Hazing at Texas Universities: A Complete Legal Guide for Parents in Town of Bynum

If you are a parent in Town of Bynum, the call you never want to receive is the one telling you your college student has been hurt. Not in a car accident, not from an illness—but from deliberate acts of humiliation and abuse inflicted by an organization they wanted to join. This is the terrifying reality of hazing, and it is not a relic of the past. Right now, in our own state, families are facing this nightmare.

We know this because our firm, Attorney911, is currently fighting one of the most serious hazing lawsuits in Texas. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston transfer student whose fall 2025 pledge period with the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter allegedly involved forced labor, physical violence, sleep deprivation, and degrading rituals that culminated in a medical catastrophe. According to the lawsuit and major news reports, Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis—a severe skeletal muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure after being forced through extreme workouts. He passed brown urine, could not stand without help, and was hospitalized for four days, facing an ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage. The alleged hazing included carrying a humiliating “pledge fanny pack,” being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and forced consumption of food until vomiting.

This $10 million lawsuit names the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the local housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. In response, the fraternity’s national headquarters suspended the chapter, and members voted to surrender their charter. The university called the conduct “deeply disturbing.”

This case is not an isolated incident. It is proof that severe, dangerous hazing is happening today at major Texas universities where Town of Bynum families send their children. This guide is for you—the parents and families in Town of Bynum and throughout Hill County. We will explain what modern hazing looks like, the Texas laws that govern it, the patterns we see at universities across the state, and the legal pathways to accountability and recovery. Our goal is to arm you with knowledge, because in a crisis, information is power.

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 student insists they are “fine.”
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, and DMs immediately.
  • Photograph injuries from multiple angles.
  • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects used).
• Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where).
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or team directly.
  • Sign anything from the university or an 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 a free, confidential consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas

Hazing is often misunderstood as “boys will be boys” pranks or harmless tradition. For Town of Bynum families, it’s critical to understand that modern hazing is a calculated pattern of coercion and abuse that endangers physical and mental health. Under Texas law, hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—on or off campus—directed against a student for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in a group, which endangers the student’s health or safety.

This abuse typically falls into three escalating categories:

1. Subtle Hazing: Behaviors that emphasize power imbalance and set the stage for worse. This includes being “on call” 24/7 for errands, mandatory chauffeur duties, enforced social isolation, being forced to carry degrading items (like the “pledge fanny pack” in the UH case), and constant monitoring via group chats.

2. Harassment Hazing: Acts that cause emotional or physical distress. This encompasses sleep deprivation for late-night “meetings,” verbal abuse and humiliation, forced consumption of unpalatable substances (like hot dogs and peppercorns), and extreme, punitive calisthenics beyond any reasonable conditioning.

3. Violent Hazing: Activities with a high potential for catastrophic injury or death. This is what happened to Leonel Bermudez. It includes forced alcohol consumption to the point of poisoning, physical beatings or paddling, dangerous physical “tests” like blindfolded tackles, sexualized abuse, and forced exposure to extreme elements.

Today, hazing has evolved. It occurs not just in fraternities but in sororities, athletic teams, spirit groups like the Corps of Cadets, marching bands, and academic clubs. Perpetrators have become sophisticated at hiding it, often using off-campus houses or remote retreats, communicating through encrypted apps, and framing abuse as “voluntary” team-building. The digital footprint—GroupMe chats, Instagram stories, Snapchat videos—is often the most critical evidence, but it disappears quickly if not preserved.

The Texas Law & Liability Framework for Hazing

For a Town of Bynum family navigating a hazing crisis, understanding the legal landscape is the first step toward accountability. Texas has specific statutes, and federal laws also come into play.

Texas Hazing Law (Education Code Chapter 37)

The Texas Education Code provides the backbone for hazing accountability in our state:

• Definition: Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership in a group.
• 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. Importantly, individuals who are aware of hazing and fail to report it can also face misdemeanor charges.
• Organizational Liability: The organization itself (fraternity, sorority, team) can be prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 if it authorized or encouraged the hazing or if an officer knew and failed to report it.
• Consent is NOT a Defense: Texas law is clear—§ 37.155 states that the victim’s “consent” to the hazing activity is not a valid defense. Courts recognize that true consent cannot exist under peer pressure and power imbalance.
• Good-Faith Reporter Immunity: To encourage reporting and saving lives, individuals who in good faith report hazing to authorities are immune from civil or criminal liability that might stem from their own involvement.

