The Complete Texas Parent’s Guide to Hazing: Understanding Your Rights, Recent Cases, and Path to Accountability

If you are a parent in Texas, the nightmare often begins with a phone call in the middle of the night, or a text message that doesn’t quite add up. Your child, so excited to join a campus community, is now fatigued, secretive, or injured. They talk about “mandatory” events, laugh off bruises, or suddenly need money for unexplained expenses. In the fall of 2025, this nightmare became a devastating reality for one Texas family and is now the focal point of a $10 million lawsuit that exposes the brutal truth about modern hazing.

Right now, our firm represents Leonel Bermudez, a student who accepted a bid to the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at the University of Houston. What followed was a campaign of abuse that nearly killed him. According to a lawsuit filed in Harris County, Bermudez was subjected to a “pledge fanny pack” rule carrying humiliating items, forced through extreme physical workouts at locations including the chapter house, a Culmore Drive residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park, and sprayed in the face with a hose in a manner “similar to waterboarding.” The culmination was a November 3 workout where he was forced to do over 100 push-ups and 500 squats. He developed rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown, he could not stand, and he was hospitalized for four days.

This is not a story from decades past. This case is active, filed in late 2025, and names as defendants the University of Houston, the UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, its housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. In response, the national fraternity suspended the chapter on November 6, and members voted to surrender their charter on November 14. The university called the alleged conduct “deeply disturbing.”

If you are reading this with a sinking feeling because your child’s story sounds familiar, you are not alone, and you are not powerless. This guide is written specifically for Texas parents and students. We will explain what hazing really looks like today, the Texas laws designed to protect your child, the national patterns that repeat on our campuses, and the practical, legal steps you can take to seek accountability, healing, and justice.

Immediate Help for a Hazing Emergency

If you suspect your child is in immediate danger:

• Call 911 for any medical emergency.
• Then call us, Attorney911, at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ for a reason.
• In the first 48 hours, you must:
  1. Get Medical Attention: Even if your child insists they are “fine,” seek a professional evaluation. Tell the medical provider the injuries may be related to hazing.
  2. Preserve Digital Evidence: Screenshot all group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage), text messages, and social media posts. Do not let your child delete anything.
  3. Document Everything: Write down everything your child tells you—names, dates, locations, and specific acts. Photograph any visible injuries.
  4. Secure Physical Items: Save clothing, receipts, or any objects used in hazing activities.
  5. Do NOT: Confront the organization, sign anything from the university or an insurance company, or post details on public social media.

Hazing in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

Hazing is no longer just about “hell week” or silly pranks. It is a calculated pattern of coercion and abuse designed to assert power and create loyalty through trauma. Texas law (Education Code Chapter 37) defines it broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership.

The Modern Taxonomy of Abuse

Hazing today often falls into three escalating tiers:

1. Subtle Hazing: Behaviors that establish power imbalance and normalize control.

• Digital Servitude: Being on-call 24/7 via group chats (GroupMe, Discord), required to respond instantly at all hours.
• Forced Labor: Acting as a perpetual designated driver, cleaning members’ apartments, or running personal errands.
• Social Isolation: Being pressured to cut ties with non-members, partners, or family.
• Sleep & Academic Interference: “Mandatory” late-night meetings that conflict with classes or exams.

2. Harassment Hazing: Acts that cause emotional or physical distress.

• Sleep Deprivation: Waking pledges at 3 a.m. for tasks or “meetings.”
• Verbal Abuse & “Grillings”: Sessions of intense yelling, humiliation, and degradation.
• Forced Consumption: Eating excessive amounts of bland food (milk, bread, hot dogs) or unpleasant substances until vomiting—exactly as alleged in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case.
• Purposeful Exhaustion: “Smokings” or extreme calisthenics framed as “conditioning.”

3. Violent Hazing: Activities with a high potential for catastrophic injury or death.

• Forced Alcohol Consumption: The single most deadly pattern. This includes “family tree” drinking games, “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, and lineups where pledges must chug.
• Physical Assault: Paddling, beatings, tackling rituals (like the “glass ceiling” ritual that killed Chun Deng at a Pi Delta Psi retreat), or being restrained.
• Sexualized Violence: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, and sexual assault.
• Environmental Dangers: Exposure to extreme cold or heat, kidnapping to remote locations, or dangerous driving stunts.

The Leonel Bermudez case at UH is a textbook example of this violent tier, combining forced physical overexertion, psychological humiliation, and life-threatening medical consequences.

