The Complete Guide to Hazing in Texas: What Clarksville & Red River County Families Must Know

If Your Child Is in Danger Right Now

Call 911 immediately for any medical emergency.

Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

We are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™—we provide immediate help when you need it most.

In the First 48 Hours:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if your child insists they’re “fine”
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it disappears:
  • Screenshot all group chats, texts, and DMs immediately
  • Photograph injuries from multiple angles
  • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing)
• Write down everything while memories are fresh (who, what, when, where)
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity or sorority directly
  • Sign anything from the university or insurance company
  • Post details on public social media
  • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours. Evidence disappears fast—deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses. Universities move quickly to control the narrative. We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights.

1. Understanding Hazing: A Clarksville Family’s Nightmare Scenario

Imagine this: Your child, a bright student from Clarksville who worked hard to get into college, is now lying in a hospital bed in Houston, Austin, or College Station. Their kidneys are failing. They passed brown urine. Doctors say it’s rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown from extreme overexertion. This didn’t happen during a sport. It happened during a fraternity “workout” where pledges were forced to do hundreds of push-ups and squats under threat of expulsion.

Or picture this: You notice your child has become secretive, exhausted, and anxious every time their phone buzzes. They’re carrying a “pledge fanny pack” filled with humiliating items, being forced to chauffeur older members at all hours, and being sprayed in the face with a hose “like waterboarding” during initiation rituals. When you ask what’s wrong, they say, “I can’t talk about it. I’ll get in trouble.”

This is not hypothetical. This exact scenario is unfolding right now in Texas courts. In Harris County, we’re representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter. His case—involving forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, extreme physical hazing, and life-threatening kidney failure—shows what can happen when hazing goes unchecked.

For families in Clarksville and across Red River County, this guide provides what you need: a clear understanding of what modern hazing really looks like, Texas laws that protect your child, practical steps if hazing occurs, and how experienced Texas hazing attorneys investigate these cases. Whether your child attends a local community college, commutes to Texas A&M Commerce, or studies hours away at University of Houston or UT Austin, hazing can affect any Texas family.

2. Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like Beyond the Stereotypes

Hazing has evolved far beyond “harmless pranks” or “team bonding.” Today’s hazing combines digital control, psychological manipulation, and physical danger—often disguised as tradition or voluntary participation.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (The Gateway)
These behaviors establish power imbalances that pave the way for worse abuse:

• “Pledge fanny pack” rules requiring carrying humiliating items 24/7
• Mandatory chauffeuring services at all hours
• Enforced dress codes and interview schedules
• Social isolation from non-members
• Constant group chat monitoring with instant response demands
• Location sharing requirements via Find My Friends or Snapchat Maps

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (Crossing the Line)
These acts cause real physical and psychological harm:

• Sleep deprivation with 3 AM wake-up calls
• Extreme calisthenics (“smokings”) beyond safe limits
• Forced consumption of unpleasant substances (spoiled food, hot sauce, excessive bland foods)
• Public humiliation and verbal abuse
• “Voluntary” activities that carry clear social consequences for refusal

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (Criminal Acts)
These behaviors risk serious injury or death:

• Forced alcohol consumption games (“Big/Little” nights, “Bible study” drinking)
• Physical beatings and paddling
• Dangerous physical tests (blindfolded tackles, “glass ceiling” rituals)
• Sexualized hazing (forced nudity, simulated acts)
• Exposure to extreme environments (locked in cold rooms, left outside)
• Chemical hazing (industrial cleaners causing burns)

The Digital Transformation of Hazing

Today’s hazing thrives in digital spaces:

• Group chat tyranny: Pledges must respond instantly to messages at all hours
• Social media humiliation: Forced TikTok challenges, Instagram story dares
• Evidence destruction: Messages set to auto-delete, coached responses
• Geo-tracking: Members monitor pledges’ locations via shared apps

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

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

• Corps of Cadets and military-style programs
• Athletic teams (football, basketball, baseball, cheer)
• Spirit organizations and tradition clubs
• Marching bands and performance groups
• Academic honor societies and professional organizations
• Service organizations and cultural groups

For Clarksville families, this means your child doesn’t need to join Greek life to face hazing risks. Any organization with initiation rituals, power imbalances, and tradition can harbor abusive practices.

