The Interfraternity Council unanimously revoked Alpha Epsilon Pi's fraternity council recognition Tuesday night for at least two years.
IFC President Max Wendkos said this is the most extreme punishment the IFC can issue.
"There is no planned course of action necessary, because Alpha Epsilon Pi is no longer a recognized fraternity at Penn State," Wendkos (senior-marketing and psychology) said.
Alpha Epsilon Pi President Matt Feinland (sophomore-division of undergraduate studies) declined to comment.
After facing suspension in connection to allegations of a Feb. 11 hazing, Alpha Epsilon Pi is the first fraternity to have its recognition revoked this year.
Members of the fraternity can now face charges by Judicial Affairs that can possibly result in suspension or expulsion.
The fraternity went through the same peer review that is standard for any violation of IFC policy, and while the fraternity was found in violation of other policies, Wendkos said their recognition was ultimately withdrawn because of the alleged hazing violations.
According to recently filed criminal charges, new members were told to get into a circle around a trashcan and drink hard liquor and beer. New members vomited into the trashcan while about 30 fraternity members cheered and poured beer on the bid class, police said. Sober members then drove the new members back to their dorms and two were later taken to the hospital with acute alcohol poisoning, police said.
According to the press release, Alpha Epsilon Pi loses all of the rights and privileges offered to IFC chapters.
Members will not be permitted to participate in recruitment, intramural athletics, Greek Week, Greek Sing, Homecoming, THON or any other organized activity as part of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity, according to the press release.
Wendkos isn't yet sure what will become of Alpha Epsilon Pi's 240 E. Prospect Ave. house, which the fraternity rents, he said. The State College Borough Council's upcoming decision on fraternity house regulations could affect its fate, he said.
The IFC began investigating the charges on April 7, Wendkos said.
"Once we confirmed the accuracy the police report, the case was pretty cut-and-dry," Wendkos said in a press release. "Hopefully we're sending a pretty strong message here to our remaining 48 Chapters."
The IFC also suspended Alpha Epsilon Pi's recruitment this fall after hazing allegations, but the investigation never confirmed that hazing took place.
Wendkos said while Alpha Epsilon Pi can reapply for membership in two years if its national headquarters restarts the chapter, there is no guarantee it would be re-admitted into the IFC.
"Hopefully this incident will serve as an indicator to all Penn State student organizations, greek and non-greek, that hazing is an outdated, unnecessary and sometimes dangerous institution," Wendkos said.
