The Complete Guide to Hazing in Texas: A Resource for Families in Brackettville

Understanding Your Rights, the Law, and How to Seek Justice

As a parent in Brackettville, Texas, you send your child to college with dreams of their future. The thought that they could be seriously hurt—not in an accident, but in a deliberate act by a group they wanted to join—is a nightmare that feels distant in our tight-knit Kinney County community. But right now, just a few hours east in Houston, a family is living that nightmare, and it shows that hazing is a present and severe danger in our state.

In fall 2025, Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student at the University of Houston, accepted a bid to join the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter. What followed was not brotherhood but a campaign of abuse. He was forced to carry a degrading “pledge fanny pack,” subjected to sleep deprivation and overnight driving duties, and endured brutal physical hazing. This included being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced to overconsume food until vomiting, and extreme workouts. One such event on November 3 involved over 100 push-ups and 500 squats. The result was catastrophic: Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis—a severe skeletal muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown, he couldn’t stand, and he was hospitalized for four days, facing a risk of permanent kidney damage.

This is not a story from decades past. It is an active, $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit filed in late 2025. Attorney911—our firm, led by attorneys Ralph Manginello and Mr. Lupe Peña—represents Leonel Bermudez. The defendants include the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the local housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The chapter was suspended and its members voted to surrender their charter after the allegations surfaced. UH called the conduct “deeply disturbing.”

If this can happen at a major Texas university, it can happen anywhere a student from Brackettville chooses to enroll. This guide is written specifically for you—parents, grandparents, and families in Brackettville and across Kinney County. We will explain what modern hazing truly looks like, the Texas laws designed to punish it, the legal options available to victims, and the stark realities at universities across our state. Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and resources you need to protect your child and understand the path to accountability.

If you are facing a hazing crisis right now, call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We provide immediate help for legal emergencies.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for any medical emergency.
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911. We are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ for a reason.

In the first 48 hours, critical steps include:

Seek Medical Attention: Even if your child insists they are “fine,” a medical evaluation is crucial to document injuries like rhabdomyolysis, poisoning, or trauma.
Preserve Evidence: Screenshot all relevant group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, texts), social media posts, and emails. Take photographs of any visible injuries. Do not let your child delete anything.
Document Everything: Write down everything your child tells you—names, dates, locations, and specific acts—while their memory is fresh.
Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney: Evidence disappears quickly. Universities and organizations move fast to control the narrative. We can help you navigate this from the start. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas

Hazing is not just “boys being boys” or “harmless tradition.” It is a calculated pattern of abuse designed to solidify power dynamics through fear, humiliation, and sometimes, extreme violence. For families in Brackettville, whose students may be attending schools far from home, understanding the modern forms of hazing is the first step in recognizing danger.

A Modern Definition

Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—on or off campus—directed against a student for the purpose of joining, affiliating with, or maintaining membership in any organization. It endangers the mental or physical health or safety of the student. Crucially, under Texas law, the victim’s “consent” is not a defense.

The Evolution of Abuse: From Physical to Digital

The hazing that injured Leonel Bermudez at UH involved a mix of old and new tactics:

Humiliation & Servitude: The “pledge fanny pack” filled with condoms, sex toys, and nicotine devices, along with enforced dress codes and mandatory chauffeur duties.
Physical Torture: Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting; “waterboarding” with a hose; extreme calisthenics leading to organ failure.
Psychological Control: Weekly interviews, threats of expulsion for non-compliance, and isolation.

Today’s hazing often includes a pervasive digital layer designed for maximum control and secrecy:

24/7 Digital Surveillance: Pledges are required to be on-call via group chats (GroupMe, Discord), respond instantly to messages at all hours, and share their live location.
Social Media Humiliation: Forced to post embarrassing content on TikTok or Instagram as part of “challenges.”
Evidence Destruction Culture: Members are coached to use disappearing message modes and delete evidence, understanding that digital trails are now the most damning proof.

Who Is At Risk?

