The Complete Guide to Hazing for Thorntonville, Texas Families: Your Rights, the Law, and How to Get Justice

When the call comes in the middle of the night, every parent in Ward County feels that same cold dread. Your child is away at college—maybe at Texas Tech, maybe at the University of Texas, maybe at a West Texas campus just hours from Thorntonville. Their voice sounds different on the phone: strained, scared, making excuses about “tradition” and “team bonding.” You hear about forced workouts, late-night “meetings,” or pressure to drink until they’re sick. You know something isn’t right, but you don’t know what to call it, who to call, or what to do next.

Right now, just a few hundred miles from Thorntonville in Houston, we’re fighting one of the most serious hazing cases in Texas—a case that shows exactly how dangerous these situations can become. In November 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter, its national headquarters, and thirteen fraternity leaders. Bermudez, a transfer student and fall 2025 pledge, was subjected to months of abuse that nearly killed him.

The hazing included what one news outlet described as “waterboarding-like” tactics—being sprayed in the face with a hose—forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, and extreme workouts of 100+ push-ups and 500 squats. He developed rhabdomyolysis, a severe muscle breakdown condition, and acute kidney failure. His urine turned brown, he couldn’t stand without help, and he spent four days in the hospital facing the risk of permanent kidney damage. During another incident, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour.

This happened at multiple locations around Houston: the Pi Kappa Phi chapter house, a residence on Culmore Drive, and Yellowstone Boulevard Park. Yet despite this systematic abuse, according to the ABC13 coverage, the university and fraternity leadership allegedly failed to intervene until it was almost too late. The chapter was suspended on November 6, 2025, and members voted to surrender their charter on November 14. University officials called the conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary action, but for Bermudez and his family, the damage was already done.

If you’re reading this from Thorntonville, Odessa, Monahans, or anywhere in Ward County, understand this: what happened in Houston can and does happen throughout Texas. The same national fraternities and sororities operate at universities across our state. The same dangerous traditions get passed down. The same institutional cover-ups occur when something goes wrong.

This guide is written specifically for Thorntonville families—for parents in Ward County who want to protect their children, for students who feel trapped in dangerous situations, and for community members who believe in accountability. We’ll explain what hazing really looks like in 2025, break down Texas law in plain English, show you the national patterns that keep repeating, and give you practical steps to protect your family.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like Beyond the Stereotypes

Many Thorntonville parents remember hazing as paddling or silly pranks from movies. What’s happening today is different—more sophisticated, more dangerous, and often hidden behind digital walls and code words.

Modern hazing falls into three escalating categories:

Subtle Hazing includes activities that emphasize power imbalance: being “on call” 24/7 for older members, mandatory chauffeur duties at all hours, required attendance at events that interfere with academics, and social isolation from non-members. It might involve carrying a “pledge fanny pack” with humiliating items (as in the UH Pi Kappa Phi case) or answering only to derogatory nicknames. This creates psychological harm and sets the stage for worse abuse.

Harassment Hazing causes real emotional or physical discomfort: sleep deprivation with 3 AM wake-up calls, food or water restriction, forced consumption of unpleasant substances (hot sauce, spoiled food, excessive amounts of bland food), extreme calisthenics framed as “conditioning,” public humiliation through embarrassing acts or costumes, and verbal abuse during “grilling” sessions.

Violent Hazing has high potential for injury or death: forced alcohol consumption through “lineup” drinking games or Big/Little nights with handles of liquor, coerced drug use, physical beatings and paddling, dangerous physical “tests” like blindfolded tackle rituals, sexualized hazing including forced nudity or simulated acts, racist or homophobic degradation, kidnapping or restraint, and exposure to extreme environments.

What makes 2025 different is the digital layer. Hazing now happens in group chats where pledges must respond instantly at all hours. It involves geo-tracking apps that monitor their every movement. It includes social media humiliation through forced TikTok challenges or Instagram story dares. Evidence disappears with a tap—deleted messages, vanished Snapchat stories, coached witnesses. Organizations have become sophisticated at creating “plausible deniability,” calling violent rituals “optional team building” or moving abuse to off-campus Airbnbs to avoid university oversight.

For Thorntonville families whose children attend Texas universities, understanding this evolution is critical. What you’re dealing with isn’t “boys will be boys”—it’s organized, systematic abuse that national organizations have seen cause deaths and catastrophic injuries at campuses nationwide.

Texas Hazing Law: What Thorntonville Families Need to Know

Texas has specific anti-hazing statutes in the Education Code, Chapter 37, that apply whether your child attends school in Lubbock, Austin, College Station, or anywhere in the state.