Civil Liability vs. Criminal Charges

It’s vital to distinguish between the two legal paths:

• Criminal Case: Brought by the state (e.g., Hill County District Attorney or local police) to punish wrongdoing with jail time, fines, and probation.
• Civil Lawsuit: Brought by the victim and their family to seek financial compensation for damages and to hold all responsible parties accountable. These are separate actions; you do not need to wait for a criminal conviction to file a civil suit. Our representation of Leonel Bermudez against UH and Pi Kappa Phi is a civil lawsuit seeking compensation for his devastating injuries.

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

National laws also create duties for universities:

• Title IX: If hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, the university has specific obligations to investigate and address the hostile environment.
• Clery Act: Requires universities to report certain campus crime statistics, which can include hazing-related assaults.
• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This new federal law requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents and strengthen prevention programs, increasing transparency for families.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Hazing Lawsuit?

A thorough investigation aims to identify every entity that bears responsibility, which often includes:

1. Individual Students: Those who planned, carried out, or covered up the abuse.
2. The Local Chapter: As an organized entity.
3. The National Organization: Headquarters that collect dues, set policies, and oversee chapters. Their knowledge of prior incidents at other chapters is key.
4. The University: For negligent supervision, failing to act on prior warnings, or violating duties under Title IX.
5. Housing Corporations & Landlords: Entities that own or control properties where hazing occurs.
6. Third Parties: Bars that overserve alcohol or security companies that fail in their duties.

The Greek Ecosystem Around Town of Bynum & Hill County

When your child is hazed, you’re not just up against a few students. You are facing a network of organizations with legal identities, insurance policies, and often, deep pockets. At Attorney911, we maintain a Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine built from public records to map this ecosystem. For Town of Bynum families, this means we start with data, not guesswork.

Town of Bynum is part of Hill County in Central Texas. While there are no major universities within the town itself, families here commonly send students to campuses throughout the region and state. The closest metro area with significant Greek life is Waco (McLennan County), home to Baylor University, just a short drive away. Furthermore, Town of Bynum parents have children at major hubs like Texas A&M University in College Station, the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Houston, and Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

Our data shows a dense network of Greek organizations registered and operating across Texas. In the Waco metro area alone, public records list numerous fraternities, sororities, and their supporting foundations. Statewide, our tracking identifies over 1,400 Greek-related entities. This network includes the undergraduate chapters your child sees on campus, but also the often-hidden architecture behind them: alumni chapters, house corporations that own properties, and educational foundations.

A Snapshot of Greek Organizations in the Central Texas & Statewide Landscape:

To illustrate the complex web of organizations, here are examples drawn from public IRS and state filings. These are the types of entities we identify in our investigations to ensure full accountability.

• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc. – Iota Beta Chapter | EIN: 815229133 | San Antonio, TX 78228
• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc. | EIN: 462267515 | Frisco, TX 75035 (This is the housing corp for the UH chapter involved in the Bermudez case)
• Building Corporation of Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi | EIN: 746047117 | Austin, TX 78705
• Chi Omega Fraternity – Epsilon Zeta Chapter | EIN: 756041410 | Nacogdoches, TX 75965
• Eta Alpha House Corporation of Kappa Delta Sorority | EIN: 742930349 | College Station, TX 77840
• Frank Heflin Foundation (Phi Delta Theta alumni) | EIN: 203507402 | Canyon, TX 79015
• Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Inc. – Zeta Rho HC B | EIN: 161675890 | The Woodlands, TX 77382
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – Texas A&M University | EIN: 900293166 | College Station, TX 77843
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – Arlington-Grand Prairie Alumni Chapter | EIN: 232452759 | Grand Prairie, TX 75054
• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc. | EIN: 133048786 | College Station, TX 77845
• Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity – Epsilon Kappa Chapter | EIN: 746064445 | Nederland, TX 77627
• Sigma Chi Fraternity – Epsilon Xi Chapter | EIN: 746084905 | Houston, TX 77204
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Mu Zeta Chapter | EIN: 752609909 | Commerce, TX 75428
• Sigma Phi Lambda Inc. (Multiple Chapters) | EIN: 201237505 | Corinth, TX 76210
• Texas Rho Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity | EIN: 741942292 | Waco, TX 76706
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. – Sigma Gamma Chapter | EIN: 392352450 | Houston, TX 77254

This directory exists to show Town of Bynum parents that when hazing occurs, there is a tangible structure behind the Greek letters. Our investigative process involves mapping these connections to identify every potential source of liability and insurance coverage, ensuring families do not have to start from zero.

