Hazing Litigation Guide for Universal City, Texas Families: Holding Fraternities, Sororities & Universities Accountable

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

We understand the heart-stopping moment when the phone rings and your child’s voice sounds different—strained, scared, or evasive. For parents in Universal City, the suburban neighborhoods of Northeast San Antonio represent stability and family values. You’ve raised your children here, sent them to schools in Bexar County, and trusted that the universities they attend would keep them safe. The reality that your son or daughter could be systematically abused in the name of “tradition” or “brotherhood” feels like a violation of that fundamental trust.

Right now, just hours east of Universal City in Houston, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, suffered catastrophic injuries during his fall 2025 pledge period at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. What began as an exciting opportunity for connection deteriorated into months of systematic abuse: forced humiliation through a degrading “pledge fanny pack” requirement, extreme physical hazing including being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and brutal workouts that left him with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. By November 2025, he was hospitalized for four days, passing brown urine while facing the risk of permanent kidney damage. This $10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, and thirteen individual fraternity leaders represents exactly what we’re prepared to fight for Texas families.

If you’re reading this from your home in Universal City, perhaps near the communities of Live Oak, Converse, or throughout Bexar County, know this: what happened at UH isn’t an isolated incident. The same fraternities, the same national organizations, and the same dangerous traditions exist at every major Texas campus where Universal City families send their children. We’ve built a comprehensive legal practice specifically to confront this institutional failure, and we want you to understand exactly what hazing looks like in 2025, what Texas law provides, and how our firm—with our unique combination of insurance insider knowledge and complex litigation experience—can help your family find answers and accountability.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

• Call 911 for medical emergencies
• Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• We provide immediate help—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
  • Photograph injuries from multiple angles
  • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
• Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity/sorority
  • Sign anything from the university or insurance company
  • Post details on public social media
  • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

• Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed evidence, 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

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

For Universal City parents who may not have experienced Greek life firsthand, or whose understanding comes from movies decades old, modern hazing has evolved into something more systematic, more psychologically sophisticated, and more dangerously disguised than the paddling and pranks of the past. What happens in fraternity houses, sorority suites, Corps dormitories, and athletic training facilities today follows patterns we’ve documented across hundreds of cases.

The Three-Tier Framework of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing – The Psychological Foundation
This is where most dangerous hazing begins, often dismissed as “harmless tradition” but designed to establish absolute power imbalance. For Universal City students at Texas campuses, this might include:

• 24/7 digital control: Constant GroupMe, WhatsApp, or Discord demands with immediate response requirements
• Servitude requirements: Acting as personal drivers at all hours, cleaning members’ apartments, running errands that interfere with academic work
• Identity stripping: Being assigned degrading nicknames, prohibited from speaking unless spoken to in group settings
• Social isolation: Cutting off contact with non-members, requiring permission for social activities
• “Voluntary” mandatory events: Late-night meetings during exam weeks, weekend-long “retreats” framed as bonding

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing – Escalation to Abuse
When subtle hazing normalizes compliance, organizations escalate to behaviors causing measurable harm:

• Sleep deprivation: 3 AM wake-up calls for “meetings,” multi-day events with 2-3 hours of sleep nightly
• Food/water manipulation: Limited meals, forced consumption of unpleasant substances (spoiled food, excessive hot sauce, raw eggs)
• Extreme physical “conditioning”: Hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, “smokings” framed as fitness but designed to punish
• Public humiliation: Forced embarrassing performances in public spaces, “roasting” sessions with verbal degradation
• Digital exposure: Requirements to post humiliating content on social media, create TikTok challenges, share compromising photos in group chats

Tier 3: Violent Hazing – Catastrophic Risk
This is where hospitalization and death become statistically likely:

• Forced/coerced alcohol consumption: “Lineup” drinking games, Big/Little nights with handles of liquor, “Bible study” trivia with wrong answers requiring drinks
• Physical beatings: Paddling (still prevalent despite national prohibitions), punching, kicking, “branding” with burns or cuts
• Sexualized hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault or coercion
• Dangerous environments: Locked in freezing rooms, left outside in extreme weather, “kidnapping” and blindfolded transportation
• Chemical exposure: The Texas A&M SAE case involved industrial cleaner poured on pledges causing chemical burns requiring skin grafts

