Hazing at Texas Universities: A Complete Guide for Town of Saint Hedwig Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU or Baylor, You Are Not Alone

For families in Town of Saint Hedwig, the college journey often begins with pride as our children head to universities across Texas. That pride can turn to horror when we learn what happens behind closed doors. Right now, just hours from our community, a University of Houston student is fighting for his future after fraternity hazing nearly killed him. Leonel Bermudez, a UH student and Pi Kappa Phi pledge, was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after extreme hazing that included forced consumption, brutal workouts, and humiliation rituals. His urine turned brown—a medical emergency that landed him in the hospital for four days. This isn’t an isolated incident. It’s a pattern affecting Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, and campuses where Town of Saint Hedwig students study.

We created this comprehensive guide because Town of Saint Hedwig families deserve to know the truth about hazing in Texas—what it looks like, what the law says, and what to do if it happens to your child. Whether your student attends UTSA in nearby San Antonio, Texas A&M in College Station, or any Texas campus, this information could save their life.

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

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:
Evidence disappears fast—deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses. Universities move quickly to control the narrative. We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

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

For Town of Saint Hedwig parents who didn’t experience modern Greek life, today’s hazing bears little resemblance to movie stereotypes. It’s more sophisticated, more digital, and often disguised as “tradition” or “team building.”

The Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. In Texas law, it’s defined as intentional, knowing, or reckless acts that endanger mental or physical health for purposes of initiation or affiliation.

Crucially: “I agreed to it” does not make it legal or safe. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion isn’t true voluntary consent.

Main Categories of Hazing in Texas Today

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common fatal hazing method. It includes forced or coerced drinking during “Big/Little” nights, “bid acceptance” parties, or drinking games where wrong answers mean consuming dangerous amounts. The Leonel Bermudez UH case involved forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed immediately by sprints—a classic alcohol-free but equally dangerous consumption ritual.

Physical Hazing
Beyond traditional paddling, today’s physical hazing includes:

• Extreme calisthenics (“smokings”) like the 100+ push-ups and 500 squats Bermudez endured
• “Workouts” framed as conditioning but actually punitive
• Sleep deprivation through late-night meetings or 3 AM wake-up calls
• Food/water restriction or forced consumption of disgusting substances
• Cold-weather exposure (Bermudez was forced into underwear in cold weather)

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. The “pledge fanny pack” in the UH case—containing condoms, a sex toy, and humiliating items carried 24/7—represents this category.

Psychological Hazing
Verbal abuse, threats, isolation, manipulation, and public shaming. The constant threat of expulsion for non-compliance in the UH case created psychological coercion.

Digital/Online Hazing
The newest frontier includes group chat dares, social media humiliation via Instagram or TikTok, pressure to create compromising content, and 24/7 digital monitoring. Pledges in many Texas chapters must respond instantly to group messages at all hours.

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Texas

While fraternities dominate headlines, hazing occurs in:

• Fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
• Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs
• Spirit squads and tradition clubs
• Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
• Marching bands and performance groups
• Some service, cultural, and academic organizations

The common thread across all groups: social status, tradition, and secrecy keep these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Law & Liability Framework: Texas and Federal Laws That Protect Your Child

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code Chapter 37)

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions that Town of Saint Hedwig families should understand:

§ 37.151 Definition:
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that endangers mental or physical health and occurs for purposes of initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership.

Plain English for Town of Saint Hedwig Parents:
If someone makes your child do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they meant to do it or were reckless about the risk, that’s hazing under Texas law. Location doesn’t matter—it can happen on or off campus. The harm can be mental or physical.

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

• 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 crimes: Failing to report hazing (if you’re a member/officer who knew) and retaliating against reporters are also misdemeanors.

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability:
Organizations can be criminally prosecuted if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report. Penalties include fines up to $10,000 per violation and university recognition revocation.

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:
Those who report hazing in good faith to university or law enforcement are immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result. Many Texas campuses have medical amnesty policies for underage drinkers who call 911.

§ 37.155 Consent Not a Defense:
As mentioned, this statutory provision directly rebuts the “they agreed to it” defense.

§ 37.156 Reporting by Educational Institutions:
Texas colleges must provide hazing prevention education, publish policies, and maintain annual reports of violations—though compliance varies significantly.