The Texas Legal Framework: Criminal Penalties and Civil Justice

Texas has tools to combat hazing, but they require knowledgeable and aggressive action to be effective.

Texas Criminal Hazing Law (Chapter 37 of the Education Code)

• It’s a Crime: Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor. If the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a state jail felony.
• “Consent” is NOT a Defense: The law is clear—a victim’s agreement under peer pressure is irrelevant (§37.155).
• Organizations Can Be Prosecuted: Fraternities, sororities, and clubs can be fined up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or knew of the hazing and failed to report it.
• Good-Faith Reporting is Protected: Individuals who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability for the report itself (§37.154).

The Civil Lawsuit: Your Path to Accountability and Recovery

A criminal case punishes the perpetrator. A civil lawsuit, which our firm handles, does something more: it provides compensation for your family’s devastating losses and forces institutional change by holding every responsible party accountable.

Who can be held liable in a civil hazing case?

1. The Individuals: The members who planned, executed, or covered up the abuse.
2. The Local Chapter: As a legal entity, it can be sued for creating a dangerous environment.
3. The National Headquarters: They often have deep pockets, insurance, and a legal duty to supervise chapters. Their knowledge of prior incidents at other schools is critical evidence.
4. The University: Public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT have a duty to protect students. They can be sued for negligence, particularly if they knew of risks and failed to act.
5. Third Parties: Landlords of off-campus houses, property owners of retreat venues, and even alcohol providers may share liability.

Federal Overlays: Title IX and the Stop Campus Hazing Act

• Title IX applies if the hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination, creating additional liability for schools.
• The Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024) requires colleges to report hazing incidents more transparently, with public data reporting phased in by 2026.

National Case Patterns: The Playbook of Tragedy

The hazing that injured Leonel Bermudez at UH is not an anomaly. It follows a national playbook written in tragedy. Understanding these patterns is key to proving that the organizations involved should have known better.

• The Alcohol Poisoning Script: Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021) died after being forced to drink a bottle of alcohol. His family secured a $10 million settlement. Max Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta, 2017) died during a “Bible study” drinking game, leading Louisiana to pass the felony Max Gruver Act.
• The Physical “Ritual” Pattern: Chun “Michael” Deng (Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi, 2013) died from traumatic brain injury after a blindfolded tackling ritual at an off-campus retreat. The national fraternity was criminally convicted.
• The Catastrophic Injury: Danny Santulli (University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta, 2021) suffered permanent brain damage after a “pledge dad” drinking event. His family settled with 22 defendants.
• Athletic Program Abuse: The Northwestern University football hazing scandal (2023-2025) involved alleged sexualized and racist abuse, resulting in multiple lawsuits and confidential settlements, proving hazing extends far beyond Greek life.

These cases establish a critical legal principle: foreseeability. When a fraternity at UH uses the same dangerous practices that have killed pledges at other schools, the national organization cannot claim it was an unforeseeable accident.

The Texas Campus Landscape: A Guide for Families

Where your child goes to school in Texas matters. Each major campus has its own culture, history of incidents, and administrative response. Our firm maintains detailed intelligence on these ecosystems to build the strongest possible case.

University of Houston (UH) – A Case Study in Crisis

The ongoing Bermudez lawsuit makes UH the epicenter of Texas hazing litigation today.

• The Culture: A large, diverse commuter school with an active Greek life community of over 50 chapters.
• The Policy: UH prohibits hazing on and off campus and provides reporting channels through the Dean of Students and UHPD.
• Recent History & Response: The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter is now closed. Past incidents, like a 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case where a pledge suffered a lacerated spleen, show a pattern. UH’s public statement on the Bermudez case called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised cooperation with law enforcement.
• For UH Families: If hazing occurs, jurisdiction may involve UHPD and/or Houston Police. A civil case would be filed in Harris County courts. Immediate evidence preservation is paramount, as group chats are often deleted within days.

Texas A&M University – Tradition and Risk in the Corps and Greek Life

• The Culture: Defined by deep tradition, a massive Greek system, and the unique, military-style Corps of Cadets.
• Recent Litigation: A 2023 lawsuit alleged a Corps freshman was subjected to degrading hazing, including being bound in a “roasted pig” position. In 2021, a Sigma Alpha Epsilon lawsuit alleged pledges were doused with an industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts.
• For A&M Families: Hazing risks exist in both Greek and Corps environments. The university’s disciplinary process for the Corps is separate from standard student conduct. Evidence may be found in both digital messages and internal Corps training documents.

