The Complete Guide to Hazing in Texas for Families in Bailey and Across Fannin County

If you’re a parent in Bailey, in Fannin County, and your child is heading to college—whether to Texas A&M-Commerce just down the road, the University of North Texas in Denton, or a major hub like the University of Texas at Austin—the fear of hazing is real. We represent families from right here in Bailey, from Bonham to Ladonia, whose lives have been shattered by campus abuse hidden behind tradition. Right now, in Houston, we are actively litigating one of the most serious hazing cases in the country, representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. His story—of being forced through brutal workouts, sprayed in the face with a hose, and developing life-threatening rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure—is a stark warning for every Texas family. This guide is for you: to understand the real scope of hazing in 2025, your legal rights, and how to protect your child.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

• If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:
  • Call 911 for medical emergencies.
  • Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We provide immediate help—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.
• In the first 48 hours:
  • Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine.”
  • Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
    • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately.
    • Photograph injuries from multiple angles.
    • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects).
  • Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where).
  • Do NOT:
    • Confront the fraternity/sorority.
    • Sign anything from the university or insurance company.
    • Post details on public social media.
    • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence.
• Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours. Evidence disappears fast. We can help preserve it and protect your child’s rights. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas

Hazing is no longer just about silly pranks or secret handshakes. For families in Bailey, whose children may join groups at Texas A&M-Commerce, UNT, or schools across the state, understanding the modern reality is critical. Hazing today is a calculated, often digitally coordinated, form of abuse designed to create loyalty through fear and degradation.

A Clear, Modern Definition

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. Critically, “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal under Texas law. The power imbalance and fear of social exclusion strip away true consent.

Main Categories of Hazing

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This remains the deadliest form. It includes forced chugging, “lineup” drinking games, “Big/Little” nights where pledges are given handles of liquor, and coerced consumption of drugs or unknown substances. The goal is often incapacitation.

2. Physical Hazing: This ranges from paddling and beatings to extreme, punitive calisthenics called “smokings.” It includes sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, and exposure to extreme elements. In the current UH Pi Kappa Phi case, Leonel Bermudez was forced through over 100 push-ups and 500 squats, leading to catastrophic muscle breakdown.

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This involves forced nudity, simulated sexual acts (like the “elephant walk” or “roasted pig” positions seen in some Texas Corps cases), degrading costumes, and acts with racist or sexist overtones designed to strip away dignity.

4. Psychological and Digital Hazing: This is the 2025 evolution. It includes 24/7 control via group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp), constant demands for immediate response, sleep disruption via late-night messages, public shaming on social media, and coerced participation in embarrassing TikTok challenges or Instagram dares.

Where Hazing Happens

It’s a misconception that hazing only happens in fraternities. In Texas, we see it in:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural councils).
• Corps of Cadets and military-style groups.
• Athletic teams, from football to cheerleading.
• Spirit groups and tradition clubs (like the Texas Cowboys).
• Marching bands and performance ensembles.
• Some academic, service, and cultural organizations.

The common threads are social status, tradition, and a code of silence that keep these practices alive, even when everyone “knows” it’s wrong.

Texas and Federal Hazing Law: The Liability Framework

For Bailey families navigating a crisis, understanding the legal landscape is the first step toward accountability. Texas has robust laws, and federal statutes add another layer of protection.

Texas Hazing Law (Education Code Chapter 37)

Texas law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership. Key provisions for Fannin County families include:

• Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor. It becomes a Class A misdemeanor if it causes bodily injury and a State Jail Felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals can also be charged for failing to report hazing.
• Consent is NOT a Defense: Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that a victim’s “consent” is irrelevant. Courts recognize that consent under peer pressure is not voluntary.
• Organizational Liability: The fraternity, sorority, or club itself can be fined up to $10,000 and lose university recognition.
• Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting: The law protects those who report hazing or seek medical help in an emergency, even if they were involved.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

It’s vital to understand the two paths:

• Criminal Cases: Brought by the state (DA) to punish wrongdoing. Charges can include hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, or manslaughter.
• Civil Cases: Brought by victims and families to seek compensation and accountability. These lawsuits target negligence, wrongful death, and reckless conduct of individuals, chapters, national organizations, and sometimes the universities themselves.

