Beta Theta Pi fraternity was officially disbanded by its national headquarters Wednesday and must vacate its house by spring break, said MacGregor Hill, Beta Theta Pi director of operations and education.
The fraternity was disbanded about one week after the national headquarters put the chapter on an interim suspension. The initial suspension was because of numerous allegations of violations of the fraternity's policies, including hazing and party violations, according to the fraternity's conduct file.
The interim suspension was turned into a disbanding after "the chapter disregarded imposed sanctions and the investigation concluded," Hill said.
According to the Code of Regulations of Beta Theta Pi, a disbanded chapter is one whose charter has been suspended and whose members have been ordered to disband. The disbanded members are given alumni status, although other disciplinary actions may take place.
"A disbanded chapter may not continue to operate as a chapter of Beta Theta Pi for any purpose and is not to be counted as a chapter of the fraternity," according to the code.
The current members must vacate the Beta Theta Pi house, 220 N. Burrowes Road, by March 7, the beginning of spring break. Hill said alternative housing is available on campus for the members.
The disbanded members have been given early alumni status and upon graduation will be treated as normal alumni, "with all the privileges and distinctions of members who graduated from a regular chapter," Hill said, adding that because the charter was not revoked, a Penn State chapter may be recognized in the future.
"The fraternity would like to return based on adequate preparation and an agreed timeline by the university and the fraternity," Hill said.
