Hazing at Texas Universities: A Complete Guide for Shavano Park Families

If Your Child Was Hazed in Texas, You’re Not Alone

Picture this: Your son from Shavano Park attends a fraternity “bid acceptance” event at a University of Texas chapter house. What starts as celebration turns dark—he’s handed a bottle of alcohol and told to finish it to prove his commitment. Across the room, phones record as pledges struggle through forced calisthenics. Hours later, when someone collapses, there’s panicked whispering about whether to call 911. “We can’t get the chapter in trouble,” someone says. “He knew what he signed up for.”

This isn’t just a worst-case scenario. For families in Shavano Park and across Bexar County, this reality is unfolding right now at Texas campuses. In November 2025, just 80 miles northeast of Shavano Park at the University of Houston, that exact nightmare became real for Leonel Bermudez and his family. His experience at the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter serves as a sobering warning for every Texas parent.

In that case, which we currently represent Bermudez in, what began as typical pledging escalated into systematic abuse: forced to carry degrading “pledge fanny packs,” subjected to hours of physical hazing including bear crawls and wheelbarrow races, sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, and required to complete 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion. The result? Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure, passing brown urine and requiring four days of hospitalization with critically high creatine kinase levels. The Pi Kappa Phi chapter was suspended within days and voted to surrender its charter on November 14, 2025, with UH calling the conduct “deeply disturbing.”

If you’re a parent in Shavano Park whose child attends UTSA, Trinity University, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or any Texas campus, this comprehensive guide will help you understand what hazing really looks like in 2025, your legal rights under Texas law, and how to protect your child when institutions fail them.

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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas

For Shavano Park families, understanding modern hazing means moving beyond stereotypes of “harmless pranks” or “boys will be boys.” Today’s hazing has evolved into sophisticated, often digital systems of control and abuse.

Clear, 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. Texas law specifically defines hazing under Education Code Chapter 37 as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act” that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of “pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership” in any student organization.

Crucially for Shavano Park parents: “I agreed to it” does not make it legal. The power imbalance between pledges and members, combined with social pressure and fear of exclusion, means consent is legally irrelevant in hazing cases.

Five Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the deadliest form, responsible for most hazing fatalities nationwide. At Texas schools, this includes:

• “Bid acceptance” or “Big/Little” nights with forced alcohol consumption
• Drinking games with penalties for wrong answers
• “Lineups” where pledges must rapidly consume alcohol
• Forced consumption of unknown or mixed substances

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

• Extreme calisthenics or “smokings” (100+ push-ups, 500+ squats as in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case)
• “Workouts” framed as “conditioning” but actually punitive
• Sleep deprivation through overnight “study sessions” or 3 AM wake-up calls
• Food/water restriction or forced consumption of unpleasant substances
• Exposure to extreme temperatures or dangerous environments

3. Digital/Online Hazing
For Shavano Park students raised with smartphones, this is increasingly common:

• 24/7 group chat monitoring with instant response demands
• Social media humiliation through forced TikTok challenges or Instagram dares
• Geo-tracking via Find My Friends or Life360
• Digital “scavenger hunts” that cross into illegal or dangerous territory

4. Psychological Hazing
This creates the environment where physical abuse becomes possible:

• Verbal abuse, yelling, and degradation during meetings
• Social isolation from non-members
• Threats of expulsion for non-compliance
• Public shaming rituals

5. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
Some of the most damaging forms include:

• Forced nudity or partial nudity
• Simulated sexual acts
• Degrading costumes or role-playing
• Acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones

Where Hazing Happens at Texas Schools

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

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural councils)
• Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs
• Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading)
• Spirit Organizations (Texas Cowboys, pep squads)
• Marching Bands and performance groups
• Academic and Service Organizations

For Shavano Park families with children at UTSA or other local campuses, this broad reach means vigilance should extend beyond Greek life alone.

Texas Hazing Law: What Shavano Park Families Need to Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in the Education Code (Chapter 37, Subchapter F) that directly impact cases involving Shavano Park students. Understanding this framework is crucial for protecting your rights.

