Texas Hazing Lawsuits: A Complete Guide for Leroy, Texas Families

If Your Child Was Hazed at Baylor or Any Texas University, You’re Not Alone

It’s late on a Thursday night in Leroy. Your phone rings. It’s your son, a freshman at Baylor University just 25 miles away in Waco. His voice is shaky, distant. He’s mumbling about “mandatory study sessions” that last until 3 AM, about being told to carry a humiliating “pledge fanny pack” everywhere, about older fraternity members screaming at him until he vomits from exhaustion. He says he can’t quit—he’d be letting his “brothers” down. But he’s passing dark urine, his muscles are screaming in pain, and he’s terrified. You’re three hours into a frantic Google search: “Is this hazing?” “Can I sue a fraternity?” “What are my child’s rights?”

For families in Leroy, McLennan County, and across Central Texas, this nightmare is real. Right now, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing lawsuits in Texas history—the case of Leonel Bermudez at the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. Our client, a transfer student, endured months of systematic abuse that culminated in rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, and a four-day hospitalization. The lawsuit alleges he was forced to carry a degrading “pledge fanny pack,” subjected to hours of extreme physical hazing in cold weather, sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and coerced into consuming milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, only to be forced into immediate sprints. On November 3, 2025, he was ordered through 100+ push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion. Days later, his urine turned brown—a classic sign of severe muscle breakdown. He was hospitalized with critically high creatine kinase levels, diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury, and faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.

This isn’t an isolated incident. It’s the predictable result of a culture that persists at universities across Texas—including Baylor University, right here in our own McLennan County. This comprehensive guide is written specifically for parents and families in Leroy, Lorena, McGregor, and throughout Central Texas who need to understand what modern hazing looks like, what Texas law says, and what legal options exist when institutions fail to protect our children.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Then call Attorney911: 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, even if the student insists they are “fine”
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
- Photograph injuries from multiple angles
- Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
Universities move quickly to control the narrative
We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025: Beyond the Stereotypes

For Leroy families who may not have experienced Greek life firsthand, modern hazing has evolved far beyond “pranks” or “initiation rituals.” It’s a calculated system of control that exploits young people’s desire to belong.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing (The Gateway)

24/7 group chat monitoring with instant response demands
Mandatory “study sessions” that interfere with academics
Being on call as chauffeurs for older members at all hours
Geographic tracking via Find My Friends or Life360
Social isolation from non-members and family

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing (The Escalation)

Sleep deprivation with 3 AM wake-up calls for “mandatory meetings”
Forced consumption of unpalatable foods (spoiled milk, excessive hot sauce)
Public humiliation via TikTok challenges or Instagram story dares
“Voluntary” extreme workouts framed as “conditioning”
Verbal abuse and degradation sessions disguised as “interviews”

Tier 3: Violent Hazing (The Catastrophe)

Alcohol poisoning games: “Big/Little” nights with entire bottles of liquor
Physical beatings: Paddling, forced fights, “gladiator” matches
Sexualized hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts
Dangerous environments: Locked in freezing rooms, left outside in extreme weather
Chemical hazing: Industrial cleaners poured on skin causing burns requiring grafts

The Digital Transformation of Hazing

Today’s hazing isn’t confined to fraternity houses. It lives in:

GroupMe chats with hundreds of messages daily
Snapchat stories documenting humiliation that disappears in 24 hours
Instagram DMs with threats and demands
Discord servers planning “retreats” to avoid campus oversight
Find My Friends tracking ensuring pledges are always available

This digital footprint is both the problem and the solution—it creates constant pressure but also leaves evidence trails that skilled investigators can follow.

Texas Hazing Law: What Leroy Families Need to Know

The Texas Education Code Chapter 37 Framework

Texas has some of the nation’s strongest anti-hazing statutes, but understanding them is crucial for Leroy families seeking justice.

§ 37.151: What Constitutes Hazing
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act (on or off campus) that:

Endangers mental or physical health or safety
Occurs for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or membership maintenance
Is directed against a student

Key for Leroy families: This applies whether your child is at Baylor (15 minutes away), Texas A&M (90 minutes away), or any Texas campus. Location doesn’t matter.

§ 37.152: Criminal Penalties

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
ff- Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

§ 37.155: Consent is NOT a Defense
This is crucial: Even if your child “agreed” to participate, Texas law explicitly states that consent does not excuse hazing. Courts recognize the power imbalance and coercion inherent in these situations.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases (The State vs. Individuals)

Prosecuted by McLennan County or campus police
Focus: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Examples: Hazing charges, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault
Important: A criminal conviction isn’t required for civil action

Civil Cases (Your Family vs. Responsible Parties)

Filed by victims or surviving families
Focus: Compensation and accountability
Can target: Individuals, chapters, national organizations, universities
Types: Negligence, wrongful death, emotional distress, premises liability

The Federal Overlay: Title IX, Clery, and New Federal Laws

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024)
By 2026, Texas universities must:

Publicly report hazing incidents
Maintain transparent hazing databases
Implement enhanced prevention programs

Title IX Implications
When hazing involves sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination (common in sexualized hazing), federal Title IX obligations are triggered, creating additional liability pathways.

