Hazing Lawsuits in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for Crockett Families

If your child attends college anywhere in Texas, from the University of Houston to Texas A&M, you’ve entrusted their safety to those institutions. But what happens when that trust is broken not by strangers, but by the very organizations promising brotherhood, sisterhood, and tradition? Right now, in Houston, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in the country on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered kidney failure after alleged abuse by the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. This isn’t an isolated incident from some distant state—this is happening here in Texas, to students from communities like Crockett, Grapeland, Lovelady, and throughout Houston County.

When a fraternity’s “tradition” becomes torture, when a university’s oversight fails, and when a student ends up hospitalized, Texas families need to know their rights. This comprehensive guide explains what hazing looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects students, what’s happening at our major universities, and how experienced legal counsel can help families in Crockett and throughout East Texas seek accountability.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES IN CROCKETT:

• 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, texts, DMs immediately
    • Photograph injuries from multiple angles
    • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
  • Write down everything while memory is fresh
  • 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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

Hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypical “pranks” of decades past. For families in Crockett sending children to universities across Texas, understanding modern hazing is critical to recognizing when your child might be at risk.

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. Under Texas law, “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there is peer pressure and power imbalance.

Main Categories of Hazing Today

Alcohol and Substance Hazing
This remains the deadliest form. It includes forced or coerced drinking during “lineups,” “Big/Little” nights, or drinking games where wrong answers mean consumption. In the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case, Leonel Bermudez was allegedly forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, then made to sprint immediately afterward.

Physical Hazing
This extends beyond paddling to include extreme calisthenics disguised as “workouts” or “conditioning.” Bermudez’s lawsuit alleges he was forced through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats in a single session, leading to rhabdomyolysis. Other physical hazing includes sleep deprivation, exposure to extreme elements, and dangerous physical tests.

Psychological and Digital Hazing
Modern hazing uses technology for control. Pledges may be required to respond instantly to group chats at all hours, share their location via tracking apps, or post humiliating content on social media. Psychological manipulation includes isolation from non-members, verbal abuse, and threats of expulsion from the group.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
This includes forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, and acts with racial or sexist overtones. In the UH case, pledges allegedly carried “pledge fanny packs” containing condoms and sex toys as constant humiliation.

Where Hazing Happens

While fraternities and sororities receive most attention, hazing occurs in:

• Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs
• Athletic teams and spirit squads
• Marching bands and performance groups
• Academic and service organizations
• “Tradition” clubs and secret societies

For Crockett families with children at Texas A&M, the Corps of Cadets represents a particular concern, with its own history of hazing investigations alongside Greek life issues.

Texas Hazing Law: What Crockett Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws governing hazing that apply whether your child attends school in Houston, College Station, Austin, or anywhere in the state.

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37

§ 37.151 Definition:
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that endangers mental or physical health and occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in any organization.

Key Points for Crockett Families:

• Location doesn’t matter – on or off campus
• Mental OR physical harm qualifies
• “Reckless” is enough – intent to harm isn’t required
• Consent is NOT a defense (§ 37.155)

§ 37.152 Criminal Penalties:

• Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing without serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
• Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
• State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

§ 37.153 Organizational Liability:
Organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report it.

§ 37.154 Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:
Those who report hazing in good faith to university or law enforcement are immune from civil or criminal liability. This is crucial for bystanders afraid to call 911.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by the state (DA’s office)
• Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Charges can include hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter

Civil Cases:

• Brought by victims or families
• Aim: Compensation and accountability
• Focus: Negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, institutional liability

The two can proceed simultaneously, and a criminal conviction isn’t required for civil action. The Leonel Bermudez case against UH and Pi Kappa Phi is a civil lawsuit seeking over $10 million in damages.

Federal Overlay

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently and maintain public hazing data by 2026.

Title IX and Clery Act:
When hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, Title IX obligations trigger. The Clery Act requires reporting certain crimes that often overlap with hazing incidents.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

The tragedies at other universities provide painful but important lessons about patterns that repeat across the country—patterns we’re seeing here in Texas.

Alcohol Poisoning Death Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
The 20-year-old pledge was forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” event. He died from alcohol poisoning. The case resulted in multiple criminal convictions and a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU).