Texas Education Code Hazing Provisions

§ 37.151 Definition
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 a student
• Occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students

Key Points for Shavano Park Families:

• Location doesn’t matter—off-campus hazing is still illegal
• Mental harm counts equally with physical harm
• “Reckless” acts qualify—intent to harm isn’t required
• § 37.155 explicitly states: “Consent is not a defense”

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties

• Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
• Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
• State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

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

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability
Organizations can be:

• Fined up to $10,000 per violation
• Banned from campus by the university
  This means both individuals AND the organization face accountability.

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting
Those who report hazing in good faith receive immunity from civil/criminal liability. This protection is critical for encouraging bystander intervention.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases

• Brought by the state (Bexar County DA, campus police, etc.)
• Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Standard: “Beyond a reasonable doubt”

Civil Cases

• Brought by victims/families (like the Bermudez $10M lawsuit)
• Aim: Compensation and accountability
• Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
• Standard: “Preponderance of the evidence”

Critical Insight: These cases often run simultaneously. A criminal conviction isn’t required for civil action, and civil discovery can uncover evidence for criminal cases.

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to:

• Report hazing incidents transparently
• Strengthen prevention education
• Maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026)

Title IX & Clery Act
When hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, Title IX obligations trigger. Clery requires reporting certain crimes—hazing often overlaps with assault or alcohol crimes.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

1. Individual Students: Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up

2. Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity/sorority entity itself and its officers

3. National Fraternity/Sorority: Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters (key in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case)

4. University/Governing Board: Schools may be liable for negligence, deliberate indifference, or civil rights violations

5. Third Parties: Property owners, alcohol providers (under dram shop laws), security companies

For Shavano Park families, this multi-defendant approach is crucial—the deepest pockets often belong to nationals and universities, not individual students.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

The tragedies that have made national headlines aren’t distant stories—they’re blueprints for what can happen at Texas schools. Understanding these patterns helps Shavano Park families recognize warning signs and understand legal precedents.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

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

• Bid acceptance event with forced heavy drinking
• Severe falls captured on chapter cameras; 12-hour delay before help
• 18 members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts total
• Result: Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

• “Bible study” drinking game—wrong answers = forced drinking
• Died with 0.495% BAC (six times legal limit)
• Member convicted of negligent homicide
• Result: Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)

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

• Forced to drink nearly entire bottle of whiskey
• $10 million settlement ($7M from PIKE national, ~$3M from BGSU)
• Chapter president personally ordered to pay $6.5 million

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

• “Big Brother Night” with handles of hard liquor
• FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life
• Pattern recognition: Same national organization involved in our current UH case

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

• Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
• Died from traumatic brain injury; help delayed
• National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
• Pi Delta Psi banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

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

• Forced excessive drinking during “pledge dad reveal”
• Suffered severe, permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see)
• Settlements with 22 defendants, reportedly multi-million dollar total
• Shows catastrophic injury cases can exceed death cases in lifetime costs

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

• Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing within program
• Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
• Head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially
• Takeaway: Big-money athletic programs aren’t immune

What These Cases Mean for Shavano Park Families

1. Patterns Repeat: The same scenarios (forced drinking nights, physical “tests,” cover-ups) recur across campuses and organizations
2. Delayed Medical Care dramatically worsens outcomes and increases liability
3. National Organizations Know: These aren’t “unforeseeable accidents”—nationals have seen these patterns before
4. Multi-Million Dollar Accountability is possible through civil litigation
5. Legislative Change Follows Tragedy: Major cases drive new laws that protect future students

Texas University Focus: Where Shavano Park Students Attend

Shavano Park families send students throughout Texas’s higher education system. Understanding each campus’s specific hazing landscape is crucial for prevention and response.

