The Complete Guide to Hazing in Texas: A Resource for Families in Bartlett, Bell County

Introduction: A Texas Parent’s Worst Fear

If you’re a parent in Bartlett, Belton, or anywhere in Bell County, you’ve worked hard to give your child the best opportunities. Sending them to college in Texas is a proud milestone—a chance for them to build their future at schools like Texas A&M University-Central Texas in Killeen, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, or at major campuses across our state. But what happens when that dream becomes a nightmare of abuse, hidden behind Greek letters and campus traditions?

Right now, in Houston, we’re representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and thirteen individual fraternity leaders. The details are harrowing: forced “pledge fanny packs” containing humiliating items, brutal physical workouts, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, and a “November 3 workout” of 100+ push-ups and 500 squats that left our client with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, was hospitalized for four days, and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. The Pi Kappa Phi chapter was suspended and then closed, with members voting to surrender their charter. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing.”

This isn’t a story from somewhere else. It’s happening right now in Texas, and it’s exactly why we wrote this guide for families in Bartlett and across Bell County. Your child could be at Texas A&M-Central Texas, Mary Hardin-Baylor, or any of Texas’s major universities. What you don’t know about hazing could hurt them. What you do know—and what you do next—could save them.

If you’re facing a hazing crisis right now, call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. We provide immediate help for legal emergencies. That’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

For families in Bartlett and throughout Central Texas, understanding modern hazing means looking beyond outdated stereotypes. Today’s hazing combines digital coercion, psychological manipulation, and physical abuse hidden behind euphemisms like “team building” or “tradition.”

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Harmless”)
This includes power imbalances that set the stage for worse abuse: mandatory “on-call” status via group chats, required chauffeuring of older members at all hours, demeaning nicknames, social isolation from non-members, and “optional” events that carry severe social consequences for non-participation. In Texas, we see this in requirements for pledges to respond instantly to GroupMe messages, share live locations via Find My Friends, and maintain specific dress codes under threat of punishment.

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Creates Hostile Environments)
This involves sleep deprivation through mandatory 3 AM “meetings,” food restriction or forced consumption of unpalatable substances, verbal abuse and degradation in “interview” sessions, and physical “workouts” framed as conditioning but designed to punish. At the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi chapter, this included enforced dress codes, hours-long “study blocks,” and weekly interrogations.

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (High Potential for Injury or Death)
This is what makes headlines and ruins lives: forced alcohol consumption in “lineup” drinking games, physical beatings with paddles or fists, dangerous physical tests like blindfolded tackles, sexualized hazing including forced nudity, and exposure to extreme environments. In the Bermudez case, this escalated to lying in vomit-soaked grass, cold-weather exposure in underwear, and simulated waterboarding with a hose.

The Digital Transformation of Hazing

Today’s hazing evidence lives on smartphones: GroupMe chats organizing abuse, Snapchat stories showing humiliating acts, Instagram posts documenting injuries, and deleted messages that digital forensics can recover. For Bartlett families, this means evidence preservation starts with those screenshots and recordings. Our video on using your cellphone to document evidence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains best practices that apply directly to hazing cases.

Texas Hazing Law: What Bartlett Families Must Know

The Texas Education Code Framework

Texas takes hazing seriously under Chapter 37 of the Education Code. For families in Bartlett and Bell County, this law governs cases whether they happen at nearby campuses or hours away at major universities.

Key Provisions for Texas Parents:

Broad Definition (§37.151): Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—on or off campus—that endangers mental or physical health for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or membership maintenance.
Consent is NOT a Defense (§37.155): Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it’s still hazing under Texas law. Courts recognize that power imbalances and peer pressure make true consent impossible.
Criminal Penalties Escalate with Harm (§37.152):
- Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (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 (§37.153): Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can face criminal prosecution and fines up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report it.
Good-Faith Reporting Protection (§37.154): Those who report hazing in good faith receive immunity from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding Both Tracks

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (prosecutor)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Common charges: Hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter in fatalities

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims and families
Aim: Compensation and accountability
Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress

Both can proceed simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue civil justice. Many families in Texas pursue civil cases even when criminal charges aren’t filed, as the burden of proof differs.

Federal Laws Overlaying Texas Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently, strengthen prevention programs, and maintain public hazing data by 2026. This will give Bartlett families better access to information about organizations at Texas campuses.

Title IX & Clery Act:
When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations trigger. The Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes—many hazing incidents overlap with these categories.

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: What Bartlett Families Are Really Up Against

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Our Investigative Advantage

At Attorney911, we maintain what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations across our state. For families in Bartlett, this means we start investigations with knowledge, not guesswork.