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Predict Texas Tragedies

The Alcohol Poisoning Script (Repeated Across Campuses)

Stone Foltz – Pi Kappa Alpha, Bowling Green State (2021)

Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from national Pi Kappa Alpha, $3M from university)
Lesson for Leroy families: The same “Big/Little” traditions exist at Texas chapters

Max Gruver – Phi Delta Theta, LSU (2017)

“Bible study” drinking game with wrong answers = forced drinking
Died with 0.495% BAC
Louisiana passed Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony
$6.1 million civil verdict plus confidential settlements

Timothy Piazza – Beta Theta Pi, Penn State (2017)

Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking
Multiple falls captured on chapter security cameras
18 members charged, thousands of criminal counts
Pennsylvania passed Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law

Physical Hazing Patterns (Seen at Texas A&M and Beyond)

Danny Santulli – Phi Gamma Delta, University of Missouri (2021)

Forced drinking during “pledge dad reveal”
Suffered permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see)
Settlements with 22 defendants
Lesson: Non-fatal injuries can cause lifetime disability

Collin Wiant – Sigma Pi, Ohio University (2018)

Hazing-related nitrous oxide use
Death led to Collin’s Law in Ohio (felony hazing when drugs/alcohol cause harm)

Why National Patterns Matter for Leroy Families

When a Baylor fraternity repeats the same “Big/Little” drinking ritual that killed Stone Foltz at Bowling Green, that shows foreseeability—the national organization knew this was dangerous but didn’t prevent it. This pattern evidence strengthens civil cases dramatically.

Texas Universities: Where Leroy Families Send Their Children

Baylor University (McLennan County – Our Local Campus)

For Leroy families: Baylor is just 25 miles away. Many Leroy students attend Baylor, and its Greek life directly impacts our community.

Campus Culture Snapshot

20,000+ students with active Greek system
Religious affiliation creating unique dynamics around accountability
History of institutional scrutiny following football scandal

Documented Hazing Incidents

2020 Baylor Baseball Hazing: 14 players suspended following investigation
Ongoing Greek life scrutiny: Multiple fraternities on probation for alcohol and hazing violations
Transparency challenges: Private university status limits public reporting

How a Baylor Hazing Case Proceeds

Jurisdiction: McLennan County courts (where we have local knowledge)
Police involvement: Baylor Police Department and/or Waco PD
Civil filings: 10th District Court of McLennan County
Our advantage: We understand local courts, judges, and procedures

What Leroy Parents Should Know About Baylor

Baylor’s religious identity can complicate reporting (fear of “bringing shame”)
Visit our video on evidence preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Document everything before approaching university administration
Baylor’s historical handling of institutional crises informs how they approach hazing

Texas A&M University (90 Minutes from Leroy)

Why This Matters for Leroy Families: Many Leroy students choose Texas A&M for engineering, agriculture, or tradition.

Recent High-Profile Cases

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021): Pledges doused with industrial-strength cleaner causing severe burns requiring skin grafts. $1 million lawsuit filed.
Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023): Cadet allegedly bound between beds with apple in mouth, subjected to simulated sexual acts. $1+ million lawsuit.
Ongoing Investigations: Multiple fraternities under scrutiny for physical hazing

Corps of Cadets Specific Concerns

Military-style discipline creating unique hazing risks
Tradition-heavy culture that can excuse abuse as “character building”
Dual jurisdiction (university and military oversight)

University of Texas at Austin (2 Hours from Leroy)

UT’s Transparency Advantage
UT maintains a public hazing violations database at hazing.utexas.edu—a resource Leroy families should check if their child is considering UT Greek life.

Documented Cases Include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members forced to consume milk and perform extreme calisthenics
Texas Wranglers Spirit Group: Repeated hazing violations
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): Assault allegations involving international student

Southern Methodist University (2.5 Hours from Leroy)

Private University Challenges

Less public transparency than public institutions
Kappa Alpha Order (2017): Paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation
Affluent student body creating unique dynamics around accountability

University of Houston (3 Hours from Leroy)

Our Flagship Case: Leonel Bermudez vs. Pi Kappa Phi
The case we’re actively litigating demonstrates what Leroy families might face. Coverage includes:

Key Takeaways for Leroy Families:

Universities can be sued for failing to protect students
National fraternities have deep pockets and experienced defense teams
Medical documentation is crucial (rhabdomyolysis requires specific proof)

Fraternities and Sororities: The Organizations Behind the Letters

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: What We Know About Local Organizations

