Texas News

A University of Houston student has filed a lawsuit alleging severe hazing by the now-closed Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi led to his hospitalization with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. The complaint details required workouts, late-night “pledge rides,” and use of “pledge fanny packs” with degrading items at on-campus and off-campus locations. Thirteen defendants, including UH, the fraternity’s national organization, the local chapter, its housing corporation, and eight fraternity members, are named. UH confirms the chapter’s closure after a hazing investigation and says it is cooperating with law enforcement and offering support services to affected students.

A group of Buddhist monks is walking 2,300 miles from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., on a “Walk for Peace” to promote unity, compassion, and inner peace. The route spans 10 states and includes community events at temples, malls, and parks. Two monks were injured near Dayton, Texas, when a truck struck their escort vehicle and pushed it into them on U.S. 90, according to police. Organizers say the walk, rooted in Buddhist pilgrimage tradition, will continue as they coordinate with law enforcement and medical officials.

A former University of Houston student has filed a $10 million hazing lawsuit in Harris County against UH and a campus fraternity, alleging severe physical and psychological injuries from pledge activities. The complaint claims violations of anti-hazing laws, negligence, and failures in supervision and enforcement of university policies. The plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages and requests a jury trial. The case remains pending in state district court, with no trial date yet set and no formal responses filed by the defendants in the public record at this time.