Hazing in Texas: A Comprehensive Legal Guide for Webster Families

If Your Child Was Hazed, You’re Not Alone—And We’re Right Here in Texas, Fighting For Families Like Yours

It starts with a phone call no parent in Webster ever wants to receive. Your son at the University of Houston texts that he’s “just really tired” after a fraternity event. Your daughter at Texas A&M mentions “mandatory study sessions” that keep her out until 3 AM. The details are vague, but your parental instinct screams that something is wrong. Then the truth emerges: what they’re experiencing isn’t college bonding—it’s hazing that has crossed into abuse, leaving them injured, traumatized, and afraid to speak up.

Right now, just miles from Webster in Harris County, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas. We represent Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. His story—involving forced physical abuse, simulated waterboarding, and hazing so severe it caused rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure—shows exactly how dangerous campus hazing has become in 2025. This isn’t happening in some distant state; this is happening here, at universities where Webster families send their children every year.

This comprehensive guide exists for one reason: to give Webster families the knowledge and resources you need if hazing has touched your family. We’ll explain what modern hazing really looks like, break down Texas hazing law in plain English, show you how national patterns repeat at Texas universities, and outline exactly how experienced hazing attorneys build cases that hold powerful institutions accountable. For families in Webster, Clear Lake, Friendswood, and across the Greater Houston area, understanding these realities could mean the difference between your child suffering in silence and your family finding justice.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

• Call 911 for medical emergencies
• Then call us immediately: 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 your child insists they’re “fine”
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
  • Photograph injuries from multiple angles
  • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing)
• Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity/sorority directly
  • Sign anything from the university or insurance company
  • Post details on public social media
  • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact experienced hazing attorneys 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 (Beyond the Stereotypes)

When Webster parents think of hazing, they might imagine outdated stereotypes: paddle beatings in smoky basements or harmless pranks. The reality in 2025 is far more sophisticated, psychologically manipulative, and dangerous. Today’s hazing operates in the gray areas where “tradition” meets abuse, where digital coercion supplements physical intimidation, and where organizations have become expert at hiding their misconduct.

The Modern Definition: When “Tradition” Crosses the Line

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, maintaining membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. The critical misunderstanding we see with Webster families is the belief that if their child “agreed” to participate, it wasn’t hazing. Under Texas law and basic principles of coercion, “consent” obtained through peer pressure, fear of exclusion, or power imbalance isn’t true consent at all.

The Four Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the most common—and most deadly—form of hazing. It’s not “college kids drinking”; it’s systematic coercion:

• Forced consumption games: “Big/Little” nights where pledges must finish entire bottles of liquor, “family tree” drinking rituals, “Bible study” where wrong answers mean shots
• Chemical manipulation: Spiking drinks with everclear or other high-proof alcohol, forcing consumption of unknown mixtures
• Coerced drug use: Pressure to use marijuana, prescription medications, or nitrous oxide as part of initiation

2. Physical Hazing Beyond “Hard Workouts”
What organizations frame as “conditioning” or “team building” is often calculated abuse:

• Extreme calisthenics: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, wall-sits until collapse, sprints until vomiting—exactly what caused rhabdomyolysis in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case
• Paddling and beatings: Still prevalent despite national prohibitions
• Environmental torture: Locking pledges in freezers, making them lie in vomit-soaked grass (as in the UH case), exposure to extreme temperatures
• Sleep and food deprivation: Multi-day events with minimal rest, food restriction as punishment

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
The most psychologically damaging forms often involve degradation:

• Forced nudity and simulated sexual acts: “Elephant walks,” “roasted pig” positions, coercive sexualized rituals
• Public humiliation: Costumes, demeaning nicknames, public performances designed to embarrass
• Racist, sexist, or homophobic components: Use of slurs, forced role-playing of stereotypes

4. Digital Hazing and Psychological Control
The newest frontier that Webster parents might not recognize:

• 24/7 group chat monitoring: Pledges required to respond instantly to messages at all hours
• Social media humiliation: Forced TikTok challenges, embarrassing Instagram stories, coordinated online harassment
• Location tracking: Mandatory use of Find My Friends or Life360 so members can monitor pledges’ movements
• Psychological manipulation: Love-bombing followed by degradation, isolation from non-members, gaslighting about “what real friendship requires”

Where Hazing Happens: It’s Not Just “Frat Boys”

Webster families need to understand that hazing permeates many campus organizations:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural groups)
• Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs (particularly concerning at Texas A&M)
• Athletic teams (from football to cheerleading)
• Spirit and tradition organizations (Texas Cowboys, song leaders, mascot programs)
• Marching bands and performance groups
• Academic and service organizations

The common thread isn’t the type of organization—it’s the combination of tradition, secrecy, and power imbalance that allows abuse to flourish.

