Hazing in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for Gladewater Families Seeking Justice and Accountability
For Gladewater Families: When Your Child’s College Dream Becomes a Nightmare
We understand the pride Gladewater families feel when their children head off to college. From our quiet corner of East Texas to the sprawling campuses of UT Austin and Texas A&M, we send our kids with hopes for their future. But sometimes, that dream turns into a parent’s worst nightmare.
Right now, just a few hours south of Gladewater in Houston, we are fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who nearly lost his life to fraternity hazing. His story is not an isolated incident—it’s a warning to every family in Upshur County about the real dangers facing our children in Greek organizations across Texas.
The Leonel Bermudez Case: Texas Hazing Made Horribly Real
In November 2025, our firm filed a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation, the UH System Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. What happened to Leonel Bermudez represents everything Texas parents fear when their children join campus organizations.
The Hazing Rituals: Bermudez was subjected to months of systematic abuse as a Pi Kappa Phi pledge. He was forced to carry a “pledge fanny pack” 24/7 containing condoms, a sex toy, nicotine devices, and other humiliating items. He endured enforced dress codes, hours-long “study/work” blocks, weekly interviews, and overnight driving duties. The physical abuse included:
- Sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, and “save-your-brother” drills at Yellowstone Boulevard Park
- Cold-weather exposure in underwear and lying in vomit-soaked grass
- Being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding”
- Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting
- The November 3 workout: 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion
The Medical Catastrophe: After the November 3 workout, Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis—severe skeletal muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure. He passed brown urine, could not stand without help, and was hospitalized for four days. Lab tests showed critically high creatine kinase levels, confirming both conditions. He now faces the ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage and long-term physical and psychological harm.
The Institutional Response: Within days of the hazing coming to light, Pi Kappa Phi headquarters suspended the Beta Nu chapter on November 6, 2025. On November 14, chapter members voted to surrender their charter, effectively shutting down the chapter. The University of Houston labeled the alleged conduct “deeply disturbing,” promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion, and confirmed cooperation with law enforcement.
This case, covered extensively by Click2Houston and ABC13, is actively being litigated by our firm right now. It demonstrates exactly what Gladewater families are up against when hazing occurs—powerful institutions, national organizations with deep pockets, and coordinated defense strategies.
The Texas Greek Ecosystem: Understanding What Your Child is Joining
For Gladewater families whose children attend Texas colleges, it’s crucial to understand the scope of Greek life in our state. Texas hosts one of the most extensive fraternity and sorority networks in the country, with 1,423 Greek-related organizations tracked across 25 metropolitan areas.
Local and Regional Connections for Gladewater Students
While Gladewater itself doesn’t host university campuses, families in Upshur County typically send students to several key educational institutions:
Regional Universities Near Gladewater:
- The University of Texas at Tyler (Smith County) – Just 30 minutes from Gladewater
- LeTourneau University (Gregg County) – In nearby Longview
- Texas A&M University-Texarkana (Bowie County) – Within commuting distance
- Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches County) – East Texas regional university
Major Statewide Universities Gladewater Families Attend:
- University of Texas at Austin
- Texas A&M University (College Station)
- University of Houston
- Baylor University (Waco)
- Southern Methodist University (Dallas)
- Texas Tech University (Lubbock)
- University of North Texas (Denton)
Each of these campuses hosts dozens of fraternity and sorority chapters, many with long histories in Texas and complex organizational structures that extend far beyond what students see during rush week.
The Hidden Network: Texas Greek Organizations by the Numbers
What Gladewater parents rarely see are the legal and financial structures behind those Greek letters. Through our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain detailed records of these organizations, including:
IRS-Registered Greek Organizations in Texas:
Our database includes 125+ Texas-registered Greek organizations with Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), legal names, and mailing addresses. These include house corporations, alumni chapters, honor societies, and related entities that hold insurance policies and legal liability.
Example Organizations from Our Public Records Directory:
Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc
- EIN: 462267515
- Location: 10601 Big Horn Trail, Frisco, TX 75035
- Data Source: IRS B83 Public Filing
Kappa Sigma – Mu Gamma Chapter Inc
- EIN: 273662583
- Location: 1416 Sleepy Hollow Drive, Lufkin, TX 75904
- Data Source: IRS B83 Public Filing
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – University of Texas at Tyler
- EIN: 352335400
- Location: 3900 University Boulevard, Tyler, TX 75799
- Data Source: IRS B83 Public Filing
Metro Area Concentrations:
For Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro (which serves as the closest major metropolitan area to Gladewater), we track 510 Greek-related organizations. The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro contains 188 organizations, and the Austin-Round Rock Metro hosts 154.
