The Complete Guide to Hazing in Texas: What Poteet Families Need to Know About Campus Safety, Law, and Accountability

When a Call Home Isn’t About Grades: The Reality Facing Poteet Families

Imagine your child, a student from Poteet you sent to a Texas university with hope and pride, texts you late one night. The messages are vague, anxious. They mention “mandatory” events that keep them out until 3 AM. They’re constantly exhausted, nursing unexplained bruises, and defensive when you ask about their new fraternity or sorority friends. When they come home to visit family in Atascosa County, they’re not the same vibrant student you dropped off at campus—they’re withdrawn, jumpy, and secretive about their phone.

This isn’t just college stress. This is what hazing looks like in 2025, and it’s happening right now at Texas universities where Poteet students study. At this very moment, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history—the Leonel Bermudez lawsuit against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, and 13 fraternity leaders—a case that shows exactly how ordinary students from communities like ours can become victims of systematic abuse.

In this comprehensive guide, written specifically for parents and families in Poteet, Atascosa County, and throughout the San Antonio region, we explain what modern hazing really entails, how Texas law protects (and sometimes fails) students, and what practical steps you can take if your child has been affected. Whether your student attends Texas A&M University-San Antonio, UTSA, or travels to University of Houston, Texas A&M College Station, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, the risks are real, and the legal landscape is complex.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:
Contact Attorney911 for a free consultation or call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911).

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately, even if your child insists they’re “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted: Screenshot group chats, photograph injuries, save physical items
Write down everything while memory is fresh
Do NOT: Confront the fraternity/sorority, sign anything from the university or insurance company, post details on public social media, or let your child delete messages

Contact our experienced hazing attorneys 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 immediately.

The Case That Changed Everything: Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi

Before we explore the broader landscape of hazing in Texas, understand this: we are not discussing hypothetical risks. Right now, we represent Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit that exposes exactly how modern hazing operates at Texas universities.

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez

In fall 2025, Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student, pledged the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at the University of Houston. What followed was a systematic campaign of humiliation, abuse, and violence that nearly killed him:

The “Pledge Fanny Pack” Humiliation: Bermudez and other pledges were forced to carry a “pledge fanny pack” 24/7 containing condoms, a sex toy, nicotine devices, and other humiliating items. Failure to comply meant punishment or expulsion threats.

Systematic Physical Abuse: Hazing occurred at multiple locations—the Pi Kappa Phi house near UH, a Culmore Drive residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park. Activities included:

Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, and “save-your-brother” drills
Cold-weather exposure in underwear
Lying in vomit-soaked grass
Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding” with threats of actual waterboarding
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by immediate sprints
The November 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, and creed recitation under threat of expulsion

Another Pledge Hog-Tied: On October 13, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour while members prepared for a meeting.

Medical Catastrophe: After the November 3 hazing, Bermudez’s condition deteriorated. He passed brown urine, could not stand without help, and was rushed to the hospital by his mother. He was hospitalized for four days with diagnoses of rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. Lab tests showed critically high creatine kinase levels confirming life-threatening organ damage. He faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage and long-term physical and psychological harm.

Institutional Response and Defendants

The defendants in this active lawsuit include:

University of Houston
UH System Board of Regents
Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation
13 individual fraternity leaders/members (chapter president, pledgemaster, sorority relations chair, risk manager, and others)

Institutional Actions:

November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended the Beta Nu chapter
November 14, 2025: Chapter members voted to surrender their charter; the chapter was shut down
UH labeled the alleged conduct “deeply disturbing”, promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion and cooperation with law enforcement, and credited Pi Kappa Phi HQ for decisive action

This case, covered extensively by Click2Houston, ABC13, and Hoodline, represents exactly what we fight against—and exactly the level of institutional resistance families face when seeking accountability.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like Beyond the Stereotypes

Hazing is not “boys will be boys” or “harmless tradition.” It is systematic abuse that exploits power imbalances, exploits young people’s desire to belong, and deliberately endangers physical and mental health. For Poteet families sending students to Texas campuses, understanding modern hazing is the first step toward prevention and intervention.

