The Complete Guide to Hazing in Texas: A Resource for Families in Leakey, Real County, and Across the Lone Star State

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

It starts with a phone call home that feels off.
Your student at the University of Texas or Texas A&M has become withdrawn. They’re constantly exhausted, texting at all hours, making vague excuses about “mandatory” events. Maybe they mention a bruise or injury with a story that doesn’t quite add up. For families in Leakey and throughout Real County, this unsettling reality is becoming far too common. Your child left the quiet hills along the Frio River for a major university, seeking community and tradition, only to find themselves subjected to humiliation, abuse, and danger in the name of “brotherhood” or “sisterhood.”

Right now, in Texas, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in recent history. We represent Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity, and 13 individual members of the Beta Nu chapter. The allegations are horrific: forced consumption of food until vomiting, extreme workouts leading to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and carrying humiliating “pledge fanny packs.” This is happening here in Texas, today. And it’s precisely why we created this definitive resource for families across our state.

This guide is written specifically for parents in Leakey, Real County, and throughout the Texas Hill Country whose children attend or may attend any Texas university. We will explain what modern hazing actually looks like, detail Texas hazing laws, expose the national patterns behind local chapters, and provide concrete steps to protect your child and hold institutions accountable. Whether your student is at nearby Texas State University in San Marcos, the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M in College Station, or any other campus, the legal principles and institutional challenges remain the same.

Critical: If This Just Happened to Your Child

IMMEDIATE CRISIS RESPONSE FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

If your child is in danger or severely injured RIGHT NOW:

1. Call 911 for medical emergencies.
2. Then call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ for a reason.

Within the First 48 Hours – Evidence Preservation is Everything:

• Get Medical Attention: Even if your child insists they are “fine,” hazing injuries like rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) or internal trauma may not show symptoms immediately. A medical record is critical evidence.
• Preserve Digital Evidence: Screenshot every group chat (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage), text, and social media post related to the incident. Take photos of injuries from multiple angles. Do NOT let your child delete anything out of embarrassment or fear.
• Document Everything: Write down what your child tells you—dates, times, locations, names of involved individuals—while their memory is fresh.
• DO NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization directly.
  • Sign any documents from the university or an insurance company.
  • Post details on public social media.
  • Allow evidence to be “cleaned up” or destroyed.

Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney Within 24-48 Hours: Evidence disappears rapidly. Universities and national organizations move quickly to control narratives. We help families in Leakey and across Texas navigate this crisis from the very first moment. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for an immediate, confidential consultation.

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

Hazing is no longer just about “harmless pranks” or “tough tradition.” It is a calculated system of coercion, abuse, and psychological manipulation that adapts to avoid detection. For parents in Leakey who may be unfamiliar with modern Greek life or campus culture, understanding its evolution is the first step to recognizing the danger.

Modern hazing operates on a three-tier system:

1. Subtle Hazing: Behaviors that emphasize power imbalance, often disguised as “team building.” This includes mandatory servitude (driving members at all hours, cleaning), social isolation from non-members, sleep disruption for late-night “meetings,” and constant digital monitoring through group chats.
2. Harassment Hazing: Acts that cause emotional or physical distress. This encompasses verbal abuse and humiliation, forced calisthenics (“smokings”), food or water restriction, and being subjected to disgusting conditions. A common modern tactic is digital humiliation—being forced to post embarrassing content on social media.
3. Violent Hazing: Activities with high potential for severe injury or death. This is the territory of forced alcohol consumption (like the “Big/Little” nights that killed Stone Foltz and Max Gruver), physical beatings or paddling, dangerous physical “tests,” sexualized abuse, and exposure to extreme environments.

The hazing our client Leonel Bermudez endured at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter included all three tiers: the subtle control of a mandatory “pledge fanny pack,” the harassment of forced interviews and dress codes, and the violent, kidney-destroying workouts and simulated waterboarding.

