Penn State Fraternity Suspended Amid Investigation Into "Serious Injury"
Theta Chi chapter is the 12th chapter suspended since 2017 reforms were adopted.
Another incident involving Greek Life at Penn State has led to a fraternity being placed on interim suspension.
"The University is determined to do all it can to encourage safety, success, and sustainability for the organizations comprising its fraternity and sorority system," said Vice President for Student Affairs Damon Sims. "A key part of that encouragement is our intolerance for organizations that pursue activities that are anything but safe and which fail to follow our expectations for their behavior."
As part of the suspension, Theta Chi cannot take part in membership recruitment, new member activities, participation in University-wide functions, or host social events.
The University adopted reforms for Greek Life in 2017, after Beta Theta Pi pledge Timothy Piazza died following an alcohol-fueled hazing ritual. Three fraternity brothers were recently sentenced to prison time for their part in the incident .
Penn State adopted reforms for Greek Life organizations, following the death of fraternity pledge Timothy Piazza in 2017. Photo courtesy "Justice for Timothy Piazza" on Facebook.
Regarding Theta Chi, the extent of the injury, or whether the incident was related to hazing, is not clear. The University says the Theta Chi national organization is cooperating with the investigation.
Penn State says the reforms focus on alcohol misuse, hazing, sexual assault, and overly large disruptive gatherings. Since 2017, 12 Greek organizations at Penn State have had their recognition suspended or revoked for violations.
Since his death, Piazza's parents have become anti-hazing advocates, speaking to college students and staff across the country.