Comprehensive Guide to Hazing, Fraternity Abuse & Legal Rights for Families in Palmer, Ellis County, Texas

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

For parents in Palmer, Ennis, Waxahachie, and across Ellis County, sending your child to college is filled with pride and hope. You imagine them making lifelong friends, joining campus organizations, and building their future. The last thing you expect is a phone call saying your child has been hospitalized after a fraternity “ritual” or a Corps of Cadets “tradition.” Yet right now, less than three hours from Palmer in Harris County, we’re fighting exactly this kind of case—and it shows what Texas families are up against when hazing turns dangerous.

In late 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who pledged Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter. What his fraternity brothers called “pledge education” included:

• Carrying a degrading “pledge fanny pack” 24/7 containing condoms, sex toys, and humiliating items
• Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”
• Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed immediately by sprints
• A November 3 “workout” of 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion
• Another pledge being hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour

The result for Leonel? Rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown), acute kidney failure, brown urine, and four days of hospitalization with ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. As reported by Click2Houston and ABC13, the chapter was suspended within days and members voted to surrender their charter.

If you’re reading this from Palmer, Red Oak, Ovilla, or any Ellis County community, understand this: the same national fraternities, the same dangerous traditions, and the same institutional cover-ups happening in Houston are present at every major Texas university where our children study. This guide exists to give Palmer families the knowledge, tools, and legal perspective you need if hazing has touched your family.

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

Many Palmer parents remember college traditions that seemed “tough but harmless.” What’s happening today is different. Hazing has evolved into sophisticated, often violent rituals designed to break down new members while avoiding detection.

The Modern Definition: Beyond “Pranks”

Hazing today means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—on or off campus—directed against a student for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership that endangers mental or physical health or safety. The key elements Texas law recognizes:

• It’s not just physical: Mental trauma, humiliation, and psychological abuse count
• Location doesn’t matter: Off-campus houses, Airbnbs, retreat centers—all covered
• “Consent” is irrelevant: Under Texas Education Code §37.155, a student’s agreement doesn’t legalize hazing
• Recklessness suffices: They don’t need to intend harm—just disregard obvious risks

Five Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
The most common and deadliest form. Not casual drinking—systematic coercion:

• “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor (as in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case)
• “Bible study” or trivia games where wrong answers mean drinking
• Lineups where pledges drink until vomiting, then continue
• Forced consumption of dangerous mixtures (hot sauce, raw eggs, cleaning solutions)

2. Physical Hazing
Beyond tough workouts into dangerous territory:

• “Smokings”: Hundreds of push-ups, squats, wall sits until collapse
• Paddling and beatings (still prevalent despite national bans)
• Sleep deprivation: 3 AM wake-up calls, all-night “study sessions”
• Food/water restriction or forced overconsumption
• Exposure to extreme elements (left outside in cold/heat)

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
Designed to degrade and create loyalty through shared shame:

• Forced nudity or partial nudity
• Simulated sexual acts (“elephant walk,” “roasted pig” positions)
• Degrading costumes and public embarrassment
• Racist, sexist, or homophobic role-playing

4. Psychological Hazing
The invisible wounds that last longest:

• Verbal abuse, screaming, constant criticism
• Social isolation from non-members
• “Roasts” where every insecurity is attacked
• Forced confessions of personal secrets
• Threats of expulsion for “weakness”

5. Digital/Online Hazing
The newest frontier, perfect for evidence preservation:

• Group chat dares and humiliation (GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord)
• Social media challenges (TikTok, Instagram stories)
• Forced sharing of compromising photos/videos
• 24/7 availability demands with immediate punishment for slow responses
• Geo-tracking via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

While fraternities get most headlines, Palmer families should know hazing occurs across campus organizations:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC (especially at Texas A&M)
• Athletic Teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
• Spirit and Tradition Groups (Texas Cowboys, Silver Spurs, etc.)
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups
• Academic and Honors Societies
• Service and Cultural Organizations

The common thread? Social status, tradition, and secrecy keep these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Law & Liability Framework: Texas-Specific Protections

As Ellis County residents, your family’s rights are governed by Texas law with important federal overlays. Understanding this framework is crucial whether your child attends nearby Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie or heads to larger campuses across Texas.

