Two fraternities have lost their recognition after what Penn State described as "several violations of university rules."
In an announcement Saturday, university officials say Delta Upsilon has lost its recognition until the end of the spring semester. The university says Pi Lambda Phi will not be recognized until the end of 2019. The punishment means the fraternities cannot participate in Greek life events such as Homecoming or the university's dance marathon.
The university says the fraternities "violated university expectations" after making alcohol available during social events involving underage students. Officials did not specify when the violations occurred.
"Unfortunately, these men had the opportunity to do the right thing, when the University made abundantly clear what its expectations were and what the consequences for failing those expectations would be,” said Damon Sims, vice president for Student Affairs, said in a statement. "The point of everything we are doing in this domain is to establish a safe, viable, and successful Greek system that can be sustained for many years to come. The misbehavior of these chapters demonstrates very little regard for the trouble alcohol can bring. I am disappointed by this outcome, but effective accountability must be achieved."
Neither fraternity responded to requests for comment.
In August, Penn State took over conduct reviews from the student-run Interfraternity and Pahhellenic councils as it aimed to crackdown on underage drinking, "hazing, sexual misconduct and other negative behaviors" that plagued Greek life on and off the school's campus. The changes came after the death of Beta Theta Pi pledge Timothy Piazza in February which generated national attention.