Criminal vs Civil Cases: Understanding Both Paths

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by the state (district attorney)
• Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical charges: hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Example: The individual Pi Kappa Phi members in the UH case face potential criminal charges

Civil Cases:

• Brought by victims or surviving families
• Aim: Monetary compensation and accountability
• Focus: negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
• Example: The Bermudez family’s $10 million lawsuit against UH and Pi Kappa Phi

Both can run simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. Many families pursue civil actions even when prosecutors decline to file criminal charges.

Federal Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently, strengthen prevention, and maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026). This will eventually give Town of Saint Hedwig families better access to campus safety information.

Title IX:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger additional reporting and investigation requirements.

Clery Act:
Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics. Hazing incidents often overlap with assault or alcohol/drug crime categories.

Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Hazing Lawsuit?

Individual Students:
Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up. In the UH case, 13 individual fraternity leaders were named.

Local Chapter/Organization:
The fraternity/sorority itself if it’s a legal entity. The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation was named in the UH lawsuit.

National Fraternity/Sorority:
Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters is a defendant in the UH case because they had constructive knowledge of risks.

University or Governing Board:
Schools may be sued under negligence or civil-rights theories. UH and the UH System Board of Regents are defendants based on their ownership/control of chapter houses and failure to prevent known risks.

Third Parties:
Landlords of event spaces, bars/alcohol providers (under dram shop theories), security companies. The Culmore Drive residence owner where UH hazing occurred could face liability.

Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys investigate all potential defendants to ensure full accountability.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Families Can Learn

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):
Bid-acceptance event with heavy drinking. Severe falls captured on chapter cameras; hours delayed before medical help. Dozens of criminal charges; new Pennsylvania anti-hazing law named after him. Takeaway for Town of Saint Hedwig families: Extreme intoxication combined with delay in calling 911 creates devastating liability.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017):
“Big/little” event where pledge was given a handle of liquor; drank to dangerous levels; died. Criminal hazing charges; FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life. Takeaway: Formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are repeating scripts for disaster.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
“Bible study” drinking game; forced to drink when answering questions incorrectly. Death led to Louisiana’s felony hazing statute (Max Gruver Act). Takeaway: Legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
Forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey during pledge night; died from alcohol poisoning. Multiple criminal convictions; BGSU settled for nearly $3 million; additional settlements with fraternity/individuals. Takeaway: Universities face significant financial consequences alongside fraternities.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
Pledge subjected to violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat. Fatal head injuries; help delayed. Multiple convictions; fraternity banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. Takeaway: Off-campus “retreats” are particularly dangerous, and national orgs face serious sanctions.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025):
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program. Multiple lawsuits; head coach fired and later settled wrongful-termination suit. Takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to big-money athletic programs.

What These Cases Mean for Town of Saint Hedwig Families

Common threads: forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, cover-ups. The national pattern shows that reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after tragedy and litigation. Town of Saint Hedwig families facing hazing at Texas schools aren’t alone—they’re operating in a landscape shaped by these hard lessons.

Texas Focus: Where Town of Saint Hedwig Students Attend College

Understanding Our Local Educational Landscape

Town of Saint Hedwig families send students to universities across Texas. While UTSA in nearby San Antonio is a common choice, many attend the state’s flagship institutions. Each campus has unique hazing risks and histories that Town of Saint Hedwig parents should understand.

University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) – Our Nearest Major University

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
As Town of Saint Hedwig’s closest major university, UTSA serves many local families. The growing Greek life includes IFC fraternities, Panhellenic sororities, NPHC organizations, and multicultural groups. UTSA’s commuter-campus history is evolving toward more residential Greek life.

Hazing Policy & Reporting:
UTSA prohibits hazing on and off campus through Student Code of Conduct. Reporting channels include Dean of Students, Student Conduct & Community Standards, and UTSA Police. Like many schools, UTSA emphasizes anonymous reporting options.

Documented Incidents & Responses:
While less publicized than flagship schools, UTSA has faced hazing allegations. Greek organizations have received disciplinary sanctions for conduct violations that include hazing elements. The university’s challenge mirrors others: balancing growing Greek life with effective oversight.