3. Texas Hazing Law: What Red River County Families Need to Know

Texas has comprehensive hazing laws, but understanding them is crucial for protecting your child.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Anti-Hazing Framework

Definition (Section 37.151):
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:

1. Endangers mental or physical health or safety, AND
2. Occurs for pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any student organization

Key Points for Clarksville Families:

• Location doesn’t matter—off-campus hazing is still illegal
• “Reckless” conduct counts—intent to harm isn’t required
• Mental harm qualifies—not just physical injury
• Consent is NOT a defense (Section 37.155)

Criminal Penalties (Section 37.152):

• 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: Failure to report hazing, retaliation against reporters

Organizational Liability (Section 37.153):
Fraternities, sororities, clubs, and universities can face:

• Fines up to $10,000 per violation
• Loss of campus recognition
• Civil lawsuits for damages

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

• Brought by the state (district attorney)
• Goal: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
• Standard: Beyond reasonable doubt
• Common charges: Hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter in fatal cases

Civil Cases:

• Brought by victims/families
• Goal: Compensation and accountability
• Standard: Preponderance of evidence
• Common claims: Negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress

Why Both Matter: A criminal conviction isn’t required for civil recovery. Many families pursue both tracks—criminal accountability and civil compensation for medical bills, therapy, lost education, and pain and suffering.

Federal Law Overlay: More Than Just State Law

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
Requires colleges receiving federal aid to:

• Report hazing incidents transparently
• Strengthen prevention education
• Maintain public hazing data (phasing in through 2026)

Title IX & Clery Act:

• Title IX: Applies when hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility
• Clery Act: Requires reporting certain crimes; hazing often overlaps with assault/alcohol crimes

Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Hazing Case?

1. Individual Students:

• Those who planned, executed, or covered up hazing
• Officers who knew and failed to report

2. Local Chapter/Organization:

• The fraternity/sorority as a legal entity
• Housing corporations that own chapter houses

3. National Headquarters:

• Organizations that set policies, collect dues, and supervise chapters
• Liability increases with prior knowledge of similar incidents

4. Universities:

• Public schools (UH, Texas A&M, UT) with some sovereign immunity limitations
• Private schools (SMU, Baylor) with fewer immunity protections
• Liability based on knowledge, response, and supervision

5. Third Parties:

• Property owners/landlords of hazing locations
• Alcohol providers (under dram shop laws)
• Security companies or event organizers

4. National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

Understanding national patterns helps Clarksville families recognize how hazing operates and why organizations should know better.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (2021)

• Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” night
• Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol
• Died from alcohol poisoning
• $10 million settlement ($7M from national Pike, ~$3M from BGSU)
• Chapter president ordered to pay $6.5 million personally

Max Gruver – LSU (2017)

• Phi Delta Theta “Bible study” drinking game
• Wrong answers = forced drinking
• Died with 0.495% BAC
• Louisiana passed Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute)
• $6.1 million verdict against fraternity

Andrew Coffey – Florida State University (2017)

• Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother” night
• Pledge given handle of liquor
• Died from acute alcohol poisoning
• FSU suspended all Greek life temporarily

Physical & Ritualized Hazing

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College (2013)

• Pi Delta Psi “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat
• Blindfolded, weighted down, repeatedly tackled
• Died from traumatic brain injury
• National fraternity convicted of manslaughter
• Banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri (2021)

• Phi Gamma Delta “pledge dad reveal”
• Forced excessive drinking
• Severe permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see)
• Settlements with 22 defendants
• Requires 24/7 lifetime care

Athletic Program Hazing

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

• Sexualized and racist hazing within program
• Multiple lawsuits against university
• Head coach fired, then settled wrongful termination
• Shows hazing extends beyond Greek life

What These Cases Mean for Clarksville Families

These national patterns repeat in Texas because:

1. Same organizations operate here (Pi Kappa Alpha, SAE, Phi Delta Theta, etc.)
2. Same traditions get imported (Big/Little nights, drinking games, physical tests)
3. Same cover-up tactics occur (deleted messages, coached witnesses)
4. Same institutional failures happen (universities slow to act, nationals minimize)

When your child faces hazing at a Texas school, they’re encountering known, predictable patterns that have caused deaths and catastrophic injuries elsewhere. This foreseeability strengthens legal claims against organizations that should have prevented recurrence.

5. Texas University Focus: Where Clarksville Families Send Their Kids

Clarksville and Red River County families have diverse educational pathways. Some students commute to nearby schools, while others attend major universities across Texas. Wherever they study, hazing risks exist.

University of Houston: The Current Crisis

Campus Context for Clarksville Families:
While UH is over 300 miles from Clarksville, many East Texas students choose Houston for its urban opportunities and strong programs. The university’s current hazing crisis shows how quickly traditions can turn toxic.