Texas Hazing Law: What Webster Families Need to Know

When hazing occurs at a Texas university, a specific legal framework governs both criminal consequences and civil liability. Understanding this framework helps Webster families recognize their rights and the potential avenues for accountability.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Hazing Statute

Texas law defines hazing broadly and places significant responsibility on both individuals and organizations. Here’s what Webster families need to know in plain English:

What Constitutes Hazing Under Texas Law:
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
• Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Key Points for Webster Families:

• Location doesn’t matter: Hazing at an off-campus house, Airbnb, or retreat is still hazing
• Mental harm counts: Psychological abuse qualifies alongside physical injury
• “Reckless” is enough: They don’t need to intend harm—just be reckless about the risk
• Consent is not a defense: Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law

Criminal Penalties: The State Can Prosecute

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)

Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing that causes injury requiring medical treatment

State Jail Felony: Hazing that causes serious bodily injury or death

Additional Criminal Provisions:

• Failing to report hazing (if you’re a member/officer and knew): misdemeanor
• Retaliating against someone who reports hazing: misdemeanor
• Organizational liability: Fraternities/sororities can be fined up to $10,000 per violation

Civil Liability: What Families Can Pursue

Criminal cases are brought by the state; civil cases are where families seek compensation and accountability. These are separate tracks that can proceed simultaneously.

Potential Defendants in a Civil Hazing Case:

1. Individual students who planned, participated in, or covered up hazing
2. Local chapter officers who had supervisory responsibility
3. The chapter itself (if incorporated as a legal entity)
4. National fraternity/sorority headquarters
5. Universities and their governing boards
6. Property owners of houses where hazing occurred
7. Alcohol providers under dram shop laws

Types of Civil Claims:

• Negligence/Gross Negligence: Failure to exercise reasonable care
• Negligent Supervision: Organizations failed to properly oversee members
• Premises Liability: Dangerous conditions on property
• Wrongful Death: If hazing results in death
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress
• Title IX Violations: When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

• Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently
• Mandates public hazing data (phased in by 2026)
• Affects all major Texas universities including UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin

Title IX and Clery Act:

• When hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, Title IX requires specific university responses
• Clery Act mandates reporting of certain crimes in campus safety statistics

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting

Texas law provides important protections that Webster families should know about:

• Good-faith reporters are immune from civil or criminal liability
• Many universities offer medical amnesty—students won’t face disciplinary action for underage drinking if they call 911 for someone in medical distress
• These protections exist to encourage reporting and medical intervention, but students often don’t know about them or fear social consequences more than legal ones

National Hazing Case Patterns: What History Teaches Us About Texas Risks

The hazing incidents at Texas universities don’t occur in a vacuum. They follow patterns established in national cases that have resulted in deaths, serious injuries, and multi-million dollar settlements. Understanding these patterns helps Webster families recognize the seriousness of what their children might be experiencing.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern: Repeated Across Campuses

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

• What happened: 20-year-old pledge forced to consume entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
• Medical outcome: Died from alcohol poisoning
• Legal outcomes: Multiple criminal convictions; $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
• Texas relevance: Pi Kappa Alpha has chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

• What happened: Pledge forced to participate in “Bible study” drinking game; wrong answers = forced drinking
• Medical outcome: Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%)
• Legal outcomes: $6.1 million verdict; Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony
• Texas relevance: Phi Delta Theta has chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor

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

• What happened: Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking; fell multiple times captured on security cameras; help delayed
• Medical outcome: Died from traumatic brain injuries
• Legal outcomes: 18 members charged with over 1,000 criminal counts; Pennsylvania Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
• Texas relevance: Beta Theta Pi has chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor

Physical Hazing Patterns: Brutality Disguised as “Tradition”

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

• What happened: Pledge blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual
• Medical outcome: Died from traumatic brain injury; help delayed
• Legal outcomes: National fraternity criminally convicted; banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
• Texas relevance: Shows off-campus “retreats” are common hazing locations

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021)

• What happened: Pledge forced to consume excessive alcohol during “pledge dad reveal”
• Medical outcome: Severe, permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care)
• Legal outcomes: Settlements with 22 defendants; multi-million dollar recovery
• Texas relevance: Phi Gamma Delta has chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin

Athletic Program Hazing: Beyond Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

• What happened: Systemic sexualized, racist hazing within football program
• Legal outcomes: Multiple lawsuits; head coach fired and settled wrongful-termination claim confidentially
• Texas relevance: Major athletic programs at Texas universities carry similar risks