How a UTSA Hazing Case Might Proceed:
For Town of Saint Hedwig families, jurisdiction would involve Bexar County courts. UTSA Police and San Antonio Police Department might both have involvement depending on location. Civil suits could name individual students, chapters, national organizations, and potentially UTSA if negligence is established.

What UTSA Students & Town of Saint Hedwig Parents Should Do:

• Report immediately to UTSA Dean of Students (210-458-4726)
• Document everything with timestamps
• Preserve digital evidence before deletion
• Consult an attorney familiar with both UTSA procedures and Texas hazing law
• Understand that as a growing Greek system, UTSA may have evolving oversight challenges

Texas A&M University – A Common Destination for Ambitious Students

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Many Town of Saint Hedwig students choose Texas A&M for its academic reputation and tradition. The massive Greek system includes 60+ fraternities and sororities, plus the distinctive Corps of Cadets with its own hazing risks.

Hazing Policy & Reporting:
Texas A&M has detailed hazing policies covering both Greek life and Corps. Reporting goes through Student Conduct Office, Corps leadership for cadets, or Texas A&M Police. The university publishes some disciplinary data but less transparently than UT Austin.

Documented Incidents & Responses:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):
Two pledges alleged being covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. They sued for $1 million; fraternity suspended for two years. This case shows how physical hazing can cause permanent injury.

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023):
Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth. Sought over $1 million; A&M stated it handled matter under Corps regulations. This highlights hazing beyond Greek life.

Recent Rhabdomyolysis Cases:
We’re currently investigating multiple Texas A&M hazing cases involving extreme physical exertion leading to rhabdomyolysis—the same muscle breakdown condition that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez at UH.

How a Texas A&M Case Might Proceed:
Brazos County jurisdiction; potential defendants include individual students, chapters, nationals, Corps leadership, and Texas A&M System. The university’s sovereign immunity as a public institution creates legal hurdles but doesn’t prevent all claims.

What Texas A&M Students & Town of Saint Hedwig Parents Should Do:

• Understand both Greek and Corps hazing risks
• Report to appropriate channel: Student Conduct for Greek, Corps leadership for cadets
• Document Corps hazing with specific attention to tradition-based abuses
• Recognize that Texas A&M’s strong institutional culture can complicate reporting

University of Texas at Austin – The Flagship Destination

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
UT Austin’s prestigious academics attract Town of Saint Hedwig students. The large Greek system includes traditional fraternities/sororities, multicultural groups, and spirit organizations like Texas Cowboys.

Hazing Policy & Reporting:
UT has Texas’s most transparent system: a public Hazing Violations page listing organizations, conduct, and sanctions. Reporting through Office of the Dean of Students triggers investigations that become public if violations are found.

Documented Incidents & Responses:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023):
New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; found to be hazing; chapter placed on probation with hazing-prevention education required. This mild sanction for dangerous conduct illustrates the gap between policy and meaningful consequences.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024):
Australian exchange student alleged assault at party resulting in dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose. Sued SAE chapter for over $1 million; chapter already under suspension for prior violations. This shows repeat offender patterns.

Multiple Spirit Group Sanctions:
Texas Wranglers and other spirit groups sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol hazing, punishment-based practices. Confirms hazing extends beyond Greek letters.

How a UT Austin Case Might Proceed:
Travis County jurisdiction; UT’s transparency helps plaintiffs establish pattern evidence. Public violation records become powerful evidence in civil suits. Individual, chapter, national, and university liability all possible.

What UT Austin Students & Town of Saint Hedwig Parents Should Do:

• Check UT’s public hazing violations page for organization history
• Report through Dean of Students for investigation and public record
• Use UT’s transparency as leverage in negotiations
• Document everything—UT’s process is more public but not necessarily more protective

Baylor University – Private School Option

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Baylor’s religious identity and academic reputation attract some Town of Saint Hedwig families. Greek life exists alongside strong religious organizations. The university’s history with football scandal informs current approach to misconduct.

Hazing Policy & Reporting:
Baylor prohibits hazing with reporting through Student Conduct Administration. As a private university, Baylor has less public transparency than public institutions but also fewer sovereign immunity protections.

Documented Incidents & Responses:

Baseball Hazing (2020):
14 players suspended following hazing investigation; staggered suspensions affected season. Internal handling typical of athletic program hazing responses.

