The Complete Guide to Fraternity & Sorority Hazing in Texas: A Resource for Schertz Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You Are Not Alone

It’s 2 a.m. in an off-campus house near a major Texas university. A student from Schertz, away from home for the first time, is struggling through his third hour of forced calisthenics. His muscles scream from the “workout,” but he pushes through the pain, driven by a desperate desire to belong. Around him, older fraternity members shout commands, filming his humiliation on their phones. No one calls for help when he collapses, vomiting. They’re too afraid of “getting the chapter in trouble.” This scenario, which could involve any of the universities where Schertz families send their children, is not a dramatic exaggeration—it is the documented reality of modern hazing.

Right now, our firm is actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas: the Leonel Bermudez lawsuit against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. This case, filed in late 2025, alleges brutal hazing that left Bermudez with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, requiring four days of hospitalization. As reported by Click2Houston and ABC13, the hazing included forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; “waterboarding” with a hose; and the humiliating “pledge fanny pack” rule. The chapter has since been shut down, but the medical and psychological harm continues.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Schertz, Cibolo, and across Guadalupe County who need to understand what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects—or fails—your children, and what legal options exist when tradition turns to trauma. Whether your child attends a local campus like Texas State University in San Marcos or a major hub like UT Austin or Texas A&M, the patterns are disturbingly similar.

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

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

Hazing has evolved far beyond the “harmless pranks” of past decades. Today’s hazing is sophisticated, often digitally documented, and increasingly dangerous. For Schertz families, understanding these modern manifestations is critical to recognizing when your child might be at risk.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing – These behaviors emphasize power imbalance and often seem “harmless” but create psychological harm:

“Pledge fanny pack” rules requiring humiliation items (as in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case)
Mandatory chauffeuring at all hours
Enforced dress codes and interview schedules
Social isolation from non-members
Group chat monitoring requiring instant responses

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing – Behaviors causing emotional or physical discomfort:

Sleep deprivation with 3 a.m. wake-up calls
Forced consumption of unpalatable foods (milk, hot dogs, peppercorns)
Extreme calisthenics beyond safe limits (100+ push-ups, 500 squats)
Cold weather exposure in underwear
Public humiliation sessions

Tier 3: Violent Hazing – Activities with high potential for serious injury or death:

Forced alcohol consumption games (“lineups,” “Big/Little” nights)
Physical beatings or paddling
“Waterboarding” simulations with hoses
Dangerous physical tests (“glass ceiling” tackles)
Sexualized hazing and forced nudity

Digital Hazing: The 24/7 Assault

Modern hazing extends far beyond physical events. Schertz students today face:

Group chat tyranny: Constant messaging on GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord with demands for immediate response
Social media humiliation: Forced TikTok challenges, Instagram story dares
Location tracking: Mandatory sharing on Find My Friends or Life360
Digital evidence creation: Filming of hazing acts for private sharing among members

The line between “tradition” and abuse has been systematically blurred. What organizations call “bonding” or “team building” often meets the legal definition of hazing under Texas law.

Texas Hazing Law: What Schertz Families Need to Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes, but their application can be complex. Understanding these laws is essential for Schertz families considering legal action.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

Texas law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student that:

Endangers mental or physical health or safety
Occurs for pledging, initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in any student organization

Key Provisions for Schertz Families:

Criminal Penalties (Section 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
No Consent Defense (Section 37.155):
- “Consent” is not a defense in Texas
- Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it’s still hazing under the law
Organizational Liability (Section 37.153):
- Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can face fines up to $10,000 per violation
- Universities can revoke recognition and ban organizations from campus
Good-Faith Reporting Protection (Section 37.154):
- Individuals who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability
- This protection extends to those calling 911 in medical emergencies, even if underage drinking was involved

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (district attorney’s office)
Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases
Burden of proof: Beyond a reasonable doubt

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or families
Goal: Compensation and accountability
Typical claims: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
Burden of proof: Preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not)

These cases can proceed simultaneously. A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case, as we’re demonstrating in the ongoing UH Pi Kappa Phi litigation.

Federal Overlay: Stop Campus Hazing Act & Title IX

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents
Mandates hazing prevention education
Phased implementation through 2026

Title IX Implications:

When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger
Universities must investigate and take prompt corrective action
Failure to do so can lead to federal investigations and loss of funding

For Schertz families, these federal frameworks provide additional avenues for accountability when universities fail to protect students.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

The tragedies that have occurred at universities across America are not isolated incidents—they represent predictable patterns that repeat at Texas campuses. Understanding these patterns helps Schertz families recognize warning signs and understand what’s at stake.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern

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

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

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

“Bible study” drinking game with wrong answers requiring drinking
Died with BAC of 0.495%
Led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)

Why This Matters for Schertz Families: These cases show that forced drinking “traditions” are lethal formulas, not harmless rituals. The same patterns occur at Texas parties.

