Hazing in Texas: A Complete Guide for Families in Town of Cross Roads, Denton County & North Texas
If you are a parent in Town of Cross Roads, the quiet streets of our close-knit community in Denton County feel a world away from the dangerous rituals playing out on college campuses. Yet, your child, whether attending a local university in Denton or a major state school hours away, could be at risk right now.
Imagine this: your son, eager to find his place, accepts a bid to a fraternity at the University of Houston. What begins as weekly meetings and “bonding” escalates. He is forced to carry a degrading “pledge fanny pack,” stay awake for days running errands, and endure brutal workouts. One night, after being forced through hundreds of push-ups and squats, his muscles begin to break down. Days later, he is crawling up the stairs at home, his urine brown. A frantic trip to the ER reveals a catastrophic diagnosis: rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure from extreme hazing. He is hospitalized for four days, facing a lifetime of potential health complications.
This is not a hypothetical. This is the real-life case of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student represented by our firm in a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit against the University, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and its leaders. The details are harrowing: forced consumption of food until vomiting, exposure to cold, being sprayed with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and another pledge being hog-tied face-down for over an hour. This case, unfolding right now in Texas courts, is proof that the most severe forms of hazing are not relics of the past—they are a present and active danger.
This guide is for you, the parents and families across Town of Cross Roads, Denton County, and North Texas. We will explain what modern hazing truly looks like, the legal framework in Texas that holds organizations accountable, and how the patterns seen in national tragedies connect directly to the universities where your children study. Most importantly, we will show you how to protect your child and fight for accountability, using the same data-driven strategies and legal expertise we are deploying in the Bermudez case.
IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES
If you suspect your child is in danger right now:
- Call 911 for any medical emergency.
- Then call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal guidance.
- Preserve Evidence: Screenshot all group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage), photograph injuries, save any physical items, and write down everything your child tells you.
- Do NOT confront the organization, sign anything from the university, or let your child delete digital evidence.
The Hazing Reality for Town of Cross Roads & North Texas Families: An Active Case Study
The Leonel Bermudez lawsuit is our flagship case and a critical warning for every Texas family. The complaint alleges a system of abuse within the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at the University of Houston that included psychological torment, physical endangerment, and institutional failure.
The Hazing Conduct:
- Humiliation & Control: Pledges were required to carry a “pledge fanny pack” 24/7 containing condoms, sex toys, nicotine devices, and other demeaning items. They adhered to enforced dress codes, endured hours-long “study” blocks, and were on call for overnight driving duties.
- Physical Abuse: Rituals included sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, and “save-your-brother” drills. Pledges were forced to lie in vomit-soaked grass, endure cold-weather exposure in their underwear, and were sprayed in the face with a hose in a manner described as “similar to waterboarding.”
- Forced Consumption & Extreme Exercise: Bermudez was forced to consume excessive amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then immediately forced to sprint. The breaking point was a November 3rd “workout” where he was forced to complete over 100 push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion.
The Medical Catastrophe:
This extreme physical hazing led Bermudez to develop rhabdomyolysis, a severe skeletal muscle breakdown, and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, could not stand without help, and required a four-day hospitalization. Lab tests showed critically elevated creatine kinase levels. He faces an ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage and long-term physical and psychological harm.
The Institutional Response & Defendants:
The lawsuit names a full universe of defendants: the University of Houston, the UH System Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, the Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders/members. After reports surfaced, Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended the chapter on November 6, 2025. On November 14, chapter members voted to surrender their charter, effectively shutting it down. UH called the alleged conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary action and cooperation with law enforcement.
For families in Town of Cross Roads, this case demonstrates that the most serious hazing litigation is happening right here in Texas. It shows the specific, brutal tactics used and the severe, life-altering injuries that result. When we represent a family, we bring this same level of detailed, aggressive investigation and litigation to hold every responsible party accountable.
You can read the detailed media coverage of this active case: the Click2Houston report on UH Pi Kappa Phi hazing case and the ABC13 coverage of Leonel Bermudez’s UH hazing lawsuit.
