Penn State suspends fraternity over alleged hazing incident

A Penn State University fraternity has been suspended for four years following an investigation into an alleged hazing incident.

The sanction imposed on the Delta Theta chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity runs through fall 2027. Details of the incident were not released by the university.

The fraternity chapter was placed on interim suspension on Aug. 25 while the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response investigated the allegations, officials said. The investigation concluded last month and the suspension was announced Tuesday.

The chapter forfeits all privileges as a recognized student organization, meaning “it cannot participate in, attend or organize any functions, activities or events, including university-wide events, or otherwise function as a sanctioned organization at Penn State,” officials said in a news release.

Hazing violates both Pennsylvania law and university policy and is defined as any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, officials said.

Penn State did not indicate whether criminal charges were filed in connection with the incident.

“We hold the health and safety of students as our highest priority and take all allegations of hazing seriously. It is disappointing and concerning when, despite the legal obligations and educational efforts, groups violate our expectations,” said Andrea Dowhower, interim vice president for student affairs.

“We urge all student organizations to understand that any attempt to demean, harass, injure or endanger any student who is simply trying to be a member of their organization is hazing,” she added.

In recent years, injuries and deaths resulting from hazing have occurred on campuses across the country, including Penn State.

The university vowed to make reforms after the February 2017 death of Timothy Piazza, 19, in a fraternity pledge event that drew national attention. The university opened a research center to study Greek life on college campuses.

It pledged $2 million toward establishing the Timothy J. Piazza Center for Fraternity and Sorority Research and Reform.