Where Town of Bynum Families Send Their Kids: Campus-Specific Realities

Hazing risks vary by campus culture and history. For parents in Town of Bynum, understanding the environment at schools where your children are enrolled is crucial.

Baylor University (Waco, TX)

As the major university closest to Town of Bynum, Baylor’s campus culture is highly relevant. A private Christian university with a significant Greek life presence, Baylor has faced scrutiny over organizational conduct, including within its athletic programs. Past incidents have led to student suspensions and internal reforms. For a Town of Bynum family, a hazing case at Baylor would likely involve the Waco Police Department and McLennan County courts, in addition to Baylor’s internal conduct process. The university’s religious identity can sometimes influence its approach to crisis management and settlement negotiations.

Texas A&M University (College Station, TX)

Many Town of Bynum students are drawn to Texas A&M. Its culture is defined by deep tradition, a massive Greek system, and the renowned Corps of Cadets. This combination creates multiple high-risk environments. We have seen severe cases here, including a Sigma Alpha Epsilon lawsuit where pledges allegedly suffered chemical burns from being doused with industrial cleaner. The Corps has also faced lawsuits alleging degrading physical hazing. The size and loyalty of the Aggie network mean institutions can be initially resistant to external scrutiny, making experienced legal advocacy essential.

University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX)

UT Austin boasts one of the most transparent hazing reporting systems in the country, publicly listing violations and sanctions on its website. This transparency is a double-edged sword: it shows the university is taking action, but the recurring list of violations—from Pi Kappa Alpha to spirit groups like the Texas Cowboys—proves hazing is a persistent problem. For a family, this public record can be powerful evidence of a pattern that the university or national organization was aware of.

University of Houston (Houston, TX)

The ongoing Bermudez case is the most glaring current example of hazing at UH. As a large, diverse commuter and residential school, UH has a active Greek life with multiple governing councils. The alleged brutality of the Pi Kappa Phi case—involving simulated waterboarding, forced overeating, and life-threatening injury—shows the extreme dangers present. UH has stated it finds the allegations “deeply disturbing,” but the case will test the institution’s actual accountability.

Southern Methodist University (Dallas, TX)

SMU’s affluent campus and strong Greek presence create an environment where social pressure is intense. Past hazing incidents have led to chapter suspensions. As a private university, SMU has more control over internal disciplinary records, making external legal discovery a critical tool for uncovering the full truth.

Building a Serious Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages

When a Town of Bynum family comes to us after a hazing incident, we deploy a proven, multi-phase strategy built on our experience with complex institutional litigation, like our involvement in the BP Texas City explosion cases. We fight the way we do because we’ve faced billion-dollar defendants before.

Phase 1: Immediate Evidence Preservation & Investigation

The first 72 hours are critical. We guide families to secure:

• Digital Evidence: Screenshots of GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, and Discord chats before they are deleted. Recovery of social media posts, Instagram stories, and location data.
• Physical Evidence: Photographs of injuries, saved clothing, and any objects used in hazing.
• Medical Documentation: Comprehensive records from ER visits, specialists, and mental health professionals who treat the trauma.
• Witness Identification: Names and contact information for other pledges, roommates, and bystanders.

We then use our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine to subpoena records: prior disciplinary files from the university, internal communications from the national fraternity headquarters, and insurance policy information from all relevant entities.

Phase 2: Identifying All Liable Parties & Insurance Coverage

Our insider advantage is pivotal here. Mr. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years as an insurance defense attorney for a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers will try to deny or minimize claims—because he used to help build those defenses. We use this knowledge to aggressively pursue every potential source of coverage, from national organization liability policies to local chapter insurance and university umbrella policies.

Phase 3: Calculating Full Damages

Hazing causes profound harm. We work with medical experts, life-care planners, and economists to build a complete picture of our client’s losses, which typically include:

• Economic Damages: All past and future medical bills, lost wages, and diminished 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: In the ultimate tragedy, families can seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and their own emotional suffering.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of particularly reckless or malicious conduct, Texas law may allow for damages intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter future hazing.

Phase 4: Strategic Litigation & Resolution

We prepare every case as if it is going to trial. This readiness is what forces serious settlement negotiations. Whether it’s against a national fraternity like Pi Kappa Phi or a major university system, our experience in federal and state courts means we are not intimidated. We seek settlements that not only provide for the victim’s recovery but also, where possible, mandate institutional reforms to protect future students.