Local Campuses Serving Shavano Park Families

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)

• Location: San Antonio, Bexar County (15 minutes from Shavano Park)
• Campus Culture: Growing Division I athletics, commuter/residential mix
• Greek Life: Active IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural councils
• Recent History: Greek organizations periodically suspended for alcohol violations; increasing transparency efforts
• Practical Note: Cases would involve UTSA PD and potentially Bexar County courts familiar to Shavano Park families

Trinity University

• Location: San Antonio, Bexar County (20 minutes from Shavano Park)
• Campus Culture: Private liberal arts, historically strong Greek presence
• Transparency Challenge: As a private university, less public reporting than public institutions
• Legal Jurisdiction: Bexar County courts would handle civil litigation

Other San Antonio-Area Campuses:

• Our Lady of the Lake University
• St. Mary’s University
• Texas A&M University-San Antonio
• University of the Incarnate Word

Major Statewide Universities Attended by Shavano Park Students

While local options exist, many Shavano Park families choose Texas’s flagship institutions hours from home. Distance doesn’t reduce parental concern—or legal rights.

University of Houston (UH)

Campus Snapshot for Shavano Park Families:

• 80 miles northeast of Shavano Park (90-minute drive)
• Large urban campus with active Greek life
• Home to the ongoing Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi case we currently litigate

Official Hazing Policy:
UH prohibits hazing on and off campus, including forced consumption, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and mental distress. Reporting channels include Dean of Students Office and UHPD.

Documented Incidents:

• 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha Case: Pledge suffered lacerated spleen during multi-day event; chapter faced misdemeanor charges and suspension
• 2025 Pi Kappa Phi Case (Bermudez): $10M lawsuit alleging systematic physical and psychological hazing leading to rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure
• Various alcohol and policy violations leading to probation/suspension

How a UH Hazing Case Proceeds:

• Jurisdiction: Harris County courts (Houston)
• Involved agencies: UHPD, Houston PD, Harris County DA
• Potential defendants: Individuals, chapter, Pi Kappa Phi national, UH System
• Our current case names 13 individual members plus chapter, national, and university entities

For Shavano Park Families with UH Students:

• Recognize Houston’s legal landscape differs from Bexar County’s
• Evidence preservation is urgent—distance complicates parental intervention
• Early legal consultation bridges geographic gaps

Texas A&M University

Campus Snapshot for Shavano Park Families:

• 180 miles northwest of Shavano Park (3-hour drive)
• Corps of Cadets culture alongside traditional Greek life
• Unique traditions requiring particular vigilance

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

• Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner
• Resulted in severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
• Pledges sued for $1 million; fraternity suspended for two years

Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023):

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

For Shavano Park Families with A&M Students:

• Both Greek life and Corps organizations require scrutiny
• College Station’s legal jurisdiction (Brazos County) differs from home
• Medical facilities in Bryan-College Station may document injuries

University of Texas at Austin

Campus Snapshot for Shavano Park Families:

• 70 miles north of Shavano Park (75-minute drive)
• Nation’s largest Greek system by some measures
• Public Hazing Violations Page offers unusual transparency

UT’s Hazing Transparency:
UT maintains public database at hazing.utexas.edu listing:

• Organization names
• Violation dates and descriptions
• Sanctions imposed

Example Entries:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; probation and mandatory education
• Texas Wranglers (recent): Alcohol-related hazing violations
• Various organizations sanctioned for forced workouts, degrading activities

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024):

• Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party
• Injuries: dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
• Sued for over $1 million; chapter already under suspension

For Shavano Park Families with UT Students:

• Check UT’s public database for organization histories
• Travis County courts handle litigation
• UTPD and Austin PD jurisdictional questions may arise

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Campus Snapshot for Shavano Park Families:

• 250 miles north of Shavano Park (4.5-hour drive)
• Private university with affluent reputation
• Strong Greek presence despite smaller size

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):

• New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived
• Chapter suspended; recruitment restricted until approximately 2021
• Private university means less public detail

SMU’s Reporting Systems:

• Anonymous systems like Real Response
• Less transparency than public institutions
• Civil discovery becomes crucial for uncovering truth

For Shavano Park Families with SMU Students:

• Dallas County legal jurisdiction
• Private university status affects transparency expectations
• Early legal intervention can compel disclosure

Baylor University

Campus Snapshot for Shavano Park Families:

• 180 miles north of Shavano Park (3-hour drive)
• Religious identity with history of Title IX scrutiny
• Athletic program hazing incidents

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):

• 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Suspensions staggered over early season
• Part of broader cultural scrutiny following football scandal

Baylor’s Challenge:

• Balancing religious identity with accountability
• “Zero tolerance” rhetoric versus recurring incidents
• McLennan County legal jurisdiction

For Shavano Park Families with Baylor Students:

• Waco’s medical facilities may document injuries
• Baylor’s history warrants particular vigilance
• Early consultation preserves options

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

For Shavano Park families, understanding that local chapter behavior connects to national patterns is crucial. When a Texas chapter repeats dangerous conduct that caused deaths elsewhere, that history becomes powerful legal evidence.

Why National Histories Matter Legally

National fraternities and sororities maintain extensive anti-hazing policies precisely because they’ve seen tragedies before. This creates legal “foreseeability”—they knew or should have known certain activities were dangerous.

In litigation, we establish:

1. Pattern Evidence: Same organization, same dangerous conduct at multiple campuses
2. Prior Notice: Nationals received warnings or incident reports
3. Inadequate Response: Policies existed but weren’t meaningfully enforced

Organization Mapping: National Histories at Texas Campuses

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike)

• National History: Stone Foltz death (BGSU, $10M settlement), David Bogenberger death (NIU, $14M settlement)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, others
• Legal Significance: Prior alcohol hazing deaths establish foreseeability for Texas cases

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE)

• National History: Multiple hazing deaths nationally; traumatic brain injury lawsuit (Alabama); chemical burns case (Texas A&M)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at all five major Texas universities
• Legal Significance: Pattern of physical and alcohol hazing establishes national knowledge

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

• National History: Andrew Coffey death (FSU); currently our UH Bermudez case
• Texas Presence: Chapter at UH (now closed), other Texas campuses
• Legal Significance: Current active litigation demonstrates ongoing pattern

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

• National History: Max Gruver death (LSU, Louisiana felony hazing law)
• Texas Presence: Chapters at multiple Texas universities
• Legal Significance: Foreseeability of alcohol hazing games

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ)

• National History: Multiple hazing suspensions including SMU chapter
• Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, SMU, others
• Legal Significance: Physical hazing traditions known to national

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: What We Track

For Shavano Park families, understanding the scale of Greek organizations in Texas is illuminating. Our firm maintains comprehensive data on Texas’s Greek ecosystem:

San Antonio Metro Area (Includes Shavano Park):
86 Greek-related organizations in the metro area including:

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

Statewide Snapshot:

• 1,423 fraternity/sorority organizations across 25 Texas metros
• 125+ Texas-registered entities in IRS B83 records (house corporations, alumni chapters)
• 510 organizations in Dallas-Fort Worth metro alone
• 188 in Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro

Sample IRS B83 Organizations Relevant to Texas Families:

• KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC (EIN: 133048786) – 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845 – IRS B83 filing
• SIGMA PHI EPSILON NEW YORK CHI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION INC (EIN: 262710856) – 618 Rutland St, Houston, TX 77007 – IRS B83 filing
• TEXAS BETA PSI CHAPTER OF ALPHA DELTA KAPPA SORORITY INC (EIN: 746088185) – 127 Calais Way, Shavano Park, TX 78249 – IRS B83 filing
• BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC (EIN: 462267515) – 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035 – IRS B83 filing (relevant to UH case)
• DELTA PHI CHAPTER OF THETA CHI FRATERNITY ALUMNI HOUSING (EIN: 900239693) – c/o Maultsby 668 Promontory Lane, Dallas, TX 75208 – IRS B83 filing

Cross-Validated Brands (IRS + Cause IQ Data):
Organizations appearing in both IRS records and metro databases confirm our tracking accuracy:

• Beta Upsilon Chi (Fort Worth: IRS EIN 742911848 + Cause IQ listing)
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation (Fort Worth: IRS EIN 741380362 + Cause IQ listing)
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (multiple Texas locations: IRS EINs 364091267, 752609909 + Cause IQ Houston/Beaumont listings)

This intelligence means Shavano Park families never start from zero. We already know the legal entities, EINs, and organizational structures behind campus letters.