The North Texas Greek Ecosystem: Data-Driven Insights for Denton County Families
Parents in Town of Cross Roads and surrounding Denton County communities like Argyle, Lantana, and Krum often have children at a mix of local and distant universities. Understanding the vast, interconnected network of Greek organizations is the first step in recognizing where liability lies.
Using our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—built from IRS public records, university data, and national organization databases—we maintain an unparalleled directory of Greek entities operating across Texas. This data allows us to immediately identify every organization potentially behind a hazing incident.
For the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro (which includes Town of Cross Roads & Denton County):
Our data shows a dense ecosystem. The Cause IQ metro summary indicates over 510 Greek-related organizations operate in this metro area. These range from undergraduate chapter house corporations to alumni associations, honor societies, and educational foundations. This vast network means the organizations connected to a campus incident are often based right here in North Texas.
A Snapshot from the Public Records Directory:
The following are real examples of Texas-registered Greek organizations, illustrating the complex web of entities we track. This is a fraction of the over 1,400 organizations we monitor statewide.
Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Inc, EIN 161675890, The Woodlands, TX 77382 (IRS B83 filing)
Sigma Phi Lambda Inc, EIN 201237505, Corinth, TX 76210 (IRS B83 filing – Beta Chapter)
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, EIN 237279532, Prairie View, TX 77446 (IRS B83 filing)
Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity, EIN 262025321, Denton, TX 76201 – Mu Gamma Chapter (IRS B83 filing)
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, EIN 263170920, Denton, TX 76204 – Texas Woman’s University Chapter (IRS B83 filing)
National Pan-Hellenic Council North Dallas Suburbia, EIN 264080411, Carrollton, TX 75011 (IRS B83 filing)
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, EIN 364091267, Waco, TX 76710 – Xi Chi Chapter (IRS B83 filing)
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035 (IRS B83 filing)
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc, EIN 741380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147 (IRS B83 filing)
Beta Upsilon Chi, EIN 742911848, Fort Worth, TX 76244 (IRS B83 & Cause IQ Metro listing)
Kappa Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc, EIN 751727080, Arlington, TX 76013 (IRS B83 filing)
Frisco TX Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Inc, EIN 920575785, Frisco, TX 75034 (IRS B83 filing)
Cross-Validated National Brands in North Texas:
Our data matching reveals national brands that appear across multiple public record sources, showing their entrenched presence. For example, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority appear in both IRS data and Cause IQ metro listings, confirming their active network of undergraduate and alumni chapters across the region. This overlap is critical for litigation—it proves we can track a specific national organization through its various legal entities in Texas.
Where Town of Cross Roads Families Send Their Kids: Local Campuses & Statewide Hubs
Families in our community have strong educational ties throughout Texas. Students may commute to excellent local institutions or head to major flagship universities. Hazing risks exist across this spectrum.
Local & Regional Campuses (From Table B – Texas Universities):
- University of North Texas (UNT): Located in Denton, a major public university with extensive Greek life.
- Texas Woman’s University (TWU): Also in Denton, with sorority and student organization life.
- Texas A&M University-Commerce: In nearby Hunt County, with active fraternity and sorority councils.
- Collin College & North Central Texas College: While primarily two-year colleges, many students begin here before transferring to four-year Greek systems.
Major Statewide University Hubs:
These are the universities where a significant number of Town of Cross Roads high school graduates enroll, each with robust and sometimes problematic Greek cultures:
- University of Texas at Austin (UT)
- Texas A&M University (College Station)
- University of Houston (UH)
- Texas Tech University (Lubbock)
- Baylor University (Waco)
- Southern Methodist University (SMU) (Dallas)
Each of these campuses has documented hazing incidents, from alcohol poisonings to physical abuse. The national fraternities and sororities present at these schools are often the same ones with devastating hazing histories across the country.
Connecting the Dots: Organizations Behind the Letters at Texas Campuses
When hazing occurs at a chapter at UT, Texas A&M, or UH, liability does not stop with the students in the room. A web of supporting organizations exists, and our data engine is built to identify every one.
The Organizational Hierarchy:
- The Undergraduate Chapter: The students themselves.