The Digital Transformation of Hazing

Universal City parents of digital-native students need to understand how technology has revolutionized hazing:

• Geographic tracking: Members demanding 24/7 location sharing through Find My Friends or Life360
• Digital humiliation archives: Photos and videos of hazing stored in cloud accounts, shared in private groups, used as leverage
• Communication control: Mandatory immediate responses to messages, with punishments for delayed replies
• Evidence destruction protocols: Chapter leaders teaching members how to use disappearing messages, encrypted apps, and proper deletion techniques
• Social media policing: Controlling what pledges post, requiring specific content, monitoring all online activity

Who Gets Hazed? Beyond Fraternity Stereotypes

While fraternities dominate national headlines, Universal City students face risks in multiple organizations:

• Sororities: Often more psychological than physical but equally damaging with eating manipulation, sleep deprivation, and severe emotional abuse
• Corps of Cadets Programs: Military-style hazing with extreme physical demands, humiliation rituals, and tradition-justified abuse
• Athletic Teams: From football to swimming, “rookie” rituals involving excessive alcohol, violent initiations, and sexualized hazing
• Spirit Organizations: Texas Cowboys, cheer squads, and other tradition-heavy groups with documented hazing histories
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Physical endurance tests, alcohol hazing, and sexualized initiation rituals
• Academic and Cultural Organizations: Even honor societies and cultural groups have documented hazing incidents

Texas Hazing Law: What Universal City Families Need to Know

The Texas Education Code Framework

For families in Universal City, Bexar County, and throughout Texas, our state has specific legal provisions addressing hazing. Under Texas Education Code Chapter 37, Subchapter F, hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student that:

1. Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student
2. Occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students

Critical elements for Universal City families to understand:

• Location doesn’t matter: The law applies both on-campus and off-campus—whether at a fraternity house, Airbnb retreat, or private residence
• “Consent is not a defense”: Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states that even if your child “agreed” to the activities, it’s still legally hazing
• Mental health counts: Emotional and psychological abuse qualifies as hazing under Texas law
• Good-faith reporting protection: Those who report hazing or call for medical help in good faith receive immunity from certain legal consequences

Criminal vs. Civil Liability: Two Paths to Accountability

Criminal Prosecution (State Brings Charges)

• Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing violations (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 often filed: Furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil Litigation (Your Family Seeks Compensation)

• Negligence claims: Against individuals, chapters, nationals, and universities
• Wrongful death claims: When hazing results in fatality
• Premises liability: Property owners who allow hazing to occur
• Negligent supervision: Against nationals and universities who failed to prevent known risks
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress: For particularly egregious psychological abuse

The Federal Legal Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
This federal legislation requires colleges receiving federal aid (all Texas public universities and most privates) to:

• Publicly report hazing incidents more transparently
• Implement enhanced prevention programming by 2026
• Maintain searchable hazing violation databases
• For Universal City families, this means increased transparency is coming, but accountability often requires legal action

Title IX Implications
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility:

• Universities have independent investigation obligations
• Different standards of proof apply
• Federal funding consequences possible for non-compliance

Clery Act Reporting
Serious hazing incidents often trigger Clery Act crime reporting requirements, creating additional documentation trails for litigation.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Texas Hazing Case?

Our experience in cases like the UH Pi Kappa Phi litigation shows multiple potential defendants:

1. Individual Students

• Those who planned, executed, or supervised hazing
• Chapter officers with knowledge and control
• Members who participated in cover-ups or evidence destruction

2. Local Chapters

• As unincorporated associations or separate legal entities
• Their housing corporations and alumni boards
• Their membership collectively through joint enterprise liability

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters

• For failing to adequately supervise chapters
• For having knowledge of prior incidents and patterns
• For inadequate training and policy enforcement
• In the UH case, Pi Kappa Phi nationals are defendants alongside the local chapter

4. Universities and Their Governing Boards

• Public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin (with sovereign immunity limitations)
• Private universities like SMU and Baylor (fewer immunity protections)
• Liability theories include negligent supervision, premises liability, Title IX violations

5. Third Parties

• Property owners who rent to organizations knowing hazing occurs
• Alcohol providers under Texas dram shop laws
• Security companies hired for events where hazing occurs