While fraternities are often in the news, hazing is an institutional problem across campus life:

Fraternities and Sororities (Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic, National Pan-Hellenic Council, Multicultural Greek Council).
Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading).
Spirit and Tradition Organizations (like mascot teams or campus service groups).
Military-Style Programs (like the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M).
Marching Bands and Performance Groups.

The common thread is a hierarchy where existing members wield power over new members, using “tradition” as a shield for abuse.

Texas Law & Liability: The Legal Framework Protecting Your Child

Texas has specific statutes to combat hazing, and understanding them is vital for Brackettville families seeking justice. The primary law is found in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F.

The Texas Hazing Statute: Plain English

The law defines hazing broadly as reckless or intentional acts that endanger a student’s physical or mental health for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. Key provisions include:

§ 37.151: The broad definition covering acts both on and off campus.
§ 37.152: Criminal Penalties. Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor. It becomes a Class A misdemeanor if it causes injury and a State Jail Felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death.
§ 37.155: Consent is NOT a Defense. It does not matter if your child “agreed” to participate. The law recognizes the power imbalance and coercion inherent in hazing.
§ 37.154: Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting. Individuals who report hazing in good faith or seek medical help in an emergency are protected from civil or criminal liability for their own minor involvement (like underage drinking).

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

A hazing incident triggers two parallel legal tracks:

Criminal Case: Brought by the state (e.g., Kinney County, Harris County, or Bexar County District Attorney). The goal is punishment: jail time, fines, probation. Charges can include hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to a minor, or manslaughter.
Civil Lawsuit: Brought by the victim and their family. The goal is compensation for damages and institutional accountability. This is where families can recover for medical bills, pain and suffering, and future care needs.

A criminal conviction is not required to file a civil lawsuit. Our firm manages the interplay between these tracks, especially when advising witnesses or former members who may have criminal exposure.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Hazing Case?

The law allows for accountability across the entire chain of responsibility:

The Individuals: The members who planned, executed, or covered up the hazing.
The Local Chapter: The fraternity, sorority, or club as an entity.
The National Organization: The fraternity/sorority headquarters that sets policy, collects dues, and supervises chapters. Their knowledge of prior incidents is critical.
The University: Public universities like UH or Texas A&M have a duty to protect students. They can be liable for negligence, particularly if they knew of risks and failed to act. Private schools like SMU and Baylor have similar duties.
Third Parties: Landlords of off-campus houses, alcohol providers, or security companies.

Federal Overlay: The Stop Campus Hazing Act

In 2024, the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act was passed, requiring colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently and strengthen prevention programs. This law, combined with Title IX (for sex-based harassment) and the Clery Act (for crime reporting), creates additional avenues for accountability when schools fail their students.

The National Pattern: Why History Repeats Itself

The tragedy at UH is not an isolated event. It fits a decades-long pattern of institutional failure. Understanding these national cases shows Brackettville families that their fight is part of a larger movement for accountability.

The Deadly Pattern of Alcohol Hazing

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021): A pledge died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink a bottle of liquor. Result: A $10 million settlement, with individual members facing jail time and the chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.
Max Gruver – LSU (Phi Delta Theta, 2017): Died during a “Bible study” drinking game. Result: The Max Gruver Act made hazing a felony in Louisiana.
Timothy Piazza – Penn State (Beta Theta Pi, 2017): Died after a bid night with extreme drinking and falls; help was delayed for hours. Result: Dozens of criminal convictions and the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania.

Physical and Ritualized Abuse

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College (Pi Delta Psi, 2013): Died from traumatic brain injury after a violent, blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat. Result: The national fraternity was criminally convicted and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.

The Texas A&M Precedent

Closer to home, Texas A&M has seen severe cases:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges alleged being doused with industrial cleaner and other substances, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts. The chapter was suspended, and a lawsuit was filed.
Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Lawsuit (2023): A cadet alleged being bound between beds in a degrading, simulated sexual position as part of hazing. The case sought over $1 million in damages.

