The Ultimate Guide to Hazing in Texas: What Rollingwood Families Need to Know About Campus Safety, Lawsuits, and Accountability

1. Hook & Overview: A Crisis at Our Doorstep

It starts with a phone call no parent in Rollingwood ever wants to receive. Your son, a student at the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M, or another Texas campus, sounds different—exhausted, anxious, secretive. He mentions “mandatory” late-night meetings, strange group chat demands, and unexplained bruises. Or perhaps the call is worse: your daughter has been hospitalized after a sorority event, suffering from alcohol poisoning or severe physical strain. The university’s response is vague, the fraternity or sorority is closing ranks, and you’re left searching for answers while trying to protect your child.

This is not a hypothetical scenario. Right now, in our own state, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. In November 2025, we filed a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who nearly died after brutal hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. According to detailed media reports from Click2Houston and ABC13, Bermudez was subjected to months of degradation, forced consumption of food until vomiting, extreme physical workouts, and psychological torment that culminated in rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown, he was hospitalized for four days, and he faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

This case is unfolding just 160 miles from Rollingwood in Harris County, but its lessons resonate across every Texas campus. For families in Rollingwood, Travis County, and the greater Austin area, the reality is clear: the universities where we send our children—UT Austin, Texas A&M, Baylor, SMU, and beyond—host Greek systems and campus organizations with documented histories of hazing violence. The institutions meant to protect students sometimes prioritize reputation over safety.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for Rollingwood parents and families navigating the nightmare of campus hazing. We will explain what modern hazing really looks like, how Texas and federal law applies, what national cases tell us about institutional failures, and what legal options exist for holding organizations accountable. Whether your child attends UT Austin just minutes away or a university across the state, the legal principles and investigative strategies we employ can help secure justice and prevent future harm.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We provide immediate help – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
Universities move quickly to control the narrative
We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

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

For Rollingwood parents who may have experienced college years ago, or for students who think hazing is just “harmless tradition,” the reality in 2025 is more dangerous, more psychologically sophisticated, and better hidden than ever before. Hazing is no longer just about paddling and forced drinking—though those still occur. Today’s hazing incorporates digital coercion, psychological manipulation, and systematic degradation designed to create loyalty through trauma.

A Modern Definition for Texas Families

Under Texas law (Education Code Chapter 37), hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student, AND
Occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

The critical elements for Rollingwood families to understand: the activity must be dangerous (physically or mentally), and it must be tied to joining or staying in a group. Location doesn’t matter—it can happen in a fraternity house, at an off-campus Airbnb, in a park, or even digitally. Perhaps most importantly: consent is not a defense in Texas. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law recognizes that power imbalance, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion create coercive environments where true consent is impossible.

The Four Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the deadliest form of hazing nationwide. It’s not just “drinking at a party”—it’s systematic, forced consumption:

“Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor to finish
Drinking games like “Bible study” or “family tree” where wrong answers mean rapid consumption
Lineups where pledges must chug specified amounts within time limits
Forced consumption of drugs or unknown substances

In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, Bermudez was forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then immediately forced to run sprints. This combination of overconsumption and extreme physical exertion directly caused his rhabdomyolysis.

2. Physical Hazing
This extends beyond stereotypical paddling to include:

“Smokings” or extreme calisthenics (100+ push-ups, 500 squats in one session, as in the UH case)
Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions” or 3 AM wake-up calls
Food and water restriction
Exposure to extreme temperatures (forced to stand outside in underwear in cold weather)
Violent rituals like the “glass ceiling” tackle that killed Baruch College student Michael Deng

3. Psychological and Sexualized Hazing
These tactics cause deep emotional trauma:

Forced nudity or simulated sexual acts
Degrading costumes or “fanny pack” requirements (as in the UH case, where pledges carried condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items)
Public humiliation through “roasts” or social media shaming
Racial, sexual, or gender-based slurs and role-playing
Isolation from non-member friends and family

