A Town of Annetta South Parent’s Guide to Hazing, Fraternity Lawsuits, and Protecting Your College Student in Texas

When a Campus Tradition Turns to Trauma: A Message to Parker County Families

Imagine you’re a parent in Town of Annetta South, Parker County. Your son, a bright student you raised with Texas values, calls from college. His voice is different—strained, exhausted. He mentions “mandatory study sessions” that go until 3 AM, being “on call” for older fraternity brothers, and weird rules about carrying a special bag everywhere. He jokes it off, but you hear the stress. Then one weekend, you get the call no parent wants: he’s in the ER with kidney failure from a “pledge workout.” The fraternity brothers who took him there have already deleted their group chat. The university says they’ll “look into it.” You’re left wondering: What just happened to my child, and who’s responsible?

This isn’t a hypothetical scenario. Right now, just a few hours from Town of Annetta South in Harris County, our firm is fighting exactly this kind of case. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after extreme hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. His urine turned brown. He was hospitalized for four days. The alleged hazing included forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by immediate sprints; 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion; cold-weather exposure in underwear; and being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.”

This $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders shows what Texas families are up against. For parents in Town of Annetta South, Aledo, Willow Park, and across Parker County who send their children to Texas universities, understanding this reality is the first step toward protection and accountability.

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

This guide is written specifically for Town of Annetta South families and all Parker County residents. Whether your child attends a local community college, commutes to Tarrant County schools, or lives at a major university hours away, Texas hazing law and experienced Texas counsel can help.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas Greek Life

The Modern Definition Goes Beyond “Boys Being Boys”

Hazing in 2025 isn’t just about paddling and silly pranks. Under Texas law (Education Code Chapter 37), hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

For Town of Annetta South parents, the key understanding is this: If your child is being made to do something dangerous, degrading, or harmful to join or stay in a group—and there’s peer pressure or power imbalance involved—it’s likely hazing. “They agreed to it” does not make it legal or safe.

The Five Categories of Modern Hazing

Alcohol and Substance Hazing

• Forced or coerced drinking games (“lineups,” “century club,” “Big/Little” nights)
• Pressure to consume unknown substances or dangerous amounts
• The “chugging” culture that led to Leonel Bermudez’s forced consumption at UH

Physical Hazing

• Extreme calisthenics beyond safe limits (like the 100+ push-ups/500 squats in the UH case)
• “Smokings” or punitive workouts
• Sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions”
• Food/water restriction or forced overconsumption
• Exposure to extreme elements (cold weather in underwear)

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

• Forced nudity or partial nudity
• Simulated sexual acts or degrading positions
• Racist, sexist, or homophobic role-playing
• Public shaming on social media

Psychological Hazing

• Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members
• “Roasting” sessions where pledges are verbally torn down
• Forced confessions or secrets extraction
• Manipulation through fear of exclusion

Digital/Online Hazing

• 24/7 group chat monitoring with instant response demands
• Geo-tracking requirements via Find My Friends or Life360
• Forced embarrassing social media posts or TikTok challenges
• Cyberbullying when pledges don’t comply

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

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

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural groups)
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC (especially at Texas A&M)
• Athletic Teams (from football to cheer squads)
• Spirit Organizations (Texas Cowboys, cheer groups, dance teams)
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups
• Academic and Honors Societies
• Service and Cultural Organizations

The common threads: tradition, secrecy, power imbalance, and the false belief that “what happens here stays here.”

Texas Hazing Law: What Parker County Parents Need to Know

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Child’s Legal Protection

Texas has specific anti-hazing laws that apply whether your child attends school in Houston, College Station, Austin, or anywhere in the state. Here’s what Town of Annetta South families should understand:

Criminal Penalties (Texas Education Code §37.152):

• Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, fine up to $2,000)
• Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
• State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death (like the rhabdomyolysis in the UH case)

Organizational Liability (§37.153):
Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be:

• Fined up to $10,000 per violation
• Have university recognition revoked
• Face civil lawsuits for negligence and damages

Critical Protections for Your Child:

• Consent is NOT a defense (§37.155): Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law
• Good-Faith Reporter Immunity (§37.154): Those who report hazing in good faith are protected from liability
• Medical Amnesty: Many Texas universities protect those who call 911 in alcohol emergencies

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding Both Paths

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by the state (prosecutor)
• Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Example: Multiple Pi Kappa Phi members could face criminal charges in the UH case

Civil Cases:

• Brought by victims or families
• Aim: Compensation and accountability
• Wrongful death
• Negligence/gross negligence
• Negligent supervision
• Emotional distress
• Example: The Bermudez family’s $10 million lawsuit seeks compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and to hold institutions accountable

Key Point: These cases can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction isn’t required for a civil case, and vice versa.

Federal Laws That Protect Texas Students

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

• Requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents
• Strengthens hazing education and prevention
• Phased implementation through 2026
• Means more transparency for parents researching campus safety

Title IX:

• Applies when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
• Requires universities to investigate and respond appropriately
• Can provide additional legal avenues beyond state hazing laws

Clery Act:

• Requires reporting of certain crimes on campus
• Hazing incidents often overlap with assault, alcohol, or drug violations
• Provides crime statistics that can show patterns of unsafe environments

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Texas Hazing Case

1. Individual Students

• Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
• Chapter officers with supervisory responsibility
• In the UH case: 13 individual fraternity leaders are named

2. Local Chapter/Organization

• The fraternity/sorority as a legal entity
• Housing corporations that own chapter houses
• Example: Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc. is a defendant in the UH lawsuit

3. National Headquarters

• Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
• Can be liable for what they knew or should have known about dangerous traditions
• Example: Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters is named in the UH lawsuit

4. Universities and Governing Boards

• May be liable for negligent supervision or deliberate indifference
• Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity but exceptions exist
• Example: University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents are defendants

5. Third Parties

• Property owners/landlords of off-campus houses
• Bars or alcohol providers (under Texas dram shop law)
• Security companies that failed to protect students

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: What Happened at UH Has Happened Before

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

• 20-year-old pledge 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 BGSU)

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

• Pledge forced into “Bible study” drinking game
• Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
• $6.1 million verdict for family
• Led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)

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

• “Big Brother Night” with handles of hard liquor
• Died from acute alcohol poisoning
• FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life

What This Means for Town of Annetta South Families:
The forced drinking that allegedly happened at UH follows the exact same script that has killed students nationwide. National fraternities know this pattern but continue to see chapters repeat it.

Physical Hazing Patterns: From Workouts to Ritualized Violence

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

• Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking
• Multiple falls captured on chapter security cameras
• Brothers delayed calling 911 for hours
• Led to Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania

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

• Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
• Died from traumatic brain injury
• 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)

• Pledge forced to consume excessive alcohol during “pledge dad reveal”
• Suffered severe, permanent brain damage
• Cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care
• Settlements with 22 defendants (multi-million dollar total)

Connection to Texas:
The extreme workouts alleged in the UH case (100+ push-ups, 500 squats, vomiting then sprints) represent the same physical hazing pattern that has caused permanent injury nationwide.

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)

• Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within program
• Multiple lawsuits against university and staff
• Head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired, later settled wrongful-termination suit
• Shows hazing extends beyond Greek life to big-money athletic programs

Western Kentucky University Swim Team (2012-2015)

• Investigation revealed hazing dating back years
• Verbal/physical abuse documented
• University placed entire swim program on five-year suspension
• $75,000 settlement with former team member

Texas Universities: Where Town of Annetta South Families Send Their Students

University of Houston: A Case Study in Institutional Response

For Town of Annetta South Families:
While UH may not be the closest major university to Parker County, its current hazing lawsuit establishes critical legal precedents that affect all Texas families. The university’s response also shows how institutions handle—or mishandle—hazing crises.

