Hazing at Texas Universities: A Comprehensive Legal Guide for Trinidad and Henderson County Families

If you’re a parent in Trinidad, Texas, and your child has recently joined a fraternity, sorority, Corps program, or campus organization, you might be noticing unsettling changes. The excited texts about new friends have been replaced by vague mentions of “mandatory meetings” at all hours. Your once-vibrant college student now seems constantly exhausted, anxious, or secretive about their activities. You hear whispers about “traditions” and “earning your place,” but something feels deeply wrong.

Right now, just hours from Trinidad in Houston, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who nearly died from fraternity hazing. His story—which involves forced extreme exercise, humiliation rituals, and being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”—resulted in rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, and a four-day hospitalization. The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter has been shut down, but the physical and psychological damage to Leonel continues. This $10 million lawsuit against UH, Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, and 13 fraternity leaders shows exactly what can happen when campus traditions turn dangerous.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for families in Trinidad, Malakoff, Athens, and across Henderson County who need to understand the reality of modern hazing at Texas universities. We’ll explain what hazing looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects your child, what’s happening at universities where Trinidad students attend, and what legal options exist when these “traditions” cause harm. Whether your child attends UT Tyler, Texas A&M, or any Texas campus, this information could be critical to their safety.

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 your child insists they’re “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 (deleted group chats, destroyed evidence, coached witnesses)
Universities move quickly to control the narrative
We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025

For parents in Trinidad who may have been in college decades ago or never experienced Greek life, modern hazing has evolved far beyond harmless pranks. Today’s hazing is often systematic, psychologically sophisticated, and digitally documented.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Just Tradition”)

24/7 digital control: Pledges required to respond instantly to GroupMe messages at all hours
Servitude duties: Acting as designated drivers until 3 AM, cleaning older members’ apartments, running personal errands
Social isolation: Being told they cannot socialize with non-members or must ask permission for basic activities
Identity stripping: Being assigned humiliating nicknames, forced to wear specific clothing or “pledge packs”

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Causing Clear Discomfort)

Sleep deprivation: “Mandatory” meetings starting at midnight, wake-up calls at 4 AM for “workouts”
Food/water manipulation: Being forced to eat excessive amounts of bland food (like gallons of milk) or being denied meals
Public humiliation: Forced to perform embarrassing acts in public spaces or on social media
Extreme conditioning: “Workouts” far beyond normal exercise—hundreds of push-ups, wall-sits until collapse, bear crawls for extended distances

Tier 3: Violent/Dangerous Hazing (High Injury/Death Risk)

Forced alcohol consumption: “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, drinking games where wrong answers mean more drinks
Physical beatings: Paddling, punching, “tackling” rituals
Sexualized hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading positions
Environmental danger: Locked in freezing rooms, forced to remain outside in extreme weather, dangerous driving tasks

The Digital Transformation of Hazing

What makes modern hazing particularly concerning for Trinidad families is how technology enables constant control:

Group chat monitoring: Pledges must respond within minutes to messages, regardless of time
Location tracking: Some organizations require pledges to share live location via Find My Friends or Life360
Social media coercion: Forced to post embarrassing content, participate in TikTok challenges, or share compromising photos
Evidence destruction: Members quickly delete incriminating messages after incidents

Texas Hazing Law: What Trinidad Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws protecting students from hazing, but many parents in Henderson County don’t realize how comprehensive these protections are or how they apply to their child’s situation.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Foundation

§ 37.151 Definition:
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
Occurs for purposes of initiation, admission, affiliation, or maintenance of membership in any organization

Key implications for Trinidad families:

Location doesn’t matter: Hazing at an off-campus house, Airbnb, or retreat is still illegal
“Consent” is irrelevant: Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law
Mental harm counts: Psychological abuse qualifies as hazing

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152)

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing bodily injury
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

Critical Protections for Reporting

§ 37.154 Immunity:
Students who in good faith report hazing or call for medical help are immune from university discipline and criminal prosecution related to that reporting. This is crucial—many Trinidad students don’t call 911 because they fear getting in trouble for underage drinking.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153)

The fraternity/sorority itself can face:

Criminal charges if leadership authorized or encouraged hazing
Fines up to $10,000 per violation
University expulsion from campus

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The heartbreaking cases that make national news aren’t isolated incidents—they represent patterns that recur across the country, including at Texas universities where Trinidad students enroll.

