Pi Kappa Phi’s national headquarters recently placed Penn State’s chapter of the fraternity on an interim suspension as the organization conducts an investigation for possible violations.

According to Penn State spokeswoman Lisa Powers, “The fraternity’s national headquarters has issued an interim suspension for the group and is conducting an inquiry after receiving information that Pi Kappa Phi may have violated the risk management policy and standards of conduct.”

It is unclear what specific incidents may have led to this investigation, but Pi Kappa Phi’s risk management policy states alcohol consumption on chapter premises must be in accordance with state laws. Alcohol beverages must not be purchased with chapter funds and the policy strictly prohibits the underage consumption of alcohol. Among other deviant acts, the policy strongly prohibits the act of hazing, sexual abuse and harassment, and fighting on chapter premises.

The suspension was put in place to give an adequate amount of time to the national headquarters and the IFC to conduct its investigation.

“According to staff at the national headquarters, while the interim suspension is in place, the chapter is prohibited from conducting any fraternal activities.” Powers noted. “[These activities] include but are not limited to: social events, chapter meetings, intramurals, associate member education, recruitment events, subordinate rituals, brotherhood activities and initiation.”

As a result of this suspension, initiated members must not only put a halt on their fraternal activities but also break off communication with its associate members.

“Initiated members of the chapter are prohibited from having any contact with the associate members. This includes, but is not limited to, all written, verbal, and electronic communication (i.e. text message, e-mail, Twitter, Facebook, etc.),” said Powers.

“The National Fraternity has not stated what concerns they have at this time, which does not necessarily suggest that there is a confirmed violation of any National, University, or Interfraternity Council policies, or local, state, or federal laws,” IFC President Dan Combs said.

However, if a violation is found, Combs noted, “Typically, in these situations, a Chapter’s National Fraternity will work with the Interfraternity Council and the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life to address the issue once an investigation has been conducted.”

The investigation is early in its stages, so there is no timeframe as to when the investigation will be completed or when the suspension may be lifted. We will keep you updated as this story moves forward and continues to develop.