The Bermudez Case Timeline:

• Sept 16, 2025: Leonel Bermudez accepts Pi Kappa Phi bid
• Sept-Oct 2025: Forced dress codes, overnight chauffeuring, “pledge fanny pack” humiliation
• Oct 13, 2025: Another pledge hog-tied face-down with object in mouth for over an hour
• Nov 3, 2025: Bermudez forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
• Nov 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends Beta Nu chapter
• Nov 6-9, 2025: Bermudez hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
• Nov 14, 2025: Chapter members vote to surrender charter
• Nov 21-22, 2025: Media reports detail $10 million lawsuit

UH’s Official Response:

• Called conduct “deeply disturbing”
• Promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion
• Stated cooperation with law enforcement
• Credited Pi Kappa Phi HQ for “decisive action” in closing chapter

What This Shows Parker County Parents:
Even when universities say the right things, litigation is often necessary to uncover what they knew, when they knew it, and whether they could have prevented the harm.

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

For Parker County Families:
Texas A&M is a common destination for Parker County students, with its combination of academic excellence, Texas traditions, and relatively close proximity.

Notable Hazing Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Chemical Burns Case (2021)

• Two pledges allegedly forced strenuous activity
• Covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs
• Resulted in severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
• Pledges sued for $1 million
• Chapter 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 in damages
• Texas A&M stated it handled matter under Corps regulations

Texas A&M’s Greek Ecosystem:
The university hosts approximately 60+ fraternity and sorority chapters, including:

• Interfraternity Council: 19+ chapters including Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon
• Panhellenic Council: 14+ sororities
• Multicultural Greek Council: Multiple organizations
• National Pan-Hellenic Council: All Divine Nine organizations present

What Parker County Parents Should Know:
Texas A&M’s size and tradition-heavy culture create both opportunities for students and risks for unsupervised, dangerous behavior. The Corps of Cadets adds another layer of institutional tradition that can sometimes cross into hazing.

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Repeated Violations

For Town of Annetta South Families:
UT Austin represents another major destination for high-achieving Parker County students. Its public hazing violations database provides unprecedented transparency—and reveals ongoing problems.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Database:
Unlike many universities, UT maintains a public log of hazing violations. Recent examples include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023)

• New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
• Found to be hazing
• Chapter placed on probation with required hazing-prevention education

Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Assault Case (2024)

• Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members
• Injuries included dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
• Student sued for over $1 million
• Chapter already under suspension for prior violations

Spirit Group Discipline (2022)

• “Absolute Texxas” spirit organization disciplined for hazing violations
• Included alcohol/drug misconduct, blindfolding, kidnapping, degrading new members

What This Transparency Reveals:
Even with public accountability, hazing continues. Organizations serve probation and return to similar behaviors. Serious consequences require serious legal action.

Southern Methodist University: Private University Challenges

For Parker County Families:
SMU’s Dallas location makes it accessible for Parker County families, and its academic reputation attracts many Texas students.

Notable Incidents:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017)

• New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep
• Chapter suspended
• Restrictions on recruiting until approximately 2021

SMU’s Reporting Systems:

• Anonymous reporting through Real Response system
• Traditional reporting channels through Dean of Students
• Challenges common to private universities: less public transparency, more control over narrative

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Accountability Challenges

For Parker County Families:
Baylor’s Waco location and religious affiliation appeal to many Texas families, but its history with institutional accountability requires careful attention.

Baseball Hazing (2020)

• 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Suspensions staggered over early season
• Limited public details due to private university status

Broader Context:
Baylor’s recent history with football sexual assault scandal informs how the university handles—and sometimes mishandles—misconduct allegations. “Zero tolerance” policies mean little without enforcement.

The Greek Ecosystem Around Town of Annetta South: Public Records Reality

Parker County’s Connection to the Dallas-Fort Worth Greek Network

Town of Annetta South sits within the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area, home to 510+ Greek organizations according to Cause IQ data. For Parker County families, this means your children are entering a vast, interconnected Greek network with substantial institutional presence.