The Physical Abuse Pattern

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

Blindfolded, weighted backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
Died from traumatic brain injury
National fraternity criminally convicted of aggravated assault and manslaughter
Banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

Why This Matters for Schertz Families: Extreme physical hazing isn’t “team building”—it’s criminal assault with potentially fatal consequences.

The Institutional Cover-Up Pattern

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

Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking
Multiple falls captured on chapter security cameras
17-½ hour delay before calling 911
Dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members
Led to Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania

Why This Matters for Schertz Families: Delayed medical care dramatically worsens outcomes. Chapters often prioritize self-preservation over student safety.

What These Cases Mean for Schertz

These national precedents establish crucial legal principles:

Foreseeability: National organizations know these patterns repeat
Duty to Supervise: Universities and nationals have responsibility to prevent known dangers
Punitive Damages: Egregious conduct can lead to punishment beyond compensation
Individual Liability: Chapter officers can face personal financial ruin

When we handle hazing cases for Schertz families, we use these national patterns to prove that what happened wasn’t an “accident”—it was a predictable outcome of known, dangerous traditions.

Texas University Focus: Where Schertz Families Send Their Children

Schertz is uniquely positioned in Texas’s educational landscape. Located in Guadalupe County, families here send students to both nearby campuses and major universities across the state. Each institution has its own hazing history and response patterns.

Local & Regional Campuses Serving Schertz Families

Texas State University (San Marcos):

Distance from Schertz: Approximately 30 miles
Greek Community: 40+ fraternities and sororities
Notable Incidents: Multiple hazing violations on public disciplinary logs
Jurisdiction for Schertz Families: Hays County courts, potentially federal courts in Austin division
Practical Consideration: Many Schertz students commute or live nearby at Texas State

University of Texas at San Antonio:

Distance from Schertz: Approximately 20 miles
Greek Community: Growing fraternity/sorority presence
Jurisdiction: Bexar County courts
Connection to Schertz: Primary public university option for many local families

Other Regional Options:

St. Mary’s University (San Antonio)
Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Our Lady of the Lake University (San Antonio)

Major Statewide Hubs for Schertz Students

University of Texas at Austin:

Distance from Schertz: Approximately 80 miles
Greek Transparency Leader: Public hazing violations log at hazing.utexas.edu
Documented Patterns: Repeated violations by Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and spirit groups
For Schertz Families: Travis County jurisdiction, potential for multi-million dollar claims given UT’s resources

Texas A&M University (College Station):

Distance from Schertz: Approximately 150 miles
Unique Risk Factors: Corps of Cadets traditions intersecting with Greek life
Notable Cases: Sigma Alpha Epsilon chemical burns lawsuit; Corps “roasted pig” hazing allegations
Jurisdiction: Brazos County courts, but potential for federal claims

University of Houston:

Distance from Schertz: Approximately 200 miles
Current Active Litigation: Our firm’s Leonel Bermudez case against UH and Pi Kappa Phi
Proven Accountability: Chapter suspensions and closures following serious incidents
Jurisdiction: Harris County courts, Southern District of Texas federal court

Baylor University (Waco) & Southern Methodist University (Dallas):

Both have documented hazing histories and disciplinary actions
Private university status affects transparency but not liability
Multiple routes for Schertz families to reach these campuses

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

One of our firm’s unique advantages is our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations across Texas. For Schertz families, understanding this landscape is crucial. Here are examples of the entities we track:

IRS B83 Registered Organizations (Sample):

KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC | EIN: 133048786 | College Station, TX 77845-6681
GAMMA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 161675890 | The Woodlands, TX 77382-1822
FRANK HEFLIN FOUNDATION | EIN: 203507402 | Canyon, TX 79015-5815
ALPHA EPSILON PI FRATERNITY | EIN: 262025321 | Denton, TX 76201-5816
BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC | EIN: 462267515 | Frisco, TX 75035-6629

San Antonio Metro Area Organizations (Cause IQ Data):

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity – Texas Rho Corp. | Austin, TX (House corporation at University of Texas)
Delta Tau Delta Fraternity – Gamma Iota Chapter | Austin, TX (Chapter house in Austin)
Xi Omicron Iota House Association (ΩΧΟ) | San Antonio, TX (Trinity University)
Alpha Lambda Chapter of Sigma Chi | San Antonio, TX (Trinity University)

Cross-Validated Brands (IRS + Cause IQ Overlap):

Beta Upsilon Chi: Both IRS-registered (EIN: 742911848) and Cause IQ-listed in Fort Worth
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation: Both IRS (EIN: 741380362) and Cause IQ in Fort Worth
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority: Multiple IRS entries (EINs: 364091267, 752609909) and Cause IQ listings across Texas metros

Why This Directory Matters for Schertz Families:
When hazing occurs, there are often multiple organizations behind the letters: undergraduate chapters, housing corporations, alumni associations, and national headquarters. Each may carry insurance and bear responsibility. Our database ensures we identify every potential defendant from day one—a critical advantage when seeking accountability and compensation.

