The Definitive Guide to Hazing in Texas: A Legal Resource for Gorman Families & Eastland County Parents

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Texas University, You Are Not Alone

As a parent in Gorman, Cisco, Rising Star, or anywhere in Eastland County, you sent your child to college with hopes for their future. The nightmare begins with a late-night phone call, a text message that doesn’t sound right, or your child returning home broken—physically and emotionally. What you’re seeing might be the result of hazing: a dangerous, illegal tradition that continues to injure and kill Texas students.

Right now, our firm is fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. We represent Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston (UH) student who was brutally hazed as a pledge of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter in fall 2025. The alleged abuse—documented in a $10 million lawsuit—includes forced consumption of food until vomiting, extreme physical workouts, simulated waterboarding, and degrading humiliation rituals. Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, passed brown urine, and was hospitalized for four days with ongoing risk of permanent damage.

This is not an isolated incident. It’s happening at campuses across Texas where Gorman families send their children. This comprehensive guide exists to give you, as an Eastland County parent, the knowledge and resources you need to understand hazing, your legal rights, and how to fight for accountability when the unthinkable happens.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies in Gorman & Eastland County:

• If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW: Call 911 for medical emergencies. Then call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We provide immediate help—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.
• In the first 48 hours: Get medical attention immediately. Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted: screenshot group chats, photograph injuries, save physical items. Write down everything while memory is fresh.
• Do NOT: Confront the fraternity/sorority, sign anything from the university or insurance company, post details on social media, or let your child delete evidence.
• Contact an experienced Texas hazing attorney within 24–48 hours. Evidence disappears fast. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a confidential, free consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like for Texas Students

Hazing is not just “boys being boys” or harmless tradition. Under Texas law, it is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation with a group. For Gorman families, understanding the modern reality is crucial.

Alcohol & Substance Hazing: This remains the most common and deadly form. It includes forced chugging, “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, drinking games like “Bible study” where wrong answers mean consumption, and coerced use of drugs or unknown substances.

Physical Hazing: This ranges from paddling and beatings to extreme, punitive calisthenics—like the 100+ push-ups and 500 squats inflicted on Leonel Bermudez. It includes sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, exposure to extreme elements, and dangerous physical tests.

Psychological & Digital Hazing: This is the 24/7 control facilitated by smartphones. Pledges are subjected to constant monitoring via group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp), required to share locations, forced to post humiliating content on social media, and isolated from non-member friends. The mental toll—anxiety, depression, PTSD—can be severe and lasting.

Sexualized & Humiliating Hazing: This involves forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, and acts with racist or sexist overtones. It’s designed to break down an individual’s dignity.

Hazing happens in fraternities, sororities, Corps of Cadets programs, athletic teams, spirit groups, marching bands, and other campus organizations. The common thread is an abuse of power, wrapped in the guise of “tradition” or “building brotherhood/sisterhood.”

Texas Hazing Law & Liability: What Gorman Parents Must Know

Texas has specific laws against hazing, primarily under Chapter 37, Subchapter F of the Education Code. Understanding this framework is the first step toward accountability.

The Legal Definition (Texas Education Code § 37.151): Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in a group.

Key Provisions for Eastland County Families:

• Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.155): Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it is still hazing under Texas law. Courts recognize that true consent is impossible under peer pressure and power imbalance.
• Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): 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. Individuals can also be charged for failing to report hazing.
• Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): The fraternity, sorority, or club itself can be fined up to $10,000 and lose university recognition.
• Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting (§ 37.154): Students who report hazing or call 911 in a medical emergency are protected from civil or criminal liability related to that report, even if they were drinking underage.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases:

• Criminal Cases: Brought by the state (DA) to punish offenders with jail, fines, probation. Charges can include hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, or manslaughter.
• Civil Cases: Brought by victims and families to recover compensation and achieve accountability. These lawsuits target negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, and institutional failures. A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

1. Individual Students who planned, participated in, or covered up the hazing.
2. The Local Chapter as an entity.
3. The National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters for failing to supervise, enforce policies, or act on prior knowledge.
4. The University (like UH, Texas A&M, UT) for negligent supervision, deliberate indifference, or Title IX violations.
5. Third Parties like property owners, landlords, or alcohol providers.

The Texas Hazing Reality: Where Gorman Families Send Their Kids to College

Parents in Gorman and across Eastland County often have students at both local regional campuses and major Texas university hubs. The Greek ecosystems at these schools are vast and complex.