Sample Dallas-Fort Worth Greek Organizations (from IRS B83 and Cause IQ Records):

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity
12650 N Beach St #30, Suite 114, Fort Worth, TX 76244
EIN: 742911848
Cause IQ Metro Listing

Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc
P.O. Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147-0061
EIN: 741380362
IRS B83 Filing

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – Arlington-Grand Prairie Alumni Chapter
P.O. Box 542901, Grand Prairie, TX 75054-2901
EIN: 232452759
IRS B83 Filing

Delta Delta Delta – Arlington Alumnae Chapter
Dallas, TX (National sorority headquarters in Dallas area)
Cause IQ Metro Listing

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity – Texas Rho Corp.
Austin, TX (House corporation at University of Texas)
Cause IQ Metro Listing

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated – Sigma Gamma Chapter
P.O. Box 540026, Houston, TX 77254-0026
EIN: 392352450
IRS B83 Filing

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc
3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845-6681
EIN: 133048786
IRS B83 Filing

What This Means for Town of Annetta South Parents:
These aren’t just social clubs. They’re registered legal entities with Employer Identification Numbers, mailing addresses, and organizational structures. When hazing occurs, we can trace liability through this network.

Universities Parker County Families Actually Use

Local and Regional Options:

• Tarrant County College (multiple campuses)
• Weatherford College (Parker County’s own community college)
• University of Texas at Arlington (30-minute drive)
• Texas Wesleyan University (Fort Worth)
• Texas Christian University (Fort Worth)

Major Texas Destinations:

• University of Texas at Austin (3-hour drive)
• Texas A&M University (2.5-hour drive)
• University of Houston (4-hour drive)
• Baylor University (1.5-hour drive)
• Southern Methodist University (45-minute drive)

The Reality:
Parker County students scatter across Texas universities. A hazing incident at any of these schools could involve a Town of Annetta South family. Texas hazing law applies equally whether the incident happens in College Station or Houston.

National Fraternity Histories: Patterns That Predict Texas Problems

Why National Histories Matter for Parker County Families

When your child joins a fraternity or sorority at a Texas university, they’re not just joining a local chapter. They’re joining a national organization with a history—sometimes a dangerous history—that spans decades and multiple campuses.

Pi Kappa Alpha: The “Big/Little” Night Pattern

• Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021): Death from forced drinking during Big/Little night
• David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois, 2012): Death from alcohol poisoning during fraternity event, $14 million settlement
• Pattern: Big/Little nights consistently produce forced drinking, alcohol poisoning, deaths
• Texas Connection: Pi Kappa Alpha chapters at UT, Texas A&M, UH, Baylor, SMU

Sigma Alpha Epsilon: Multiple Dangerous Patterns

• Traumatic Brain Injury (Alabama, 2023): Pledge allegedly suffered TBI during hazing ritual
• Chemical Burns (Texas A&M, 2021): Industrial cleaner poured on pledges, skin grafts required
• Assault (UT Austin, 2024): Exchange student suffered multiple fractures
• Texas Presence: Chapters at all five major Texas universities

Pi Kappa Phi: The UH Case in Context

• Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017): Death from alcohol poisoning during Big Brother night
• Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025): Rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from extreme hazing
• Pattern: National organization aware of dangerous traditions but chapters continue them

How National Histories Support Legal Cases

When we represent hazing victims, we don’t just look at what happened at one chapter. We investigate:

1. Prior incidents at the same chapter
2. Similar incidents at other chapters of the same national
3. What the national knew about these patterns
4. Whether their “prevention” efforts were window dressing or meaningful

This pattern evidence establishes foreseeability—the legal principle that the national organization should have known this could happen based on their own history.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Realistic Expectations

The Evidence That Wins Cases in 2025

Digital Communications (Most Critical):

• GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage threads: Show planning, threats, cover-up attempts
• Social media DMs and posts: Document events in real time
• Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often retrieve “permanently” deleted content
• Location data: Geo-tags and location sharing history

Documentary Evidence:

• Medical records: ER reports, lab results (like the elevated creatine kinase showing rhabdomyolysis)
• University records: Prior disciplinary actions, incident reports
• Organizational records: Chapter meeting minutes, pledge manuals, national communications
• Financial records: Receipts for alcohol purchases, Venmo transactions for “fines”

Physical Evidence:

• Photographs of injuries: Multiple angles, with scale reference
• Items used in hazing: Paddles, alcohol bottles, “pledge fanny packs”
• Clothing: Unwashed items showing stains, damage

