply

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency with Persistent Problems

For Palacios Families: UT Austin is about 130 miles from Palacios, attracting many Texas students to its prestigious programs. Its public hazing violations database provides unique transparency.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Database:
UT maintains one of Texas’ most transparent systems at hazing.utexas.edu, listing:

Organization names
Incident dates
Conduct descriptions
Sanctions imposed

Recent Examples from UT Database:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; found to be hazing; chapter probation and required education
Texas Wranglers (spirit organization): Multiple sanctions for alcohol-related hazing
Various groups sanctioned for forced workouts, sleep deprivation, alcohol coercion

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024):

Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party
Injuries: dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
Student sued SAE chapter for over $1 million
Chapter already under suspension for prior violations

UT Greek Life Scope:

16+ IFC Fraternities including Alpha Sigma Phi, Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, Sigma Nu, Sigma Phi Epsilon
14 Panhellenic Sororities including Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Epsilon Phi, Alpha Phi, Alpha Xi Delta, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Delta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Pi Beta Phi, Sigma Delta Tau, Zeta Tau Alpha
Texas Asian Pan-Hellenic Council groups
Divine Nine organizations

What Palacios UT Families Should Do:

Check the Database: Review organization’s violation history before letting your child join
Use Transparency: Prior violations strengthen civil cases by showing pattern/knowledge
Austin Jurisdiction: Cases may involve UTPD, Austin PD, Travis County courts
Act on Patterns: Multiple violations against same organization show systemic problems

Southern Methodist University: Private Campus Challenges

For Palacios Families: SMU in Dallas is about 250 miles from Palacios, attracting students to its private university experience and strong Greek system.

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):

New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep
Chapter suspended
Restrictions on recruiting until approximately 2021

SMU’s Private University Dynamics:

Less public transparency than public universities
Strong Greek life culture with approximately 30%+ student participation
Internal reporting systems but limited public records

SMU Greek Life Scope:

6 IFC Fraternities including Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Alpha Order, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi
8 Panhellenic Sororities including Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Pi Beta Phi
Divine Nine organizations (not all may be active)

What Palacios SMU Families Should Do:

Request Records: Private schools still must provide some information through discovery
Understand Greek Density: High participation rates can increase pressure to join/endure
Dallas Jurisdiction: Cases may involve SMU PD, Dallas PD, Dallas County courts
Monitor Social Media: SMU’s affluent student body often documents activities online

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Athletic Culture

For Palacios Families: Baylor in Waco is about 180 miles from Palacios, offering religious-affiliated education with strong athletic traditions.

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):

14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Suspensions staggered over early season
Details not fully public due to internal handling

Baylor’s Context:

Religious identity creates unique dynamics around accountability and transparency
History of Title IX and sexual assault scrutiny influences how hazing is handled
Strong athletic culture extends hazing risks beyond Greek life

Baylor Greek Life Scope:

5 IFC Fraternities including Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi
9 Panhellenic Sororities including Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Phi, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Pi Beta Phi, Zeta Tau Alpha
Divine Nine organizations

What Palacios Baylor Families Should Do:

Ask About Dual Systems: Both Greek life and athletic teams have hazing histories
Understand Religious Context: May affect reporting willingness and institutional response
Waco Jurisdiction: Cases may involve Baylor PD, Waco PD, McLennan County courts
Document Everything: Internal handling doesn’t preclude civil action

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: Public Records Reality for Palacios Families

Behind every fraternity or sorority chapter at Texas universities are multiple legal entities—house corporations, alumni associations, national headquarters—that can share liability when hazing occurs. Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks these organizations so Palacios families don’t start from zero.