Through our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, we maintain detailed data on Greek organizations affecting Leroy families. Here’s what our public records research reveals:

IRS B83 Registered Organizations in Texas (Sample)

KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC (EIN: 133048786) – 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845
SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY (EIN: 364091267) – 1101 Melrose Dr, Waco, TX 76710 (Xi Chi Chapter)
ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INCORPORATED NU IOTA CHAPTER BAYLOR UNIVERSITY (EIN: 521346485) – PO Box 2033, Waco, TX 76703
TEXAS RHO CHAPTER OF THE SIGMA PHI EPSILON FRATERNITY (EIN: 741942292) – 3217 S 3rd St, Waco, TX 76706

Waco Metro Greek Organizations (From Cause IQ Data)

Phi Gamma Delta – Tau Deuteron Chapter (Baylor)
Kappa Kappa Gamma – Baylor House Board
Delta Delta Delta – Baylor Chapter
Baylor Panhellenic Alumnae Association

National Organizations with Documented Hazing Histories

Pi Kappa Alpha (“Pike”)

Stone Foltz death (Bowling Green, 2021) – $10M settlement
David Bogenberger death (Northern Illinois, 2012) – $14M settlement
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol poisoning nights

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (“SAE”)

Texas A&M chemical burns (2021) – $1M lawsuit
University of Alabama TBI case (2023) – Ongoing litigation
Pattern: Physical abuse disguised as “conditioning”

Phi Delta Theta

Max Gruver death (LSU, 2017) – $6.1M verdict
Pattern: Drinking games with academic pretenses

Pi Kappa Phi

Andrew Coffey death (Florida State, 2017)
Our current UH case (2025) – $10M lawsuit
Pattern: Systematic physical and psychological abuse

Why National Histories Matter in McLennan County Courts

When we represent a Leroy family against a Baylor fraternity, we subpoena the national organization’s records to show:

Prior incidents at other chapters
Inadequate enforcement of anti-hazing policies
Profit motives (dues collection despite known risks)
Pattern evidence proving foreseeability

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Damages

Critical Evidence for Central Texas Cases

Digital Evidence (The Modern Paper Trail)

GroupMe/WhatsApp chats: Show planning, threats, admissions
Deleted message recovery: Digital forensics can retrieve “disappeared” evidence
Social media posts: TikTok challenges, Instagram humiliation
Location data: Find My Friends tracking of pledges
Email chains: Communication with nationals about “traditions”

Medical Documentation

Emergency room records: Must state “hazing-related” for legal impact
Lab results: Creatine kinase levels for rhabdomyolysis
Psychological evaluations: PTSD, depression, anxiety diagnoses
Photographic evidence: Injury progression over days

Institutional Records

Baylor conduct files: Prior violations by same organization
National fraternity risk management reports
Insurance policies: Who covers what (often disputed)
University emails: What administrators knew and when

Damages: What Leroy Families Can Recover

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Medical bills (ER, hospitalization, surgery, therapy)
Future medical care (lifetime treatment plans)
Lost educational costs (withdrawn semesters, lost scholarships)
Diminished earning capacity (for permanent injuries)

Non-Economic Damages (Human Impact)

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress (PTSD, depression, anxiety)
Loss of enjoyment of life
Humiliation and reputational harm

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families)

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of companionship and support
Parents’ and siblings’ emotional trauma

Punitive Damages (When Applicable)

For especially reckless or malicious conduct
To punish defendants and deter future hazing
Example: When nationals ignored prior warnings

Insurance Coverage Battles (Where Experience Matters)

Fraternity and university insurers routinely argue:

“Hazing is intentional, so it’s excluded”
“The policy doesn’t cover this location”
“The national organization isn’t responsible for local chapters”

Our advantage: Mr. Lupe Peña (he/him) spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows their tactics because he used to deploy them. We understand:

How insurers value (and undervalue) claims
Reservation of rights letters and coverage disputes
Bad faith litigation when insurers wrongfully deny claims

Practical Guides for Leroy Families, Students, and Witnesses

For Parents: Warning Signs and Immediate Actions

Physical Warning Signs

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water manipulation
Brown or bloody urine (rhabdomyolysis indicator)

Behavioral Red Flags

Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family and old friends
Constant phone anxiety (group chat monitoring)
Personality changes (anxiety, depression, irritability)

Academic Impacts

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes for “mandatory” events
Falling asleep in class from sleep deprivation

48-Hour Action Plan for Leroy Parents

Medical First: ER visit for any injury or alcohol involvement
Evidence Preservation: Screenshot EVERYTHING before deletion
Documentation: Write down names, dates, locations while fresh
Legal Consultation: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 before talking to university
Medical Records: Request complete ER/hospital documentation

For Students: Your Rights and Safety Planning

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

Would I do this if I truly had a choice?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would my parents approve if they knew details?
Am I being told to keep secrets?

