The Definitive Guide to Hazing & Campus Abuse for Families in Gladewater, Texas

If Your Child Was Hazed, You Are Not Alone.

For parents in Gladewater, Kilgore, Longview, and across Gregg County, the nightmare often starts with a late-night phone call or a child returning home changed. The vibrant student you sent to college in Austin, College Station, or Houston is now withdrawn, injured, or terrified. What was sold as “brotherhood,” “sisterhood,” or “tradition” has crossed a dangerous line.

Right now, in Harris County, we are actively fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The allegations are severe: a “pledge fanny pack” filled with humiliating items, forced consumption of food until vomiting, extreme physical workouts, and being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.” This conduct allegedly caused Bermudez to develop rhabdomyolysis—a severe muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure, leading to a four-day hospitalization and ongoing risk of permanent damage.

This case proves that catastrophic hazing is not a relic of the past or something that happens “somewhere else.” It is happening here in Texas, at schools where Gladewater families send their children. This comprehensive guide is written for you—the parents, grandparents, and students in East Texas—to understand what hazing truly looks like today, the legal landscape in Texas, and your family’s path to accountability and recovery.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies.
Then call us immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911).
We are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™—we provide immediate, aggressive help.

In the first 48 hours:

Get medical attention immediately, even if your child insists they are “fine.”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot all group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, texts), DMs, and social media posts.
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles.
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, paddles or props).
Write down everything your child tells you while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where).
DO NOT:
- Confront the fraternity, sorority, or team directly.
- Sign anything from the university or an insurance company.
- Post details on public social media.
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence.

Families in Gladewater and across East Texas should contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours. Evidence disappears rapidly—deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses. Universities often move quickly to control the narrative. We can help you preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights from the start.

What Hazing Really Looks Like in Texas Today

Hazing is no longer just about “hell week” or paddling in a basement. For Gladewater students on modern campuses, it has evolved into a complex mix of digital coercion, psychological abuse, and dangerous physical rituals, often disguised as “team building” or “tradition.”

The Modern Definition

In Texas, hazing is broadly defined by law as 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. The act must endanger the student’s mental or physical health or safety. Critically, a victim’s “consent” is not a legal defense in Texas.

Categories of Abuse Facing Texas Students

Alcohol & Substance Hazing: The most common and deadliest form. This includes forced drinking games (“lineups,” “Bible study”), chugging contests, and coercion to consume unknown substances.
Physical Hazing: Extreme calisthenics (“smokings”), paddling, beatings, sleep deprivation, exposure to extreme elements, and food/water restriction.
Sexualized & Humiliating Hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes or positions, and acts with racist, sexist, or homophobic overtones.
Psychological Hazing: Verbal abuse, threats, isolation from friends and family, forced confessions, and public shaming.
Digital Hazing: Coercion through 24/7 group chats (GroupMe, Discord), forced social media challenges, geo-tracking via phone apps, and public humiliation on platforms like Instagram or TikTok.

Where It Happens

While fraternities and sororities are often in the news, hazing permeates many campus groups:

Fraternities & Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural councils)
Corps of Cadets & ROTC units (particularly at Texas A&M)
Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading)
Spirit & Tradition Organizations (like the Texas Cowboys at UT)
Marching Bands & Performance Groups
Some academic, service, and cultural clubs

The common threads are a power imbalance between new and existing members, secrecy, and the flawed belief that enduring abuse builds loyalty.

Texas Hazing Law & Liability: A Guide for Gladewater Families

Texas has specific laws governing hazing, and understanding them is the first step toward holding responsible parties accountable.

Texas Education Code, Chapter 37

The cornerstone is the Texas hazing statute (Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F). It defines hazing and outlines penalties:

Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a Class B Misdemeanor. It becomes a Class A Misdemeanor if it causes bodily injury and a State Jail Felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death.
Organizational Liability: The fraternity, sorority, or club itself can be fined up to $10,000 per violation.
Immunity for Reporting: Individuals who in good faith report hazing or call for medical help are generally immune from civil or criminal liability for their own minor involvement (like underage drinking).
Consent is NOT a Defense: Texas law (§37.155) is explicit: a victim’s agreement to participate is not a valid defense against hazing charges.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

Criminal Cases: Brought by the state (DA’s office). Aim to punish offenders with jail time, fines, or probation. Charges can include hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, or manslaughter in fatal cases.
Civil Cases: Brought by victims and their families. Aim to secure compensation for damages and force institutional change through financial accountability. These cases target negligence, wrongful death, and emotional distress.

