Penn State Fraternity Suspended for Hazing Allegations

Penn State has suspended the Tau Chapter of Lambda Phi Epsilon fraternity through the spring of 2023 for allegations related to hazing.

The Office of Student Conduct and Lambda Phi Epsilon International Fraternity launched a joint investigation after receiving hazing allegations during its new member education process. The chapter’s charter was revoked on June 17 after an appeals process with the international organization.

As part of its suspension, Lambda Phi Epsilon loses all privileges as a recognized student organization. It can’t participate, attend or organize any functions or participate in university-wide events.

The fraternity is the 13th Greek organization at Penn State to have its recognition suspended or revoked since 2017 — the year sweeping reform was introduced in the wake of 19-year-old fraternity pledge Tim Piazza’s death. Lambda Phi Epsilon, an Asian-American interest fraternity, is the second Multicultural Greek Council organization to be on suspension, joining Sigma Lambda Gamma, which was suspended for five years after receiving hazing allegations in 2015.

Pennsylvania’s new Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law was signed into law in October 2018. All student organizations are subject to the new law, which uses a tiered penalty system and features stricter punishments for hazing. The law classifies new types of hazing and holds both individuals and organizations accountable for hazing.