Penn State suspends Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity over 'serious misconduct' allegations

Penn State’s Office of Student Conduct suspended the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity Tuesday morning, citing “multiple allegations of serious misconduct made against the fraternity,” according to a Penn State News release.

The fraternity allegedly held an unregistered social event Jan. 30 that the university said “potentially endangered students” and contained other “serious accusations.”

Delta Kappa Epsilon’s national organization restricted the Phi Rho chapter’s activities last month, according to Penn State, due to unrelated events that violated its code. The organization is cooperating with Penn State and supports the suspension.

In a statement, the national organization said it was notified Feb. 7 by Penn State officials of “an alleged violation of its health and safety policies by the Phi Rho Chapter.” It has also decided to suspend Delta Kappa Epsilon at Penn State for an interim period “to prevent continued policy violations and protect the health and safety of students.”

“Our number one priority is that our chapters foster safe environments, and that we hold student members accountable if they make choices inconsistent with the policies and values of Delta Kappa Epsilon,” said Doug Lanpher, DKE executive director, in a statement. “DKE does not tolerate this kind of behavior in the fraternity, and holds its chapters and members accountable for the choices they make.”

The interim suspension of Delta Kappa Epsilon by Penn State includes suspending membership recruitment, participation in university-wide functions (including Thon), hosting social events and any new member activities.

Delta Kappa Epsilon was 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.

Anyone with information about the allegations against Delta Kappa Epsilon is encouraged to contact the Office of Student Conduct.