These processes can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction can strengthen a civil case, but it is not required to file a civil lawsuit.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Lawsuit?

A thorough investigation often reveals a chain of responsibility:

Individual Students: Those who planned, executed, or concealed the hazing.
The Local Chapter: As a recognized student organization.
The National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters: For failing to adequately train, supervise, or discipline chapters despite known patterns of misconduct.
The University: For negligent supervision, deliberate indifference to known risks, or violation of federal statutes like Title IX.
Third Parties: Landlords of off-campus houses, property owners where hazing occurred, or alcohol providers.

Our work on the Leonel Bermudez case demonstrates this multi-defendant approach. The lawsuit names not only the UH Pi Kappa Phi chapter and its members but also the Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the chapter’s housing corporation, the University of Houston, and the UH System Board of Regents.

Federal Laws Overlaying Texas Cases

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently and strengthen prevention programs.
Title IX: If hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based hostility, it triggers the university’s Title IX obligations for investigation and response.
Clery Act: Requires universities to disclose campus crime statistics, which can include hazing-related assaults or alcohol crimes.

National Hazing Cases: The Patterns That Inform Texas Litigation

Tragedies across the country have shaped the legal landscape, showing clear, repeating patterns that Texas courts recognize.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern

Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi, 2017): Died after a bid-acceptance night of forced drinking. Brothers delayed calling 911 for hours. The case led to dozens of criminal charges and Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.”
Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021): Died after being forced to drink a bottle of whiskey. His family reached a $10 million settlement ($7M from the national fraternity, ~$3M from the university). The chapter president was later ordered to pay $6.5 million personally.
Max Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta, 2017): Died during a “Bible study” drinking game. The case led to Louisiana’s felony hazing “Max Gruver Act” and a $6.1 million verdict for his family.

The Physical & Ritualized Abuse Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng (Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi, 2013): Died from traumatic brain injury after a violent, blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a fraternity retreat. The national fraternity was criminally convicted of manslaughter and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.
Danny Santulli (Univ. of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta, 2021): Suffered permanent, catastrophic brain damage from coerced drinking. His family settled with 22 defendants, highlighting the life-altering cost of non-fatal hazing.

The Athletic Program Scandal

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025): Widespread allegations of sexualized and racist hazing led to multiple lawsuits, the firing of the head coach, and confidential settlements, proving hazing is not confined to Greek life.

What This Means for Gladewater Families: These cases create legal precedents and demonstrate to Texas juries the horrific, foreseeable consequences of hazing. They show that universities and national organizations are routinely held financially accountable when they fail to protect students.

Texas University Focus: Where Gladewater Students Are at Risk

East Texas families often send their children to a mix of regional schools and major state universities. Hazing is a risk at all of them.

For Gladewater Families: Local & Regional Campuses

Many students from Gregg County attend universities close to home or within East Texas. These campuses have active Greek life and student organizations where hazing can occur:

The University of Texas at Tyler (Smith County)
LeTourneau University (Longview, Gregg County)
Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches County)
Texas A&M University-Commerce (Hunt County)

Major Statewide Hubs for Gladewater Students

A significant number of Gladewater-area students also attend Texas’s flagship institutions, where large Greek communities and storied traditions can amplify hazing risks.

Texas A&M University

Culture & Context: Home to a massive Greek system and the Corps of Cadets, both with deeply ingrained traditions.
Documented Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Chemical Burns Case: In 2021, pledges alleged they were covered in substances including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The pledges sued for $1 million.
Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Lawsuit: A 2023 lawsuit alleged a cadet was subjected to degrading hazing, including being bound between beds in a simulated sexual position with an apple in his mouth.
For Gladewater Families: Cases here may involve the Brazos County DA, Bryan/College Station PD, and complex defendants including the university, the Corps, and national fraternities.