Ongoing Greek Life Issues:
Like all schools with Greek systems, Baylor faces recurring hazing allegations. The private university’s disciplinary processes are less visible but can be compelled through discovery in lawsuits.

How a Baylor Case Might Proceed:
McLennan County jurisdiction; private university status means fewer immunity defenses. Baylor’s religious affiliation doesn’t exempt it from hazing liability. Civil suits can compel discovery of internal records.

What Baylor Students & Town of Saint Hedwig Parents Should Do:

• Report through Student Conduct while documenting independently
• Understand that private university processes may be less transparent
• Consider that Baylor’s religious identity may affect institutional responses
• Preserve evidence aggressively as internal processes may prioritize institution protection

University of Houston – Where the Current Crisis Unfolded

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
UH’s Houston location attracts Town of Saint Hedwig students seeking urban university experience. Diverse Greek system includes traditional, multicultural, and NPHC organizations.

Hazing Policy & Reporting:
UH prohibits hazing on and off campus. Reporting through Dean of Students or UH Police. The university’s response to the Pi Kappa Phi case—calling conduct “deeply disturbing” and cooperating with investigations—shows standard crisis response.

The Leonel Bermudez Case – What Every Town of Saint Hedwig Family Must Know:

In November 2025, Leonel Bermudez filed a $10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, UH System Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The allegations include:

1. Humiliation Rituals: “Pledge fanny pack” rule requiring 24/7 carrying of condoms, sex toy, nicotine devices
2. Forced Labor: Enforced dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, overnight chauffeuring duties
3. Physical Abuse: Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills
4. Extreme Exposure: Cold-weather workouts in underwear, lying in vomit-soaked grass
5. Waterboarding Simulation: Sprayed in face with hose “similar to waterboarding”
6. Forced Consumption: Milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting, then immediate sprints
7. Nov 3 Workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats

Medical Catastrophe:
Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, couldn’t stand without help, hospitalized four days. Lab tests showed critically high creatine kinase levels. He faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

Institutional Response:

• Nov 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends Beta Nu chapter
• Nov 14, 2025: Chapter members vote to surrender charter; chapter shut down
• UH labels conduct “deeply disturbing,” promises disciplinary measures up to expulsion and cooperation with law enforcement

Why This Matters for Town of Saint Hedwig Families:
This case proves that catastrophic hazing happens right now in Texas. The specific details—forced consumption, extreme workouts, delayed medical care—mirror patterns we see at other Texas schools. When we represent families, we look for these same patterns.

How a UH Case Might Proceed:
Harris County jurisdiction; UH as public university has sovereign immunity complications. The current lawsuit tests these boundaries. Individual, chapter, national, and housing corporation liability are all established in this case.

What UH Students & Town of Saint Hedwig Parents Should Do:

• Report immediately to UH Dean of Students
• Document with awareness of the Bermudez case patterns
• Understand that UH is currently defending against serious hazing claims
• Preserve evidence aggressively—this case shows hazing continues despite policies

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Town of Saint Hedwig Families

If you’re a parent in Town of Saint Hedwig, you deserve to know who stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. We maintain a Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine with data on 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. Below are examples from public records—these are not accusations but factual listings from IRS and other public sources.

Greek Organizations in the San Antonio Metro Area (Including UTSA)

The San Antonio metro contains 86 Greek-related organizations according to Cause IQ data. These include:

• Xi Omicron Iota House Association (ΩΧΟ) – San Antonio, TX (Trinity University)
• Alpha Lambda Chapter of Sigma Chi – San Antonio, TX (Trinity University)
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – San Antonio Alumnae – San Antonio, TX
• Kappa Alpha Psi – San Antonio Alumni – San Antonio, TX

IRS-Backbone Organizations with Texas Addresses

These organizations are recorded in IRS B83 filings as tax-exempt Greek organizations:

• Sigma Phi Lambda Inc – EIN 201237505 – Corinth, TX 76210 – Beta Chapter
• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc – EIN 133048786 – College Station, TX 77845
• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – EIN 475370943 – Houston, TX 77204 – Theta Delta
• Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation – EIN 371768785 – Missouri City, TX 77459
• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 462267515 – Frisco, TX 75035
• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – EIN 746084905 – Houston, TX 77204
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated – Sigma Gamma Chapter – EIN 392352450 – Houston, TX 77254