Where Hazing Happens Today:

• Fraternities and Sororities (Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic, NPHC, Multicultural Greek Council)
• Athletic Teams (from football to cheerleading)
• Military-Style Groups (like the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets)
• Spirit & Tradition Organizations (e.g., Texas Cowboys, spirit squads)
• Marching Bands and Performing Arts Groups
• Some Academic, Service, and Cultural Clubs

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

Texas Hazing Law: What Families in Leakey and Across the State Need to Know

Texas has specific laws criminalizing hazing, found in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. Understanding this framework is crucial for Real County families seeking justice.

The Definition (Texas Education Code § 37.151):
Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of initiation, admission, affiliation, or maintenance of membership in any organization. The act must endanger the mental or physical health or safety of the student. It can occur on or off campus.

Key Provisions for Parents:

• Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.155): Even if your child “agreed” to participate, it is not a legal defense against hazing charges. The law recognizes the coercive power of peer pressure and group dynamics.
• Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Hazing is a Class B misdemeanor. If it causes bodily injury, it becomes a Class A misdemeanor. If it causes serious bodily injury or death, it is a state jail felony. Individuals who fail to report hazing or who retaliate against reporters also face criminal charges.
• Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): The fraternity, sorority, or club itself can be prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 per violation if it authorized or encouraged the hazing.
• Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting (§ 37.154): A person who reports a hazing incident in good faith to a university or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability. Many universities also have medical amnesty policies to encourage calls to 911 in emergencies, even if underage drinking is involved.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases:

• Criminal Cases: Brought by the state (DA’s office) to punish wrongdoing with jail time, fines, or probation. Charges can include hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, or manslaughter.
• Civil Cases: Brought by victims and their families to seek financial compensation and institutional accountability. We focus on claims like negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The two cases can proceed simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is not required to win a civil lawsuit.

Federal Law Overlay:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to publicly report hazing incidents and strengthen prevention programs.
• Title IX: If hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination, federal Title IX obligations are triggered.
• Clery Act: Requires reporting of certain campus crimes, which can include hazing-related assaults.

National Hazing Case Patterns: The Scripts That Repeat in Texas

Tragically, hazing fatalities and severe injuries follow predictable patterns. National cases provide the precedent and the painful proof that universities and fraternities have been on notice for decades. These are not “isolated incidents”; they are the result of systemic failure.

The Alcohol Poisoning Script:

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Died from traumatic brain injuries after a bid-acceptance night of forced drinking. Brothers delayed calling 911 for hours. The resulting Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law strengthened Pennsylvania’s statutes.
• Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Died from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%) after a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. Louisiana enacted the Max Gruver Act, creating felony hazing penalties.
• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Forced to drink a bottle of alcohol; died from alcohol poisoning. His family secured a $10 million settlement ($7M from the national fraternity, ~$3M from the university).
• Pattern Takeaway: The “Big/Little” night, bid acceptance party, or drinking game is a recurring, deadly ritual.

The Physical & Ritualized Abuse Script:

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Died from traumatic brain injury after a blindfolded, weighted “glass ceiling” ritual at a retreat. The national fraternity was convicted of manslaughter and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years.
• Pattern Takeaway: Violent physical rituals, especially moved off-campus to retreats, have foreseeable, catastrophic consequences.

The Athletic Program Abuse Script:

• 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 entrenched in multi-million dollar athletic programs.

The Severe, Non-Fatal Injury Script:

• Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021): Suffered permanent, catastrophic brain damage from forced drinking during a “pledge dad reveal.” His family settled with 22 defendants.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Texas A&M (2021): Pledges allegedly suffered severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts after substances, including industrial cleaner, were poured on them.
• Pattern Takeaway: Injuries from hazing can lead to a lifetime of medical care and profound disability.

These national patterns matter because they establish foreseeability. When a Texas chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, or Phi Delta Theta engages in the same conduct that caused death or injury elsewhere, the national headquarters and the university cannot claim they “couldn’t have known” the risks.

A Texas-Specific Focus: The Universities Leakey Families Rely On

Families in Leakey and Real County send their children to universities across Texas, from the nearby Hill Country to the state’s major flagship institutions. Each campus has its own Greek ecosystem, history of incidents, and administrative response. We maintain detailed intelligence on these systems as part of our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine.

