The Complete Guide to Hazing in Texas: A Resource for Oak Valley and Navarro County Families

If your child attends a Texas university and you’re worried about hazing, you’re not alone. For families right here in Oak Valley and across Navarro County, the reality is that hazing happens closer to home than you might think. Right now, just a few hours away in Houston, our firm represents Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and its Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter—a case involving forced drinking, extreme physical abuse, and hospitalization for rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. This isn’t an isolated incident. It’s happening at campuses across Texas, including schools where Oak Valley families send their children every year.

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 comprehensive guide explains what hazing looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects victims, what’s happening at major Texas universities, and what legal options your family may have.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For Oak Valley parents who may not have experienced modern Greek life themselves, understanding today’s hazing requires moving beyond old stereotypes. Hazing is no longer just about “harmless pranks” or “boys will be boys” behavior. In 2025, hazing is a sophisticated, often digitally-enabled form of coercion that can result in catastrophic injuries—exactly what happened to Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston.

The Modern Hazing Definition

Hazing means 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. Crucially, when your child says, “I agreed to it,” that does not automatically make it safe or legal. Texas law recognizes that power imbalance and peer pressure mean “consent” in these situations isn’t true voluntary consent.

Main Categories of Hazing Today

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common—and most deadly—form of hazing. It includes forced or coerced drinking during events like “Big/Little nights,” chugging challenges, “lineup” drinking games, and being pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, Bermudez was forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then made to sprint immediately afterward. At Texas A&M, Sigma Alpha Epsilon pledges suffered chemical burns after substances including industrial-strength cleaner were poured on them.

Physical Hazing
Beyond traditional paddling, today’s physical hazing includes extreme calisthenics or “smokings” far beyond normal conditioning, sleep deprivation, food/water deprivation, and exposure to extreme environments. Bermudez’s case involved being forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass, sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and subjected to the “Nov 3 workout”: 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion. Another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This includes forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes or positions (like the “roasted pig” position reported in Texas A&M Corps cases), and acts with racial or sexist overtones. The “pledge fanny pack” rule in the UH case required pledges to carry condoms, a sex toy, and nicotine devices 24/7 as a form of humiliation.

Psychological Hazing
Verbal abuse, threats, isolation, manipulation, forced confessions, and public shaming create lasting trauma. Modern psychological hazing often involves social media humiliation and constant digital monitoring.

Digital/Online Hazing
Group chat dares, TikTok “challenges,” and public humiliation via Instagram, Snapchat, or Discord represent the newest frontier. Pledges might be required to share live locations, respond instantly to messages at all hours, or post compromising content. These digital trails often become crucial evidence in lawsuits.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Hazing isn’t limited to fraternity basements. For Oak Valley families, it’s important to know that hazing occurs in:

• Fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural Greek councils)
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / military-style groups (particularly relevant at Texas A&M)
• Spirit squads and tradition clubs
• Athletic teams (from football to cheerleading)
• Marching bands and performance groups
• Some service, cultural, and academic organizations

The common threads across all these groups are social status, tradition, and secrecy—factors that keep dangerous practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Law & Liability Framework: Texas + Federal

When hazing affects your Oak Valley family, understanding the legal landscape is crucial. Texas has specific laws, and federal statutes provide additional layers of protection and obligation.

Texas Hazing Law Basics

Under Texas Education Code Chapter 37, hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership that endangers mental or physical health or safety.

Key provisions Oak Valley families should know:

Criminal Penalties (Texas Education Code § 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
• Additional charges: Failure to report hazing, retaliation against reporters

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153)
Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can face criminal prosecution if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report it. Organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation.

Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.155)
Texas law explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity.” This is critical for Oak Valley families to understand—even if your child “agreed” to participate, the perpetrators can still be prosecuted.

Good-Faith Reporting Immunity (§ 37.154)
Students who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result. Many universities also offer medical amnesty policies to encourage calling 911 in emergencies.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: What Oak Valley Families Need to Know

Criminal Cases

• Brought by the state (district attorney’s office)
• Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
• Example: In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, criminal referrals were promised by the university

Civil Cases

• Brought by victims or surviving families
• Aim: Monetary compensation and accountability
• Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
• Example: The $10 million Bermudez lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national, and individual members

These cases can run simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue civil action. Many families find civil litigation provides the accountability and financial recovery needed for medical bills, therapy, and long-term care.

