Hazing at Texas Universities: A Complete Legal Guide for Town of Poynor Families

If Your Child Was Hazed in Texas, You Are Not Alone

We understand the fear and confusion that grips a family in Town of Poynor when they receive that late-night call or notice the disturbing changes in their college student. The sudden secrecy, unexplained injuries, or withdrawn personality—these are the warning signs that something has gone terribly wrong in what should be a safe college environment. Right now, just a few hours from Henderson County, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history, proving that this crisis touches families across our state, including those right here in Town of Poynor.

In November 2025, we filed a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after enduring brutal hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. As reported by Click2Houston and ABC13, Bermudez was forced through extreme workouts, made to carry a humiliating “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms and sex toys, sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and coerced into consuming milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting.

His medical crisis—passing brown urine, unable to stand, hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels—represents exactly what Texas parents fear most. This is not an isolated incident. It’s part of a pattern affecting students from Town of Poynor who attend not just UH, but Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, and campuses throughout our state.

This comprehensive guide explains what hazing really looks like in 2025, Texas hazing laws, what has happened at major Texas universities, and how families in Town of Poynor and across Henderson County can protect their children and seek accountability.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:
2. Call 911 for medical emergencies
3. Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
4. We provide immediate help – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:
5. Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
6. 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:
9. Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
10. Universities move quickly to control the narrative
11. We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
12. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas

For families in Town of Poynor sending students to Texas universities, understanding modern hazing is crucial. It has evolved beyond stereotypes into sophisticated, often digitally-coordinated abuse that leaves little visible evidence but causes deep harm.

Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing in Texas means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that endangers mental or physical health or safety for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any student organization. The critical point for Town of Poynor families: “I agreed to it” provides no defense under Texas law when peer pressure and power imbalance are present.

Main Categories of Hazing Affecting Texas Students

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common and deadly form, affecting students from Town of Poynor at universities statewide. It includes forced chugging challenges, “lineup” drinking games, “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor (like in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case), and coerced consumption of unknown substances.

Physical Hazing
Beyond traditional paddling, today’s physical hazing includes extreme calisthenics (100+ push-ups, 500 squats as in the Bermudez case), “smokings” or workouts until collapse, sleep deprivation through all-night “study sessions,” food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme elements.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts (“roasted pig” positions, “elephant walks”), degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. These often leave psychological scars that persist long after physical injuries heal.

Psychological Hazing
Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from non-members, manipulation, forced confessions, and public shaming during meetings create environments where Town of Poynor students feel trapped and powerless.

Digital/Online Hazing
Group chat dares on GroupMe or Discord, “challenges” shared via Instagram or TikTok, pressure to create compromising content, and 24/7 availability demands represent the new frontier of hazing that follows students from Town of Poynor to campus and back home.

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Texas

Hazing is not limited to fraternities. Texas students from Town of Poynor face risks in:

Fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
Corps of Cadets/ROTC/military-style groups
Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
Spirit squads and tradition clubs
Marching bands and performance groups
Some academic, service, and cultural organizations

The common threads: tradition, secrecy, and power imbalances that enable abuse to continue even when everyone “knows” it’s illegal.

Law & Liability Framework: Texas + Federal

When hazing affects a student from Town of Poynor, multiple layers of law come into play. Understanding this framework helps families navigate their options.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code Chapter 37)

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions that protect students from Town of Poynor attending any Texas college:

§ 37.151 Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that endangers mental or physical health or safety for purposes of initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership.

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

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

§ 37.155 Critical Protection: Consent is NOT a defense. Even if your child from Town of Poynor “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law.

§ 37.154 Immunity for Reporting: Good-faith reporters to university or law enforcement have immunity from civil or criminal liability. This encourages Town of Poynor students to seek help without fear.

Criminal vs Civil Cases: Different Paths to Justice

Criminal Cases

Brought by the state (prosecutor)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Common charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Example: In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, criminal referrals were made alongside our civil lawsuit

Civil Cases

Brought by victims or surviving families from Town of Poynor
Aim: Monetary compensation and accountability
Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
Can proceed even without criminal charges

Both can run concurrently, and a criminal conviction isn’t required for Town of Poynor families to pursue civil justice.

Federal Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
Requires colleges receiving federal aid (including all major Texas universities) to transparently report hazing incidents, strengthen prevention, and maintain public hazing data by 2026.

