The Complete Guide to Hazing Lawsuits for Woodcreek, Texas Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You Have Rights

For parents in Woodcreek and throughout Hays County, the college experience should be about growth and opportunity. But for some families, that dream becomes a nightmare when hazing turns campus life into a story of injury, trauma, and institutional failure. Right now, in our own state, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history—the Leonel Bermudez lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Nu chapter. This $10 million case demonstrates exactly what can happen when Greek life traditions turn dangerous and universities fail to protect their students.

If you’re a Woodcreek parent with a child at Texas State University in San Marcos, the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, or any Texas campus, this comprehensive guide explains what hazing really looks like in 2025, your legal rights under Texas law, and how experienced hazing attorneys can help your family seek accountability and justice.

Hazing in 2025: It’s Not Just “Boys Will Be Boys”

Modern hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypes. While forced drinking remains a leading cause of tragedy, today’s hazing includes sophisticated psychological pressure, digital control, and activities disguised as “team building” or “tradition.” For Woodcreek students at Texas State University just minutes away, or at campuses across Texas, understanding these patterns could save a life.

Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing – Often dismissed as harmless but creates power imbalances:

24/7 group chat monitoring with instant response demands
Mandatory chauffeur duties at all hours for older members
Social isolation from non-members and family
“Voluntary” events that conflict with academic responsibilities

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing – Causes measurable physical or psychological harm:

Sleep deprivation through late-night “meetings” or 3 AM wake-up calls
Food/water restriction or forced consumption of unpleasant substances
Verbal abuse, humiliation, and degrading nicknames
Extreme physical exercise beyond safe limits (“smokings” or “workouts”)

Tier 3: Violent Hazing – High potential for serious injury or death:

Forced alcohol consumption games (“Big/Little” nights, “Bible study” drinking)
Physical beatings, paddling, or dangerous physical tests
Sexualized hazing including forced nudity or simulated acts
Kidnapping, restraint, or exposure to extreme environments

The Woodcreek Reality: From Texas State to Statewide Campuses

For families in Woodcreek, the college journey often leads to Texas State University in nearby San Marcos, with its active Greek life community. But our children also attend flagship institutions across Texas—UT Austin, Texas A&M, University of Houston, Baylor, and SMU—where Greek life traditions carry both social appeal and documented risk. The same national fraternities and sororities that operate at these campuses have faced serious hazing allegations nationwide, creating patterns that Texas courts recognize when evaluating liability.

Texas Hazing Law: What Woodcreek Families Need to Know

Texas takes hazing seriously through Education Code Chapter 37, which provides both criminal penalties and civil liability pathways. Understanding this framework is crucial for Woodcreek families considering legal action.

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing violation (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
Organizational Liability: Fraternities/sororities can face fines up to $10,000 per violation

Civil Liability: Holding Multiple Parties Accountable

In civil lawsuits, Texas law allows victims and families to pursue compensation from:

Individual Students: Those who planned, participated in, or covered up hazing
Local Chapters: The campus organization itself, including its officers
National Organizations: Headquarters that set policies and collect dues
Universities: Schools that knew or should have known about risks
Property Owners: Landlords of houses where hazing occurs
Alcohol Providers: Under Texas dram shop laws in some circumstances

Critical Texas Legal Principles

Consent Is Not a Defense: Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states that a victim’s “consent” to hazing does not excuse the conduct. Courts recognize that power imbalances and social pressure make true voluntary consent impossible in hazing contexts.

Good-Faith Reporting Protection: Individuals who report hazing in good faith receive immunity from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from their own involvement. This encourages bystanders to call for help.

Off-Campus Location Doesn’t Matter: Hazing that occurs at off-campus houses, retreats, or Airbnbs still falls under Texas hazing law if it’s connected to campus organization affiliation.

The Flagship Case: Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi

Right now, we’re leading litigation in one of Texas’s most serious active hazing cases—a case that shows exactly what Woodcreek families could face. In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered catastrophic injuries during his Pi Kappa Phi pledge period.

