Penn State President Eric Barron may be forming a task force to review the Kappa Delta Rho scandal and what it means for greek life as a whole.
On Monday Barron will meet with his President’s Council, which is comprised of Penn State’s top administrators. Among other topics, Barron says the university leaders will consider “putting together a group of professionals” to examine possible criminal allegations facing members of KDR.
Police say that members of the fraternity hosted a private Facebook page filled with photos of drug deals, hazing rituals and photos of nude, unconscious women. Investigators say 144 people were members of the group, one of whom who approached police back in January – sparking an investigation and a firestorm of national media scrutiny.
“We could be looking broadly at greek life,” Barron says, adding that members of Penn State’s fraternities could be an important voice in the conversation. “I doubt that our many fine members of greek organizations are satisfied about this story and the attention its getting.”
Barron stresses that the criminal investigation is ongoing, and he’s unable to speak about any conclusions a task force may reach. He says Penn State takes the allegations very seriously, and every student found responsible will face university discipline in addition to criminal charges.
Some Penn State students have criticized the university’s reaction to the Kappa Delta Rho allegations. About 100 students protested in front of Old Main last week in a show of solidarity for KDR victims. The Facebook page for the event called the university’s response to the allegations “pathetic, non-committal, and delayed.”
Barron says he understands his students’ anger and frustration, and supports their right to protest.
“If I was them and I was reading the news about this, I’d probably be out there with a sign as well,” Barron says.
When asked what his sign might’ve said, Barron pauses for a moment and then says assuredly: “Shame on you.”
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