How National Patterns Support Texas Cases

When we represent Shavano Park families, we demonstrate:

1. The national organization knew this conduct was dangerous (from prior incidents)
2. Their policies were inadequate or unenforced
3. They benefited from chapter operations (dues, recognition)
4. They failed to intervene despite foreseeable harm

This approach has yielded:

• $10 million settlement in Stone Foltz case (Pi Kappa Alpha)
• $6.1 million verdict in Max Gruver case (Phi Delta Theta)
• Multi-defendant settlements in Danny Santulli case (Phi Gamma Delta)
• Our active $10M litigation in Leonel Bermudez case (Pi Kappa Phi)

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

For Shavano Park families pursuing accountability, understanding what makes a strong case is crucial. Hazing litigation requires sophisticated evidence collection and strategic planning.

Critical Evidence Categories

1. Digital Communications

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
• Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook
• Emails: Chapter communications, national correspondence
• Recovery: Digital forensics can retrieve deleted messages

2. Photos & Videos

• Content filmed during events (often shared in group chats)
• Security/doorbell camera footage at houses
• Social media posts/stories showing activities
• Injury documentation over time

3. Internal Organization Documents

• Pledge manuals, initiation scripts
• Risk management policies from nationals
• Minutes from chapter meetings
• Correspondence about “traditions” or “education”

4. University Records

• Prior conduct files (obtained via discovery)
• Incident reports to campus police
• Clery Act reports
• Internal emails about the organization

5. Medical & Psychological Records

• ER/hospital records (critical for injury documentation)
• Toxicology reports
• Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
• Ongoing treatment records

6. Witness Testimony

• Other pledges (often afraid but potentially cooperative)
• Former members who quit
• Roommates, RAs, bystanders
• Medical personnel who treated injuries

Preservation Protocol for Shavano Park Families

Within First 24 Hours:

1. Do NOT delete anything—even embarrassing content
2. Screenshot all relevant communications with timestamps visible
3. Photograph injuries from multiple angles with ruler for scale
4. Document names of all involved individuals
5. Secure physical evidence (clothing, objects, receipts)

Within 48 Hours:

1. Consult attorney to formalize preservation demands
2. Medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor
3. Written timeline while memory is fresh
4. Contact information for witnesses

Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable)

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost earnings/educational costs
• Therapy and rehabilitation
• Life care plans for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Damage to reputation

Wrongful Death Damages (when applicable)

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of companionship and support
• Emotional harm to family
• Lost financial contributions

Punitive Damages

• When conduct is particularly reckless or intentional
• Designed to punish and deter
• Available under certain conditions in Texas

The Insurance Coverage Battle

Fraternities, sororities, and universities carry insurance—but insurers often deny hazing claims. Our insider knowledge (from Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as an insurance defense attorney) is crucial here.

Common Insurance Arguments:

1. “Hazing is intentional, so excluded”
2. “Policy doesn’t cover criminal acts”
3. “This defendant isn’t insured”

Our Counters:

1. Negligent supervision claims may be covered even if hazing was intentional
2. Multiple policies may provide coverage (national, local, university, individuals)
3. Bad faith claims if insurers wrongfully deny

Strategic Considerations for Shavano Park Families

Timing Issues:

• Texas generally has 2-year statute of limitations from injury/death
• “Discovery rule” may extend if harm wasn’t immediately apparent
• Evidence deteriorates quickly—immediate action is critical

Defendant Identification:

• Individuals (members, officers)
• Local chapter entity
• National organization
• University/board of regents
• Property owners/landlords
• Alcohol providers

Jurisdiction Questions:

• Where incident occurred vs. where defendants are located
• Federal vs. state court considerations
• Venue selection strategy

