The Ultimate Guide to Fraternity & Sorority Hazing in Texas: Legal Rights for Golinda Families

If your child attends a Texas university, the greatest threat to their safety may not be a car accident or a campus crime—it could be the very organization they joined to find community. Hazing is not a relic of the past; it is a present and severe danger on campuses across our state, including those where Golinda families send their students. This guide provides the comprehensive, legally grounded information Texas parents need to recognize hazing, understand their rights, and hold powerful institutions accountable.

1. The Texas Hazing Reality for Golinda Families

For parents in Golinda, Falls County, your child’s college journey might lead to the University of Houston, Texas A&M, Baylor University, or another campus hours away. The physical distance can make it even harder to spot the warning signs of a crisis unfolding within a fraternity, sorority, Corps program, or athletic team.

Right now, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who was hazed by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter in fall 2025. The allegations are severe: forced consumption of food until vomiting, extreme physical workouts, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and carrying a humiliating “pledge fanny pack” at all times. This abuse caused Mr. Bermudez to develop rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown, he was hospitalized for four days, and he faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. This is not an isolated incident; it is a pattern.

This guide is for any Golinda parent who needs to understand what modern hazing looks like, how Texas law protects students, and what legal options exist when institutions fail. We will cover the specific landscapes at major Texas universities, the national histories of fraternities present on those campuses, and the practical steps to take if you suspect your child is in danger.

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.
  • Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted: Screenshot group chats, photograph injuries, save physical items.
  • Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where).
  • Do NOT: Confront the organization, sign anything from the university, or post details on public social media.

• Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a confidential consultation.

2. Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

Hazing has evolved far beyond stereotypical “pranks.” It is a calculated system of control and degradation that endangers mental and physical health. For Golinda families, understanding these modern tactics is the first step in protection.

Modern Hazing Methods: A Three-Tier System

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (Psychological Control)
These acts emphasize power imbalance and are often dismissed as “tradition.” They create the conditions for more severe abuse.

• Servitude & Control: Being on call 24/7 as a designated driver, cleaning members’ rooms, or running personal errands.
• Social Isolation: Being pressured to cut contact with non-members, family, or friends.
• Digital Monitoring: Required instant responses in group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp), forced location sharing, and social media policing.

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Emotional & Physical Discomfort)
These behaviors cause measurable harm and create an abusive environment.

• Sleep Deprivation: Mandatory late-night or early-morning “meetings,” workouts, or tasks.
• Forced Consumption: Eating excessive amounts of bland food (milk, hot dogs, bread) or unpleasant substances until ill.
• Public Humiliation: Wearing degrading costumes, performing embarrassing acts, or being subjected to verbal “roasts.”
• Extreme Calisthenics: “Smokings” or punishments involving hundreds of push-ups, squats, or wall-sits beyond safe limits.

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (High Risk of Injury or Death)
These are the acts that lead to hospitalization, lifelong disability, and wrongful death lawsuits.

• Forced Alcohol Consumption: The most common fatal hazing method. This includes “lineup” drinking games, “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, and trivia games where wrong answers mandate drinking.
• Physical Beatings: Paddling, punching, kicking, or “tackle” rituals like the “glass ceiling” that killed Chun “Michael” Deng.
• Sexualized Hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, or sexual assault.
• Dangerous Environments: Exposure to extreme cold, being tied up or restrained, or dangerous driving while fatigued or intoxicated.

The Leonel Bermudez case at UH involved tactics from all three tiers: the psychological control of the fanny-pack rule (Tier 1), the forced consumption and humiliation (Tier 2), and the violent physical workouts leading to organ failure (Tier 3).

Where Hazing Happens: Beyond Fraternities

While Greek life is a prime concern, hazing permeates many campus groups:

• Fraternities & Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, Multicultural).
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC and military-style groups.
• Athletic Teams (from football to swimming).
• Spirit & Tradition Organizations (like Texas Cowboys or Aggie Band).
• Marching Bands and performing arts groups.