4. Digital Hazing
This is the newest frontier, particularly familiar to Rollingwood students who’ve grown up with smartphones:

24/7 group chat monitoring with instant response demands
Geo-tracking requirements via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps
Forced creation of embarrassing TikTok or Instagram content
Cyberstalking and harassment if pledges don’t comply
“Disappearing message” apps used to hide evidence

Where Hazing Happens: Beyond Fraternities

While fraternities account for the most publicized cases, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Sororities (though often less physically violent, psychological and alcohol hazing occur)
Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs (military-style discipline crossing into abuse)
Athletic teams from football to swimming (see Northwestern University scandal)
Spirit groups like cheerleading and dance teams
Marching bands and performing arts groups
Academic honor societies and service organizations

The common thread across all groups: power dynamics, tradition, and secrecy that enable abuse to continue even when everyone “knows” it’s wrong.

3. Law & Liability Framework: Texas Statutes and Federal Overlays

For Rollingwood families considering legal action, understanding the legal landscape is crucial. Texas has specific anti-hazing laws, but federal statutes and institutional policies create a complex web of potential liability.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Foundation

Texas takes hazing seriously enough to have dedicated statutes in the Education Code. Here’s what Rollingwood parents need to know:

Criminal Penalties (Section 37.152):

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing with no serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing that causes injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

Organizational Liability (Section 37.153):
Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be prosecuted if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report it. Organizations face fines up to $10,000 per violation and can be banned from campus.

Critical Protections (Section 37.154):
Individuals who in good faith report hazing or seek medical help are immune from civil or criminal liability resulting from their report. This is designed to overcome the “code of silence” that prevents help-seeking.

The Consent Defense Eliminated (Section 37.155):
Texas law explicitly states: consent is not a defense to hazing. This eliminates the “they wanted to do it” argument often used by defense attorneys.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (district attorney)
Aim: punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Require proof “beyond a reasonable doubt”
Typical charges: hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or their families
Aim: compensation and accountability
Require proof “by a preponderance of the evidence” (more likely than not)
Focus on: negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, institutional failures

These cases can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction strengthens a civil case but isn’t required. Many hazing cases result in civil settlements even when criminal charges aren’t filed.

Federal Laws Overlaying Texas Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
This new federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid to:

Report hazing incidents transparently
Strengthen prevention education
Maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026)
For Rollingwood families, this means better access to information about which organizations have violations.

Title IX and Clery Act:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX requires universities to investigate and respond. The Clery Act requires reporting of certain crimes—hazing often overlaps with assault, alcohol, or drug crimes that must be reported.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

One of our strategic advantages at Attorney911 is identifying every potentially liable party to maximize recovery and accountability:

1. Individual Students:

Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, risk manager)
Members who participated or failed to intervene

2. Local Chapter/Organization:

The fraternity/sorority as a legal entity
Chapter housing corporations (which often hold insurance)

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters:

Organizations that set policies, collect dues, and supervise chapters
Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents

4. Universities and Governing Boards:

Public universities (UT, Texas A&M, UH) have some sovereign immunity but can be sued for gross negligence or constitutional violations
Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections
Liability based on prior knowledge, inadequate supervision, or deliberate indifference

5. Third Parties:

Property owners of off-campus houses
Bars or alcohol providers under dram shop laws
Security companies or event organizers

In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we named 13 individual members, the Beta Nu chapter housing corporation, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the University of Houston, and the UH System Board of Regents. This comprehensive approach ensures no responsible party escapes accountability.