Federal Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
This federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently, strengthen prevention programs, and maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026). This means Oak Valley families will have better access to information about which organizations have hazing histories.

Title IX & Clery Act
When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger additional reporting and investigation requirements. The Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics—hazing incidents often overlap with these categories.

Who Can Be Liable in a Hazing Lawsuit?

For Oak Valley families considering legal action, understanding potential defendants is crucial:

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

Local Chapter/Organization
The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if incorporated). The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation is a defendant in the UH case.

National Fraternity/Sorority
Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters is named in the UH lawsuit. Liability often hinges on what nationals knew or should have known from prior incidents at other chapters.

University or Governing Board
Public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin have sovereign immunity limitations but can still face claims for gross negligence, Title IX violations, or when suing individuals in personal capacity. Private universities like SMU and Baylor have fewer immunity protections.

Third Parties
Landlords of off-campus houses, bars that overserved alcohol (under Texas dram shop law), security companies, or event organizers.

Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys know how to identify all potentially liable parties to maximize accountability and recovery.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Oak Valley Families

The tragic cases that make national headlines aren’t just news stories—they establish legal precedents and patterns that directly affect cases involving Oak Valley students. Understanding these patterns helps families recognize warning signs and understand what’s at stake.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
A bid-acceptance event with heavy drinking led to fatal falls captured on chapter cameras. Brothers delayed calling for help for hours. The case resulted in dozens of criminal charges, civil litigation, and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

Takeaway for Oak Valley Families: Extreme intoxication combined with delayed medical care and a culture of silence creates perfect conditions for tragedy.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
During a “Big Brother Night,” pledges were given handles of hard liquor. Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning. The case led to FSU temporarily suspending all Greek life.

Takeaway: Formulaic drinking “traditions” are repeating scripts for disaster. Pi Kappa Phi, the same national organization involved in the UH case, has this pattern in its history.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
A “Bible study” drinking game required drinking when answering questions incorrectly. Gruver died with a 0.495% BAC. Louisiana passed the Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony.

Takeaway: Legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing patterns.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
Forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey during a pledge event, Foltz died from alcohol poisoning. The family reached a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU).

Takeaway: Universities face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
During a fraternity retreat, Deng was blindfolded, weighted with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual. He suffered fatal head injuries while help was delayed. The national fraternity was criminally convicted.

Takeaway: Off-campus “retreats” can be particularly dangerous, and national organizations can face serious sanctions.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program over multiple years. Multiple lawsuits led to the head coach’s firing and confidential settlements.

Takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life into major athletic programs with significant oversight gaps.

What These Cases Mean for Oak Valley

These national patterns establish crucial legal concepts:

• Foreseeability: When a Texas chapter repeats behavior that caused injuries elsewhere, nationals can’t claim “we didn’t know this could happen”
• Pattern Evidence: Prior incidents at other chapters can support negligence claims
• Institutional Knowledge: National headquarters’ awareness of risks creates duties to supervise and prevent

For Oak Valley families, these cases mean you’re not starting from zero. Legal frameworks exist, precedents are established, and experienced attorneys know how to apply these patterns to Texas cases.

Texas University Focus: Where Oak Valley Students Attend

Oak Valley families send students to universities across Texas. Understanding the specific hazing landscape at each campus helps you recognize risks and know what to do if problems arise.

University of Houston: The Current Front Line

For Oak Valley Families: While UH is several hours from Navarro County, it’s one of Texas’s largest universities and attracts students from across the state. The ongoing Pi Kappa Phi case demonstrates how seriously hazing can escalate.

Current Active Case: Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi
As detailed in the Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case and ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit, this case involves:

• Forced consumption leading to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
• “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation requirements
• Physical abuse including hose spraying “similar to waterboarding”
• Chapter suspension (Nov 6, 2025) and charter surrender (Nov 14, 2025)

UH’s Greek Landscape:
UH hosts approximately 40 fraternity and sorority chapters across four governing councils. The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter is now closed, but similar risks exist in other organizations.

