The Comprehensive Guide to Hazing in Texas: A Resource for Tyler Families

If you are a parent in Tyler, that late-night phone call is your worst nightmare. Your child, attending college just down the road at UT Tyler or hours away at Texas A&M, sounds different—exhausted, secretive, and afraid. They mention “mandatory” events that interfere with classes, show unexplained bruises, or have become withdrawn. You suspect something is terribly wrong within a fraternity, sorority, Corps program, or campus organization. You are not alone, and what you suspect has a name: hazing.

Right now, we are actively litigating one of the most severe hazing cases in Texas. Our client, Leonel Bermudez, was a pledge at the University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter in the fall of 2025. What was promised as brotherhood devolved into systematic abuse: forced, humiliating “pledge fanny packs” filled with condoms and sex toys; hours-long chauffeuring duties; and extreme physical hazing. This included being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” lying in vomit-soaked grass, and a November 3rd workout of over 100 push-ups and 500 squats under threat of expulsion.

The result was catastrophic. Leonel developed rhabdomyolysis—a severe skeletal muscle breakdown—and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown, he could not stand without help, and he was hospitalized for four days with critically elevated creatine kinase levels, facing the risk of permanent kidney damage. We filed a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters, their housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders. The chapter was suspended and voted to surrender its charter. As reported by Click2Houston and ABC13, this case is a stark reminder that dangerous hazing is not a relic of the past; it is a present and active threat on Texas campuses.

This guide is for you—the parents, families, and students in Tyler and across Smith County. We will explain what modern hazing truly looks like, break down the Texas laws designed to protect your child, and reveal the networks of organizations behind campus Greek life. We will connect national tragedies to the universities where Tyler families send their children, including the University of Texas at Tyler, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and others. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge, show you the path to accountability, and explain how our firm leverages deep investigative resources to stand up for victims.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

• Call 911 for any medical emergency.
• Then call us, Attorney911, at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We provide immediate legal guidance.

In the First 48 Hours:

• Secure Medical Attention: Get a full evaluation, even if injuries seem minor. Conditions like rhabdomyolysis can be delayed.
• Preserve Evidence BEFORE It’s Deleted:
  • Screenshot all group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, texts), social media posts, and DMs.
  • Photograph any injuries from multiple angles.
  • Save physical items (torn clothing, paddles, receipts).
  • Write down a detailed timeline of events while memories are fresh.
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or university directly.
  • Sign any documents from the school or an insurance company.
  • Allow your child to delete messages or “clean up” their phone.
  • Post details on public social media.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney. Evidence vanishes quickly. We can help you navigate this crisis, preserve crucial proof, and protect your family’s rights from the outset. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like on Texas Campuses

Hazing is not just “boys will be boys” or harmless tradition. Under Texas law, it is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization. For Tyler families, understanding its modern forms is the first step to recognizing it.

The Evolution from Physical Brutality to Digital Coercion
While violent physical hazing persists, the methods have evolved. Today’s hazing often involves a 24/7 digital leash. Pledges are required to be on-call via group chats, respond instantly to messages at all hours, and share their live location. Humiliation is broadcast on social media through forced TikTok challenges or degrading Instagram stories. This constant pressure creates psychological exhaustion and isolation, making victims feel there is no escape.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

1. Subtle Hazing: Behaviors that emphasize power imbalance and set the stage for worse. This includes forced servitude (cleaning houses, running all-night errands), assigning derogatory nicknames, mandatory events that interfere with sleep or academics, and social isolation from non-members.
2. Harassment Hazing: Acts that cause emotional or physical discomfort. This encompasses sleep deprivation, verbal abuse and “grilling” sessions, forced consumption of unpalatable substances (excessive milk, hot sauce, raw food), and calisthenics as punishment—not fitness.
3. Violent Hazing: Activities with a high potential for serious injury or death. This is what happened to Leonel Bermudez at UH. It includes forced alcohol consumption (drinking games, “family tree” rituals), physical beatings or paddling, dangerous physical “tests,” sexualized acts, and exposure to extreme elements.