A Modern Definition of Hazing

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 clarification for parents: “Consent” is not a defense in Texas. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the power imbalance, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion mean true voluntary consent doesn’t exist in hazing contexts.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

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

Required servitude (cleaning rooms, running errands at all hours)
“Pledge is on call 24/7” mentality
Social isolation from non-members
Mandatory attendance that interferes with academics
Digital control through constant group chat monitoring

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing

Verbal abuse, yelling, degrading language
Sleep deprivation (late-night “meetings,” 3 AM wake-up calls)
Food/water restriction or forced consumption of unpleasant substances
Forced physical activity beyond safe limits (“smokings,” extreme calisthenics)
Public humiliation through embarrassing acts or costumes

Tier 3: Violent Hazing

Forced or coerced alcohol consumption (lineups, drinking games, chugging)
Physical beatings and paddling
Dangerous physical “tests” (blindfolded tackles, “glass ceiling” rituals)
Sexualized hazing (forced nudity, simulated sexual acts)
Kidnapping/restraint
Exposure to extreme environments

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

While fraternities and sororities receive most attention, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC Divine Nine, multicultural groups)
Corps of Cadets/Military-Style Groups (particularly at Texas A&M)
Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheerleading)
Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs (Texas Cowboys-type organizations)
Marching Bands and Performance Groups
Some Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations

The common threads: social status, tradition, and enforced secrecy keep these practices alive despite knowing they’re illegal.

Texas Hazing Law: What Poteet Families Need to Know About Rights and Recourse

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws in the Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. Understanding these provisions helps families recognize their rights and the potential consequences for offenders.

Texas Education Code § 37.151: Definition of Hazing

The law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers physical or mental health for purposes of initiation or affiliation. Key points for Poteet families:

Can occur on or off campus (location doesn’t matter)
Can cause mental or physical harm
Recklessness is enough—malicious intent isn’t required
“Consent is not a defense” under § 37.155

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152)

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing without serious injury (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 offenses:

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

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153)

Organizations can be criminally prosecuted if they:

Authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
An officer/member acting officially knew about hazing and failed to report

Penalties include fines up to $10,000 per violation and university revocation of recognition.

Good-Faith Reporting Immunity (§ 37.154)

A person who in good faith reports hazing to university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result. This is crucial for bystanders and victims afraid of “getting in trouble.”

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (prosecutor)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: Monetary compensation and accountability
Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress

Both can proceed simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue civil justice. In fact, civil cases often uncover evidence that criminal investigations miss.

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently
Strengthens hazing education and prevention
Maintains public hazing data (phased in by 2026)

Title IX:

Triggered when hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility
Creates additional reporting and investigation requirements

Clery Act:

Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics
Hazing incidents often overlap with reportable assaults or alcohol/drug crimes

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students: Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up
Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity/sorority/club itself (if a legal entity)
National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters: Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
University or Governing Board: Schools may be liable under negligence or civil-rights theories
Third Parties: Landlords, property owners, bars, security companies

Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys know how to identify all potentially liable parties.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What History Teaches Us About Texas Risks

The Leonel Bermudez case at UH is not an isolated incident. It follows patterns seen nationwide that help us understand foreseeability, institutional knowledge, and legal strategies that work.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

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

Bid-acceptance event with extreme drinking
Falls captured on chapter cameras; 12-hour delay before medical help
Dozens of criminal charges; new Pennsylvania anti-hazing law
Takeaway for Texas families: Delay in calling 911 and culture of silence are legally devastating patterns

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):

“Bible study” drinking game; forced drinking for wrong answers
Death led to Max Gruver Act (felony hazing law in Louisiana)
$6.1 million verdict against fraternity members
Takeaway: Legislative change follows public outrage and clear proof

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

Forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey
$10 million total settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Former chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million personally
Takeaway: Individual officers face massive personal liability

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

Blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat
Fatal head injuries; delayed help
National fraternity criminally convicted
Banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Takeaway: Off-campus retreats don’t eliminate liability; nationals can face severe sanctions

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):

Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing
Multiple lawsuits; head coach fired and settled confidentially
Takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to major athletic programs

What These Cases Mean for Poteet Families

Common threads in successful cases:

Forced drinking patterns are predictable and preventable
Delayed medical care dramatically increases liability
Cover-up attempts (deleted messages, coached witnesses) backfire legally
National organizations face liability when patterns repeat across chapters
Universities settle to avoid discovery and bad publicity, even with sovereign immunity arguments

These precedents shape how we approach Texas cases, knowing what evidence matters and what defenses to expect.

Texas University Focus: Where Poteet Students Study and the Realities They Face

Poteet families send students to universities across Texas. Understanding the specific landscapes, policies, and histories at these institutions helps parents recognize risks and response patterns.

University of Houston: The Active Case Campus

Campus Context for Poteet Families:
While UH is approximately 200 miles from Poteet, many Atascosa County students choose Houston for its urban opportunities and strong programs. The Bermudez case shows the serious risks present.

Official Policy & Reporting:
UH prohibits hazing on or off campus and provides reporting through Dean of Students, conduct offices, and campus police. The university posts hazing statements but has limited public violation lists compared to UT Austin.

