The Robertson County Hazing Guide: What Every Texas Family Needs to Know About Fraternity & Sorority Abuse

The phone rings at 2 a.m. in your Franklin, Hearne, or Calvert home. Your child, a proud new Aggie or Baylor Bear, is on the line, their voice slurred with exhaustion or fear. Between sobs, they mention a “pledge event,” being forced to drink something, and not feeling right. As your mind races—Is this just college stress? A bad party?—you remember the stories in the news. The University of Houston fraternity pledge rushed to the hospital with kidney failure. The Texas A&M cadet bound and humiliated. Suddenly, you’re facing every Texas parent’s nightmare: your child is being hazed, and you don’t know what to do next.

If you are a parent, student, or community member in Robertson County, this guide is for you. From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we created this comprehensive resource to answer your urgent questions about hazing at Texas universities. We will explain what modern hazing truly looks like, break down the Texas laws that protect your child, examine the national patterns playing out right here in our state, and provide a clear path forward for families in Robertson County and across Texas facing this crisis.

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, photograph injuries from multiple angles, save any physical items used.
  • Write down everything while memory is fresh.
  • Do NOT:
    • Confront the fraternity or sorority.
    • Sign anything from the university or an 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. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like for Robertson County Students

For families in Robertson County, hazing isn’t an abstract problem from a faraway campus. It’s a real threat facing students from Bremond to New Baden who attend Texas A&M, Baylor, UT Austin, and universities across the state. Modern hazing has evolved far beyond the old stereotypes of simple pranks or paddling. It is a calculated system of coercion that exploits power imbalance, tradition, and a student’s deep desire to belong.

The Three Tiers of Modern Hazing

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing – The “Harmless” Trap
This tier establishes control. It includes servitude like 24/7 “on-call” driving duties for older members, mandatory attendance at events that wreck academic schedules, being assigned a degrading nickname, and social isolation from non-members. The message is clear: “Your time, dignity, and old friendships are secondary to this group.”

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing – The Breaking Point
Here, the abuse intensifies. This includes sleep deprivation through 3 a.m. wake-up calls, verbal abuse and “grilling” sessions, forced consumption of inedible or nauseating amounts of food (like milk, hot dogs, or peppercorns), and extreme, punitive physical exertion framed as “workouts.”

Tier 3: Violent Hazing – Where Catastrophe Occurs
This is where students suffer life-altering injuries or die. It includes forced, rapid alcohol consumption during “Big/Little” nights or drinking games; physical beatings or paddling; dangerous physical tests like blindfolded tackles; sexualized humiliation and assault; and exposure to extreme environments.

The Digital Battlefield & Off-Campus Evasion

Today’s hazing often lives on your child’s phone. Robertson County parents should watch for:

• 24/7 Digital Control: Constant GroupMe or WhatsApp demands with immediate response required.
• Geolocation Tracking: Being forced to share live location via apps.
• Social Media Humiliation: Being coerced into posting embarrassing TikToks or Instagram stories.
• Retreat Hazing: Chapters now move the most violent acts to off-campus Airbnbs, lodges, or rural properties—like the Pi Kappa Phi events at a Culmore Drive residence and Yellowstone Boulevard Park in Houston—specifically to avoid university oversight and security cameras.

This is what hazing looked like for Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student we represent in an active, $10 million lawsuit against the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter. His fall 2025 pledge period allegedly involved carrying a degrading “pledge fanny pack,” enduring hours of forced calisthenics at Yellowstone Park, being sprayed in the face with a hose “similar to waterboarding,” and being forced to consume milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting. The ordeal culminated in a Nov. 3 “workout” of over 100 push-ups and 500 squats. Soon after, he passed brown urine, could not stand, and was hospitalized for four days with a diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, facing a risk of permanent kidney damage.

This case, covered by Click2Houston and ABC13, is not an isolated incident. It is the exact pattern of institutional failure and student harm that Robertson County families must understand.

Texas Hazing Law & Liability: A Robertson County Family’s Legal Framework

When hazing impacts your family, you are navigating a specific legal landscape governed by Texas statute and federal law. Understanding this framework is your first step toward accountability.

Texas Education Code Chapter 37: Your Child’s Protection

Texas law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—on or off campus—directed against a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student.

