The University of Houston announced Monday that its Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity closed after the national organization found hazing and risk-management violations during an investigation.
Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters notified the university that its review determined members of the chapter engaged in conduct that violated fraternity rules and standards. The university said the chapter’s members voted on November 14 to surrender their charter following the findings.
The university described the reported actions as serious and said they conflicted with its community standards. Officials said only a limited number of students were alleged to have taken part in the conduct but added that the school does not permit hazing and will address any violations of its policies.
According to the university, background information from the inquiry includes reports of physical abuse, forced consumption and public humiliation. A non-university student was hospitalized on November 3 after alleged hazing activities linked to the chapter and has since been released.
Pi Kappa Phi placed the chapter on interim suspension on November 6 after the reported incident. The university said it received notice from the fraternity that same day and began its institutional investigation.
The university said students found responsible for hazing could face suspension or expulsion under the Student Code of Conduct and may also face criminal charges depending on law enforcement findings.
The university said it is providing counseling, academic assistance and housing support to affected students. It said it will not release further details to preserve the integrity of the investigations and to comply with student privacy laws.
