The Complete Guide to Hazing, Texas Law & Campus Accountability for Zavalla, Texas Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at an East Texas or Statewide University, You’re Not Alone

Imagine this scene, which has played out too many times in our state: a student from our tight-knit East Texas community, perhaps attending Stephen F. Austin State University in nearby Nacogdoches or one of Texas’s major universities hours from home, finds themselves at an off-campus fraternity house or sorority retreat. What begins as excitement about joining a respected organization turns into something darker. They’re pressured to drink far beyond safe limits, endure humiliating acts while peers film on their phones, or submit to exhausting physical “workouts” under threat of social exclusion. When someone gets hurt—collapsing from alcohol poisoning, suffering kidney failure from extreme exertion, or bearing the psychological scars of degradation—a culture of silence takes over. Members hesitate to call 911, fearing they’ll “get the chapter in trouble.” The student feels trapped between loyalty to their new friends and their own safety, while parents back home in Zavalla sense something is wrong but can’t pinpoint exactly what.

This isn’t a hypothetical scenario. It’s happening right now across Texas campuses, including those where our Angelina County families send their children. In November 2025, our firm filed one of the most serious hazing lawsuits in Texas history—a $10 million case on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after brutal Pi Kappa Phi hazing that included forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, hours of extreme exercise, hose spraying “similar to waterboarding,” and the now-infamous “pledge fanny pack” humiliation ritual. The case, filed in Harris County, names the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, the UH System Board of Regents, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders as defendants. Within weeks, the chapter was suspended and voted to surrender its charter.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Zavalla, Angelina County, and across East Texas who need clear, factual information about hazing in our state. Whether your child attends Stephen F. Austin State University right here in our region, commutes to Angelina College, or has ventured to major campuses like Texas A&M, UT Austin, or the University of Houston, you deserve to understand:

What modern hazing really looks like (beyond the old stereotypes)
How Texas law protects—or fails to protect—students from these abuses
The documented patterns at specific Texas universities
What legal options exist for victims and their families
Why our firm’s unique combination of insurance insider knowledge, complex institutional litigation experience, and comprehensive Texas Greek organization data makes us different

If you’re facing this crisis right now, know this: you don’t have to navigate it alone. We’re here to help families throughout Texas, including right here in Zavalla and Angelina County.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

In the first 48 hours:

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

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
Universities move quickly to control the narrative
We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like for Texas Families

Beyond the Stereotypes: Modern Hazing Methods

For families in Zavalla and throughout East Texas, understanding what constitutes hazing today is critical. What many parents remember from their college days—mild pranks or silly traditions—has evolved into systematic abuse that often leaves physical and psychological scars. Hazing in 2025 is defined as any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. Crucially, “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there exists substantial peer pressure and power imbalance.

The Five Main Categories of Modern Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing

This remains the most common—and most deadly—form of hazing. It includes forced or coerced drinking during “lineups,” “Big/Little nights,” or drinking games like “Bible study” where wrong answers mean consuming more alcohol. The Leonel Bermudez case at UH featured forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting. Other examples include being pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances, often at off-campus retreats or unofficial houses.

2. Physical Hazing

Beyond traditional paddling, today’s physical hazing includes extreme calisthenics (“smokings”) far beyond normal conditioning, sleep and food/water deprivation, and exposure to dangerous environments. In the UH Pi Kappa Phi case, Bermudez was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats, left to lie in vomit-soaked grass, and sprayed with a hose “similar to waterboarding.” At Texas A&M, a Sigma Alpha Epsilon case involved pledges being covered in industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts.

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

This includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. The Texas A&M Corps of Cadets faced lawsuits alleging cadets were bound between beds in “roasted pig” positions. Such hazing creates lasting psychological trauma beyond physical harm.

4. Psychological Hazing

Verbal abuse, threats, isolation, manipulation, and forced confessions constitute psychological hazing. The systematic humiliation—like the UH “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms, sex toys, and nicotine devices that must be carried 24/7—creates power dynamics that keep victims silent.

5. Digital/Online Hazing

Modern hazing has moved to group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord) where dares and “challenges” are assigned. Public humiliation via Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok creates permanent digital records of degradation. Monitoring of pledges’ locations through apps like Find My Friends and 24/7 availability expectations via text represent new frontiers of control.

