Penn State suspended two fraternities for hazing.
Penn State implemented widespread measures several years ago in response to the 2017 murder of undergraduate Tim Piazza at a fraternity party driven by alcohol.
Pennsylvania State University suspended one of its fraternities indefinitely last week, citing “widespread and pervasive hazing” spanning multiple years, according to a news release.
The Psi chapter of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity cannot seek that the suspension be lifted before the autumn of 2028, the institution announced Wednesday. The fraternity was previously charged with hazing in 2018.
Penn State has issued a second suspension for hazing to a fraternity this month. Previously, the university stated that the Delta Theta chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity will be suspended until autumn 2027, also for hazing.
The institution did not elaborate on what the hazing included.
“We prioritize students’ health and safety and take all hazing allegations seriously,” stated Andrea Dowhower, interim vice president for student affairs, in announcing the Delta Theta ban on October 3. “It is disappointing and concerning when, despite the legal obligations and educational efforts, groups violate our expectations.”
Penn State implemented widespread measures several years ago in response to the 2017 murder of undergraduate Tim Piazza at a fraternity party driven by alcohol. Piazza, a sophomore engineering major from Lebanon, New Jersey, began pledging the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He died after falling down stairs at a pledge-night party with a drinking gauntlet as part of a hazing practice. Piazza sat on a couch for about 12 hours before someone called for aid.
Dozens of fraternity members were charged in connection with his death, prompting lawsuits. More than 20 Beta Theta Pi members pleaded guilty to crimes including hazing, conspiracy to commit hazing, and providing alcohol to minors.
The case received national attention when video surveillance from the fraternity home on the night Piazza was fatally injured was shown in court, revealing Piazza and others passing through and consuming booze.
Following Piazza’s death, Penn State tightened its policies on Greek life, including more surveillance and a public performance evaluation. The institution also established the Timothy J. Piazza Center for Fraternity and Sorority Research and Reform, and new anti-hazing legislation was enacted. Piazza’s parents, Jim and Evelyn, have joined other parents across the country in advocating for change.
Last October, former WarnerMedia and NBC executive Robert Greenblatt announced that he was working on a television series on the case called Death at Penn State that would stream on Hulu.
Penn State is now home to 40 fraternities and 29 sororities. Delta Sigma Iota, a fraternity, was suspended during the fall 2022 semester for hazing, alcohol and/or drug use, and other university code breaches, according to a university representative.
A suspension means that the chapter is no longer recognized as a student group and loses all privileges. It may not participate in any university activities or events.