Alcohol Poisoning Patterns

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021)

Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from national Pi Kappa Alpha, $3M from university)
Pattern: Organized drinking nights with peer pressure

Max Gruver – Louisiana State University (Phi Delta Theta, 2017)

“Bible study” drinking game—wrong answers meant more alcohol
Died with blood alcohol level of 0.495%
Louisiana passed “Max Gruver Act” creating felony hazing charges
Pattern: Drinking framed as “game” or “tradition”

Physical Hazing with Lasting Injury

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri (Phi Gamma Delta, 2021)

Forced drinking during “pledge dad reveal”
Suffered permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see)
Requires 24/7 care for life
Multi-million dollar settlements with 22 defendants
Pattern: Catastrophic non-fatal injuries from hazing

Why These Cases Matter for Trinidad Families

These national patterns matter because:

Same organizations operate in Texas: Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and others named in national cases have chapters at Texas universities
Patterns repeat: The same “Big/Little” drinking nights, “study” drinking games, and physical rituals occur across states
National headquarters know the risks: These organizations have been sued repeatedly but often fail to prevent recurrences

Where Trinidad Families Send Their Children: Texas University Realities

Families in Trinidad and Henderson County typically have children at several types of institutions:

Local/Regional Universities: University of Texas at Tyler (30 miles), Texas A&M University-Commerce (60 miles), Stephen F. Austin State University (70 miles)
Major Texas Hubs: University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, Baylor University, Southern Methodist University
Other Texas Schools: Texas Tech, University of North Texas, Texas State University

University of Texas at Tyler (Local for Trinidad Families)

For Trinidad parents: UT Tyler is the closest major university, meaning many Henderson County students commute or live on campus there.

Greek Life Reality:

Active fraternity/sorority community
Chapters include national organizations with hazing histories
University oversight: UT System policies apply, but enforcement varies

What Trinidad parents should know:

Proximity doesn’t prevent hazing: Students living close to home may still feel pressure to participate in dangerous traditions
Commuting students can still be subjected to hazing during evening/weekend events
UT Tyler has disciplinary procedures but may lack resources of larger campuses

Texas A&M University-Commerce

Distance considerations: Many Trinidad students choose A&M Commerce for its balance of academic quality and proximity to home.

Recent history: While specific hazing incidents may not make statewide news, the university has dealt with organizational conduct issues. The pattern at many regional campuses involves smaller, less-supervised chapters taking greater risks.

Major Texas Universities (Where Many Trinidad Students Attend)

University of Texas at Austin

UT’s transparency advantage: UT Austin maintains a public Hazing Violations Log that documents organizational misconduct—a resource few other Texas universities provide.

Documented incidents affecting hundreds of students:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume excessive milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation
Texas Wranglers (spirit organization): Multiple hazing violations involving forced physical activity
Sigma Alpha Epsilon: Ongoing investigations and prior suspensions

For Trinidad families with UT students:

Check the public log if concerned about your child’s organization
Recognize that even “prestigious” UT has recurring hazing problems
Understand that geographic distance (Tridentine to Austin) makes it harder to notice warning signs

Texas A&M University

Unique factors for Trinity families to understand:

Corps of Cadets Culture:

Military-style discipline can sometimes cross into hazing
2023 lawsuit: Cadet alleged being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth during hazing
Tradition-heavy environment where misconduct can be dismissed as “character building”

Fraternity Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon lawsuit (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts
Multiple chapter suspensions for alcohol-related hazing

Practical implications for Trinidad parents:

The combination of Corps and Greek life creates multiple potential hazing environments
A&M’s tradition focus can make administrators reluctant to intervene in “longstanding practices”
Geographic isolation (College Station is hours from Trinidad) means parents may not see physical injuries until they’ve worsened

University of Houston

The Bermudez Case: Our Current Fight for Accountability

As we represent Leonel Bermudez, we see firsthand how systemic failures enable hazing:

The timeline of failure:

September 2025: Bermudez accepts bid to Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter
September–October: Subjected to “pledge fanny pack” humiliation, forced dress codes, overnight driving duties
October 13: Another pledge hog-tied face-down on table with object in mouth for over an hour
November 3: Forced through 100+ push-ups, 500 squats under threat of expulsion
November 6: Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters suspends chapter
November 6–9: Bermudez hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure

What this means for all Texas families:

Multiple failure points: UH, Pi Kappa Phi nationals, chapter leadership all failed to prevent known dangers
Medical emergency response: The delay in seeking care worsened Bermudez’s condition
Pattern evidence: Similar forced exercise hazing has caused rhabdomyolysis at other universities

Southern Methodist University and Baylor University

Private university considerations for Trinidad families:

SMU realities:

Affluent campus culture with strong Greek presence
Kappa Alpha Order suspension (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation
Private university means less public transparency about incidents

Baylor considerations:

Religious identity doesn’t prevent hazing
Baseball team hazing (2020): 14 players suspended
History of institutional response issues from prior scandals

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: How We Track Organizational Risk

For families in Trinidad wondering, “How do we know if this organization is dangerous?”—we maintain the most comprehensive database of Texas Greek organizations in the state.

Public Records Reality: What Exists Behind the Letters

Based on IRS filings, university records, and organizational data, we track:

125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations with Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), including:

House corporations that own chapter properties
Alumni associations that provide funding and oversight
Educational foundations that manage organization funds

Sample organizations relevant to Trinidad student destinations:

Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515) – Frisco, TX
Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN 741380362) – Fort Worth, TX
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – University of Texas at Tyler chapter (EIN 352335400)
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – multiple Texas chapters

Metro-level intelligence:

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510 Greek organizations
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188 Greek organizations
Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154 Greek organizations

Why This Data Matters for Your Case

When we represent a hazing victim, this data helps us:

Identify all potentially liable entities: Not just the local chapter, but housing corporations, alumni groups, national headquarters
Trace insurance coverage: Different entities carry different insurance policies
Establish pattern evidence: Show that national organizations knew or should have known about risks
Overcome jurisdictional challenges: When hazing occurs at a retreat or off-campus house, we identify which entities owned or controlled the location

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

For Trinidad families considering legal action, understanding how hazing cases work is crucial to making informed decisions.

Critical Evidence That Wins Cases

Digital evidence (most important category):

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord messages showing planning, instructions, or admissions
Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchat memories, TikTok videos documenting events
Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can often recover “deleted” content

Physical evidence:

Medical records: ER reports, hospitalization records, lab results (like creatine kinase levels showing rhabdomyolysis)
Photographs: Injuries documented over time, showing progression of bruising/swelling
Objects: Paddles, “pledge packs,” alcohol bottles, costumes

Institutional records:

University disciplinary files: Prior violations by the same organization
National fraternity records: Risk management reports, incident documentation
Insurance policies: Coverage documents from multiple potentially liable entities

Damages: What Can Be Recovered

Economic damages (quantifiable losses):

Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, ongoing treatment, future medical needs
Lost educational opportunity: Tuition for semesters missed, lost scholarship value
Diminished earning capacity: If injuries affect future career prospects

Non-economic damages:

Physical pain and suffering: From injuries and treatment
Emotional distress: PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in college experiences

Wrongful death damages (when applicable):

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of companionship and support for family
Emotional suffering of parents and siblings

The Defendant Universe: Who Can Be Held Accountable

Individual participants:

Students who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
Chapter officers who failed to prevent known risks

Organizational defendants:

Local chapter: If incorporated as a legal entity
National headquarters: For failure to supervise, train, or enforce policies
Housing corporations: That own properties where hazing occurs
Alumni associations: That fund and advise chapters

Institutional defendants:

Universities: For negligent supervision, Title IX violations, Clery Act failures
Property owners/landlords: For allowing dangerous activities on premises
Alcohol providers: Under dram shop laws if they served minors

Practical Guide for Trinidad Parents and Students

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

Physical indicators:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent explanations
Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
Sudden weight loss or gain
Coming home with injuries to hands, back, or legs

Behavioral changes:

New secrecy about organizational activities
Withdrawal from family and non-member friends
Personality shifts: increased anxiety, depression, or irritability
Defensive reactions when asked about the organization
Constant phone checking/responding to group chats

Academic red flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep during daytime visits home
Talking about “mandatory” events interfering with studies

How to Talk to Your Child About Concerns

Do:

Use open-ended questions: “How are things going with [organization]?”
Express concern without accusation: “I’ve noticed you seem exhausted lately—is everything okay?”
Emphasize safety over status: “Your health matters more than any membership.”
Offer unconditional support: “No matter what’s happening, we’re here for you.”