University of Texas at Austin – Public Transparency, Persistent Problems

• The Culture: A flagship university with one of the nation’s largest and most visible Greek communities.
• Public Accountability: UT operates a public Hazing Violations website, listing sanctioned organizations. Recent entries include Pi Kappa Alpha (2023) for forcing new members to drink milk and perform strenuous calisthenics.
• For UT Families: UT’s own published data can be powerful evidence in a lawsuit, demonstrating prior knowledge of a chapter’s dangerous practices. Jurisdiction involves UTPD and Austin Police.

Southern Methodist University (SMU) & Baylor University – Private School Challenges

• The Culture: Both are private, influential universities with strong Greek life embedded in their social fabric.
• Incident History: SMU’s Kappa Alpha Order chapter was suspended in 2017 for paddling and forced drinking. Baylor suspended 14 baseball players in 2020 for hazing.
• For SMU & Baylor Families: Private universities have fewer public reporting requirements, making internal investigations and discovery in a lawsuit even more critical. Their religious or prestige-oriented branding can sometimes complicate official responses to scandals.

Fraternities & Sororities: The National Brands Behind the Local Chapters

When your child is hazed by “Sigma Alpha Epsilon” at Texas A&M, they are not just dealing with a group of college students. They are dealing with a national brand that has a documented history, insurance policies, legal counsel, and a pattern of behavior across the country. Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks these entities.

Public Records: The Organizational Backbone of Texas Greek Life

To show you the level of investigation we bring, consider this snapshot of the public records we maintain. These are not accusations; these are the registered legal entities behind the Greek letters in Texas. For example, from IRS B83 filings, we track organizations like:

• Pi Kappa Phi – Beta Nu Housing Corporation Inc, EIN 46-2267515, Frisco, TX 75035
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon – Texas Sigma Incorporated, EIN 88-2755427, San Marcos, TX 78666
• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc, EIN 13-3048786, College Station, TX 77845
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc, EIN 74-1380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147

From Cause IQ data, we see the scale: over 510 Greek-related organizations in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro, 188 in the Houston metro, and 154 in the Austin metro. Brands like Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi appear across multiple data sources, showing how national networks operate in Texas.

Why This Data-Driven Approach Matters for Your Case

In the Bermudez lawsuit, we didn’t just sue the students. We sued the national Pi Kappa Phi headquarters, its Texas-based housing corporation, and the university. This multi-defendant strategy is informed by our data. We know how to identify every entity that may share liability and insurance coverage. When a national fraternity like Pi Kappa Alpha (involved in the Stone Foltz death) or Sigma Alpha Epsilon (involved in the Texas A&M chemical burns case) has chapters in Texas, their national history of settlements and safety failures becomes directly relevant to your child’s case. It proves they were on notice.

Building a Hazing Case with Attorney911: Evidence, Strategy, and Recovery

Filing a lawsuit is not a form letter. It is a complex, strategic undertaking against well-funded opponents who will fight to protect their reputation and assets.

The Evidence That Wins Cases

1. Digital Forensics: Deleted GroupMe messages can often be recovered. Social media posts, geotags, and shared photos create a timeline. We work with digital experts to preserve this evidence before it vanishes.
2. Medical Causation: Hospital records diagnosing rhabdomyolysis (as in the UH case), toxicology reports, and psychological evaluations for PTSD are non-negotiable. We connect with medical experts who can explain the long-term impact to a jury.
3. Institutional Knowledge: Through discovery, we subpoena the national fraternity’s records of prior incidents and the university’s disciplinary files on the chapter. This establishes the “they knew or should have known” argument.
4. Witness Testimony: Other pledges, former members, and even remorseful active members can be key. We know how to navigate these sensitive interviews.

The Damages We Fight to Recover

• Economic Damages: All medical bills (ER, hospital, surgery, future therapy), lost tuition from withdrawn semesters, and lost future earning capacity if injuries are permanent.
• Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, humiliation, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Wrongful Death Damages: In the unspeakable event of a death, families can recover funeral costs, loss of financial support, and compensation for grief and loss of companionship.