The common thread is a power dynamic where older members control new members through tradition, secrecy, and fear of exclusion.

3. Texas Law & Liability: A Legal Framework for Golinda Families

Texas has specific laws governing hazing, and Golinda families should understand both the criminal penalties and the civil recourse available.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Anti-Hazing Statute

The law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed at a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student.

Key Provisions for Texas Parents:

• Consent is NOT a Defense (§37.155): Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it is still legally hazing. Courts recognize that consent under peer pressure and power imbalance is not valid.
• Criminal Penalties Escalate with Harm (§37.152):
  • Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine).
  • Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing that causes injury requiring medical treatment.
  • State Jail Felony: Hazing that causes serious bodily injury or death.
• Organizations Can Be Prosecuted (§37.153): Fraternities, sororities, and clubs can be fined up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged hazing.
• Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting (§37.154): Students who report hazing or call 911 in an emergency are protected from civil or criminal liability related to that report.

Civil Liability: The Path to Accountability and Compensation

A criminal case, brought by the state, seeks punishment. A civil lawsuit, which we file on behalf of victims, seeks compensation for damages and institutional accountability. These cases often run concurrently.

Who Can Be Held Civilly Liable?

1. Individual Students: Those who planned, executed, or assisted in the hazing.
2. The Local Chapter: As a legal entity, if it owns property or holds accounts.
3. The National Headquarters: For negligent supervision, failure to enforce policies, or having prior knowledge of dangerous patterns.
4. The University: If it was deliberately indifferent to known risks, failed to enforce its policies, or violated Title IX/Clery Act obligations.
5. Third Parties: Landlords of off-campus houses, alumni advisors, or alcohol providers.

Federal Law Overlay

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents publicly and strengthen prevention programs (fully effective by 2026).
• Title IX: If hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination, the university has specific investigative duties.
• Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain crimes, including assaults and alcohol/drug violations that often accompany hazing.

4. National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Predict Tragedy

The hazing that injured Leonel Bermudez at UH is not unique. It follows a national script written through decades of preventable tragedies. Understanding these patterns shows Golinda families that these are not “accidents,” but foreseeable outcomes of reckless systems.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern

• Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi, 2017): Died from traumatic brain injuries after a bid-acceptance night of forced drinking. Brothers delayed calling 911 for hours. Result: Felony charges, multi-million-dollar civil settlements, and Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.
• Max Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta, 2017): Died from alcohol poisoning after a “Bible study” drinking game. Result: The Max Gruver Act made hazing a felony in Louisiana.
• Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021): Died after being forced to drink a bottle of liquor. Result: $10 million settlement ($7M from national Pike, $3M from BGSU) and criminal convictions.

The Physical Brutality Pattern

• Chun “Michael” Deng (Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi, 2013): Died from brain injuries after a blindfolded, violent “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat. Result: National fraternity convicted of felony manslaughter and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.
• Danny Santulli (Univ. of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta, 2021): Suffered permanent, catastrophic brain damage from forced drinking. Result: Confidential multi-million-dollar settlements with 22 defendants.

The Athletic Hazing Pattern

• Northwestern University Football (2023-2025): Widespread alleged sexualized and racist hazing led to multiple lawsuits, the firing of the head coach, and confidential settlements.

The Takeaway for Texas: These national cases create legal precedent. They prove that national fraternities and universities are on notice about these specific, deadly rituals. When the same patterns emerge at UH, Texas A&M, or UT, it demonstrates foreseeability—a key element in proving negligence.

5. The Texas University Landscape: Where Golinda Students Are at Risk

Golinda families often have students at campuses across the state. Here is what you need to know about the hazing environments at major Texas universities.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

For Golinda families sending students to Houston, UH’s recent history is a critical case study.

Campus Snapshot: A large, diverse, urban campus with active Greek life spanning IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and Multicultural councils.