The “Loophole” Tactics Organizations Use
Chapters have become sophisticated in avoiding detection. They frame activities as “optional,” knowing social exclusion is the penalty for not participating. They move events to off-campus Airbnbs or remote properties. They use euphemisms like “team building” or “wellness challenges” to disguise abuse. Most destructively, they enforce a strict code of silence, often coaching members on what to say to investigators and rapidly deleting digital evidence.

The Texas Legal Framework: Criminal Penalties and Civil Liability

Texas has specific statutes to combat hazing, primarily found in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. Understanding this framework is crucial for Tyler families seeking accountability.

Texas Hazing Law (Education Code § 37.151-§ 37.156)

• Definition: Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging or affiliation that endangers the student’s mental or physical health or safety.
• Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152):
  • Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine).
  • Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing that causes injury requiring medical treatment.
  • State Jail Felony: Hazing that causes serious bodily injury or death.
  • It is also a crime to fail to report hazing or to retaliate against someone who does.
• Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): The fraternity, sorority, or club itself can be prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 if it authorized or encouraged the hazing.
• Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.155): This is critical. Even if a student “agreed” to an activity, it is still legally considered hazing under Texas law. Courts recognize the power imbalance and coercion inherent in these situations.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

• Criminal Cases: Brought by the state (DA’s office). The goal is punishment: jail time, fines, probation. These cases require proof “beyond a reasonable doubt.” In Smith County, this would involve the Smith County District Attorney’s Office or local police where the incident occurred.
• Civil Cases: Brought by the victim or their family. The goal is compensation for damages and institutional accountability. The burden of proof is lower—“by a preponderance of the evidence.” A civil lawsuit can proceed independently, even if no criminal charges are ever filed.

The Federal Overlay: Title IX and the Stop Campus Hazing Act

• Title IX: If hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, your child’s school has specific federal obligations to investigate and respond.
• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This new federal law requires universities receiving federal funds to publicly report hazing incidents and strengthen prevention programs, increasing transparency for parents.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Lawsuit?
A thorough investigation aims to identify every responsible entity to ensure full accountability and access to insurance coverage:

• Individual Perpetrators: The students who planned, executed, or concealed the hazing.
• The Local Chapter: As an organization that allowed a culture of abuse to flourish.
• The National Organization (HQ): For failing to adequately supervise, train, or discipline chapters despite known patterns of misconduct.
• The University: For negligent supervision, deliberate indifference to known risks, or failure to enforce its own policies.
• Housing Corporations & Alumni Boards: The legal entities that own chapter houses or provide oversight.
• Third Parties: Landlords of off-campus houses or commercial venues that enabled dangerous conduct.

National Hazing Case Patterns: The Scripts That Repeat in Texas

The tragedy at UH is not an isolated event. It follows a national script that has played out for decades. Understanding these patterns is key to proving that these injuries are foreseeable and preventable.

The Alcohol Poisoning Script
Cases like Stone Foltz at Bowling Green (Pi Kappa Alpha) and Max Gruver at LSU (Phi Delta Theta) follow a chillingly similar pattern: a “Big/Little” or bid acceptance night, forced consumption of entire bottles of liquor, delayed medical care, and death. These cases resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and new state laws, like Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act. They prove national fraternities are acutely aware of this lethal risk.

The Physical Endurance & Ritual Script
The death of Chun “Michael” Deng at a Pi Delta Psi retreat involved a blindfolded, violent “glass ceiling” ritual. The national fraternity was criminally convicted. This shows hazing moved off-campus is still within the reach of the law.

The Catastrophic Injury Script
Danny Santulli at the University of Missouri (Phi Gamma Delta) was forced to drink until he suffered permanent, severe brain damage. His family secured settlements from numerous defendants. This case exemplifies the lifelong care needed for non-fatal hazing injuries and the importance of holding every responsible party accountable.

What This Means for Tyler Families
These national precedents are not just history; they are a playbook for liability. When a chapter at UT Austin, Texas A&M, or Baylor engages in similar forced drinking or violent rituals, it demonstrates that the national organization and the university were on notice. This “pattern and practice” evidence is powerful in court, helping to establish negligence and justify claims for punitive damages.