Cross-Validated National Brands in Texas

These brands appear in both IRS data and metro organization data, showing how national organizations operate across Texas:

• Beta Upsilon Chi appears in Fort Worth IRS filings and DFW metro data
• Pi Kappa Alpha appears in Nederland IRS filings and Houston metro data
• Sigma Gamma Rho appears in Waco and Commerce IRS filings plus Houston and Beaumont metro data

What This Directory Means for Town of Saint Hedwig Families

These public records show the complex network of organizations behind Greek life. When hazing occurs, liability may extend to:

• Local chapters (like Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu at UH)
• Housing corporations (like the Beta Nu housing corporation)
• Alumni organizations
• National headquarters
• Honor societies and related entities

We maintain this directory so families never start from zero. We already know the names, EINs, and mailing addresses of organizations that may hold insurance and responsibility.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific & National Histories

Why National Histories Matter for Town of Saint Hedwig Families

When a Pi Kappa Phi chapter at UH hazes students, that’s not an isolated incident. Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters knows about Andrew Coffey’s death at Florida State in 2017. When Sigma Alpha Epsilon hazes at Texas A&M, SAE national knows about dozens of prior incidents nationwide. This pattern evidence establishes foreseeability—national organizations knew or should have known their chapters were engaging in dangerous conduct.

Organization Mapping: National Patterns at Texas Schools

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ):

• National History: Stone Foltz death (BGSU 2021), David Bogenberger death (NIU 2012), multiple settlements
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Texas State
• Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing, forced consumption rituals

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ):

• National History: Multiple hazing deaths nationwide, traumatic brain injury case (Alabama 2023)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin (with recent assault case)
• Pattern: Physical hazing, assault, chemical burns (Texas A&M case)

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):

• National History: Andrew Coffey death (FSU 2017)
• Texas Presence: Chapter at UH (now closed after Bermudez case)
• Pattern: Extreme physical hazing, forced consumption, humiliation rituals

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):

• National History: Max Gruver death (LSU 2017)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at multiple Texas schools
• Pattern: Drinking game hazing, alcohol poisoning risk

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ):

• National History: Multiple hazing suspensions
• Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, SMU (2017 suspension)
• Pattern: Paddling, alcohol hazing, tradition-based abuses

How National Histories Strengthen Texas Cases

In civil litigation, we use national histories to show:

1. Foreseeability: Nationals knew these activities were occurring
2. Inadequate Response: Prior sanctions were insufficient to deter future conduct
3. Pattern Evidence: Same behaviors recur across chapters
4. Negligent Supervision: Nationals failed to adequately monitor/monitor chapters

For Town of Saint Hedwig families, this means your child’s case isn’t just about one bad chapter—it’s about national organizations that failed to prevent known risks.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

Critical Evidence in Modern Hazing Cases

Digital Communications:
GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps. In the UH case, group chats likely contained planning discussions, event coordination, and possibly videos/photos of hazing. We work with digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages.

Photos & Videos:
Content filmed during events often surfaces in group chats or social media. Security cameras at houses and venues can provide critical timeline evidence.

Internal Organization Documents:
Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, ritual “traditions.” Nationals’ risk management policies become evidence when they’re ignored.

University Records:
Prior conduct files, probation/suspension letters. UT Austin’s public violations page provides ready evidence; at other schools, we subpoena these records.

Medical & Psychological Records:
ER/hospitalization records, toxicology reports, psychological evaluations for PTSD/depression. Bermudez’s medical records showing rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure formed the injury basis for his lawsuit.

Witness Testimony:
Other pledges, members, roommates, RAs, bystanders. Former members often provide crucial testimony after leaving organizations.

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Medical Bills & Future Care:
Immediate care (ER, ICU), surgeries, ongoing treatment, physical therapy. For Bermudez, future kidney treatment may be necessary. In catastrophic cases like Danny Santulli (Phi Gamma Delta, Missouri), lifelong 24/7 care costs millions.

Lost Earnings / Educational Impact:
Missed semesters, delayed graduation, reduced earning capacity from permanent injuries. Brain injuries or severe PTSD can limit career options.

