Hazing Lawsuits and Campus Safety: A Guide for Bishop, Texas Families
When Hazing Hits Home: A Texas Parent’s Worst Nightmare
It starts with a phone call no parent in Bishop, Texas ever wants to receive. Your child, maybe at the University of Texas at Tyler just up Highway 31, or perhaps at Texas A&M University-Commerce an hour west, sounds different—exhausted, secretive, anxious. They mention “pledge activities” that keep them out until 3 AM, mysterious bruises they dismiss as “just workouts,” or a sudden withdrawal from family and old friends. Then, the unthinkable happens: a hospital call, or worse, a university official explaining there’s been “an incident” during a fraternity event. For families in Smith County and across East Texas, this nightmare became reality for the Bermudez family, and it could happen to any Bishop family whose child joins campus Greek life, athletic teams, or spirit organizations.
Right now, we at Attorney911 are leading one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas: representing Leonel Bermudez in his $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and 13 fraternity leaders. The details are harrowing: a “pledge fanny pack” filled with humiliating items, forced consumption of milk and hot dogs until vomiting, sprints and extreme exercises, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and ultimately, rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure that left our client urinating brown liquid and hospitalized for four days. This isn’t a story from another state—it’s happening right now in Texas, and it shows exactly why Bishop families need to understand the brutal reality of modern hazing.
IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:
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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™. -
First 48 hours:
Get medical attention immediately. Preserve evidence BEFORE deletion: screenshot group chats, photograph injuries, save physical items. Write everything down while memories are fresh. Do NOT confront the organization, sign university documents, or post on social media. -
Contact us within 24–48 hours: Evidence disappears fast. Universities move quickly to control narratives. We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights.
This comprehensive guide is written specifically for families in Bishop, Tyler, Smith County, and across East Texas who have children at UT Tyler, Texas A&M-Commerce, or any Texas university. We’ll explain what hazing really looks like in 2025, Texas law, national patterns, and what happens at Texas campuses. Most importantly, we’ll show you how to protect your child and hold powerful institutions accountable.
Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Texas
For Bishop families who may remember more traditional college experiences, modern hazing has evolved into sophisticated, digitally-enabled abuse that often escapes detection until tragedy strikes. It’s no longer just about “boys will be boys” pranks—it’s systematic coercion that can destroy lives.
The Modern Definition of Hazing
In Texas law and in practice, hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—whether on campus in Tyler or at an off-campus house—that endangers a student’s physical or mental health for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in any organization. The key understanding for Smith County families is this: “I agreed to it” or “they wanted to fit in” is NOT a legal defense. When there’s peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion, Texas courts recognize that true voluntary consent doesn’t exist.
Main Categories of Hazing Affecting East Texas Students
Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This remains the deadliest form. Bishop students at UT Tyler or elsewhere might face “Big/Little” nights where they’re given handles of liquor, “Bible study” drinking games where wrong answers mean forced consumption, or lineup challenges where pledges must finish drinks rapidly. The Stone Foltz case at Bowling Green (Pi Kappa Alpha) and Max Gruver case at LSU (Phi Delta Theta) both followed this exact script—and these same national organizations operate at Texas campuses.
Physical Hazing: Beyond traditional paddling, today’s physical hazing includes extreme calisthenics disguised as “workouts”—like the 100+ push-ups and 500 squats our client Bermudez endured. Students from Longview to Tyler have reported sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, exposure to extreme temperatures, and dangerous physical tests. The Texas A&M Corps “roasted pig” case involved binding a cadet between beds with an apple in his mouth.
Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, degrading costumes, and racial or sexist role-playing occur more frequently than Bishop parents might imagine. These acts create psychological trauma that can last long after physical injuries heal.