Texas Hazing Law (Education Code Chapter 37)

§37.151: Definition
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or membership that:

• Endangers physical health or safety (beating, forced drinking, dangerous exercise)
• OR affects mental health or safety (extreme humiliation, intimidation, coercion)

Key elements for Palmer families:

• Covers on AND off-campus conduct
• “Reckless” is enough – they don’t need to intend harm
• Applies to ALL organizations (not just Greek life)
• Mental/emotional harm counts as hazing

§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 charges: Failure to report hazing, retaliation against reporters

§37.153: Organizational Liability
Fraternities, sororities, clubs, and universities can face:

• Fines up to $10,000 per violation
• Revocation of campus recognition
• Criminal prosecution if they authorized or encouraged hazing

§37.154: Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting
Students who report hazing or call for medical help in good faith are protected from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result.

§37.155: Consent NOT a Defense
This is critical: Even if your child “agreed” to participate, that is not a legal defense to hazing charges in Texas.

§37.156: University Reporting Requirements
Texas colleges must:

• Provide hazing prevention education
• Publish annual reports of hazing violations
• Maintain transparent disciplinary records

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding Both Tracks

Criminal Cases (The State vs. Individuals)

• Who brings it: District Attorney or County Attorney
• Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Typical charges: Hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter (in deaths)
• Burden of proof: Beyond a reasonable doubt
• Palmer jurisdiction: Could be in county where hazing occurred OR student’s home county

Civil Cases (Your Family vs. Responsible Parties)

• Who brings it: Victims or surviving families
• Goal: Compensation and accountability
• Typical claims: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress
• Burden of proof: Preponderance of evidence (more likely than not)
• Potential defendants: Individuals, chapters, national organizations, universities, property owners

Key Insight: These cases often run parallel. A criminal conviction helps but isn’t required for civil success. Many families pursue both to ensure full accountability.

Federal Law Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)

• Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing transparently
• Strengthens prevention education (phased in by 2026)
• Creates public hazing databases
• Applies to ALL Texas public universities and most private ones

Title IX
When hazing involves:

• Sexual harassment or assault
• Gender-based hostility
• Creation of hostile educational environment
  Universities have specific investigation and response duties.

Clery Act
Requires reporting of certain crimes on and near campus. Hazing incidents involving assault, alcohol crimes, or sexual offenses trigger Clery reporting obligations.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

1. Individual Students

• Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
• Chapter officers with supervision duties
• Members who supplied alcohol or drugs

2. Local Chapter/Organization

• If incorporated as a legal entity
• Housing corporations (common in IRS B83 filings)
• Alumni boards that exercise control

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters

• Based on prior knowledge of dangerous traditions
• Failure to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Negligent supervision of chapters
• Pattern of similar incidents at other campuses

4. University or Governing Board

• Deliberate indifference to known risks
• Failure to enforce published policies
• Negligent hiring/supervision of advisors
• Premises liability for on-campus incidents

5. Third Parties

• Landlords of off-campus houses
• Bars/alcohol providers (dram shop liability)
• Security companies at events
• Retreat centers and rental properties

For Palmer families: The closer your child’s school, the more likely jurisdiction falls to local courts. Hazing at Texas A&M would typically be in Brazos County, while incidents at UT Dallas might land in Collin or Dallas County. We handle cases statewide from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Universities Learned Too Late

The tragedies below aren’t just headlines—they’re blueprints for how hazing kills and injures students, and how institutions respond when forced to confront their failures. Every pattern shown here has occurred or could occur at Texas campuses.