How Hazing Cases Proceed at These Campuses

For Schertz Families, Jurisdiction Matters:

Local/Regional Cases (Texas State, UTSA): Generally in county courts (Hays, Bexar) unless damages exceed threshold for district court
Major Hub Cases (UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH): Often in district courts with potential for federal claims
Multiple Venue Strategies: We frequently file in federal court or counties favorable to plaintiffs

The Defendant Universe We Investigate:

Individual students who participated
Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, risk manager)
Local chapter as entity
National fraternity/sorority headquarters
Housing corporations and alumni associations
Universities and their boards
Third-party property owners and vendors

In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, we’ve named 17 defendants including 13 individual members, the national organization, the housing corporation, and the university—demonstrating the comprehensive approach necessary for maximum accountability.

Fraternity & Sorority National Histories: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The same national organizations that have faced hazing crises across America operate chapters at Texas universities. This history matters legally because it establishes foreseeability—the organization knew or should have known these dangers existed.

High-Risk Organizations with Documented Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ):

National Pattern: Multiple alcohol poisoning deaths including Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021)
Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas State, UTSA
Legal Significance: National HQ had clear notice of Big/Little night dangers

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ):

National Pattern: Traumatic brain injury case at Alabama (2023); chemical burns at Texas A&M (2021)
Texas Presence: Chapters at all major Texas universities
Legal Significance: Pattern of extreme physical hazing despite “anti-hazing” policies

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):

National Pattern: Andrew Coffey death at Florida State (2017)
Texas Presence: Currently in litigation at UH (our Bermudez case)
Legal Significance: Repeating pattern of forced consumption and extreme workouts

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):

National Pattern: Max Gruver death at LSU (2017) leading to felony hazing law
Texas Presence: Multiple Texas chapters
Legal Significance: “Bible study” drinking games known to be lethal

Why National Histories Create Liability

When we represent Schertz families, we use these national patterns to prove:

Prior Notice: The organization knew this type of hazing was occurring
Inadequate Prevention: Their “anti-hazing” policies were window dressing
Gross Negligence: Failure to implement meaningful safeguards
Punitive Damages Eligibility: Willful disregard for known dangers

The same playbook that failed at Bowling Green, LSU, and Florida State is being run at Texas campuses. When injuries result, the legal consequences should be equally severe.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Damages for Schertz Families

Successful hazing litigation requires meticulous evidence collection, strategic defendant identification, and comprehensive damages calculation. Here’s what Schertz families can expect when working with experienced hazing counsel.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Evidence (Most Important):

Group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord)
Social media posts and stories (Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok)
Deleted message recovery through digital forensics
Location data and timestamps
Our video on using your phone to document evidence explains best practices

Medical Documentation:

Emergency room records (critical for rhabdomyolysis cases like UH Pi Kappa Phi)
Toxicology reports and blood alcohol levels
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
Long-term treatment plans and prognosis

Institutional Records:

University disciplinary files (obtained through discovery)
National fraternity risk management reports
Prior incident complaints and responses
Training materials and policy manuals

Witness Testimony:

Other pledges and new members
Former members who quit or were expelled
Roommates, RAs, and bystanders
Expert witnesses on Greek culture and hazing psychology

Damages: What Schertz Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, transferred schools)
Lost earning capacity (for permanent injuries)
Therapy and rehabilitation costs

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
Humiliation and loss of dignity
Loss of enjoyment of college experience

Wrongful Death Damages:

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship and guidance
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Appropriate):

For particularly egregious conduct
When defendants showed willful disregard for safety
To punish and deter future hazing

In serious cases like the UH Pi Kappa Phi litigation, damages can reach eight figures when accounting for permanent kidney damage, lifelong medical monitoring, and psychological trauma.

Insurance Coverage Strategies

Fraternities, sororities, and universities carry multiple insurance policies. Our experience—particularly Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney—gives us unique insight into:

Identifying All Policies: Chapter policies, national umbrella policies, university liability coverage
Navigating Exclusions: Overcoming “intentional act” and “criminal act” exclusions
Bad Faith Claims: When insurers wrongfully deny coverage
Maximizing Recovery: Ensuring all available coverage is tapped

This insider knowledge is invaluable when facing well-funded institutional defendants.

Practical Guides for Schertz Parents, Students & Witnesses

For Schertz Parents: Warning Signs & Immediate Actions

Red Flags Your Child May Be Hazed:

Unexplained injuries or repeated “accidents”
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden personality changes (anxiety, withdrawal, irritability)
Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
Financial strain from unexplained expenses
Secretive behavior about organizational activities
Declining academic performance

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?”

