Penn State issues timely warning about two hazing incidents on and off University Park campus
Penn State police said they received “multiple reports” of two separate hazing incidents this past week at various locations.
In a timely warning issued Wednesday, the university said two hazing incidents occurred between Feb. 13 and Feb. 17 at locations on and off of the University Park campus. The incidents are affiliated with two student organizations, the warning states, but does not state which ones. The university did not immediately respond to an inquiry Thursday about the organizations.
The warning states there is not enough information to give a complete description of the suspects.
“It can be assumed that conditions continue to exist that may pose a threat to members and guests of the University community. It is the duty of the administration to warn of possible ‘dangerous conditions’ on or near the campus, and at affiliate organizations off campus,” the warning states.
The incident reported on the Penn State police crime log states one happened at an “on campus property” and the other happened at an “off campus fraternity.”
Timely warnings are required by the Clery Act, which notify the university community of potential or ongoing threats of a Clery Reportable Offense, like sexual assault, for example. New amendments to the Clery Act include hazing as a legally required reporting category.
In a release about the change on Wednesday, Penn State said it “enhances transparency but does not directly indicate an increase in hazing incidents on campus.”