What Oak Valley Families Should Know:

• UHPD and Houston Police Department have jurisdiction depending on location
• Civil cases typically filed in Harris County courts
• Prior incident records may be obtainable through public records requests
• The university has labeled the Pi Kappa Phi conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary and criminal referrals

If Your Child is at UH:

• Report hazing to UH Dean of Students Office immediately
• Document everything before UH begins its internal process
• Understand that university investigations don’t replace civil legal action
• Contact an attorney experienced in Houston hazing cases to protect evidence

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

For Oak Valley Families: Texas A&M’s unique Corps of Cadets culture and extensive Greek system present particular hazing risks that Navarro County parents should understand.

Recent Cases and Patterns:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021)
Two pledges alleged being covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. They sued for $1 million, and the chapter was suspended for two years.

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023)
A cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” position with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million.

Texas A&M’s Greek Landscape:
With one of the largest Greek systems in the South, Texas A&M has extensive fraternity and sorority presence alongside its unique Corps traditions.

What Oak Valley Families Should Know:

• Both University Police Department and College Station PD may have jurisdiction
• Corps cases involve military-style chain of command complications
• Texas A&M has historically faced criticism for handling of hazing cases
• The university’s size and tradition can make oversight challenging

If Your Child is at Texas A&M:

• Understand both Greek life and Corps-specific reporting channels
• Document injuries immediately—some hazing methods cause delayed symptom onset
• Be prepared for institutional resistance due to tradition preservation
• Seek legal counsel familiar with both university and military-style hazing

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Ongoing Issues

For Oak Valley Families: UT Austin’s public hazing violations database provides more transparency than many schools, but recurring issues show ongoing problems.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Database:
UT maintains a public list of sanctioned organizations, providing valuable pattern evidence for families.

Recent Examples:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation
• Texas Wranglers: Multiple sanctions for alcohol-related hazing and forced activities
• Various spirit organizations: Sanctions for forced workouts and punishment-based practices

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024)
An Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members resulting in dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose. The lawsuit seeks over $1 million.

What Oak Valley Families Should Know:

• UTPD and Austin PD share jurisdiction
• UT’s transparency means prior violations are publicly documented
• This public record can strengthen civil cases by showing patterns
• Despite transparency, violations continue year after year

If Your Child is at UT Austin:

• Check UT’s hazing violations database for your child’s organization
• Use public records to establish pattern evidence in legal claims
• Report through both university and city channels when appropriate
• Document everything—UT’s process is more public but not necessarily more effective

Southern Methodist University: Private School Challenges

For Oak Valley Families: SMU’s private university status, affluent student body, and strong Greek presence create a unique hazing environment.

Recent History:
Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017)
New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, and deprived of sleep. The chapter was suspended with recruiting restrictions until approximately 2021.

SMU’s Greek Landscape:
As a private university with significant Greek participation, SMU faces particular challenges with oversight and transparency.

What Oak Valley Families Should Know:

• Dallas PD typically handles off-campus incidents
• Private university status means less public records availability
• SMU uses systems like Real Response for anonymous reporting
• The university’s reputation concerns can affect investigation transparency

If Your Child is at SMU:

• Understand that private universities have different disclosure obligations
• Use anonymous reporting systems but also document independently
• Be prepared for reputation protection efforts by the administration
• Seek legal counsel experienced with private university litigation

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Athletic Hazing

For Oak Valley Families: Baylor’s religious identity and history of athletic scandals create a complex hazing environment.

Recent Incidents:
Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020)
14 players suspended following a hazing investigation, with staggered suspensions through the early season.

Baylor’s Context:
Following major Title IX scandals in football, Baylor has faced scrutiny over institutional response to misconduct.

What Oak Valley Families Should Know:

• Waco PD handles off-campus incidents
• Baylor’s religious branding can complicate reporting and response
• The university has faced criticism for institutional protection tendencies
• Athletic program hazing presents particular challenges

If Your Child is at Baylor:

• Be aware of both university and community reporting options
• Document independently of university processes
• Understand that religious identity may affect institutional response
• Seek counsel familiar with both hazing and Title IX issues

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Serving Oak Valley Families

As part of our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain detailed records on Greek organizations across Texas. For Oak Valley families, understanding this landscape is crucial for recognizing risks and holding organizations accountable.