What These Cases Mean for Webster Families

Pattern Recognition:

• The same dangerous behaviors (forced drinking games, physical endurance tests, humiliation rituals) repeat across campuses nationwide
• Organizations often fail to learn from tragedies at other chapters
• Delay in seeking medical help consistently worsens outcomes

Legal Precedents:

• Juries are awarding multi-million dollar verdicts in hazing cases
• Universities are being held accountable alongside fraternities
• National organizations are facing liability for patterns they should have prevented

Prevention Failures:

• Written anti-hazing policies alone don’t stop abuse
• “Zero tolerance” statements mean little without enforcement
• Tradition and secrecy consistently override safety

Texas University Focus: Where Webster Families Send Their Children

Webster families have deep connections to Texas universities. Whether your child attends the University of Houston as a commuter student, travels to College Station for Texas A&M, heads to Austin for UT, or chooses SMU or Baylor, understanding the specific hazing landscape at each campus is critical.

University of Houston: Our Current Battlefield

For Webster Families: Located just minutes from Webster, UH is where many local students pursue higher education. The Pi Kappa Phi case we’re currently litigating demonstrates the serious risks present even at our hometown university.

Campus Culture Snapshot:

• Large urban commuter campus with growing residential population
• Active Greek life across multiple councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural)
• Mix of traditional and non-traditional students
• Proximity to Webster means many students live at home while participating in campus organizations

Documented Hazing Incidents:

Current Active Case – Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu (2025)

• What happened: Fall 2025 pledge period involving systematic abuse
• Specific hazing methods:
  • “Pledge fanny pack” with degrading contents (condoms, sex toy, nicotine devices)
  • Enforced dress codes, overnight chauffeuring duties, weekly interviews
  • Extreme physical hazing: sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills
  • Cold-weather exposure in underwear, lying in vomit-soaked grass
  • Being sprayed in face with hose “similar to waterboarding”
  • Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, peppercorns until vomiting
  • November 3 workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under expulsion threats
• Medical consequences: Developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, passed brown urine, hospitalized for four days, faces permanent kidney damage risk
• Defendants: University of Houston, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, Beta Nu housing corporation, 13 individual fraternity leaders
• Institutional response: Chapter suspended November 6, 2025; members voted to surrender charter November 14, 2025; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”
• Legal status: $10 million lawsuit actively being litigated by our firm

Prior UH Hazing History:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2016): Pledges allegedly deprived of food, water, and sleep; one suffered lacerated spleen
• Multiple other fraternities facing disciplinary action for alcohol misuse, physical misconduct, and policy violations
• Public transparency limited compared to UT Austin’s published violations list

How UH Handles Hazing Reports:

• Reported to Dean of Students Office or Office of Student Conduct
• UHPD or Houston Police Department may investigate depending on location
• Disciplinary outcomes range from probation to chapter suspension

What Webster Families with UH Students Should Do:

1. Recognize proximity risks: Off-campus hazing frequently occurs in locations accessible to Webster students
2. Understand jurisdictional complexity: Hazing at fraternity houses near UH might involve HPD rather than campus police
3. Document everything: Screenshot group chats from Houston-based organizations
4. Seek local counsel: Our Houston office handles UH cases with specific campus knowledge

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

For Webster Families: Many Webster students make the drive to College Station, entering a campus with unique hazing risks in both Greek life and the Corps of Cadets.

Campus Culture Snapshot:

• Strong tradition-bound culture in both fraternities and Corps
• Corps of Cadets creates military-style hierarchy that can enable abuse
• Greek life deeply integrated into campus social structure
• Physical “traditions” often framed as “character building”

Documented Hazing Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021)

• What happened: Pledges allegedly forced through strenuous activity with substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit poured on them
• Medical consequences: Severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
• Legal action: Pledges sued for $1 million; fraternity suspended by university
• Texas relevance: SAE has chapters at all major Texas universities

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023)

• What happened: Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth
• Legal action: Sought over $1 million; Texas A&M stated it handled matter internally
• Texas relevance: Unique Corps culture creates distinct hazing risks

Texas A&M’s Hazing Transparency:

• Less public data than UT Austin
• Student Conduct office handles investigations
• Corps has separate disciplinary procedures

What Webster Families with Texas A&M Students Should Do:

1. Ask specific questions about both Greek and Corps activities
2. Recognize the dual risks: Traditional fraternity hazing AND Corps-specific abuses
3. Document physical injuries meticulously—what looks like “hard training” might be dangerous hazing
4. Understand College Station jurisdiction: Local police involvement differs from urban campuses

University of Texas at Austin: Public Data, Persistent Problems

For Webster Families: UT Austin attracts Webster students seeking flagship university experience, with Greek life playing major social role.