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: Where Tyler Families Send Their Kids

Tyler is an education hub in East Texas. Families here have students at local institutions like the University of Texas at Tyler (UT Tyler) and Texas College, while also sending children to major flagship universities across the state. Each campus has its own Greek life landscape and history of hazing incidents.

5.1 The University of Texas at Tyler (UT Tyler)

Campus Snapshot: As a growing campus in your community, UT Tyler fosters student organizations to build campus life. Its Greek community includes fraternities and sororities under the oversight of the Office of Student Life.
Hazing Policy & Reporting: UT Tyler explicitly prohibits hazing, aligning with UT System policy and Texas law. Reports can be made to the Dean of Students, Student Conduct, or campus police.
Relevant Public Records: Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine identifies Greek-affiliated entities registered in Tyler, such as:

• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (EIN: 352335400) at 3900 University Blvd, Tyler, TX 75799 – An academic honor society chapter at UT Tyler (IRS B83 filing).
  For Tyler Families: If an incident occurs locally, jurisdiction would involve the UT Tyler Police Department and potentially the Smith County Sheriff’s Office or Tyler PD. Evidence collection must begin immediately.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Campus Snapshot: A massive Greek life and Corps of Cadets culture. Thousands of Texas students, including many from East Texas, join these tradition-rich groups.
Documented Incidents: The pattern here is severe.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Chemical Burns Lawsuit (2021): Pledges alleged being doused with industrial cleaner, eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgery. A $1 million lawsuit was filed.
• Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Lawsuit (2023): A cadet alleged being tied up in a humiliating, immobilized position as part of hazing. This case highlights that hazing extends beyond Greek letters.
  What This Means for Aggie Families: Texas A&M has vast resources but also a deep culture of tradition that can mask abuse. Civil cases often must untangle the relationships between the university, the Corps, and national fraternities.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin

Campus Snapshot: The state’s flagship with a highly publicized Greek life scene.
Transparency and Pattern: UT Austin maintains a public online log of hazing violations, which is a valuable resource but also a testament to ongoing issues. Entries include:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): Sanctioned for forcing new members to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics.
• Various spirit groups and others disciplined for forced drinking, physical punishment, and sleep deprivation.
  Legal Strategy Insight: This public log is a gift to investigators. It provides documented, university-admitted proof of prior incidents, which can be used to show an organization or the university itself had knowledge of recurring problems.

5.4 Baylor University

Campus Snapshot: A prominent private university with a significant Greek system and a history of grappling with institutional misconduct scandals.
Documented Incidents: Hazing has surfaced in athletic programs, a recurring issue nationwide.

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): Resulted in the suspension of 14 players, indicating a team-wide culture issue.
  Considerations for Families: As a private institution, Baylor operates differently from public universities, but it is not immune to liability. Its response to past scandals can inform how it handles hazing allegations.

5.5 Southern Methodist University

Campus Snapshot: A private Dallas university with a prominent Greek life culture.
Documented Incidents: Incidents reflect national patterns among elite, private schools.

• Kappa Alpha Order Suspension (2017): The chapter was suspended for reported paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation of pledges.
  The Private University Dynamic: While less subject to public records requests, discovery in a civil lawsuit can compel the production of internal reports and disciplinary records.

Fraternities & Sororities: Connecting National Histories to Texas Chapters

The letters on a chapter house represent a national brand with a history—and often, a liability trail. The fraternity that hazed Leonel Bermudez at UH, Pi Kappa Phi, has a national history that includes the alcohol-poisoning death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University. This is not coincidence; it is pattern.

Why National Histories Matter in Court
When we sue a national fraternity, we are not just suing for the actions of a few “bad apples” in Houston. We are suing because the national organization, through decades of similar incidents across the country, knew or should have known that its chapters were at high risk for this exact type of conduct. Their generic anti-hazing policies are evidence of this knowledge. We argue that their failure to implement effective, enforced prevention constitutes negligence.