Don’t:

Accuse or confront: “I know you’re being hazed!”
Ultimatums: “Quit now or we’re cutting you off!”
Dismiss their experience: “It’s just part of college!”
Pressure for immediate decisions: “You need to quit right now!”

If You Discover Hazing Is Occurring

Immediate steps:

Medical first: If injuries exist, seek care immediately and mention hazing to medical providers
Evidence preservation: Help your child screenshot messages, photograph injuries, save relevant items
Documentation: Write down everything your child tells you with dates/times
Consult an attorney: Before contacting the university or organization

Reporting considerations:

Campus channels: Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct, campus police
Law enforcement: Local police if crimes occurred (assault, providing alcohol to minors)
National organizations: Many have anonymous reporting hotlines
Timing matters: Consult with an attorney about optimal reporting strategy

Critical Mistakes That Can Damage Your Case

Letting your child delete evidence: “Cleaning up” group chats looks like obstruction of justice
Confronting the organization directly: Gives them time to destroy evidence and prepare defenses
Signing university settlement offers: Often include waivers of future legal rights
Posting on social media: Defense attorneys monitor social media for inconsistencies
Delaying medical care: Gaps in treatment are used to argue injuries weren’t serious
Talking to insurance adjusters: Early recorded statements are used against victims
Waiting “to see how the university handles it”: Evidence disappears during internal investigations

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how universities, national fraternities, and their insurance companies fight these cases—and how to win anyway.

Our Texas Hazing Litigation Advantage

Insurance insider knowledge: Our attorney Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national 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”
We know their playbook because we used to run it

Complex institutional litigation experience: Managing partner Ralph Manginello’s background includes:

BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar defendants
Federal court experience in the Southern District of Texas
Membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
We’re not intimidated by national organizations with unlimited legal budgets

Investigative depth few firms match:

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Our proprietary database tracking 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
Digital forensics expertise: Recovering deleted messages, social media evidence
Expert network: Medical specialists, economists, psychologists, Greek life experts
Pattern recognition: Connecting local incidents to national organizational histories

Proven results in catastrophic cases:

Multi-million dollar wrongful death settlements
Life care planning for permanently injured victims
Institutional reform through litigation
We don’t settle cheap—we build cases that force real accountability

How We Approach Hazing Cases Differently

First 48-hour protocol:

Immediate evidence preservation guidance
Medical evaluation coordination
Strategic reporting advice
Protection from institutional pressure

Comprehensive defendant identification:

Local chapter members and officers
National headquarters and their insurers
University administrators and regents
Property owners and housing corporations
Alumni advisors and funding organizations

Damage maximization strategy:

Economic analysis of lifetime care needs
Psychological assessment of trauma impact
Educational loss quantification
Future earning capacity evaluation

For Trinidad and Henderson County Families: Your Next Steps

If you suspect or know your child has been hazed at any Texas university, time is your most critical resource. Evidence disappears quickly, witnesses are coached, and universities often prioritize institutional protection over student safety.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

When you contact Attorney911, we’ll provide:

Confidential listening: We’ll hear your story without judgment
Evidence assessment: Review what documentation exists
Legal options explanation: Criminal reporting, civil action, both, or neither
Realistic timeline: What to expect in the coming weeks and months
Cost transparency: Contingency fee basis—no fee unless we recover for you
No pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

Contact Attorney911 Today

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

Spanish-language services available:
Hablamos Español—contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish

Serving Trinidad and All of Texas

From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including Trinidad, Malakoff, Athens, and all of Henderson County. Whether your child attends UT Tyler, Texas A&M, University of Houston, or any Texas campus, we have the experience and resources to help.

Plain Text Resources for Trinidad Families

News coverage of the Bermudez case:

Educational resources:

Evidence preservation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of limitations explanation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes to avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Contingency fee explanation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 main contact:

Website: https://attorney911.com

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