Title IX
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger additional reporting requirements and potential liability for universities.

Clery Act
Requires reporting certain crimes and maintaining safety statistics; hazing incidents often overlap with assault or alcohol/drug crimes that must be disclosed.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

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

Local Chapter/Organization
The fraternity/sorority or club itself as a legal entity, plus officers and “pledge educators.”

National Fraternity/Sorority
Headquarters that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Their knowledge of prior incidents elsewhere creates foreseeability.

University or Governing Board
Schools may be liable under negligence or civil-rights theories if they had prior warnings and failed to act.

Third Parties
Landlords of event spaces, bars/alcohol providers (under dram shop laws), security companies.

Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys investigate all potential defendants to ensure full accountability for Town of Poynor families.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

The tragedies that have made national headlines follow predictable patterns that repeat at Texas campuses. Understanding these patterns helps Town of Poynor families recognize warning signs and build stronger cases.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
The 20-year-old pledge was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” night, dying from alcohol poisoning. The case resulted in a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU) and multiple criminal convictions. For Town of Poynor families, this shows how national fraternities repeat dangerous traditions despite knowing the risks.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
The 19-year-old died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%) after a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. The case led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute) and a $6.1 million verdict. This demonstrates how state laws often change only after tragedy.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
The pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” where pledges were given handles of hard liquor. The case forced FSU to temporarily suspend all Greek life and overhaul policies, showing universities’ liability when they fail to supervise recognized organizations.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)
The pledge died from traumatic brain injury during a violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat, with members delaying medical help. The national fraternity was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years, and fined over $110,000. This proves even off-campus retreats create liability.

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)
The 18-year-old suffered permanent, severe brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care) from alcohol poisoning during a “pledge dad reveal” night. Settlements with 22 defendants reached multi-million dollars, showing catastrophic non-fatal injuries can yield substantial recovery.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program over multiple years, resulting in head coach termination, confidential settlements, and multiple lawsuits. This demonstrates hazing extends beyond Greek life into major athletic programs that attract students from Town of Poynor.

What These Cases Mean for Town of Poynor Families

Common threads emerge: forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, and cover-ups. Multi-million-dollar settlements and legislative changes typically follow only after tragedy and litigation. Texas families facing hazing at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor are not alone—they operate in a landscape shaped by these national lessons, with precedents that support strong claims when proper evidence is preserved.

Texas Focus: Where Town of Poynor Families Send Their Students

Town of Poynor students attend universities across Texas, from nearby East Texas campuses to major hubs hours away. Each campus has its own hazing history, policies, and response patterns that families must understand.

University of Houston: Recent Litigation Ground Zero

Campus & Town of Poynor Connection
UH serves as a major destination for students from across East Texas, including Henderson County. With over 47,000 students and active Greek life spanning 60+ organizations, it represents both opportunity and risk for Town of Poynor families.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting
UH prohibits hazing on or off campus, specifically banning forced consumption, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and mental distress. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students, Conduct Office, and UHPD, but as the Bermudez case shows, policies alone don’t prevent abuse.

Documented Incidents & Responses
The Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi case (2025) represents the most serious recent incident:

Hazing Methods: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, forced 100+ push-ups/500 squats, hose spraying “like waterboarding,” forced consumption until vomiting
Medical Harm: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, 4-day hospitalization
Defendants: UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national, Beta Nu housing corporation, 13 individual members
Institutional Response: Chapter suspended Nov 6, 2025; charter surrendered Nov 14, 2025; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”
Legal Action: $10 million lawsuit filed by our firm, as covered by Click2Houston and Hoodline

How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed for Town of Poynor Families
Jurisdiction typically involves Harris County courts, with potential defendants including individuals, chapters, nationals, and the university. The rapid chapter closure in the Bermudez case demonstrates how seriously institutions now view liability exposure.

What UH Students & Town of Poynor Parents Should Do

Report immediately to UH Dean of Students and UHPD
Document prior complaints about the same organization
Consult Houston-based hazing attorneys who understand UH’s specific dynamics
Preserve evidence before UH completes its internal investigation

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

Campus & Town of Poynor Connection
As Texas’s flagship land-grant university, A&M attracts students from every county, including Henderson. Its unique Corps of Cadets culture and extensive Greek life create multiple potential hazing environments for Town of Poynor students.