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Mapping the Network
We maintain a proprietary database built from public records to track the complex ecosystem behind Greek life. This is not speculation; it is based on IRS filings, university records, and corporate data. For Tyler families, this means we can identify all potentially liable entities from day one.

A Sampling of Texas Greek Organizations from Public Records:
This illustrates the scale and structure of the system your child may be encountering. These are examples of organizations registered with the IRS (EIN) or operating in Texas metros:

• Kappa Sigma – Mu Camma Chapter Inc (EIN: 133048786) – 3007 Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX 77845 (IRS B83 filing).
• Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc (EIN: 462267515) – 10601 Big Horn Trl, Frisco, TX 75035 (IRS B83 filing). This is the housing corp for the UH chapter we are currently suing.
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (EIN: 352335400) – 3900 University Blvd, Tyler, TX 75799 – University of Texas at Tyler chapter (IRS B83 filing).
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority (EIN: 364091267) – 1101 Melrose Dr, Waco, TX 76710 – Xi Chi Chapter (IRS B83 filing).
• Texas Kappa Sigma Educational Foundation Inc (EIN: 741380362) – PO Box 470061, Fort Worth, TX 76147 (IRS B83 filing).
• In the Dallas-Fort Worth Metro (Cause IQ reports 510 Greek entities): Organizations like the Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity in Fort Worth and numerous alumni chapters and housing corporations.
• In the Houston Metro (188 Greek entities): Including the Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and numerous National Pan-Hellenic Council graduate chapters.

Brands with Cross-Validated Presence: Organizations like Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi appear in both IRS data and metro registries, showing how national brands weave through the state via undergraduate chapters, alumni groups, and honor societies.

This data-driven approach means we don’t start from zero. We know how to find the housing corporations, alumni associations, and national insurance policies that may bear responsibility.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Damages, and Our Strategic Approach

When a Tyler family comes to us, we initiate a meticulous, multi-front investigation designed to build an unassailable case for maximum accountability.

The Evidence Pyramid

1. Digital Forensics: The #1 source of evidence. We work with experts to recover deleted GroupMe, WhatsApp, and text messages. We analyze social media posts, photo metadata, and location data from apps like Snapchat Map.
2. Institutional Discovery: We subpoena university records for prior complaints against the chapter, internal investigation reports, and correspondence with the national organization. We obtain the national fraternity’s risk management files and prior incident history from other chapters.
3. Witness Testimony: We identify and interview other pledges, former members, roommates, and bystanders. Often, those who left the organization earlier are crucial witnesses.
4. Medical & Psychological Documentation: We compile all medical records to establish the direct physical harm. We also work with psychologists to diagnose and document PTSD, depression, and anxiety, translating emotional trauma into compensable damages.

The Full Scope of Recoverable Damages
Our goal is to secure compensation that covers every facet of the harm done, both now and in the future.

• Economic Damages: All past and future medical bills, lost wages, costs of psychological counseling, and diminished future earning capacity if injuries are permanent.
• Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for physical pain, emotional suffering, humiliation, loss of enjoyment of life, and trauma.
• Wrongful Death Damages (if applicable): Funeral costs, loss of financial support, and the profound loss of companionship, love, and guidance for the family.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of particularly egregious or reckless conduct, we seek punitive damages to punish the defendants and deter future hazing.

Overcoming the Defense Playbook
We expect and prepare for the standard defenses:

• “They Consented”: We counter with Texas law §37.155 and expert testimony on group coercion.
• “Rogue Chapter”: We use national pattern evidence to show the conduct was foreseeable.
• “Off-Campus, Not Our Problem”: We establish liability through sponsorship, control, and negligence.
• Insurance Coverage Fights: Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as an insurance defense attorney is invaluable here. He knows how insurers try to deny claims, and we fight to access all available policies.