4. National Hazing Case Patterns: What These Tragedies Teach Us About Texas Risks

The hazing incidents at Texas universities don’t occur in a vacuum. They follow patterns established in nationally publicized cases that resulted in deaths, injuries, and multi-million dollar settlements. For Rollingwood families, these cases provide crucial precedents and warnings.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern

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

19-year-old died after consuming dangerous amounts of alcohol during bid acceptance
Security cameras showed fraternity members delaying medical help for 12 hours
18 members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts
Impact: Pennsylvania passed Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

Pledge died from alcohol poisoning after “Bible study” drinking game
BAC reached 0.495% (six times legal limit)
Impact: Louisiana passed Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony

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

Forced to drink entire bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night
Family reached $10 million settlement ($7M from nationals, $3M from university)
Former chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million personally

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

Died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother” night
FSU suspended all Greek life temporarily

The Physical Hazing Pattern

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

Pledge died from traumatic brain injury during blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual
National fraternity convicted of manslaughter and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Lesson: Nationals can face criminal liability, not just civil

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

18-year-old suffered permanent brain damage from forced drinking
Now cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care
Family settled with 22 defendants for confidential multi-million dollar amounts

The Athletic Program Pattern

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within program
Multiple lawsuits against university; head coach fired
Lesson: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to high-revenue sports

What These Cases Mean for Rollingwood Families

Patterns Repeat: The same fraternities with national hazing histories have chapters at Texas universities. Pi Kappa Alpha (Stone Foltz) has chapters at UT, Texas A&M, UH, and Baylor. Sigma Alpha Epsilon (multiple deaths) has chapters across Texas.
Cover-Ups Are Standard: Delaying medical help, destroying evidence, and coaching witnesses happens routinely. In the UH case, members continued hazing even after another pledge was hog-tied for over an hour.
Settlements Are Substantial: Wrongful death cases regularly settle for $1-14 million. Serious injury cases bring multi-million dollar recoveries.
Individual Accountability: Chapter officers face personal liability. The Pi Kappa Alpha president in the Foltz case was ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.
Legislative Response Follows Tragedy: States pass stronger laws only after public outrage. Texas laws may strengthen following the UH case and others.

5. Texas Focus: The Universities Where Rollingwood Families Send Their Children

Rollingwood’s proximity to Austin and Central Texas means our families are intimately connected to the state’s flagship universities. Whether your child attends UT Austin just minutes away, Texas A&M a few hours’ drive, or another Texas campus, understanding each school’s hazing landscape is crucial.

5.1 University of Texas at Austin: The Flagship Campus in Our Backyard

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
UT Austin, just miles from Rollingwood, hosts approximately 60 Greek chapters with deep traditions and significant social influence. As the state’s flagship university, it attracts Rollingwood students seeking both academic excellence and vibrant campus life. The Greek system here is large, well-established, and includes historic chapters with decades of tradition—some of which have crossed into dangerous hazing.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting:
UT maintains one of the most transparent hazing disclosure systems in Texas at hazing.utexas.edu. This public log lists organizations, violation dates, conduct descriptions, and sanctions. Recent entries show:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Texas Wranglers (2022): Hazing involving forced physical activity and alcohol
Sigma Alpha Epsilon: Ongoing scrutiny following assault allegations

Selected Documented Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party, suffering dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose. Lawsuit seeks over $1 million.
Multiple Organizations: UT’s public log shows repeated violations involving forced exercise, alcohol hazing, and psychological abuse across fraternities, sororities, and spirit groups.

How a UT Hazing Case Proceeds:
For Rollingwood families, jurisdiction typically involves:

UT Police Department for on-campus incidents
Austin Police Department for off-campus locations
Travis County Courts for civil litigation
University disciplinary process through Student Conduct and Academic Integrity

What UT Students & Rollingwood Parents Should Do:

Report Immediately: Use UT’s online hazing report form or contact the Dean of Students
Document Everything: Texas is a one-party consent state—you can record conversations you’re part of
Check the Public Log: Review hazing.utexas.edu for your child’s organization’s history
Seek Local Counsel: As Rollingwood residents, having Austin-based attorneys familiar with Travis County courts and UT administration provides strategic advantage

5.2 Texas A&M University: Tradition, Corps, and Greek Life

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Texas A&M’s unique culture combines massive Greek life with the Corps of Cadets, creating multiple environments where hazing can thrive. The university’s emphasis on tradition sometimes enables abusive practices to continue under the guise of “building character.”

