Hazing in Texas: A Complete Guide for Waco Families & Baylor University Students

If Your Child Was Hazed at Baylor or Any Texas University, You’re Not Alone

Imagine receiving that phone call no parent in Waco ever wants to answer. Your Baylor University student—maybe they live at University Parks, in a North Waco apartment, or in one of the Greek houses near campus—has been hospitalized after a “pledge event.” They’re complaining of muscle pain so severe they can’t walk. Their urine is brown. Doctors are using words like “rhabdomyolysis” and “acute kidney failure.” When you ask what happened, your child clams up, fearful of “getting the chapter in trouble” or facing retaliation from older members. You learn they’ve been subjected to extreme physical workouts, forced eating challenges, and humiliation rituals as part of their fraternity or sorority initiation. This isn’t just hazing—it’s a medical emergency and a potential crime.

Right now, families across Texas are facing this exact nightmare. In Houston, we’re currently fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in recent Texas history: the Leonel Bermudez University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit. Our client, a UH student, suffered rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after enduring months of systematic hazing that included forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, 100+ push-up sessions, 500-squat workouts, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and carrying a degrading “pledge fanny pack” 24/7. He was hospitalized for four days with life-threatening complications. We filed a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, the Beta Nu chapter housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The chapter has been shut down, but our fight for accountability continues.

Hazing isn’t just happening in Houston. It’s happening right here in Waco at Baylor University, at Texas A&M where many Central Texas students attend, and across every major Texas campus. As Waco parents sending students to Baylor, UT Austin, Texas A&M, or other universities, you need to know what modern hazing really looks like, how Texas law protects your child, and what legal options exist when institutions fail to keep students safe.

This Isn’t Your Parents’ Hazing: What Hazing Really Looks Like at Texas Universities in 2025

Waco families often picture hazing as harmless pranks or “boys being boys.” That outdated image couldn’t be further from today’s reality. Modern hazing at Baylor and other Texas universities has evolved into systematic abuse that includes:

Digital Control & Psychological Warfare

• 24/7 group chat monitoring where pledges must respond instantly, day or night
• Location tracking via Snapchat Maps or Find My Friends
• Social media humiliation: forced TikTok challenges, embarrassing Instagram posts
• Sleep deprivation through 3 AM “mandatory meetings” and all-night tasks

Physical Endangerment Disguised as “Training”

• Extreme workouts causing rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) like what happened to Leonel Bermudez at UH
• Forced consumption challenges: milk, hot dogs, raw eggs, alcohol, or unknown substances
• “Retreat” hazing at Airbnbs or rural properties to avoid campus detection
• Exposure to elements: cold weather workouts in minimal clothing

Coerced Substance Abuse

• Lineup drinking games where pledges must finish alcohol within time limits
• “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor as “gifts”
• Prescription drug or supplement misuse disguised as “performance enhancement”

Sexualized Humiliation

• Forced nudity or partial nudity during initiations
• Simulated sexual acts or positions
• Degrading costumes or role-playing

At Baylor specifically, hazing occurs not just in fraternities but in spirit groups, athletic teams, and other campus organizations. The common thread? Power imbalance, coercion, and secrecy.

Texas Hazing Law: What Waco Families Need to Know About Legal Protections

Texas has some of the nation’s strongest anti-hazing laws, but many Waco parents don’t realize how these protections work.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37 – The Hazing Statute

Hazing in Texas is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation that:

1. Endangers physical health or safety (beatings, forced exercise, alcohol coercion)
2. Endangers mental health or safety (extreme humiliation, intimidation, psychological abuse)

Critical Provisions for Baylor & Texas Families:

§ 37.152: Criminal Penalties

• Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (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
• Additional charges: Assault, supplying alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases

§ 37.155: Consent is NOT a Defense
Even if your Baylor student “agreed” to the activities, it’s still hazing under Texas law. Courts recognize that peer pressure and power imbalance make true consent impossible.

§ 37.154: Good-Faith Reporting Immunity
Students who call 911 or report hazing in good faith are protected from university discipline and some legal consequences. This “amnesty” provision saves lives by removing barriers to seeking help.