Where Hazing Happens Across Texas Campuses

Zavalla families should know that hazing extends far beyond stereotypical “frat parties”:

Fraternities and Sororities: Across all councils—IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC (Divine Nine), and multicultural organizations
Corps of Cadets / ROTC: Especially significant at Texas A&M with its military tradition
Spirit Squads & Tradition Clubs: Organizations like Texas Cowboys at UT Austin
Athletic Teams: From football to cheerleading, hazing persists even in regulated programs
Marching Bands & Performance Groups: As seen in the Florida A&M case that resulted in a $1 million settlement
Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Where initiation rituals sometimes cross into abuse

The common threads are social status, tradition, and secrecy—elements that keep these practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal. For East Texas families whose children may be first-generation college students or navigating social dynamics far from home, understanding these realities is essential.

Texas Hazing Law & Liability Framework: What Zavalla Families Need to Know

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37: Your Legal Foundation

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions in the Education Code that provide both criminal penalties and civil liability pathways. 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.

For Zavalla families, several key provisions matter most:

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days jail, fine up to $2,000)
Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability:
Organizations can be criminally prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew about it and failed to report.

§ 37.155 Consent Not a Defense:
This is critical: “It is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity.” Texas law recognizes that “consent” under peer pressure isn’t true voluntary consent.

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:
Those who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability—an important protection for witnesses.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (district attorney)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Typical charges: Hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Example: In the Max Gruver case at LSU, fraternity members faced negligent homicide charges

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: Monetary compensation and accountability
Focus on: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
Example: The Leonel Bermudez case against UH and Pi Kappa Phi seeks over $10 million for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and punitive damages

Crucially, a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. The two can run simultaneously, and many families pursue both to achieve full accountability.

Federal Laws Overlaying Texas Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently
- Strengthen hazing education and prevention
- Maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026)
This will increase transparency at Texas public universities

Title IX & Clery Act:

When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger
Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes; hazing often overlaps with assault or alcohol crimes
These federal frameworks provide additional accountability paths

Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Hazing Lawsuit?

Our experience in the Bermudez case and others shows that multiple parties often share responsibility:

1. Individual Students:
Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover them up. In the UH case, 13 individual fraternity leaders were named.

2. Local Chapter/Organization:
The fraternity/sorority entity itself, if incorporated. Chapter officers acting officially create organizational liability.

3. National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters:
Nationals that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters. Their liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents. Pi Kappa Phi nationals face claims in the Bermudez case.

4. University or Governing Board:
Schools may be sued under negligence or civil-rights theories. Key questions: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference. The University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents are defendants in our active case.

5. Third Parties:
Landlords of event spaces, bars/alcohol providers (under dram shop laws), security companies. In the UH case, a Culmore Drive residence owned by a former member’s family served as a hazing location.

Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys know how to identify all potentially liable parties.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

The national landscape of hazing litigation provides crucial context for Texas cases. These aren’t distant anecdotes—they’re legal precedents and patterns that directly impact how universities and fraternities respond to incidents involving our children.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern: The Deadliest Script

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):
A bid-acceptance event with forced drinking led to Piazza’s death from traumatic brain injuries after multiple falls. Security cameras captured hours of delayed medical care. The case resulted in dozens of criminal charges, civil litigation, and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. For Texas families: This case established that delayed 911 calls and cover-up attempts dramatically increase liability.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017):
During a “Big Brother Night,” Coffey was given a handle of liquor and died from alcohol poisoning. The case led to criminal hazing charges and FSU temporarily suspending all Greek life. For Texas families: This shows how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a repeating script for disaster—the same national fraternity (Pi Kappa Phi) that our firm is currently litigating against at UH.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
A “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant drinking led to Gruver’s death (BAC 0.495%). The case produced the Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony in Louisiana. For Texas families: Legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof—something we’re seeing in Texas with increased scrutiny after cases like Bermudez’s.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
Foltz died after being forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey during a pledge event. The case resulted in multiple criminal convictions and a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). For Texas families: This demonstrates the substantial financial exposure universities and nationals face.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: Beyond Alcohol

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
During a retreat, Deng was blindfolded, weighted with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled in a “glass ceiling” ritual. He died from traumatic brain injury, and help was delayed. Multiple members were convicted, and the national fraternity was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. For Texas families: Off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous as parties, and national orgs face severe sanctions.