The Flagship Case – Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi:
Our client’s case is the most severe recent example. The lawsuit alleges a months-long campaign of abuse at the Pi Kappa Phi house, a Culmore Drive residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park. The hazing included the “pledge fanny pack,” forced overeating, “waterboarding” with a hose, and extreme workouts causing rhabdomyolysis. The chapter was suspended by nationals on Nov. 6, 2025, and members voted to surrender their charter on Nov. 14, 2025. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing.” This active, $10 million lawsuit names 13 individual members, the chapter housing corporation, Pi Kappa Phi nationals, UH, and the UH System Board of Regents.

What UH Students & Golinda Parents Should Do:

• Report to the UH Dean of Students Office and UHPD.
• Understand that cases may involve Houston Police Department if off-campus.
• Seek counsel with experience in Harris County courts and against major Houston institutions.

5.2 Texas A&M University

As a premier destination for Texas students, A&M has faced high-profile hazing in both Greek and Corps life.

Campus Snapshot: A culture rich in tradition, with a massive Greek system and the renowned Corps of Cadets.

Documented Incidents:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges alleged being doused with industrial cleaner, raw eggs, and other substances, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts. The chapter was suspended, and a $1 million lawsuit was filed.
• Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Lawsuit (2023): A cadet alleged being stripped, bound between beds with an apple in his mouth, and subjected to simulated sexual acts. The lawsuit sought over $1 million in damages.

What Texas A&M Families Should Do:

• Recognize hazing risks in both Greek and Corps environments.
• Reports can go to Student Conduct, the Corps leadership, or College Station Police.
• Documentation is crucial, as tradition is often used to defend abusive behavior.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

UT maintains public transparency through its online hazing violations log, a valuable resource for families.

Campus Snapshot: A flagship university with one of the nation’s largest and most visible Greek communities.

Public Hazing Violations (Examples from UT Log):

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Sanction: Probation and mandated education.
• Texas Wranglers (2023): Spirit group sanctioned for hazing involving alcohol and physical activity.

What UT Families Should Do:

• Check UT’s public hazing log for prior violations by an organization.
• Report to UT’s Student Conduct and UT Police Department.
• Use the university’s own published violation history as evidence of pattern and knowledge in a civil case.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

As a private university, SMU has its own disciplinary processes, but hazing persists.

Campus Snapshot: A private, affluent campus with a strong Greek life presence.

Documented Incident:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): Chapter suspended for hazing involving paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation.

What SMU Families Should Do:

• Utilize SMU’s anonymous reporting systems.
• Understand that private university disciplinary processes are not transparent; a civil lawsuit may be necessary to uncover the full truth.
• Dallas Police may have jurisdiction for off-campus incidents.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor’s history with institutional crises informs its approach to hazing allegations.

Campus Snapshot: A private Christian university that has undergone significant reform following past scandals.

Documented Incident:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following a hazing investigation.

What Baylor Families Should Do:

• Report through Baylor’s conduct office.
• Be aware that the university may be sensitive to negative publicity, potentially affecting its response.
• Waco Police may be involved in off-campus incidents.

6. Uncovering the Network: The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

When a student in Golinda is hazed at a Texas university, the problem rarely stops with the few individuals in the room. Behind every chapter is a complex network of legally responsible entities. Our firm maintains a Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a proprietary database built from public records—to map this network and build the strongest possible case for families.

Public Records Directory: The Organizations Behind the Letters

To illustrate the scale, here is a sample of Texas-registered Greek organizations from public IRS (B83) and metro data. This is the type of directory we use to identify every potentially liable entity.