Witness Testimony:

• Other pledges: Often afraid initially but may cooperate as case progresses
• Former members: Those who quit or were expelled frequently have valuable information
• Roommates and friends: Outside observers who noticed changes
• Medical personnel: ER staff who documented statements and conditions

Types of Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

• Medical expenses: Past and future (ER, hospitalization, surgery, therapy)
• Lost earnings/educational costs: Missed semesters, delayed graduation, lost scholarships
• Life care plans: For catastrophic injuries requiring lifelong care

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering: From injuries and recovery
• Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Can’t participate in activities they loved

Wrongful Death Damages (When Applicable):

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support to family
• Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
• Grief and emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages:

• Purpose: Punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
• When awarded: Prior warnings ignored, particularly cruel conduct, cover-up attempts
• Texas caps: Generally limited except in certain intentional tort cases

Realistic Case Timelines and Processes

Immediate Phase (0-30 days):

• Evidence preservation emergency actions
• Medical treatment documentation
• Initial reporting decisions (campus, police, both)
• Demand for preservation of evidence from organizations

Investigation Phase (1-6 months):

• Formal evidence collection (subpoenas, records requests)
• Witness interviews
• Expert consultations (medical, economic, Greek life)
• Settlement demand preparation

Litigation Phase (6 months – 2+ years):

• Complaint filing and service
• Discovery (document production, depositions)
• Mediation and settlement negotiations
• Trial preparation
• Trial or settlement

Important Reality: Most cases settle confidentially before trial. Settlement amounts are often restricted by non-disclosure agreements, which is why you don’t hear about most resolutions.

Practical Guide for Parker County Parents and Students

For Parents: Warning Signs and Response Steps

Red Flags Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns
• Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Sudden secrecy about organization activities
• Withdrawal from family and old friends
• Constant phone anxiety (checking group chats)
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
• Financial strain without clear explanation
• Academic performance decline

If You Suspect Hazing:

Step 1: Talk Openly but Carefully

• “How are things really going with [organization]?”
• “Is there anything making you uncomfortable?”
• “Do you feel safe and respected?”
• Listen without judgment—your child may be afraid or ashamed

Step 2: Document Everything

• Write down dates, times, what your child tells you
• Photograph any visible injuries
• Screenshot any messages they show you
• Save physical evidence (don’t wash clothing)

Step 3: Seek Medical Attention if Needed

• Even if injuries seem minor
• Tell medical providers about hazing suspicion
• Get copies of all medical records

Step 4: Consult an Attorney BEFORE Reporting

• Evidence disappears fast once organizations know there’s trouble
• Universities often prioritize protecting themselves over your child
• An attorney can guide reporting to maximize protection

Step 5: Avoid Common Mistakes

• Don’t confront the organization directly
• Don’t let your child delete messages
• Don’t sign university “resolution” agreements without legal review
• Don’t post details on social media

For Students: Is This Hazing? What Are My Rights?

Quick Self-Assessment:
-[ ] Am I being forced or pressured to do something unsafe?
-[ ] Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
-[ ] Is this activity degrading or humiliating?
-[ ] Would my parents/university approve if they knew details?
-[ ] Am I being told to keep secrets?

If you answered YES to any: It’s likely hazing.

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

• Good-faith reporter protection: You cannot be punished for calling 911 or seeking medical help in an emergency
• Consent is NOT a defense: Even if you “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law
• Right to leave: You can quit any organization at any time, no matter what they’ve told you
• Right to safety: No one can physically harm you as condition of membership

If You Want to Quit Safely:

1. Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
2. Send a clear written resignation (email/text to chapter president)
3. Do not go to “one last meeting” where pressure might occur
4. Document any retaliation or threats immediately
5. Report retaliation to campus authorities

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence

• What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
• Reality: Looks like cover-up, can be obstruction of justice
• Instead: Preserve everything immediately

2. Confronting the Organization

• What parents think: “I’ll give them a piece of my mind”
• Reality: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• Instead: Document everything, lawyer up first

