Hazing at Texas Colleges: A Complete Legal Guide for Springtown Parents & Families

If you’re a parent in Springtown, you know how much pride we take in sending our children to Texas universities. You’ve watched them grow up here in Parker County, perhaps playing sports at Springtown High School, and now they’re pursuing their dreams at schools like Texas A&M, UT Austin, or the University of Houston. That pride can turn to panic when you get that phone call or text that doesn’t sound right—when your child mentions “pledge activities” that seem dangerous, or when you notice unexplained injuries after a weekend visit home.

Right now, just a few hours south of us in Houston, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas history. Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student, nearly lost his life to fraternity hazing in fall 2025. He developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure after being forced through extreme workouts, subjected to humiliation with a “pledge fanny pack,” and sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding.” His urine turned brown, he was hospitalized for four days, and he faces ongoing kidney damage. We represent him in a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, and 13 fraternity leaders. The chapter has been shut down, but the damage to this young man’s health may be permanent.

This isn’t just happening in Houston. It’s happening at schools where Springtown families send their children. This comprehensive guide is written specifically for you—Springtown parents and families navigating the complex reality of modern campus hazing. We’ll explain what hazing really looks like in 2025, how Texas law protects your child, what’s happening at major Texas universities, and what legal options exist when things go wrong.

If This Just Happened: Immediate Steps for Springtown Families

IF YOUR CHILD IS IN DANGER RIGHT NOW:

Call 911 for medical emergencies
Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

IN THE FIRST 48 HOURS:

Get medical attention immediately—even if injuries seem minor
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted: Screenshot group chats, photograph injuries, save physical items
Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity/sorority directly
- Sign anything from the university or insurance company
- Post details on public social media
- Let your child delete messages

Contact an experienced Texas hazing attorney within 24-48 hours. Evidence disappears fast in these cases. We serve Springtown families from our Houston office and can help you navigate this crisis. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

What Hazing Really Looks Like in 2025 (Beyond the Stereotypes)

For Springtown parents who might remember college as a simpler time, today’s hazing has evolved into sophisticated, often digitally-enabled abuse. It’s not just about “boys being boys”—it’s systematic coercion that can cause permanent physical and psychological harm.

The Three Levels of Modern Hazing

Level 1: Subtle Hazing (Often Dismissed as “Tradition”)

Required servitude: Acting as 24/7 designated drivers, cleaning older members’ apartments
Social isolation: Being cut off from non-member friends, requiring permission to socialize
Digital control: Mandatory immediate responses to group chats at all hours, location tracking via apps
Sleep deprivation for “mandatory” late-night meetings during exam weeks

Level 2: Harassment Hazing (Causes Real Harm)

Verbal abuse and demeaning names during “roasting” sessions
Forced physical exertion: Hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse, “smokings”
Food/water manipulation: Being forced to consume spoiled food, hot sauce, or excessive bland items
Public humiliation: Wearing degrading costumes in public, performing embarrassing acts

Level 3: Violent Hazing (Criminal Conduct)

Forced alcohol consumption: “Big/Little” nights with handles of liquor, drinking games with wrong-answer penalties
Physical beatings and paddling (still occurs despite national prohibitions)
Sexualized hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, “roasted pig” positions
Dangerous “tests”: Blindfolded tackle rituals, forced fights, exposure to extreme cold
Chemical hazing: As seen in Texas A&M’s SAE case where pledges suffered chemical burns

Where Hazing Happens in Texas

While fraternities and sororities receive most attention, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Fraternities & Sororities: IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC (Divine Nine), multicultural groups
Corps of Cadets & Military Programs: Particularly at Texas A&M
Athletic Teams: Football, basketball, baseball, cheerleading
Spirit & Tradition Groups: Texas Cowboys, Rangers, and similar organizations
Marching Bands & Performance Groups
Academic & Honor Societies

Texas Hazing Law: What Springtown Families Need to Know

Texas has specific laws addressing hazing, but many parents don’t understand how they work or when they apply. Here’s what you need to know:

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Hazing Statutes

Definition of Hazing (Section 37.151):
Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in any organization that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student
Occurs on or off campus
Consent is NOT a defense (Section 37.155)

Criminal Penalties (Section 37.152):