Practical Guides for Parents, Students, and Witnesses

For Parents in Tyler:

• Warning Signs: Unexplained injuries, extreme fatigue, personality changes, secrecy about activities, sudden academic decline, and constant, anxious phone use.
• The Conversation: Ask open-ended questions: “Are you ever asked to do things that make you uncomfortable for the group?” “Do you feel safe saying no?”
• Immediate Action: Preserve evidence. Use your phone to document everything properly. Contact an attorney before reporting to the university to understand your rights.
• Critical Mistakes to Avoid: Do not let your child delete messages. Do not sign any university resolution agreements without legal review. Do not post about the incident on social media.

For Students:

• Is This Hazing? If you feel pressured, unsafe, or humiliated, it likely is. Trust your instincts.
• Exiting Safely: Your safety comes first. You have the right to leave any situation. If you fear retaliation, report that to campus police and the Dean of Students.
• Reporting: You can report anonymously through campus hotlines or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE). Remember, Texas law offers protections for good-faith reporters.

For Former Members/Witnesses:

We understand the immense pressure and complex guilt. Your testimony can be the key to preventing another family from suffering. We can help you navigate your role, whether as a cooperating witness or in understanding your own potential liability. Confidential consultations are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

• “Can we sue the university?” Yes, under theories of negligent supervision or deliberate indifference. Public universities have certain immunities, but exceptions exist, especially for gross negligence.
• “How long do we have to file a case?” The Texas statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of injury. However, do not wait. Time is critical for evidence.
• “Will this be public?” Most cases settle confidentially. We prioritize your family’s privacy while aggressively pursuing justice.
• “How much does it cost?” We work on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs to you; we only get paid if we win your case. Learn how contingency fees work.

Why Attorney911 Is the Right Firm for Tyler Hazing Cases

When your family is in crisis, you need advocates with the specific experience, resources, and determination to take on powerful institutions. We are not just personal injury lawyers; we are hazing litigation specialists.

Our Foundational Advantages:

• Insider Insurance Knowledge: Our attorney, Mr. Lupe Peña, spent years as a defense attorney for national insurance companies. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers evaluate claims, deploy delay tactics, and fight coverage. We use their playbook against them. Learn more about Mr. Peña’s background.
• Proven Experience Against Giants: Managing partner Ralph Manginello was one of the few plaintiff attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation. We have faced billion-dollar defendants with limitless legal budgets. A national fraternity or major university does not intimidate us.
• A Data-Driven Investigative Engine: We don’t start from scratch. We employ the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—mapping Greek organizations, their corporate entities, and their histories—to build cases with speed and depth.
• Dual Civil & Criminal Capability: Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand the criminal process that may run parallel to your civil case. We can advise on interactions with law enforcement and protect your rights across all fronts.
• Spanish-Language Services: Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish. Se habla Español.

Our Commitment to Tyler Families
We serve families across Texas from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. We understand the unique community values of East Texas and the deep fears parents in Tyler, Longview, Palestine, and Jacksonville feel when their child is harmed away from home. We are committed to being a source of strength, clarity, and relentless advocacy for you.

Your Next Step: A Confidential, No-Obligation Consultation

If hazing has impacted your family, you deserve answers and accountability. You do not have to navigate this alone.

We invite you to contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911) for a free, completely confidential consultation. In this meeting, we will:

1. Listen to your story with empathy and without judgment.
2. Review any evidence you have gathered.
3. Explain your legal rights and options under Texas law.
4. Outline our investigative strategy for your specific case.
5. Answer all your questions about process, timeline, and costs.

There is no pressure to hire us. Our goal is to empower you with information so you can make the best decision for your family.

Contact Us Today:

• 24/7 Phone: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Local: (713) 528-9070
• Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
• Website: https://attorney911.com

Let us help you turn this crisis into a pursuit of justice, safety, and prevention for students across Texas.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Case:

• Click2Houston Investigation: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
• ABC13 Coverage: https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

Attorney911 Educational Videos:

• Documenting Evidence with Your Phone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Texas Statutes of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client Mistakes That Ruin Cases: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• How Contingency Fees Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Firm Website & Profiles:

• Main Website: https://attorney911.com
• Lupe Peña Profile: https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/

Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this does not create an attorney-client relationship. Each case is unique, and outcomes depend on specific facts and law. If you need legal assistance, please contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC directly for a consultation.