- The Chapter Housing Corporation: A legal entity (like the Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Housing Corp) that often owns or manages the house. These are frequently Texas-registered non-profits with their own EINs, assets, and insurance.
- Alumni Chapters & Associations: Local graduate groups that provide funding, advice, and oversight.
- The National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters: Sets policies, collects dues, and holds ultimate authority over chapter charters. They often carry the largest insurance policies.
- The University: Provides recognition, may own property, and has a legal duty to supervise and protect students.
Using the Bermudez Case as a Blueprint:
In the UH Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, we sued this full hierarchy: the individual members, the local Beta Nu housing corporation (based in Frisco, TX), and the Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters. This approach maximizes accountability and access to insurance coverage. For a family in Town of Cross Roads whose child is hazed at a distant school, we immediately deploy this investigative model to identify the Texas-based entities that share liability.
Texas Hazing Law & Liability Explained for Denton County Families
Texas has specific laws that govern hazing and provide avenues for civil justice. Understanding this framework is empowering for families.
Texas Education Code, Chapter 37 (Subchapter F – Hazing):
- Definition: Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health/safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation with a group. This includes forced drinking, physical brutality, and sleep deprivation.
- Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor. It becomes a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury (like rhabdomyolysis or kidney failure) or death.
- Consent is NOT a Defense: Texas law (§37.155) explicitly states that a victim’s “consent” to the hazing activity is not a valid legal defense.
- Organizational Liability: The organization itself (fraternity, sorority, team) can be fined up to $10,000 per violation if it authorizes or knowingly permits hazing.
Civil Liability & Your Family’s Lawsuit:
A criminal case is brought by the state to punish. A civil lawsuit, which we file on behalf of victims, seeks compensation for damages and to hold institutions accountable. Legal theories include:
- Negligence & Gross Negligence: The organization failed to exercise reasonable care (e.g., not enforcing its own anti-hazing policies).
- Negligent Supervision: The national fraternity or university failed to adequately supervise the chapter.
- Premises Liability: If hazing occurred in a house owned or controlled by a liable entity.
- Wrongful Death: If hazing results in a fatality.
Federal Laws That Apply:
- Title IX: If hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, or creates a hostile environment based on sex, federal Title IX obligations apply to the university.
- The Clery Act: Requires universities to report certain crimes, including hazing-related assaults.
- The Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires increased transparency and reporting from universities receiving federal funds.
For a case originating from Town of Cross Roads, the relevant jurisdictions could include Denton County courts (for local entities), the county where the university is located, and potentially federal court for Title IX claims.
Building a Powerful Hazing Case: The Attorney911 Data & Experience Advantage
When you choose our firm, you are not starting from zero. You are gaining access to our investigative systems and proven litigation experience.
1. The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine in Action:
While the public directory we’ve shown is a sample, our private investigative database is vastly more detailed. When we take a case, we immediately cross-reference all involved individuals and organizations against this engine to:
- Identify every associated Texas entity (with EINs and addresses).
- Uncover prior incidents involving the same national organization.
- Trace insurance coverage and assets.
- Build a map of institutional knowledge that proves “foreseeability.”
2. Proven Litigation Strengths That Matter for Hazing Cases:
- Insurance Insider Knowledge (Mr. Lupe Peña): Mr. Peña (he/him) is a former insurance defense attorney for a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers will try to deny, delay, and undervalue claims. This insider perspective is invaluable for negotiating and litigating hazing cases.
- Complex Institutional Litigation (Ralph Manginello): Our experience in the BP Texas City explosion litigation proves we are not intimidated by billion-dollar defendants. National fraternities and major universities have similar deep-pocketed legal teams—we know how to fight them.
- Dual Criminal & Civil Understanding: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand the criminal hazing process, which often runs parallel to civil cases. We can effectively advise clients navigating both systems.
- Spanish-Language Services: Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, ensuring we can serve all Texas families with comfort and clarity.
3. Evidence Preservation is Everything:
Victims and families must act quickly. We guide you through it, but critical steps include:
- Screenshot All Digital Evidence: Group chats (GroupMe, iMessage, WhatsApp), social media posts, DMs, emails. Do not delete anything.