Digital/Online Hazing: This is where hazing has evolved most dramatically. Bishop students might be required to:
- Respond instantly to GroupMe messages 24/7
- Share live locations via Snapchat Maps or Find My Friends
- Post humiliating TikTok videos or Instagram stories
- Participate in group chat “dares” that escalate in severity
- Have their social media monitored and controlled by older members
Psychological Hazing: Verbal abuse, isolation from non-members, threats of expulsion from the group, and systematic degradation break down resistance and normalize increasingly dangerous behavior.
Where Hazing Happens in Texas
While fraternities and sororities receive most attention, Bishop families should know hazing occurs in:
- Corps of Cadets and ROTC programs
- Athletic teams (from football to cheerleading)
- Spirit organizations and tradition clubs
- Marching bands and performance groups
- Some academic and cultural organizations
The common thread isn’t the type of organization—it’s the combination of tradition, secrecy, and power imbalance that allows abuse to continue even when everyone “knows” it’s illegal.
Texas Hazing Law: What Bishop Families Need to Know
When your child attends school in Tyler, Commerce, or anywhere in Texas, these laws govern their protection—and your right to seek accountability.
Texas Education Code Chapter 37: The Foundation
Texas has specific anti-hazing legislation that applies to all educational institutions. For Smith County families, understanding these basics is crucial:
Definition (§37.151): Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership. Key points for Bishop parents:
- Location doesn’t matter (off-campus houses, retreats, Tyler apartments all count)
- Mental OR physical harm qualifies
- “Reckless” is enough—they don’t need to intend harm
- CONSENT IS NOT A DEFENSE (§37.155): Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still hazing under Texas law
Criminal Penalties (§37.152):
- Class B misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
- Class A misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
- State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death
Organizational Liability (§37.153): Fraternities, sororities, clubs, and teams can be prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report.
Immunity for Reporting (§37.154): Students who in good faith report hazing or call 911 in emergencies are protected from civil or criminal liability—a critical protection Bishop students should know about.
Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference
Criminal Cases: Brought by the State of Texas (Smith County District Attorney for Tyler cases, other counties for their jurisdictions). Aim is punishment: jail, fines, probation. Charges can include hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, or manslaughter in deaths.
Civil Cases: Brought by victims or families like yours. Aim is compensation and accountability. We pursue:
- Negligence and gross negligence
- Wrongful death
- Negligent supervision
- Premises liability
- Emotional distress
These cases can run simultaneously, and you don’t need a criminal conviction to pursue civil justice. In fact, the civil discovery process often uncovers evidence that criminal investigations miss.
Federal Overlay: Additional Protections
Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report incidents transparently, strengthen prevention, and maintain public hazing data (phased in by 2026).
Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility, additional federal protections and reporting requirements apply.
Clery Act: Requires reporting certain campus crimes; hazing incidents often overlap with assault or alcohol crimes that must be disclosed.
Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Case
For Bishop families considering legal action, potential defendants include:
Individual Students: Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover up.
Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity/sorority or club itself (if incorporated).
National Headquarters: Organizations like Pi Kappa Phi (in Bermudez case), Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters.
Universities: UH, UT Tyler, Texas A&M-Commerce, etc., under theories of negligence, premises liability, or Title IX violations.
Third Parties: Landlords of off-campus houses, alcohol providers under dram shop laws, security companies.
Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys know how to identify all potentially liable parties.
National Hazing Case Patterns: What They Mean for Texas Families
The tragic cases that make national headlines aren’t just statistics—they’re roadmaps showing exactly how hazing kills and injures students, and they establish legal precedents that protect Texas families.
Alcohol Poisoning Death Pattern (The Deadliest Script)
Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): A 20-year-old pledge forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night. He died from alcohol poisoning. Outcome: Multiple convictions, $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU). Why this matters for Bishop families: Pi Kappa Alpha operates at multiple Texas campuses. The “Big/Little” drinking script repeats across the country.
Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Pledge forced to participate in “Bible study” drinking game; incorrect answers meant forced drinking. Died with 0.495% BAC. Outcome: Criminal convictions, Louisiana’s “Max Gruver Act” making hazing a felony. Why this matters: Phi Delta Theta has Texas chapters. Drinking games framed as “traditions” are predictable killers.
Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): “Big Brother Night” event where pledges were given handles of liquor. Died from acute alcohol poisoning. Outcome: Criminal charges, FSU suspended all Greek life. Why this matters: Pi Kappa Phi is the same fraternity in our Bermudez case. National patterns establish foreseeability.
Physical and Ritualized Hazing Pattern
Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Pledge blindfolded, weighted with backpack, repeatedly tackled during “glass ceiling” ritual at Pennsylvania retreat. Died from traumatic brain injury; help delayed. Outcome: National fraternity criminally convicted, banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. Why this matters for East Texas families: Off-campus retreats to places like Lake Tyler or nearby cabins don’t eliminate liability—they often enable worse abuse.
Athletic Program Hazing Pattern
Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): Former players alleged sexualized, racist hazing within the program over years. Outcome: Multiple lawsuits, head coach fired, confidential settlements. Why this matters: Texas has major athletic programs where similar dynamics could exist.
What These Cases Mean for Bishop, Texas Families
These national tragedies created legal precedents that help Texas families:
- Foreseeability: When a Texas chapter repeats conduct that caused deaths elsewhere, nationals can’t claim “we didn’t know this could happen”
- Pattern Evidence: Multiple incidents across states show systemic failures
- Settlement Benchmarks: $1M–$14M ranges for deaths, $375K–multi-million for severe injuries
- Legislative Models: Texas can look to Pennsylvania’s Piazza Law, Louisiana’s Gruver Act, Ohio’s Collin’s Law for reform ideas
Most importantly, they prove that institutions CAN be held accountable—and that thorough litigation saves future lives.
Texas University Focus: Where Bishop Families Send Their Kids
Bishop students often attend universities throughout East Texas and beyond. Here’s what you need to know about hazing at campuses relevant to our community.
University of Texas at Tyler: The Local Campus
For Bishop families: Just 30 minutes up Highway 31, UT Tyler serves many Smith County students. Its growing Greek life and campus organizations mean hazing risks exist right in our backyard.
Campus Overview: UT Tyler has emerging Greek communities with fraternities and sororities that participate in campus life. Like many regional universities, it balances tradition with modern safety concerns.
Documented Incidents: While UT Tyler maintains disciplinary privacy, the presence of national fraternities with hazing histories elsewhere creates inherent risks. The university’s Office of Student Conduct handles reports, and cases involving criminal conduct would involve Tyler Police Department and Smith County courts.
What Bishop Families Should Know:
- Reporting goes through UT Tyler’s Dean of Students and campus police
- Medical care would typically be at Christus Trinity Mother Frances in Tyler
- Civil cases might be filed in Smith County courts
- The university’s relationship with local Greek housing requires scrutiny in any incident
Practical Steps for UT Tyler Families:
- Ask specific questions about new member activities
- Document any injuries immediately with photos
- Know that off-campus houses in Tyler still fall under university jurisdiction if recognized organizations are involved
- Contact us immediately if you suspect hazing—local representation matters
Texas A&M University-Commerce: The Regional Hub
For Bishop families: An hour west on I-30, A&M-Commerce attracts many East Texas students with its strong academic programs and growing campus life.
Greek Life Context: Commerce has active fraternity and sorority communities that participate in campus traditions. Like all Texas A&M system schools, it operates under system-wide anti-hazing policies but faces the same national patterns affecting Greek organizations everywhere.
Legal Jurisdiction: Incidents would involve Commerce Police Department and Hunt County courts initially, but civil cases with multiple defendants might extend to other jurisdictions depending on where nationals, insurers, or other parties are based.
Special Considerations: As part of the Texas A&M system, the university has resources for investigation but also layers of bureaucracy that can slow responses. The system’s experience with Corps hazing cases at College Station informs but doesn’t guarantee protection at Commerce.