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025):
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program over years. Multiple lawsuits led to head coach Pat Fitzgerald’s firing and confidential settlements. For Texas families: Hazing extends into major athletic programs with similar institutional cover-up patterns.

Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Lawsuits:
Multiple lawsuits have alleged degrading hazing within the Corps, including simulated sexual acts and binding. These cases show that even highly structured, tradition-rich environments aren’t immune.

What These Cases Mean for Zavalla Families

Common threads emerge from national cases that directly apply to Texas:

Forced drinking patterns repeat across campuses with devastating predictability
Delayed medical care and cover-ups dramatically increase liability
National organizations face significant exposure when chapters repeat conduct seen elsewhere
Universities often face multi-million dollar exposure for inadequate supervision
Legislative reforms follow public outrage—Texas may see its own “Bermudez Law” if cases continue

The Bermudez case our firm is litigating fits squarely within these national patterns: extreme physical hazing, forced consumption, delayed reporting of injuries, and multiple institutional defendants. For East Texas families, understanding these patterns helps recognize that what happened to their child isn’t an isolated incident but part of a systemic problem with established legal remedies.

Texas University Focus: Where Zavalla Students Attend & What Parents Must Know

Zavalla families send children to universities throughout Texas, from our regional institutions to major statewide campuses. Each has its own hazing landscape, policies, and history of incidents. Understanding these differences is crucial for making informed decisions and pursuing accountability.

Regional Focus: Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches)

For Zavalla Families: Located just 35 miles from Zavalla in Nacogdoches, SFA is where many Angelina County students begin their higher education. With active Greek life and traditional campus organizations, hazing risks exist here just as at larger schools.

Campus & Culture Snapshot:

Enrollment: ~12,000 students
Active Greek community with IFC, Panhellenic, and NPHC chapters
Traditional residential campus atmosphere
Strong regional ties to East Texas families

Documented Greek Organizations at SFA (from IRS B83 Records):
Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks specific organizations with Texas registrations, including several with Nacogdoches addresses:

Alpha Tau Omega Housing Corporation of Eta Iota Chapter (EIN 300517788) – 316 E Lakewood St, Nacogdoches, TX 75965
Phi Kappa Psi Texas Epsilon Chapter (EIN 452729519) – 1936 N St SFA Station Box 6159, Nacogdoches, TX 75965
Chi Omega Fraternity – Epsilon Zeta Chapter (EIN 756041410) – 402 N Steen Dr, Nacogdoches, TX 75965
Epsilon Tau Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity (EIN 756053083) – 321 Old Tyler Rd, Nacogdoches, TX 75961

Hazing Policy & Reporting:
SFA prohibits hazing under University Policy 8.2, defining it broadly and requiring reporting to the Dean of Students. The university maintains adjudication processes through Student Conduct.

What SFA Students & Zavalla Parents Should Do:

Report incidents to SFA Dean of Students at (936) 468-2703
Document everything before reporting—screenshots don’t lie
Understand that local Nacogdoches police may have jurisdiction for off-campus incidents
Contact a Texas hazing attorney familiar with East Texas jurisdictions

Angelina College (Lufkin)

For Zavalla Families: As our local community college, Angelina College serves many students who later transfer to four-year institutions. While less Greek life exists here, hazing risks can emerge in athletics, clubs, or informal groups.

Key Considerations:

Limited formal Greek organizations
Athletic teams and student organizations still pose hazing risks
Students often transition to universities with documented hazing problems
Community college disciplinary records may not follow students but can establish patterns

Texas A&M University (College Station)

For Zavalla Families: Many East Texas students attend Texas A&M, drawn by its reputation, Corps of Cadets tradition, and strong regional connections. The university’s size and Greek/Corps culture create significant hazing risks.

Campus & Culture Snapshot:

Enrollment: Over 74,000 across College Station and system campuses
One of nation’s largest Greek systems with 60+ fraternities/sororities
Corps of Cadets with ~2,500 members and military-style tradition
Strong East Texas student representation

Major Documented Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):
Two pledges alleged being covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The fraternity was suspended for two years, and pledges sued for $1 million.

Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Lawsuit (2023):
A cadet alleged degrading hazing including being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million. Texas A&M stated it handled the matter under its rules, highlighting the Corps’ separate disciplinary system.

Kappa Sigma Rhabdomyolysis Case (2023, ongoing):
Allegations of extreme physical hazing resulting in rhabdomyolysis—the same muscle breakdown condition suffered by Leonel Bermudez at UH. This case shows dangerous patterns repeating across campuses.

Greek Organizations at Texas A&M (from Public Records):
Our data tracks numerous Texas-registered entities supporting A&M chapters:

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (EIN 133048786) – 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845
Gentlemen of Aggie Tradition (EIN 880537463) – 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S Ste 100, College Station, TX 77845
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Theta Rho Chapter (EIN 812525354) – 3989 N Graham Rd, College Station, TX 77845
Texas Nu-Phi Delta Theta Fraternity (EIN 814123811) – 1016 Fairview Ave, College Station, TX 77840

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Proceeds:

Multiple jurisdictions: College Station PD, Brazos County Sheriff, A&M University Police
Civil suits typically filed in Brazos County courts
Both university and Greek disciplinary processes apply
Corps cases face separate military-style adjudication

What A&M Students & Zavalla Parents Should Do:

Report to multiple channels: A&M Student Conduct, Corps leadership (if applicable), campus police
823 – Document Corps-specific hazing through appropriate chain of command while preserving civil rights
Recognize that A&M’s size can make accountability challenging without legal representation
Contact attorneys experienced with both Greek and Corps hazing dynamics

University of Houston

For Zavalla Families: As a major urban university with strong professional programs, UH attracts East Texas students seeking specific degrees. The university’s recent high-profile hazing case demonstrates serious systemic issues.

The Bermudez Case – Our Active Litigation:
We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi, and multiple defendants. Key facts:

Hazing Methods: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, forced consumption until vomiting, hose spraying “similar to waterboarding,” extreme exercise (100+ push-ups, 500 squats)
Medical Harm: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, brown urine, 4-day hospitalization
Defendants: UH, UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi national HQ, Beta Nu housing corporation, 13 individual leaders
Institutional Response: Chapter suspended Nov 6, 2025; charter surrendered Nov 14, 2025; UH called conduct “deeply disturbing”

Greek Organizations at UH (from Campus Rosters & IRS Data):
UH hosts approximately 40 Greek chapters across multiple councils. Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks supporting entities:

Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter (EIN 746084905) – 4300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Houston, TX 77204
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc – Sigma Gamma Chapter (EIN 392352450) – PO Box 540026, Houston, TX 77254
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Theta Delta Chapter (EIN 475370943) – 5019 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX 77204

UH’s Hazing Transparency Gap:
Unlike UT Austin’s public hazing violations page, UH provides limited public information about disciplinary outcomes. This lack of transparency makes legal investigation crucial for families seeking accountability.

What UH Students & Zavalla Parents Should Do:

Report to UH Dean of Students and UH Police Department
Document Houston-area hazing locations (specific houses, parks like Yellowstone Boulevard Park in the Bermudez case)
Understand that Harris County courts handle most civil litigation
Seek attorneys familiar with UH’s specific institutional dynamics and prior cases

University of Texas at Austin

For Zavalla Families: UT Austin represents the flagship destination for many high-achieving East Texas students. Its size, Greek system, and tradition clubs create significant hazing risks.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page:
UT maintains unusual transparency at hazing.utexas.edu, listing organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions. Recent entries show ongoing problems:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation
Texas Wranglers (multiple entries): Sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing
Various organizations: Probation for “activities likely to cause mental or physical discomfort”

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Assault Case (2024):
An Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members resulting in dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose. The lawsuit seeks over $1 million, and the chapter was already under suspension for prior violations.