Safe Exit Strategies

Text/Email Resignation: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Do NOT attend “one last meeting” – this is where pressure intensifies
Document threats or retaliation for protective orders
McLennan County resources: Waco PD, Baylor Police, McLennan County Sheriff

Good Faith Reporting Protections
Texas law provides immunity for those who report hazing or call 911 in good faith, even if underage drinking was involved. Your safety comes first.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Watch our video on client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

Deleting Evidence (“I was embarrassed”)
- What seems embarrassing now is crucial evidence later
- Digital forensics can recover deleted messages, but originals are strongest
Confronting the Fraternity First
- They immediately lawyer up and destroy evidence
- Let us conduct professional investigations first
Signing University “Resolution” Forms
- Baylor may offer quick “internal resolution”
- These often include liability waivers
- Never sign without attorney review
Social Media Posts
- Defense attorneys screenshot everything
- Inconsistencies hurt credibility
- Let us control the narrative
Waiting for University Investigations
- Evidence disappears in weeks
- Witnesses graduate or are coached
- Statute of limitations continues ticking

Frequently Asked Questions for Leroy Families

“Can we sue Baylor University for hazing?”
Yes, under specific circumstances. As a private university, Baylor has fewer sovereign immunity protections than public schools. Liability depends on what Baylor knew, when they knew it, and how they responded. Our investigation focuses on:

Prior incidents involving the same organization
Baylor’s enforcement (or non-enforcement) of policies
Whether Baylor created the dangerous environment

“What’s the statute of limitations in Texas?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death, but exceptions apply:

The “discovery rule” if harm wasn’t immediately apparent
Tolling for minors or if fraud/concealment occurred
–Time is critical: Evidence disappears fast
Visit our statute of limitations video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c

“What if it happened off-campus at a Waco apartment?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Baylor and national fraternities can still be liable based on:

Sponsorship and recognition of the organization
Knowledge of off-campus hazing patterns
Foreseeability that hazing would occur

“Will our names be public?”
Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We can request:

Sealed court records
Confidential settlement terms
Privacy protections throughout litigation
Your family’s privacy is our priority.

“How much will this cost?”
We work on contingency fee – no upfront costs, no fee unless we win.
Learn about contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Why Attorney911 for Leroy Hazing Cases

Our Texas Roots, Your Local Advantage

From our Houston headquarters, we serve families across Texas—including Leroy, McLennan County, and throughout Central Texas. Here’s why experience matters when facing universities and national fraternities:

Insurance Insider Advantage (Lupe Peña)
Mr. Peña (he/him) spent years as a national insurance defense attorney. He knows how fraternity and university insurers:

Value (and undervalue) claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
We know their playbook because we used to run it

Complex Institutional Litigation (Ralph Manginello)

BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: One of few Texas firms involved
Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District)
HCCLA criminal defense background understanding dual exposure
We’re not intimidated by billion-dollar defendants

McLennan County and Baylor-Specific Knowledge
We understand:

Baylor’s unique culture and historical challenges
McLennan County court procedures and judges
Waco law enforcement jurisdictions
Local resources for victim support

Investigative Resources
Our network includes:

Digital forensics experts for deleted message recovery
Medical specialists understanding rhabdomyolysis and trauma
Economists for lifetime care cost calculations
Greek life culture experts explaining coercion dynamics

Our Approach: Thorough, Compassionate, Strategic

Immediate Evidence Preservation
- Digital forensics within 48 hours
- Witness interviews before memories fade
- Medical record collection
Comprehensive Defendant Identification
- Individual members who participated
- Chapter officers who planned or allowed it
- National organizations with deep pockets
- Universities that failed their duty
Strategic Settlement vs. Trial Decision
- We prepare every case for trial (which improves settlement value)
- We know when to negotiate and when to litigate
- Your family makes the final decisions
Ongoing Communication
- Regular updates every 2–3 weeks
- Clear explanations of legal processes
- Respect for your family’s emotional journey

Your Next Steps: Schedule a Confidential Consultation

If hazing has impacted your family—whether your child attends Baylor, Texas A&M, UT, or any Texas campus—you don’t have to navigate this alone. The institutions involved have experienced lawyers; you deserve the same advantage.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation

We Listen: Tell us what happened without judgment
We Review: Examine any evidence you’ve preserved
We Explain: Your legal options in plain English
We Plan: Next steps if you decide to proceed
No Pressure: Take time to decide what’s right for your family

Contact Attorney911 Today

Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
24/7 Cell: (713) 443-4781
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

Hablamos Español: Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish

Service Areas: While based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including Leroy, Waco, McLennan County, and all Central Texas communities.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of Leonel Bermudez UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

Evidence preservation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes to avoid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Contingency fee explanation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Attorney911 Main Website: 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