Texas Has 1,423 Greek Organizations Across 25 Metros

From our analysis of IRS records, university data, and organizational filings, we track:

125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations in IRS B83 filings
96 Texas university campuses with Greek life presence
Organizations spanning 15 major metro areas across Texas

For Bartlett and Bell County Families, this data reveals organizations operating throughout Central Texas and at campuses where your children likely attend.

Public Records Snapshot: Greek Organizations in Texas

Sample IRS B83 Organizations (Texas-Registered):

Sigma Phi Lambda Inc, EIN 201237505, Corinth, TX 76210 (Beta Chapter)
Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc, EIN 133048786, College Station, TX 77845
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc, EIN 475370943, Houston, TX 77204 (Theta Delta)
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, EIN 746064445, Nederland, TX 77627 (Epsilon Kappa Chapter)
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, EIN 352335400, Tyler, TX 75799 (University of Texas at Tyler)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, EIN 364091267, Waco, TX 76710 (Xi Chi)
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, EIN 237279532, Prairie View, TX 77446

Metro-Level Concentration:

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510 Greek organizations
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188 organizations
Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154 organizations
Waco Metro (relevant to Bell County): 27 organizations
College Station-Bryan Metro: 42 organizations

Cross-Validated Brands (Appearing in Multiple Data Sources):

Beta Upsilon Chi: Appears in IRS B83 (EIN 742911848) and Cause IQ metro data
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation: IRS and metro listings
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority: Multiple IRS listings and metro chapter records

This isn’t just data—it’s our starting point for investigations. When Bartlett families come to us with hazing concerns, we already know how to trace organizational structures, identify insurance coverage, and uncover prior incidents.

Where Bartlett Families Send Their Children: Campus Realities

Local Campuses Serving Bell County

Texas A&M University-Central Texas (Killeen, Bell County)
Just minutes from Bartlett, this growing campus serves many Central Texas families. As part of the Texas A&M system, it connects to broader Greek networks and carries institutional responsibilities that can affect liability in hazing cases.

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (Belton, Bell County)
A private Christian university in our county, UMHB has its own Greek life and organizational dynamics. Hazing cases here involve both Texas law and private institutional policies.

Major Statewide Hubs for Bartlett Students

University of Houston
Where we’re currently fighting the Leonel Bermudez case. UH has over 30 Greek chapters across multiple councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural). Recent transparency efforts include public hazing violation reports, but as our case shows, serious abuse continues.

Texas A&M University (College Station)
Many Bartlett students attend A&M, drawn by academic excellence and tradition. The Corps of Cadets adds another layer of concern—we’ve handled Corps hazing cases involving alleged degradation and abuse. Recent SAE chemical burn cases show Greek life risks persist.

University of Texas at Austin
UT maintains one of Texas’s most transparent hazing violation databases. Recent entries show Pi Kappa Alpha directing new members to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, resulting in probation. This transparency helps families but doesn’t eliminate risk.

Baylor University (Waco)
Located in nearby McLennan County, Baylor draws Central Texas students. The university’s history with institutional accountability issues creates particular concerns about hazing response and transparency.

Southern Methodist University (Dallas)
SMU’s affluent Greek scene has faced hazing scandals, including Kappa Alpha Order incidents involving paddling and forced drinking. Private university status affects how cases proceed.

The University Transparency Spectrum

Texas universities vary dramatically in hazing transparency:

Most Transparent: UT Austin
Public hazing violation website with organization names, dates, conduct descriptions, and sanctions.

Moderate Transparency: UH and Texas A&M
Some public reporting, but often less detailed than UT’s. Internal disciplinary processes may shield information until discovery in litigation.

Least Transparent: Private Universities (SMU, Baylor)
Fewer public reporting requirements. Information often emerges through lawsuits or media investigations.

For Bartlett families, this means:

UT’s public database can help research organizations before your child joins
At less transparent schools, you may need legal assistance to uncover prior incidents
All Texas universities must comply with the Stop Campus Hazing Act by 2026, improving transparency

National Patterns, Texas Realities: Why History Matters

The Fatal Pattern: Alcohol Hazing

Stone Foltz – Pi Kappa Alpha, Bowling Green State (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). This case matters for Texas because Pi Kappa Alpha chapters operate at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and across our state.

Timothy Piazza – Beta Theta Pi, Penn State (2017)
Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking; fatal falls captured on chapter cameras; delayed medical help. Resulted in Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. Beta Theta Pi operates at Texas A&M and other Texas campuses.

Max Gruver – Phi Delta Theta, LSU (2017)
“Bible study” drinking game; forced drinking for wrong answers; died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%). Led to Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony in Louisiana. Phi Delta Theta chapters are at UT, Texas A&M, and throughout Texas.