Greek Organizations at UT (from Public Records):
Our data includes numerous Austin-based entities supporting UT chapters:

Chi Omega Fraternity – House Corporation (EIN 740555581) – 2711 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705
Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi (EIN 746047117) – 2620 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705
Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Inc – Alpha Mu Chapter (EIN 741130606) – 1908 San Gabriel St, Austin, TX 78705

How UT Hazing Cases Proceed:

UTPD and Austin PD share jurisdiction
Travis County courts handle civil litigation
UT’s public violations page provides powerful evidence of prior notice
University often argues sovereign immunity as a public institution

What UT Students & Zavalla Parents Should Do:

Check UT’s public hazing page for your child’s organization’s history
Report to UTPD and Dean of Students simultaneously
Document Austin-specific hazing locations (West Campus houses, off-campus venues)
Retain counsel experienced with UT’s specific policies and sovereign immunity arguments

Southern Methodist University (Dallas)

For Zavalla Families: SMU attracts East Texas students seeking private university education with strong professional networks. Its affluent Greek culture presents specific hazing dynamics.

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):
New members reported paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation. The chapter was suspended with recruiting restrictions until approximately 2021.

Greek Organizations at SMU (from IRS & Cause IQ Data):
Our intelligence engine tracks Dallas-area entities:

Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN 741380362) – PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147
Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Mu Chapter (EIN 756203190) – 3608 Pond Drive Suite 209, Fort Worth, TX 76129
Kappa Alpha Order – Gamma Chi Chapter (from Cause IQ data) – Lubbock, TX (also at Texas Tech)

Private University Dynamics:

Less public transparency than state schools
Strong alumni networks that may protect organizations
Different insurance and liability structures
Still subject to Texas hazing laws and federal requirements

What SMU Students & Zavalla Parents Should Do:

Utilize SMU’s anonymous reporting systems (like Real Response)
Document Dallas-area hazing locations (Highland Park, University Park houses)
Understand that Dallas County courts typically handle litigation
Seek counsel experienced with private university dynamics

Baylor University (Waco)

For Zavalla Families: Baylor’s religious identity and Central Texas location attract many East Texas students. Its history of institutional scandals (sexual assault cover-ups) informs how it handles hazing.

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):
14 players suspended following hazing investigation; staggered suspensions affected the early season.

Greek Organizations at Baylor (from Public Records):
Our data includes Waco-area entities:

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Xi Chi Chapter (EIN 364091267) – 1101 Melrose Dr, Waco, TX 76710
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc – Nu Iota Chapter (EIN 521346485) – PO Box 2033, Waco, TX 76703
Texas Rho Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon (EIN 741942292) – 3217 S 3rd St, Waco, TX 76706

Baylor’s Cultural Context:

Religious branding creates unique pressures and reporting barriers
History of institutional protectionism from sexual assault scandal
McLennan County legal environment
Strong Greek life despite religious affiliation

What Baylor Students & Zavalla Parents Should Do:

Report through both Baylor channels and external options
Document Waco-area hazing locations
Understand potential conflicts between religious counseling and legal reporting
Seek counsel experienced with Baylor’s specific institutional history

Other Texas Universities Relevant to Zavalla Families

Our data tracks Greek organizations across Texas, including at schools where East Texas students commonly attend:

Texas Tech University (Lubbock):

Phi Delta Theta – Texas Theta Chapter (from Amarillo metro data) – Frank Heflin Foundation support
Kappa Alpha Order – Gamma Chi Chapter (Cause IQ data)
Multiple IRS-registered entities in Lubbock

Texas State University (San Marcos):

Alpha Sigma Phi – Theta Iota Chapter (EIN 475381060) – 601 University Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666
Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Sigma Inc (EIN 882755427) – 2104 Old Ranch Rd, San Marcos, TX 78666

University of North Texas (Denton):

Alpha Epsilon Pi – Mu Gamma Chapter (EIN 262025321) – 920 W Prairie St, Denton, TX 76201
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Texas Woman’s University Chapter (EIN 263170920) – 411 Texas St Rm 219, Denton, TX 76204

For families throughout Angelina County, understanding that hazing risks exist across the Texas higher education landscape—from our regional institutions to flagship campuses—is the first step toward protection and accountability.

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories & Texas Connections

Why National Histories Matter for Zavalla Families

When your child is hazed at a Texas university, you’re not just dealing with local students making poor choices. You’re confronting national organizations with documented histories of the same dangerous behaviors. This history matters legally because it establishes foreseeability—the concept that the organization knew or should have known these harms could occur.