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: What Universal City Families Are Up Against

Public Records Reality: The Organizations Behind the Letters

At Attorney911, we maintain what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of every Greek organization registered in Texas. For Universal City families, understanding that these aren’t just college clubs but legally registered entities with tax IDs, insurance policies, and national hierarchies is crucial. Here’s what exists in the public record:

In the San Antonio Metro Area (Including Universal City/Bexar County):
The San Antonio metropolitan statistical area shows 86 Greek-related organizations in public filings. These include:

• San Antonio Metro IRS-Registered Entities:
  • Xi Omicron Iota House Association (ΩΧΟ) – San Antonio, TX (Trinity Univ. affiliation)
  • Alpha Lambda Chapter of Sigma Chi – San Antonio, TX (Trinity Univ. chapter)
  • Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – San Antonio Alumnae Chapter – San Antonio, TX
  • Kappa Alpha Psi – San Antonio Alumni Chapter – San Antonio, TX

Texas-Wide Registered Greek Organizations (Sample from IRS B83 Filings):

• EIN 741016658: Phi Upsilon Zeta of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity – San Antonio, TX 78249-1644 (UTSA chapter organization)
• EIN 815229133: Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – San Antonio, TX 78228-5433 (Iota Beta chapter at St. Mary’s University)
• EIN 842643090: UTSA Sigma Chi – San Antonio, TX 78258-3410 (Sigma Chi Fraternity chapter entity)
• EIN 900927378: Phi Delta Theta Fraternity – San Antonio, TX 78249-3625 (Texas Xi chapter organization)
• EIN 746084912: Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc – Austin, TX 78714-3674 (Alpha Omega chapter)
• EIN 746047117: Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi – Austin, TX 78705-4017 (UT Austin chapter house corp.)
• EIN 262710856: Sigma Phi Epsilon New York Chi Alumni Association Inc – Houston, TX 77007-2415 (Alumni network with Texas presence)
• EIN 462267515: Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – Frisco, TX 75035-6629 (The same national organization involved in the UH case)

Cross-Validated National Brands Operating Throughout Texas:
Our analysis shows national organizations maintaining multiple entity types across Texas:

• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority: Appears in IRS records in Waco and Commerce, and in Cause IQ data in Houston and Beaumont
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity: Registered in Prairie View, Mansfield, Dallas, and with alumni chapters throughout Texas
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi: Academic honor society with chapters at nearly every Texas university
• Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity: National organization with Texas district in Houston and chapters throughout the state

Where Universal City Families Send Their Children: Campus Realities

Local and Regional Campuses:

• University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA): Just minutes from Universal City, UTSA hosts active Greek life with fraternities and sororities across all councils
• St. Mary’s University: Private Catholic university with Greek organizations including Alpha Sigma Phi
• Texas A&M University-San Antonio: Growing campus with emerging Greek life
• University of the Incarnate Word: Private university with Greek organizations

Major Statewide Universities (Where Many Universal City Students Attend):

• University of Texas at Austin: 2-hour drive from Universal City, with approximately 60 fraternity/sorority chapters and documented hazing violations
• Texas A&M University: 3-hour drive, massive Greek system plus Corps of Cadets with documented hazing issues
• University of Houston: 3-hour drive, site of our active Pi Kappa Phi litigation
• Baylor University: 3-hour drive, private Christian university with Greek life and athletic hazing history
• Texas State University: 1-hour drive, significant Greek presence in San Marcos
• Texas Tech University: 6-hour drive, major Greek life hub in Lubbock

National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories at Texas Schools

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ) – Multiple Texas Incidents:

• Texas A&M University (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit causing chemical burns requiring skin grafts
• University of Texas at Austin (2024): Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted, suffering dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose
• National Pattern: Multiple hazing-related deaths nationwide leading to elimination of traditional pledge process in 2014

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ) – National Deaths, Texas Presence:

• Stone Foltz (Bowling Green, 2021): $10 million settlement after forced alcohol consumption death
• David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois, 2012): $14 million settlement after alcohol poisoning death
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor, SMU, Texas State, Texas Tech

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ) – LSU Death, Texas Chapters:

• Max Gruver (LSU, 2017): “Bible study” drinking game death leading to Louisiana felony hazing law
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, Baylor, SMU

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ) – Our Active UH Case:

• Andrew Coffey (Florida State, 2017): Big/little night alcohol poisoning death
• Leonel Bermudez (UH, 2025): Our active case involving rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, and systematic abuse
• Texas Presence: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ) – SMU Suspension:

• SMU Chapter (2017): Suspended for paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation
• Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas A&M, SMU, Texas Tech

University-Specific Hazing Realities for Universal City Families

University of Houston: The Case We’re Fighting Right Now

For Universal City families with students at UH (approximately 200 miles east):

Our active litigation against UH and Pi Kappa Phi provides a case study in institutional failure. Leonel Bermudez’s ordeal followed a predictable pattern documented in hazing cases nationwide:

The Systematic Abuse Timeline:

• September 2025: Bid acceptance followed immediately by enforced dress codes, mandatory “study blocks,” weekly interviews, and the degrading “pledge fanny pack” requirement
• October 2025: Escalation to physical abuse including cold-weather exposure in underwear, lying in vomit-soaked grass, and witnessing another pledge hog-tied face-down with an object in his mouth
• November 3, 2025: The catastrophic workout—100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion
• November 6-9, 2025: Hospitalization with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, critically elevated creatine kinase levels

Institutional Responses (Too Little, Too Late):

• November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi nationals suspend Beta Nu chapter after receiving hazing reports
• November 14, 2025: Chapter members vote to surrender charter after internal investigation
• UH Statement: Called conduct “deeply disturbing,” promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion, and noted cooperation with law enforcement

What This Means for Universal City Families:
The speed of chapter closure suggests nationals knew the severity, while the university’s delayed public response highlights the institutional self-protection patterns we see repeatedly. When your child is hazed at UH or any Texas school, you’re not just fighting a student organization—you’re confronting a system designed to minimize liability and protect reputations.

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

For Universal City families with students at Texas A&M (approximately 180 miles northeast):

Texas A&M presents unique hazing risks through the intersection of its massive Greek system and tradition-heavy Corps of Cadets.

Documented Incidents:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021): $1 million lawsuit filed after pledges suffered chemical burns from industrial cleaner
• Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023): $1+ million lawsuit alleging cadet bound between beds in degrading position with apple in mouth
• Public Hazing Violations: Multiple fraternities on disciplinary probation for alcohol hazing, physical abuse violations

The Corps Factor:
Military-style organizations present particular challenges:

• Tradition-based justifications for abuse
• Chain-of-command structures that discourage reporting
• Physical training environments that mask hazing as “conditioning”
• For Universal City families with students in the Corps, understanding these dynamics is crucial

University Response Patterns:
Texas A&M’s public statements typically emphasize internal processes and tradition respect, often delaying external accountability. Their student conduct system, while comprehensive, often results in penalties short of expulsion for even serious hazing.

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency with Limits

For Universal City families with students at UT Austin (approximately 80 miles north):

UT Austin maintains one of Texas’ most transparent hazing violation databases, but the recurring violations show systemic issues.

Publicly Documented Violations (Recent Examples):

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics—resulting in probation and hazing prevention education
• Texas Wranglers (Spirit Organization): Multiple violations for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): Ongoing investigation into assault allegations against exchange student

What the Database Shows:

• Repeating organizations year after year
• Penalties often limited to probation, education requirements
• Certain fraternities appearing multiple times across decades
• For Universal City families, this database provides evidence of pattern and knowledge—critical for litigation

University Advantages and Limitations:
UT’s transparency is better than most schools, but their internal processes still prioritize university interests over victim compensation. The difference between university discipline (probation, education) and civil litigation (financial recovery, institutional reform) is substantial.

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Accountability Gaps

For Universal City families with students at Baylor (approximately 180 miles north):

Baylor’s history with athletic scandals and Title IX issues creates a complex environment for hazing accountability.

Documented Incidents:

• Baseball Team Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Greek Life Sanctions: Multiple fraternities and sororities on disciplinary status for hazing violations
• Pattern Concerns: Religious branding sometimes used to deflect criticism while internal problems persist

Institutional Dynamics:
Private religious universities like Baylor have different liability exposures than public institutions, but often employ similar delay and minimization tactics. Their emphasis on community and forgiveness can sometimes pressure victims to avoid “causing trouble.”