Documented Incidents Beyond Bermudez:

2016 Pi Kappa Alpha Case: Pledges deprived of food, water, sleep; one suffered lacerated spleen after being slammed on table
Chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and suspension
Pattern: UH suspends chapters but public transparency varies

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds:

Agencies: UHPD and/or Houston Police Department
Civil suits typically filed in Harris County courts
Potential defendants: students, chapter, national, university, property owners
Strategic consideration: Harris County juries have awarded significant damages in injury cases

What UH Students & Poteet Parents Should Do:

Report through Dean of Students and UHPD simultaneously
Document prior complaints if known
Consult attorneys experienced with Harris County courts and UH procedures
Understand that off-campus locations (Culmore Drive, Yellowstone Park in Bermudez case) don’t eliminate liability

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life Intersection

Campus Context for Poteet Families:
Texas A&M in College Station is a common destination for Texas students seeking traditional college experience. Its Corps of Cadets culture and strong Greek life create unique hazing risks.

Documented Incidents:

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; fraternity suspended two years

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023):

Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts
Bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth
Sought over $1 million; A&M stated handled under internal rules

Official Response Framework:

Student Conduct Office handles Greek life cases
Corps has separate regulations and discipline systems
Transparency challenge: Internal Corps processes less visible than Greek life sanctions

What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Know:

Both Greek life and Corps traditions carry hazing risks
Reporting may need to go to multiple offices (Student Conduct, Corps leadership)
Civil cases can target both systems simultaneously
Brazos County venue considerations affect litigation strategy

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Repeated Violations

Campus Context for Poteet Families:
UT Austin’s prestige attracts students statewide. Its relatively transparent violation reporting provides unique insight into patterns.

Public Hazing Violations Page:
UT maintains a public log at hazing.utexas.edu showing organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions.

Example UT Entries:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation and hazing-prevention education required
Texas Wranglers & Spirit Groups: Sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, punishment-based practices

Pattern Evidence Value:
UT’s transparency means:

Families can check organizations’ histories
Prior violations strongly support civil suits by showing pattern and institutional knowledge
Demonstrates foreseeability—university knew risks existed

Austin Jurisdictional Considerations:

Cases may involve UTPD and Austin Police Department
Travis County courts have particular procedures and precedents
University’s public records can be obtained through Texas Public Information Act requests

Southern Methodist University: Private Campus Dynamics

Campus Context for Poteet Families:
SMU’s private status and affluent reputation attract Texas students. Its Greek life prominence creates specific hazing environments.

Documented Incident:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, deprived of sleep
Chapter suspended; recruiting restrictions until approximately 2021

Private University Implications:

Less public transparency than state schools
Still subject to Texas hazing laws and federal requirements
Civil discovery can compel internal reports not publicly posted

Dallas-Area Litigation Considerations:

Dallas County courts handle cases
SMU’s endowment and insurance coverage affect settlement dynamics
Private status doesn’t eliminate negligence claims

Baylor University: Religious Identity and History of Scrutiny

Campus Context for Poteet Families:
Baylor’s religious affiliation and history of Title IX scrutiny create unique dynamics for hazing response.

Documented Incident:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following investigation; staggered suspensions

Institutional Context:

Ongoing reforms following sexual assault scandal
“Zero tolerance” statements vs. recurring misconduct
Religious branding interacts with liability and public relations

Waco Jurisdictional Notes:

McLennan County courts venue
Baylor’s legal strategies informed by prior litigation experience
Private religious status affects some legal arguments but not core negligence claims

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

One of our most powerful tools in hazing litigation is the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database built from IRS records, university registries, and public filings that tracks over 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. This investigative depth means we don’t start from zero when your family needs help.

Why This Directory Matters to Poteet Parents

If your child is hazed, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to their campus. These entities—house corporations, alumni chapters, national headquarters—often hold insurance policies and legal responsibility. We maintain this directory so families never face powerful institutions uninformed.

