Penn State fraternity Phi Kappa Psi suspended after ‘maskless social’ amid COVID-19 pandemic
Penn State placed a downtown fraternity on interim suspension after a maskless social was hosted Tuesday in defiance of COVID-19 guidelines and regulations, the university announced Thursday morning.
The Pennsylvania Lambda chapter of Phi Kappa Psi (403 Locust Lane) was officially suspended Wednesday after photos and videos circulated on social media from a gathering the previous day that showed more than 15 individuals indoors without face coverings or social distancing. That violated the university’s policy of “no socials of any kind” and also went against a recent borough ordinance that forbid more than 10 people to gather at a residence.
According to the university, the suspension was also supported by the chapter’s national organization in addition to the Penn State Interfraternity Council.
“Across the country, other schools and communities are struggling with their return to in-person experiences, and social gatherings are the primary cause,” Damon Sims, vice president for Student Affairs, said in a written statement. “We need to impress upon all of us the seriousness of this situation, which begins by enforcing the basic requirements of social distancing and masking, and we’re determined to do so as clearly and consistently as we can.”
The news of the fraternity’s suspension came less than 12 hours after reports of a large gathering Wednesday night outside of the dorms in East Halls.
According to the university, the suspension means Phi Kappa Psi will not be able to participate, attend or organize any functions, activities or events — including participating in university-wide events as an organization. The fraternity will lose all privileges as a recognized student organization pending the outcome of a formal investigation.
Penn State classes start Monday.
This story was originally published August 20, 2020 at 11:07 AM.