The Lesson for Brackettville Families: These national organizations—Pi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Alpha, SAE, Phi Delta Theta—all have chapters at Texas schools. Their national headquarters have been on notice for years about the lethal risks of their traditions. When a Texas chapter repeats these patterns, it demonstrates foreseeability, a key element in proving negligence and securing justice.

The Texas University Landscape: A Guide for Brackettville Families

Brackettville students proudly attend colleges across our great state. While Kinney County is home to our community, our children pursue education in San Antonio, College Station, Austin, Houston, Waco, and beyond. Understanding the specific environments and histories at these universities is crucial.

The Greek Ecosystem Serving Texas Families

While Brackettville itself does not host university chapters, the network of Greek organizations that impact your child is vast and documented. Our firm maintains the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, built from public records, which tracks over 1,423 Greek-related entities across 25 Texas metros.

A Sample of Texas-Registered Greek Organizations (from IRS B83 Public Filings):
This is a fraction of the directory we use to investigate liability. Each represents a legal entity that may hold insurance or responsibility.

Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc, EIN 133048786, College Station, TX 77845
Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Inc, EIN 161675890, The Woodlands, TX 77382
Sigma Phi Lambda Inc, EIN 201237505, Corinth, TX 76210
Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation, EIN 371768785, Missouri City, TX 77459
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc, EIN 475370943, Houston, TX 77204 (Theta Delta Chapter)
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)

In the San Antonio metropolitan area—a common destination for regional students—public data shows dozens of active fraternity and sorority chapters, alumni groups, and housing corporations.

Where Brackettville Families Send Their Kids: Campus Snapshots

Students from Kinney County attend a wide range of institutions. Here is what parents should know about some of the major hubs.

University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) & Regional Schools

For many Brackettville families, schools in the San Antonio region are a practical choice.

Culture: Large, growing commuter and residential campus with active Greek life and diverse student organizations.
Hazing Policy: Prohibits hazing on and off campus. Reporting goes through the Dean of Students and campus police.
For Brackettville Families: Incidents here would typically involve Bexar County courts and SAPD. UTSA’s proximity means many local students may be involved.

Texas A&M University (College Station)

Culture: A massive, tradition-rich campus with a powerful Greek system and the prominent Corps of Cadets.
Hazing Reality: As noted, A&M has faced serious lawsuits from both Greek life and the Corps. The university maintains conduct offices for both systems.
For Brackettville Families: A&M is a top destination for Texas students. Its size and entrenched traditions require particular vigilance. Civil cases may be filed in Brazos County.

University of Texas at Austin

Culture: The flagship campus with a highly competitive social scene and over 60 Greek chapters.
Transparency Advantage: UT Austin publishes a public Hazing Violations page listing sanctioned organizations, a resource far superior to most schools.
For Brackettville Families: This public log can be a powerful tool. If your child is hazed by a group on this list, it demonstrates prior institutional knowledge. Jurisdiction is in Travis County.

University of Houston

Culture: A large urban university with a significant Greek community, as the Bermudez case tragically illustrates.
Recent History: The Pi Kappa Phi case is the most severe recent example. UH has suspended chapters for hazing in the past.
For Brackettville Families: This case is proof that the most serious abuse is happening now in Texas. Harris County courts are actively handling this litigation.

Baylor University & Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Culture: Private universities with strong Greek life and distinct institutional identities (religious at Baylor, affluent at SMU).
Considerations: As private entities, they have more control over internal processes but are not immune to lawsuits. Both have faced hazing incidents in athletic programs and Greek life.
For Brackettville Families: These schools often attract students from across Texas. Their private status can affect transparency, but civil discovery can uncover the truth.

Fraternities & Sororities: Connecting National Patterns to Texas Campuses

The same national organizations implicated in deaths across the country have active chapters at the universities Brackettville students attend. This history is not incidental; it is central to building a case for liability.

