The lawsuit was brought by Leonel Bermudez, who claims he suffered serious physical and psychological injuries as a result of extreme hazing.
HOUSTON — Days after a University of Houston fraternity was shut down due to hazing allegations, a lawsuit was filed against UH, the fraternity and several fraternity members.
The lawsuit was brought by Leonel Bermudez, who claims he suffered serious physical and psychological injuries as a result of extreme hazing during the Fall 2025 pledge process for the Beta Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at the University of Houston.
Both UH and the fraternity said they wouldn’t comment on pending litigation.
Key allegations
Bermudez claims he was recruited by the fraternity, subjected to a series of abusive and dangerous hazing rituals at fraternity-controlled properties (including a University-owned fraternity house and a private residence), and forced to participate in activities such as grueling workouts, food consumption to the point of vomiting, sleep deprivation, late-night driving for fraternity members, and simulated waterboarding with a garden hose.
The complaint asserts that leaders and members of the chapter, knowing the risks, repeatedly forced him to perform physically hazardous tasks, leading to collapse and hospitalization for rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, requiring four days of inpatient care.
The suit details a reported pattern of similar hazing and policy violations by the fraternity, locally and nationally, naming the University, Board, national fraternity, and housing corporation as having direct or vicarious legal responsibility due to their oversight, knowledge, or failure to intervene despite a history of incidents.
Defendants
The defendants include:
- University of Houston and its Board of Regents
- Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Inc. (national organization)
- Its Beta Nu Chapter and Beta Nu Housing Corp
- Individual fraternity members (chapter leaders and associates)
- Owners/associates of off-campus properties used for hazing
Claims against the university and fraternity
The suit claims the university, board of regents, and national fraternity knew or should have known about ongoing hazing risks, failed to investigate or sanction prior incidents, and continued to allow the fraternity to operate and use campus facilities despite these dangers.
Both the national organization and local housing corporation are alleged to have enabled the harmful environment by failing to enforce anti-hazing rules and policies despite knowledge of “a hazing crisis.”
Damages sought
Bermudez is seeking compensation for medical expenses (past and future), physical and emotional pain and suffering, and punitive damages, asserting the defendants’ collective responsibility under Texas statutes prohibiting hazing and organizational liability for member conduct.
According to the lawsuit, they’re seeking more than $10 million.
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