Practical Guide for Town of Bynum Parents & Students

For Parents: Warning Signs and Steps to Take

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns.
• Extreme exhaustion or sleep deprivation unrelated to academics.
• Sudden secretiveness about organizational activities.
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, or uncharacteristic anger.
• Constant, anxious phone use related to group chats.
• Financial requests for unexplained “fines” or dues.

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing:

1. Talk Calmly: Ask open-ended questions. “I’m worried about you. Is there anything happening with your group that feels unsafe or wrong?”
2. Prioritize Safety: If there is immediate danger or injury, call 911.
3. Preserve Evidence: Help your child screenshot messages and photograph injuries.
4. Seek Medical Care: A medical record creates a crucial, independent documentation of harm.
5. Consult an Attorney Before Reporting: Once you involve the university or police, the dynamic changes. Talking to us first allows us to help you navigate the process strategically and protect your child’s rights from the outset.

For Students: Your Rights and How to Exit Safely

• You Have the Right to Be Safe: “Consent” is not a defense to hazing in Texas. You cannot legally agree to be abused.
• How to Exit: You can resign your pledge or membership at any time. Do so in writing (text or email) to a chapter officer. Do not attend a “final meeting” where pressure or retaliation could occur.
• Where to Report: You can report to campus police, the Dean of Students, or anonymously through university hotlines. You can also report directly to local law enforcement if a crime occurred. The National Anti-Hazing Hotline is 1-888-NOT-HAZE.
• Good-Faith Protections: Texas law and most university policies offer amnesty for those who call for help in a medical emergency, even if they were drinking underage.

Critical Mistakes That Can Damage a Hazing Case

1. Deleting Evidence: Preserve all messages and photos, no matter how embarrassing.
2. Confronting the Organization Directly: This triggers their defense strategy and can lead to evidence destruction.
3. Signing University Paperwork Prematurely: Do not sign any “resolution” agreements or statements without an attorney’s review.
4. Posting on Social Media: Public posts can be used by defense attorneys to contradict your claims.
5. Waiting Too Long: Evidence disappears, witnesses become hostile, and the two-year statute of limitations in Texas continues to tick.

Why Attorney911 for Your Town of Bynum Hazing Case

When your family is in crisis, you need advocates who understand both the profound human cost and the complex legal battlefield. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911) is not a high-volume personal injury mill. We are Texas complex litigation specialists chosen by families in the most serious cases.

Our Proven Advantages for Hazing Cases:

• Active, High-Stakes Litigation Experience: We are not theorists. We are currently leading the Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit—a multi-million dollar case against a major university and national fraternity. We know what this fight looks like right now.
• Insurance Insider Knowledge: Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney is invaluable. He knows the tactics, valuations, and coverage arguments insurers will use, because he once helped craft them.
• Institutional Case Expertise: Managing Partner Ralph Manginello’s experience includes litigation against the world’s largest corporations, like BP after the Texas City explosion. We are not intimidated by universities or national fraternities with deep pockets and elite defense firms.
• Data-Driven Investigation: We don’t start from scratch. Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, built from public records on thousands of Greek entities, allows us to immediately identify the network of organizations behind a chapter and target the correct insurers.
• Dual Civil & Criminal Understanding: Mr. Manginello’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 (Se habla Español), ensuring we can serve all Texas families with comfort and clarity.
• Contingency Fee Basis: We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront legal fees. Our fees are paid only if we successfully recover compensation for you.

Contact Attorney911 for a Free, Confidential Consultation

If you are a parent in Town of Bynum, Hill County, or anywhere in Texas and believe your child has been victimized by hazing, you do not have to navigate this alone. The institutions involved will have their lawyers; you deserve advocates who fight exclusively for you.

We offer a free, completely confidential case evaluation. In this consultation, we will:

• Listen carefully to your story.
• Review any evidence you have gathered.
• Explain your legal rights and options under Texas law.
• Outline the investigative process.
• Answer your questions about timelines, costs, and what to expect.

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). You can also reach us directly at (713) 528-9070, or via email at ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com.

Visit our website at https://attorney911.com to learn more about our firm, our attorneys, and our history of holding powerful institutions accountable.

Legal Disclaimer: This guide 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 have a legal issue, you should consult with a qualified attorney. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship until a written agreement is signed.