Universities Relevant to Eastland County & Gorman Families

Local & Regional Campuses:

• McMurry University (Abilene, Taylor County)
• Abilene Christian University (Abilene, Taylor County)
• Hardin-Simmons University (Abilene, Taylor County)
• Texas A&M University–Central Texas (Killeen, Bell County)
• Tarleton State University (Stephenville, Erath County)

Major Statewide University Hubs:

• University of Houston (UH) (Houston, Harris County)
• Texas A&M University (College Station, Brazos County)
• University of Texas at Austin (UT) (Austin, Travis County)
• Baylor University (Waco, McLennan County)
• Southern Methodist University (SMU) (Dallas, Dallas County)
• Texas Tech University (Lubbock, Lubbock County)
• Texas State University (San Marcos, Hays County)

Public Records Directory: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Connected to Texas Campuses

As part of our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain detailed data on the Greek organizations operating across the state. This directory is built from public IRS filings (B83 organizations), university rosters, and metro-level data. For Gorman parents, this demonstrates the scale of the system and our investigative capability.

Snapshot of Texas-Registered Greek Entities (From IRS B83 Data):

• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, EIN 263170920, Denton, TX 76204 (Texas Woman’s University)
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, EIN 352335400, Tyler, TX 75799 (University of Texas at Tyler)
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, EIN 364091267, Waco, TX 76710
• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc, EIN 133048786, College Station, TX 77845
• Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, EIN 746064445, Nederland, TX 77627 (Epsilon Kappa Chapter)
• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, EIN 462267515, Frisco, TX 75035
• Sigma Chi Fraternity Epsilon Xi Chapter, EIN 746084905, Houston, TX 77204
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc, EIN 741380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147
• Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc, EIN 475370943, Houston, TX 77204 (Theta Delta)
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated – Sigma Gamma Chapter, EIN 392352450, Houston, TX 77254

Abilene Metro Area Greek Organizations (From Cause IQ Data):
The Abilene metro, which serves the Gorman area, includes Greek and honor societies such as:

• Delta Kappa Gamma Society chapters for educators
• Psi Chi psychology honor societies at McMurry and Hardin-Simmons
• Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity chapters
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center in Clyde

Major Campus Rosters – Where the Risk Resides:
At the universities Gorman students attend, active Greek life includes high-risk national organizations with documented hazing histories. For example:

• University of Houston: Pi Kappa Phi (Beta Nu – now closed), Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Chi, and others.
• Texas A&M University: Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Phi Gamma Delta, and the Corps of Cadets.
• University of Texas at Austin: Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma, and numerous others listed on UT’s public hazing violations page.

This data isn’t just a list—it’s the starting point for our investigation. We know how to trace the legal entities, insurance policies, and national organization charts behind every chapter.

National Hazing Cases: The Patterns That Keep Repeating in Texas

The tragic case at UH is not unique. It follows a decades-long national pattern of hazing deaths and severe injuries involving the same national organizations present on Texas campuses.

The Alcohol Poisoning Pattern:

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Pledge died after being forced to drink a bottle of alcohol. Result: $10 million settlement ($7M from national Pi Kappa Alpha, ~$3M from university).
• Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Died after a “Bible study” drinking game. Result: $6.1 million verdict and the Louisiana “Max Gruver Act.”
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Died from acute alcohol poisoning at a “Big Brother” event, leading to a system-wide Greek life suspension.

The Physical & Ritualized Violence Pattern:

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Died from traumatic brain injury after a night of forced drinking; brothers delayed calling 911. Result: Dozens of criminal charges and Pennsylvania’s “Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.”
• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Died from head injuries during a violent “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat. Result: National fraternity convicted of manslaughter and banned from Pennsylvania.

Severe Injury & Catastrophic Cases:

• Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021): Suffered permanent, catastrophic brain damage from forced drinking. Result: Multi-million dollar settlements with 22 defendants.
• Texas A&M Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021): Pledges sued after being doused with industrial cleaner, causing severe burns requiring skin grafts.

These cases prove that national fraternities have long been on notice about these deadly patterns. When the same conduct occurs at a Texas chapter—like the forced drinking and extreme workouts in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case—it strengthens arguments that the national organization and university failed in their duty to prevent foreseeable harm.

Building a Hazing Case with Attorney911’s Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine

When you come to us, you’re not starting from zero. Our approach is data-driven, strategic, and informed by insider knowledge of how institutions fight back.

Our Investigative Process:

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation: We guide you to secure digital evidence (group chats, social media), photograph injuries, and obtain medical records. Watch our video on using your phone to document evidence.
2. Data Engine Deployment: We utilize our proprietary directory of Texas Greek entities to identify every potentially liable party: the local chapter, its housing corporation, alumni associations, the national headquarters, and related insurance policies.
3. Pattern & History Investigation: We subpoena national fraternity records to uncover prior incidents and complaints at the subject chapter and others nationwide. We obtain university disciplinary records through public information requests.
4. Expert Collaboration: We work with medical experts to document injuries, psychologists to assess trauma, economists to calculate lifelong impacts, and digital forensics specialists to recover deleted evidence.
5. Strategic Legal Action: We build a case that accounts for Texas law, federal statutes (Title IX, Clery Act), and the specific defenses used by universities and national fraternities.