Documented Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. $1 million lawsuit filed.
Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023): Cadet allegedly bound between beds with an apple in his mouth in simulated sexual position. Lawsuit sought over $1 million.
Multiple Fraternity Suspensions: Recent years have seen temporary suspensions of various chapters for hazing violations.

Special Considerations for Corps Hazing:
The Corps of Cadets operates under military-style discipline that can blur into abuse. Texas A&M has struggled to balance tradition with safety, creating environments where freshmen (“fish”) endure systematic degradation.

What A&M Families Should Know:

Dual Systems: Hazing can occur in both Greek life and Corps—sometimes simultaneously for students involved in both
University Response: A&M typically conducts internal investigations but has faced criticism for inadequate transparency
Geographic Reach: Though College Station is farther from Rollingwood, we regularly handle cases there and understand the unique Aggie culture

5.3 University of Houston: The Leonel Bermudez Case and Systemic Issues

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
UH’s diverse, urban campus hosts active Greek life with chapters of major national fraternities and sororities. The Pi Kappa Phi case revealed systemic failures in university oversight and national organization supervision.

The Flagship Case: Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi
Our ongoing litigation reveals disturbing patterns:

Months of Abuse: From September to November 2025, Bermudez endured forced dress codes, overnight chauffeuring, humiliating “fanny pack” requirements, and extreme physical hazing
Extreme Physical Torture: Including being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” lying in vomit-soaked grass, and forced consumption leading to vomiting
Medical Catastrophe: The Nov. 3 workout (100+ push-ups, 500 squats) triggered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure requiring four-day hospitalization
Institutional Failures: UH owned/controlled the chapter house but failed to prevent known hazing; Pi Kappa Phi nationals had prior knowledge of similar incidents elsewhere

UH’s Response Pattern:

Reactive Rather Than Proactive: UH called conduct “deeply disturbing” only after lawsuit filed
Limited Transparency: Unlike UT, UH doesn’t maintain comprehensive public hazing log
Chapter Closure: Pi Kappa Phi chapter surrendered charter, but only after damage done

What This Means for All Texas Families:
The UH case demonstrates that even large, public universities with anti-hazing policies fail to protect students when:

Traditions Trump Safety: The “this is how we’ve always done it” mentality persists
Nationals Prioritize Expansion Over Safety: Pi Kappa Phi continued collecting dues despite red flags
Universities Avoid Scrutiny: Until lawsuits force transparency, problems remain hidden

5.4 Southern Methodist University: Affluence and Influence

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
SMU’s affluent student body and strong Greek presence create unique dynamics. As a private university, SMU has fewer public reporting requirements but faces similar hazing risks.

Documented Issues:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): Chapter suspended for paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation
Multiple Anonymous Reports: SMU’s Real Response system receives regular hazing complaints
Limited Transparency: Private university status means less public information than UT or A&M

Special Considerations:

National Attention: SMU’s national profile means hazing incidents attract media scrutiny
Parental Expectations: Affluent families often expect greater university protection and accountability
Legal Strategy: Private university status affects litigation strategy—fewer immunity protections but greater resources for defense

5.5 Baylor University: Faith, Football, and Accountability

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Baylor’s Christian identity contrasts with its history of athletic scandals and hazing incidents. The university has faced existential crises over institutional failures, creating complex legal environments.

Documented Incidents:

Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
Multiple Greek Life Suspensions: Various chapters disciplined for alcohol and hazing violations
Institutional History: Baylor’s handling of sexual assault scandals informs its hazing response patterns

Special Considerations:

Religious Context: Baylor’s faith-based identity affects internal investigations and public relations
Athletic Program Influence: High-revenue sports create power imbalances that can enable hazing
Oversight Challenges: Baylor’s recent history shows difficulty policing itself effectively

6. Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific Rosters and National Histories

For Rollingwood families, understanding which organizations have histories of hazing—both locally and nationally—is crucial for assessing risk and building cases. Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros, providing unprecedented insight into the entities behind the letters.