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Deadliest Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
What happened: Bid acceptance night with heavy drinking games. Piazza fell multiple times, suffering traumatic brain injury. Fraternity brothers delayed calling 911 for 12 hours while they Googled symptoms and tried to sober him up.
Legal aftermath: 18 members charged with over 1,000 counts. Beta Theta Pi chapter permanently banned. Pennsylvania passed Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.
Texas relevance: The same “bid night” drinking culture exists at every Texas IFC fraternity.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
What happened: “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant drinking. Gruver’s BAC reached 0.495%. He died from alcohol toxicity.
Legal aftermath: Felony hazing convictions. Louisiana passed Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony. $6.1 million verdict against fraternity.
Texas relevance: Phi Delta Theta has chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and other Texas schools.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
What happened: Big/Little night where pledges were given handles of liquor. Coffey drank himself to death.
Legal aftermath: Multiple misdemeanor hazing convictions. FSU suspended all Greek life temporarily.
*Texas relevance:*Pi Kappa Phi is the same fraternity in our UH case—showing national pattern.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
What happened: “Big/Little” event where Foltz was pressured to drink an entire bottle of whiskey. Died from alcohol poisoning.
Legal aftermath: $10 million settlement ($7M from national Pike, $3M from BGSU). Chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.
Texas relevance: Pi Kappa Alpha has chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, SMU, and Baylor.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
What happened: Blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at Pennsylvania retreat. Deng was repeatedly tackled while weighted down, suffered fatal brain injury.
Legal aftermath: National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter. Banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.
Texas relevance: Shows off-campus “retreats” are high-risk environments.

Collin Wiant – Ohio University, Sigma Pi (2018)
What happened: Death at unofficial fraternity house involving nitrous oxide and physical hazing.
Legal aftermath: Led to “Collin’s Law: The Anti-Hazing Act” in Ohio, making hazing a felony when drugs/alcohol cause harm.
Texas relevance: Sigma Pi has chapters at UT Arlington and Texas State.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025)
What happened: Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within football program over years.
Legal aftermath: Head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired, settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially. Multiple player lawsuits ongoing.
*Texas relevance:*Big-money athletic programs have similar power dynamics and secrecy as Greek life.

What These Cases Mean for Palmer Families

1. Patterns repeat: The same dangerous traditions appear nationwide
2. Delay kills: Hours matter in alcohol poisoning and head injuries
3. Cover-ups are standard: Organizations prioritize self-protection over student safety
4. Settlements are substantial: $1-14 million range for deaths, significant amounts for injuries
5. Reform follows tragedy: Laws change only after public outrage

When we tell Palmer parents “this has happened before,” we’re not being dramatic—we’re showing how national fraternities and universities have been on notice for years about these exact risks.

Texas University Focus: Where Palmer Families Send Their Children

Ellis County students attend universities across Texas, from nearby Waxahachie to flagship campuses hours away. Each has its own hazing history, policies, and response patterns. Understanding your child’s specific campus environment is crucial.

Southwestern Assemblies of God University (Waxahachie)

For Palmer families: Just 15 minutes from downtown Palmer, SAGU represents the most local option for many Ellis County students seeking Christian higher education.

Campus Culture:

• Pentecostal Christian university with approximately 2,000 students
• Strong emphasis on spiritual development and ministry preparation
• Smaller Greek life presence than secular universities but has recognized student organizations
• Community-oriented environment in historic Waxahachie

Hazing Policy & Reporting:
As a private religious institution, SAGU maintains strict behavioral standards prohibiting “any activity that could be perceived as hazing.” Reporting channels include:

• Dean of Students office
• Campus security
• Anonymous reporting systems
• Direct reporting to faculty advisors

Recent History & Context:
While major public hazing incidents haven’t made statewide news, smaller Christian campuses face unique challenges:

• Informal “accountability groups” that can cross into coercive behavior
• Spiritual authority dynamics that may discourage reporting
• Small community pressure to maintain unity over safety

What Palmer SAGU Families Should Know:

• The university’s religious mission creates both protective community and potential reporting barriers
• “Discipleship” or “mentorship” activities should never involve coercion or danger
  哈尔滨Document any spiritual manipulation or pressure tactics
• Texas hazing laws apply equally to religious institutions

If Hazing Occurs at SAGU:

• Initial reports typically handled internally through student life offices
• Ellis County Sheriff or Waxahachie PD may have jurisdiction for criminal matters
• Civil cases would likely be filed in Ellis County courts
• Contact Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for guidance navigating religious institution dynamics

Texas A&M University (College Station)

For Palmer families: Many Ellis County students make the 3-hour drive to College Station, drawn by A&M’s reputation, Corps of Cadets, and strong Greek life.

