Penn State news by
Penn State's student blog

Topics

More

IFC And National Fraternity Announce Joint-Closure Of Pi Kappa Phi

At a conduct review hearing for Pi Kappa Phi on Monday, the Interfraternity Council voted unanimously to revoke the recognition of the chapter for at least three years, IFC President Rick Groves said in a statement. The chapter has been charged with violating a number of university and IFC policies including hazing, alcohol violations, disorderly conduct, providing false information, hosting unregistered social functions, and violating the terms of suspension during the investigation.

“This decision was based on the results of a joint investigation conducted by the Interfraternity Council and the Pi Kappa Phi National Fraternity,” Groves said. The national fraternity has also revoked the chapter’s recognition.

The chapter was immediately suspended by the IFC following hazing allegations in December. When the allegations came to light, Pi Kappa Phi alumni responded on their website, claiming the suspension and investigation were in response to “an anonymous letter (that) was received at Old Main alleging hazing by members of the fraternity.”

Following a full-membership review by the national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi was suspended and sanctioned in February for “violations of the risk management policy and standards of conduct.” According to a press release from the national fraternity at the time, the chapter was suspended through the end of February, at which time they were permitted to resume limited operations.

“Accountability to our shared standards of conduct is what marks the true distinction between a ‘social club’ and a values-based membership organization,” Pi Kappa Phi National Executive Officer Mark Timmes said in a press release in February. “In partnership with the alumni and Office of Fraternity and Sorority life, we look forward to developing a leading chapter at Penn State committed to Pi Kappa Phi’s core values.”

Despite the national fraternity’s decision in this situation, the IFC is responsible for conducting its own investigation and reaching its own verdict.

“Not only are these activities both shameful and inexcusable, they are in direct contradiction of the values we demand of ourselves at Penn State University,” Groves said. “In the eyes of the Interfraternity Council, and the chapters we represent, the Alpha Mu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity has forfeited their privilege to count themselves among us”

The full statement from the IFC can be read below.

On Monday, March 30, 2015, The Penn State Interfraternity Council Executive Board voted unanimously to revoke the recognition of the Alpha Mu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity for a period of no less than three years. This decision was based on the results of a joint investigation conducted by the Interfraternity Council and the Pi Kappa Phi National Fraternity. The national fraternity has also revoked the chapter’s charter. Having been notified of these decisions, the withdrawal of the chapter’s recognition is fully supported by the alumni corporation.

The chapter has been charged with violating a number of University and Interfraternity Council policies including hazing, alcohol violations, disorderly conduct, providing false information, hosting unregistered social functions, and violating the terms of suspension during the investigation. Given the breadth and severity of this behavior, the members of this chapter left little room for interpretation within the conduct process.

Not only are these activities both shameful and inexcusable, they are in direct contradiction of the values we demand of ourselves at Penn State University. In the eyes of the Interfraternity Council, and the chapters we represent, the Alpha Mu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity has forfeited their privilege to count themselves among us.

The decision to withdraw this chapter’s recognition should demonstrate that behaviors which undermine the fundamental values of our community will not be tolerated at Penn State University.

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

[Photo Story] Penn State Football’s 2024 Pro Day

Our photographers were at Holuba Hall to capture the 2024 Pro Day events.

Report: Penn State Hoops Forward Favour Aire Enters Transfer Portal

Aire spent 50 minutes on the court in his lone season with the Nittany Lions.

Report: Former Penn State Hoops Guard Kanye Clary Enters Transfer Portal

Clary left Penn State earlier in the season based on a “coach’s decision.”

Follow on Another Platform
113kFollowers
164kFollowers
59.4kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Other posts by Megan

Wilkes-Barre Campus Closed Due To Bomb Threat

A threatening message was discovered on a bathroom door in the campus’ Science Center that warned a bomb was in the building, and it would detonate some time before noon on Friday, March 4.

Graduate School Revokes Doctorate For Plagiarism

Penn State Professor Receives Presidential Honor