Documented Incidents & Responses
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges alleged being covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The $1 million lawsuit led to chapter suspension.

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” pose with an apple in his mouth, seeking over $1 million in damages.

How A&M Hazing Cases Proceed
Brazos County jurisdiction applies, with cases often involving both university conduct processes and civil litigation. The Corps’s separate oversight structure adds complexity that requires specialized legal understanding.

What A&M Families from Town of Poynor Should Know
The combination of Greek life and Corps traditions requires attorneys who understand both cultures. Evidence preservation is critical as both systems prioritize institutional protection.

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Repeated Violations

Campus & Town of Poynor Connection
UT Austin’s status as a premier Texas university makes it a common choice for high-achieving students from Town of Poynor. Its relatively transparent hazing violation reporting provides valuable data for families.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page
Unlike many universities, UT maintains a public log showing:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation imposed
Various organizations: Sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol hazing, punishment-based practices

How UT Cases Proceed
Travis County courts handle litigation, with UT’s public violation records providing powerful evidence of pattern and knowledge in civil cases.

Strategic Advantage for Town of Poynor Families
UT’s transparency means prior violations are discoverable, strengthening negligence claims against both organizations and the university for failing to prevent repeat offenses.

Southern Methodist University: Private University Dynamics

Campus & Town of Poynor Connection
SMU’s private status and affluent student body create different dynamics for Henderson County families. Its smaller size doesn’t reduce hazing risks, as demonstrated by past incidents.

Documented Incidents
Kappa Alpha Order (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep; chapter suspended for years.

How SMU Cases Differ
Private university status affects both liability theories and discovery processes. SMU’s internal investigations are less transparent than public universities, requiring aggressive legal action to obtain records.

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Historical Scrutiny

Campus Considerations
Baylor’s religious identity and past Title IX scandals create a complex environment for hazing cases. The university’s public commitments to reform contrast with continued incidents.

Documented Incidents
Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation, demonstrating that athletic programs harbor risks alongside Greek life.

Strategic Considerations
Baylor’s religious branding influences both internal responses and potential jury perceptions, requiring nuanced legal strategies that account for these unique factors.

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: Organizations Behind the Letters

When a Town of Poynor student is hazed, multiple organizational layers may share liability. Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros, uncovering the complex networks behind campus letters.

Texas Public Records Directory: Organizations Serving Town of Poynor Families

We maintain comprehensive data on Texas-registered Greek organizations. This directory represents the kind of organizational mapping we perform for every hazing case involving Town of Poynor students:

IRS B83-Registered Texas Greek Organizations (Sample)

Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, EIN 746064445, Nederland TX 77627-8843 (IRS B83 filing)
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, EIN 462267515, Frisco TX 75035-6629 (IRS B83 filing)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc, EIN 741380362, Fort Worth TX 76147-0061 (IRS B83 filing)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, EIN 364091267, Waco TX 76710-4154 (IRS B83 filing)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, EIN 900293166, College Station TX 77843-0001 (Texas A&M University chapter)

Cause IQ Metro Organizations (Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro Sample)

Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity, Fort Worth TX 76244 (12650 N Beach St)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation, Fort Worth TX (Kappa Sigma housing foundation)
Delta Tau Delta Support Organization, Austin TX (2801 San Jacinto Blvd)

Universities Relevant to Town of Poynor Families

Local/Regional Campuses: Tyler Junior College (Smith County), University of Texas at Tyler (Smith County), Texas A&M University-Commerce (Hunt County)
Statewide Hubs: University of Houston (Harris County), Texas A&M University (Brazos County), University of Texas at Austin (Travis County), Baylor University (McLennan County), Southern Methodist University (Dallas County)

Why National Histories Matter for Town of Poynor Cases

National organizations’ past incidents create “foreseeability”—the legal principle that they should have anticipated and prevented repeat offenses. When a Texas chapter repeats patterns seen elsewhere, liability increases.

Pi Kappa Alpha National Pattern: Stone Foltz death (BGSU 2021), David Bogenberger death (NIU 2012), multiple Texas violations. This pattern shows nationals knew forced drinking risks but failed to prevent repeats.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon National Pattern: Traumatic brain injury (Alabama 2023), chemical burns (Texas A&M 2021), assault (UT Austin 2024). Multiple Texas incidents demonstrate statewide risk pattern.