Campus Culture:

• 70,000+ students with intense tradition focus
• Corps of Cadets (2,500+ members) with military-style structure
• 60+ IFC fraternities, 20+ Panhellenic sororities, active NPHC and multicultural groups
• “Aggie Spirit” that can pressure conformity

Documented Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)

• Pledges allegedly 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 by university

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023)

• Cadet alleged being bound between beds in degrading position with apple in mouth
• Simulated sexual acts and physical abuse during hazing
• Sought over $1 million in damages
• A&M stated it handled matter internally under Corps regulations

Hazing Response Pattern:

• Initial internal investigation through Student Conduct or Corps leadership
• Temporary suspensions common during probes
• Limited public transparency about outcomes
• Strong institutional protection of “traditions”

What Palmer A&M Families Should Know:

• Corps hazing often involves physical endurance, humiliation, sleep deprivation
• Fraternity hazing follows national patterns (alcohol, physical, psychological)
• University tends to handle Corps matters internally with military-style discipline
• Evidence disappears quickly—preserve everything immediately

If Hazing Occurs at A&M:

• Multiple reporting channels: UPD, Student Conduct, Commandant’s Office (Corps)
• Brazos County jurisdiction for criminal matters
• Civil cases typically filed in Brazos County
• Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911—we understand Corps culture and university dynamics

University of Texas at Austin

For Palmer families: UT’s academic reputation draws Ellis County students despite the 3.5-hour drive. Austin’s vibrant Greek life presents both opportunities and risks.

Campus Culture:

• 50,000+ students with highly competitive social scene
• 60+ fraternities and sororities across multiple councils
• Public hazing violations database (unusual transparency)
• Strong alumni networks that sometimes protect traditions

Documented Incidents (From UT’s Public Hazing Log):

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023)

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

Texas Wranglers (Multiple Years)

• Spirit organization with repeated hazing violations
• Forced workouts, alcohol-related coercion
• Multiple suspensions and probations

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024)

• Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party
• Injuries included dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
• Student sued for over $1 million
• Chapter already under suspension for prior violations

UT’s Transparency Advantage:
Unlike most universities, UT publishes hazing violations at hazing.utexas.edu, including:

• Organization names
• Incident dates
• Conduct description
• Sanctions imposed

What Palmer UT Families Should Know:

• Check UT’s hazing database before your child joins any organization
• Even “probation” sanctions indicate prior issues
• Austin PD and UTPD share jurisdiction depending on location
• UT’s transparency makes pattern evidence easier to establish

If Hazing Occurs at UT:

• Report to UTPD or Austin PD based on location
• Utilize UT’s multiple reporting channels
• Travis County jurisdiction for legal matters
• Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911—we use UT’s public records to build strong cases

Southern Methodist University (Dallas)

For Palmer families: SMU’s proximity (45 minutes from Palmer) and prestige make it attractive despite higher costs. Dallas’ social scene influences campus culture.

Campus Culture:

• 12,000 students with affluent demographics
• Strong Greek life (approximately 40% participation)
• Private university with less public transparency
• Dallas country club social dynamics

Documented Incidents:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017)

• New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived
• Chapter suspended for multiple years
• Restrictions on recruiting until 2021

Greek Life Culture Issues:

• SMU has faced criticism for hazing tolerance
• Anonymous reporting via “Real Response” system
• Limited public disciplinary records
• Strong alumni influence over administration

What Palmer SMU Families Should Know:

• Private university means less public accountability
• Social pressure to maintain “image” can suppress reporting
• Dallas PD and SMU PD jurisdiction issues can complicate responses
• Financial resources mean defendants hire aggressive defense counsel

If Hazing Occurs at SMU:

• Utilize anonymous Real Response system initially
• Dallas PD may have jurisdiction for off-campus incidents
• Civil cases typically in Dallas County courts
• Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911—we’re experienced with private university tactics

Baylor University (Waco)

For Palmer families: Baylor’s Christian identity and academic reputation attract Ellis County students, though recent scandals have changed campus dynamics.

