Pi Kappa Phi fraternity has re-colonized at Penn State, three years after losing recognition from the university and its national office.
The chapter was placed on interim suspension in December 2014 while the Interfraternity Council and the national Pi Kappa Phi investigated alleged violations. The university has since taken over the conduct process for fraternities and sororities.
In April 2015, Penn State and the national organization revoked the chapter’s recognition for three years following charges of hazing, alcohol violations, disorderly conduct, providing false information, hosting unregistered social functions and violating the terms of suspension during the investigation.
At the time, IFC president Rick Groves called the fraternity members’ activities ‘shameful and inexcusable,’ though details were not made known.
This month marked the end of the three-year suspension, and on Thursday the IFC and Penn State Office of Fraternity of Sorority Life congratulated Pi Kappa Phi on its return to Penn State.
Welcome back, @PiKappaPhi ! We’re excited to see how you create a new Pi Kapp experience for Penn State undergraduates! #WeAre https://t.co/GoMn2e7cAw
— Penn State OFSL (@pennstatefsl) April 26, 2018
“On Tuesday night, the IFC Chapter Presidents voted to accept the recolonization of Pi Kappa Phi. The IFC is excited to add new students to our community and believe their fresh perspective will add value,” IFC Vice President for Communications Daniel Lee said via email. “The new group is excited to be the change and has communicated their commitment towards community engagement, philanthropy and THON. We Are excited to see our community grow and develop.”
Pi Kappa Phi becomes the first fraternity to return from closure since the February 2017 death of Beta Theta Pi pledge Timothy Piazza. Beta Theta Pi has been permanently banned from Penn State.
Eleven other fraternities and one sorority at Penn State are currently suspended or have lost university recognition. Six will be eligible to reopen before the fall semester — Alpha Chi Rho, Delta Upsilon, Kappa Delta Rho, Phi Kappa Tau, Phi Mu Delta and Sigma Lambda Gamma. None of the six have yet announced plans to re-colonize at Penn State.