How We Overcome Common Institutional Defenses:

• “The Pledge Consented”: Texas law explicitly states consent is not a defense. We demonstrate the coercive power imbalance.
• “It Was a Rogue Chapter”: We use pattern evidence from the national organization’s own history to prove foreseeability.
• “It Happened Off-Campus”: Liability extends to off-campus conduct when the organization sponsors or knows about events.
• “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”: We show the gap between paper policies and actual enforcement or oversight.

Our lead attorney, Mr. Lupe Peña (he/him), spent years as an insurance defense attorney for large national firms. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers value claims, fight coverage, and use delay tactics. This insider knowledge is invaluable when negotiating or litigating against well-funded opponents.

Practical Steps for Gorman Parents & Students: What To Do Right Now

For Parents – Warning Signs & Immediate Action:

Red Flags Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns
• Extreme fatigue, sleep deprivation, or drastic weight changes
• Secretive behavior, withdrawal from family and old friends
• Constant, anxious phone use related to group chats
• Personality changes: new anxiety, depression, or irritability
• Sudden academic decline or loss of scholarships

48-Hour Action Checklist:

1. Ensure Safety & Medical Care: If injured or intoxicated, go to the ER. Call 911 if needed.
2. Preserve Evidence: Screenshot all group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, texts). Photograph injuries. Save any physical items (clothing, paddles). Do not delete anything.
3. Document: Write down everything your child tells you—dates, times, names, locations.
4. Consult an Attorney: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 before reporting to the university or speaking to insurance adjusters. We can help you navigate the process strategically.
5. Understand Reporting Options: With legal guidance, you may report to campus police, the Dean of Students, local police, or the national fraternity/sorority.

Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin a Case:

• Deleting evidence to “protect” your child.
• Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly, prompting evidence destruction.
• Signing university settlement offers without legal review.
• Posting details on social media, giving defense attorneys ammunition.
• Waiting too long, allowing evidence to disappear and witnesses to scatter.

Watch our video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case.

For Students – Your Rights & Safety:

• You have the right to leave any dangerous situation. Your safety is more important than membership.
• You have legal protections as a hazing victim. “Consent” is not a defense for those who harmed you.
• Texas law protects good-faith reporters. You can call 911 for a medical emergency without fear of minor-in-possession charges.
• Document everything secretly if you are in ongoing danger: voice memos (Texas is a one-party consent state), photos, screenshots.

Why Attorney911 Is the Right Choice for Texas Hazing Victims

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need attorneys who understand both the profound personal trauma and the complex legal battlefield. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911) brings a unique combination of experience, insider knowledge, and a relentless drive for accountability.

Our Proven Advantages for Hazing Cases:

1. Active, High-Stakes Texas Hazing Litigation: We are currently lead counsel in the Leonel Bermudez v. UH & Pi Kappa Phi case. We are not theorizing about hazing law; we are actively fighting one of the most severe cases in the state. Read the Click2Houston report on this case.
2. Insurance Insider Knowledge: Associate Attorney Mr. Lupe Peña (he/him) is a former insurance defense lawyer for national firms. He knows how fraternity and university insurers strategize, deny claims, and lowball settlements. This insider perspective is a decisive advantage. Learn about Mr. Peña’s background.
3. Complex Institutional Litigation Experience: Managing Partner Ralph Manginello was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, taking on billion-dollar defendants. We are not intimidated by national fraternities or major universities.
4. Data-Driven Investigation: Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—with over 1,400 tracked Greek organizations—means we start your case with knowledge, not guesses. We know how to find the entities that hold liability and insurance.
5. Dual Civil & Criminal Capability: With Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), we understand the interplay between criminal hazing charges and civil lawsuits, allowing us to advise on comprehensive strategy.
6. Spanish-Language Services: Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish. Se habla Español.
7. Contingency Fee Basis: We handle hazing cases on a contingency fee basis—you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. Watch our video explaining how contingency fees work.

A Final Message to Gorman & Eastland County Families

Hazing thrives in silence and fear. It relies on victims and families feeling alone, confused, and powerless against influential institutions. You are not powerless, and you are not alone.

The path to justice and prevention begins with holding every responsible party accountable—the individuals who inflicted the harm, the chapter that allowed it, the national organization that failed to intervene, and the university that may have overlooked warning signs.

If you suspect your child has been hazed at any Texas campus—whether at a local school in Abilene, a major hub like Texas A&M, or anywhere else—reach out to us. We will listen with compassion, investigate with tenacity, and fight with every tool at our disposal.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911) Today for a Free, Confidential Consultation.

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
Servicios en Español: Lupe Peña – lupe@atty911.com

We serve hazing victims and their families throughout Texas, from Gorman and Eastland County to Houston, Austin, College Station, and beyond.

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. Hazing laws and cases are complex and fact-specific. If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation. The information herein is current as of late 2025.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Houston | Austin | Beaumont

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 (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 Videos:

• Using Your Phone to Document Evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• 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
• Texas Statutes of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

Attorney911 Main Website & Profiles:

• Main Website & Contact: https://attorney911.com
• Ralph Manginello Profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/
• Lupe Peña Profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/