Campus Culture Snapshot:

• Public Hazing Violations Page provides unprecedented transparency
• Strong Greek presence with approximately 60 fraternity/sorority chapters
• Spirit groups and athletic teams with hazing histories
• Urban campus with off-campus housing creating jurisdictional complexity

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

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023)

• Violation: New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
• Sanction: Chapter probation, mandatory hazing prevention education
• Pattern: Repeating physical endurance hazing methods

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024)

• What happened: Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party
• Injuries: Dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
• Legal action: Student sued for over $1 million; chapter already under suspension for prior violations

Multiple Other Organizations Sanctioned:

• Texas Wranglers and other spirit groups for forced workouts
• Various fraternities for alcohol-related hazing
• Pattern of violations continuing despite transparency

UT’s Hazing Response System:

• Public violations list at hazing.utexas.edu
• Office of the Dean of Students investigates
• UTPD or Austin PD involvement depending on location
• Range of sanctions from probation to chapter removal

What Webster Families with UT Austin Students Should Do:

1. Check the public database for your child’s organization
2. Recognize that transparency doesn’t equal prevention—violations continue
3. Document prior violations—they establish pattern knowledge
4. Understand Austin jurisdiction: Off-campus incidents involve APD

Southern Methodist University: Private Campus, Public Problems

For Webster Families: SMU’s prestige and Greek prominence attract Webster students, but private university status affects transparency.

Campus Culture Snapshot:

• Affluent student body with strong Greek participation
• Private university status means less public data
• Historical hazing incidents in multiple organizations
• Dallas location creates different jurisdictional considerations

Documented Hazing Incidents:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017)

• What happened: New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep
• University response: Chapter suspended; restrictions on recruiting until 2021
• Pattern: Physical hazing continuing despite national prohibitions

SMU’s Hazing Response:

• Anonymous reporting through systems like Real Response
• Private disciplinary processes with limited public disclosure
• Dallas Police Department involvement for off-campus incidents

What Webster Families with SMU Students Should Do:

1. Press for information—private universities often disclose less
2. Document everything meticulously—you may need to establish patterns yourself
3. Understand Dallas jurisdiction for off-campus incidents
4. Recognize social pressure can be intense at prestige-focused campuses

Baylor University: Religious Identity, Recurring Scandals

For Webster Families: Baylor’s religious identity attracts some Webster families, but history shows institutional failings in addressing abuse.

Campus Culture Snapshot:

• Religious identity creates unique dynamics around accountability
• History of sexual assault scandal affects institutional credibility
• Greek life integrated into campus culture
• Waco location creates self-contained environment

Documented Hazing Incidents:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020)

• What happened: 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• University response: Staggered suspensions during season
• Pattern: Athletic team hazing despite “zero tolerance” policies

Baylor’s Hazing Response:

• Conduct office investigations with religious context considerations
• Limited public data on violations
• Waco Police Department for off-campus incidents

What Webster Families with Baylor Students Should Do:

1. Question “internal handling” promises given Baylor’s history
2. Document religious context if used to minimize reporting
3. Recognize Waco’s insular environment may increase pressure to stay silent
4. Seek independent counsel rather than relying on internal processes

The Greek Ecosystem Around Webster: Understanding the Organizations

Webster doesn’t exist in isolation—our community is part of the Greater Houston metro area’s extensive Greek network. Understanding this ecosystem helps families recognize the interconnected web of organizations that might be involved in hazing incidents.

The Houston Metro Greek Landscape

The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro area contains 188 Greek-related organizations according to Cause IQ data. These include undergraduate chapters, alumni associations, housing corporations, and honor societies all operating within the region where Webster families live and work.

Sample Houston-Area Greek Organizations from Public Records:

• Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (Houston, TX – alumni/house corp.)
• Alpha Phi Omega – Bayou City Alumni (Houston, TX)
• Delta Kappa Gamma Society – TX Lambda Chapter (Houston, TX)
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae (Houston, TX)
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Alpha Kappa Omega (Houston, TX – grad chapter)
• Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity – Eta Rho Sigma (Houston, TX – grad chapter)
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter (Houston, TX – undergrad chapter)
• Omega Psi Phi Fraternity – Theta Chi Chapter (Houston, TX – grad chapter)

IRS-Registered Organizations with Houston Connections:

• Sigma Phi Epsilon New York Chi Alumni Association Inc (618 Rutland St, Houston, TX 77007, EIN 262710856)
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated – Sigma Gamma Chapter (PO Box 540026, Houston, TX 77254, EIN 392352450)
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Inc (PO Box 271704, Houston, TX 77277, EIN 760221936)
• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc (5019 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX 77204, EIN 475370943)
• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter (4300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204, EIN 746084905)

Where Webster Families Send Their Children: Campus Connections

Webster students attend universities across Texas, creating multiple points of connection to Greek organizations:

Local/Regional Campuses:

• University of Houston (Houston, Harris County) – Primary local option
• University of Houston-Clear Lake (Houston, Harris County)
• University of Houston-Downtown (Houston, Harris County)
• Houston Christian University (Houston, Harris County)
• Rice University (Houston, Harris County)
• Texas Southern University (Houston, Harris County)
• University of St. Thomas (Houston, Harris County)

Statewide Hubs Webster Families Attend:

• Texas A&M University (College Station, Brazos County)
• University of Texas at Austin (Austin, Travis County)
• Southern Methodist University (Dallas, Dallas County)
• Baylor University (Waco, McLennan County)
• Texas State University (San Marcos, Hays County)
• Texas Tech University (Lubbock, Lubbock County)
• University of North Texas (Denton, Denton County)

National Organizations with Texas Presence

The same national organizations involved in high-profile hazing cases operate chapters at Texas universities Webster students attend:

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor

• National hazing history: Stone Foltz death ($10M settlement), David Bogenberger death ($14M settlement)
• Texas pattern: Physical endurance hazing, forced drinking traditions
• Liability lesson: Nationals held responsible despite “local chapter” arguments

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU

• National hazing history: Multiple alcohol deaths, traumatic brain injury case at Alabama, chemical burns case at Texas A&M
• Texas pattern: Physical abuse, chemical hazing, assault incidents
• Liability lesson: Pattern evidence establishes national knowledge

Pi Kappa Phi – Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin

• National hazing history: Andrew Coffey death at Florida State
• Current Texas case: Our active UH litigation showing severe physical hazing
• Liability lesson: Similar methodologies across chapters show national pattern

Phi Delta Theta – Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor

• National hazing history: Max Gruver death ($6.1M verdict), led to Louisiana felony hazing law
• Texas pattern: Drinking game hazing methodology
• Liability lesson: “Tradition” is not a defense when methodology is dangerous

Why National Histories Matter for Webster Families

When your child is hazed at a Texas university, the national organization’s history becomes critically important for several reasons:

1. Pattern Evidence in Litigation:

• Shows the national knew or should have known about dangerous traditions
• Establishes foreseeability of harm
• Defeats “rogue chapter” or “we didn’t know” defenses

2. Insurance Coverage Implications:

• National organizations typically carry liability insurance
• Pattern knowledge affects coverage disputes
• Multiple incidents can trigger different policy provisions

3. Settlement Leverage:

• Nationals often settle to avoid discovery of internal documents
• Prior incidents increase settlement values
• Public relations concerns motivate quicker resolutions

4. Institutional Knowledge:

• Nationals develop anti-hazing policies because of past incidents
• This establishes they knew the risks
• Failure to enforce policies becomes negligence

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Track These Connections

At The Manginello Law Firm, we maintain what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database tracking Greek organizations across Texas. This isn’t theoretical; it’s concrete data we use in our investigations:

Our Data Sources:

• IRS B83 Records: 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations with EINs, legal names, mailing addresses
• Texas Universities Database: 96 campuses with geographic relationships
• Cause IQ Metro Analysis: 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
• Public Records Cross-Reference: Connecting national organizations to local entities

Sample Data Points from Our Directory:

• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845, EIN 133048786)
• Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Inc (115 Wild Wick Way, The Woodlands, TX 77382, EIN 161675890)
• Sigma Phi Lambda Inc (4251 FM 2181 Ste 230 PMB 480, Corinth, TX 76210, EIN 201237505)
• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035, EIN 462267515)
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (411 Texas St Rm 219, Denton, TX 76204, EIN 263170920)

Why This Matters for Webster Families:
When we take a hazing case, we don’t start from zero. We already know how to:

• Identify every legal entity behind a fraternity chapter (housing corporation, alumni association, national headquarters)
• Trace insurance coverage through organizational structures
• Subpoena the right records from the right entities
• Establish connections between local incidents and national patterns

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and What Really Matters

When Webster families come to us after a hazing incident, they’re often overwhelmed, angry, and unsure what to do next. Here’s how we approach building a hazing case that holds the right people accountable and secures meaningful compensation for victims.