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Backbone)

The IRS maintains records of 125+ Texas-registered organizations classified as “Student Sororities, Fraternities” (NTEE code B83). These include house corporations, alumni chapters, and related entities that often hold insurance and assets. Examples relevant to universities Palacios students attend:

University of Houston Area Organizations:

Sigma Phi Epsilon New York Chi Alumni Association Inc – EIN 262710856 – Houston, TX 77007
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated – Sigma Gamma Chapter – EIN 392352450 – Houston, TX 77254
Beta Lambda Chapter – Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc – EIN 990483761 – Houston, TX 77084
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – EIN 746084905 – Houston, TX 77204
Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation – EIN 371768785 – Missouri City, TX 77459

Texas A&M Area Organizations:

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
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – EIN 812525354 – College Station, TX 77845
Texas Nu-Phi Delta Theta Fraternity – EIN 814123811 – College Station, TX 77840

UT Austin Area Organizations:

Chi Omega Fraternity – EIN 740555581 – Austin, TX 78705 (Chi Omega House Corporation)
Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Inc – EIN 741130606 – Austin, TX 78705 (Alpha Mu)
Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi – EIN 746047117 – Austin, TX 78705
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – EIN 463831593 – Austin, TX 78723 (Texas State University)

Statewide Organizations Affecting Palacios Students:

Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 462267515 – Frisco, TX 75035
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – EIN 741380362 – Fort Worth, TX 76147
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – EIN 237279532 – Prairie View, TX 77446
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – EIN 364091267 – Waco, TX 76710

Texas Universities Near Palacios

Palacios families commonly send students to these regional and statewide campuses:

Regional Campuses (Within 150 Miles):

University of Houston-Victoria – Victoria, TX (50 miles from Palacios)
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi – Corpus Christi, TX (100 miles)
Victoria College – Victoria, TX (50 miles)
Wharton County Junior College – Wharton, TX (70 miles)

Major Statewide Universities (Common Destinations):

University of Houston – Houston, TX (100 miles)
Texas A&M University – College Station, TX (150 miles)
University of Texas at Austin – Austin, TX (130 miles)
Texas State University – San Marcos, TX (120 miles)
Texas Tech University – Lubbock, TX (400 miles)
University of North Texas – Denton, TX (250 miles)

Metro Greek Organization Density

Our Cause IQ data shows Greek organization concentrations across Texas metros:

Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188 Greek-related organizations
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510 Greek-related organizations
Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154 Greek-related organizations
San Antonio Metro: 86 Greek-related organizations
College Station-Bryan Metro: 42 Greek-related organizations
Waco Metro: 27 Greek-related organizations

Total Texas Fraternities & Sororities: 1,423 organizations across 25 metros

National Fraternity Patterns: The Same Organizations, Same Risks

The national fraternities and sororities with chapters at Texas universities have documented hazing histories across the country. This pattern evidence is crucial for establishing foreseeability and negligence in civil cases.

High-Risk National Organizations at Texas Campuses

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / “Pike”) – Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor
+
Documented National Pattern:

Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021): Alcohol poisoning death during “Big/Little” night; $10 million settlement
David Bogenberger (NIU, 2012): Alcohol poisoning death; $14 million settlement
Multiple other alcohol-related deaths and injuries nationwide

Texas Connections: Pi Kappa Alpha Education Foundation – EIN 746064445 – Nederland, TX 77627

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / “SAE”) – Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU
+
Documented National Pattern:

Traumatic Brain Injury Case (Alabama, 2023): Pledge allegedly suffered TBI during hazing
Chemical Burns Case (Texas A&M, 2021): Industrial cleaner poured on pledges requiring skin grafts
Assault Case (UT Austin, 2024): Exchange student with multiple fractures
Carson Starkey (Cal Poly, 2008): Alcohol poisoning death; settlement funded national anti-hazing nonprofit

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ) – Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT
Documented National Pattern:

Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017): Alcohol poisoning death during “Big Brother Night”
Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025): Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme workouts
Multiple other alcohol and physical hazing incidents nationwide

Texas Connections: Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 462267515 – Frisco, TX 75035

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ) – Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor
Documented National Pattern:

Max Gruver (LSU, 2017): “Bible study” drinking game death; $6.1 million verdict
Multiple other alcohol hazing incidents nationwide

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ) – Present at Texas A&M, SMU
Documented National Pattern:

SMU Chapter (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation; chapter suspended
Multiple physical hazing incidents nationwide

Why National Histories Matter for Palacios Families

Foreseeability: When a Texas chapter repeats rituals that caused deaths elsewhere, nationals can’t claim “we didn’t know this could happen”
Pattern Evidence: Multiple incidents show systemic problems, not “rogue individuals”
Negligent Supervision: Nationals have duty to monitor and intervene when patterns emerge
Punitive Damages: Knowing disregard of known dangers can justify punishment beyond compensation

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages for Palacios Families

When hazing causes injury or death, thorough investigation and strategic case-building make the difference between accountability and cover-up. Our approach combines digital forensics, institutional research, and legal strategy honed through complex litigation against massive defendants.