Andrew Coffey – Pi Kappa Phi, Florida State (2017)
“Big Brother Night” with handles of liquor; died from acute alcohol poisoning. Pi Kappa Phi is the fraternity in our current UH case—showing national patterns repeating in Texas.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing

Chun “Michael” Deng – Pi Delta Psi, Baruch College (2013)
Blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual at Pennsylvania retreat; died from traumatic brain injury; fraternity banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. Shows how off-campus retreats increase danger and liability.

What These Cases Mean for Bartlett Families

Pattern Recognition: The same scripts (Big/Little nights, drinking games, brutal initiations) repeat across states and campuses. When we see them in Texas, we know the risks and the legal arguments that have succeeded elsewhere.
National Liability: National headquarters often have extensive records of prior incidents. In litigation, we can subpoena these to show they knew the risks but failed to prevent recurrence at Texas chapters.
Settlement Precedents: The $10M Foltz settlement, $6.1M Gruver verdict, and other outcomes set benchmarks for Texas cases. We use these to guide negotiations and trial strategies.
Legislative Impact: States like Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Ohio, and Florida strengthened laws after fatalities. Texas families benefit from these reforms and the heightened awareness they created.

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

The Evidence That Wins Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Critical Today)

GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage conversations showing planning, coordination, and admissions
Social media posts (Instagram stories, TikTok videos) documenting events
Deleted messages recovered through digital forensics
Location data and timestamps placing individuals at scenes

Physical and Medical Evidence

Photographs of injuries (take immediately and over several days to show progression)
Medical records documenting treatment for injuries, intoxication, or psychological trauma
Toxicology reports showing blood alcohol or drug levels
Preserve clothing with stains or damage; don’t wash it

Institutional Records

University disciplinary files on the organization (obtained through discovery)
National fraternity/sorority incident reports and risk management files
Insurance policies covering the organization or individuals
Prior complaints or warnings about similar conduct

For Bartlett Families: Immediate Evidence Preservation

Screenshot EVERYTHING before it’s deleted
Photograph injuries with a ruler or coin for scale
Write down names, dates, times, and details while fresh
Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor—create a record
Contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for guidance on preserving specific evidence

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical expenses (ER, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing treatment)
Future medical care (therapy, medications, life care plans for catastrophic injuries)
Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Lost earning capacity (if injuries affect future employment)

Non-Economic Damages (Substantial but Subjective)

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress, PTSD, trauma, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life
In wrongful death cases: loss of companionship, parental guidance, emotional suffering

Punitive Damages (When Conduct is Egregious)

Designed to punish and deter
Available when defendants show reckless disregard or intentional misconduct
Often involve evidence of cover-ups, prior incidents, or particularly cruel conduct

The Strategic Landscape in Texas

Sovereign Immunity Challenges with Public Universities
UH, Texas A&M, and UT enjoy some sovereign immunity protections as state institutions. However, exceptions exist for:

Gross negligence or willful misconduct
Ministerial (non-discretionary) duty violations
Title IX claims involving sex discrimination
Suits against individual employees in personal capacity

Even with immunity arguments, public universities often settle to avoid discovery, trial, and publicity. The $3M BGSU settlement in the Foltz case shows this reality.

Insurance Coverage Battles
Fraternity and university insurers frequently argue hazing is excluded as “intentional conduct.” We counter with:

Negligent supervision theories (separate from intentional hazing acts)
Bad faith claims against insurers who wrongfully deny coverage
Multiple policy approaches (individual homeowners, chapter policies, national policies, umbrella coverage)

Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney gives us particular insight here. He knows how these companies think, value claims, and fight coverage.

The Co-Counsel Advantage for Complex Cases
For cases involving multiple states or jurisdictions, we often work with co-counsel in other states while leading Texas aspects. This collaborative approach ensures specialized knowledge applies to each legal dimension.

Practical Guidance for Bartlett Parents and Students

If You Suspect Hazing: Immediate Action Steps

First 24 Hours (Crisis Response):

If in immediate danger: CALL 911
Seek medical attention for any injuries or intoxication
Preserve digital evidence (screenshots, photos before deletion)
Contact Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 for emergency legal guidance

Days 1-7 (Strategic Foundation):

Document everything: dates, times, names, locations, details
Secure medical records and follow-up care
Identify witnesses and other affected students
Avoid confronting the organization directly (they’ll destroy evidence)
Do NOT sign anything from the university or insurance companies

Week 2+ (Legal Strategy):

Consult with experienced hazing attorneys
Decide on reporting to university, police, or both
Begin formal evidence preservation through legal channels
Consider temporary relocation or safety planning if retaliation is a concern

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Letting Evidence Disappear
The #1 mistake: allowing deletion of group chats, social media posts, or photos. Once deleted, recovery is difficult and expensive. Screenshot everything immediately.

