HOUSTON — A University of Houston student filed a lawsuit on Nov. 19, in Harris County against the school, the Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, its national organization, and several individuals, alleging severe hazing that led to hospitalization during the Fall 2025 semester.
The plaintiff, a transfer student accepted for Spring 2026, claims fraternity members required him and other pledges to participate in physically and psychologically demanding activities both on campus and at off-campus locations.
The lawsuit alleges these activities included late-night “pledge rides,” strict dress codes, strenuous exercises in cold weather, and carrying a “pledge fanny pack” containing condoms, nicotine devices, and a sex toy, which members allegedly checked and punished missing items.
The complaint states that the student collapsed multiple times during punishments and later sought medical attention on Nov. 6. Hospital tests reportedly showed elevated creatine kinase levels consistent with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure, resulting in several days of inpatient care.
The lawsuit names 13 defendants, including the University of Houston, the Board of Regents, Pi Kappa Phi’s national organization, the Beta Nu chapter, the chapter’s housing corporation, and eight current or former fraternity members.
In response, the University of Houston said it does not comment on pending litigation. The school previously confirmed that Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters closed the Beta Nu chapter following its own investigation into alleged hazing and violations of the fraternity’s risk management policy.
Pi Kappa Phi’s national organization stated that it does not comment on pending or potential litigation.