Cross-Validated National Brands:
Organizations like Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, and Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity appear in both IRS data and metro organizational listings, demonstrating how national brands operate through multiple legal entities across Texas.
Texas Hazing Law: What Gladewater Families Need to Know
Texas has specific laws addressing hazing, and understanding them is crucial for families in Upshur County considering legal action.
Texas Education Code – Chapter 37, Subchapter F
Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151):
Texas law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student that:
- Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
- Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization
Critical Legal Points for Gladewater Families:
- Location Doesn’t Matter: Hazing can occur on or off campus, at university-owned properties, private residences, or remote retreat locations.
- Consent is Not a Defense (§ 37.155): Even if a student “agreed” to participate, Texas law explicitly states this is not a defense against hazing charges.
- Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Hazing is generally a Class B misdemeanor, but becomes a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death.
- Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation and lose campus recognition.
- Good-Faith Reporting Protection (§ 37.154): Students who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result.
Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding Your Options
When hazing occurs, families typically face two parallel legal tracks:
Criminal Cases:
- Brought by the state (district attorney’s office)
- Focus on punishment: jail time, fines, probation
- Common charges: hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, manslaughter (in fatal cases)
- Example: In the Max Gruver case at LSU, fraternity members faced negligent homicide charges
Civil Cases:
- Brought by victims or their families
- Focus on compensation and accountability
- Claims include: negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, emotional distress
- Example: In the Stone Foltz case at Bowling Green, the family reached a $10 million settlement
These cases can proceed simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue civil justice. For Gladewater families, civil litigation often provides the most comprehensive path to recovery, including compensation for medical expenses, ongoing care, pain and suffering, and loss of educational opportunity.
Building a Hazing Case: The Attorney911 Approach
Our Investigative Methodology
When Gladewater families come to us with hazing concerns, we deploy a comprehensive investigative strategy built on our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine and decades of complex litigation experience.
Digital Evidence Collection:
In 2025, the most critical evidence in hazing cases exists on smartphones. We work with families to immediately preserve:
- GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, and Discord conversations
- Instagram stories, Snapchat screenshots, TikTok videos
- Location data and timestamps from social media posts
- Deleted message recovery through digital forensics
We created a detailed guide on using your cellphone to document evidence because we know how quickly this evidence disappears.
Organizational Investigation:
We go beyond the local chapter to investigate the full organizational structure, including:
- National fraternity/sorority headquarters
- Housing corporations and alumni associations
- Insurance policies and coverage limits
- Prior incident reports and disciplinary history
- Risk management protocols and training materials
Medical and Psychological Documentation:
Hazing injuries often require specialized medical understanding. We work with experts in:
- Rhabdomyolysis and kidney injury (as seen in the Bermudez case)
- Traumatic brain injury from alcohol poisoning
- Psychological trauma and PTSD diagnosis
- Long-term rehabilitation and life care planning
Overcoming Common Defense Strategies
From our experience—including Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney—we know exactly how fraternities, sororities, and universities will try to defend hazing cases:
Defense 1: “The Student Consented”
Texas law explicitly rejects this defense. We demonstrate how group dynamics, power imbalances, and fear of social exclusion create coercive environments where true consent is impossible.
Defense 2: “This Was a Rogue Chapter”
We use pattern evidence to show national organizations knew or should have known about hazing risks. In the Bermudez case, we can demonstrate Pi Kappa Phi had constructive notice based on similar incidents across their national network.
Defense 3: “It Happened Off-Campus”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be responsible based on sponsorship, control, and foreseeability. The Pi Delta Psi case (Baruch College retreat) established this precedent clearly.
Defense 4: “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”
We distinguish between “paper policies” and meaningful enforcement. If an organization had policies but didn’t enforce them, supervise effectively, or respond to prior incidents, their policies provide little defense.