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing offense (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical attention
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death
Additional Charges: Individuals can also face assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, or manslaughter charges

Organizational Liability (Section 37.153):
Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations can be:

Fined up to $10,000 per violation
Subject to criminal prosecution if they authorized or encouraged hazing
Held civilly liable for damages

Good-Faith Reporting Protection (Section 37.154):
Students who report hazing in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability. This is crucial—your child won’t get in trouble for calling for help.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (district attorney)
Purpose: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Standards: “Beyond reasonable doubt”
Springtown connection: Cases might be prosecuted in the county where the hazing occurred or where your child attends school

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or families
Purpose: Compensation and accountability
Standards: “Preponderance of evidence” (more likely than not)
What you can recover: Medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, emotional distress

These cases can run simultaneously. A criminal conviction isn’t required to pursue civil justice.

Federal Laws That Apply in Texas

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents transparently
Mandates hazing prevention education
Phased implementation through 2026
Creates national database of hazing incidents

Title IX & Clery Act:

When hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, Title IX requirements apply
Clery Act requires reporting of certain crimes on campus
Both create additional liability pathways for universities

National Hazing Cases: Patterns That Repeat in Texas

The tragedies occurring at Texas schools aren’t isolated incidents. They’re part of national patterns we’ve seen repeated for decades. Understanding these patterns helps Springtown families recognize warning signs and understand why holding organizations accountable matters.

Alcohol Poisoning Deaths: The Most Common Fatal Pattern

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (2021):

Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” night
Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol
Died from alcohol poisoning
$10 million settlement ($7M from national, $3M from university)

Max Gruver – Louisiana State University (2017):

Phi Delta Theta “Bible study” drinking game
Wrong answers = forced drinking
Died with 0.495% BAC
Louisiana passed “Max Gruver Act” making hazing a felony

Timothy Piazza – Penn State University (2017):

Beta Theta Pi bid acceptance night
Fell multiple times on security camera
12-hour delay in calling for help
18 members charged, Pennsylvania strengthened laws

What This Means for Springtown Families: These cases show that forced drinking rituals follow predictable scripts. When we see similar patterns at Texas schools, we know national fraternities should have foreseen the danger.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: Beyond Alcohol

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College (2013):

Pi Delta Psi “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat
Blindfolded, weighted down, repeatedly tackled
Died from traumatic brain injury
Fraternity banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years

Danny Santulli – University of Missouri (2021):

Phi Gamma Delta “pledge dad reveal”
Forced excessive drinking
Suffered permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see)
Settlements with 22 defendants

What This Means for Springtown Families: Hazing isn’t just about drinking. Dangerous physical rituals, whether at off-campus retreats or chapter houses, can cause catastrophic injury.

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Northwestern University Football (2023-2025):

Allegations of sexualized, racist hazing
Multiple lawsuits against university
Head coach fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit
Shows hazing exists in big-money athletic programs

What This Means for Springtown Families: If your child is an athlete at a Texas school, they may face hazing risks beyond Greek life. Coaches and athletic departments can be held accountable.

Texas Universities: What’s Happening Where Springtown Students Attend

Springtown families send students throughout Texas. Whether your child attends a local community college, a major university, or an out-of-state school with Texas connections, here’s what you need to know about specific campuses.

The Greek Ecosystem Around Springtown & North Texas

Springtown sits in Parker County, within the massive Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area, which hosts 510 Greek organizations according to Cause IQ data. When your child joins Greek life at any Texas school, they’re connecting to this extensive network of organizations, each with its own legal structure, insurance coverage, and history.