Why National Histories Matter for Your Case

When a Texas chapter repeats hazing methods that caused deaths or injuries at other campuses, that pattern becomes powerful evidence of foreseeability and negligence. National headquarters cannot claim “we didn’t know this could happen” when their own history shows identical incidents.

Major Organizations with Documented Histories at Texas Schools

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ) – “Pike”

National History: Stone Foltz death ($10M settlement), David Bogenberger death ($14M settlement)
Texas Presence: Chapters at UT, Texas A&M, UH, Baylor, SMU
Local Incidents: UT probation (2023) for forced milk consumption and calisthenics

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ)

National History: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide; traumatic brain injury lawsuit at Alabama
Texas Presence: Chapters at all five major universities
Local Incidents: Texas A&M chemical burns case ($1M lawsuit), UT assault case (2024)

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

National History: Andrew Coffey death at Florida State
Texas Presence: Chapter at UH (now closed), others statewide
Local Incidents: Leonel Bermudez case ($10M lawsuit, chapter closed)

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

National History: Max Gruver death at LSU (Louisiana felony hazing law)
Texas Presence: Chapters at UT, Texas A&M, others
Local Incidents: Various disciplinary actions across campuses

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Our Investigative Advantage

While most families start from zero when hazing occurs, we begin with comprehensive data. Our engine includes:

IRS B83 Backbone – 125 Texas-Registered Greek Organizations
These tax-exempt entities have legal names, EINs, and addresses we use to identify proper defendants and insurance coverage. Examples relevant to Rollingwood families:

Chi Omega Fraternity – 2711 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705 (EIN: 740555581) – House corporation serving UT chapter
Beta Upsilon Chi – 12650 N Beach St Ste 114, Fort Worth, TX 76244 (EIN: 742911848) – Christian fraternity with Texas chapters
Sigma Phi Epsilon Texas Eta – 1305 FM 359 Rd, Richmond, TX 77406 (EIN: 824398421) – Housing corporation

Cause IQ Metro Organizations – 188 Entities in Houston Metro Alone
This data shows the density of Greek organizations in Texas metros where Rollingwood students attend school:

Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land: 188 Greek organizations
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington: 510 Greek organizations
Austin-Round Rock: 154 Greek organizations

University Chapter Rosters – Verified Campus Presence
We maintain updated rosters from official university sources. For example, UT Austin’s IFC fraternities include: Alpha Sigma Phi, Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma, Lambda Chi Alpha, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, and others—all with documented hazing histories somewhere in their national networks.

How We Use This Data for Rollingwood Families

Identifying All Potentially Liable Parties: Beyond the local chapter, we identify housing corporations, alumni associations, and national entities that may hold insurance or assets.
Establishing Pattern Evidence: When we show that Pi Kappa Alpha nationals paid $7 million in the Foltz case, then the same organization’s UT chapter hazes with similar methods, juries understand this wasn’t an “isolated incident.”
Overcoming Insurance Defenses: Insurance companies often argue hazing is an “intentional act” excluded from coverage. Our data showing national knowledge of risks helps prove negligent supervision claims that typically remain covered.
Strategic Litigation Planning: We know which national organizations settle early, which fight aggressively, and which have deep insurance pockets. This informs our approach to each case.

7. Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, and Legal Strategy

When Rollingwood families come to us after a hazing incident, they’re often overwhelmed, angry, and unsure what to expect. Here’s how we transform chaos into a compelling legal case.