The Leonel Bermudez Case (Our Active Litigation):
Right now, we’re representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million hazing lawsuit against:

• University of Houston
• UH System Board of Regents
• Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
• Beta Nu housing corporation
• 13 individual fraternity leaders

What Happened (Fall 2025):

• “Pledge fanny pack” rule: Carried condoms, sex toy, nicotine devices, humiliating items
• Forced labor: Overnight chauffeuring, hours-long “study blocks,” mandatory interviews
• Physical abuse: Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, cold-weather exposure in underwear
• Violent rituals: Sprayed with hose “similar to waterboarding,” hog-tying another pledge
• Extreme workout: 100+ push-ups, 500 squats on November 3
• Medical catastrophe: Developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, passed brown urine, hospitalized for four days, faces permanent kidney damage risk

Institutional Response:

• November 6, 2025: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspends Beta Nu chapter
• November 14, 2025: Chapter members vote to surrender charter
• UH calls conduct “deeply disturbing,” promises disciplinary action and cooperation with law enforcement

UHP Greek Life Landscape:

• Interfraternity Council: 17+ fraternities including Alpha Sigma Phi, Kappa Sigma, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon
• Panhellenic Council: 6 sororities including Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Delta Gamma
• Multicultural Greek Council: Multiple fraternities and sororities
• National Pan-Hellenic Council: All nine Divine Nine organizations

Prior Incidents at UH:

• 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case: Pledge suffered lacerated spleen during multi-day event
• Multiple chapter suspensions for alcohol violations and “likely to produce discomfort” conduct
• Pattern of off-campus hazing moving to avoid university oversight

For Clarksville Families with UH Students:

• Hazing can occur in officially recognized and underground organizations
• The university’s public hazing violations list is less comprehensive than UT’s
• Evidence preservation is critical—messages disappear quickly
• Medical attention must be sought immediately for any concerning symptoms

Texas A&M University: Corps Culture and Greek Life

Clarksville Connection:
While College Station is 250+ miles from Clarksville, Texas A&M’s agricultural and engineering programs attract students from across Texas. The university’s unique Corps of Cadets culture presents specific hazing risks.

Corps of Cadets Hazing Cases:

• 2023 lawsuit: Cadet alleged being bound between beds in “roasted pig” position with apple in mouth, simulated sexual acts
• Sought over $1 million in damages
• Texas A&M stated it handled matter under Corps regulations
• Highlights military-style tradition risks

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021):

• Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, spit
• Caused severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries
• Pledges sued fraternity for $1 million
• Chapter suspended for two years

Texas A&M Greek Landscape:

• Interfraternity Council: 19+ fraternities including Alpha Tau Omega, Kappa Sigma, Pi Kappa Phi
• Panhellenic Council: 14 sororities including Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Kappa Alpha Theta
• Corps-specific organizations: Distinct from general Greek life

Unique Risks for Clarksville Students at A&M:

• Corps traditions can escalate beyond acceptable discipline
• Off-campus ranches and properties used for hazing retreats
• Strong “tradition” culture can normalize abusive practices
• University’s agricultural and remote properties provide hazing venues

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Patterns

Clarksville & UT Austin:
Though Austin is 300+ miles away, UT’s flagship status attracts top students from every Texas county. The university’s public hazing violations database provides unique transparency—and reveals repeating patterns.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Database:
One of Texas’ most transparent systems, showing:

• Organization names
• Violation dates
• Conduct descriptions
• Sanctions imposed

Recent UT Violations Include:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter probation
• Texas Wranglers (spirit group): Multiple sanctions for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon: Ongoing issues including 2024 assault allegation involving exchange student
• Various organizations: Alcohol misuse, sleep deprivation, humiliation rituals

UT Greek Ecosystem:

• Interfraternity Council: 16+ fraternities including Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Alpha Epsilon
• Panhellenic Council: 14 sororities including Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Kappa Kappa Gamma
• Texas Asian Pan-Hellenic Council: Multiple Asian-interest organizations
• NPHC: Six of nine Divine Nine organizations

What UT’s Transparency Reveals for Clarksville Families:

1. Patterns repeat: Same organizations face repeated sanctions
2. Sanctions escalate: Probation → suspension → revocation
3. Underground continues: Banned organizations sometimes operate unofficially
4. Evidence matters: Public records can support civil claims

Southern Methodist University: Private School Dynamics

SMU’s Clarksville Connection:
As a private university in Dallas, SMU attracts students seeking strong business and arts programs. Its affluent student body and Greek-dominated social scene create specific hazing dynamics.

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017):

• New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink, sleep-deprived
• Chapter suspended through 2021
• Restrictions on recruiting and activities

SMU’s Greek Dominance:

• Approximately 40% of undergraduates in Greek organizations
• Panhellenic Council: 8 sororities including Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Kappa Kappa Gamma
• Interfraternity Council: 6 fraternities including Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi
• Strong alumni networks and tradition culture

Private University Considerations:

• Less public transparency than state schools
• Strong institutional incentives to protect reputation
• Alumni donor influence on discipline decisions
• Different legal standards than public institutions

Baylor University: Religious Identity and Athletic Culture

Baylor & Clarksville Students:
Baylor’s Christian identity and strong athletic programs attract specific student demographics. The university’s recent history with institutional scandals informs its hazing response.