Immediate Action Checklist:

Safety First: If injured or intoxicated, get to ER immediately
Preserve Evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries, save physical items
Document Everything: Write down what happened while memory is fresh
Medical Follow-Up: Even if they seem “fine,” hidden injuries like rhabdomyolysis can be fatal
Legal Consultation: Contact us within 24-48 hours before evidence disappears

For Schertz Students: Rights & Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Simple Test:

Would you do this if you had a real choice (no social consequences)?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would your parents or the university approve if they knew?
Are you being told to keep secrets?

How to Exit Safely:

Immediate Danger: Call 911 or campus police
Medical Emergency: Good-faith reporter protections apply when calling for help
Formal Resignation: Email chapter president: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Safety Planning: Tell someone outside organization first; avoid “one last meeting”

Evidence Collection for Students:

Screenshot group chats with timestamps visible
Record conversations (Texas is one-party consent state)
Photograph injuries immediately and over several days
Save all digital communications—do not delete anything
Request medical records that mention hazing

For Witnesses & Former Members

If you participated and now regret it, or witnessed hazing:

Your testimony can prevent future harm
You may need your own legal counsel
Cooperation can be part of accountability
We can help navigate your role in investigations

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Deleting Evidence: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice
Confronting the Organization: Triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching
Signing University Forms: May waive legal rights; always consult attorney first
Social Media Posts: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Waiting Too Long: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitations run

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

Frequently Asked Questions for Schertz Families

“Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities have some sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and claims against individuals. Private universities have fewer protections. Every case requires individual analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law makes hazing a state jail felony when it causes serious bodily injury or death. The UH Pi Kappa Phi case involves conduct that could support felony charges.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to participate?”
Irrelevant under Texas law. Education Code Section 37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure isn’t voluntary.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury in Texas, but exceptions exist. The discovery rule may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately apparent. In cases involving cover-ups, the statute may be tolled. Watch our video on Texas statutes of limitations for detailed information.

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

“What about costs?”
We work on contingency—no fee unless we recover compensation. Watch our video explaining how contingency fees work.

Why Attorney911 for Schertz Hazing Cases

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):

Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers value (and undervalue) claims
Understands their delay tactics, coverage arguments, and settlement strategies
“We know their playbook because we used to run it”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello):

One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Not intimidated by national fraternities or university defense teams
“We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:

Proprietary database tracking 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
IRS B83 records, university rosters, Cause IQ metro data integrated
Immediate identification of all potential defendants and insurance sources
Proven in current UH Pi Kappa Phi litigation

Multi-Million Dollar Results:

Wrongful death settlements and verdicts
Catastrophic injury cases with lifetime care planning
Economist collaboration for comprehensive damages calculation
“We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability:

Ralph’s HCCLA membership (elite criminal defense credential)
Understanding of how criminal charges interact with civil litigation
Ability to advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
Comprehensive approach to accountability

Our Investigation Process for Schertz Families

When you contact us about a potential hazing case:

Immediate Evidence Preservation: We guide you through securing digital evidence before deletion
Comprehensive Defendant Identification: Using our database to identify all responsible parties
Expert Collaboration: Medical experts, digital forensics, Greek culture specialists
Strategic Venue Selection: Choosing jurisdictions favorable to your case
Aggressive Discovery: Obtaining hidden university and fraternity records
Settlement or Trial Preparedness: Building cases that demand serious settlement or succeed at trial

We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

Call to Action for Schertz Families

If you suspect your child has been hazed at any Texas campus, time is your greatest enemy and our most urgent concern. Evidence disappears within days—deleted group chats, coached witnesses, destroyed physical evidence.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm today 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’ve preserved
Explain your legal options clearly
Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
Answer all your questions about process and costs
No pressure to hire us—take time to decide with full information

For Schertz families specifically:
Whether your child attends Texas State, UTSA, or any Texas university, we understand the unique dynamics affecting Guadalupe County families. We’ve handled cases from local campuses to major hubs, and we know how to navigate each system.

Contact Information:

24/7 Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Office: (713) 528-9070
Mobile: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

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

You don’t have to face this alone. The institutions responsible for your child’s safety have legal teams and crisis management plans. You deserve the same level of representation and commitment.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. Let us help you get answers, accountability, and justice.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

For your convenience, here are direct links to all resources referenced in this guide:

News Coverage of Current Texas Hazing Case:

Click2Houston investigation of UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing: 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 coverage with detailed timeline: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
Hoodline summary of $10M lawsuit: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Texas statutes of limitations explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes that can ruin your case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Firm Resources:

Main website and contact: https://attorney911.com
Wrongful death practice area: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
Criminal defense capability: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/
Ralph Manginello profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
Lupe Peña profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

Se habla Español: lupe@atty911.com