Southern Methodist University: Affluence and Privacy Barriers

For Universal City families with students at SMU (approximately 270 miles north):

SMU’s private status and affluent donor base create unique challenges for hazing accountability.

Documented Incidents:

• Kappa Alpha Order Suspension (2017): Chapter suspended for paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation
• Limited Public Records: As a private institution, SMU discloses less than public universities
• Donor Influence Concerns: Wealthy alumni sometimes exert pressure to protect organizations

Strategic Considerations:
SMU’s private status means different legal strategies, potentially easier discovery than public universities with sovereign immunity claims, but also potentially more aggressive defense by well-resourced defendants.

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

The Evidence Collection Imperative

For Universal City families, immediate evidence preservation is the single most important action after ensuring medical safety. What vanishes in the first 72 hours often determines case outcomes.

Digital Evidence (Priority #1):

• Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord, iMessage threads—screenshot EVERYTHING with timestamps and participant names visible
• Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat memories, TikTok videos, Facebook posts and messages
• Deleted Content Recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “deleted” messages from cloud backups and device memory
• Location Data: Geo-tags, Find My Friends history, Uber/Lyft receipts showing movement patterns

Physical Evidence:

• Medical Records: ER reports, hospitalization records, specialist consultations—specifically note “hazing” as cause
• Injury Documentation: Photograph injuries immediately and daily to show progression
• Objects Used: Paddles, alcohol containers, costumes, props—preserve, don’t return
• Clothing: Don’t wash items stained with vomit, blood, or chemicals

Institutional Records:

• University Files: Prior conduct violations, police reports, Clery Act reports
• National Fraternity Records: Prior incident reports, risk management files, insurance policies
• Property Records: Lease agreements, homeowner’s insurance for houses where hazing occurred

Witness Identification:

• Other Pledges: They’re often equally traumatized but may cooperate as group
• Former Members: Those who quit or were expelled often have valuable perspective
• Roommates/Neighbors: May have heard or seen concerning activities
• Medical Personnel: ER staff who treated injuries can provide crucial documentation

Damages: What Families Can Recover in Texas Hazing Cases

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

• Medical Expenses: Past and future—ER visits, hospitalizations, surgeries, therapy, medications
• Lost Educational Costs: Tuition for semesters missed or withdrawn, lost scholarship value
• Lost Earning Capacity: For permanent injuries affecting career trajectory
• Life Care Plans: For catastrophic injuries requiring lifelong medical care

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Compensable):

• Physical Pain and Suffering: From injuries sustained during hazing
• Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation—documented through psychological evaluation
• Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in college life, activities, relationships
• Reputational Harm: Social stigma and public exposure

Wrongful Death Damages (When Tragically Applicable):

• Funeral and Burial Costs
• Loss of Financial Support: Future earnings the deceased would have provided
• Loss of Companionship: For parents, siblings, spouses
• Emotional Suffering: Family’s grief and trauma

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Egregious):

• Texas Limitations: Capped in many cases but available for gross negligence or intentional conduct
• Deterrence Purpose: Punish defendants and discourage future hazing
• Pattern Evidence Requirement: Prior incidents, cover-up attempts, reckless indifference

Case Strategy: How We Approach Hazing Litigation Differently

Our Insurance Insider Advantage:
Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm gives us unique insight into how fraternity and university insurers will fight your claim:

• We know their valuation formulas and reserve-setting strategies
• We anticipate coverage exclusion arguments and how to counter them
• We understand their delay tactics and settlement psychology
• This isn’t theoretical—it’s firsthand experience from the other side of the table

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:
Ralph Manginello’s involvement in BP Texas City explosion litigation taught us how to fight billion-dollar defendants:

• Document management systems for massive discovery
• Expert witness coordination across multiple disciplines
• Strategic sequencing of defendants and claims
• Media and public relations management in high-profile cases

Digital Evidence Mastery:
From our trucking accident practice where we routinely secure electronic logging data and cell phone records, we’ve developed sophisticated digital evidence protocols:

• Proper chain of custody documentation
• Forensic recovery of deleted content
• Social media evidence preservation
• Geo-location data analysis

Texas-Specific Legal Strategy:

• Navigating sovereign immunity arguments for public universities
• Texas proportionate responsibility laws (51% bar rule)
• Local court rules and judge preferences in key jurisdictions
• Working with Texas-specific experts familiar with our courts

Practical Guide for Universal City Families: What to Do Right Now

For Parents: Recognizing Warning Signs

Physical Indicators:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
• Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
• Sudden weight changes (from food manipulation or stress)
• Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage
• Signs of alcohol poisoning or substance use in non-users

Behavioral Changes:

• Increased secrecy about organizational activities
• Withdrawal from family and non-member friends
• Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability
• Defensive responses to questions about the organization
• Constant phone checking/responding to group messages

Academic Red Flags:

• Grades dropping precipitously
• Missing classes or assignments
• Loss of academic scholarships or standing
• Requests for withdrawals or medical leaves

Digital Patterns:

• New location-sharing requirements
• Sudden social media content changes
• Disappearing message app usage
• Phone anxiety when notifications arrive

For Students: Safety Planning and Exit Strategies

If You’re in Immediate Danger:

• Call 911 first—Texas law provides good-faith reporter protections
• Remove yourself to a safe location (dorm, friend’s apartment, public space)
• Contact parents or trusted adult immediately
• Preserve evidence before confronting anyone

If You Want to Leave the Organization:

• You have the absolute right to resign membership at any time
• Send a clear written resignation (email/text) to chapter president
• Do NOT attend “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation may occur
• Document any retaliation or harassment that follows

Evidence Preservation Steps:

1. Screenshot everything—group chats, DMs, social media posts
2. Photograph injuries immediately with date stamps
3. Save physical items—don’t wash stained clothing, keep props
4. Write detailed notes of events while memory is fresh
5. Identify witnesses with contact information

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence to “Protect” Your Child

• What seems like protecting privacy looks like obstruction of justice
• Digital forensics can often recover deleted content anyway
• Solution: Preserve everything, let your attorney determine relevance

2. Confronting the Organization Directly

• Immediately triggers their defense preparation
• Leads to evidence destruction and witness coaching
  Name: Solution: Document quietly, consult attorney first**

3. Signing University “Resolution” Agreements

• Universities offer quick settlements that waive litigation rights
• Amounts are typically minimal compared to case value
• Solution: Never sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting on Social Media

• Defense attorneys monitor everything
• Inconsistencies undermine credibility
• Solution: Maintain complete social media silence about the incident

5. Waiting for University “Investigation”

• Evidence disappears during internal processes
• Witnesses graduate or become unavailable
• Statute of limitations continues running
• Solution: Preserve evidence immediately, consult attorney within days

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters

• Recorded statements are used against you
• Early settlement offers are always lowball
• Solution: “My attorney will contact you” is the only response

Frequently Asked Questions for Universal City Families

“Can we sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities have sovereign immunity protections with exceptions for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and certain other claims. Private universities like SMU and Baylor have fewer immunity barriers. Every case requires specific analysis—call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case evaluation.

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

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

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally two years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately apparent. In cases involving cover-ups, the statute may be tolled. Time is critical—call immediately.

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

“Will this be public or confidential?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize client privacy while pursuing accountability, using protective orders and confidential settlement agreements when possible.

Why Attorney911 for Universal City Hazing Cases

Our Unique Qualifications for Texas Hazing Litigation

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how fraternities, sororities, and universities operate behind closed doors—and how to hold them accountable despite their resources and institutional protections.

Insurance Insider Advantage:
Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm, representing the exact types of insurance companies that fraternities and universities use. He knows:

• How they value claims and set reserves
• Their delay tactics and lowball settlement strategies
• Coverage exclusion arguments and how to counter them
• Defense playbooks from having previously run them
  This isn’t theoretical knowledge—it’s firsthand experience from the other side of the table.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:
Ralph Manginello’s involvement in BP Texas City explosion litigation represents the highest level of complex litigation against billion-dollar defendants. That experience translates directly to hazing cases:

• Document management systems for massive discovery
• Expert witness coordination across medical, psychological, and institutional fields
• Strategic sequencing of defendants and claims
• Media management in high-profile cases
  We’ve faced corporate giants with unlimited legal budgets—we’re not intimidated by national fraternities or university legal teams.

