Penn State fraternity reaches agreement with university after hazing investigation
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- The chapter agreed to an organizational suspension for the spring 2026 semester.
- A membership review during the investigation removed more than 70 members.
- The intervention plan requires an approved new member education program.
A Penn State fraternity accused of hazing has accepted a one-semester suspension under an agreement that includes a “comprehensive intervention plan” developed with its national organization, the university and alumni.
Penn State’s Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response launched an investigation earlier this year into Lambda Chi Alpha’s Zeta Zeta chapter, located at 351 E. Fairmount Ave. in State College, after receiving reports of hazing activities during the spring 2025 semester, the university wrote in a Friday press release.
The report involved new member hazing practices including underage alcohol consumption, servitude, isolation and other practices, and the chapter was placed in interim suspension.
During the investigation, the university said the fraternity implemented “corrective actions” in coordination with its alumni leadership and national organization, including a membership review that resulted in the removal of more than 70 members.
The chapter entered a “voluntary resolution” process in which it acknowledged wrongdoing and affirmed the practices in question were no longer taking place in light of the university’s recorded finding of hazing in violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
The fraternity agreed to an organizational suspension for the spring 2026 semester and implementation of an intervention plan that requires national and Penn State-led training, an approved new member education program, ongoing engagement with university staff and alumni advisors, participation in leadership development initiatives and regular progress meetings with the university, the press release states.
The plan also includes developing a hazing prevention program for the broader campus community that strengthens internal accountability moving forward.
“Hazing has no place at Penn State,” the university wrote in the release. “The University remains committed to holding individuals and organizations accountable for actions that endanger the safety and well-being of students. Addressing hazing requires the collective effort of students, faculty, staff, alumni, national organizations and families to foster a culture that prioritizes respect, accountability and student safety.”
The fraternity has been outspoken on combating hazing issues and invested in hazing prevention methods in the past, with a $100,000 donation to Penn State’s Timothy J. Piazza Center for Fraternity and Sorority Research, an initiative to develop data and research-driven strategies to prevent hazing on college campuses.
“The mission of Lambda Chi Alpha is to inspire and equip men to lead an ethical life of growth, service and leadership. This gift acts as an exemplification of our legacy combating hazing in the fraternity experience and commitment to enhancing the co-curricular experience fraternities provide,” the fraternity stated in a 2021 press release.
Meanwhile, the university imposed an indefinite suspension with a minimum of four years on the Delta Chi chapter in April after an investigation into hazing allegations.
If the chapter, located at 424 E. Fairmount Ave. in State College, wants to return, they will face an additional two years of conduct probation, the university stated.
Another Penn State fraternity, Phi Kappa Psi, was placed on interim suspension on April 13, according to the university’s student affairs website. It is under investigation for alleged violations of the university’s “policies and guidelines.”
Suspended fraternities are no longer recognized as student organizations, losing access to university resources, staff support, health and safety trainings, campus facilities, and participation in university-sanctioned events. Additionally, they are not permitted to hold meetings, events, or recruitment activities, according to the university’s “Suspended and Unrecognized Groups” webpage.