For Robertson County families, several key provisions are critical:

• Criminal Penalties: Hazing is a crime. It escalates from a Class B misdemeanor to a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals can also be charged for failing to report hazing.
• § 37.155: Consent is NOT a Defense. This is perhaps the most important law for families to know. Even if your child “went along with it,” their consent is legally irrelevant under Texas law. The power imbalance and coercion inherent in hazing render consent meaningless in the eyes of the court.
• Organizational Liability: The fraternity, sorority, or club itself can be fined up to $10,000 and lose its campus recognition.
• Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting: Texas law protects those who call for help. A person who reports hazing in good faith is immune from civil or criminal liability that might stem from the report.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Accountability

• Criminal Cases: Brought by the state (e.g., Robertson County District Attorney or county where the school is located). The goal is punishment (jail, fines, probation). Charges can include hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to a minor, or manslaughter in fatal cases.
• Civil Cases: Brought by the victim or their family. The goal is compensation for damages and institutional accountability. This is where our firm helps families recover for medical bills, future care, pain and suffering, and wrongful death.

These paths are not mutually exclusive. A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil lawsuit. In fact, the evidence gathered in a strong civil case can often propel a stalled criminal investigation.

Federal Overlay: The Stop Campus Hazing Act, Title IX, and Clery

National laws also come into play, especially as Texas universities receive federal funding.

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): Requires colleges to publicly report hazing incidents and strengthen prevention programs. This increases transparency for families researching a university’s safety record.
• Title IX & The Clery Act: If hazing involves sexual harassment or assault, Title IX imposes specific duties on universities to respond. The Clery Act requires reporting of certain campus crimes, which can include hazing-related assaults.

National Hazing Case Patterns: The Scripts Playing Out in Texas

The tragic cases that make national headlines are not random. They are repeating scripts, and the same scripts are used by fraternities and sororities on Texas campuses. Understanding these patterns shows universities and national organizations were warned.

• The Alcohol Poisoning Script (Pi Kappa Alpha): At Bowling Green State University, Stone Foltz died in 2021 after being forced to drink a bottle of alcohol. His family secured a $10 million settlement. This “Big/Little” drinking tradition is a known, deadly pattern.
• The Drinking Game Script (Phi Delta Theta): At LSU, Max Gruver died in 2017 during a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking. His death led to Louisiana’s felony hazing “Max Gruver Act.”
• The Delayed Help Script (Beta Theta Pi): At Penn State, Timothy Piazza died in 2017 after a bid-night drinking event. Fraternity brothers delayed calling 911 for hours while he suffered fatal injuries, captured on their own security cameras. This case shattered the myth of “brotherhood” protecting brothers.
• The Violent Ritual Script (Pi Delta Psi): At a Pennsylvania retreat, Chun “Michael” Deng died in 2013 after a blindfolded, violent “glass ceiling” ritual. The national fraternity was criminally convicted.

Why This Matters for Robertson County: These are not “rogue” incidents. They are proven, foreseeable patterns. When a fraternity at Texas A&M or Baylor uses the same “Big/Little” drinking script that killed Stone Foltz, it demonstrates the national organization failed to stop a known, deadly practice. This “pattern evidence” is crucial for holding nationals accountable in court.

Texas University Focus: Where Robertson County Students Are at Risk

Robertson County families invest in higher education across our great state. The safety landscape at each major campus varies, and understanding the recent history is essential.

For Families with Students at Texas A&M University (College Station)

As the closest major university hub to Robertson County, Texas A&M’s culture—especially its revered Corps of Cadets and large Greek system—requires particular attention from local families.

• Recent Incidents & Patterns: A&M has faced serious allegations that mirror national patterns. In a lawsuit, a former cadet alleged degrading Corps hazing, including being bound in a “roasted pig” position. In another case, Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) pledges alleged they were doused with substances, including industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts.
• University Response & Transparency: A&M handles hazing through its Student Conduct office and separate Corps regulations. While it takes public disciplinary action, the specifics are often less transparent than UT Austin’s public log. This makes early legal investigation critical to uncover prior warnings and institutional knowledge.
• What Robertson County Parents Should Do: If your Aggie is in the Corps or a fraternity, have direct conversations about the line between tradition and abuse. Know that hazing can occur in dormitories, off-campus houses, and at remote “retreats.” Document any concerning changes in your child’s physical or mental state immediately.