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks over 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros, with detailed data on 125+ IRS-registered entities. This data reveals how national brands operate through multiple legal entities in Texas:

Sample from Our Texas Greek Organization Database:

IRS B83 Registered Entities (Partial Listing):

Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc (EIN 273662583) – 1416 Sleepy Hollow Dr, Lufkin, TX 75904 – (East Texas connection)
Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation (EIN 371768785) – 4102 Eastshore St, Missouri City, TX 77459
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515) – 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035
Sigma Phi Epsilon Texas Eta (EIN 824398421) – 1305 FM 359 Rd, Richmond, TX 77406
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – Kappa Xi Chapter (EIN 921490845) – 1905 University Ave, Huntsville, TX 77340

Cause IQ Metro Organizations (Houston/Gulf Coast Examples):

Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Houston, TX (alumni/house corp)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter – Houston, TX (undergrad chapter)
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Houston Alumnae – Houston, TX
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority – Alpha Kappa Omega – Houston, TX (grad chapter)

IRS-Cause IQ Brand Overlaps (Proving Cross-Validated Organizations):

Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (Nederland, TX IRS) ↔ Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha (Houston Cause IQ)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (Waco IRS) ↔ Sigma Gamma Rho – Beta Sigma Chapter (Houston Cause IQ)
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity (Prairie View IRS) ↔ Kappa Alpha Psi – Beaumont Alumni (Beaumont Cause IQ)

This interconnected web of organizations means that when we investigate a hazing case, we’re not starting from scratch. We already know the legal entities, EINs, addresses, and relationships that fraternities and sororities hope families never discover.

National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

These organizations have patterns of hazing incidents across multiple states—patterns that repeat at Texas campuses:

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike):

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State (2021): Forced drinking death; $10M settlement
David Bogenberger – Northern Illinois (2012): Alcohol poisoning death; $14M settlement
Texas Pattern: Chapters at UT, Tech, A&M with documented violations

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE):

Traumatic Brain Injury – Alabama (2023): Ongoing lawsuit
Chemical Burns – Texas A&M (2021): $1M lawsuit, skin grafts required
Assault Case – UT Austin (2024): Over $1M lawsuit, chapter already suspended
Eliminated traditional pledge process nationally in 2014 after pattern of deaths

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):

Andrew Coffey – Florida State (2017): Big Brother night death
Leonel Bermudez – University of Houston (2025): Our active $10M lawsuit, rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure
National headquarters named in our current litigation

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):

Max Gruver – LSU (2017): “Bible study” drinking game death; Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act
Chapters across Texas with active memberships

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ):

SMU Suspension (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation
Active at multiple Texas campuses including A&M and Tech

Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ):

Timothy Piazza – Penn State (2017): Delayed medical care death; security camera evidence
Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law
Chapters at UT and other Texas schools

How National Histories Strengthen Texas Cases

For Zavalla families pursuing accountability, these national patterns provide crucial legal advantages:

1. Foreseeability Evidence:
We can show courts that nationals knew or should have known these specific hazing methods (forced drinking, extreme exercise, humiliation rituals) were occurring at their chapters nationwide.

2. Negligence Arguments:
If nationals had anti-hazing policies but didn’t meaningfully enforce them, or if they received prior reports but took insufficient action, this supports negligence claims.

3. Punitive Damages Potential:
When organizations show “willful or wanton disregard” for safety—like continuing dangerous traditions after prior deaths—courts may award punitive damages to punish and deter.

4. Insurance Coverage Arguments:
Nationals often argue their insurance doesn’t cover “intentional acts.” Pattern evidence showing systemic negligence (not just individual bad acts) can overcome these arguments.

