Alleged Coc@ine Ring: 14 Charged, Penn State Fraternities Implicated — full story

The Pennsylvania Attorney General, Dave Sunday, today announced charges against fourteen individuals, predominantly current or former students of Penn State University. These individuals are alleged to have been involved in a substantial criminal narcotics operation spanning 2023 and 2024, reportedly linked to two off-campus Greek organizations: Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon.

In response to these grave allegations, Penn State University has taken immediate action. Delta Upsilon, a recognized organization, has been placed on interim suspension while the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response conducts its investigation. The university's Student Affairs department will also address these charges through individual student conduct processes for those currently enrolled, and Delta Upsilon itself will face a review under the university's organizational conduct procedures. It was noted that Sigma Chi is not a recognized campus organization and operates without the university's official support or oversight.

Furthermore, the Student Affairs department is moving swiftly to implement additional educational initiatives focused on health, safety, and hazing prevention. These efforts are expected to be reinforced during the initial weeks of the current semester.

Andrea Dowhower, Vice President for Student Affairs, expressed the institution's dismay, stating, "We are horrified by these serious allegations against current and former students. Criminal activity, including hazing, such as this has no place at our institution, and we will cooperate with law enforcement in any way we can. We will continue to enhance our efforts around health and safety and hazing educational efforts for all our organizations."

When criminal charges are brought against a recognized student organization or a current student, the university's Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response launches its own parallel investigation. This office holds both organizations and individuals accountable for misconduct, separate from any charges filed by law enforcement. Disciplinary measures can range up to, and include, permanent expulsion from the university for all parties involved. The university's Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life maintains dedicated health and safety personnel who consistently engage with Greek organizations and their members to promote secure behaviours and provide education on risk management and anti-hazing policies.