For Families with Students at Baylor University (Waco)

Many Robertson County students find their academic home at Baylor. Its prominent Greek life and athletic programs have faced hazing scrutiny.

• Recent Incidents & Patterns: Baylor’s baseball team made headlines when 14 players were suspended following a hazing investigation. This serves as a reminder that hazing extends beyond Greek letters to athletic teams and other close-knit groups.
• University Response in Context: Baylor operates under intense public scrutiny following past institutional crises. Its “zero tolerance” policies are strong on paper, but enforcement can be inconsistent. The university’s private status means fewer public records, making legal discovery tools vital.
• What Robertson County Parents Should Do: Engage with your student about the social pressures in Waco’s Greek community. Be aware that hazing may be disguised as “team bonding” or “spiritual formation.” Preserve any evidence of forced activities, no matter how “sanitized” they may seem.

For Families with Students at The University of Texas at Austin

UT Austin sets a standard for transparency that benefits all Texas families.

• Public Hazing Violations Log: UT maintains a public online log of hazing violations—a resource every parent should check. Recent entries show incidents across fraternities, sororities, and spirit groups like the Texas Cowboys.
• Example Patterns: The log reveals recurring issues: forced calisthenics, coerced alcohol consumption, and degrading tasks. For example, Pi Kappa Alpha was sanctioned for directing new members to consume milk and perform strenuous exercise.
• What This Means for Accountability: This public record is a powerful tool. It establishes a clear “prior notice” to the university about which organizations are repeat offenders, strengthening civil claims when the university fails to intervene adequately.

For Families with Students at Southern Methodist University (SMU) & University of Houston (UH)

• SMU: As a private university with a affluent Greek scene, transparency is limited. Past incidents, like the Kappa Alpha Order suspension for paddling and forced drinking, show that serious hazing persists. Legal action is often needed to uncover the full history of an organization.
• UH: The ongoing Leonel Bermudez lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi is the current, stark example. It alleges not only horrific member conduct but also institutional failure by UH and the Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters, which failed to act on a known, systemic problem. This case is a live blueprint for how hazing litigation exposes multiple layers of liability.

The Texas Greek Ecosystem: Public Records & National Histories

To hold organizations accountable, you must first identify them. We maintain the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine, a database built from public records that tracks the complex web of Greek organizations across the state. For a Robertson County family, this means we already have the foundational data to investigate who is behind the letters.

Public Records: Fraternities, Sororities & Greek Organizations Connected to Texas Universities

The organizations below are a sample from public IRS (Tax ID: B83) and other filings. This is the level of detail we use to map liability from the local chapter house to the national headquarters.

Organizations with Texas A&M & Central Texas Connections:

• KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC – EIN: 133048786 – 3007 EARL RUDDER FWY S, COLLEGE STATION, TX 77845 (IRS B83 Filing)
• GENTLEMEN OF AGGIE TRADITION – EIN: 880537463 – 3007 EARL RUDDER FWY S STE 100, COLLEGE STATION, TX 77845 (IRS B83 Filing)
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC – THETA RHO CHAPTER – EIN: 812525354 – 3989 N GRAHAM RD, COLLEGE STATION, TX 77845 (IRS B83 Filing)

Organizations with Baylor & Waco Area Connections:

• SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY – EIN: 364091267 – 1101 MELROSE DR, WACO, TX 76710 (IRS B83 Filing)
• TEXAS RHO CHAPTER OF THE SIGMA PHI EPSILON FRATERNITY – EIN: 741942292 – 3217 S 3RD ST, WACO, TX 76706 (IRS B83 Filing)
• ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INC – NU IOTA CHAPTER – EIN: 521346485 – PO BOX 2033, WACO, TX 76703 (IRS B83 Filing)

Statewide & Honor Societies (Present at Multiple Campuses):

• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI – TEXAS A&M CHAPTER – EIN: 900293166 – 114 HENDERSON HALL 4233 TAMU, COLLEGE STATION, TX 77843 (IRS B83 Filing)
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI – UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER – EIN: 352335400 – 3900 UNIVERSITY BLVD, TYLER, TX 75799 (IRS B83 Filing)

Metro-Level Scope: According to our Cause IQ data, the Waco metro area has at least 27 Greek-related organizations, and the College Station-Bryan metro has at least 42. This density creates a complex network for investigators to navigate.