The University of Texas at Austin

For many Leakey students, UT Austin is a premier destination. Its Greek life is vast, with approximately 60 chapters. UT is also one of the most transparent universities in the nation regarding hazing, maintaining a public Hazing Violations log.

Documented Incidents & Pattern:
The public log reveals recurring issues with specific organizations. For example, the Pi Kappa Alpha chapter was sanctioned for directing new members to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. Other organizations, including spirit groups like the Texas Wranglers, have faced sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, and punishment-based practices. This public record is a powerful tool for families, as it demonstrates a pattern of conduct that the university itself has documented.

How a UT Hazing Case Proceeds:
Jurisdiction may involve the UT Police Department and/or Austin Police Department. Civil suits are typically filed in Travis County courts. The public violations log can be used as evidence to show the university had prior knowledge of dangerous patterns within specific organizations.

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M’s unique culture, centered on the Corps of Cadets and a powerful Greek system, presents distinct hazing risks.

Documented Incidents & Pattern:

• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A lawsuit alleged a cadet was subjected to degrading hazing, including being bound in a “roasted pig” position. The case sought over $1 million in damages.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): As mentioned, this lawsuit alleged pledges suffered severe burns, highlighting extreme physical abuse within Greek life.
• Corps and Greek Life Intersection: The regimented, tradition-heavy environment can sometimes normalize abusive behavior under the guise of discipline.

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Proceeds:
Cases may involve the Texas A&M University Police Department and College Station Police. The intersection of university-sanctioned Corps traditions and Greek life creates complex liability questions that require attorneys familiar with both systems.

Texas State University (San Marcos)

As a closer option for many Hill Country families, Texas State University in San Marcos has a significant Greek life presence. While perhaps less scrutinized than the flagships, hazing incidents occur here as well. University disciplinary records and local police reports in Hays County become critical sources of evidence for incidents involving its chapters.

University of Houston

We are currently leading the charge against hazing at UH through the Leonel Bermudez case. This active, $10 million lawsuit against UH and Pi Kappa Phi is the flagship example of serious hazing litigation in Texas today.

The Bermudez Case Details:
Our client, a transfer student, endured a fall 2025 pledge period that included carrying a humiliating “pledge fanny pack,” forced labor, and extreme physical hazing culminating in a Nov. 3 “workout” of 100+ push-ups and 500 squats. He developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, was hospitalized for four days, and faces ongoing health risks. The chapter was suspended and swiftly surrendered its charter. This case demonstrates that even in a major metropolitan university, severe, life-threatening hazing persists.

Baylor University & Southern Methodist University (SMU)

These private institutions have their own disciplinary processes and often less public transparency than state schools. However, incidents occur:

• Baylor Baseball (2020): 14 players were suspended following a hazing investigation.
• SMU’s Kappa Alpha Order (2017): The chapter was suspended for paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation.

For families dealing with hazing at private universities, the legal strategy often focuses on compelling internal documents through discovery, as public records requests may not apply.

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: A Web of Organizations and Liability

When hazing occurs, identifying every potentially liable entity is crucial. Our firm maintains a Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine built from public records, including IRS filings for over 125 Texas-registered Greek organizations and metro-level data tracking over 1,400 Greek entities across 25 Texas metros. This investigative depth means we don’t start from scratch when your family calls; we already understand the organizational landscape.

For example, public IRS records (Form B83) show the legal and financial backbone of Greek life in Texas. These aren’t just social clubs; they are registered entities with Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), legal names, and addresses. A fraternity house is often owned by a separate housing corporation, and alumni activities may be run through an alumni chapter—all distinct legal entities that can be held accountable.

Sample Texas Greek Entities from Public Records:

• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc – EIN 46-2267515, Frisco, TX 75035
• Pi Kappa Phi Delta Omega Chapter Building Corporation – EIN 37-1768785, Missouri City, TX 77459
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc – EIN 74-1380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Arlington-Grand Prairie Alumni Chapter – EIN 23-2452759, Grand Prairie, TX 75054

Why National Histories Matter for Your Texas Case:
National fraternities and sororities are not blank slates. They have documented, repeated patterns of conduct. Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) has a national history of alcohol-related deaths, including Stone Foltz. Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) has faced countless lawsuits over injuries and deaths. Phi Delta Theta is linked to Max Gruver’s death.

