Penn State suspends Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity pending sexual assault investigation
Penn State placed a fraternity at the center of a recent sexual assault allegation on interim suspension.
The Phi Sigma Delta chapter of Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity at Penn State is suspended while State College police and the university’s Office of Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response investigate a student’s allegation of sexual assault.
Penn State received a third-party report Tuesday of a sexual assault that occurred Jan. 15 involving four Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity members at the fraternity’s house on 240 E. Prospect Ave.
State College police said they have not been contacted by any person or victim involved in the reported incident. Police are asking anyone with direct knowledge of the incident to contact them, as they want to ensure the victim receives any services or aid needed and to keep the public safe.
During Alpha Epsilon Pi’s interim suspension, the fraternity “loses all privileges otherwise accorded to recognized student organizations at Penn State, including membership recruitment, new member activities, participation in University-wide functions and hosting social events,” said Penn State in a Wednesday statement.
Alpha Epsilon Pi’s national organization is aware of the suspension and is cooperating with the investigation. Penn State said “additional sanctions” may happen pending the “outcome of the inquiries.”
In a statement, Penn State’s Interfraternity Council executive board, the governing body for the university’s 37 fraternity chapters, said it is aware of the reports and ongoing investigation into Alpha Epsilon Pi.
“There is no place in our community for sexual misconduct and the IFC is committed to providing safe environments for members and guests by continuing to provide training and education,” the statement said.
Penn State is encouraging anyone who is a victim of “sexual or gender-based harassment or misconduct” to file a report by contacting the Office of Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response or the university’s Title IX Coordinator.
State College police are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the department at 234-7150, by email at police@statecollegepa.us or submit an anonymous tip through the website.
This story was originally published January 22, 2020 at 11:05 AM.
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