What Happened at UH

The complaint alleges systematic abuse throughout fall 2025, including:

Humiliating “Pledge Fanny Pack” Rule: Forced to carry condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices, and degrading items 24/7
Extreme Physical Hazing: Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, “save-your-brother” drills in cold weather
Simulated Waterboarding: Sprayed in the face with a hose while threats of actual waterboarding were made
Forced Consumption Rituals: Made to drink milk and eat hot dogs with peppercorns until vomiting, then immediate sprints
The November 3 Workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, creed recitation under expulsion threats

Medical Catastrophe

After the November 3 hazing session, Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis—severe skeletal muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, couldn’t stand without help, and was hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels. He faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage and long-term physical and psychological harm.

Institutional Response

The case named 17 defendants including:

University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents
Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
The Beta Nu housing corporation
13 individual fraternity leaders and members

Within days of media exposure in the Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case, Pi Kappa Phi suspended the chapter (Nov. 6), and members voted to surrender their charter (Nov. 14). UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary action up to expulsion and cooperation with law enforcement.

This active litigation demonstrates exactly the kind of serious, evidence-driven approach Woodcreek families need when facing hazing crises. As reported in the ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit, our client declined interviews due to fear of retaliation—a common concern we address through strategic legal protection.

Where Woodcreek Families Send Their Students: Campus-Specific Realities

Woodcreek’s location in Hays County places families in the heart of Texas’s educational landscape. Understanding the specific environments where your children may encounter Greek life is essential for prevention and response.

Texas State University (San Marcos, Hays County)

For Woodcreek families, this is your local campus—just a short drive from home. Texas State’s Greek life includes:

Active IFC Fraternities: Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Lambda Chi Alpha, and others
Panhellenic Sororities: Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Omicron Pi, Chi Omega, Zeta Tau Alpha, and more
NPHC Organizations: All nine Divine Nine organizations have chapters
Multicultural Greek Council: Several culturally-based fraternities and sororities

Texas State publishes hazing violation reports showing periodic sanctions against organizations for alcohol-related hazing, forced physical activity, and other violations. The proximity to Woodcreek means many incidents involve students who grew up in our community and may return home showing signs of distress.

University of Texas at Austin

Many Woodcreek students pursue opportunities at UT Austin, home to one of Texas’s most transparent hazing reporting systems. UT’s publicly available hazing violations log shows patterns including:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation
Texas Wranglers spirit organization: Multiple sanctions for alcohol-related hazing and forced activities
Various fraternities and sororities: Documented violations involving sleep deprivation, verbal abuse, and forced consumption

UT’s relative transparency provides valuable evidence for civil cases, as prior violations establish pattern and foreseeability.

Texas A&M University

The Aggie network includes many Woodcreek alumni and students. Texas A&M’s unique challenges include:

Corps of Cadets Culture: Military-style traditions with documented hazing incidents, including a 2023 lawsuit alleging degrading treatment
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, requiring skin graft surgeries
Multiple Greek Life Suspensions: Periodic disciplinary action against fraternities for hazing violations

University of Houston

As demonstrated in our Bermudez case, UH faces serious Greek life challenges. The university has suspended multiple chapters for hazing incidents involving physical abuse, alcohol coercion, and endangerment.

Baylor University & Southern Methodist University

These private institutions maintain active Greek systems with periodic hazing incidents, including Baylor baseball team hazing sanctions (2020) and SMU’s suspension of Kappa Alpha Order (2017) for paddling and forced drinking violations.

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: Public Records Directory for Woodcreek Families

Through our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain detailed records of Greek organizations operating across Texas. This investigative work helps Woodcreek families understand the complex network behind campus letters.

Austin-Round Rock Metro Greek Organizations (Including Hays County)

The Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area, which includes Woodcreek and Texas State University, contains 154 Greek-related organizations according to Cause IQ data. These include:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Rho Corporation (Austin, TX): House corporation at University of Texas
Delta Tau Delta – Gamma Iota Chapter (Austin, TX): Chapter house at UT Austin
Building Corporation – Alpha Delta Pi (Delta) (Austin, TX): Sorority property at UT Austin
Texas Rho Housing Corporation (Austin, TX): Sigma Alpha Epsilon housing entity
Beta Xi House Corp. of Kappa Kappa Gamma (Austin, TX): Sorority housing corporation

IRS-Registered Texas Greek Organizations (Selected Examples)

Public IRS B83 filings reveal the legal entities behind Greek life:

Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Inc (EIN 161675890) – 115 Wild Wick Way, The Woodlands, TX 77382 – IRS B83 filing
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc (EIN 475381060) – 601 University Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666 – IRS B83 filing (Theta Iota chapter at Texas State University)
Sigma Phi Lambda Inc (EIN 201237505) – 4251 FM 2181 Ste 230 PMB 480, Corinth, TX 76210 – IRS B83 filing (Beta Chapter)
Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc (EIN 273662583) – 1416 Sleepy Hollow Dr, Lufkin, TX 75904 – IRS B83 filing
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515) – 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035 – IRS B83 filing (related to UH case)

National Brands with Texas Presence

Certain national organizations appear across multiple data sources, showing their extensive Texas footprint:

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority: Appears in IRS filings (EIN 364091267 in Waco, TX), Cause IQ Houston metro listings, and Beaumont metro records
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity: IRS filing (EIN 746064445 in Nederland, TX), Cause IQ Houston metro listing, and documented at multiple Texas campuses
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity: Multiple IRS filings across Texas cities, Cause IQ listings in Beaumont and San Antonio metros

This directory demonstrates that behind every campus chapter stand multiple legal entities—house corporations, alumni associations, national headquarters—each potentially carrying insurance and liability when hazing occurs.

National Hazing Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

The tragedies that have unfolded nationwide aren’t distant news stories—they’re cautionary tales with direct relevance to Woodcreek students. These cases establish legal precedents and demonstrate patterns that Texas courts recognize.

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: A Preventable Pattern

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

Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Chapter president personally ordered to pay $6.5 million

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

“Bible study” drinking game with wrong answers requiring drinking
Died with 0.495% BAC
$6.1 million verdict against fraternity
Led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

Big Brother night with handles of hard liquor
Died from acute alcohol poisoning
FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life

Physical Hazing with Catastrophic Results

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

Forced drinking during “pledge dad reveal”
Suffered severe, permanent brain damage
Cannot walk, talk, or see; requires 24/7 care
Settlements with 22 defendants (confidential amounts)

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

Blindfolded, weighted tackle during “glass ceiling” ritual
Died from traumatic brain injury
National fraternity convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
Banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

What These Cases Mean for Woodcreek Families

These precedents matter because they establish:

Foreseeability: Courts recognize that forced drinking and dangerous rituals predictably cause harm
National Pattern Evidence: When Texas chapters repeat conduct that caused injury elsewhere, it strengthens negligence claims
Substantial Damages: Juries award millions for hazing deaths and catastrophic injuries
Individual Liability: Chapter officers can face personal financial ruin

Building Your Case: Evidence Collection & Legal Strategy

When hazing occurs, evidence disappears quickly. Group chats get deleted, witnesses get coached, and organizations circle the wagons. For Woodcreek families, immediate action is critical.

Evidence That Wins Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Critical)

Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok videos showing events
Texts/DMs: Messages planning hazing or discussing incidents
Our video on using your phone to document evidence explains best practices for preservation

Physical Evidence

Photographs of injuries (multiple angles, with scale reference)
Clothing with stains or damage from hazing
Objects used in hazing (paddles, bottles, props)
Medical records explicitly stating “hazing” as cause of injury

Institutional Records

University conduct files on the organization
Campus police reports
National fraternity/sorority incident histories
Insurance policies and coverage documents

The Strategic Timeline

First 48 Hours

Medical attention for any injuries
Screenshot all relevant digital communications
Photograph injuries and locations
Write detailed notes while memories are fresh
Contact experienced hazing counsel

First Week

Formal medical documentation
Preservation letters to prevent evidence destruction
Initial witness interviews
Strategy session on reporting to authorities

First Month

Comprehensive evidence collection via legal process
Identification of all potential defendants
Damage assessment with medical and economic experts
Demand preparation or lawsuit filing

Overcoming Common Defense Tactics

Fraternities, sororities, and universities use predictable defenses we regularly defeat:

“The Victim Consented”

Texas law explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing
Psychological evidence shows “consent” under peer pressure isn’t voluntary

“We Didn’t Know”

Pattern evidence from other chapters establishes foreseeability
Discovery of prior complaints proves knowledge

“It Was Off-Campus”

Location doesn’t eliminate organizational liability
Universities maintain control over recognized groups regardless of location

“We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”

Policies without enforcement are meaningless
We demonstrate the gap between paper policies and actual practice

