Penn State University said Saturday it has revoked recognition of two more fraternities for alcohol violations, a day after the Centre County district attorney refiled most charges against 11 members of another fraternity in a pledge’s February death.
Officials say the decisions involving Delta Upsilon and Pi Lambda Phi (Omega Gamma Chapter) follow conduct reviews undertaken by the university administration. The actions effectively remove their recognition as student organizations through the spring 2018 and spring 2019 semesters, respectively.
In August, Penn State took over conduct reviews from the student-led Interfraternity and Panhellenic councils under a crackdown to control alcohol, hazing, sexual misconduct and other troubles that have plagued the Greek Life system on and off the University Park campus and — in the February death of Timothy Piazza — generated national attention.
When initial charges including involuntary manslaughter were filed in Mr. Piazza’s death on May 5 by District Attorney Stacy Parks Miller, a grand jury presentment released that day detailed the excruciating final hours of Mr. Piazza,19, a sophomore, from Lebanon, N.J. He died at Hershey Medical Center after a night of drinking and hazing in the Beta Theta Pi house just off campus in State College.
But on Sept. 1, a judge dismissed the most serious charges in the case.
The Delta Upsilon chapter “has been disciplined for organizing socials involving alcohol and underage drinking, twice in a three-week period,” according to Saturday’s university statement. “The chapter also held an event called “Fifth and a Friend,” specifically designed to encourage alcohol consumption.”
It said the Pi Lambda Phi chapter “violated University expectations by making alcohol available to guests on three separate occasions during social events, and violated the capacity of the fraternity house and the expectations for dry social functions.”
The statement did not specify the time frame of the violations. University representatives were not available to provide additional information.
Both fraternities “have lost all rights and privileges associated with being a recognized student organization at the University,” the statement read. They are barred from participating in Greek-life activities and any other university function as a group, including Homecoming and the Penn State dance marathon, “Thon.”
In addition, the national organization for Pi Lambda Phi at Penn State has simultaneously begun work to close the chapter, officials said.
“The misbehavior of these chapters demonstrates very little regard for the trouble alcohol can bring,” said Damon Sims, vice president for Student Affairs. “I am disappointed by this outcome, but effective accountability must be achieved.”
Neither fraternity could immediately be reached for comment Saturday.
Bill Schackner: bschackner@post-gazette.com, 412-263-1977 and on Twitter: @BschacknerPG.
First Published: October 29, 2017, 1:02 a.m.
Updated: October 29, 2017, 1:03 a.m.