Our experience with the Bermudez case demonstrates this approach: we’re not just alleging local chapter misconduct but showing how Pi Kappa Phi nationals failed to prevent foreseeable harms despite knowing similar incidents had occurred elsewhere.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & What Zavalla Families Can Expect

Evidence That Wins Cases in 2025

Modern hazing cases hinge on digital evidence and systematic investigation. Here’s what matters most:

1. Digital Communications (Most Critical Evidence):

Group Chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity-specific apps
Social Media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat (screenshot before disappearance), TikTok messages
Recovered Deleted Messages: Digital forensics can often retrieve “deleted” content
Example from Bermudez Case: The “pledge fanny pack” rules and hazing schedules were communicated through group chats

2. Photos & Videos:

Content filmed during events (often shared in group chats)
Security/doorbell camera footage from houses
Injury documentation with timestamps
Our Video Resource: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs – How to document evidence with your phone

3. Internal Organization Documents:

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts
Emails/texts planning events
National policies and training materials (obtained through discovery)

4. University Records:

Prior conduct files (often subpoenaed)
Incident reports to campus police
Clery Act reports
Internal emails about the organization

5. Medical & Psychological Records:

ER/hospitalization records (must mention hazing connection)
Toxicology reports
Psychological evaluations (PTSD, depression)
Long-term treatment plans

6. Witness Testimony:

Other pledges (often afraid but may cooperate)
Former members who quit
Roommates, RAs, bystanders
Medical personnel who treated injuries

Damages: What Can Be Recovered in Texas Hazing Cases

For Zavalla families, understanding potential recovery helps make informed decisions:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable):

Medical Expenses: Past and future (ER, hospitalization, therapy, medications)
Lost Income: Time off work for recovery
Educational Impact: Missed semesters, lost scholarships, delayed graduation
Future Earning Capacity: If injuries cause permanent disability

Non-Economic Damages:

Physical Pain & Suffering
Emotional Distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Can’t participate in activities they loved
Wrongful Death Damages (if applicable): Funeral costs, loss of companionship, family grief

Punitive Damages (when appropriate):

To punish especially reckless or intentional conduct
Available under Texas law in certain circumstances
Often in cases with cover-ups or prior warnings ignored

National Settlement Benchmarks:

Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha): $10M total ($7M national + $3M university)
David Bogenberger (Pi Kappa Alpha): $14M settlement
Max Gruver (Phi Delta Theta): $6.1M verdict plus confidential settlements
Sigma Chi (College of Charleston): $10M+ settlement
Chad Meredith (Kappa Sigma): $12.6M jury verdict

Every case is unique, but these benchmarks show what’s possible with experienced representation.

The Attorney911 Difference: Why Our Approach Works

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

Value and undervalue claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

Complex Institutional Litigation (Ralph Manginello’s Background):

One of few Texas firms involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation
Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
HCCLA membership signals elite criminal defense capability
Not intimidated by national fraternities or university legal teams

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:
Our proprietary data on 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros means we don’t start investigations from scratch. We already know:

Legal entity names and EINs
Physical and mailing addresses
Organizational relationships (nationals, housing corps, alumni chapters)
Prior incident patterns across campuses

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Experience:
We’ve recovered millions in complex wrongful death cases, working with economists to value loss and life care planners to assess future needs.

Spanish-Language Services:
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish—critical for serving Texas Hispanic families. Hablamos Español – contact lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Zavalla Parents & Students

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Physical Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water restriction
Sleep deprivation (constant late nights, 3 AM calls)
Signs of alcohol poisoning or drug use (even if they don’t normally partake)

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities (“I can’t talk about it”)
Withdrawal from family and non-member friends
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensive when asked about the organization
Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”

Academic & Digital Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Constant phone monitoring for group chat demands
Deleting messages or clearing browser history obsessively
Social media posts showing concerning activities

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally):

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

If You Suspect Hazing: Immediate Steps:

Safety First: If in danger, call 911
Medical Attention: Get care even if they resist
Document Everything: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries, write notes
Report Strategically: Campus authorities, local police if crimes occurred
Legal Consultation: Contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 before making decisions

For Students: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something unsafe or humiliating?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences?
Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents or university approve if they knew details?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie?

If you answered yes to any, it’s likely hazing.