Practical Guide for Woodcreek Parents & Students

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical Indicators

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation beyond normal college stress
Significant weight changes from food/water restriction
Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage

Behavioral Changes

New secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Withdrawal from family, hometown friends, or non-Greek activities
Personality shifts: anxiety, depression, irritability, fearfulness

Constant phone monitoring for group chat demands

Sudden financial strain from “fines” or mandatory purchases

Academic Red Flags

Grades dropping precipitously
Missed classes or falling asleep during instruction
Lost scholarships or academic standing

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing

Immediate Safety First

If in physical danger, call 911 or campus police
Seek medical attention for any injuries or intoxication
Remove from dangerous situations immediately

Evidence Preservation

Screenshot group chats and social media before deletion
Photograph injuries from multiple angles
Save clothing and objects from hazing events
Write detailed notes with dates, times, and names

Strategic Reporting

Report to campus Dean of Students or conduct office
File police report if crimes occurred (assault, furnishing alcohol to minors)
Consider timing with legal counsel to maximize evidence preservation

Legal Consultation

Contact experienced hazing attorneys within 48 hours
We provide free, confidential case evaluation at 1-888-ATTY-911
Early legal guidance prevents critical mistakes

Critical Mistakes to Avoid

Letting Your Child Delete Evidence: Preserve everything, even if embarrassing
Confronting the Organization Directly: This triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching
Signing University “Resolution” Forms: These often waive legal rights for minimal compensation
Posting on Social Media: Defense attorneys monitor everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Waiting “To See What the University Does”: Evidence disappears while you wait

Why Attorney911 for Woodcreek Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how universities and national Greek organizations defend these cases—and how to win anyway.

Our Texas Hazing Litigation Credentials

Active Leadership in Major Texas Cases
We’re currently leading the Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit—one of Texas’s most serious active hazing cases. This isn’t theoretical knowledge; we’re in federal court right now taking on a major university and national fraternity.

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

Value and undervalue hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Fight coverage under “intentional act” exclusions
Deploy independent medical exams to reduce settlements

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience
Ralph Manginello was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—fighting billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. We apply those same skills against universities and national Greek organizations.

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can advise on criminal exposure while pursuing civil accountability—a rare combination in hazing litigation.

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

While other firms start from zero, we maintain a proprietary database of:

1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
IRS B83 filings for 125+ Texas-registered Greek entities
Campus-specific rosters for all major Texas universities
National hazing incident patterns by organization

This means when a Woodcreek family comes to us, we already know:

The legal entities behind the campus chapter
Prior incidents involving that organization
Insurance carriers and coverage likely available
Defense strategies these organizations typically employ

Comprehensive Damages Recovery

We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that account for:

All medical expenses (past and future)
Lost educational opportunities (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Diminished earning capacity for permanent injuries
Pain and suffering, including PTSD and psychological trauma
Punitive damages when conduct warrants them

We work with economists, life care planners, vocational experts, and medical specialists to ensure every dollar of harm is properly valued.

Your Next Steps: Free Confidential Consultation

If you’re a Woodcreek parent or student dealing with hazing, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions involved have lawyers; you should too.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

We Listen First: We’ll hear your complete story without interruption or judgment
Evidence Review: We’ll examine what evidence you have and explain what we need
Legal Options Explained: We’ll outline criminal reporting, civil litigation, or other pathways
Realistic Assessment: We’ll give honest feedback on case strengths and challenges
No Pressure Decision: Take time to decide—we never pressure immediate retention

Contact Attorney911 Today

24/7 Free Consultation Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

Direct Lines:

Office: (713) 528-9070
Ralph Manginello Cell: (713) 443-4781

Email:

Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com
Lupe Peña: lupe@atty911.com

Hablamos Español: Mr. Peña provides full Spanish-language services

Website: https://attorney911.com

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. This makes experienced legal representation accessible to every Woodcreek family, regardless of financial situation.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez Case:

Click2Houston investigation: 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 coverage with detailed timeline: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
Hoodline summary of $10M lawsuit: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Using your phone 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:

Free consultation and firm information: https://attorney911.com

Legal Disclaimer

This article provides general information about Texas hazing law and litigation. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every hazing case depends on specific facts and circumstances. Hazing laws and university policies change periodically. For legal advice regarding your specific situation, consult with a qualified Texas attorney.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for free consultation
Website: https://attorney911.com