Sample Texas Greek Organization Listings:

• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 46-2267515 – Frisco, TX 75035 (IRS B83 Filing)
• Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation – EIN 37-1768785 – Missouri City, TX 77459 (IRS B83 Filing)
• Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Houston, TX (Cause IQ Metro Listing)
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity – Texas Rho Corp. – Austin, TX (Cause IQ Metro Listing)
• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc – EIN 13-3048786 – College Station, TX 77845 (IRS B83 Filing)
• Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi – EIN 74-6047117 – Austin, TX 78705 (IRS B83 Filing)
• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – EIN 74-6084905 – Houston, TX 77204 (IRS B83 Filing)

Why This Data Matters for Your Case:
These registrations represent housing corporations, alumni chapters, and educational foundations that often hold insurance policies, own property, and exercise control over chapters. In the Bermudez case, we sued not just the individual members, but the Beta Nu housing corporation and the Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters. This deep investigative work maximizes potential sources of compensation and accountability.

National Histories & Local Chapters

The fraternities and sororities on Texas campuses are chapters of national organizations with documented, repeated hazing crises. This history is crucial for establishing that the harm was foreseeable.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): National pattern of alcohol hazing deaths (Stone Foltz, David Bogenberger).
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): Multiple deaths and severe injury cases nationwide; active lawsuits at Texas A&M and UT.
• Pi Kappa Phi: Andrew Coffey’s death at Florida State University.
• Phi Delta Theta: Max Gruver’s death at LSU.

When a Texas chapter engages in the same forced drinking or violent rituals that killed students elsewhere, it proves the national organization failed to implement effective reforms. This “pattern and practice” evidence is powerful in court.

7. Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages

If hazing has injured your child, taking swift, strategic action is critical. Here is how we build a case for Golinda families.

Evidence Collection: The Digital Crime Scene

Modern hazing lives on smartphones. Preserving this evidence is the first battle.

1. Group Chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage): Screenshot entire threads with timestamps and sender names visible. Assume messages will be deleted.
2. Social Media (Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok): Save stories, posts, and DMs that reference events, injuries, or planning.
3. Photos & Videos: Document injuries from multiple angles over time. Capture scenes and any paraphernalia (paddles, alcohol bottles).
4. Medical Records: All ER visits, doctor notes, lab results (like creatine kinase levels proving rhabdomyolysis), and psychological evaluations.
5. University Records: Prior conduct reports for the organization, obtained through discovery or public records requests.

Our Legal Strategy: Insider Knowledge Meets Institutional Litigation

Our advantage comes from our attorneys’ unique backgrounds:

• Mr. Lupe Peña’s Insurance Insider Knowledge: As a former insurance defense attorney for a national firm, Mr. Peña knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers evaluate claims, employ delay tactics, and argue coverage exclusions. We know their playbook.
• Ralph Manginello’s Complex Litigation Experience: From BP Texas City explosion litigation to federal court battles, our firm has taken on billion-dollar defendants. We are not intimidated by the deep pockets of national fraternities or university legal teams.
• Dual Civil/Criminal Capability: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand the interplay between criminal hazing charges and civil lawsuits, allowing us to best advise families and witnesses.

Recoverable Damages in a Hazing Case

A civil lawsuit seeks to make the victim whole and punish the wrongdoers. Recoverable damages include:

• Economic Damages: All medical bills (past and future), lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and educational costs (e.g., withdrawn semesters).
• Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, PTSD, humiliation, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Wrongful Death Damages: For families who have lost a child, this includes funeral costs, loss of companionship, and emotional anguish.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or intentional conduct, courts may award damages to punish the defendants and deter future behavior.

8. Practical Guides & FAQs for Golinda Parents and Students

For Parents: Warning Signs and Action Steps

Warning Signs Your Child Is Being Hazed:

• Unexplained injuries, exhaustion, or sudden weight change.
• Becoming secretive or defensive about organization activities.
• Constant, anxious phone use related to group chats.
• Personality changes: withdrawal, anxiety, depression.
• Academic performance plummeting.