Pi Kappa Phi National Pattern: Andrew Coffey death (FSU 2017), Leonel Bermudez injury (UH 2025). The same organization, same risks, different Texas campus.

Legal Strategy Implications

Pattern evidence from national databases strengthens claims by showing:

Nationals had prior knowledge of specific hazing methods
Their prevention efforts were inadequate
They benefited financially (dues, fees) while ignoring known risks
Punitive damages may be justified for reckless disregard

For Town of Poynor families, this means an attorney must investigate not just the local chapter, but the national organization’s complete history across all campuses.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy for Town of Poynor Families

Successful hazing litigation requires systematic evidence collection, comprehensive damages analysis, and strategic navigation of multiple defendant types. Here’s how we approach cases for families from Town of Poynor and across Texas.

Evidence Collection: The Digital Crime Scene

Modern hazing leaves digital fingerprints that must be preserved immediately:

Digital Communications (Most Critical)

GroupMe/WhatsApp/Discord: Screenshot entire threads with timestamps and participant names visible
iMessage/SMS Groups: Preserve complete conversations, not just selected messages
Fraternity-Specific Apps: Many organizations use custom apps for communication
Social Media DMs: Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok messages often contain planning discussions

Photos & Videos

Injury Documentation: Photograph immediately from multiple angles with scale reference
Event Evidence: Images from hazing events, even those framed as “fun” or “bonding”
Location Evidence: Photos of houses, rooms, or venues where hazing occurred

Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” documents
Emails between officers about pledge activities
National risk management policies and training materials

University Records

Prior conduct files for the same organization
Incident reports to campus police or conduct offices
Clery Act reports and annual security disclosures

Medical Documentation

ER records explicitly stating “hazing” as cause
Toxicology reports showing alcohol/drug levels
Psychological evaluations diagnosing PTSD, depression, anxiety
Specialist reports documenting long-term effects

Our video on using your phone to document evidence explains best practices for preserving this critical digital evidence before it disappears.

Damages: What Town of Poynor Families Can Recover

Hazing causes both economic and non-economic harm that Texas law recognizes:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical Expenses: Past and future care, including hospitalization, surgery, therapy, medications
Lost Income: Missed work for victim or caregiving family members
Educational Impact: Tuition for withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships, delayed graduation
Future Earning Capacity: Reduced lifetime earnings from permanent disabilities

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Harm)

Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries and ongoing limitations
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation, loss of dignity
Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in activities, damaged relationships
Reputational Harm: Social stigma and educational/professional consequences

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragedy Strikes)

Funeral/burial costs
Loss of financial support and companionship
Family members’ grief and emotional suffering
Parents’ and siblings’ mental health treatment

Punitive Damages
Available in cases involving gross negligence, reckless disregard, or intentional misconduct—common when organizations ignore prior warnings or attempt cover-ups.

Strategic Navigation of Multiple Defendants

Hazing cases typically involve layered liability:

Insurance Coverage Fights
Fraternity and university insurers often argue hazing is excluded as “intentional conduct.” Our insider knowledge from Mr. Lupe Peña’s former defense experience helps navigate these exclusions and identify all available coverage.

University Sovereign Immunity
Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and individual employee liability. We structure claims to overcome these defenses.

National vs Local Chapter Liability
We trace responsibility through organizational hierarchies, showing how nationals maintained control while ignoring known risks—exactly as we’re demonstrating in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case.

Practical Guides & FAQs: Immediate Help for Town of Poynor Families

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Town of Poynor Student May Be Hazed

Unexplained injuries, bruises, burns, or cuts
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
Constant phone monitoring for group chat demands
Financial requests for unexplained “expenses” or “fines”

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally)

“How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
“Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
“What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
“Do you feel like you could leave if you wanted to?”

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing

Prioritize Safety: If in immediate danger, call 911
Medical Attention: Get professional evaluation even if injuries seem minor
Document Everything: Write down what you’re told with dates/times
Preserve Evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries
Report Strategically: Consult an attorney before reporting to university
Avoid Common Mistakes: Don’t confront the organization, sign university documents, or post on social media

For Students: Self-Assessment and Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide
Ask yourself:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something unsafe or humiliating?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
Is this activity hidden from university officials or parents?
Are older members making me do things they don’t have to do?

