Penn State has suspended Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity through fall 2025 following “multiple and repeated violations” of university policy over an extended period of time, which includes prohibited alcohol use and a failure to comply.

The university states that the suspension comes after “more than two years of repeated violations” by the fraternity. Furthermore, the Student Affairs and International Fraternity staffs “exhausted available resources” to try to help create a more safe and sustainable environment within the fraternity. But, the university claims Pi Kappa Alpha didn’t comply with the school’s expectations.

“It is always regrettable to reach this juncture in our relationship with a recognized student organization, but it is especially regrettable when the organization has a long and meaningful history at Penn State,” Damon Sims, vice president for Student Affairs, said. 

“I am confident that our staffs in Fraternity and Sorority Life and Student Accountability and Conflict Response have done all they can to address these issues constructively,” he continued. “Our commitment to student safety and the sustainability and success of our fraternity and sorority community requires that we respond effectively to groups that refuse to follow our reasonable expectations and processes, and that is all we are doing in this instance.”

As a result of the suspension, Pi Kappa Alpha has lost all the rights and privileges of a recognized student organization, which includes not being able to participate in events such as THON or Homecoming.

Penn State said it notified Pi Kappa Alpha’s national organization, which will, as of now, not take action to suspend the chapter. According to the release, the chapter plans to operate independently without university oversight moving forward. The university “strongly discourages” students from maintaining or seeking memberships with Pi Kappa Alpha.