Civil Liability Beyond Criminal Charges
While McLennan County prosecutors handle criminal cases, civil lawsuits allow families to seek compensation from:

• Individuals who planned or participated in hazing
• The local Baylor chapter as an organization
• National fraternity/sorority headquarters
• Baylor University (under certain conditions)
• Property owners where hazing occurred
• Alcohol providers in some circumstances

The National Hazing Crisis: Patterns That Repeat at Baylor & Texas Campuses

The tragedy at University of Houston isn’t an isolated incident. Nationally, hazing follows predictable patterns that we see repeated at Texas universities:

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths – The Most Common Fatal Pattern

• Stone Foltz, Bowling Green State (2021): Pi Kappa Alpha pledge forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol; $10 million settlement
• Max Gruver, LSU (2017): Phi Delta Theta pledge died during “Bible study” drinking game; led to Louisiana’s felony hazing law
• Andrew Coffey, Florida State (2017): Pi Kappa Phi pledge died during “Big Brother” night; $14M in settlements

Physical Hazing with Lasting Injuries

• Texas A&M SAE Case (2021): Pledges suffered chemical burns requiring skin grafts from industrial cleaner poured on them
• Danny Santulli, University of Missouri (2021): Phi Gamma Delta pledge suffered permanent brain damage from forced drinking

Systemic Athletic Program Hazing

• Northwestern University Football (2023): Multi-million dollar settlements for sexualized hazing allegations
• Baylor Baseball (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation

Why National Patterns Matter for Baylor Families
When the same fraternity that caused a death at Florida State has a chapter at Baylor, that national history matters. It shows:

• Foreseeability: The national organization knew these risks existed
• Pattern Evidence: Similar methods used across chapters
• Negligence: Failure to implement effective prevention despite prior incidents

Baylor University Hazing Reality: What Waco Parents Need to Know

As the heart of Waco’s academic community, Baylor University hosts approximately 25 fraternity and sorority chapters alongside numerous spirit groups, athletic teams, and student organizations. Understanding Baylor’s specific landscape helps Waco families recognize risks.

Baylor’s Greek Life Landscape
Baylor’s Greek system includes:

• Panhellenic Council Sororities: Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Chi Omega, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Pi Beta Phi, Zeta Tau Alpha, and others
• Interfraternity Council Fraternities: Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, and others
• NPHC Organizations: Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi
• Multicultural Greek Council: Additional culturally-based organizations

Baylor’s Anti-Hazing Policies & Reporting Channels
Baylor prohibits hazing in all forms through its Student Policies and Procedures. Key reporting options for Waco families include:

• Baylor Student Conduct Administration: (254) 710-1715
• Baylor Police Department: (254) 710-2222 (for immediate emergencies)
• Online Anonymous Reporting: Available through Baylor’s website
• Title IX Office: For hazing involving sexual harassment or gender-based elements

Documented Incidents & Institutional Response
While Baylor doesn’t maintain a public hazing log like UT Austin, documented cases include:

Baylor Baseball Hazing Suspensions (2020)
Fourteen baseball players received staggered suspensions following a hazing investigation. The university stated: “Baylor University has zero tolerance for hazing. […] The university will remain vigilant in our efforts to prevent hazing from occurring within our campus community.”

Greek Life Disciplinary History
Various Baylor fraternities and sororities have faced disciplinary action for:

• Alcohol-related hazing violations
• Unregistered social events with hazing elements
• Pledge education program violations
• Risk management policy failures

The Baylor Context: Religious Mission vs. Greek Culture
Baylor’s Christian mission creates unique tensions with Greek life traditions. Parents should understand:

• Baylor officially prohibits alcohol at university events and Greek functions
• Many Greek events move off-campus to avoid university oversight
• Religious emphasis doesn’t eliminate hazing risk—it may drive it further underground
• Baylor’s historical sexual assault scandal revealed institutional protection patterns that could apply to hazing cases

How a Baylor Hazing Case Proceeds Through Waco Courts
If hazing occurs at Baylor or involves Waco students, legal proceedings may involve:

• Baylor Police Department: Initial response for on-campus incidents
• Waco Police Department: Off-campus hazing jurisdiction
• McLennan County Sheriff: County-wide jurisdiction
• McLennan County District Courts: Criminal prosecution venue
• Waco Division of Western District of Texas: Federal court for Title IX or constitutional claims

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Uncovering the Full Network Behind Baylor’s Greek Organizations

When Waco families face hazing at Baylor or other Texas universities, they’re not just fighting individual students. They’re confronting complex networks of organizations. Our firm maintains the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database tracking every Greek organization in Texas. Here’s what this reveals for Baylor and Central Texas:

McLennan County & Waco Metro Greek Organizations
Public records show numerous Greek entities operating in the Waco area:

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority | EIN: 364091267 | Waco, TX 76710 | IRS B83 filing
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. – Nu Iota Chapter | Baylor University | Waco, TX 76703 | IRS B83 filing
Texas Rho Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity | 3217 S 3rd St | Waco, TX 76706 | IRS B83 filing
Baylor Panhellenic Alumnae Association | Cause IQ Metro Listing | Waco, TX
Phi Gamma Delta – Tau Deuteron Chapter | Baylor University | Waco, TX | Cause IQ Metro Listing
Kappa Kappa Gamma – Baylor House Board | Cause IQ Metro Listing | Waco, TX
Delta Delta Delta – Baylor Chapter | Cause IQ Metro Listing | Waco, TX