San Antonio Metro Area Organizations

Poteet is part of the San Antonio metro area, which contains at least 86 Greek-related organizations according to Cause IQ data. Examples from public records include:

From IRS B83 Filings (Texas-Registered Greek Organizations):

Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity – Texas Xi Chapter
EIN: 900927378 | San Antonio, TX 78249
IRS B83 Filing: Fraternity housing/alumni entity
Sigma Chi Fraternity – UTSA Chapter Entity
EIN: 842643090 | San Antonio, TX 78258
IRS B83 Filing: Fraternity housing corporation

From Cause IQ Metro Listings (San Antonio Area):

Xi Omicron Iota House Association (ΩΧΟ) – San Antonio, TX
Trinity University chapter house association
Alpha Lambda Chapter of Sigma Chi – San Antonio, TX
Trinity University chapter
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – San Antonio Alumnae – San Antonio, TX
Graduate chapter serving area

Major Texas Universities Where Poteet Students Study

Poteet families commonly send students to these institutions, each with extensive Greek ecosystems:

Texas A&M University-San Antonio – San Antonio, Bexar County
University of Texas at San Antonio – San Antonio, Bexar County
University of Houston – Houston, Harris County (220 miles from Poteet)
Texas A&M University – College Station, Brazos County (190 miles)
University of Texas at Austin – Austin, Travis County (120 miles)
Texas State University – San Marcos, Hays County (100 miles)

Greek Organizations at Major Texas Campuses

University of Houston (from Official Roster):

Pi Kappa Phi – Beta Nu chapter (defendant in Bermudez case)
Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Multiple hazing incidents nationally
Pi Kappa Alpha – Prior UH hazing incident (2016)
Kappa Alpha Psi – NPHC fraternity with IRS-registered Texas entities

Texas A&M University:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Chemical burns lawsuit (2021)
Phi Delta Theta – Nationally: Max Gruver death at LSU
Corps of Cadets – Separate but overlapping hazing risks

Cross-Validated Brand Evidence (IRS + Cause IQ Matches):
Organizations appearing in both IRS records and metro databases show how national brandsoperate across Texas:

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – IRS EINs in Waco and Commerce; Cause IQ listings in Houston and Beaumont
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Multiple IRS listings across Texas campuses; Cause IQ listings statewide
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – IRS entities in Prairie View and Dallas; Cause IQ graduate chapters statewide

This directory represents just a fraction of our investigative resources. When we take a case, we already know how to find the organizations behind the letters—their legal names, EINs, insurance carriers, and prior incident histories.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy That Works

Success in hazing litigation requires meticulous evidence collection, strategic defendant targeting, and damages calculation that reflects true harm. This is where our experience—from BP Texas City explosion litigation to daily insurance defense insight—creates tangible advantages for families.

Critical Evidence Categories

1. Digital Communications (Most Important in 2025):

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord: Screenshot entire threads with timestamps
Social Media DMs: Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook
Recovery of Deleted Messages: Digital forensics can often retrieve “disappeared” content
Location Data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends logs, Snapchat Maps

2. Photos & Videos:

Injuries: Photograph immediately and over several days for progression
Events: Any media from hazing activities (even if captioned as “fun”)
Locations: Houses, rooms, venues where hazing occurred

3. University & Organization Records:

Prior Conduct Files: Obtained through discovery or public records requests
Internal Emails: University administration communications about the organization
National Fraternity Files: Risk management reports, prior incident responses

4. Medical Documentation:

ER/Hospital Records: Must specify “hazing” as cause
Psychological Evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
Specialist Reports: Ongoing treatment needs

5. Witness Information:

Other pledges, members, roommates, RAs
Former members who quit or were expelled

Watch our video on using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical Expenses: Past bills + future care (surgeries, therapy, medications)
Lost Income & Earning Capacity: Missed semesters, delayed career entry
Educational Costs: Tuition for withdrawn terms, lost scholarships

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries and recovery
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Withdrawal from college experience

Wrongful Death Damages (When Applicable):

Funeral/burial costs
Loss of companionship and support
Family members’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Conduct Warrants):

Punish especially reckless or malicious behavior
Deter future hazing
Available under Texas law in appropriate cases

Strategic Considerations for Poteet Families

Insurance Coverage Fights:
Fraternity and university insurers often argue hazing is excluded as “intentional conduct.” Our insider knowledge from Mr. Peña’s defense background helps navigate these disputes. We identify all potential policies—chapter, national, university, homeowner’s—and challenge improper denials.

Defendant Targeting:
We build cases against the full defendant universe:

Individual perpetrators
Chapter officers who authorized or failed to stop hazing
Local chapter entities (housing corporations, alumni associations)
National headquarters with pattern knowledge
Universities with negligent supervision claims
Third parties (property owners, alcohol providers)

Statute of Limitations Awareness:
Texas generally allows 2 years from injury date for personal injury claims, but exceptions exist. Don’t wait— evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, memories fade.

Learn about Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

Practical Guides & FAQs for Poteet Parents and Students

For Parents: Warning Signs and Response Steps

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Hazed:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-Greek activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability, anger
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring; anxiety when phone buzzes
Academic decline: dropping grades, missing classes, losing scholarships
Financial red flags: unexpected large expenses, maxed credit cards

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally):

“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 you to do as a new member?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to?”