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: By the Numbers

• 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations in IRS B83 filings (house corporations, alumni chapters, honor societies)
• 1,423 fraternities and sororities tracked across 25 Texas metros
• 96 Texas university campuses with varying Greek presence
• 510 organizations in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro alone
• 188 organizations in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro

Organizations Relevant to Oak Valley Families

Nearby and Regional Greek Entities:

KAPPA SIGMA – MU GAMMA CHAPTER INC
EIN: 273662583 | Lufkin, TX 75904-4805
IRS B83 filing – Mu Gamma chapter housing organization

ALPHA TAU OMEGA HOUSING CORPORATION OF ETA IOTA CHAPTER
EIN: 300517788 | Nacogdoches, TX 75965-2521
IRS B83 filing – Stephen F. Austin State University area

TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC
EIN: 741380362 | Fort Worth, TX 76147-0061
IRS B83 filing – Statewide educational foundation

BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC
EIN: 462267515 | Frisco, TX 75035-6629
IRS B83 filing – Housing corporation for the same national organization involved in UH case

Major University Housing Corporations:

CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY
EIN: 740555581 | Austin, TX 78705-4018
IRS B83 filing – Chi Omega house corporation serving UT Austin

BUILDING CORPORATION OF DELTA CHAPTER OF ALPHA DELTA PI
EIN: 746047117 | Austin, TX 78705-4017
IRS B83 filing – UT Austin chapter property

PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY
EIN: 746064445 | Nederland, TX 77627-8843
IRS B83 filing – Epsilon Kappa chapter housing

SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER
EIN: 746084905 | Houston, TX 77204-3067
IRS B83 filing – University of Houston area

Statewide Academic Honor Societies:

HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI
EIN: 263170920 | Denton, TX 76204-0000
IRS B83 filing – Texas Woman’s University chapter

HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI
EIN: 352335400 | Tyler, TX 75799-6600
IRS B83 filing – University of Texas at Tyler

HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI
EIN: 383742830 | El Paso, TX 79968-8900
IRS B83 filing – University of Texas at El Paso

What This Data Means for Oak Valley Families

These public records show the extensive network of Greek organizations operating across Texas. When hazing occurs, multiple entities may share liability:

• Local chapters where hazing physically occurs
• Housing corporations that own or control property
• Alumni organizations that fund and advise chapters
• National headquarters that set policies and collect dues
• Educational foundations that provide financial support

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks these connections so families don’t start investigations from zero when hazing affects their children.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories and Local Patterns

For Oak Valley families, understanding that local chapter behavior often follows national patterns is crucial. The same organizations that have caused deaths and injuries nationwide also operate chapters at Texas universities.

Why National Histories Matter Legally

When a Texas chapter repeats behavior that caused injuries at another campus, that establishes foreseeability—a key legal concept meaning the national organization knew or should have known this could happen. This can support claims for:

• Negligent supervision
• Failure to enforce policies
• Gross negligence
• Punitive damages

National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ)

• Stone Foltz: Bowling Green State, 2021 – $10M settlement
• David Bogenberger: Northern Illinois, 2012 – $14M settlement
• Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing events
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, others

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ)

• Traumatic Brain Injury Case: University of Alabama, 2023 – ongoing
• Chemical Burns Case: Texas A&M, 2021 – $1M lawsuit
• Assault Case: UT Austin, 2024 – over $1M lawsuit
• Pattern: Physical abuse, chemical hazing, alcohol coercion
• Texas Presence: Multiple chapters across Texas universities

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

• Max Gruver: LSU, 2017 – Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act passed
• Pattern: “Bible study” drinking games
• Texas Presence: Chapters at major Texas schools

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

• Andrew Coffey: Florida State, 2017 – chapter closed
• Leonel Bermudez: University of Houston, 2025 – $10M lawsuit, chapter closed
• Pattern: Physical hazing, forced consumption, deprivation
• Texas Presence: Now-closed UH chapter, other Texas chapters

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ)

• SMU Incident: 2017 – chapter suspended
• Pattern: Paddling, alcohol hazing, sleep deprivation
• Texas Presence: SMU, Texas Tech, other campuses

How National Patterns Affect Texas Cases

When Oak Valley families face hazing at Texas universities, these national histories provide:

1. Pattern Evidence: Showing the conduct wasn’t an isolated incident
2. Prior Notice: Demonstrating nationals knew these risks existed
3. Policy Evidence: Comparing written policies against actual enforcement
4. Settlement Precedents: Establishing value ranges for similar injuries

For example, in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, the national organization’s history with Andrew Coffey’s death at FSU establishes that they knew extreme physical hazing and forced consumption could cause serious injury or death.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

When hazing affects your Oak Valley family, building a strong case requires understanding what evidence matters, what damages are recoverable, and how experienced attorneys approach these complex cases.