What Gladewater Families Should Do Immediately
If You Suspect Hazing is Happening
Warning Signs for Gladewater Parents:
- Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns
- Extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress
- Sudden secrecy about organizational activities
- Personality changes: anxiety, depression, withdrawal
- Constant phone monitoring for group chat messages
- Financial changes: unexpected expenses, requests for money
- Academic decline: missed classes, dropping grades
Questions to Ask Your Child:
- “How are things going with your [fraternity/sorority/organization]?”
- “Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
- “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable or that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
- “Are they asking you to keep secrets from us or the university?”
The 48-Hour Action Plan
Hours 1-6 (Immediate Crisis):
- If injured or intoxicated: Get to ER immediately
- Remove your child from dangerous situations
- Screenshot any messages they show you
- Photograph visible injuries
- Write down everything they tell you (date, time, details)
- Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance
Hours 6-24 (Evidence Preservation):
- Help preserve all group chats, texts, social media
- Secure clothing, receipts, objects used in hazing
- Request medical records from ER/hospital
- Document names and contact info for witnesses
- Note any university communications
Hours 24-48 (Strategic Decisions):
- Consult with experienced hazing attorneys
- Decide on reporting strategy (campus police, local police, Dean of Students)
- Refer university contacts to your attorney
- Do NOT speak to insurance adjusters without counsel
- Backup all evidence to cloud storage
Critical Mistakes to Avoid
Based on our experience with cases across Texas, here are the most common errors that can damage hazing claims:
1. Letting Evidence Disappear
Deleted group chats, cleaned-up social media, and “lost” physical evidence make cases nearly impossible to prove. Preserve everything immediately.
2. Confronting the Organization Directly
This triggers their defense preparations, evidence destruction, and witness coaching. Let your attorney handle all communications.
3. Signing University “Resolution” Forms
Universities often pressure families to sign waivers or internal resolutions that limit legal options. Never sign anything without attorney review.
4. Posting Details on Social Media
Defense attorneys monitor everything. Inconsistencies between social media posts and formal statements damage credibility.
5. Waiting for the University to “Handle It”
Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statutes of limitations run. Take independent action while preserving your rights.
We explain these pitfalls in detail in our video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case.
Why Attorney911 for Gladewater Hazing Cases
Our Texas Roots and Nationwide Perspective
While we’re based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including Gladewater and all of Upshur County. Our attorneys bring unique qualifications to hazing litigation:
Insurance Insider Knowledge (Mr. Lupe Peña):
Mr. Peña 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
- Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
- Negotiate settlements from positions of strength
His background means we don’t just react to insurance company tactics—we anticipate them. You can learn more about Mr. Peña’s experience at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.
Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello):
Ralph’s background includes:
- BP Texas City explosion litigation (against billion-dollar defendants)
- Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
- 25+ years practicing personal injury and complex litigation
- Membership in Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)
This experience matters when taking on national fraternities and universities with unlimited legal budgets. Learn more about Ralph’s credentials at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.
Our Data-Driven Approach
What sets us apart is our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database of Greek organizations, their legal structures, insurance coverage, and prior incidents. When Gladewater families work with us, they’re not starting from zero. We already know:
- The legal names and EINs of organizations involved
- Their insurance carriers and typical coverage limits
- Prior hazing incidents and disciplinary history
- Organizational structures and potential liability points
Contingency Fee Basis
We handle hazing cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We explain how this works in our video on how contingency fees operate.
Call to Action for Gladewater Families
If your child has been hazed at any Texas campus—whether near Gladewater at UT Tyler or hours away at UT Austin—you have rights. The organizations involved have insurance coverage, legal representation, and strategies to minimize their liability. You need equivalent resources on your side.
Contact Attorney911 Today for a Free Consultation:
- 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 or lupe@atty911.com
Hablamos Español: Mr. Peña provides consultations in Spanish for Hispanic families in Gladewater and throughout Texas.
What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:
- We’ll listen to your story without judgment
- Review any evidence you’ve preserved
- Explain your legal options clearly
- Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
- Answer questions about costs and process
- Provide honest assessment of your situation
Time is Critical: Texas generally has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, but evidence disappears much faster. Deleted group chats, graduated witnesses, and destroyed physical evidence can make cases impossible to prove. We discuss deadlines in our video on Texas statutes of limitations.
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:
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:
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:
- Homepage and contact:
https://attorney911.com
Legal Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.
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