National Brands with Texas-Wide Presence
The same organizations involved in national hazing cases operate at Baylor and across Texas:

Pi Kappa Alpha: National hazing deaths (Stone Foltz); operates at Baylor, UT, Texas A&M, UH
Sigma Alpha Epsilon: Chemical burn case at Texas A&M; traumatic brain injury at Alabama; operates at Baylor, UT, Texas A&M
Pi Kappa Phi: Active $10M lawsuit at UH; fatal hazing at Florida State; operates at Texas A&M, UT
Phi Delta Theta: Fatal hazing at LSU (Max Gruver); operates at Baylor, Texas A&M

Why This Network Matters for Waco Families

1. Insurance Coverage: Multiple organizations mean multiple potential insurance policies
2. Deep Pockets: National headquarters have significant resources
3. Pattern Evidence: Same methods used across chapters strengthen negligence claims
4. Alumni Networks: Local alumni associations may exercise control or provide funding

Building a Strong Hazing Case: Evidence Collection for Waco Families

The first 48 hours after discovering hazing are critical. Evidence disappears quickly—group chats get deleted, witnesses get coached, and institutions circle the wagons.

Immediate Evidence Preservation Checklist
If your Baylor student has been hazed:

1. Digital Evidence (MOST CRITICAL)

• Group Chats: Screenshot entire conversations on GroupMe, iMessage, WhatsApp, Discord
• Social Media: Preserve Instagram Stories, TikTok videos, Snapchat memories
• Location Data: Save Find My Friends or Snapchat Map screenshots showing where events occurred
• Emails: Save all chapter communications about events or requirements

2. Medical Documentation

• Go to the ER immediately for any concerning symptoms (brown urine, severe pain, confusion)
• Tell doctors “I was hazed” so it enters medical records
• Request copies of all records: ER reports, lab results (creatine kinase for rhabdomyolysis), imaging
• Follow up with Baylor Health Center or local Waco providers for ongoing documentation

3. Physical Evidence

• Photograph injuries immediately and daily as they evolve
• Save clothing with stains or damage
• Preserve any objects used in hazing (paddles, bottles, props)
• Keep receipts for forced purchases

4. Witness Information

• Names and contact info for other pledges
• Roommates or friends who observed changes
• Medical personnel who provided treatment
• Law enforcement who responded

5. Institutional Records

• Baylor conduct complaints (yours or prior against the organization)
• Campus police reports
• Correspondence with Baylor administrators

Damages & Recovery: What Waco Families Can Seek in Hazing Cases

Hazing causes devastating harm that extends far beyond immediate injuries. Texas law recognizes multiple categories of damages:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses)

• Medical Expenses: ER care, hospitalization, surgeries, ongoing therapy, future medical needs
• Lost Educational Opportunity: Tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships, delayed graduation
• Lost Earning Capacity: Reduced future earnings from permanent disability or psychological trauma
• Therapy & Counseling: PTSD treatment, psychiatric care, rehabilitation

Non-Economic Damages (Human Impact)

• Physical Pain & Suffering: From injuries during and after hazing
• Emotional Distress: Humiliation, anxiety, depression, PTSD diagnosis
• Loss of Enjoyment: Can’t participate in college life, sports, or activities previously enjoyed
• Reputational Harm: Social stigma and digital footprint of hazing incidents

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support from the deceased
• Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
• Emotional suffering of parents and siblings

Punitive Damages (When Appropriate)

• Designed to punish particularly reckless or malicious conduct
• Available when defendants knew risks and proceeded anyway
• Subject to Texas caps but significant in appropriate cases

Real-World Recovery Examples

• Stone Foltz (Pi Kappa Alpha): $10 million total settlement ($7M national + $3M university)
• Max Gruver (Phi Delta Theta): $6.1 million verdict plus confidential settlements
• Sigma Chi (College of Charleston): $10+ million for severe physical and psychological hazing
• Various Confidential Settlements: Many seven-figure settlements never made public

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Waco Hazing Case

Based on our years handling hazing cases across Texas, we’ve seen families make these devastating errors:

1. Letting Your Student Delete Evidence
The instinct is to “clean up” embarrassing content. This looks like obstruction of justice and destroys your case. PRESERVE EVERYTHING.

2. Confronting the Fraternity Directly
This triggers immediate defense preparation, evidence destruction, and witness coaching. Let your attorney handle all communications.

3. Signing Baylor’s Internal Resolution Papers
Baylor may offer “quick resolution” that waives your right to sue. Never sign anything without legal review.