Campus Culture:

• 20,000 students with strong Christian identity
• History of sexual assault scandal (2016) changed oversight
• Active Greek life with religious integration
• Ongoing tension between tradition and reform

Documented Incidents:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020)

• 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Staggered suspensions across early season
• Details never fully disclosed publicly

Post-Scandal Environment:

• Increased Title IX staffing and training
• Still rebuilding trust with students and families
• Religious context adds complexity to reporting
• Waco media closely watches university conduct

What Palmer Baylor Families Should Know:

• Baylor’s religious mission affects how misconduct is framed
• 2016 scandal led to better reporting systems but skepticism remains
• McLennan County legal environment knows Baylor’s history
• “Christian brotherhood/sisterhood” language can mask coercion

If Hazing Occurs at Baylor:

• Multiple reporting channels post-scandal reform
• Waco PD and Baylor PD jurisdiction considerations
• McLennan County courts familiar with Baylor cases
• Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911—we understand religious institution dynamics

University of Houston

For Palmer families: While farther away (4+ hours), UH’s size and programs attract Ellis County students. Our active UH Pi Kappa Phi case shows what can happen.

Campus Culture:

• 47,000+ students in urban setting
• Diverse Greek system with multiple councils
• Commuter school dynamics affect organization cohesion
• Recent high-profile hazing case increasing scrutiny

Our Active Case: Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi
As detailed in Click2Houston and ABC13 coverage:

• Hazing methods: Fanny pack humiliation, forced eating/drinking, waterboarding simulation, extreme exercise
• Medical outcome: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, 4-day hospitalization
• Defendants: UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national, housing corporation, 13 individual members
• Institutional response: Chapter suspended Nov 6, 2025, charter surrendered Nov 14, 2025

What Palmer UH Families Should Know:

• Urban campus means hazing often occurs at off-campus houses
• Harris County court system handles numerous university cases
• UH’s response to our case shows they take allegations seriously (eventually)
• Medical documentation is crucial—rhabdomyolysis requires specific testing

If Hazing Occurs at UH:

• Report to UHPD or HPD based on location
  erCounty courts have experience with university litigation
• Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911—we’re actively litigating against UH right now

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: What Palmer Families Are Up Against

Behind the Greek letters at Texas universities stand complex networks of organizations, insurance policies, and legal entities. Understanding this ecosystem explains why hazing persists and how to hold the right parties accountable.

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Our Investigative Advantage

While investigating hazing cases across Texas, we’ve built what we call our “Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine”—a comprehensive database tracking over 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metros. This isn’t theoretical; it’s built from public records including:

IRS B83 Filings (125+ Texas Greek Organizations)
These tax-exempt entities include house corporations, alumni chapters, and honor societies with legal standing to sue or be sued. Examples relevant to Palmer students’ schools:

From University of Houston Area:

• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515, Frisco TX 75035)
• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter (EIN 746047117, Houston TX 77204)
• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Theta Delta Chapter (EIN 475370943, Houston TX 77204)

From Texas A&M Area:

• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (EIN 133048786, College Station TX 77845)
• Eta Alpha House Corporation of Kappa Delta Sorority (EIN 742930349, College Station TX 77840)
• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Theta Rho Chapter (EIN 812525354, College Station TX 77845)

From UT Austin Area:

• Chi Omega Fraternity – Chi Omega House Corporation (EIN 740555581, Austin TX 78705)
• Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi (EIN 746047117, Austin TX 78705)
• Beta Xi House Corp of Kappa Kappa Gamma (Austin area, from Cause IQ data)

From SMU/Baylor Areas:

• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN 741380362, Fort Worth TX 76147)
• Zeta Sigma House Corporation of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity Inc (EIN 752620706, Dallas TX 75223)
• Texas Rho Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity (EIN 741942292, Waco TX 76706)

Why This Matters for Palmer Families:

1. Multiple deep pockets: When a chapter lacks insurance, its housing corporation or alumni foundation might have assets
2. National connections: These entities connect to national headquarters with liability insurance
3. Pattern evidence: Multiple chapters of same national with similar incidents shows foreseeability
4. Jurisdiction planning: Some entities can be sued in favorable venues

Metro-Level Greek Presence

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510 Greek organizations

• Includes SMU, UT Arlington, TCU, UNT, UTD
• Major hub for national headquarters and regional offices

Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188 Greek organizations

• Includes UH, Rice, Texas Southern, Houston Baptist
• Our active litigation demonstrates legal environment

Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154 Greek organizations

• Dominated by UT Austin but includes St. Edward’s, Huston-Tillotson
• UT’s transparency makes pattern evidence accessible

College Station-Bryan Metro: 42 Greek organizations

• Texas A&M dominated with some Blinn College presence
• Corps of Cadets adds military-style organization layer

Waco Metro: 27 Greek organizations

• Baylor dominated with some McLennan Community College
• Religious context affects organizational dynamics

National Organizations with Texas Presence and Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

• Texas chapters: UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, SMU, Baylor
• National history: Stone Foltz death ($10M settlement), multiple other deaths
• Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing, physical intimidation

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

• Texas chapters: UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, SMU, Rice
• National history: Multiple deaths, chemical burns case at Texas A&M
• Pattern: Alcohol hazing, physical abuse, delayed medical care

Pi Kappa Phi

• Texas chapters: University of Houston (our case), Texas State
• National history: Andrew Coffey death at FSU
• Pattern: Forced drinking, extreme exercise, humiliation rituals

Beta Theta Pi

• Texas chapters: UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech
• National history: Timothy Piazza death at Penn State
• Pattern: Bid night drinking, cover-up culture, delayed 911 calls

Phi Delta Theta

• Texas chapters: UT Austin, Texas A&M, Texas Tech
• National history: Max Gruver death at LSU ($6.1M verdict)
• Pattern: Drinking games, high-BAC fatalities

Why National Histories Matter Legally

When we sue a national fraternity for a Texas hazing incident, we’re not just arguing about one night’s bad decisions. We’re demonstrating:

1. Foreseeability: The national knew this could happen based on identical incidents elsewhere
2. Inadequate prevention: Their “anti-hazing” policies were window dressing, not enforced
3. Pattern and practice: This wasn’t a “rogue chapter”—it’s how their organization operates
4. Punitive damages justification: Their reckless disregard for known risks warrants punishment

For example, when Pi Kappa Phi nationals received notice about our UH case, they should have immediately recognized the same patterns that killed Andrew Coffey at FSU. Their failure to intervene earlier supports negligence claims.

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

If your Palmer family is facing a hazing incident, understanding what makes a strong case can help you make informed decisions about legal action.

Critical Evidence Categories

1. Digital Communications (Most Important)

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

2. Photos and Videos

• Content filmed during hazing events
• Security camera footage from houses/venues
• Doorbell cameras (Ring, Nest) capturing comings/goings
• Social media posts/stories showing events or injuries

3. Medical Documentation

• Emergency room records (crucial for timing and severity)
• Hospitalization records
• Specialist consultations (nephrology for kidney issues, psychiatry for trauma)
• Toxicology reports and lab results (creatine kinase for rhabdomyolysis)
• Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses)

4. Internal Organization Documents

• Pledge manuals or “education” materials
• Chapter meeting minutes
• Risk management forms submitted to nationals
• Communications with nationals/alumni advisors

5. University Records

• Prior conduct violations (obtainable through discovery)
• Incident reports to campus police
• Clery Act reports
• Title IX investigation materials (if applicable)

6. Witness Information

• Other pledges’ contact information
• Roommates who observed changes
• Former members willing to testify
• Medical personnel who treated injuries

Damages: What Can Be Recovered

Economic Damages (Quantifiable)

• Medical expenses: ER, hospitalization, surgery, therapy, future care
• Lost income: Student’s lost wages, parent’s time off work
• Educational costs: Lost tuition, missed semesters, transfer expenses
• Future earning capacity: Reduced lifetime earnings from disability

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real)

• Physical pain and suffering: From injuries and