Critical Evidence in Modern Hazing Cases

Digital Communications

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord, fraternity apps
• Text messages: iMessage, SMS conversations
• Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok messages
• Recovered data: Digital forensics can often retrieve deleted messages
• Our video on using your phone to document evidence explains best practices for preservation

Photos and Videos

• Content filmed during events by participants
• Social media posts showing activities
• Security camera footage from houses or venues
• Injury documentation with date/time stamps

Internal Organization Documents

• Pledge manuals and initiation scripts
• Emails between officers about activities
• National policies and training materials
• Risk management reports

University Records

• Prior conduct files and disciplinary history
• Campus police incident reports
• Clery Act reports and disclosures
• Internal investigation documents

Medical and Psychological Records

• Emergency room and hospitalization records
• Toxicology reports and lab results
• Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety
• Long-term treatment plans and cost projections

Witness Testimony

• Other pledges and members
• Roommates and friends
• Advisors and alumni
• Medical providers and first responders

Recoverable Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

• Medical expenses: Past and future treatment costs
• Lost income: Current and future earning capacity
• Educational losses: Tuition, fees, delayed graduation
• Life care costs: Long-term care for permanent injuries

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm)

• Pain and suffering: Physical pain from injuries
• Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment: Inability to participate in college life
• Reputational harm: Social and professional consequences

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Emotional suffering of family members

Punitive Damages (When Available)

• To punish particularly reckless or malicious conduct
• To deter future hazing
• Available under certain circumstances in Texas

The Role of Insurance Coverage

Fraternities, sororities, and universities typically carry insurance policies that may cover hazing claims. However, insurers often argue:

• Hazing is an “intentional act” excluded from coverage
• Certain defendants aren’t covered under the policy
• The claim falls outside policy periods or limits

Experienced hazing attorneys know how to:

• Identify all potential insurance coverage
• Navigate coverage disputes and exclusions
• Pursue “bad faith” claims when insurers wrongfully deny coverage
• Maximize recovery within available policy limits

Practical Guides & FAQs for Oak Valley Families

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

• Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
• Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation
• Sudden personality changes (anxiety, depression, withdrawal)
• Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
• Financial issues (unexpected expenses, requests for money)
• Academic decline (missed classes, dropping grades)
• Secretive behavior about organization activities

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing

1. Ask open questions: “How are things going with your organization?”
2. Express concern without judgment: “I noticed you seem exhausted lately.”
3. Emphasize safety: “Your wellbeing is more important than any group.”
4. Offer unconditional support: “You can always come to me, no matter what.”

If Your Child is Injured

1. Seek medical attention immediately, even for seemingly minor injuries
2. Document everything: Photos of injuries, screenshots of messages, written notes
3. Preserve evidence: Don’t wash clothing, don’t delete messages, save physical items
4. Write detailed notes: Who, what, when, where, witnesses

Dealing with the University

• Document all communications with administrators
• Ask specific questions about prior incidents involving the organization
• Request copies of policies and procedures
• Don’t sign anything without legal review
• Remember: University interests may not align with your family’s interests

For Students: Protecting Yourself and Your Rights

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something?
• Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would the university approve if they knew?
• Am I being told to keep secrets?

If You’re Being Hazed:

1. Prioritize safety: Remove yourself from dangerous situations
2. Document everything: Screenshots, photos, notes with dates/times
3. Seek medical care: Even if injuries seem minor
4. Report appropriately: University channels, anonymous tip lines, law enforcement
5. Preserve evidence: Don’t delete messages or “clean up”

Exiting Safely:

• You have the legal right to leave at any time
• Send written notification of your resignation
• Don’t attend “one last meeting” where pressure might occur
• Document any retaliation or threats
• Seek support from campus resources and trusted adults

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Letting Evidence Disappear

• Mistake: Deleting messages or cleaning up evidence
• Consequence: Looks like cover-up, makes case nearly impossible
• Solution: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