The two can proceed simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is not required to win a civil case.

Federal Overlay: Title IX, Clery, and the Stop Campus Hazing Act

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This new law requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents and strengthen prevention programs, with full implementation by 2026.
• Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based abuse, a university’s Title IX obligations are triggered, creating another avenue for accountability.
• Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain campus crimes, which can include hazing-related assaults.

National Hazing Case Patterns: The Scripts That Repeat in Texas

Tragically, hazing follows predictable patterns. The same dangerous “traditions” that have killed students nationwide are present on Texas campuses. Understanding these national anchor stories shows Bailey families they are not alone and that these acts are foreseeable—and therefore preventable.

The Alcohol Poisoning Script

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): A bid-acceptance night with extreme drinking led to fatal falls. Brothers delayed calling 911 for hours. The case resulted in the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania.
• Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): A “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. Max died of alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%), leading to Louisiana’s felony hazing “Max Gruver Act.”
• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): A pledge forced to drink a bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” event. His death led to a $10 million settlement ($7M from the national fraternity, ~$3M from the university).

The Physical & Ritualized Abuse Script

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): A blindfolded pledge was repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual at a remote retreat, suffering fatal head injuries. The national fraternity was criminally convicted and banned from Pennsylvania.
• Danny Santulli – Univ. of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021): Coerced drinking led to permanent, catastrophic brain injury. His family settled with 22 defendants, highlighting the lifelong cost of non-fatal hazing.

What This Means for Bailey Families

These cases prove that national fraternities have been on notice for decades. When a chapter at UH, Texas A&M, or UT repeats the same deadly script, it demonstrates foreseeability and reckless disregard—key elements in holding them fully accountable in a civil lawsuit.

Texas University Focus: Where Bailey Students Go to School

Families in Bailey and Fannin County send their children to a diverse set of Texas universities, from regional campuses to major state flagships. Each has its own Greek ecosystem and history of hazing incidents.

For Families with Students at Texas A&M University-Commerce

As the closest four-year university to Bailey, TAMU-Commerce is a common destination for local students. Its Greek life, while smaller than flagship schools, is not immune to risk.

• Campus Snapshot: A growing regional university with active fraternity and sorority life. The proximity to home can create a false sense of security for Bailey parents.
• Documented Risks: Incidents at similar regional campuses often involve the same national organizations present at Commerce. The university handles reports through its Office of Student Conduct.
• Practical Steps for Families: If an incident occurs, jurisdiction may involve both the Commerce University Police Department and the local Commerce PD. Evidence must be preserved immediately. Contacting a Texas attorney who understands the dynamics of smaller campus communities is crucial.

Major Statewide Universities for Bailey Families

Many students from Fannin County aspire to or attend Texas’s largest universities. These schools have extensive, well-documented Greek systems with recurring hazing issues.

University of Houston (UH) – The Active Case in Our Backyard
Our firm is currently leading the litigation in Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi. This case is a masterclass in modern, severe hazing:

• The Hazing: Pledges were subjected to a degrading “pledge fanny pack” rule, forced labor, and violent physical abuse including being sprayed with a hose “similar to waterboarding” and forced to overeat until vomiting.
• The Injury: Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, passing brown urine and requiring a four-day hospitalization. He faces a risk of permanent kidney damage.
• The Aftermath: The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter was suspended and voted to surrender its charter. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing.” This case is not historical—it is active proof of the brutal hazing happening at Texas universities right now. Click2Houston and ABC13 have provided extensive coverage.