Why National Histories Create Liability in Texas

When your child is hazed by a chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), Pi Kappa Phi, or Phi Delta Theta at a Texas school, you are not just fighting a local group. You are up against a national organization with a known history of the exact same conduct.

• Foreseeability: A national HQ cannot claim “we didn’t know this could happen” after a Stone Foltz (Pike) or Andrew Coffey (Pi Kappa Phi) death. The pattern is established in their own risk management files.
• Negligent Supervision: Nationals collect dues, provide (or fail to provide) training, and grant charters. When they ignore red flags or levy meaningless “probation” for serious violations, they become liable.
• Insurance Coverage: National fraternities carry insurance. A key part of our strategy, informed by Mr. Lupe Peña’s experience as a former insurance defense attorney, is overcoming insurer arguments that hazing is an excluded “intentional act.” We argue the national’s failure to supervise is negligent—and that is covered.

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Recovery for Robertson County Families

When you contact us after a hazing incident, we immediately launch a multi-faceted investigation designed to secure justice and maximum accountability. Here is what that process entails.

The Evidence That Wins Cases

Modern evidence is digital, and we know how to recover it:

1. Digital Communications: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram DMs, and fraternity apps. We use forensic tools to recover deleted messages that show planning, coercion, and cover-ups.
2. Photos & Videos: Content filmed by members themselves is devastating evidence. We also seek security footage from houses, nearby businesses, and doorbell cameras.
3. Internal Documents: Through legal discovery, we obtain the chapter’s and national’s internal records: pledge manuals, risk management reports, email chains between advisors, and prior incident reports.
4. University Records: We subpoena the school’s complete disciplinary file on the organization, which often reveals a pattern of ignored warnings.
5. Medical & Psychological Records: Documentation of physical injuries (like rhabdomyolysis lab reports) and diagnoses of PTSD, depression, or anxiety from a psychologist are critical for proving damages.

The Damages We Fight to Recover

A hazing lawsuit seeks to make the family and victim whole and punish the reckless behavior. Recoverable damages include:

• Economic Damages: All medical bills (ER, hospitalization, surgery, future care), lost wages, costs for missed semesters or transferring schools, and diminished future earning capacity if injuries are permanent.
• Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, trauma, humiliation, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Wrongful Death Damages (for families): Funeral costs, loss of financial support, and the profound loss of love, companionship, and guidance for parents and siblings.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme recklessness or cover-ups, courts may award punitive damages to punish the defendants and deter future conduct.

Overcoming the Institutional Defense Playbook

Universities and national fraternities have deep-pocketed defense lawyers who use a standard set of arguments. We are prepared to defeat them:

• “The Victim Consented”: We cite Texas Education Code § 37.155 and use psychological experts to explain the coercive power imbalance that invalidates “consent.”
• “It Was a Rogue Chapter”: We use national pattern evidence and prior incident reports to prove the national organization knew or should have known this was foreseeable.
• “It Happened Off-Campus”: We establish that the university or national still exercised control, sponsored the organization, and had a duty to protect students from known, foreseeable dangers wherever they occur.
• “We Have Anti-Hazing Policies”: We prove their policies were “paper tigers”—not enforced, with prior violations met with slap-on-the-wrist probation.

For a detailed explanation of common defense tactics and how we counter them, watch our video on client mistakes that can impact your case.

Practical Guides & FAQs for Robertson County Families

A Parent’s Action Plan

Warning Signs:

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns.
• Extreme fatigue, sleep deprivation, or drastic weight change.
• Personality shifts: new anxiety, depression, withdrawal, or secrecy.
• Constant, anxious phone use related to group chats.
• Sudden academic decline or missing major family events for “mandatory” activities.