Critical Evidence That Wins Hazing Cases

Digital Communications (Most Important Evidence):

Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, fraternity-specific apps
Recovery of Deleted Messages: Digital forensics can often retrieve “permanently” deleted content
Social Media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages (screenshot immediately), TikTok, Facebook
Location Data: Find My Friends, Snapchat Maps, geotagged photos

Photos & Videos:

Event Footage: Videos members take during hazing (often shared in group chats)
Injury Documentation: Multiple angles, progression photos, scale references (coin/ruler in shot)
Security Camera Footage: Ring/doorbell cameras, house security systems, venue cameras

Internal Organization Documents:

Pledge Manuals: “Education” materials that outline dangerous traditions
Chapter Records: Meeting minutes, event planning communications
National Files: Risk management policies, prior incident reports, training materials

University Records:

Prior Conduct Files: Previous hazing violations, probation letters, warnings
Campus Police Reports: Incident documentation
Clery Act Reports: Required crime statistics may include hazing-related offenses
Internal Emails: Communications among administrators about the organization

Medical & Psychological Records:

Emergency Documentation: ER reports, ambulance records, hospital charts
Specialist Evaluations: Orthopedic, renal, psychological assessments
Ongoing Treatment: Therapy notes, medication records, rehabilitation documentation
Expert Reports: Independent medical exams, life care plans for catastrophic injuries

Damages Palacios Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical Expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, ongoing treatment
Future Medical Needs: Lifelong care for brain injuries, organ damage, psychological trauma
Lost Earnings/Earning Capacity: Missed semesters, delayed career entry, reduced lifetime earnings
Educational Costs: Lost tuition, forfeited scholarships, transfer expenses

Non-Economic Damages (Compensatory):

Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries, medical procedures, permanent disabilities
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation, loss of enjoyment of life
Reputational Harm: Social stigma, digital footprint consequences

Wrongful Death Damages (for Families):

Funeral/Burial Costs
Loss of Companionship & Support: Financial and emotional support deceased would have provided
Parents’ & Siblings’ Suffering: Grief, trauma, counseling costs

Punitive Damages (When Defendants’ Conduct is Egregious):

Purpose: Punish and deter especially reckless or intentional misconduct
When Awarded: Prior warnings ignored, cover-up attempts, extreme cruelty
Texas Caps: Generally limited but can be significant in intentional conduct cases

Overcoming Common Defense Strategies

Fraternities, universities, and their insurers use predictable defenses we routinely overcome:

Defense: “The Pledge Consented”

Our Response: Texas law § 37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense; power imbalance and coercion invalidate “consent”

Defense: “National Didn’t Know/Rogue Chapter”

Our Response: Pattern evidence shows nationals had constructive notice; inadequate supervision creates liability

Defense: “It Happened Off-Campus/Not Our Property”

Our Response: Sponsorship, control, and foreseeability create duty regardless of location

Defense: “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”

Our Response: Paper policies without enforcement are negligence; prior violations show policies were ignored

Defense: “University Sovereign Immunity” (Public Schools)

Our Response: Gross negligence exceptions, individual employee liability, Title IX waivers

Defense: “Insurance Doesn’t Cover Intentional Acts”

Our Response: Negligent supervision claims may be covered; multiple policy sources; bad faith claims against insurers

Practical Guides for Palacios Families: What to Do Now

For Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Action

Physical Warning Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries (especially if stories don’t add up)
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight loss/gain from food/water manipulation
Sleep deprivation symptoms (can’t stay awake, constant fatigue)
Injuries to hands/back/buttocks from paddling
Chemical burns or unusual rashes
Signs of alcohol poisoning or drug use (even if child doesn’t normally drink)

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

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

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep in class
Skipping exams/assignments for “mandatory” events
Losing scholarships or academic standing

Digital/Social Behavior:

Constant phone monitoring of group chats
Anxiety when phone buzzes (fear of missing demands)
Deleting messages/history obsessively
Receiving calls/texts at all hours requiring immediate response
Social media posts showing concerning activities
New location-sharing apps installed (Find My Friends, Life360 required by org)

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontational):

“How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
“Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
“What do they ask new members to do?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable or you wish you didn’t have to do?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”
“Are they asking you to keep secrets from me or the university?”