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):

• 14 players suspended following hazing investigation
• Staggered suspensions throughout season
• Part of broader cultural reckoning post-sexual assault scandal

Baylor’s Greek Life:

• Panhellenic Council: 9 sororities including Alpha Chi Omega, Chi Omega, Pi Beta Phi
• Interfraternity Council: 5 fraternities including Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma, Sigma Chi
• Christian fraternities and sororities additional to traditional Greek system

Institutional Context for Clarksville Families:

• Baylor’s religious mission affects policy enforcement
• Athletic program hazing risks beyond Greek life
• Ongoing reform efforts post-scandal era
• Balancing spiritual formation with accountability

Regional Campuses Closer to Clarksville

While major universities draw attention, Clarksville families often choose nearer options:

Texas A&M University-Commerce (65 miles from Clarksville):

• Growing Greek community
• Commuter student dynamics
• Recent hazing investigations in athletic programs

University of Texas at Tyler (120 miles):

• Expanding Greek life
• Regional student population
• Developing anti-hazing protocols

Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches, 90 miles):

• Traditional residential campus
• Active Greek system
• History of hazing investigations

For Clarksville families, proximity doesn’t equal safety. Hazing occurs at universities of all sizes and distances.

6. Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Matter in Texas

When Clarksville students encounter hazing, they’re often facing known national patterns that organizations should have prevented. Here’s how national histories create liability in Texas cases.

The Pi Kappa Phi Pattern (Active in Our UH Case)

National History:

• Andrew Coffey (FSU, 2017): Hazing death during “Big Brother” night
• Multiple chapter suspensions nationwide
• Known alcohol hazing traditions

Texas Presence:

• University of Houston (Beta Nu chapter – now closed)
• Texas A&M University
• University of Texas at Austin
• Multiple other Texas campuses

Legal Significance:
Pi Kappa Phi nationals knew or should have known about:

• Big/Little alcohol hazing risks
• Need for strict supervision
• Pattern of similar incidents nationally

This foreseeability strengthens claims that nationals failed to prevent our client’s injuries at UH.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon: A National Pattern of Violence

National History:

• Multiple hazing deaths nationwide
• “Traumatic brain injury” lawsuit at University of Alabama (2023)
• Eliminated pledge program in 2014 due to pattern
• Still faces repeated violations

Texas Incidents:

• Texas A&M chemical burns case (2021)
• UT Austin assault case (2024)
• Multiple chapter suspensions across Texas

Pattern Evidence:
SAE nationals have documented knowledge of:

• Physical violence risks
• Alcohol poisoning dangers
• Need for active supervision

Pi Kappa Alpha: The “Big/Little” Night Danger

National History:

• Stone Foltz (BGSU, 2021): $10 million settlement
• David Bogenberger (NIU, 2012): $14 million settlement
• Multiple other alcohol hazing deaths

Texas Presence:

• University of Houston
• Texas A&M University
• University of Texas at Austin
• Baylor University
• Virtually every major Texas campus

Known Risk:
Pike nationals have extensive documentation about:

• Big/Little night alcohol dangers
• Chapter officer accountability
• Supervision requirements

Why National Histories Matter for Clarksville Families

Legal Concept: Foreseeability
If a national organization knows:

1. Certain activities cause harm at other chapters
2. Their Texas chapters engage in similar activities
3. They fail to prevent recurrence

They can be liable for negligent supervision and gross negligence.

Evidence Sources for Your Case:

• National risk management manuals
• Prior incident reports from other chapters
• Training materials acknowledging risks
• Internal communications about problem chapters

Practical Impact:
When we investigate hazing cases for Clarksville families, we:

1. Subpoena national organization records
2. Document pattern evidence across chapters
3. Show nationals knew risks but failed to act
4. Strengthen claims against deep-pocketed defendants

7. Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages & Strategy

When hazing affects your Clarksville family, understanding the legal process helps manage expectations and make informed decisions.

Critical Evidence in Modern Hazing Cases

Digital Evidence (Most Important):

• Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
• Social media: Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook
• Location data: Find My Friends, Snap Map, geotagged photos
• Deleted recovery: Digital forensics can often retrieve “deleted” messages

Physical Evidence:

• Injury documentation: Photos from multiple angles over time
• Medical records: ER reports, lab results, specialist evaluations
• Objects: Paddles, costumes, alcohol containers, “pledge manuals”
• Clothing: Unwashed items with stains or damage

Institutional Records:

• University files: Prior conduct violations, probation records, incident reports
• National fraternity records: Risk management files, chapter communications, training materials
• Police reports: Campus and local law enforcement incident documentation