- Photograph Injuries: Take clear, dated photos of all bruises, burns, or other injuries from multiple angles.
- Secure Medical Records: Go to the ER or a doctor immediately. Tell them the injuries are from hazing so it is documented.
- Write a Chronology: Write down everything you remember—dates, times, locations, names of participants—while memories are fresh.
- Physical Evidence: Save clothing, paddles, or any items used in the hazing.
We have a detailed video on this critical first step: Our video on using your phone to document evidence.
Practical Steps for Parents & Students in Town of Cross Roads
If You Suspect Hazing:
- Talk to Your Child: Approach with concern, not accusation. Ask open-ended questions about their activities, sleep, and stress levels.
- Look for Signs: Unexplained injuries, extreme fatigue, withdrawal from family, sudden secrecy about the organization, anxiety around their phone, or drastic grade changes.
- Prioritize Safety: If there is any immediate danger, call 911.
If Hazing Has Occurred:
- Seek Medical Care: This is non-negotiable for health and for creating a medical record.
- Preserve Evidence: Follow the steps above before any digital evidence disappears.
- Report Internally (Carefully): You can report to the university’s Dean of Students or Office of Student Conduct. Be aware that the university’s primary interest may be limiting its own liability. We recommend consulting with us first to strategize this reporting.
- Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney: This is crucial. The university and the fraternity’s insurers will have lawyers working immediately to protect their interests. You need an advocate who understands hazing litigation.
Critical Mistakes to Avoid:
- Do NOT let your child delete texts or group chats.
- Do NOT confront the fraternity/sorority members directly.
- Do NOT sign any documents from the university or an insurance adjuster without legal counsel.
- Do NOT post details about the incident on public social media.
- Do NOT wait to see how the university “handles it.” Evidence vanishes and statutes of limitations run.
We explain these common pitfalls in detail here: Our video on mistakes that can ruin your injury case.
Why Attorney911 is the Right Choice for Your Texas Hazing Case
We are not just personal injury lawyers; we are complex litigation specialists who focus on holding powerful institutions accountable. The Bermudez case against UH and Pi Kappa Phi is not an ad—it’s our active, daily work. We are in the trenches right now, fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country.
For families in Town of Cross Roads and across North Texas, this means we bring current, relevant expertise to your situation. We understand the specific dynamics of Texas universities, the tactics of national Greek organizations, and the insurance strategies used to avoid payouts.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you. We invest our resources and expertise upfront to build the strongest possible case.
Time is of the essence. Texas has a statute of limitations for filing injury lawsuits, and crucial evidence can be lost in days. We discuss this urgency here: Our video on Texas statutes of limitations.
We offer free, confidential, no-obligation consultations. In that meeting, we will listen to your story, analyze the facts you have, and explain your legal options clearly. If we take your case, we will fight relentlessly to secure justice for your child and your family, just as we are doing for Leonel Bermudez.
Contact Attorney911 for a Confidential Consultation
If your child has been hazed at any Texas university—from a local Denton campus to a flagship school across the state—you are not alone. The path to accountability begins with a conversation.
Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911).
You can also call direct at (713) 528-9070 or email ralph@atty911.com.
Hablamos Español: Mr. Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish-language consultations. Email lupe@atty911.com.
We serve families across Texas from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. Let us put our data, our experience, and our commitment to work for you.
Legal Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed until a written agreement is signed. Laws and university policies change. Every case is unique, and outcomes depend on specific facts. Please contact an attorney for advice about your specific situation.
Plain Text Links to Key Resources
News Coverage of the Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing Lawsuit:
- Click2Houston (KPRC 2) Investigation: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
- ABC13 Eyewitness News (KTRK) Coverage: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
- Hoodline Summary: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/
Attorney911 Educational Videos:
- Documenting Evidence with Your Phone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
- Understanding Statute of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
- Common Client Mistakes to Avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
- How Contingency Fees Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc
Attorney911 Main Website:
- For a free consultation, visit: https://attorney911.com