How to Exit Safely

Immediate Danger: Call 911, then get to a safe location
Formal Resignation: Email chapter president stating “I resign effective immediately”
Do NOT attend “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
Document Any Retaliation: Threats or harassment should be reported to campus police

Evidence Collection for Students

Screenshot ALL group chats before they’re deleted
Record conversations (Texas is one-party consent)
Photograph injuries daily to show progression
Save everything digital—don’t delete embarrassing content
Tell medical providers you were hazed so it’s documented

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

1. Letting Your Child Delete Evidence
What seems like protecting privacy looks like obstruction of justice. Preserve everything immediately.

2. Confronting the Organization Directly
This triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching. Let your attorney handle all communication.

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms
Universities pressure quick settlements that waive rights. Never sign without legal review.

4. Posting on Social Media First
Defense attorneys screenshot everything. Inconsistencies damage credibility.

5. Waiting for University Investigation
Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes run. Act within 48 hours.

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters
Recorded statements are used against you. “My attorney will contact you” is the only response.

Our video on client mistakes explains these pitfalls in detail.

FAQ: Answers for Town of Poynor Families

“Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes. Public universities have some sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and individual employee liability. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer protections. Every case is fact-specific—contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law makes hazing a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if serious bodily injury or death occurs. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

“What if my child ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Texas Education Code § 37.155 states consent is not a defense. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure and power imbalance isn’t voluntary. This exact principle applies in our UH Pi Kappa Phi case.

“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. In cover-up cases, the statute may be tolled. Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

Our video on Texas statutes of limitations explains these deadlines in detail.

“What if hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. The UH Pi Kappa Phi case involved both on-campus and off-campus locations.

“Will my child’s name be public?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize family privacy while pursuing accountability.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases: Town of Poynor Families Deserve Serious Representation

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Town of Poynor and all of Henderson County, bringing unique qualifications to hazing litigation.

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, their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. As he stated in the UH Pi Kappa Phi coverage, “If this prevents harm to another person…Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” Learn about Mr. Peña’s background.

Complex Institutional Litigation (Ralph Manginello)
Our involvement in BP Texas City explosion litigation proved our capability against billion-dollar defendants. Federal court experience, HCCLA criminal defense membership, and 25+ years of practice mean we’re not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their defense teams. Ralph’s complete credentials.

Active Texas Hazing Litigation
Right now, we’re leading the Leonel Bermudez UH Pi Kappa Phi case—a $10 million lawsuit against a major university and national fraternity. This isn’t theoretical expertise; it’s proven, current capability serving Texas families.

Multi-Million Dollar Results
We’ve recovered millions in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, working with economists to value lifetime care needs and lost earning capacity. We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force accountability.

Spanish-Language Services
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, serving Hispanic families throughout Texas with culturally competent representation.

Investigative Depth
Our network includes medical experts, digital forensics specialists, economists, and psychologists. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

Our Approach: Empathy Meets Aggressive Advocacy

We understand this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. It’s not about bravado or quick settlements—it’s about thorough investigation and real accountability.

How contingency fees work: We work on contingency—no fee unless we win, making justice accessible to Town of Poynor families facing well-funded opponents.

Call to Action: Town of Poynor Families Deserve Answers

If your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether nearby in East Texas or at a university hours away—we want to hear from you. Families in Town of Poynor, Henderson County, and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a Confidential Consultation

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We listen to your story without judgment
Review evidence (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
Answer questions about costs (contingency fee—no recovery, no fee)
No pressure to hire immediately—take time to decide
Everything 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:

Hablamos Español—Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com
Servicios legales en español disponibles

Final Word to Town of Poynor Families

Reading this article doesn’t create an attorney-client relationship, and we cannot guarantee specific outcomes. Every case depends on specific facts, evidence, and applicable law. But we can promise this: if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The same institutional patterns that hurt students across Texas can be challenged with experienced legal advocacy.

Whether the hazing occurred at a nearby East Texas campus or a major university across the state, Texas law provides pathways to accountability. The precedents set in cases like ours against UH and Pi Kappa Phi strengthen every Texas family’s position.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us help you navigate this crisis, protect your child’s rights, and pursue the accountability that can prevent future harm to other students from Town of Poynor and across Texas.

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

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Evidence Preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client Mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Contingency Fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

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