Overcoming the Defense Playbook

We know the defenses because Mr. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, used to be an insurance defense lawyer for large companies. We anticipate their arguments:

• “The pledge consented.” → Texas law explicitly voids this defense.
• “It was a rogue chapter; national didn’t know.” → We introduce their own records showing prior similar incidents nationwide.
• “It happened off-campus.” → The duty to protect students extends to sponsored activities, regardless of location.
• “The university has sovereign immunity.” → We argue exceptions for gross negligence and sue responsible individuals in their personal capacity.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Texas Families

For Parents: Warning Signs and Action Steps

Warning Signs:

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns.
• Extreme fatigue, sleep deprivation, or drastic weight change.
• Secrecy about organization activities, new vocabulary, or defensiveness.
• Constant, anxious phone use related to group chats.
• Requests for large sums of money for unexplained “fines” or “events.”

What to Do:

1. Listen Without Judgment: Create a safe space for your child to talk.
2. Preserve, Preserve, Preserve: Follow the 48-hour checklist at the start of this guide.
3. Seek a Lawyer BEFORE Reporting: We can guide you on how to report to campus police or the Dean of Students in a way that protects your rights and evidence.
4. Document University Communications: Keep a log of every call and email with school officials.

For Students: Your Rights and Safety

• You have the right to be safe. No tradition is worth your life or health.
• You can leave. You have the legal right to resign your membership at any time.
• Texas is a one-party consent state. You can legally record conversations you are part of if you feel unsafe or need evidence.
• Good-Faith Reporting Protections exist. You can call for help for someone in medical distress without fear of minor-in-possession charges.

Critical Mistakes That Can Harm a Case

1. Deleting Evidence: Even embarrassing messages are crucial. Do not delete.
2. Confronting the Chapter Directly: This triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching.
3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms: These often waive your right to sue. Have an attorney review anything you sign.
4. Posting on Social Media: Defense investigators monitor everything. Let your legal team control the narrative.
5. Waiting Too Long: The Texas statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years, but evidence disappears in days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can we sue the university in Texas?
A: Yes. While public universities have some legal protections, exceptions exist for gross negligence and Title IX violations. In the Stone Foltz case, the public university (Bowling Green State) paid $3 million as part of the settlement. We analyze the specific facts to build the strongest case against all responsible parties.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: Generally, two years from the date of injury in Texas. However, the clock is ticking on evidence preservation from day one. Immediate action is critical.

Q: Will our case be public?
A: Most civil cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy while aggressively pursuing accountability.

Why Attorney911 Is the Right Firm for Texas Hazing Cases

When your family is in crisis, you need more than a lawyer; you need advocates who understand the battlefield. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, brings a unique combination of insider knowledge, proven litigation strength, and Texas-specific dedication to hazing cases.

Our Proven Advantages in Hazing Litigation

• Insurance Insider Knowledge: Mr. Lupe Peña (he/him) spent years as a defense attorney for national insurance companies. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers will try to deny, delay, and undervalue your claim. We know their playbook because we used to write it.
• Complex Institutional Litigation Experience: Ralph Manginello was one of the few plaintiff attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, taking on a billion-dollar corporation. We are not intimidated by national fraternities or university legal teams. We have federal court experience and a history of multi-million-dollar results in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases.
• The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: As demonstrated in this guide, we don’t start from scratch. We maintain a proprietary database of over 1,400 Greek organizations in Texas. We know the legal entities, the EINs, the housing corporations, and the national histories. In the Bermudez case, this meant immediately identifying and suing the correct national and housing corporation defendants.
• Dual Civil & Criminal Capability: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand the criminal process that may run parallel to your civil case. We can advise on interacting with police and prosecutors.
• Spanish-Language Services: Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, ensuring Hispanic families across Texas have full access to justice and understanding.

Our Commitment to Your Family

We are currently leading the charge in one of Texas’s most serious active hazing cases. We see the devastating impact every day. Our mission is to get your family the resources needed for healing, hold every responsible party accountable, and force the systemic changes that will protect other students.

Take the First Step Toward Accountability Today

If you suspect your child has been hazed at any Texas campus—from the University of Houston to Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any other school—the time to act is now. Evidence disappears, witnesses scatter, and organizations close ranks.

Contact us for a free, confidential, and compassionate consultation. We will listen to your story, review any evidence you have, explain your legal options in clear terms, and help you decide the best path forward for your family. You are not alone in this fight.

Call Attorney911 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911).
Direct Line: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com
Se habla Español.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

• Click2Houston (KPRC 2) Report: 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 (KTRK) Coverage: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

• Using Your Cellphone to Document Evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Understanding Statutes of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client Mistakes That Can Ruin a Case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• How Contingency Fees Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website & Contact:

• https://attorney911.com

Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is unique, and outcomes depend on specific facts and applicable law. For advice on your specific situation, please contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC directly at 1-888-ATTY-911.