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President Barron Appears On Today Show To Discuss Beta Theta Pi And Changes Going Forward

Eric Barron appeared on NBC’s Today Show Wednesday morning to discuss the school’s continued efforts in making positive changes to Greek Life following the death of Timothy Piazza at Beta Theta Pi in February.

“We’re not going to give up until we solve the problem or shut down every house that’s out there,” Barron said during the interview, not backing down from previous stances that the university will not tolerate violations to the new Greek Life regulations.

Saying that this is a national problem and not just a Penn State issue, Barron spoke to the idea that Beta Theta Pi was a model fraternity

“These brothers signed a pledge that if they were caught drinking, they would be expelled [from the fraternity]. They had faculty advisors, they had a beautiful house, they had cameras, there were no external parties,” Barron said.

Friday after charges against Beta Theta Pi brothers dropped, Barron addressed the media and spoke about the level of secrecy fraternities and sororities go to in hopes of breaking regulations. He reiterated those sentiments Wednesday, saying “if behind closed doors a group of people are willing to band together, keep something secret, and not tell anyone, how is it that universities can manage to deal with a situation like that.”

“The only real tool we have in the tool box is to take away the recognition for a house,” Barron said. “It’s private property. It’s a private house. It’s privately managed. It has a national organization that is involved there. It has alumni that are there. The only tool that Penn State has to be effective is to say you’re no longer a student organization.”

Barron made it clear before the interview ended that Beta Theta Pi will never be recognized on campus again.

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About the Author

Steve Connelly

Unfortunately, former editor Steve Connelly has graduated. Where is he now? He might be doing something related to that PR degree he got in 2019. Maybe he finally opened that sports bar named after one of his photos, the Blurry Zamboni. Or he might just be eating chicken tenders and couch surfing. Anything’s possible. If you really want to know, follow him on Twitter @slc2o.

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