University of Texas at Austin

Culture & Context: A highly transparent campus that publicly posts hazing violations, revealing ongoing issues despite policies.
Documented Incidents: UT’s public hazing log shows recent sanctions against:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics.
Texas Wranglers: Sanctioned for forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing.
For Gladewater Families: UT’s public violation logs are a powerful tool for proving a chapter’s prior knowledge and pattern of behavior in a lawsuit.

University of Houston

Culture & Context: The site of our flagship Leonel Bermudez case, proving severe hazing happens at major urban commuter schools.
Documented Incidents:

Pi Kappa Phi (Beta Nu) – The Bermudez Case: As detailed in the Click2Houston and ABC13 reports, this case involves allegations of physical abuse leading to kidney failure. The chapter was suspended and voluntarily surrendered its charter.
For Gladewater Families: UH is a common destination. Cases involve Houston PD, Harris County courts, and defendants with deep pockets, requiring attorneys with local federal court experience.

Baylor University & Southern Methodist University (SMU)

As private institutions with strong Greek life, these schools face their own hazing challenges, from Baylor baseball team suspensions to SMU chapter probations. Their private status often means less public disclosure, making aggressive legal discovery essential.

The Organizations Behind the Letters: National Histories Matter

When a Gladewater student is hazed by a fraternity at UT or Texas A&M, they are often encountering a local chapter of a national organization with a known history. This history is critical to holding the national headquarters accountable.

Why National Patterns Matter in Court

National fraternities have risk management manuals and anti-hazing policies precisely because they have paid millions for injuries and deaths nationwide. When a Texas chapter repeats the same dangerous “tradition” that caused a death in Ohio or Louisiana, it demonstrates the national organization had foreseeable knowledge of the risk. This can form the basis for claims of negligent supervision and support demands for punitive damages.

A Sample of National Organizations with Documented Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): National pattern of alcohol hazing deaths (Stone Foltz at BGSU, others). Often involves “Big/Little” nights.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): Multiple chapters nationwide involved in alcohol deaths, traumatic brain injury lawsuits, and serious physical abuse (like the Texas A&M chemical burns case).
Phi Delta Theta: The Max Gruver death at LSU led to felony hazing legislation.
Pi Kappa Phi: The Andrew Coffey death at Florida State and our active UH Bermudez case show serious, recurring risks.
Kappa Alpha Order: Multiple chapters, including at SMU, have faced suspensions for paddling and alcohol hazing.

Our investigation into any hazing case immediately examines the national organization’s history. We subpoena their internal records to uncover prior complaints, incident reports, and whether their so-called “zero tolerance” policies were ever meaningfully enforced.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy

Winning a hazing case requires converting trauma into a compelling legal narrative backed by irrefutable evidence. This is where our experience as complex litigation attorneys makes the difference for Gladewater families.

The Evidence That Wins Cases

Digital Communications: The #1 source of evidence. We secure and analyze GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram DMs, and Discord logs—even recovering deleted messages through digital forensics.
Photos & Videos: Content filmed by participants, security camera footage from houses, and social media posts documenting events.
Internal Organization Documents: Pledge manuals, “tradition” scripts, emails between officers, and national fraternity training materials.
University Records: Obtained through discovery or public records requests, these include prior conduct violations, probation letters, and Clery Act reports.
Medical & Psychological Records: Documenting the physical injury (e.g., ER reports showing rhabdomyolysis) and the psychological harm (PTSD, anxiety, depression diagnoses).
Witness Testimony: From other pledges, former members, roommates, and bystanders.

We have a detailed video guide on using your phone to document evidence that every family should watch.

Understanding Damages: What Can Be Recovered

Civil lawsuits seek to make families whole and hold defendants accountable through financial compensation.

Economic Damages: Medical bills (past and future), lost wages, cost of delayed education, diminished future earning capacity.
Non-Economic Damages: Physical pain, emotional distress, humiliation, loss of enjoyment of life.
Wrongful Death Damages (for families): Funeral costs, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and grief.
Punitive Damages: In cases of especially reckless or malicious conduct, to punish the defendant and deter future behavior.