Other Texas Campuses Relevant to Bishop Families
While UT Tyler and A&M-Commerce are most geographically accessible, Bishop students also attend:
University of Texas at Austin: Many East Texas students aspire to UT Austin. Its public hazing violation log shows ongoing issues with organizations like Pi Kappa Alpha (sanctioned for forced milk consumption and extreme exercise in 2023). Austin cases involve UTPD and Travis County courts.
Texas A&M University College Station: The flagship’s Corps of Cadets has faced multiple hazing lawsuits, including the “roasted pig” binding case. College Station PD and Brazos County courts handle local aspects, but civil cases often expand statewide.
Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches): Another common choice for East Texas students. Nacogdoches Police and county courts handle local incidents involving its Greek communities.
Texas Tech University: Lubbock’s distance doesn’t eliminate risk—Texas Tech has seen alcohol poisoning cases and physical hazing incidents. National fraternity patterns persist regardless of location.
What All Texas Campus Families Should Do:
- Bookmark the university’s hazing reporting page
- Save campus police non-emergency numbers
- Understand that medical care should document “hazing” specifically in records
- Recognize that initial university investigations often prioritize institutional protection over victim justice
- Consult with attorneys who understand Texas’s multi-campus, multi-defendant hazing litigation landscape
The Greek Ecosystem Serving East Texas Students: Public Records Reality
For Bishop families trying to understand who’s behind the organizations their children join, public records reveal a complex network of corporations, alumni groups, and national entities. We maintain what we call our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—tracking over 1,423 Greek-related organizations across 25 Texas metros. Here’s what exists in the ecosystems serving UT Tyler, A&M-Commerce, and other campuses Bishop students attend.
Public Records Foundation: What IRS Filings Show
The IRS requires tax-exempt organizations to file, creating a public record backbone. For East Texas families, these entities exist right in our region:
Smith County and Tyler Area Entities (from IRS B83 filings):
- Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at University of Texas at Tyler (EIN available in filings)
- Various Greek-letter educational and alumni foundations with Tyler addresses
Statewide Entities Relevant to Bishop Students:
- Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc, EIN 741380362, Fort Worth, TX 76147-0061 (IRS B83 filing)
- Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, EIN 746064445, Nederland, TX 77627-8843 (IRS B83 filing)
- Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, EIN 364091267, Waco, TX 76710-4154 (IRS B83 filing)
- Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at Texas A&M University, EIN 900293166, College Station, TX 77843-0001 (IRS B83 filing)
- Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc (multiple chapter entities across Texas)
- Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity (multiple alumni and chapter entities statewide)
What These Listings Mean:
Each represents a legal entity that can hold insurance, own property, and be sued. When hazing occurs, identifying all related entities is crucial for ensuring adequate insurance coverage exists to compensate victims.
Metro Greek Presence: The East Texas and DFW Connection
While Tyler isn’t one of Texas’s largest Greek metros, our proximity to DFW means Bishop students often join organizations headquartered or heavily represented there:
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro (510+ Greek organizations):
- Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity, Fort Worth, TX
- Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation, Fort Worth, TX
- Multiple Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta) entities serving chapters statewide
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon Texas Rho Corp., Austin (but DFW-metro connected)
College Station-Bryan Metro (42+ organizations): Directly relevant to A&M families
Waco Metro (27+ organizations): Baylor’s influence affects regional Greek culture
National Brands with Texas Presence: The Overlap Reality
Some organizations appear in both IRS data and metro tracking, showing their embedded Texas presence:
- Beta Upsilon Chi (IRS EIN 742911848 matches Cause IQ Fort Worth listing)
- Pi Kappa Alpha (Nederland IRS entity matches Houston metro district office)
- Sigma Gamma Rho (Waco IRS entity matches Houston and Beaumont chapter listings)
Why This Data Matters for Bishop Families:
When your child is hazed, we don’t start from zero. We already know how to trace:
- Local chapter to its housing corporation
- Housing corporation to its national headquarters
- National to its insurers and related entities
- Prior incidents at other chapters that establish patterns
This investigative depth means faster