3. Signing University Agreements

• What universities do: Pressure quick “internal resolutions”
• Reality: You may waive legal rights for minimal compensation
• Instead: “I need to consult an attorney first”

4. Social Media Posts

• What families think: “People should know what happened”
• Reality: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt
• Instead: Document privately, let attorney control messaging

5. Waiting “To See What Happens”

• What universities promise: “We’re investigating internally”
• Reality: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
• Instead: Preserve evidence NOW, consult attorney immediately

Why Attorney911 for Parker County Hazing Cases

Our Texas-Based, Nationally Relevant Hazing Expertise

From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas—including Town of Annetta South, Aledo, Willow Park, and all of Parker County. When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how universities, national fraternities, and their insurance companies fight back—and how to win anyway.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases:

Insurance Insider Advantage (Mr. Lupe Peña)
Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

• Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
• Use delay tactics to pressure families
• Fight coverage under “intentional act” exclusions
• Deploy independent medical exams to reduce settlements

As Mr. Peña says: “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience

• BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: We were one of few Texas firms involved, proving we can take on billion-dollar defendants
• Federal Court Admitted: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Not Intimidated: National fraternities and universities have unlimited legal budgets—we’ve faced similar opponents before

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Track Record

• Experience with economist collaboration for lifetime loss calculations
• Life care planning for catastrophic injuries (brain damage, permanent disability)
• “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Dual Capability

• Ralph Manginello’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
• Understands how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
• Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

Investigative Depth

• Network of experts: medical, digital forensics, economists, Greek life specialists
• Experience obtaining hidden evidence: group chats, chapter records, university files
• “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

How We Apply Trucking and Maritime Experience to Hazing Cases

Our extensive background in complex trucking accidents and maritime injury cases provides transferable skills for hazing litigation:

Evidence Mastery

• Trucking cases: ELD data, driver logs, maintenance records
• Hazing cases: Group chats, social media, chapter records, university files
• Common skill: Finding the hidden documents that tell the true story

Expert Network

• Trucking: Accident reconstruction, safety experts, economists
• Hazing: Medical experts, psychologists, Greek life culture experts, economists
• Common approach: Selecting and directing the right expert team for each case

Institutional Investigation

• Maritime: Tracing safety failures through corporate hierarchies
• Hazing: Tracing knowledge and responsibility through university and fraternity chains of command
• Common goal: Finding where the system broke down and who should have fixed it

The Attorney911 Difference: Immediate, Aggressive, Professional Help

Our Brand Promise: Legal Emergency Lawyers™
When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you get:

• Immediate response: We understand hazing emergencies can’t wait
• Aggressive advocacy: We’re not afraid to take on powerful institutions
• Professional guidance: We explain options clearly, without pressure

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

1. We listen to your story without judgment
2. Review evidence you’ve preserved (photos, texts, medical records)
3. Explain legal options clearly: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
4. Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
5. Answer questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
6. No pressure to hire us immediately
7. Everything confidential

Call to Action for Town of Annetta South Families

If Hazing Has Impacted Your Family

Whether your child attends Weatherford College, commutes to UT Arlington, or lives at Texas A&M, hazing can affect any Parker County family. The Leonel Bermudez case at University of Houston shows how quickly “campus traditions” can turn to trauma.

You Have Rights. You Have Options. You Are Not Alone.

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

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

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

Serving All of Texas from Our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont Offices

We help families throughout Texas, including:

• Parker County: Town of Annetta South, Aledo, Willow Park, Weatherford
• Tarrant County: Fort Worth, Arlington
• Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
• Harris County: Houston
• Travis County: Austin
• Brazos County: College Station
• And every Texas community

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can we sue a Texas university for hazing?”
Yes. While public universities have some sovereign immunity protections, exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer protections. Every case is fact-specific.

“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 (like the rhabdomyolysis in the UH case).

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

“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 wasn’t immediately known. Time is critical—evidence disappears fast.

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

“What if it happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and knowledge.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:
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/
https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:
Evidence preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes to avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Contingency fees explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website:
https://attorney911.com

Legal Disclaimer

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

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on 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 | lupe@atty911.com (Spanish services)