Confronting the Organization Directly
Angry parents naturally want to confront those who hurt their child. This almost always backfires—organizations lawyer up, destroy evidence, and prepare defenses. Let attorneys handle communication.

Signing University “Resolution” Agreements
Universities often pressure families to sign quick settlement agreements that waive legal rights for minimal compensation. Never sign anything without attorney review. These agreements often represent pennies on the dollar of actual case value.

Posting on Social Media
Venting on Facebook or Instagram feels cathartic but gives defense attorneys free evidence. Everything you post can be used to challenge credibility or claim inconsistencies. Keep discussions private until the case resolves.

Waiting Too Long
Texas generally has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, but evidence disappears much faster. Witnesses graduate, memories fade, phones get replaced. Act quickly to preserve your rights.

For Students: Safety and Reporting

Is This Hazing? Quick Self-Assessment

Are you being pressured or coerced?
Would you do this if you had a real choice without social consequences?
Is the activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Are you being told to keep secrets?
Would your parents or the university approve if they knew details?

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

Safe Exit Strategies

You have the legal right to leave at any time
Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend)
Send written resignation (email/text) to avoid “one last meeting” pressure
Document any retaliation or threats
Texas law protects good-faith reporters from liability

Where to Report

Campus: Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct, Title IX Office
Criminal: Campus police or local police (for assault, alcohol offenses)
Anonymous: National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE)
Legal: Attorney911 for confidential consultation about rights and options

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

Our Texas Roots, Your Local Advantage

From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including Bartlett, Belton, Killeen, and all of Bell County. We understand Texas courts, Texas universities, and Texas families because we’re Texans ourselves.

The Insurance Insider Advantage

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

Value and undervalue hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Deploy independent medical exams to minimize injuries

This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating with the same companies he used to represent. They can’t bluff or bully us—we know their playbook.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello’s background includes:

BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations
Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
25+ years of complex personal injury and wrongful death litigation
HCCLA membership signaling elite criminal defense capability

When we face national fraternities with unlimited legal budgets or university systems with teams of attorneys, we’re not intimidated. We’ve fought bigger opponents and won.

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

Unlike firms that start investigations from scratch, we begin with comprehensive data:

1,423 Greek organizations tracked across 25 Texas metros
IRS B83 records for 125+ Texas-registered Greek entities
University disciplinary histories and transparency patterns
National organization incident histories and insurance structures

For Bartlett families, this means we already know how to trace the organizational web behind Greek letters. We identify all potentially liable parties—local chapters, housing corporations, alumni associations, national headquarters, universities—from day one.

Proven Results in Catastrophic Cases

We’ve recovered millions for clients in:

Wrongful death cases with complex economic modeling
Catastrophic injury cases requiring lifetime care planning
Institutional negligence cases against powerful defendants
Cases where insurance companies initially denied coverage

We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability and compensation commensurate with the harm.

Spanish-Language Services

Se habla español. Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can serve Hispanic families throughout Texas without language barriers. This is particularly important in Central Texas communities.

Your Next Step: Confidential Consultation

What to Expect When You Call

When you contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, you’ll receive:

Immediate Attention:
We prioritize hazing cases because evidence disappears fast. You’ll speak directly with an attorney, not a receptionist.

Compassionate Listening:
We know this is traumatic. We’ll listen without judgment, ask clarifying questions, and help you organize the facts.

Honest Case Assessment:
We’ll give you a preliminary assessment of:

Legal claims that may apply
Potential defendants and insurance sources
Evidence preservation priorities
Realistic timelines and challenges

Clear Explanation of Options:
We’ll outline possible paths:

University disciplinary process
Criminal reporting
Civil litigation
Settlement negotiations
Or combination approaches

No-Pressure Decision Making:
We won’t pressure you to hire us immediately. We’ll provide information so you can make informed decisions with your family.

Our Contingency Fee Structure

We work on contingency for personal injury cases: We don’t get paid unless we win. This includes:

No upfront fees or retainers
No hourly billing
Fees calculated as a percentage of recovery
Case expenses advanced by the firm (reimbursed from recovery)

This structure ensures access to justice regardless of financial means. Our video explaining contingency fees (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc) covers details.

Contact Information

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Legal Emergency Lawyers™

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)
Email: lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña, Spanish services available)

Serving Bartlett, Bell County, and All of Texas
From our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices, we represent families throughout Texas in hazing and campus abuse cases.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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 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