Privacy Concerns:

• Confidential settlements possible
• Sealed court records in some cases
• Media strategy coordination

Practical Guides & FAQs for Shavano Park Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Response

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns
• Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
• Sudden personality changes (anxiety, withdrawal)
• Constant phone monitoring for group chat demands
• Financial requests without clear explanation
• Academic performance drop
• Secretive behavior about organization activities

How to Talk to Your Child:

1. Choose calm, private setting
2. Use open questions: “How are things with [organization]?”
3. Avoid judgment: “I’m concerned about your safety”
4. Emphasize unconditional support
5. Document what they share

If You Suspect Hazing:

1. Medical first: Get treatment for any injuries
2. Evidence preservation: Follow 24-hour protocol above
3. University reporting: Contact Dean of Students, but understand their interests may conflict with yours
4. Legal consultation: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 before making decisions
5. Do NOT: Confront organization, sign university agreements, post on social media

For Students: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Is This Hazing? Self-Assessment:

• Am I being pressured or coerced?
• Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
• Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would my parents/university approve if they knew?
• Am I being told to keep secrets?

If You’re Being Hazed:

1. Immediate danger: Call 911
2. Medical attention: Even if you feel “fine”
3. Evidence preservation: Screenshot, photograph, document
4. Safe exit: You can quit anytime—no explanation owed
5. Reporting options: Campus channels, anonymous tip lines, national hotlines

Good-Faith Reporting Protections:
Texas law and most universities offer immunity/amnesty for those who report in good faith or seek emergency help.

For Witnesses/Former Members: Coming Forward

If you participated and now regret it:

1. Separate guilt from responsibility: Past actions don’t define you
2. Consider cooperation: Your testimony could prevent future harm
3. Legal protection: Consult attorney about your exposure
4. Ethical choice: Coming forward takes courage but brings closure

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence

• Mistake: “Cleaning up” embarrassing messages
• Result: Looks like cover-up; destroys case
• Solution: Preserve EVERYTHING immediately

2. Confronting the Organization

• Mistake: Angry calls to chapter president
• Result: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• Solution: Document quietly, let attorney handle communications

3. Signing University Agreements

• Mistake: Signing “resolution” or “release” forms
• Result: May waive right to sue; lowball settlement
• Solution: “I need my attorney to review this first”

4. Social Media Posts

• Mistake: Venting on Facebook/Instagram
• Result: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
• Solution: Private documentation only

5. Delaying Legal Consultation

• Mistake: “Let’s see how the university handles it”
• Result: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
• Solution: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 within 48 hours

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity limitations but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and individual capacity suits. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Each case requires specific analysis—call 1-888-ATTY-911 for case evaluation.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas Education Code §37.152 makes hazing a:

• Class B misdemeanor (basic hazing)
• Class A misdemeanor (causes injury requiring treatment)
• State jail felony (causes serious bodily injury or death)

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Consent is not a defense to hazing in Texas (Education Code §37.155). Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t truly voluntary.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from injury or death in Texas, but exceptions exist:

• “Discovery rule” if harm wasn’t immediately apparent
• Tolling for minors or fraud concealment
• Time is critical—evidence disappears quickly

“What if hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge. Many major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) were off-campus.

“Will this be confidential?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially. We can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms to protect your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

“What will this cost?”
We work on contingency fee basis for personal injury cases—no fee unless we recover compensation. Initial consultations are always free.

Why Attorney911 for Shavano Park 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 national firm
• Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers value claims
• Understands their delay tactics, coverage arguments, and settlement strategies
• “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation (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.”