Texas Definition of Hazing (Education Code § 37.151):
Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—on or off campus—directed against a student that endangers their mental or physical health or safety and occurs for purposes of pledging, initiation, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Key Points for Thorntonville Families:

• Location doesn’t matter: Hazing at an off-campus house, retreat, or Airbnb is still hazing under Texas law.
• Consent is NOT a defense (§ 37.155): Even if your child “agreed,” it’s still illegal when there’s peer pressure and power imbalance.
• It can be mental or physical: Extreme humiliation, sleep deprivation, and psychological torment qualify.
• “Reckless” is enough: They don’t need to have intended harm—just disregarded obvious risks.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152):

• Class B misdemeanor: Hazing without serious injury (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
• Also criminal: Failing to report hazing if you’re a member/officer who knew; retaliating against reporters

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):
Fraternities, sororities, clubs, and teams can be criminally prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if officers knew and failed to report it.

Good Faith Reporting Protection (§ 37.154):
Students who report hazing or call 911 in good faith have immunity from civil or criminal liability. Many universities extend this to underage drinking in medical emergencies—meaning your child won’t get in trouble for saving a life.

How Texas Compares:
Texas has stronger laws than some states but trails others. Louisiana passed the Max Gruver Act creating felony hazing statutes after a drinking game death. Ohio passed Collin’s Law making hazing a felony when drugs/alcohol cause harm. Pennsylvania has the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. Texas families deserve similar protections, and cases like Bermudez’s may drive legislative reform.

National Case Patterns: What History Tells Us About Texas Risks

The same patterns that caused deaths and catastrophic injuries nationwide are present in Texas Greek life. These aren’t isolated incidents—they’re predictable, preventable tragedies.

Alcohol Poisoning Pattern:

• Stone Foltz, Bowling Green State University (Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021): Forced to drink entire bottle of alcohol during “Big/Little” night; died; family received $10 million settlement ($7M from national, $3M from university)
• Max Gruver, LSU (Phi Delta Theta, 2017): “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant drinking; died with 0.495% BAC; Louisiana passed Max Gruver Act
• Andrew Coffey, Florida State (Pi Kappa Phi, 2017): “Big Brother Night” with handles of liquor; died from alcohol poisoning; FSU suspended all Greek life
• Timothy Piazza, Penn State (Beta Theta Pi, 2017): Bid acceptance night with extreme drinking; fell multiple times captured on chapter cameras; delayed medical care; 18 members charged; Pennsylvania passed Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law

Physical and Ritualized Hazing:

• Chun “Michael” Deng, Baruch College (Pi Delta Psi, 2013): Blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at retreat; fatal head injuries; delayed 911; national fraternity banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
• Danny Santulli, University of Missouri (Phi Gamma Delta, 2021): “Pledge dad reveal” night with forced drinking; suffered permanent brain damage (cannot walk, talk, or see); settled with 22 defendants

Texas-Specific Incidents:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Texas A&M (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts; sued for $1 million
• SAE, University of Texas (2024): Australian exchange student allegedly assaulted at party suffering dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, broken nose; sued for over $1 million
• Corps of Cadets, Texas A&M (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose; sought over $1 million

These patterns show clear foreseability. National organizations know these rituals are dangerous. Universities know certain groups have histories. When they fail to intervene, they become part of the problem.

Where Thorntonville Families Send Their Kids: University Landscape

Thorntonville students attend universities across Texas, from local West Texas campuses to major hubs hours away. Each has its own Greek ecosystem and hazing history.

West Texas & Regional Campuses

Texas Tech University (Lubbock)

• Greek life includes 30+ fraternities and sororities
• Active Panhellenic and Interfraternity Councils
• Historical hazing incidents in university archives
• Relevant IRS B83 organizations serving Lubbock metro include:
  • EIN 820644459, Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Lubbock, TX 79430 (Texas Tech Univ Health Sciences)
  • EIN 475033161, TKE OP Housing, Lubbock, TX 79423
  • EIN 751565336, Farm House Fraternity Inc, Lubbock, TX 79416 (Texas Tech University Chapter)
  • EIN 237359384, Epsilon Nu Housing Corporation, Lubbock, TX 79401

Midwestern State University (Wichita Falls)

• Smaller Greek community but active organizations
• Historical discipline for hazing violations
• Cause IQ reports 13 Greek-related organizations in Wichita Falls metro

University of Texas Permian Basin (Odessa)

• Growing Greek presence
• Proximity to Thorntonville makes it accessible for Ward County families

Major Statewide Hubs

University of Texas at Austin

• 60+ fraternity/sorority chapters
• Publishes hazing violations publicly at hazing.utexas.edu
• Recent incidents: Pi Kappa Alpha (2023) sanctioned for forcing new members to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; Texas Wranglers spirit group disciplined

Texas A&M University (College Station)