What to Do Immediately:

1. Prioritize Safety & Health: Get medical care if needed.
2. Preserve Evidence: Help your child screenshot everything. Do not let them delete messages out of shame or fear.
3. Document: Write down everything your child tells you, with dates.
4. Consult a Lawyer Before Reporting: Talking to an attorney first ensures you protect your child’s rights and don’t inadvertently harm the case. Contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911.
5. Do Not Confront the Organization: This triggers evidence destruction and witness coaching.

For Students: Is This Hazing? How to Get Out.

• The Test: If you are being coerced, endangered, or humiliated to belong, it is hazing. “Consent” under pressure is not real consent.
• Exiting Safely: You have the right to quit. Send a clear text/email to the president: “I resign my membership effective immediately.” Tell a trusted adult outside the group first.
• Reporting: You can report anonymously to the university or use the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE). Texas law offers immunity for good-faith reporting.

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin a Case

• Deleting digital evidence.
• Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly.
• Signing a university “resolution” agreement without legal advice.
• Posting about the incident on social media.
• Waiting too long, allowing evidence to vanish and witnesses to scatter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can we sue the university in Texas?
A: Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities have some immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence or Title IX violations. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer barriers. Each case is fact-specific.

Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit?
A: Generally, two years from the date of injury in Texas. However, the “discovery rule” can extend this if the full harm wasn’t immediately known. Do not wait—evidence disappears quickly.

Q: What if it happened off-campus at a rented house?
A: Location does not shield liability. Nationals and universities can still be responsible based on their knowledge and control. The Pi Delta Psi case that killed Michael Deng occurred at a remote retreat, and the national was still convicted.

Q: Will our name be public?
A: Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We aggressively protect our clients’ privacy throughout the process.

9. Why Attorney911 for Your Texas Hazing Case

When your family faces the trauma of hazing, you need advocates who combine insider knowledge, toughness, and genuine compassion. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911) is built for this specific fight.

We are currently leading the charge in Texas, representing Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi. This isn’t theoretical knowledge—it’s active, front-line experience.

Our Distinct Advantages for Golinda Families:

• Texas-Based, Statewide Reach: From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families across Texas, including those in Golinda and throughout Falls County.
• The Insurance Insider: Mr. Lupe Peña (he/him) spent years as a defense attorney for large insurance companies. He knows how fraternity and university insurers will try to minimize, deny, and delay your claim. We use their own tactics against them.
• Proven Against Giants: Our involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation proves we can stand against the deepest-pocketed institutional defendants. National fraternities and university legal teams do not intimidate us.
• Full-Spectrum Investigation: We deploy a network of experts—digital forensics to recover deleted messages, medical specialists to document lifelong injuries, economists to calculate true damages—to build an unbeatable case.
• Spanish Language Services: Hablamos Español. Mr. Peña provides fluent Spanish-language consultations to ensure all Texas families have access to expert legal help.

Your Next Step: A Free, Confidential Consultation

If you suspect your child has been hazed at any Texas college or university, time is your most important asset. Evidence vanishes, witnesses are pressured, and institutions close ranks.

We offer Golinda families a no-obligation, completely confidential case evaluation. In this consultation, we will:

• Listen carefully to your story.
• Explain the legal options specific to your situation.
• Outline the investigation process.
• Answer your questions about timelines and costs (we work on a contingency fee—no fee unless we win).

You don’t have to navigate this crisis alone.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911 Today

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com | For Spanish: lupe@atty911.com

We are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, and we are ready to help your family find answers, safety, and justice.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of the Leonel Bermudez UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

• Click2Houston Investigation: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
• ABC13 Coverage: 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 Phone to Document Evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Texas 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

Firm Website & Profiles:

• Main Website & Contact: https://attorney911.com
• Ralph Manginello Profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
• Lupe Peña Profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this does not create an attorney-client relationship. The outcome of any legal matter depends on the specific facts and applicable law. If you need legal advice for a hazing matter, please contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a confidential consultation.