What to Do Immediately:

1. Prioritize Safety & Health: If injured or intoxicated, go to the ER. Tell doctors the injuries are from hazing.
2. Preserve Evidence: Help your child screenshot ALL group chats and texts. Photograph injuries. Save any physical items (clothing, paddles). Do not delete anything.
3. Document: Write down everything your child tells you, with names, dates, and locations.
4. Consult a Lawyer BEFORE Reporting: Before contacting the university or police, speak with us. We can help you report in a way that protects your rights and preserves evidence. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.
5. Avoid Critical Mistakes: Do not confront the fraternity, sign anything from the school, or post on social media.

A Student’s Guide to Safety & Rights

Is This Hazing? Ask Yourself:

• Am I being pressured or coerced?
• Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would I do this if I truly had a free choice without consequences?
• Am I being told to keep it a secret?

How to Exit Safely:

• Your safety comes first. If in immediate danger, call 911.
• You have the right to quit. Send a clear, written resignation to the chapter president.
• Do not attend “one last meeting” where you could be pressured or threatened.
• Report retaliation to campus police and the Dean of Students immediately.

Preserve Evidence on Your Phone: Learn how to properly document evidence by watching our video on using your cellphone for a legal case.

Frequently Asked Questions

“Can we sue the university in Texas?”
Yes. While public universities have some sovereign immunity, exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals. Private universities like Baylor and SMU have fewer immunity barriers. The specifics depend on the facts of your case.

“How long do we have to file a lawsuit?”
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury from hazing is generally two years from the date of injury. However, complexities like the “discovery rule” or ongoing cover-ups can affect this. Do not wait. Evidence vanishes quickly. Learn more in our video on Texas statutes of limitations.

“Will this be public? Will my child’s name be in the news?”
We prioritize your family’s privacy. Most cases settle confidentially before trial. We can request sealed court records and always advocate for terms that protect your child’s identity.

“How much does a lawyer cost?”
We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees or costs. We only get paid if we successfully recover money for you. This makes justice accessible to every family. See how it works in our video on contingency fees.

Why Texas Hazing Families Choose Attorney911

When your family is in a legal emergency caused by hazing, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand the intricate power dynamics of Greek life, the tactics of institutional defense teams, and the Texas laws that protect your child. You need a firm with a proven record of taking on powerful opponents and winning.

At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLD (Attorney911), we are Texas hazing litigation specialists.

Our Unfair Advantage:

1. Insider Insurance Knowledge (Mr. Lupe Peña): Mr. Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney for a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers will try to deny, delay, and undervalue your claim. We know their playbook because we used to run it.
2. Complex Institutional Litigation Experience (Ralph Manginello): Ralph was one of the few plaintiff attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, facing billion-dollar defendants. We are not intimidated by national fraternities or wealthy universities. We have federal court experience and a history of securing multi-million-dollar results in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases.
3. Dual Civil & Criminal Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand both sides of a hazing case. We can strategically advise families when criminal charges are also in play and navigate the interplay between criminal and civil courts.
4. The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: We don’t start from scratch. We maintain a proprietary database of over 1,400 Greek organizations in Texas, built from public records. We know how to trace liability from the local chapter to the national housing corporation to the insurance policy.
5. A Mission for Accountability: We take these cases not just for compensation, but to force change. As we fight for Leonel Bermudez against UH and Pi Kappa Phi, our goal is to get your family justice and prevent the next Robertson County student from being harmed.

Your Next Step: A Free, Confidential Consultation

If hazing has impacted your family in Robertson County—whether your student is at Texas A&M, Baylor, UT, or any Texas campus—you do not have to navigate this alone.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. We will listen to your story, explain your legal options in clear terms, and help you decide the best path forward for your family. We serve families throughout Texas from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont.

• Call us 24/7: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct Line: (713) 528-9070
• Email: ralph@atty911.com or lupe@atty911.com
• Hablamos Español: Mr. Lupe Peña provides full legal services in Spanish.

Visit our website to learn more about our firm and our attorneys: https://attorney911.com

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

News Coverage of the Leonel Bermudez / UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing Lawsuit:

• Click2Houston Report: 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:

• Using Your Cellphone to Document Evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Texas Statutes of Limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• Client Mistakes That Can Impact Your Case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
• How Contingency Fees Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

Main Firm Website:

• Attorney911 – Contact & Information: 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
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com | lupe@atty911.com (Se habla Español)