Critical Evidence Categories in Modern Hazing Cases

1. Digital Communications (The Most Important Evidence)

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity-specific apps
• Text messages and DMs: Between members about planning or covering up hazing
• Social media posts: Instagram stories, TikTok videos, Snapchat content showing hazing
• Emails: Official chapter communications, correspondence with nationals
• Digital forensics: Recovering deleted messages, establishing timelines

What we look for:

• Planning discussions before hazing events
• Instructions from leaders to new members
• Photographic/video evidence shared within groups
• Discussions about covering up or denying hazing
• Evidence of coercion or threats

2. Photographic and Video Evidence

• Injury documentation: Immediate and progressive photos of bruises, burns, swelling
• Event footage: Videos taken during hazing (often shared in group chats)
• Location evidence: Photos of where hazing occurred (houses, rooms, outdoor areas)
• Object evidence: Paddles, alcohol bottles, props used in hazing

Critical preservation step: Take photos with timestamps enabled, include scale references (coin, ruler), photograph from multiple angles

3. Medical Documentation

• Emergency room records: Initial treatment documentation
• Hospitalization records: Detailed medical reports
• Lab results: Blood alcohol levels, toxicology, kidney function tests (critical for rhabdomyolysis cases)
• Specialist evaluations: Orthopedic, neurological, psychological assessments
• Ongoing treatment records: Therapy, physical rehabilitation, medications

Crucial detail: Ensure medical providers document the cause of injuries (“patient reports being forced to do 500 squats during fraternity hazing”)

4. Organizational Documents

• Pledge manuals and education materials
• Chapter bylaws and risk management policies
• National fraternity guidelines and training materials
• Meeting minutes and officer communications
• Disciplinary records from prior incidents

5. Witness Information

• Other pledges who experienced the same hazing
• Current members who may have concerns but fear speaking up
• Former members who left because of hazing
• Roommates, friends, significant others who observed changes or heard stories
• University staff (RAs, professors, advisors) who noticed issues

6. University Records

• Prior conduct violations for the same organization
• Campus police reports
• Title IX complaints if sexualized hazing involved
• Internal investigation documents
• Clery Act reports

The Damages Framework: What Hazing Victims Can Recover

In civil hazing cases, damages fall into several categories that Webster families should understand:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses):

• Medical expenses: Past and future treatment costs
• Lost income: Wages lost due to injury or treatment
• Educational costs: Tuition for semesters missed, lost scholarships
• Future earning capacity: Reduced lifetime earnings due to permanent disability
• Property damage: Clothing, phones, other items damaged during hazing

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective but Real Harm):

• Physical pain and suffering: From injuries sustained
• Emotional distress: PTSD, anxiety, depression, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in activities
• Reputational harm: Social stigma and embarrassment

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
• Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
• Emotional suffering of surviving family members

Punitive Damages (When Appropriate):

• Purpose: Punish particularly reckless or malicious conduct
• When awarded: When defendants knew risks and proceeded anyway, attempted cover-ups, showed callous indifference
• Texas limitations: Statutory caps apply in many cases

Case Strategy: Overcoming Common Defenses

We’ve litigated against universities and national fraternities long enough to know their playbook. Here’s how we counter common defenses:

Defense: “The Pledge Consented”

• Our response: Texas law explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing
• Evidence: Show coercion through group chat messages, testimony about social pressure
• Legal argument: True consent requires free will, not fear of exclusion

Defense: “This Was a Rogue Chapter”

• Our response: National patterns show foreseeability
• Evidence: Prior incidents at other chapters, national training materials acknowledging risks
• Legal argument: Nationals have duty to supervise and prevent known dangers

Defense: “It Happened Off-Campus”

• Our response: Location doesn’t eliminate duty
• Evidence: University recognition of organization, nationals collecting dues, supervision relationships
• Legal argument: Sponsorship creates responsibility regardless of location

Defense: “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”

• Our response: Policies without enforcement are meaningless
• Evidence: Prior violations with minimal consequences, inadequate training, ignored warnings
• Legal argument: Having a policy creates duty to enforce it

Defense: “University Sovereign Immunity”

• Our response: Exceptions exist for gross negligence, ministerial acts
• Evidence: Deliberate indifference to known risks, failure to follow own policies
• Legal argument: Immunity protects discretionary decisions, not failures to act on known dangers

The Insurance Dimension: Why Experience Matters

Fraternity and university insurance companies employ specific tactics to minimize payouts. Our inside knowledge makes the difference:

Mr. Lupe Peña’s Insurance Defense Background:

• Former insurance defense attorney at national firm
• Knows how insurers value claims, set reserves, use delay tactics
• Understands coverage exclusion arguments and how to counter them
• Recognizes when insurers are acting in bad faith

Common Insurance Tactics We Counter:

1. Delay and wear-down: Dragging out cases hoping families give up
2. Lowball early offers: Quick settlements far below case value
3. IME manipulation: Using “independent” medical exams to minimize injuries
4. Coverage disputes: Arguing hazing is excluded as intentional conduct
5. Reservation of rights: Insuring but reserving right to deny coverage later

Our Approach:

• Identify all potential insurance sources (chapter, national, university, individual members)
• Build cases that trigger multiple coverage points
• Document bad faith behavior for additional claims
• Prepare for trial readiness to maximize settlement leverage

Practical Guides for Webster Families: What to Do Right Now

For Parents: Recognizing Warning Signs

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries (especially with inconsistent explanations)
• Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
• Sleep deprivation patterns (up all night, exhausted during day)
• Weight changes from food/water restriction
• Injuries to hands, back, or legs from paddling or forced exercise
• Signs of alcohol poisoning or substance use in non-users

Behavioral and Emotional Changes:

• Sudden secrecy about organization activities
• Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-organization activities
• Personality shifts: increased anxiety, depression, irritability
• Defensive reactions when asked about the organization
• Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”
• Obsession with pleasing older members
• Talking about “just getting through” initiation

Academic Red Flags:

• Grades dropping suddenly
• Missing classes or falling asleep in class
• Skipping assignments for “mandatory” events
• Losing scholarships or academic standing

Digital Behavior Patterns:

• Constant phone monitoring for group messages
• Anxiety when phone buzzes
• Deleting messages or browser history obsessively
• Receiving calls/texts at all hours demanding immediate response
• Social media posts showing concerning activities

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally)

1. “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
2. “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
3. “What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
4. “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable or that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
5. “Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
6. “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”
7. “Are they asking you to keep secrets from me or the university?”

If your child opens up: Listen without judgment, assure them it’s not their fault, focus on safety first.

If your child shuts down: Don’t force it, but monitor closely and be ready to intervene if needed.

48-Hour Action Checklist for Parents

HOUR 1–6 (IMMEDIATE CRISIS):

• Get medical attention if injured or intoxicated
• Remove child from dangerous situation
• Screenshot any messages they show you
• Photograph visible injuries from multiple angles
• Write down everything they tell you (date, time, what happened, who was there)
• Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance

HOUR 6–24 (EVIDENCE PRESERVATION):

• Help child preserve all group chats, texts, DMs (do NOT delete anything)
• Secure clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
• Request copies of all medical records
• Document names and contact info for other pledges, bystanders
• Note any university communications but do NOT respond yet

HOUR 24–48 (STRATEGIC DECISIONS):

• Consult with experienced hazing attorneys
• Decide on reporting strategy (with legal guidance)
• Refer university contacts to your attorney
• Do NOT talk to insurance adjusters
• Backup all evidence to cloud storage

WEEK ONE PRIORITIES:

• Continue medical documentation
• Attorney begins evidence gathering and witness interviews
• Decide on criminal reporting, civil action, or both
• Document any retaliation or harassment
• Preserve digital evidence through forensic means if needed

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

1. Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

   • What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
   • Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice; makes case impossible
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content

2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly

   • What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
   • Why it’s wrong: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
   • What to do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation

3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms

   • What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or internal agreements
   • Why it’s wrong: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often far below value
   • What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

4. Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer

   • What families think: “I want people to know what happened”
   • Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
   • What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”

   • What organizations say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic”
   • Why it’s wrong: They pressure, intimidate, or extract damaging statements
   • What to do instead: Once considering legal action, all communication goes through your lawyer

6. Waiting “to see how the university handles it”

   • What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally”
   • Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs, university controls narrative
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer

   • What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim”
   • Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlements are lowball
   • What to do instead: Politely decline and say, “My attorney will contact you”

For Students: Self-Assessment and Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
• Would I do this if I had a real choice (no social consequences, no fear of being “cut”)?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would the university or my parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
• Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do themselves?
• Is this “tradition” really about initiation/earning membership, or just fun for older members?
• Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?

If you answered YES to any of these, it’s likely hazing.