If Your Child Opens Up:

Listen without judgment
Prioritize safety: remove from dangerous situations, seek medical care
Preserve evidence: screenshot messages, photograph injuries
Contact an attorney before confronting the organization or university

For Students: Recognizing Hazing and Exiting Safely

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)?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents or university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this?

If You’re in Immediate Danger:

Call 911 or campus police
Get to a safe location (your dorm, friend’s place, public area)
You won’t get in trouble for calling for help in medical emergencies (good-faith reporter protections exist)

How to Exit Safely:

You have the legal right to leave at any time
Tell someone outside the org first (parent, RA, friend) for record
Send email/text to chapter president: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Do not go to “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Mistake #1: Letting Your Child Delete Messages

What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
Instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

Mistake #2: Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly

What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation

Mistake #3: Signing University “Resolution” Forms

What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or internal agreements
Why it’s wrong: You may waive right to sue; settlements are often far below value
Instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

Mistake #4: Posting Details on Social Media

What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

Mistake #5: Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”

What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally”
Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
Instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

Watch our video on client mistakes to avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals personally. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity barriers. Every case depends on specific facts. Contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

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

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and fear of exclusion isn’t true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from injury or death date in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm/cause wasn’t immediately known. In cover-up cases, statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus with multi-million-dollar results.

“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

Why Attorney911 for Poteet Hazing Cases: Texas-Based, Nationally Relevant Expertise

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

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña):
Mr. Peña 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
Deploy independent medical exams to minimize injuries

We know their playbook because we used to run it. This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating settlements or preparing for trial.

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello):

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved against billion-dollar defendants
Federal Court Experience: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
HCCLA Membership: Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association credential signals elite criminal defense capability
25+ Years Practice: Since 1998, with own firm since 2001

We’re not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams. We’ve taken on corporations with unlimited legal budgets and won.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience:

Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
Economist collaboration for lifetime care valuation
Experience with catastrophic injuries: brain damage, organ failure, permanent disability

We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability and reflect true harm.

Our Investigative Depth for Hazing Cases

Digital Evidence Mastery:

Recovering deleted group chats, social media, location data
Digital forensics partnerships for “disappeared” content
Timeline reconstruction from multiple data sources

Network of Experts:

Medical specialists (rhabdomyolysis, TBI, PTSD)
Digital forensics professionals
Greek life culture experts
Economists for lifetime cost calculations
Psychologists for trauma evaluation

Institutional Records Access:

Texas Public Information Act requests
Federal discovery procedures
Pattern evidence from national fraternity files

How We Approach Your Case

Immediate Response:

Evidence preservation within 24-48 hours
Witness interviews before memories fade
Protective measures against retaliation

Strategic Defendant Targeting:

Identify all potentially liable parties
Insurance coverage analysis
Venue selection based on Texas geography

Communication Commitment:

Regular updates (every 2-3 weeks minimum)
Spanish-language services available (Mr. Peña habla español)
Family-focused approach recognizing emotional trauma

Contingency Fee Basis:

No upfront costs
We only get paid if we win
Allows access to justice regardless of family resources

Learn how contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Your Next Step: Contact Attorney911 for a Free, Confidential Consultation

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether here in Poteet’s local institutions or at universities across the state—we want to hear from you. Families in Atascosa County, the San Antonio region, and throughout Texas have the right to answers and accountability.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We Listen Without Judgment: You’ll speak directly with an attorney, not a paralegal or intake specialist
Case Evaluation: We review evidence (photos, texts, medical records you have)
Options Explanation: Criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, both, or neither—with pros/cons of each
Realistic Timelines: What to expect week-by-week and month-by-month
Cost Discussion: Contingency fee basis—no fee unless we win
No Pressure: Take time to decide; we don’t require immediate retention

Contact Attorney911 Today:

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

Spanish Language Services:
Hablamos Español – Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish

Serving Poteet and All of Texas:

From our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices, we serve families throughout Texas, including Poteet, Atascosa County, San Antonio, and every community affected by campus hazing. Whether your student attends school nearby or hours from home, Texas hazing law and experienced Texas counsel can help.

Don’t face this alone. The institutions involved have legal teams working to minimize their exposure from day one. You deserve advocates who understand their tactics and know how to counter them.

Call us today. Let’s discuss what happened, explore your options, and help you make informed decisions for your family’s future.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Click2Houston investigation: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
ABC13 detailed timeline: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
Hoodline case summary: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Evidence preservation with your phone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes to avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main 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 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