Why National Histories Matter in Court

When a Texas chapter of Pi Kappa Phi engages in brutal physical hazing, the national organization cannot claim ignorance. The death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State in 2017 put them on clear notice. This establishes foreseeability—they knew or should have known the deadly risks of their chapters’ activities.

Our legal strategy involves mapping this pattern evidence:

Identify the National Organization behind the local chapter.
Subpoena National Records for prior incident reports, warnings, and internal communications about risk at the specific chapter or others.
Demonstrate Failure to Supervise: Show that despite this knowledge, national did not enact meaningful reforms, enforce policies, or shut down dangerous practices.

Major Nationals with Texas Chapters and Documented Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (“Pike”): National pattern of alcohol hazing deaths (Stone Foltz). Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): Multiple deaths and severe injury cases nationally, including the chemical burns case at Texas A&M. Chapters at nearly all major Texas schools.
Pi Kappa Phi: The Andrew Coffey death at FSU and now the severe injury case at UH.
Phi Delta Theta: The Max Gruver death at LSU. Active in Texas.
Kappa Alpha Order: Hazing suspensions at multiple schools, including SMU.

For a parent in Brackettville, this means the organization harming your child likely has a corporate memory of violence. We know how to access that memory and use it to hold them fully accountable.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and damages

Pursuing a hazing case requires a meticulous, data-driven approach. This is where our firm’s specific expertise—from complex litigation to insurance insider knowledge—makes a critical difference for Texas families.

The Evidence That Wins Cases

Modern hazing leaves a digital and paper trail. Preservation is the first and most critical step.

Digital Communications: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, and Instagram/Snapchat messages. We work with digital forensics experts to recover deleted content.
Media: Photos and videos members took during events, often shared in group chats.
Internal Documents: Pledge manuals, “big brother” assignments, chapter meeting notes.
University Records: Prior conduct violations for the same organization, obtained through discovery or public records requests.
Medical Records: Documentation of injuries (e.g., ER reports showing toxicology screens, diagnoses of rhabdomyolysis, psychological evaluations for PTSD).

Watch our video on using your phone to document evidence for a practical guide on preservation.

Overcoming Institutional Defenses

Fraternities, nationals, and universities have deep-pocketed defense lawyers. Their common tactics include:

“The Pledge Consented”: We counter with Texas law § 37.155 and expert testimony on group coercion.
“It Was a Rogue Chapter”: We use our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine to subpoena national records showing prior warnings and a pattern of similar behavior across chapters.
“It Happened Off-Campus”: We establish that the university or national still exercised control and that the risk was foreseeable.
“Insurance Doesn’t Cover Intentional Acts”: This is where Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney is invaluable. He knows how insurers argue coverage exclusions and how to fight for policy proceeds to be available for victims.

Understanding Damages: What Can Be Recovered

A civil lawsuit seeks to make the victim whole and punish wrongdoing. Potential damages include:

Economic Damages: All past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity if injuries are permanent.
Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for physical pain, mental anguish, humiliation, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Wrongful Death Damages: If hazing leads to death, families can seek funeral costs, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering.
Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or malice, courts can award damages to punish the defendant and deter future conduct.

Outcomes vary, but national precedents like the $10 million settlement for Stone Foltz’s family and the $6.1 million verdict for Max Gruver’s family show that juries and institutions recognize the profound harm caused by hazing.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Brackettville Parents and Students

For Parents: Warning Signs and Action Steps

Warning signs your child may be being hazed:

Unexplained injuries (bruises, burns, limping).
Extreme physical or mental exhaustion, sleep deprivation.
Sudden secrecy about organization activities.
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal.
Constant, anxious phone use related to group chats.
Requests for unusual amounts of money for “fines” or “supplies.”

What to do if you suspect hazing:

Talk Calmly: Ask open-ended questions. “Has anything made you uncomfortable during pledging?” “Do you feel safe?”
Prioritize Safety: If there is immediate danger, call 911.
Preserve Evidence: Guide your child to screenshot everything. Take photos of injuries.
Seek Medical Care: Get a professional evaluation to document harm.
Consult a Lawyer Before Reporting: We can help you navigate reporting to the university or police in a way that protects your child’s rights and preserves the case.