Non-Economic Damages:
Physical pain/suffering, emotional distress, trauma, humiliation, loss of enjoyment of life. These subjective damages often comprise the largest portion of settlements.

Wrongful Death Damages:
Funeral/burial costs, loss of companionship/support, emotional harm to family. Stone Foltz’s family received approximately $10 million total from BGSU and Pi Kappa Alpha.

Insurance Coverage Complexities

National fraternities and universities carry insurance, but insurers often argue:

• Hazing is excluded as intentional conduct
• Policies don’t cover certain defendants
• Coverage limits are inadequate

Our experience with insurance defense (Mr. Peña’s background) helps navigate these disputes. We identify all potential policies—chapter, national, university, individuals’ homeowners—and fight exclusion arguments.

Strategic Considerations for Town of Saint Hedwig Families

Timing Matters:
Evidence disappears quickly. Group chats get deleted, witnesses get coached, paddles get destroyed. Immediate action preserves evidence.

Multiple Avenues:
Criminal charges (through police), civil suits (for compensation), university disciplinary processes (for campus sanctions). These can proceed simultaneously.

Defendant Identification:
We investigate all potential defendants: individuals, chapters, housing corporations, alumni groups, nationals, universities, third-party venues.

Settlement vs Trial:
Most cases settle confidentially, but trial readiness improves settlement leverage. The threat of public trial and punitive damages motivates settlements.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Town of Saint Hedwig Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Action Steps

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

• Unexplained injuries or repeated “accidents”
• Sudden exhaustion, extreme sleep deprivation
• Drastic mood changes, anxiety, withdrawal
• Constant secret phone use for group chats
• Fear of missing “mandatory” events
• Defensiveness about organization activities
• Sudden financial needs without clear explanation

How to Talk to Your Child:

• Ask open questions: “How are things with [organization]?”
• Avoid judgment: “I’m concerned about your safety, not mad”
• Emphasize support: “You can always come to me, no matter what”
• Listen without interrupting when they start to share

If Your Child Is Hurt:

1. Medical First: Get immediate care even if they resist
2. Document Everything: Photos of injuries, screenshot texts, write down what they say
3. Preserve Evidence: Don’t let them delete messages or “clean up”
4. Names/Dates: Record who, what, when, where
5. Contact Attorney911: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 before talking to university or organization

Dealing with the University:

• Document all communications
• Ask specific questions: “What prior incidents involve this organization?”
• Don’t sign anything without attorney review
• Remember: University’s priority is protecting the institution, not your child

When to Talk to a Lawyer:

• If your child has significant physical/psychological harm
• If the university or organization is minimizing what happened
• If you suspect evidence is being destroyed
  0- If criminal charges may be involved
• Simply put: call us for free consultation to assess

For Students: Recognizing and Escaping Hazing

Is This Hazing or Just Tradition?
Ask yourself:

• Do I feel unsafe, humiliated, or coerced?
• Am I forced to drink or endure pain?
• Is this activity hidden from public/view?
• Would I do this if I had a real choice?
• Are older members making me do things they don’t do?

If you answered yes to any, it’s likely hazing.

Why “Consent” Isn’t the Whole Story:
Power dynamics matter. Wanting to belong doesn’t mean truly consenting to danger. Texas law recognizes this—consent isn’t a defense to hazing charges.

Exiting Safely:

• Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
• Send email/text to chapter president: “I resign effective immediately”
• Don’t go to “one last meeting” where pressure/retaliation may occur
• If fearing retaliation, report that fear to Dean of Students and campus police

Good-Faith Reporting Protections:
Texas law and most campus policies protect those who report hazing or call for medical help, even if they were involved. Don’t let fear of “getting in trouble” prevent saving a life.

For Former Members/Witnesses: Doing the Right Thing

If you participated and now regret it:

• Your testimony can prevent future harm
• Cooperation can be an important step toward accountability
• You may want your own legal advice about potential exposure
• Speaking truth can be part of healing

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Letting Your Child Delete Evidence
What seems like cleaning up embarrassment looks like obstruction of justice. Preserve everything immediately.

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly
This triggers their defense preparation, evidence destruction, witness coaching. Let your attorney handle communications.

