Penn State suspends Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity through summer 2022 due to ‘serious’ violations
An off-campus Penn State fraternity — Delta Kappa Epsilon (DKE) at 328 E. Foster Ave. — was suspended Friday through summer 2022 after an investigation by university and international fraternity officials found the frat had “serious alcohol and drug policy violations” during a January event.
According to news releases, from both Penn State and the board of the international fraternity, DKE held an unregistered social event on Jan. 30, which Penn State then investigated due to “multiple allegations of serious misconduct.” Officials ultimately found the event “potentially endangered students” before handing down the two-year suspension, which came after the fraternity was placed on an interim suspension in February.
DKE’s board of directors agreed with Penn State’s discipline and, late last month, moved to withdraw the charter of the Phi Rho Chapter at Penn State, until the fall semester two years from now.
“Delta Kappa Epsilon does not tolerate this kind of behavior within the fraternity and will continue to hold our members and chapters accountable for the choices they make,” DKE Executive Director Doug Lanpher said in a written statement.
According to the university, as a result of the suspension, the fraternity loses all privileges as a recognized student organization. And it may not participate, attend or organize any functions — or participate in any university-wide events.
Penn State declined to elaborate on the specific allegations made during the Jan. 30 social event.
This isn’t the first time DKE has been accused of wrongdoing. The frat was also suspended by the Interfraternity Council in 2014 in the week before Thon, causing the fraternity to lose its dancers for the university-wide philanthropy dance marathon benefiting Four Diamonds, The Daily Collegian reported at the time.
“The university remains resolved to focus on student safety and well-being and will continue to hold accountable any individuals or student organizations that put others at risk,” according to a Penn State news release.
This story was originally published May 16, 2020 at 11:03 AM.