How to Exit Safely:

• If in immediate danger: Call 911, get to safe location
• To quit/de-pledge: Tell someone outside the organization first, send written resignation, do NOT go to “one last meeting”
• If fearing retaliation: Document threats, report to Dean of Students and police, consider protective order

Evidence Collection for Students:

• Screenshots: Capture full group chats with timestamps and names visible
• Recordings: Texas is one-party consent—you can record conversations you’re part of
• Photos: Injuries (with scale reference), locations, objects used
• Medical documentation: Tell providers you were hazed so it’s in records
• Witness information: Names and contacts of others who saw what happened

Frequently Asked Questions from Webster Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

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

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

Why Choose The Manginello Law Firm for Your Hazing Case

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

When your Webster family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway.

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

• Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
• Use delay tactics to pressure families
• Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
• Lowball settlements hoping families will take quick money
  “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions:
Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation. That experience translates directly to hazing cases:

• We’re not intimidated by national fraternities with unlimited legal budgets
• We have federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• We understand how to investigate institutional cover-ups and safety failures
  “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience:

• Proven track record in complex wrongful death cases
• Collaboration with economists to value lifetime losses
• Experience with catastrophic injury requiring life care planning
  “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:

• Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
• Understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
• Ability to advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure
  “We see the whole picture, not just one legal track.”

Investigative Depth and Resources:

• Network of experts: medical specialists, digital forensics, economists, psychologists
• Experience obtaining hidden evidence through discovery
• Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine with data on 1,423 Greek organizations
  “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

Our Current Fighting: The UH Pi Kappa Phi Case

Right now, we’re actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas. Our representation of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi demonstrates exactly how we approach these cases:

What We’ve Already Uncovered:

• Systematic hazing methodology including physical abuse and humiliation
• Medical evidence of rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure
• Organizational structures (housing corporation, alumni associations, national HQ)
• Prior knowledge and pattern evidence

How We’re Fighting:

• Multiple defendants strategy (university, nationals, individuals, housing entities)
• Digital evidence preservation and analysis
• Medical expert collaboration
• Public records investigation of prior incidents
• Insurance coverage analysis and strategy

Why This Matters for Your Case:
We’re not theorizing about hazing litigation—we’re in the middle of it right now. The strategies we’re developing, the evidence we’re uncovering, and the legal arguments we’re perfecting in the UH case directly benefit every hazing client we represent.

Our Connection to Webster and Greater Houston

While our main office is in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including Webster, Clear Lake, Friendswood, League City, and all of Harris County. We understand that:

• Webster students attend universities across Texas
• Hazing incidents at Texas campuses affect Webster families
• Local knowledge of Houston-area universities (UH, Rice, Houston Christian) gives us insight others lack
• Harris County courts and procedures are our home territory

Spanish Language Services:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can consult with Spanish-speaking families directly at lupe@atty911.com. Se habla Español.

Take the Next Step: Confidential Consultation for Webster Families

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you contact The Manginello Law Firm about a potential hazing case, here’s what happens:

1. We Listen Without Judgment:

• You tell your story in complete confidence
• We ask clarifying questions to understand what happened
• No pressure, no rush—we take the time you need

2. We Review What You Have:

• Look at any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, screenshots, medical records)
• Explain what additional evidence might be available
• Outline how we would investigate further

3. We Explain Your Legal Options:

• Criminal reporting possibilities
• Civil lawsuit potential
• How the two tracks interact
• Realistic timelines and expectations

4. We Answer Your Questions:

• About costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
• About privacy concerns
• About what the process looks like
• About anything else worrying you

5. You Decide What’s Next:

• No pressure to hire us immediately
• Take time to discuss with your family
• We’re available for follow-up questions
• The decision is always yours

Contact Us Today

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

Office Locations:

• Houston, Texas (Primary)
• Austin, Texas
• Beaumont, Texas

We Serve Families Throughout Texas:
From our Houston office, we represent hazing victims and their families across Texas, including Webster, Clear Lake, Friendswood, League City, Pasadena, Baytown, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, and all surrounding communities.

Final Message to Webster Families

Hazing thrives in silence and shame. It counts on victims being too embarrassed to come forward, too loyal to their organizations to report abuse, and too afraid of social consequences to seek help. It counts on parents not recognizing the warning signs or dismissing concerns as “just college kids being college kids.”

But the landscape is changing. Families across Texas are saying “enough.” Universities are being held accountable. National fraternities are facing consequences for patterns they’ve ignored for decades. And juries are awarding meaningful compensation that reflects the true harm caused by hazing.

If hazing has touched your family, you don’t have to navigate this alone. You don’t have to accept university platitudes about “internal investigations.” You don’t have to worry about insurance company tactics designed to minimize your child’s suffering.

We’re here, right in Houston, with the experience, resources, and determination to help your family find answers, secure accountability, and obtain the compensation needed for healing and recovery.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Let’s start the conversation about how we can help.

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