48-Hour Action Checklist for Palacios Parents

HOUR 1–6 (IMMEDIATE CRISIS):
✅ Medical: If injured or intoxicated, get to ER immediately (Matagorda Regional Medical Center or nearest facility)
✅ Safety: Remove child from dangerous situation
✅ Evidence: Screenshot any messages they show you; photograph visible injuries
✅ Notes: Write down everything they tell you (date, time, what happened, who was there)
✅ Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate Gulf Coast-focused legal guidance

HOUR 6–24 (EVIDENCE PRESERVATION):
✅ Digital Preservation: Help child preserve all group chats, DMs, texts (do NOT delete anything)
✅ Physical Evidence: Secure clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
✅ Medical Records: Request copies of all ER/hospital records
✅ Witness List: Write down names and contact info for other pledges, bystanders
✅ University Communications: Note any emails/calls from school but do NOT respond yet

HOUR 24–48 (STRATEGIC DECISIONS):
✅ Legal Consultation: Speak with experienced Texas hazing attorney (Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911)
✅ Reporting Decision: With lawyer’s guidance, decide whether to report to campus police, local police, Dean of Students
✅ University Response: If school contacts you, refer them to your attorney
✅ Insurance: Do NOT talk to any insurance adjuster without lawyer present
✅ Evidence Backup: Upload all screenshots and photos to cloud storage

WEEK ONE PRIORITIES:
✅ Medical Follow-up: Continue documenting injuries; see specialists if needed; psychological evaluation for trauma
✅ Evidence Gathering: Attorney will subpoena records, obtain deleted messages via forensics
✅ Witness Interviews: Attorney will contact other pledges and witnesses
✅ Strategy Session: Decide on criminal report, civil suit, both, or internal university process
✅ Protection: If retaliation occurs, document and report immediately

For Students: Self-Assessment and Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences, no fear of being cut)?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would the university or my parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do themselves?
Is this “tradition” really about initiation, or just fun for older members?
Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?

If You’re in Immediate Danger:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
You will NOT get in trouble for calling for help (Texas good-faith reporter protections)
Get to safe location (your dorm, friend’s place, public area)

How to Exit Safely:

You have the legal right to leave at any time
Tell someone outside the org first (parent, RA, friend) so there’s a record
Send email/text to chapter president: “I am resigning my pledge/membership effective immediately”
Do NOT go to “one last meeting” where they might pressure or retaliate
If you fear retaliation, report that fear to Dean of Students and campus police

Evidence Collection (While It’s Happening):

Screenshots: Capture full group chats with timestamps and participant names visible
Recordings: Texas is one-party consent—you can record conversations you’re part of
Photos/Videos: Injuries (multiple angles), locations, objects used
Medical Documentation: Tell providers you were hazed so it’s in records
Witness Information: Names/contacts of other pledges, bystanders

Your Texas Legal Rights:

Cannot be punished for calling 911 in medical emergencies (good-faith immunity)
Hazing is a crime—you’re the victim, not perpetrator (even if you “agreed”)
Can file civil lawsuit even if no criminal charges
Can request no-contact order through university if harassed after reporting

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence

Why It’s Wrong: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
What to Do Instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly

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

MISTAKE #3: Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms

Why It’s Wrong: You may waive right to sue; settlements are often far below case value
What to Do Instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

MISTAKE #4: Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to Lawyer

Why It’s Wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
What to Do Instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

MISTAKE #5: Letting Your Child Go Back to “One Last Meeting”

Why It’s Wrong: They pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that hurt the case
What to Do Instead: Once considering legal action, all communication through your lawyer

MISTAKE #6: Waiting “To See How the University Handles It”

Why It’s Wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs, university controls narrative
What to Do Instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

MISTAKE #7: Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer

Why It’s Wrong: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball
What to Do Instead: Politely decline: “My attorney will contact you”

Why Attorney911 for Palacios Hazing Cases: Gulf Coast Experience Meets National Capability

When your Palacios family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. From our Houston headquarters, we serve families across the Texas Gulf Coast, including Palacios, Matagorda County, and throughout Texas, with unique qualifications for hazing litigation.

