Penn State frat known as ‘Skulls’ suspended at least 4 years due to pervasive hazing behavior

Less than a month after suspending a fraternity due to hazing, Penn State announced Wednesday that it was suspending another frat for at least another four years for the same reason.

The Psi Chapter of Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity (234 E. Beaver Ave.) — commonly known as the “Skulls” — was found to have “widespread and pervasive hazing behavior,” after a recent investigation by the university’s Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response. The specific allegations, or how many victims or perpetrators were involved, were not made public.

Pennsylvania law defines hazing, in part, as “any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a person.”

According to the university, Phi Kappa Sigma was found in violation of hazing in 2018 — and the recent investigation showed that hazing persisted and attempts to address it were unsuccessful. The fraternity was placed on interim suspension Sept. 27, and it was sanctioned to a minimum four-year suspension Oct. 10.

An appeal was subsequently denied.

It’s not yet known if the frat plans to operate independently during its university suspension. An official at the international fraternity headquarters in Indiana told the CDT it does not yet have a comment on the case or whether it will continue to recognize the Penn State chapter. (Both the frat and the university have acknowledged working “closely” together.)

Regardless, as a result of the university suspension, Phi Kappa Sigma loses all rights and privileges as a recognized student organization. It can no longer participate in or organize any functions or activities, including university-wide events such as Homecoming and Thon.

It follows in the footsteps of Kappa Alpha Psi, whose four-year suspension due to hazing was announced Oct. 3.