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If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University: A Comprehensive Legal Guide for Parents in Terrell

A Nightmare that Hits Close to Home

As a parent in Terrell, you send your child to college with hope and pride. You picture them building friendships, excelling in classes, and finding their place. But for families in our community—in Terrell, Forney, Rockwall, and across Kaufman County—that dream can turn into a nightmare with a single phone call. The reality is that the traditions meant to build bonds can sometimes cross the line into dangerous, degrading, and illegal abuse known as hazing. Right now, in Texas, we are actively litigating a case that shows exactly how serious this problem is.

In November 2025, attorneys Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña of Attorney911 filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge. The lawsuit alleges a campaign of severe hazing by the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter that left Bermudez with rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, requiring four days of hospitalization. According to media reports from Click2Houston and ABC13, the alleged abuse included forced consumption of food until vomiting, hours of extreme calisthenics, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and carrying a humiliating “pledge fanny pack.”

This is not an isolated incident. It is proof that hazing is a present and severe danger on Texas campuses. Whether your child attends a local college, the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M, or any school in between, they could be at risk. This guide is written specifically for you—parents and families in Terrell, Kaufman County, and the greater DFW area—to understand hazing, know your rights under Texas law, and learn how to seek accountability and justice if the unthinkable happens. We are here to help you navigate this crisis.

If you have just discovered your child was hazed, take these steps immediately:

• Call 911 if there is any medical emergency.
• Preserve evidence: Screenshot all group chats, texts, and social media posts. Photograph any injuries. Do not delete anything. Our video on using your phone to document evidence explains the best practices.
• Seek medical attention: A full medical evaluation creates a critical record of the harm.
• Write everything down: Record what your child tells you while their memory is fresh.
• Contact us: Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for an immediate, confidential consultation. We provide urgent legal guidance to protect your child’s rights from the very first moment.

The Modern Reality of Hazing on Campus

Hazing in 2025 is far more sophisticated and covert than the outdated stereotypes suggest. It is defined under Texas law as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with an organization. It is not “just horsing around” or “team bonding.”

For Terrell families, it’s crucial to recognize the forms hazing can take:

• Subtle Hazing: Mandatory servitude (cleaning, errands), social isolation, deceptive “oaths of secrecy,” and constant monitoring via group chats.
• Harassment Hazing: Verbal abuse, sleep deprivation, forced consumption of unpleasant substances (like hot sauce or milk), and calisthenics used as punishment (“smokings”).
• Violent Hazing: Forced alcohol consumption (the leading cause of hazing deaths), physical beatings or paddling, dangerous “rituals,” sexualized acts, and extreme exposure to the elements.

These activities occur not just in fraternities and sororities, but also in athletic teams, spirit groups, marching bands, academic clubs, and military-style organizations like Corps of Cadets. The common thread is an imbalance of power where new members feel coerced into compliance out of fear, social pressure, or a desperate desire to belong.

Texas Hazing Law & Legal Liability: What Terrell Families Need to Know

Texas has a strong legal framework to combat hazing, centered on Chapter 37 of the Education Code. Understanding this law is your first step toward accountability.

Key Provisions of Texas Hazing Law:

• Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a crime. It is a Class B misdemeanor, but becomes a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals can also be charged for failing to report hazing or for retaliating against someone who does.
• Consent is NOT a Defense: Texas law (§ 37.155) is explicit: a victim’s “agreement” to participate is not a defense against hazing charges. Courts recognize that true consent is impossible under peer pressure and coercion.
• Organizational Liability: The fraternity, sorority, or club itself can be prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 per violation if it authorized or encouraged the hazing.
• Good-Faith Reporting Protections: The law provides immunity for those who report hazing in good faith, encouraging bystanders and victims to call for help without fear of minor-in-possession or other charges.

In a civil lawsuit, which seeks financial compensation for the harm done, multiple parties can be held accountable:

1. The Individuals: The members who planned, carried out, or supervised the abuse.
2. The Local Chapter: As a legal entity, it can be sued for negligence and creating a dangerous environment.
3. The National Organization: Headquarters can be liable if they failed to adequately supervise the chapter, ignored prior warnings, or maintained policies that were ineffective.
4. The University: Schools can face liability for negligent supervision if they knew or should have known about a pattern of dangerous behavior and failed to act.

Understanding the statute of limitations is critical. In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit, but certain circumstances can affect this deadline. We explain this urgent timeline in our video on Texas statutes of limitations.

Learning from National Tragedy: Why Patterns Matter

The heartbreaking cases that make national news are not distant abstractions; they establish patterns and legal precedents that directly impact cases in Texas. They prove that certain dangerous “traditions” are predictable and repeated across the country.

• Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021): Died from alcohol poisoning after a “Big/Little” event. His family secured a $10 million settlement, proving universities and nationals can be held financially accountable.
• Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi, 2017): Died after a bid-acceptance drinking event, with help delayed for hours. The case led to Pennsylvania’s stringent “Timothy’s Law.”
• Max Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta, 2017): Died after a “Bible study” drinking game, resulting in Louisiana’s felony hazing “Max Gruver Act.”
• Andrew Coffey (Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi, 2017): Died from alcohol poisoning at a “Big Brother” event, leading to a system-wide Greek life suspension.

These cases, and others like the traumatic brain injury to Danny Santulli at the University of Missouri, show a clear pattern: forced consumption, delayed medical care, institutional failure, and then, through relentless litigation, accountability and reform. When a fraternity at a Texas school uses the same dangerous practices as a chapter that killed a student in another state, it powerfully demonstrates “foreseeability”—that the harm was predictable and should have been prevented.

The Texas University Landscape: Where Terrell Students May Be at Risk

Parents in Terrell and Kaufman County send their students to a wide range of Texas institutions, from local colleges to major flagship universities. Each campus has its own Greek life ecosystem and history of hazing incidents.

For Terrell Families: Local and Regional Campus Connections

• Southwestern Christian College is located right here in Terrell. While smaller, any campus organization can harbor hazing risks.
• The University of Texas at Dallas and Texas A&M University-Commerce are within commuting distance for many Terrell students and have active Greek communities.
• Texas A&M University and The University of Texas at Austin are top destinations for Terrell graduates, with vast Greek systems and documented hazing issues.

A Closer Look at Major Texas Campuses:

1. University of Houston
The ongoing Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case is a stark example. The alleged hazing occurred at multiple locations, including the chapter house and Yellowstone Boulevard Park. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing,” and the chapter was shut down. This case demonstrates that even in an urban, commuter-heavy environment, severe hazing persists.

2. Texas A&M University
Aggie culture is deep with tradition, which can sometimes mask abuse. Notable incidents include:

• A Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) lawsuit where pledges alleged being doused with industrial cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts.
• A Corps of Cadets lawsuit alleging degrading hazing, including being bound in a “roasted pig” position.

3. University of Texas at Austin
UT maintains a public hazing violations log, offering a window into ongoing issues. Recent entries include:

• Pi Kappa Alpha sanctioned for forcing new members to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics.
• Various spirit groups and fraternities disciplined for forced workouts, alcohol hazing, and punishment-based activities.

4. Southern Methodist University & Baylor University
These private institutions have also faced serious allegations. SMU’s Kappa Alpha Order chapter was suspended for paddling and forced drinking. Baylor’s baseball team suspended 14 players following a hazing investigation. These cases show that hazing permeates both public and private, secular and religious campuses.

The Greek Organization Network: Tracking the Entities Behind the Letters

When hazing occurs, liability often extends beyond the students in the room. A vast network of legally registered organizations supports Greek life in Texas. At Attorney911, we maintain a proprietary Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine built from public records to identify every potentially liable entity. This investigative depth is a key advantage for our clients.

For families in the DFW metro area (which includes Terrell), this network is extensive. Public IRS filings show hundreds of Greek-related organizations registered in Texas. Here is a snapshot of the type of entities we track:

A Sample of Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (IRS B83 Data):

• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity (EIN 237279532) – PO Box 2142, Prairie View, TX 77446
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (EIN 364091267) – 1101 Melrose Dr, Waco, TX 76710
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN 741380362) – PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147
• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN 462267515) – 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (EIN 900293166) – 114 Henderson Hall, College Station, TX 77843

Cause IQ data indicates there are over 500 Greek-related organizations in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area alone. These include undergraduate chapters, alumni associations, housing corporations, and educational foundations—all of which may control assets, carry insurance, and share responsibility.

National brands with documented hazing histories, like Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Phi Delta Theta, have multiple affiliated entities across Texas. When a chapter at UT or A&M acts, the national organization’s prior knowledge of the same dangerous practices at other chapters becomes a powerful point of liability.

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

If your family pursues legal action, building a formidable case requires immediate and systematic effort. Our approach, honed from decades of complex litigation against powerful institutions, focuses on evidence, expert testimony, and strategic pressure.

Critical Evidence to Preserve:

• Digital Communications: GroupMe, WhatsApp, Instagram, and text message chains are often the most damning evidence, showing planning, boasting, and cover-up attempts. We employ digital forensics to recover deleted messages.
• Social Media & Photos: Posts, stories, and videos documenting events, injuries, or locations.
• Medical Records: Complete documentation from ER visits, hospitalizations, and follow-up care is essential to prove the extent of physical and psychological harm.
• University Records: Through discovery, we obtain prior disciplinary files on the organization, showing a pattern of unchecked behavior.
• Witness Testimony: Other pledges, former members, and roommates can provide crucial accounts.