Current Active Hazing Litigation

• Right now, we represent Leonel Bermudez in $10M UH Pi Kappa Phi case
• Direct experience with hazing investigation, evidence preservation, institutional defendants
• Understanding of modern hazing dynamics and digital evidence

Multi-Million Dollar Results

• Proven track record in catastrophic injury and wrongful death
• Experience with economist collaboration for lifetime care valuation
• “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Dual Capability

• Ralph’s HCCLA membership signals elite criminal defense expertise
• Understands interaction between criminal charges and civil litigation
• Can advise witnesses/former members with dual exposure

Investigative Depth

• Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, Greek life culture, economists
• Experience obtaining hidden evidence through discovery
• “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Texas Geographic Mastery

• Offices in Houston, Austin, Beaumont
• Understanding of Texas courts, procedures, and legal culture
• Serving Shavano Park families throughout Texas

Our Approach to Hazing Cases

1. Immediate Response

• 24/7 availability for emergencies
• Evidence preservation demands within hours
• Medical guidance and documentation

2. Thorough Investigation

• Digital forensics for deleted communications
• Subpoenas for national fraternity records
• Public records requests for university files
• Expert consultations (medical, psychological, economic)

3. Strategic Litigation

• Identifying all potentially liable parties
• Navigating insurance coverage disputes
• Balancing privacy concerns with accountability goals
• Preparing for trial while pursuing settlement

4. Client-Centered Advocacy

• Regular communication (we update clients every 2-3 weeks)
• Respect for family trauma and privacy
• Focus on long-term wellbeing, not just financial recovery
• Commitment to preventing future harm

For Shavano Park Families Specifically

We understand that hazing cases involving Shavano Park students present unique challenges:

Geographic Considerations:

• Your child may attend school hours from home
• Different legal jurisdictions apply (Bexar County vs. campus location)
• Medical documentation may occur away from home
• We bridge these geographic gaps through coordinated investigation

Local Legal Landscape:

• Understanding of Bexar County courts and procedures
• Connections to San Antonio-area medical and investigative resources
• Experience with both public and private universities across Texas

Community Sensitivity:

• Respect for family privacy in close-knit communities
• Discretion in handling sensitive matters
• Understanding of Texas cultural contexts around Greek life and tradition

Call to Action for Shavano Park Families

If you suspect your child has been hazed at any Texas campus—whether UTSA here in San Antonio, Trinity University just minutes away, or universities across the state—you don’t have to face this alone.

What to Do Right Now:

1. Call Us Immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
2. Preserve Evidence: Follow our 24-hour protocol
3. Get Medical Care: Even for seemingly minor injuries
4. Document Everything: Write down details while fresh

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

• We listen to your story without judgment
• Review any evidence you’ve preserved
• Explain legal options clearly
• Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
• Answer questions about costs (contingency fee—no recovery, no fee)
• No pressure to hire us immediately

Our Commitment to Shavano Park Families:

• Immediate response to hazing emergencies
• Thorough investigation that leaves no stone unturned
• Aggressive advocacy against even the most powerful institutions
• Compassionate support through one of life’s most difficult challenges
• Privacy protection for your family’s dignity
• Accountability focus to prevent future harm

Contact Information:
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我将在下一条消息中继续，我将完成文章的剩余部分，包括法律免责声明。Spanish-Language Services:

• Hablamos Español – Mr. Lupe Peña speaks fluent Spanish
• Contact: lupe@atty911.com
• Servicios legales completos disponibles en español

Multiple Contact Options:

• 24/7 Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct Office: (713) 528-9070
• Cell: (713) 443-4781
• Email: ralph@atty911.com (Ralph Manginello), lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña)
• Website: https://attorney911.com

Final Word to Shavano Park Families

The decision to pursue legal action after hazing is deeply personal. Some families want justice. Some want to prevent this from happening to another student. Some simply need answers about what really happened to their child.

Whatever your motivation, know this: You have rights. Your child has rights. And organizations that endanger students must be held accountable.

The Leonel Bermudez case at UH shows that even in 2025, severe hazing continues at Texas universities. But it also shows that accountability is possible—through thorough investigation, legal action, and relentless advocacy.

If hazing has impacted your family, take the first step today. Call us for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your family’s future.

You don’t have to face this alone. We’re here to help.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

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

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

• Using cellphone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Texas statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client mistakes that ruin cases: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website & Contact:

• https://attorney911.com

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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