Penn State learned at the end of last week about the formation of an independent interfraternity council, which seeks to operate outside the oversight of the University and the Interfraternity Council (IFC). It is important to note that the three organizations — Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Chi, and Tau Kappa Epsilon — creating this rogue council have been operating without University recognition. Two of these groups were suspended by the University — one of the strongest disciplinary actions we possess — due to their documented dangerous behavior. The remaining group preemptively elected to remove themselves from University recognition. Now, with the creation of an independent council, these same groups are purportedly going to provide their own oversight. In reality, this means the risks to their members and other students who engage with these organizations will continue, particularly around hazing and alcohol abuse.
The University finds this move deeply concerning. We strongly discourage any student from affiliating with these unrecognized organizations and urge all students to avoid events hosted by these groups. With no University oversight, they have a greater potential to threaten the well-being of those who participate in their events.
At the same time, we have seen a commitment by many of our students and recognized Greek-letter organizations to partner together with the University, undertake positive changes over the years and share the commitment to promoting a healthy, thriving and positive fraternity and sorority system. Together with students, alumni, legislators and other partners, there is the potential to continue combatting the pervasive harmful behaviors that occur on college campuses across the country. Penn State is committed to working with fraternities and sororities that share our goals to foster a community that is safe, responsible and enriching for future generations. The positive aspects of fraternity and sorority life are well worth protecting — the value of brotherhood and sisterhood and the great leadership and service associated with fraternity and sorority life — and we will continue to collaborate with responsible organizations while doing all we can to protect our students from the documented harms associated with unaffiliated chapters.
We hope that any student, parent, alumni or friend of a Greek-letter organization educates themselves fully on how individual organizations are operating. We will provide as much information to our students and their families as possible, so that they can make decisions in the best interest of their health, well-being and safety.