Our Competitive Advantages for Hazing Cases

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):
Mr. Peña (he/him) spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Deploy independent medical exams (IMEs) to reduce settlements
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello):

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar corporate defendant
Federal Court Experience: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas admission
Not Intimidated: National fraternities and universities have deep pockets and experienced defense teams—we’ve faced worse and won
“We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience:

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases with economist collaboration
Experience valuing lifetime care needs (brain injury, permanent disability cases)
Work with medical experts, life care planners, vocational specialists
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise (Ralph Manginello):

Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) Membership: Elite criminal defense credential
Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
“Hazing cases often have both criminal and civil components—we handle both.”

Investigative Depth & Digital Forensics:

Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
Experience obtaining hidden evidence: deleted group chats, chapter records, university files
Digital evidence recovery capabilities
“We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Spanish-Language Services for Gulf Coast Families:

Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish
Entire team culturally competent for Texas Hispanic families
Spanish-language consultations available
“Hablamos Español. Servicios legales en español disponibles.”

How We Handle Hazing Cases Differently

Immediate Evidence Preservation:
Within hours of being retained, we:

Send evidence preservation letters to all potential defendants
Begin digital forensics to recover deleted messages
Document injuries and secure physical evidence
Identify and contact witnesses before they’re coached

Comprehensive Defendant Identification:
We don’t just sue the obvious parties. We use our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine to identify:

Individual members and officers
Local chapter entities
National headquarters and their insurers
Housing corporations and alumni associations
University entities and responsible administrators
Third-party property owners and vendors

Strategic Use of National Pattern Evidence:
We document how the same fraternities/sororities:

Have identical hazing rituals nationwide
Have been warned repeatedly by their nationals
Have caused injuries/deaths at other campuses
This establishes foreseeability and supports punitive damages.

Economist Collaboration for Serious Injuries:
For catastrophic injuries (brain damage, permanent disability, wrongful death), we work with economists to calculate:

Lifetime medical care costs
Lost earning capacity over decades
Economic impact on families
This ensures settlements/judgments actually cover lifelong needs.

Contact Attorney911: Your Palacios Hazing Law Firm

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any other school—we want to hear from you. Families in Palacios, Matagorda County, and throughout the Texas Gulf Coast have the right to answers and accountability.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

We offer confidential, no-obligation consultations to Palacios families. 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 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 Information for Palacios Families

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 (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Spanish-Language Services:
Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish
Servicios legales en español disponibles

Educational Resources for Palacios Families

Watch Our Videos:

Learn More About Our Practice:

Wrongful Death Experience: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Criminal Defense Capability: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/
Ralph Manginello’s Background: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
Mr. Lupe Peña’s Insurance Experience: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Final Message to Palacios Families

Whether you’re in Palacios, Bay City, Matagorda, or anywhere across the Texas Gulf Coast, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The isolation and fear that hazing creates shouldn’t extend to families seeking justice.

We’ve represented Texas families against the University of Houston, national fraternities, and powerful institutions. We understand the unique dynamics of Gulf Coast communities and Texas universities. And we know that holding organizations accountable isn’t just about compensation—it’s about preventing the next family from suffering what yours has endured.

The call is free. The consultation is confidential. The time to act is now.

Call Attorney911 Today: 1-888-ATTY-911

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Using Your Phone to Document Evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Texas Statutes of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client Mistakes That Ruin Cases: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How Contingency Fees Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website & Practice Areas:

Main Website: https://attorney911.com
Wrongful Death Practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Criminal Defense Practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/
Ralph Manginello Profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
Mr. Lupe Peña Profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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