Local Campuses Springtown Families Use:

Weatherford College (just minutes from Springtown):

While primarily a community college, many Springtown students begin here before transferring
Campus organizations still carry hazing risks
Transfer students may face pressure to “prove themselves” at four-year schools

Tarrant County College (multiple campuses):

Another common transfer pathway for Springtown students
Student organizations exist, though less formalized than at universities

Major Universities Springtown Families Attend:

Based on patterns we see, Springtown students commonly attend:

Texas A&M University (2.5 hours from Springtown):

Many Springtown graduates become Aggies
Strong Corps of Cadets presence with documented hazing issues
Active Greek life with over 100 chapters

University of Texas at Arlington (45 minutes from Springtown):

Convenient commute for some Springtown students
Growing Greek system
Part of the UT System with shared policies

Texas Christian University (45 minutes from Springtown):

Private university with affluent student body
Significant Greek participation
SMU-like environment closer to home

University of North Texas (1 hour from Springtown):

Large Greek system in Denton
Popular choice for North Texas students

Texas Woman’s University (1 hour from Springtown):

Sorority and women’s organization hazing risks
Unique dynamics in women’s organizations

University of Houston: Our Current Battlefront

We’re actively litigating against UH right now in the Leonel Bermudez case, so we have particular insight into their Greek system and institutional response.

UH Greek Life Snapshot:

50+ fraternity and sorority chapters
Multiple governing councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, MGC)
Includes the now-closed Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter

Documented UH Hazing Incidents:

Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu (2025) – Our Current Case:

Location: Chapter house, Culmore Drive residence, Yellowstone Boulevard Park
Conduct: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation, forced workouts, hose spraying “like waterboarding,” forced consumption until vomiting
Medical Outcome: Rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, four-day hospitalization
Institutional Response: Chapter suspended Nov 6, 2025; charter surrendered Nov 14, 2025
Legal Action: $10 million lawsuit we’re handling; 13 individual defendants plus UH, national HQ

Pi Kappa Alpha (2016):

Pledges deprived of food, water, sleep
One student suffered lacerated spleen
Chapter faced misdemeanor charges and suspension

UH’s Hazing Reporting System:

Office of Dean of Students primary contact
Online reporting forms available
UHPD handles criminal aspects
Transparency Gap: Unlike UT Austin, UH doesn’t maintain public hazing violations log

For Springtown Families with Students at UH:

Document everything through screenshots and photos
Medical attention is crucial—rhabdomyolysis requires specific treatment
UH may attempt to handle internally; legal counsel ensures proper investigation
Off-campus locations (like Culmore Drive residence) don’t eliminate liability

Texas A&M University: Tradition, Corps, and Greek Life

Texas A&M’s unique culture creates distinct hazing risks that Springtown families should understand.

Corps of Cadets Hazing Issues:

2023 “Roasted Pig” Case:

Cadet alleged being bound between beds with apple in mouth
Simulated sexual acts as initiation
1 million lawsuit filed”>- University statement: “Matter was handled under university rules”

Historical Aggie Bonfire (1999):

Not traditional hazing but shows risks of unsupervised tradition
12 deaths, 27 injuries
$6+ million in settlements
Demonstrates institutional liability for dangerous traditions

Greek Life at A&M:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns (2021):

Pledges covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, spit
Severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts
1 million lawsuit”>- Fraternity suspended for two years

A&M’s Hazing Response Structure:

Student Conduct Office investigates
Corps has separate disciplinary system
University may try to handle internally first
Pattern: Historical tendency to protect traditions over individuals

For Springtown Aggie Families:

Corps hazing often involves psychological and physical abuse
Document everything, including texts about “tradition” or “building character”
Medical documentation is critical for burn injuries or physical trauma
A&M’s institutional pride can complicate obtaining accountability

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Patterns

UT Austin maintains one of Texas’ most transparent hazing reporting systems, which both helps families and reveals concerning patterns.

UT’s Public Hazing Violations Log:
Available at hazing.utexas.edu, includes:

Organization names
Dates of violations
Description of conduct
Sanctions imposed

Recent UT Hazing Cases:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023):

New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics
Found to be hazing
Sanction: Probation, required hazing prevention education

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024):

Australian exchange student assault at party
Injuries: Dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose
1 million lawsuit”>- Chapter already under suspension for prior violations

Texas Wranglers (Multiple Years):

Spirit organization with repeated hazing violations
Forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing
Pattern of sanctions then re-offending

UT’s Response System:

Office of the Dean of Students investigates
UTPD handles criminal aspects
Public log creates accountability
Strength: Transparency helps prove pattern evidence in lawsuits

For Springtown Families with Longhorns:

Check UT’s hazing log for your child’s organization
Documented prior violations strengthen your case
Austin PD may have jurisdiction for off-campus incidents
UT’s transparency doesn’t prevent hazing but helps prove institutional knowledge

Southern Methodist University: Private School Dynamics

SMU’s private status and affluent student body create unique hazing dynamics that Springtown families should understand, especially if considering SMU for their children.

