UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Sigma Pi fraternity at Penn State has been placed on an indefinite organizational suspension, effective July 17, 2025, following an investigation into serious misconduct and hazing.
The University’s Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response (OSACR) launched an investigation in March 2025 after receiving multiple reports of alleged physical and mental abuse, forced consumption of alcohol, forced consumption of undesirable substances, forced physical activity, and forced servitude.
Before the conclusion of the student conduct process, the chapter chose to voluntarily withdraw from University recognition. Despite this decision, the chapter was ultimately found in violation of the University’s hazing policy and was issued a formal suspension.
Sigma Pi was given the opportunity to submit educational remediation proposals during the conduct proceedings. Initial conversations occurred between the University, the chapter leadership, and the fraternity’s headquarters staff, but the process was not completed because the chapter withdrew from University recognition.
Given the severity of the misconduct and the chapter’s decision not to engage in a collaborative and educational sanctioning process, the University imposed an indefinite suspension, with a minimum duration of four years.
As a result of the suspension, Sigma Pi loses all privileges associated with recognized student organization status. This includes access to University resources, staff support, health and safety trainings, campus facilities, and participation in events such as Homecoming, Greek Sing, intramural sports and THON.
Despite its suspension, Sigma Pi continues to operate as an unrecognized organization off campus, with backing from its international headquarters. This removes the University’s ability to oversee the chapter’s activities, which occur at a privately owned, off-campus fraternity house.
Students and members of the community are strongly encouraged not to engage with unrecognized organizations. While Penn State may still hold individual students accountable under the Student Code of Conduct, the University’s ability to sanction such groups as a whole is limited. Reports involving unrecognized organizations are shared with local law enforcement and national headquarters for further review and potential action.