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
Died after a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. His death led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):
Died from traumatic brain injuries after a bid acceptance night with extreme drinking. Falls were captured on chapter cameras, but help was delayed for hours. The case led to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

Physical and Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
Died from head injuries during a blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a fraternity retreat. The national fraternity was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):
Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the football program. Multiple lawsuits led to the head coach’s firing and confidential settlements, demonstrating hazing extends beyond Greek life.

What These Cases Mean for Crockett Families

Common threads in national cases—forced drinking, humiliation, delayed medical care, cover-ups—are exactly what we allege in the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case. These precedents show that universities and national fraternities can be held accountable, and that Texas families have legal pathways when institutions fail to protect students.

Texas University Focus: Where Crockett Students Attend

Crockett families send students to universities across Texas. Understanding the hazing landscape at each institution is crucial for prevention and response.

University of Houston: The Current Frontline

Campus Context for Crockett Families:
UH is just over 100 miles from Crockett, making it accessible for many Houston County students. As a large urban commuter campus with growing residential life, its Greek system includes approximately 40 fraternities and sororities across multiple councils.

The Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi Case:
This active lawsuit represents exactly what Texas parents fear. According to the complaint filed in Harris County and media coverage:

• Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after extreme hazing
• Hazing included forced consumption of milk/hot dogs/peppercorns until vomiting
• Physical abuse included 100+ push-ups, 500 squats, bear crawls, and “save-your-brother” drills
• Psychological abuse included mandatory “pledge fanny packs” with humiliating contents
• Locations included the Pi Kappa Phi house, a Culmore Drive residence, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park
• 13 individual defendants plus Pi Kappa Phi national, UH, and housing corporations

UH’s Institutional Response:
After reports surfaced, Pi Kappa Phi national suspended the Beta Nu chapter on November 6, 2025. Members voted to surrender their charter on November 14, 2025. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised cooperation with law enforcement.

For Crockett Families with UH Students:

• Reporting channels: UH Dean of Students, UHPD, online reporting forms
• Jurisdiction: Harris County courts handle civil cases, Houston police may investigate crimes
• Evidence preservation is critical – group chats disappear quickly

Texas A&M University: Corps and Greek Life Complexities

Campus Context for Crockett Families:
While College Station is about 85 miles from Crockett, Texas A&M attracts many East Texas students. Its unique Corps of Cadets culture and extensive Greek life create multiple environments where hazing can occur.

Documented Incidents:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Lawsuit (2021): Pledges alleged being covered in industrial-strength cleaner and other substances, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts. The fraternity was suspended, and plaintiffs sought $1 million.
• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound in a “roasted pig” position with an apple in his mouth. The suit sought over $1 million.
• Ongoing Investigations: Texas A&M regularly disciplines organizations for hazing violations, with sanctions appearing on public conduct records.

Special Considerations for Corps Families:
The Corps’ military-style hierarchy and tradition-heavy environment can enable hazing masked as “discipline” or “character building.” The university has separate regulations for Corps conduct alongside standard student policies.

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Patterns

Campus Context for Crockett Families:
UT Austin is approximately 160 miles from Crockett, attracting Houston County students seeking flagship university opportunities. UT maintains one of Texas’ most transparent hazing violation databases.

Public Hazing Violations (Examples):

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Chapter placed on probation with mandatory hazing prevention education.
• Texas Wranglers (2022): Sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing.
• Multiple Organizations: Regular appearances on UT’s public hazing log show ongoing issues despite education efforts.

UT’s Transparency Advantage:
Families can review years of hazing violations at hazing.utexas.edu. This public record becomes valuable evidence in litigation, showing patterns and institutional knowledge.

Southern Methodist University and Baylor University

While farther from Crockett, these institutions attract Texas students and have their own hazing histories.

SMU’s Greek Culture:
As a private university with affluent demographics, SMU has faced hazing incidents including a 2017 Kappa Alpha Order case involving paddling and forced drinking. SMU uses anonymous reporting systems like Real Response.

Baylor’s Context:
Following previous scandals, Baylor faces particular scrutiny. A 2020 baseball hazing incident resulted in 14 player suspensions. Baylor’s religious identity and past institutional failures create complex dynamics for hazing accountability.