Our Strategic Advantage for Texas Families

Insurance Insider Knowledge: Our attorney, Mr. Lupe Peña, spent years as an insurance defense lawyer for large national firms. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers value claims, fight coverage, and use delay tactics. We know their playbook because we used to run it.
Complex Litigation Experience: Managing partner Ralph Manginello was one of the few Texas lawyers involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation. We are not intimidated by billion-dollar institutions, national fraternities, or their high-powered defense teams. We have federal court experience and a network of expert witnesses.
Full-Scope Investigation: We don’t just take statements. We deploy a team to uncover the truth: digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages, medical experts to explain lifelong injuries, economists to calculate true losses, and Greek life experts to explain institutional failures.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Gladewater Parents and Students

For Parents: Warning Signs & Action Steps

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns.
Extreme fatigue, sleep deprivation, or drastic weight changes.
Sudden secrecy about group activities (“I can’t talk about it”).
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal.
Constant, anxious phone use related to group chats.
Financial requests for unexplained “fines” or expenses.

Your 48-Hour Action Checklist:

Ensure Safety & Health: Get medical attention immediately.
Preserve Evidence: Screenshot everything. Photograph injuries. Save physical items.
Document: Write down everything your child says with dates and names.
Secure Counsel: Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911. We will guide you on reporting to the university or police, preserving your rights, and dealing with institutional pressure.
Do Not: Confront the organization, sign university paperwork, or post on social media.

For Students: Knowing Your Rights

“I agreed to it, so it’s my fault.” FALSE. Texas law explicitly states consent is not a defense to hazing. Peer pressure and power imbalance negate true consent.
“If I report it, I’ll get in trouble too.” Texas offers good-faith reporter protections. Your priority is safety—call 911 in an emergency.
How to Exit Safely: You have the right to quit any group at any time. If you fear retaliation, document threats and report them to campus police and the Dean of Students.

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin a Case

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

Deleting Evidence: Preserve all messages and photos.
Confronting the Organization: This triggers their defense strategy and evidence destruction.
Signing University Agreements: Never sign anything from the university or an insurance adjuster without an attorney.
Posting on Social Media: Defense attorneys scour social media for inconsistencies.
Waiting Too Long: Texas generally has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury. Evidence and witness memories fade. Learn more in our statute of limitations video.

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can we sue the university in Texas?”
Yes. While public universities have some sovereign immunity, exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Every case is fact-specific.

“What if it happened off-campus at a rental house?”
Location does not eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship and control. The Pi Delta Psi case that led to a death occurred at a remote retreat.

“How much does a lawyer cost?”
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay no upfront fees. We only get paid if we win your case. Watch our video explaining contingency fees.

“Will my child’s name be public?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy while aggressively pursuing accountability.

Why Gladewater Families Choose Attorney911 for Hazing Cases

When your family is in crisis, you need more than a lawyer; you need advocates who understand the systems arrayed against you and have the proven skill to fight them. From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families across Texas, including those right here in Gladewater, Longview, and throughout Gregg County.

Our Unique Qualifications

Mr. Lupe Peña’s Insurance Defense Background: He knows how fraternity and university insurance companies think, strategize, and lowball victims. This insider knowledge is invaluable in securing full compensation.
Ralph Manginello’s Complex Litigation Record: From the BP Texas City disaster to federal court battles, we have faced the largest institutional defendants and won. We are not intimidated by national fraternities or their legal teams.
Dual Civil & Criminal Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both sides of hazing cases, which is crucial when criminal charges are also pending.
A Real Texas Hazing Case on Our Docket: We are not theorizing about hazing law; we are actively litigating the Leonel Bermudez vs. UH/Pi Kappa Phi case right now. We are in the trenches, fighting for a victim just like your child.

Our Promise to You

We approach every case with a commitment to thorough investigation, compassionate client care, and relentless pursuit of justice. We aim not only to recover damages for your family’s suffering but also to force the institutional changes that will protect the next generation of Texas students.

Call to Action for Gladewater Families

If hazing has hurt your child at any Texas campus—whether at UT Tyler, Texas A&M, UH, or any school—you do not have to navigate this alone. The organizations involved have lawyers; you should too.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911) for a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will listen to your story, review any evidence you have, and explain your legal options clearly and honestly. There is no pressure, only information and support.

Call us 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Line: (713) 528-9070
Website: https://attorney911.com
Se habla Español: Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com

Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and outcomes vary based on specific facts. Consult with a qualified attorney about your unique situation.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

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

Click2Houston (KPRC 2) coverage: 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) coverage: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

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 & Contact:

Main Website: https://attorney911.com