Evidence Collection: The Digital Crime Scene

Modern hazing leaves digital footprints. Our evidence preservation starts immediately:

1. Digital Communications (Most Critical):

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage: We secure full chat histories before deletion
Social Media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat stories, TikTok videos, Facebook messages
Fraternity-Specific Apps: Many nationals have custom apps with planning discussions
Recovery of Deleted Content: Digital forensics experts can often recover “permanently” deleted messages

2. Photos & Videos:

Event Documentation: Members often film hazing for “memories” or blackmail
Injury Documentation: Time-stamped photos showing progression of bruises, burns, etc.
Location Evidence: Photos of houses, rooms, parks where hazing occurred

3. Internal Organization Documents:

Pledge Manuals: Often contain “traditions” that are actually hazing
Chapter Meeting Minutes: May discuss hazing planning or cover-ups
National Communications: Emails showing what headquarters knew

4. University Records (Obtained via Discovery):

Prior Discipline Files: Showing the organization’s history of violations
Campus Police Reports: Incident documentation
Clery Act Reports: Required crime statistics

5. Medical Documentation:

ER/Hospital Records: Critical for proving causation and damages
Psychological Evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses from hazing trauma
Expert Medical Testimony: Specialists explaining long-term effects

6. Witness Testimony:

Other Pledges: Often afraid but willing to testify with protection
Former Members: Those who quit over hazing concerns
Roommates & Friends: Observed behavioral changes or injuries

We guide Rollingwood families through evidence preservation with our video on using your phone to document evidence.

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Texas law allows recovery for both economic and non-economic damages:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical Expenses: Past and future treatment, therapy, medications
Lost Income/Earning Capacity: Impact on future career prospects
Educational Costs: Lost tuition, scholarships, delayed graduation

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real):

Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries sustained
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Can no longer participate in college experiences

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragically Applicable):

Funeral/Burial Costs
Loss of Companionship & Support
Emotional Suffering of Family

Punitive Damages (When Conduct Warrants):

Purpose: Punish egregious conduct and deter future hazing
Availability: When defendants show conscious indifference or intentional misconduct

Case values vary dramatically based on injury severity. Wrongful death cases have settled for $1-14 million nationally. Serious injury cases like Danny Santulli’s (permanent brain damage) involved multi-million dollar settlements with multiple defendants.

Legal Strategy: Overcoming Institutional Defenses

Fraternities, sororities, and universities have sophisticated defense strategies. Here’s how we counter them:

Defense: “The Pledge Consented”

Our Response: Texas law Section 37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense. We show power imbalance and coercion.

Defense: “This Was Rogue Individuals”

Our Response: We demonstrate national patterns and prior knowledge. If Pi Kappa Alpha knew about Big/Little alcohol deaths at other chapters, they can’t claim surprise when it happens at UH.

Defense: “It Happened Off-Campus”

Our Response: Location doesn’t eliminate duty. Nationals collect dues and exercise control regardless of location.

Defense: “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”

Our Response: We show policies were window-dressing, not enforced. Prior incidents resulted in minimal punishment.

Defense: “University Sovereign Immunity” (Public Schools)

Our Response: We identify exceptions for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or sue individual employees personally.

Insurance Coverage Battles:
Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney is invaluable here. He knows how insurers:

Argue hazing is “intentional act” excluded from coverage
Use Independent Medical Exams to minimize injuries
Delay settlements to pressure families

We identify all potential insurance policies (chapter, national, university, homeowner’s) and fight for coverage.

8. Practical Guides & FAQs for Rollingwood Families

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Financial requests for unexplained “fees” or purchases
Academic decline from missed classes or exhaustion

How to Talk to Your Child:

Choose the Right Time: When they’re rested and not distracted
Use Open Questions: “How are things with your fraternity/sorority?” not “Are they hazing you?”
Express Concern, Not Accusation: “I’m worried about your safety” not “You need to quit”
Emphasize Support: “Nothing you tell me will make me love you less”

If You Suspect Hazing:

Document Everything: Write down dates, times, observations
Preserve Evidence: Help your child screenshot messages before deletion
Seek Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor, documentation matters
Consult an Attorney Before Reporting: We can guide you on protecting evidence and rights

For Students: Safety Planning and Rights

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents/university approve if they knew exactly what’s happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets?