Confronting the Organization Directly

• Mistake: Confronting fraternity/sorority members
• Consequence: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
• Solution: Document quietly, then consult attorney before any confrontation

Signing University Agreements Without Review

• Mistake: Signing waivers or resolution forms
• Consequence: May waive right to sue or accept inadequate settlements
• Solution: Never sign anything without attorney review

Posting on Social Media

• Mistake: Sharing details publicly
• Consequence: Defense attorneys screenshot everything, inconsistencies hurt credibility
• Solution: Document privately, let attorney control public messaging

Waiting Too Long

• Mistake: “Letting the university handle it”
• Consequence: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs
• Solution: Preserve evidence NOW, consult attorney immediately

Frequently Asked Questions

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

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Additional charges like assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, or manslaughter may also apply.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to participate?”
Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing charges. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but exceptions exist. The “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm wasn’t immediately known, and fraudulent concealment by defendants may toll (pause) the statute. Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to protect your rights.

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

“What will this cost?”
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Watch our video explaining how contingency fees work for more details.

Why Attorney911 for Oak Valley Hazing Cases

When your Oak Valley 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 Cases

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

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

We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience
Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal budgets. That same experience applies when suing national fraternities and universities.

Multi-Million Dollar Results
We have recovered millions for clients in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, working with economists to value lifetime care needs and lost earning capacity.

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both criminal hazing charges and civil litigation. We can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure.

Investigative Depth
Our network includes:

• Medical experts (rhabdomyolysis, TBI, PTSD specialists)
• Digital forensics experts (recovering deleted messages)
• Greek life culture experts
• Economists and life care planners
• Institutional policy experts

Texas-Specific Geographic Mastery
While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including Oak Valley and Navarro County. We understand:

• Texas hazing laws and procedural rules
• University-specific policies and cultures
• Local court jurisdictions and procedures
• The unique challenges Texas families face

Our Approach to Hazing Cases

Immediate Response
When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you get immediate attention. We know evidence disappears within hours, and universities move quickly to control narratives.

Thorough Investigation
We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does. We obtain deleted messages, subpoena hidden records, and uncover patterns others miss.

Strategic Litigation
We build cases that force accountability, not just settle quickly. We identify all liable parties—individuals, chapters, nationals, universities, insurers—and pursue maximum recovery.

Compassionate Advocacy
We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. We provide emotional support alongside legal representation, keeping you informed and involved at every step.

Call to Action for Oak Valley Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether here in Navarro County or anywhere across the state—we want to hear from you.

Families in Oak Valley, Corsicana, Blooming Grove, and throughout Navarro County have the right to answers and accountability when hazing harms their children.

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

We’ll listen to your story without judgment, review any evidence you have, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward for your family.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

• We listen carefully to understand what happened
• We review evidence (photos, texts, medical records)
• We explain all legal options clearly
• We discuss realistic timelines and expectations
• We answer questions about costs (contingency fee – no recovery, no fee)
• No pressure to hire us – take time to make the right decision
• Everything you tell us is confidential

Contact Information

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

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

A Final Word to Oak Valley Families

Whether your child attends a university minutes from home or hours away, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The organizations that permit hazing have experienced lawyers protecting their interests—you deserve the same level of representation protecting yours.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us help you get answers, hold the right people accountable, and prevent what happened to your child from happening to another family.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of the Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing Lawsuit:

1. Click2Houston (KPRC 2) — “‘Urine was brown’: Pledge sues over severe hazing at University of Houston’s shut down Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”

   • URL: 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/

2. ABC13 Eyewitness News (KTRK) — “Waterboarding, forced eating, physical punishment: Lawsuit alleges abuse faced by injured pledge at UH’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”

   • URL: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

3. Hoodline — “University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Face $10M Lawsuit Over Alleged Hazing and Abuse”

   • URL: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:

1. “📱 Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case? | Attorney911 Explains”

   • URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

2. “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case? | Attorney911 with Injury Lawyer Ralph Manginello”

   • URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

3. “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case | Attorney911 with Ralph Manginello”

   • URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

4. “📢 How Do Contingency Fees Work? Injury Lawyer Explains!”

   • URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website:

1. Attorney911 — Main Website & Contact
   • URL: 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