• Large Greek system plus Corps of Cadets tradition
• Significant hazing history in both Greek and Corps programs
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon chemical burns case (2021)
• Corps “roasted pig” hazing lawsuit (2023)

University of Houston

• Leonel Bermudez Pi Kappa Phi case our firm is currently litigating
• Active Greek life with multiple councils
• Prior Pi Kappa Alpha incident (2016) with lacerated spleen injury

Baylor University (Waco)

• Religious affiliation with Greek life
• Baseball team hazing suspensions (2020)
• Active Panhellenic and IFC communities

Southern Methodist University (Dallas)

• Affluent private university with strong Greek presence
• Kappa Alpha Order suspension (2017) for paddling, forced drinking, sleep deprivation

For Thorntonville families, distance doesn’t protect your child. The same national organizations operate everywhere, and many intentionally move dangerous activities off-campus to avoid supervision.

The Greek Ecosystem Around Thorntonville: Public Records Reality

Many parents don’t realize how many legal entities operate behind the fraternity or sorority letters. Using our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—built from IRS records, university data, and metro organization databases—we maintain what may be the most comprehensive directory of Texas Greek organizations.

IRS B83 Texas-Registered Organizations (125 entities):
These are tax-exempt organizations the IRS classifies specifically as “Student Sororities, Fraternities” (NTEE code B83). They include house corporations, alumni chapters, honor societies, and related entities. Examples relevant to West Texas and statewide include:

• EIN 263170920, Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Denton, TX 76204 (Texas Woman’s University)
• EIN 203507402, Frank Heflin Foundation, Canyon, TX 79015 (Phi Delta Theta alumni fund)
• EIN 752290669, Upsilon Zeta Building Association of Chi Omega, Amarillo, TX 79118
• EIN 742911848, Beta Upsilon Chi, Fort Worth, TX 76244
• EIN 746064445, Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Nederland, TX 77627 (Epsilon Kappa Chapter)
• EIN 462267515, Beta Nu Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Housing Corporation Inc, Frisco, TX 75035

Cause IQ Metro Organizations (1,423 across 25 Texas metros):
Our data shows Greek organizations concentrated in metro areas:

• Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington: 510 total organizations
• Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land: 188 total
• Austin-Round Rock: 154 total
• Lubbock: 59 total
• San Antonio: 86 total

Brand Overlap (36 verified matches):
The same national brands appear across multiple data sources, showing how they operate through various legal entities. Examples:

• Pi Kappa Alpha appears as both an IRS entity (EIN 746064445 in Nederland) and in Cause IQ as “Texas District of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity” in Houston
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority appears in IRS records (EIN 364091267 in Waco, EIN 752609909 in Commerce) and in Cause IQ as chapters in Houston and Beaumont
• Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi appears across 7+ IRS listings and multiple Cause IQ campus chapters

Why does this matter for Thorntonville families? When hazing occurs, there are often multiple entities behind the letters that may share liability: the undergraduate chapter, the housing corporation, the alumni association, the national headquarters. Our directory helps identify every potential defendant and their insurance coverage from day one.

Building a Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Why Experience Matters

When hazing causes injury, families face well-funded opposition. National fraternities have insurance carriers and defense firms on retainer. Universities have general counsel offices and public relations teams. They move quickly to control narratives and minimize liability.

Evidence That Wins Cases:

1. Digital Communications

   • GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage threads showing planning, coercion, or admissions
   • Social media posts, stories, TikTok videos of events
   • Geo-tagging and location data
   • Even deleted messages recoverable through digital forensics

2. Medical Documentation

   • ER records specifically stating “hazing” or “forced consumption”
   • Lab results showing toxicology or creatine kinase levels (like Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis)
   • Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety
   • Photographs of injuries over time showing progression

3. Institutional Records

   • University conduct files showing prior violations
   • National fraternity incident reports
   • Risk management manuals and training materials
   • Internal emails about “traditions” or prior warnings

4. Witness Testimony

   • Other pledges often cooperate once legal process begins
   • Former members who quit over similar concerns
   • Roommates, RAs, bystanders

Common Defense Tactics (And How We Counter Them):

“They consented/volunteered”

• Texas law § 37.155: Consent is not a defense
• Psychological testimony about power imbalance and coercion

“National didn’t know—rogue chapter”

• Discovery of prior incident reports to nationals
• Pattern evidence from other chapters nationwide
• Inconsistent policy enforcement

“It happened off-campus—not our responsibility”

• Legal duty based on sponsorship and control
• Foreseeability that hazing moves off-campus to avoid detection

“We have anti-hazing policies”

• Show policies were window-dressing, not enforced
• Prior incidents resulted in minimal consequences

Insurance Coverage Battles:
Fraternity and university insurers often argue hazing is excluded as “intentional conduct.” Our insider knowledge from Mr. Lupe Peña’s background as an insurance defense attorney helps navigate these disputes. We identify all potential policies: chapter liability, national umbrella, university coverage, homeowner’s policies of individual members.