Texas A&M University – College Station
Beyond the Corps of Cadets, A&M’s Greek life has faced serious incidents:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges alleged being doused in a mixture including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts. The chapter was suspended, and a lawsuit was filed.
• Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023): A lawsuit alleged a cadet was bound between beds in a degrading, simulated sexual position as part of hazing. These cases show hazing permeates both Greek and military-style traditions at A&M.

University of Texas at Austin
UT maintains a public hazing violations log, providing a window into ongoing issues:

• Public Transparency: UT’s website lists sanctions against groups like Pi Kappa Alpha (for forced milk consumption and calisthenics) and spirit organizations for forced workouts and alcohol hazing.
• Pattern of Violations: The public log demonstrates that even with transparency, dangerous behaviors recur, indicating systemic enforcement challenges.

Southern Methodist University & Baylor University
These private universities have their own significant histories, from SMU’s Kappa Alpha Order paddling incident to Baylor’s baseball team hazing suspension. Their private status can make internal records harder to access without litigation.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: The Data Behind the Letters

When your child is harmed, you need to know who is truly responsible. National fraternities and sororities are not monoliths; they are networks of legal entities. Our firm maintains a proprietary Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, built from public records, to map this liability landscape. For Bailey families, this means we don’t start from scratch—we already know the players.

Public Records Directory: Fraternities & Sororities in the DFW Metro and Beyond

The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area, which influences our region, contains over 500 Greek-related organizations according to public data. These are not just social clubs; they are registered legal entities with EINs, addresses, and often, insurance policies. When we take a case, we identify every potentially liable entity. Here is a snapshot of the kind of public data we utilize:

Example Entities in the North Texas/DFW Region (Relevant to Bailey Families):

• Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity – EIN: 74-2911848 – Fort Worth, TX 76244
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc. – EIN: 74-1380362 – Fort Worth, TX 76147
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – Frisco TX Alumni Chapter – EIN: 92-0575785 – Frisco, TX 75034
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – EIN: 36-4091267 – Waco, TX 76710 (Present on multiple campuses)
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Texas A&M University Chapter – EIN: 90-0293166 – College Station, TX 77843

Universities Relevant to Bailey and Fannin County Families:

• Local/Regional: Texas A&M University-Commerce (Hunt County), University of North Texas (Denton County), Texas Woman’s University.
• Statewide Hubs: University of Houston, Texas A&M University-College Station, University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, Baylor University.

This intelligence allows us to immediately subpoena records, identify insurance coverage, and build a case against the full network of organizations behind a single chapter’s letters. The same national organization named in a tragedy in Ohio or Louisiana has registered entities right here in Texas that can be held accountable.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages

Pursuing justice requires a meticulous, strategic approach. For Bailey families, knowing what to expect can reduce the fear of the unknown.

Critical Evidence in the Smartphone Era

The evidence that wins modern hazing cases is often digital:

• Group Chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage): These show planning, coercion, boasts about activities, and attempts to cover up. Screenshot everything immediately. Our video on using your phone to document evidence provides crucial guidance.
• Social Media (Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok): Posts, stories, and DMs that capture events, injuries, or humiliating acts.
• Photos & Videos: Timestamped media from the events themselves.
• Medical Records: Documentation linking injuries directly to the hazing event is non-negotiable. Tell healthcare providers the cause.
• University & National Records: Through discovery, we obtain prior incident reports, conduct files, and internal communications that show patterns of knowledge and negligence.

Understanding Potential Damages

A civil lawsuit seeks to make the victim and family whole and hold defendants accountable. Recoverable damages can include:

• Economic Damages: All medical bills (ER, hospital, surgery, therapy), future medical care, lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity if injuries are permanent.
• Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD, humiliation, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Wrongful Death Damages (for families): Funeral costs, loss of financial support, and the profound loss of companionship, love, and guidance.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious recklessness, damages intended to punish the defendants and deter future conduct.

Our Strategic Advantages for Texas Families

Why does our Texas-based firm succeed in these complex cases against national organizations?