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

5. Waiting for Baylor to “Handle It”
Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes run. Act immediately with legal counsel.

6. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Alone
Recorded statements get used against you. Early settlements are lowball offers. “My attorney will contact you.”

Baylor-Specific Practical Guide for Waco Parents

If You Suspect Your Baylor Student is Being Hazed:

1. Recognize the Warning Signs

• Unexplained injuries or “accidents”
• Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
• Personality changes: withdrawal, anxiety, irritability
• Constant phone monitoring for group chat demands
• Defensiveness about organization activities
• Financial drains for “required” purchases or fines

2. Start the Conversation

• “I’m concerned about how tired you’ve been.”
• “Have there been any activities that made you uncomfortable?”
• “You can always come home, no questions asked.”
• “Your safety matters more than any organization.”

3. Take Immediate Action If Harmed

• Medical First: Baylor Health Center or Waco ER for any concerning symptoms
• Document Everything: Screenshots, photos, notes with dates/times
• Contact Our Firm: 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance
• Preserve Evidence: Don’t delete anything, save physical items

4. Navigate Baylor’s Systems

• Student Conduct: Formal complaints trigger investigations
• Baylor Police: For criminal conduct documentation
• Title IX Office: If sexualized hazing involved
• Academic Support: Request accommodations if hazing affects studies

Why Waco Families Choose Attorney911 for Hazing Cases

When your Baylor student has been hazed, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway.

Our Texas Hazing Litigation Advantage

Insurance Insider Knowledge
Our attorney Mr. Lupe Peña (he/him) 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
• Fight coverage under “intentional act” exclusions
• Deploy IMEs (Independent Medical Exams) to reduce settlements
  We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience
Managing Partner Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar defendants with unlimited legal budgets. That same experience applies to suing national fraternities and universities. We’re not intimidated by powerful institutions; we’ve beaten them before.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Results
We’ve recovered millions for families in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. We understand how to:

• Work with economists to value young lives
• Calculate lifetime care needs for permanent injuries
• Navigate both criminal and civil proceedings
• Balance privacy concerns with necessary disclosure

Dual Civil + Criminal Hazing Expertise
Ralph’s membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both sides of hazing cases. We can:

• Advise on criminal exposure for witnesses or participants
• Navigate cooperation with prosecutors
• Handle cases where both criminal charges and civil claims proceed simultaneously

Texas-Wide Investigation Capability
From our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices, we serve Waco families with:

• Digital Forensics Experts: Recover deleted group chats and social media evidence
• Medical Specialists: Document rhabdomyolysis, PTSD, and other hazing injuries
• Greek Life Consultants: Understand organizational structures and rituals
• Economists: Calculate lifelong impact of injuries

Spanish Language Services Available
Se habla Español. Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish and can serve Hispanic families throughout Central Texas.

Your Next Steps: Free Confidential Consultation for Waco Families

If your Baylor student or any college student has experienced hazing, we offer free, confidential consultations to Waco families. Here’s what to expect:

During Your Consultation, We Will:

• Listen to your story without judgment
• Review any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, texts, medical records)
• Explain your legal options clearly and honestly
• Discuss realistic timelines and potential outcomes
• Answer all your questions about process and costs
• Provide specific guidance for your situation

No Obligation, No Pressure
We never pressure families to hire us immediately. Take time to process, discuss with your student, and make the right decision for your family.

How We’re Paid
We work on contingency fee basis for hazing cases. This means:

• No upfront costs to hire us
• No hourly bills while we work on your case
• We only get paid if we recover compensation for you
• If we don’t win, you don’t owe us attorney’s fees

Contact Attorney911 Today
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
24/7 Emergency Line: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

Serving Waco & All of Texas
While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve hazing victims and families throughout Texas, including:

• McLennan County: Waco, Woodway, Hewitt, Bellmead, Lacy-Lakeview
• Central Texas: Temple, Killeen, Belton, College Station
• Statewide: Families with students at any Texas university

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

• Click2Houston (KPRC 2): 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/
• ABC13 Eyewitness News (KTRK): https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/
• Hoodline Summary: https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos

• Using Your Cellphone to Document Evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Texas Statutes of Limitations Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• How Contingency Fees Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website & Practice Areas

• Main Website: https://attorney911.com
• Wrongful Death Practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/
• Criminal Defense Practice: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/
• Ralph Manginello Profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
• Lupe Peña Profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Local Waco & Baylor Resources

• Baylor University Police: (254) 710-2222
• Baylor Student Conduct: (254) 710-1715
• Waco Police Department Non-Emergency: (254) 750-7500
• Providence Emergency Room (Waco): (254) 751-4000

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
Spanish Services: lupe@atty911.com