SMU Greek Life Profile:

Historically strong Greek participation
Private university with less public transparency
National fraternities with documented hazing histories

Kappa Alpha Order (2017):

New members paddled, forced to drink, sleep deprived
Chapter suspended
Recruiting restrictions until 2021

SMU’s Reporting Systems:

Real Response anonymous reporting
Office of Student Affairs handles investigations
Less public data than public universities
Challenge: Private status can mean less discovery in lawsuits

For Springtown Families Considering SMU:

Research national fraternity histories, not just local chapter
Understand that private schools have different reporting obligations
Document everything—less public transparency means your evidence is crucial
SMU’s affluent reputation doesn’t eliminate hazing risks

Baylor University: Faith, Football, and Accountability

Baylor’s recent history with institutional accountability issues creates important context for Springtown families, particularly those valuing faith-based education.

Baylor’s Institutional Context:

Recent Title IX sexual assault scandal
Football program controversies
Religious identity vs. accountability challenges

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020):

14 players suspended following investigation
Staggered suspensions over season
University statement: “Addressed per university policies”

Baylor’s Response Systems:

Student Conduct investigations
Title IX Office involvement for sexualized hazing
Historical tendency toward internal resolution
Pattern: Institutional protection concerns similar to post-scandal era

For Springtown Baylor Families:

Document everything with dates and details
Medical attention is crucial—don’t rely on “praying it away”
Baylor’s religious branding doesn’t eliminate legal liability
Recent history shows importance of external accountability

Fraternities & Sororities: National Histories That Matter to Springtown Families

When your child joins a fraternity or sorority at a Texas school, they’re not just joining a local club. They’re connecting to a national organization with a history that spans decades and multiple campuses. These histories matter because they show patterns of behavior that national headquarters should have addressed.

Why National Histories Create Liability

National fraternities and sororities:

Collect dues from local chapters
Provide insurance coverage (or should)
Set policies and training requirements
Have knowledge of incidents across the country

When the same dangerous behaviors repeat across chapters, it shows:

Foreseeability: Nationals should have known this could happen
Negligence: Their prevention efforts were inadequate
Pattern Evidence: Juries respond to repeating scripts

Organizations with Documented Histories at Texas Schools

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike):

National History: Stone Foltz death (BGSU), multiple alcohol poisoning cases
Texas Presence: UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, Baylor
Pattern: “Big/Little” alcohol hazing, forced consumption
Legal Significance: National has been sued repeatedly for same patterns

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE):

National History: Multiple deaths, traumatic brain injury lawsuit (Alabama)
Texas Presence: UT Austin (current lawsuit), Texas A&M (chemical burns case)
Pattern: Alcohol hazing, physical abuse, chemical hazing
Legal Significance: National eliminated pledge program in 2014 due to deaths

Pi Kappa Phi:

National History: Andrew Coffey death (FSU)
Texas Presence: UH (our current case), other Texas campuses
Pattern: Alcohol hazing, physical endurance tests
Legal Significance: National shut down UH chapter after our lawsuit

Phi Delta Theta:

National History: Max Gruver death (LSU)
Texas Presence: Multiple Texas campuses
Pattern: Drinking game hazing, “Bible study” rituals
Legal Significance: Louisiana passed “Max Gruver Act” creating felony hazing

How We Use National Histories in Springtown Cases

When we represent Springtown families, we investigate:

National’s knowledge: What did headquarters know about this chapter?
Prior incidents: Same organization at other schools
Policy vs. practice: Were their “anti-hazing” policies actually enforced?
Insurance coverage: What policies apply and will they cover hazing?

This investigation often reveals that national organizations:

Received prior complaints about the chapter
Had minimal or ineffective oversight
Collected dues while turning a blind eye
Failed to implement their own risk management policies

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy & Recovery for Springtown Families

If hazing has injured your child, understanding how cases are built can help you preserve evidence and set realistic expectations. Here’s what we do for Springtown families and why each step matters.