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms
Universities pressure families to sign waivers or internal agreements that limit rights. Never sign without attorney review.

4. Posting on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer
Defense attorneys screenshot everything. Inconsistencies hurt credibility. Let your lawyer control public messaging.

5. Letting Your Child Go to “One Last Meeting”
This is where pressure, intimidation, or damaging statements occur. Once considering legal action, all communication goes through your attorney.

6. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”
Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes run. University process rarely brings real accountability.

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer
Recorded statements get used against you. Early settlements are lowball offers. Politely decline: “My attorney will contact you.”

Frequently Asked Questions for Town of Saint Hedwig Families

“Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity complexities, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and suing individuals personally. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case is fact-specific—call 1-888-ATTY-911 for case analysis.

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

“What if our child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t true voluntary consent. This is crucial for Town of Saint Hedwig families to understand.

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

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

“What if the fraternity says they’ve ‘cleaned house’ or ‘closed the chapter’?”
Chapter closure doesn’t eliminate liability. Nationals often close chapters after incidents to limit liability, but they remain responsible for prior conduct. The Pi Kappa Phi chapter closure after the UH incident doesn’t prevent the lawsuit.

“How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?”
Contingency fee basis—we don’t get paid unless we win. No upfront costs. We cover case expenses initially, recovered from settlement/judgment. This makes justice accessible regardless of family finances.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action for Town of Saint Hedwig Families

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

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

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. He understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello):
We’re one of the few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation. We’ve faced billion-dollar defendants and won. Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) means we’re not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience:
We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases with economist collaboration. We understand how to value lifetime care needs for brain injuries, permanent disabilities, and conditions like the kidney damage Bermudez suffers. We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force accountability.

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:
Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) gives us insight into how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. We can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure.

Investigative Depth:
Our network includes medical experts, digital forensics specialists, economists, and psychologists. We know how to obtain hidden evidence: deleted group chats, chapter records, university files that institutions try to protect. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

Understanding Texas Greek Life Realities:
We know how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments actually work behind closed doors. We understand the traditions, the secrecy, the social pressures. This isn’t theoretical—we’re currently litigating the Leonel Bermudez case against UH and Pi Kappa Phi right now.

Empathy and Victim Advocacy

We know this is one of the hardest things a Town of Saint Hedwig family can face. Your child went to college seeking opportunity and community, not trauma and betrayal. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. This isn’t about bravado or quick settlements—it’s about thorough investigation and real accountability.

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

While other firms start from zero, we maintain a comprehensive database of:

• 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
• 125+ IRS-registered Texas Greek entities with EINs and addresses
• Campus-specific chapter rosters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor
• National hazing incident patterns across organizations

This means when you call us about a Pi Kappa Phi case, we already know about Andrew Coffey’s death at FSU. When you call about Sigma Alpha Epsilon, we know about their chemical burns case at Texas A&M. This knowledge informs our strategy from day one.

Call to Action for Town of Saint Hedwig Families

If your child experienced hazing at UTSA, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Town of Saint Hedwig and throughout Bexar County have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a Confidential, No-Obligation Consultation

What to expect in your free consultation:

• 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

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. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

Serving Town of Saint Hedwig and All of Texas

While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas. Whether your child attends UTSA in nearby San Antonio or Texas A&M hours away, we can help. Hazing cases often involve multiple jurisdictions, national organizations, and complex insurance networks—exactly the kind of complexity we handle regularly.

Clear Expectations

Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every hazing case is unique, and we cannot guarantee specific outcomes. What we can promise is that an experienced Attorney911 attorney will review your specific facts, explain your rights under Texas law, and help you understand your options.

Final Message to Town of Saint Hedwig Families

The Leonel Bermudez case at UH proves that catastrophic hazing is happening right now in Texas. The patterns at Texas A&M, UT Austin, and other campuses show this isn’t isolated. Your family doesn’t have to face this alone.

From our work on the Bermudez case to our ongoing investigations at campuses across Texas, we’re committed to holding organizations accountable and preventing future harm. We understand the particular concerns of Town of Saint Hedwig families navigating the Texas university system.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us help you get answers, accountability, and the resources your family needs to heal and move forward.

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 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 on the best course 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