How to Exit Safely:

Have a Support System: Tell someone outside the organization first
Document Before Leaving: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries
Send Written Resignation: Email chapter president: “I resign effective immediately”
Avoid “One Last Meeting”: This is where pressure and retaliation occur
Report Retaliation: If threatened or harassed, document and report to police and university

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

Good Faith Reporter Protection: You can’t be punished for calling 911 or seeking medical help
Consent Not a Defense: Even if you “agreed,” it’s still hazing
Civil Lawsuit Option: You can sue for damages even without criminal charges
No-Contact Orders: Available through university if you’re harassed after reporting

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case

Deleting Evidence: Messages seem embarrassing but are crucial evidence. Preserve everything.
Confronting the Organization: They’ll lawyer up and destroy evidence. Let us handle communication.
Signing University Agreements: Universities may offer quick settlements that waive your rights. Consult us first.
Posting on Social Media: Defense attorneys monitor everything. Inconsistencies hurt credibility.
Waiting Too Long: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitation run. Act quickly.

Watch our video on client mistakes that can ruin your case for more guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes. Public universities have some immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, or when suing employees personally. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer protections. Every case is fact-specific—contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Basic hazing is a misdemeanor, but hazing causing serious bodily injury or death is a state jail felony. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense. Courts recognize that peer pressure and power imbalance make true consent impossible.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but exceptions exist. Evidence disappears quickly—call us immediately to preserve your rights. Learn more in our statute of limitations video.

“Will this be confidential?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

“What will this cost?”
We work on contingency—no fee unless we win. We advance all costs and only get paid from recovery. Watch our contingency fee explanation for details.

9. About The Manginello Law Firm: Why Choose Us for Your Hazing Case

When your Rollingwood family faces the nightmare of campus hazing, 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 Cases

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 for “intentional acts”
His insider knowledge is invaluable for maximizing recovery. Learn more about Mr. Peña at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello):
Ralph is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal budgets. He brings this same fearlessness to hazing cases against national fraternities and universities. His federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) is crucial for Title IX and civil rights claims.

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability:
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can:

Advise on criminal exposure for witnesses or former members
Navigate parallel criminal and civil proceedings
Leverage criminal convictions in civil cases

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:
While other firms start from zero, we begin with comprehensive data on 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. We know the entities, their insurance, their histories, and their defense patterns before we even file suit.

Multi-Million Dollar Results:
We have recovered millions for clients in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We work with economists, life care planners, and medical experts to build cases that force accountability.

Our Philosophy: Accountability Over Settlement

Too many personal injury firms seek quick settlements. We believe in:

Thorough Investigation: Uncovering every responsible party
Maximum Accountability: Holding institutions, not just individuals, responsible
Prevention Focus: Using litigation to force policy changes that protect future students
Client Empowerment: Keeping you informed and involved at every step

Serving Rollingwood and All of Texas

Though based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including Rollingwood, Travis County, and the greater Austin area. We understand the unique dynamics of Texas universities and the courts that serve them. Whether your child attends UT Austin minutes away or a campus across the state, we have the expertise and resources to help.

Call to Action: Your Next Step Toward Accountability

If hazing has impacted your Rollingwood family, you don’t have to face this alone. The organizations involved have lawyers, insurance companies, and public relations teams protecting their interests. You deserve the same level of representation fighting for you.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation:

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com
Se habla Español: Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We Listen: We’ll hear your story without judgment
We Evaluate: Review any evidence you have and explain your legal options
We Explain: Discuss realistic timelines, potential outcomes, and our approach
No Pressure: You decide if and when to proceed
Confidentiality: Everything you share is protected

Why Time Matters:

Evidence disappears quickly (deleted messages, graduated witnesses)
Universities conduct internal investigations that may compromise evidence
Statutes of limitation are running
Early legal guidance prevents critical mistakes

Don’t let institutions intimidate you into silence. What happened to your child wasn’t “tradition,” “bonding,” or “voluntary.” It was abuse, and Texas law provides avenues for accountability.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us help you turn pain into purpose, and ensure no other family endures what yours has experienced.

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