When we take a case involving a chapter of one of these nationals in Texas, we immediately research their national incident history. This “pattern and practice” evidence is powerful. It shows a jury that the national organization was on notice—that it knew its chapters engaged in forced drinking or violent rituals—yet failed to take effective, preventative action. This can establish negligence and support claims for punitive damages.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages

Winning a hazing case requires turning tragedy into a meticulously documented argument for accountability. It’s about proving not just what happened, but that the responsible institutions could and should have prevented it.

The Evidence Pyramid:

1. Digital Communications (The Most Critical): GroupMe, WhatsApp, and iMessage chats are the modern playbook for hazing. They show planning, coordination, real-time reporting of abuse, and cover-up attempts. We work with digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages.
2. Photos & Videos: Content filmed by perpetrators themselves is devastatingly effective evidence. This includes social media posts, stories, and videos shared in private chats.
3. Medical Records: Documentation of injuries is non-negotiable. This includes ER reports, hospitalization records, lab results (like the critical creatine kinase levels showing rhabdomyolysis), and psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
4. Internal Organizational Documents: Pledge manuals, “tradition” scripts, emails between chapter officers and national advisors, and risk management reports.
5. University Records: Prior disciplinary files on the same organization, Clery Act reports, and internal emails obtained through discovery or public records requests.
6. Witness Testimony: Other pledges, former members, roommates, and bystanders. Often, once one victim comes forward, others find the courage to speak up.

Defeating Common Institutional Defenses:

• Defense: “The Pledge Consented.” → Our Response: Texas law (§ 37.155) states consent is not a defense. We demonstrate the coercive environment and power imbalance.
• Defense: “It Was a Rogue Chapter; National Didn’t Know.” → Our Response: We subpoena national records to show prior incidents and warnings, proving “foreseeability.”
• Defense: “It Happened Off-Campus, Not Our Responsibility.” → Our Response: Universities and nationals maintain control and benefit from chapters regardless of location. Off-campus hazing is predictable and often intentional to avoid oversight.
• Defense: “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies.” → Our Response: We show the gap between “paper policies” and actual enforcement, demonstrating negligent supervision.

Understanding Damages in a Hazing Case:
Compensation in a civil lawsuit aims to make the victim whole and hold defendants accountable. Recoverable damages include:

• Economic Damages: All medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, costs of therapy, diminished future earning capacity due to permanent injury, and educational costs (like transferring schools).
• Non-Economic Damages: Physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, humiliation, loss of enjoyment of life, and psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression).
• Wrongful Death Damages (for families): Funeral costs, loss of financial support, and the profound loss of love, companionship, and guidance.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of particularly reckless or malicious conduct, courts may award damages to punish the defendant and deter future behavior.

Practical Guides for Parents, Students, and Witnesses

A Guide for Parents in Leakey and Real County

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns.
• Extreme fatigue, exhaustion, or sleep deprivation.
• Sudden secrecy about organizational activities.
• Personality changes: withdrawal, anxiety, depression, or irritability.
• Constant, anxious phone use related to group chats.
• Declining academic performance.
• Requests for unusual amounts of money for “fines” or “activities.”

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing:

1. Talk to Your Child with compassion, not accusation. Ask open-ended questions about their well-being and if anything feels uncomfortable.
2. Prioritize Safety and Health. If there is any injury, seek medical care immediately.
3. Preserve Evidence. Help your child screenshot digital communications and photograph injuries.
4. Contact an Attorney Before Reporting. We can guide you on how to report to the university or police in a way that protects your child’s rights and preserves legal claims.
5. Do Not Negotiate Alone. Universities may offer “internal resolutions.” Do not sign anything without legal counsel.

A Guide for Students

Is This Hazing? Trust Your Instincts.
If an activity is secret, humiliating, dangerous, or feels coerced, it is hazing. “Tradition” is not an excuse for abuse.