Critical Mistakes to Avoid:

Letting your child delete messages.
Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly (they will lawyer up and destroy evidence).
Signing any university-offered “resolution” agreement without an attorney’s review.
Posting details on social media.

We detail these pitfalls in our video on client mistakes that can ruin your case.

For Students: Is This Hazing? How to Get Help.

If you feel pressured, unsafe, or humiliated during an initiation, it is likely hazing. Trust your instincts.

Your Safety Comes First: In a medical emergency, call 911. Texas law protects good-faith reporters.
You Have the Right to Leave: You can quit anytime. Send a simple text or email: “I resign my membership, effective immediately.” You do not owe them an explanation or meeting.
Preserve Proof: Take screenshots of everything—chats, social media posts, emails.
Talk to Someone: A trusted parent, a counselor at the university, or an attorney. You are not alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can we sue the university?”
Yes, depending on the facts. Universities can be liable for negligent supervision if they knew of risks and failed to act. Sovereign immunity for public schools has exceptions, particularly for gross negligence.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of injury. However, complexities can affect this timeline. Do not wait. Watch our video on statutes of limitation and call us to discuss your specific situation.

“Will this be public? Will my child’s name be in the news?”
We prioritize your family’s privacy. Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We can seek protective orders from the court to shield sensitive information.

“How much does it cost to hire you?”
We work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases. This means we only get paid if we secure a recovery for you. There are no upfront fees. Learn how contingency fees work.

Why Brackettville Families Choose Attorney911 for Hazing Cases

When your family is in crisis, you need advocates who understand the battlefield. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911), we are not just personal injury lawyers; we are specialized litigators built for fights against powerful institutions.

Our Texas-Based, Nationally Relevant Expertise

Active, High-Stakes Litigation: We are not theorists. We are currently leading the Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit—one of the most serious active hazing cases in the country. We know what it takes to fight a major university and national fraternity right now.
The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: We have built a proprietary database from public records—tracking over 1,423 Greek organizations across Texas. We don’t start from zero; we start with data. This allows us to immediately identify all potentially liable entities, from housing corporations to alumni chapters.
Insurance Insider Knowledge: Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney for a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers evaluate claims, dispute coverage, and employ delay tactics. We know their playbook because we used to run it.
Complex Institutional Litigation Experience: Attorney Ralph Manginello was one of the few Texas lawyers involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation. We have faced billion-dollar defendants with endless legal resources. We are not intimidated by national fraternities or university regents.
Dual Civil & Criminal Capability: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand the criminal side of hazing cases. We can advise families and witnesses navigating both criminal investigations and civil lawsuits.
Spanish-Language Services: Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish (Se habla Español). We are committed to serving all Texas families with respect and understanding.

A Commitment to Justice and Prevention

For us, these cases are about more than compensation. They are about accountability and forcing change. We litigate to uncover the truth, to hold every responsible party accountable, and to make campuses safer for the next generation of students from Brackettville and beyond.

Your Next Step: A Confidential, Free Consultation

If you believe your child has been victimized by hazing at any Texas university—whether it’s in San Antonio, College Station, Austin, Houston, or elsewhere—we are here to listen and help.

We serve families throughout Texas, including right here in Brackettville and Kinney County. Distance is no barrier to justice.

Contact us today for a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation.

Call our 24/7 emergency line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Line: (713) 528-9070
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

In your consultation, we will:

Listen compassionately to your story.
Review any evidence you have gathered.
Explain your legal rights and options under Texas law.
Outline the investigation process.
Discuss our contingency fee structure—you pay nothing unless we win.
Help you decide on the best path forward for your family.

You don’t have to face this alone. Enough is enough. Let us help you fight for accountability and justice for your child.

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 | lupe@atty911.com