Practical Steps for Thorntonville Parents & Students

If You Suspect Hazing Right Now:

1. Immediate Safety

   • If injured or intoxicated: CALL 911 FIRST, then call us at 1-888-ATTY-911
   • Remove from dangerous situation
   • Medical evaluation even if they insist they’re “fine”

2. Evidence Preservation (First 48 Hours)

   • Screenshot ALL group chats, texts, DMs immediately (before deletion)
   • Photograph injuries from multiple angles with ruler for scale
   • Save physical items: clothing, paddles, receipts, props
   • Write down everything: who, what, when, where, witnesses
   • Watch our evidence preservation video for step-by-step guidance

3. Strategic Decisions

   • Consult with hazing attorney BEFORE reporting
   • Do NOT confront the organization directly
   • Do NOT sign university “resolution” agreements without legal review
   • Do NOT post details on social media

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Hazed:

• Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries with inconsistent stories
• Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
• Sudden secrecy about organization activities
• Withdrawal from family, old friends, non-Greek activities
• Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
• Constant phone use for group chat monitoring
• Financial strain from unexpected “fines” or purchases
• Academic decline from missed classes/assignments

Questions to Ask (Non-confrontationally):

• “How are things going with [organization]?”
• “Are they respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
• “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
• “Do you feel like you could leave if you wanted to?”
• “Are they asking you to keep secrets?”

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case:

1. Letting your child delete evidence thinking it helps—it looks like cover-up
2. Confronting the organization directly—they immediately lawyer up and destroy evidence
3. Signing university “release” forms without attorney review—you may waive rights
4. Posting details on social media—defense attorneys screenshot everything
5. Waiting “to see how the university handles it”—evidence disappears, witnesses graduate

Watch our video on common client mistakes to avoid these pitfalls.

Why Choose The Manginello Law Firm for Your Thorntonville Hazing Case

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway.

Our Texas Hazing Litigation Credentials:

Currently Litigating the Leonel Bermudez UH Pi Kappa Phi Case
We’re not talking about past cases—we’re actively fighting one of Texas’s most serious hazing lawsuits right now. We know the tactics universities and national fraternities use because we’re facing them in real time.

Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine
While other firms start from zero, we begin with data: 125 IRS-registered Texas Greek organizations, 96 campus locations, 1,423 organizations across 25 metros tracked. We identify every potential defendant and insurance policy from day one.

Insurance Insider Advantage
Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurers value claims, use delay tactics, and fight coverage. We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience
Ralph Manginello was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation against billion-dollar defendants. We’re not intimidated by national fraternities with unlimited legal budgets—we’ve faced deeper pockets and won.

Dual Civil + Criminal Capability
Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand criminal hazing charges and how they interact with civil cases. We can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death Results
We’ve recovered millions for families in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. We work with economists, life care planners, and medical experts to build cases that force accountability, not just settle cheap.

Spanish Language Services
Mr. Peña speaks fluent Spanish—critical for serving Texas Hispanic families. Hablamos Español.

For Thorntonville Families Specifically:
We understand that Ward County families have deep Texas roots and values. We respect your community, your concerns about privacy, and your desire for genuine accountability—not just a quick settlement. Whether your child attends Texas Tech, UT, A&M, or any Texas campus, we have the data, experience, and determination to help.

Your Next Steps: Free Confidential Consultation

If hazing has impacted your family here in Thorntonville, Odessa, Monahans, or anywhere in Ward County, you don’t have to face this alone.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm / Attorney911 for a free, confidential consultation:

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

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

1. We listen to your story without judgment
2. Review any evidence you’ve preserved
3. Explain your legal options clearly
4. Discuss realistic timelines and expectations
5. Answer questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
6. No pressure to hire us immediately—take time to decide

Statute of Limitations Alert:
Texas generally gives you 2 years from the date of injury to file a civil case, but this can vary. Evidence disappears quickly—messages get deleted, witnesses graduate, memories fade. Learn more about Texas statutes of limitations and why acting quickly matters.

For Thorntonville families, the distance to Houston doesn’t matter. We serve clients throughout Texas, and initial consultations can happen by phone or video. What matters is getting experienced counsel before evidence disappears and the institution controls the narrative.

Our firm was founded on the principle that families in crisis deserve immediate, aggressive, professional help. That’s why we’re called Attorney911—the Legal Emergency Lawyers™. When your child’s safety and future are at stake, you need advocates who won’t back down against powerful opponents.

Call us today. Let’s get your family the answers, accountability, and justice you deserve.

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 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.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com | Spanish: lupe@atty911.com