How to Exit Safely:
You have the right to leave any organization at any time. Your safety is more important than membership.

• Tell a trusted person (parent, friend, RA) first.
• Communicate your resignation clearly in writing (text/email) to the chapter president.
• Do not attend “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation could occur.
• If you fear retaliation, report it immediately to campus authorities and law enforcement.

Preserving Evidence:
Use your phone. Take screenshots of every relevant chat. Record voice memos (Texas is a one-party consent state). Photograph injuries and locations. Save everything; do not delete out of embarrassment.

A Guide for Witnesses or Former Members

If you participated in or witnessed hazing and now feel guilt or fear, you have options. Coming forward can prevent future harm. You may need your own legal counsel to navigate potential criminal exposure, but truthful cooperation can be a powerful step toward accountability and personal peace.

Critical Mistakes That Can Undermine a Hazing Case

1. Deleting Evidence: Destroying group chats or photos is often seen as obstruction.
2. Confronting the Organization Directly: This triggers their defense lawyers and leads to evidence destruction.
3. Signing University Settlement Papers Quickly: These often include waivers of your right to sue and offer minimal compensation.
4. Posting on Social Media: Public posts can be used by defense attorneys to challenge your narrative.
5. Waiting Too Long: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and the Texas two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims continues to tick.

Why Attorney911 is the Right Firm for Texas Hazing Cases

When your family faces the trauma of hazing, you need more than a generic personal injury lawyer. You need a firm with the specific expertise, investigative resources, and fortitude to take on powerful universities and national fraternities. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911), we are Texas-based hazing specialists.

Our Competitive Advantages in Hazing Litigation:

1. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Defense Tactics: Our attorney, Mr. Lupe Peña, spent years as a defense attorney for a national insurance firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers value claims, deploy delay tactics, and argue coverage exclusions. We know their playbook because we used to run it.

2. Proven Experience Against Billion-Dollar Defendants: Managing Partner Ralph Manginello was one of the few plaintiff attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation. We have faced corporations with unlimited legal budgets and deep-pocketed defense teams. National fraternities and major universities do not intimidate us.

3. The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: We don’t start investigations from zero. We maintain a proprietary database built from public records—tracking over 1,400 Greek organizations across Texas, their IRS filings, housing corporations, and national networks. When you call, we already understand the organizational landscape behind the letters.

4. Active, High-Stakes Texas Hazing Litigation: We are not theorizing about hazing law; we are practicing it at the highest level right now. We are lead counsel in the Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston & Pi Kappa Phi case—a $10 million lawsuit involving life-altering injuries. This is our current focus and proven capability.

5. Dual Civil & Criminal Expertise: Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand the intersection of criminal hazing charges and civil lawsuits. We can effectively advise clients navigating both systems.

6. Comprehensive Investigative Network: We have relationships with medical experts, digital forensics specialists, economists, life-care planners, and psychologists who understand the unique damages in hazing cases.

7. Spanish-Language Services: Mr. Peña is fluent in Spanish. Se habla Español. We are committed to serving all Texas families.

We serve families across Texas from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. If your child has been hazed at any Texas university—whether you’re in Leakey, San Antonio, Dallas, or anywhere in the state—we have the resources, knowledge, and determination to help you seek justice.

Call to Action for Leakey and Real County Families

If you are reading this guide because you fear your child is being hazed or has already been injured, the time to act is now. The window for preserving evidence is narrow, and institutions move quickly to protect themselves.

We offer a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation to every family. In this meeting, we will:

• Listen compassionately to your story.
• Review any evidence you have gathered.
• Explain the legal options available under Texas and federal law.
• Outline the investigation process and potential paths forward.
• Answer your questions about timelines, costs, and what to expect.

We work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911 Today:

• 24/7 Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct Office Line: (713) 528-9070
• Email Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com
• Email Lupe Peña (Se habla Español): lupe@atty911.com
• Website: https://attorney911.com

You do not have to navigate this crisis alone. From our home in Texas, we stand ready to fight for your family, to demand accountability from powerful institutions, and to help prevent the next tragedy. Call us today.

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)
Website: https://attorney911.com