• Insurance Insider Knowledge: Our attorney, Mr. Lupe Peña, spent years as an insurance defense lawyer for large companies. He knows how fraternity and university insurers fight claims, undervalue injuries, and use delay tactics. We know their playbook.
• Institutional Litigation Experience: Managing partner Ralph Manginello was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City explosion litigation. We are not intimidated by wealthy, powerful defendants with deep-pocketed law firms.
• Dual Civil & Criminal Expertise: 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 advise clients comprehensively.
• Spanish-Language Services: Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish, ensuring Hispanic families in Bailey and across Texas can access help in their preferred language.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Bailey Parents and Students

For Parents: Warning Signs and Action Steps

Watch for:

• Unexplained injuries, constant exhaustion, or drastic personality changes.
• Sudden secrecy about group activities or fear of missing “mandatory” events.
• Constant, anxious phone use related to group chats.
• Financial requests for unexplained “fines” or group purchases.

If you suspect hazing:

1. Talk to your child with empathy, not accusation. Safety comes first.
2. If there is any injury, seek medical care and document everything.
3. Preserve digital evidence immediately before it’s deleted.
4. Contact an attorney before reporting to the university or confronting the group. We can help you navigate the process to protect your child’s rights and preserve critical evidence.

For Students: Your Rights and Safety

• You have the right to be safe. No tradition is worth your life or health.
• “Consent” is not a defense for them. Texas law protects you even if you felt pressured to go along.
• If you are in danger, call 911. Good-faith reporter protections exist.
• You can leave. Document any threats if you choose to de-pledge, and report retaliation to campus authorities and your attorney.

Critical Mistakes That Can Damage a Case

We strongly advise families to watch our video on client mistakes that can ruin an injury case. Key errors include:

1. Deleting group chats or messages.
2. Confronting the organization directly (which triggers evidence destruction).
3. Signing university settlement offers without legal advice.
4. Posting about the incident on public social media.
5. Waiting too long and allowing the statute of limitations to expire. Learn about Texas statutes of limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can we sue a university in Texas for hazing?”
Yes, under specific legal theories. Public universities have certain immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence or violations of duties under laws like Title IX. Each case requires a detailed analysis.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of injury. However, complexities can affect this deadline. Time is of the essence—evidence fades and memories blur.

“How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?”
We work on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs or hourly fees. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you. Learn more about how contingency fees work.

Why Attorney911 is the Right Choice for Bailey Families Facing a Hazing Crisis

When your family is in a legal emergency, you need advocates who are immediately responsive, deeply experienced, and strategically savvy. From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families across Texas, including those right here in Bailey and Fannin County. We understand the communities you’re from and the schools your children attend.

We are not just personal injury lawyers; we are complex institutional litigators with a specific focus on hazing. The active Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case is not a past victory we talk about—it is a current battle we are fighting, demonstrating our commitment and capability right now. We combine Mr. Peña’s insider knowledge of insurance defense tactics with Ralph Manginello’s experience facing off against billion-dollar corporations.

We investigate hazing cases with the depth they demand: mapping organizational liability with our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, recovering deleted digital evidence, and consulting with medical and economic experts to build uncompromising cases for maximum accountability.

Your Next Step: A Free, Confidential Consultation

If hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to navigate this alone. The university’s primary interest is often institutional protection. The fraternity’s interest is limiting liability. Your interest is your child’s health, wellbeing, and justice.

We offer a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation to every family. In this meeting, we will:

• Listen carefully to your story.
• Review any evidence you have gathered.
• Explain your legal rights and options clearly.
• Discuss our experience with similar cases.
• Outline the potential path forward, including how we would investigate.

There is no pressure to hire us. Our goal is to ensure you have the information needed to make the best decision for your family.

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). You can also visit our website at https://attorney911.com or email Ralph Manginello directly at ralph@atty911.com. Se habla Español—contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for assistance in Spanish.

Let us help you turn this crisis into a pursuit of accountability and prevention, so no other family in Bailey or beyond endures the same pain.

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 the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified Texas attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com | lupe@atty911.com (Se habla Español)