Proven Multi-Million Dollar Results:

• $10 million active litigation in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case
• Multi-million dollar settlements in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases
• Economists collaboration for lifetime care planning in severe injury cases
• Trial readiness that changes settlement dynamics

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability:
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both sides of hazing cases:

• Criminal defense perspective for witnesses or participants needing guidance
• How criminal investigations interact with civil litigation
• Sentencing advocacy in cases with criminal charges
• Expungement and record-sealing options where applicable

Texas-Specific Geographic Mastery:
With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we understand Texas courts, judges, and procedures. For Universal City families, this means:

• Familiarity with Bexar County courts and procedures
• Understanding of university jurisdictions throughout Texas
• Relationships with local experts and service providers
• Texas-specific legal strategy considerations

Spanish Language Services:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, ensuring Spanish-speaking Universal City families receive complete understanding and representation:

• Consultations in Spanish without interpreter barriers
• Document translation and explanation
• Cultural understanding of Texas Hispanic communities
• Se habla Español—llame a Lupe Peña directamente

Our Investigative Process: How We Build Your Case

Phase 1: Immediate Evidence Preservation (Days 1-7)

• Digital forensics to secure group chats, social media, deleted content
• Witness identification and initial interviews
• Medical record collection and expert review
• Preservation letter issuance to prevent evidence destruction

Phase 2: Institutional Discovery (Weeks 2-8)

• Public records requests to universities
• Insurance policy identification and analysis
• Prior incident investigation at chapter and national levels
• Defendant asset and liability assessment

Phase 3: Strategic Case Development (Months 2-6)

• Expert retention: medical, psychological, economic, Greek life culture
• Damages modeling and life care planning for severe injuries
• Settlement demand package preparation
• Defendant response analysis and strategy adjustment

Phase 4: Resolution Path Determination (Months 6-18)

• Mediation preparation and negotiation
• Trial readiness development
• Settlement vs. litigation cost-benefit analysis
• Client-guided decision making with complete information

What to Expect When You Contact Us

Your Free Consultation Will Include:

• Listening to your story without judgment or interruption
• Initial evidence assessment and preservation guidance
• Explanation of legal options in plain English
• Realistic timeline and process expectations
• Contingency fee explanation—no cost unless we recover
• No pressure to hire—take time to make the right decision

Our Communication Commitment:

• Direct attorney access, not paralegal handoffs
• Regular case updates (minimum every 2-3 weeks)
• Prompt response to your questions
• Complete transparency about case developments
• You control major decisions—we provide expert guidance

Your Next Step: Confidential Consultation

If you’re reading this from Universal City, Schertz, Converse, or anywhere in Bexar County, and hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to navigate this alone. The institutions involved have legal teams, insurance adjusters, and public relations professionals protecting their interests. You deserve advocates equally committed to protecting yours.

We offer free, confidential consultations to Universal City families facing hazing situations. In that consultation, we’ll:

1. Listen carefully to what happened to your child
2. Explain your legal rights under Texas law
3. Review any evidence you’ve preserved
4. Outline potential legal strategies
5. Answer all your questions about process, timing, and costs
6. Help you decide if legal action is right for your family

There’s no obligation to hire us, and everything you share is protected by attorney-client confidentiality from the moment you contact us.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911 Today:

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

We serve families throughout Texas from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. Whether your child attends UTSA just minutes from Universal City or universities across the state, we have the experience, resources, and determination to pursue accountability.

The patterns we see in hazing cases—the forced drinking, the physical abuse, the psychological manipulation, the institutional cover-ups—they’re preventable. But prevention only happens when institutions face real consequences. Your family’s case could be the one that changes policies, saves future students, and forces the accountability that should have existed all along.

Call us today. Let’s discuss how we can help.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Click2Houston (KPRC 2) coverage: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/

ABC13 Eyewitness News (KTRK) coverage: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

Hoodline coverage: 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:

Using your cellphone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs

Texas statutes of limitations explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

Client mistakes that can ruin your case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

How contingency fees work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website:
https://attorney911.com

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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