How to Exit Safely:

Immediate Danger: Call 911 or campus police
Safe Exit: Tell someone outside the organization first, then send written resignation
Avoid “One Last Meeting”: They may pressure or retaliate
Document Retaliation: Save any threats or harassment

Your Legal Rights in Texas:

You cannot be punished for calling 911 in good faith (immunity protections)
Hazing is a crime—you’re the victim, not perpetrator
Consent is not a defense under Texas law
You can request no-contact orders through the university

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

MISTAKES THAT CAN RUIN YOUR HAZING CASE:

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages

Why it’s wrong: Looks like cover-up; can be obstruction of justice
Instead: Preserve everything immediately

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly

Why it’s wrong: They lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Instead: Document everything, call a lawyer first

3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms

Why it’s wrong: May waive right to sue; settlements often lowball
Instead: Never sign without attorney review

4. Posting Details on Social Media

Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; hurts credibility
Instead: Document privately; let lawyer control messaging

5. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”

Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, statute runs, university controls narrative
Instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer

Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements used against you; early settlements lowball
Instead: “My attorney will contact you”

Our Video Resource on Client Mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Frequently Asked Questions for Zavalla Families

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

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

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

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm wasn’t immediately known. Time is critical—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi house) occurred off-campus with multi-million-dollar judgments.

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

“How much does it cost to hire your firm?”
We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation. No upfront costs, no hourly fees. Our Video Explanation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

“Do you handle cases outside Texas?”
We’re Texas-based but:

Serve as lead counsel for Texas-connected cases
Co-counsel with local attorneys in other states
Provide consultation nationwide
Currently litigating Texas cases with national implications

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action for Zavalla Families

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

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

Our Proven Differentiators:

1. Insurance Insider Knowledge (Mr. Lupe Peña):

Former insurance defense attorney at a national firm
Knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers value claims
Understands their delay tactics, coverage arguments, and settlement strategies
“We know their playbook because we used to run it.”

2. Complex Institutional Litigation (Ralph Manginello):

One of few Texas firms in BP Texas City explosion litigation
Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Not intimidated by national fraternities or university legal teams
“We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won.”

3. Active Hazing Litigation Experience:

Currently representing Leonel Bermudez in $10M UH Pi Kappa Phi case
First-hand knowledge of modern hazing tactics and cover-up methods
Understanding of how universities and nationals coordinate responses

4. Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine:

Proprietary data on 1,423 Greek organizations across Texas
IRS records, campus rosters, metro organization tracking
Don’t start investigations from scratch—we already know the entities

5. Multi-Million Dollar Results:

Wrongful death and catastrophic injury experience
Economist collaboration for lifetime care valuation
Proven track record against institutional defendants

6. Dual Civil/Criminal Capability:

Ralph’s HCCLA membership signals elite criminal defense credential
Understands how criminal charges interact with civil litigation
Can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

7. Spanish-Language Services:

Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish
Critical for serving Texas Hispanic families
Hablamos Español – consulte con Lupe Peña en español

Our Commitment to Zavalla & East Texas Families

From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including right here in Zavalla, Angelina County, and across East Texas. We understand that:

East Texas values of community and trust make hazing betrayals particularly painful
Students from smaller communities may face unique pressures in large university Greek systems
Families here deserve the same quality of representation as those in major cities
The legal strategies that work in Houston or College Station apply equally in East Texas cases

Whether your child attends Stephen F. Austin State University in our region or has ventured to campuses across Texas, we’re here to help.

Your Confidential, No-Obligation Consultation

What to Expect When You Contact Us:

1. We Listen Without Judgment:

Hear your complete story
Understand your family’s specific concerns and goals

2. Evidence Review:

Examine any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain what additional evidence we can obtain

3. Legal Options Explained:

Criminal reporting possibilities
Civil lawsuit pathways
University disciplinary processes
Realistic timelines and expectations

4. Cost Transparency:

Contingency fee explanation—no recovery, no fee
No upfront costs or hourly charges

5. No Pressure Decision:

Take time to decide what’s right for your family
Everything you tell us is confidential

Contact Attorney911 Today

If hazing has impacted your family, don’t face this alone.

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 (Ralph Manginello)
Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com (Mr. Lupe Peña)

Serving Zavalla, Angelina County, and All of Texas from Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont

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 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
Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:
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/
https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs (Documenting evidence with your phone)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c (Statute of limitations explained)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY (Client mistakes that ruin cases)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI\_j6F7Nc (How contingency fees work)

Attorney911 Main Website & Practice Areas:
https://attorney911.com
https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/