The Greek Ecosystem Serving Texas Students

Behind every fraternity or sorority chapter are multiple legal entities that can share liability when hazing occurs. Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine tracks these organizations so families don’t start from zero.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations

If you’re a parent in Crockett, you deserve to know who really stands behind the Greek organizations connected to your child. These are actual entities recorded in public filings:

Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Filings):

• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 462267515 – Frisco, TX 75035
• Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation – EIN 371768785 – Missouri City, TX 77459
• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter – EIN 746084905 – Houston, TX 77204
• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc – EIN 133048786 – College Station, TX 77845
• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc – EIN 475370943 – Houston, TX 77204 (Theta Delta Chapter)
• Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity Texas Gamma Chapter – EIN 911981478 – Fort Worth, TX 76109
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – EIN 741380362 – Fort Worth, TX 76147
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – EIN 900293166 – College Station, TX 77843 (Texas A&M Chapter)
• Delta Delta Delta – Arlington Alumnae Chapter – Cause IQ Listing – Dallas, TX
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority – Beta Sigma Chapter – Cause IQ Listing – Houston, TX

Metro Distribution (Cause IQ Data):

• Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188 Greek-related organizations
• Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510 Greek-related organizations
• Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154 Greek-related organizations
• Statewide Total: 1,423 fraternities and sororities across 25 Texas metros

National Patterns Matter

When a Texas chapter repeats behavior that caused deaths or injuries elsewhere, that history becomes crucial evidence. For example:

Pi Kappa Alpha National Pattern:

• Stone Foltz death (Bowling Green, 2021) – $10M settlement
• David Bogenberger death (Northern Illinois, 2012) – $14M settlement
• Multiple chapter suspensions nationwide

Sigma Alpha Epsilon National Pattern:

• Traumatic brain injury lawsuit (Alabama, 2023)
• Chemical burns lawsuit (Texas A&M, 2021)
• Multiple alcohol-related deaths historically

Pi Kappa Phi National Pattern:

• Andrew Coffey death (Florida State, 2017)
• Chapter closures nationwide for hazing
• Current active litigation in Houston

These national histories show foreseeability—the organizations knew or should have known the risks of certain activities. This strengthens negligence claims against national headquarters.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages

When hazing causes injury or death, building a strong case requires immediate action and strategic investigation. Here’s what Crockett families should understand about the process.

Critical Evidence Categories

Digital Evidence (Most Important):

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
• Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook messages
• Photos/videos: Content filmed during events, often shared in groups
• Recovery possible: Digital forensics can often retrieve deleted messages

Medical Documentation:

• ER records, hospitalization reports, lab results
• Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety
• Specialist reports for ongoing treatment needs

Institutional Records:

• University conduct files (obtained via discovery)
• National fraternity incident reports
• Insurance policies and coverage documents

Physical Evidence:

• Clothing with stains or damage
• Objects used in hazing (paddles, props)
• Receipts for forced purchases

Types of Damages in Hazing Cases

Economic Damages:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost educational costs (withdrawal, transfer expenses)
• Diminished earning capacity (for permanent injuries)
• Therapy and rehabilitation costs

Non-Economic Damages:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, PTSD, humiliation
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Damage to reputation and relationships

Wrongful Death Damages (for families):

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship and support
• Emotional trauma to family members
• Lost future earnings and contributions

Punitive Damages:
In cases of particularly reckless or intentional conduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish defendants and deter future behavior.

The Legal Strategy: Overcoming Common Defenses

Fraternities, universities, and their insurers use predictable defenses. Experienced hazing attorneys know how to counter them:

Defense: “The Student Consented”

• Counter: Texas law § 37.155 explicitly states consent is not a defense. Power imbalance and peer pressure negate true consent.

Defense: “This Was a Rogue Chapter”

• Counter: National patterns show foreseeability. Nationals collect dues, provide materials, and maintain control.

Defense: “It Happened Off-Campus”

• Counter: Location doesn’t eliminate duty. Universities and nationals still exercise control over recognized organizations.

Defense: “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”

• Counter: Paper policies mean nothing without enforcement. Prior incidents often show inadequate response.

Insurance Coverage Battles:
Insurers often argue hazing is excluded as “intentional.” We counter that negligent supervision by nationals or universities may still be covered, and we identify all potential policies (chapter, national, university, homeowner’s).