Potential Damages in a Hazing Case:
A successful lawsuit can seek compensation for:

• Economic Damages: All medical bills (past and future), lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity if injuries are permanent.
• Non-Economic Damages: Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD, humiliation, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Wrongful Death Damages: In tragic cases, funeral costs, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering for the family.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious misconduct, damages meant to punish the defendants and deter future behavior.

We prepare every case as if it is going to trial, which maximizes settlement value. Our insider knowledge is pivotal: Mr. Lupe Peña, a key attorney on our team, spent years as an insurance defense attorney for major national firms. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers evaluate claims, fight coverage, and employ delay tactics. We use this knowledge to counter their strategies at every turn. We fund all case costs and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Learn more in our video explaining how contingency fees work.

A Practical Guide for Terrell Parents and Students

If You Suspect Your Child Is Being Hazed:

• Look for Signs: Unexplained injuries, extreme fatigue, personality changes (anxiety, withdrawal), sudden secrecy about group activities, constant demands from group chats, and declining academic performance.
• Talk Openly: Ask gentle, non-confrontational questions. “Are you being treated with respect?” “Is anything making you uncomfortable?” Emphasize their safety is your only concern.
• Know the Reporting Paths: Options include the university’s Dean of Students, campus police, local police, and the anonymous National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE).

Critical Mistakes to Avoid:
We’ve seen families inadvertently weaken their cases. Please avoid these common pitfalls:

1. DO NOT delete any messages, photos, or emails. This can look like evidence destruction.
2. DO NOT confront the fraternity or sorority members directly. This allows them to coordinate a story and destroy evidence.
3. DO NOT sign any agreements or waivers from the university or an insurance company without having an attorney review them first.
4. DO NOT post details about the incident on public social media.
5. DO NOT delay in seeking legal advice. Evidence vanishes, witnesses become hesitant, and deadlines loom.

For a deeper discussion on these pitfalls, watch our video on client mistakes that can ruin an injury case.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Can we sue even if it happened off-campus? Yes. Location does not absolve the university or national organization of liability if they sponsored, supervised, or should have known about the activities.
• What if my child “agreed” to it? As stated, Texas law explicitly rejects consent as a defense in hazing cases. The power imbalance and coercion are recognized by the courts.
• Will our name be in the news? Most civil cases settle confidentially before a public trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy throughout the process.
• How long does a case take? It varies, but these are complex cases. A thorough investigation and negotiation process can take months to a few years.

Why Attorney911 Is the Right Firm for Terrell Families Facing a Hazing Crisis

When your family is in a legal emergency caused by hazing, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys with specific experience taking on powerful institutions, deep investigative resources, and a genuine commitment to achieving justice for your child.

Our Proven Capabilities for Hazing Litigation:

1. Active, High-Stakes Hazing Litigation: We are currently leading the $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi on behalf of Leonel Bermudez. We are in the fight right now, not just talking about it.
2. Insurance Insider Advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney is invaluable. He knows the tactics insurers use to deny or minimize hazing claims. We understand their playbook because we used to help write it.
3. Experience Against Giant Institutions: Attorney Ralph Manginello was one of the few plaintiff attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, taking on a billion-dollar corporation. We are not intimidated by national fraternities or university legal teams.
4. The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: We don’t start from scratch. Our proprietary database of Texas Greek organizations gives us an immediate investigative lead to identify all potentially liable parties, from local housing corporations to national alumni boards.
5. Full-Service Civil & Criminal Insight: 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.
6. Spanish-Language Services: Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish (Se habla Español), ensuring we can serve all Texas families with comfort and clarity.
7. A Record of Results: We have secured multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We know how to build compelling, expert-backed cases that force serious settlement discussions.

Your Next Step: A Confidential, No-Obligation Consultation

If hazing has impacted your child and your family, you do not have to navigate this alone. The path to accountability begins with a conversation.

We invite you to contact Attorney911 for a free, completely confidential case evaluation. In this consultation, we will:

• Listen compassionately to your story.
• Review any evidence you have gathered.
• Explain your legal rights and options under Texas law.
• Outline how our investigative process works.
• Answer your questions about the process, timeline, and costs.
• There is no pressure to hire us. Our goal is to inform and empower you.

Call the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ Today:
1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Website: https://attorney911.com

For Spanish-language services, please ask for Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com.

We serve families across Texas from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. If your child was hazed at any Texas campus—from the University of Houston to Texas A&M, from UT Austin to SMU or Baylor, or any school in between—we have the expertise, resources, and determination to help you seek justice and prevent this from happening to another family in Terrell or anywhere else.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources:

News Coverage of the Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing Lawsuit:

• https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
• https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

• Evidence Preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Statute of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client Mistakes to Avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• How Contingency Fees Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main 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 (Attorney911). 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.