Practical Guides for Crockett Parents and Students

For Parents: Warning Signs and Action Steps

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Hazed:

• Unexplained injuries or frequent “accidents”
• Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
• Sudden secrecy about organization activities
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
• Constant phone monitoring for group chat messages
• Financial stress from unexplained expenses
• Academic decline from missed classes or exhaustion

If You Suspect Hazing:

1. Prioritize safety: If in immediate danger, call 911
2. Document everything: Write down what your child tells you with dates/times
3. Preserve evidence: Screenshot messages, photograph injuries
4. Seek medical care: Even if injuries seem minor, get documentation
5. Consult an attorney: Before reporting to university or confronting the organization
6. Avoid common mistakes: Don’t let evidence be deleted, don’t sign university waivers

For Students: Safety and Rights

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

• Would I do this if I truly had a free choice?
• Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would the university approve if they knew?
• Am I being told to keep secrets?

Your Texas Legal Rights:

• Immunity for reporting: Texas law protects those who report hazing in good faith
• Consent is not a defense: Your “agreement” under pressure doesn’t legalize hazing
• Medical amnesty: Many schools and Texas law protect those seeking help in emergencies
• Right to leave: You can quit any organization at any time, regardless of what you’ve been told

Exiting Safely:

• Tell someone outside the organization first
• Send written resignation (email/text for record)
• Don’t attend “one last meeting” where pressure might occur
• Document any retaliation or threats

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

1. Deleting Evidence
What seems embarrassing now becomes crucial evidence later. Preserve all messages and photos.

2. Confronting the Organization Directly
This triggers their defense preparation and evidence destruction. Let your attorney handle communication.

3. Signing University Documents
Universities may offer quick “resolutions” that waive your rights. Never sign without legal review.

4. Posting on Social Media
Defense attorneys monitor everything. Inconsistencies hurt credibility.

5. Waiting for University Investigation
Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitation run. Act promptly.

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Alone
Recorded statements get used against you. Refer them to your attorney.

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 and national fraternities fight back—and how to win anyway. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Crockett and all of Houston County.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Knowledge:
Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value claims, use delay tactics, and fight coverage. We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:
Ralph Manginello was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, taking on billion-dollar defendants. We’re not intimidated by national fraternities or university legal teams. Our federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) prepares us for Title IX and complex civil rights claims.

Proven Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Results:
We’ve recovered millions for families in wrongful death cases, working with economists to value lifetime losses and future care needs. We understand the profound impact of tragedies like those caused by hazing.

Dual Civil/Criminal Capability:
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can advise witnesses with criminal exposure while pursuing civil accountability.

Investigative Depth:
Our network includes medical experts, digital forensics specialists, psychologists, and economists. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

The Data Advantage: Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

While other firms start from zero, we maintain a proprietary database tracking:

• 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros
• IRS filings for Texas-registered entities
• University chapter rosters and violation histories
• National organization patterns and prior incidents

This means when we take your case, we already know the landscape. We identify all potentially liable entities—local chapters, housing corporations, alumni associations, national headquarters, and insurance policies.

Our Approach to Hazing Cases

We believe in:

• Thorough investigation before early settlement pressure
• Maximum accountability for all responsible parties
• Privacy protection for victims and families
• Prevention focus through systemic change
• Empathetic advocacy that recognizes your trauma

The Leonel Bermudez case against UH and Pi Kappa Phi demonstrates our commitment. We’re not just seeking compensation; we’re demanding institutional change to prevent future harm.

Contact Attorney911 for a Confidential Consultation

If hazing has impacted your family—whether your child attends UH, Texas A&M, UT, or any Texas campus—we want to help. Families in Crockett, throughout Houston County, and across East Texas have the right to answers and accountability.

Your Free, Confidential Consultation Includes:

• Listening to your story without judgment
• Reviewing any evidence you’ve preserved
• Explaining your legal options clearly
• Discussing realistic timelines and expectations
• Answering questions about costs (we work on contingency—no fee unless we win)
• No pressure to hire us immediately

Contact Us Today:

• Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct: (713) 528-9070
• Cell: (713) 443-4781
• Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
• Website: https://attorney911.com
• Spanish Services: Hablamos Español – Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com

Serving Texas from Offices in:

• Houston, Texas (Harris County)
• Austin, Texas (Travis County)
• Beaumont, Texas (Jefferson County)

Whether your child was hazed at a university near Crockett or anywhere in Texas, you don’t have to face this alone. The institutions responsible must be held accountable, and we have the experience to make that happen.

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