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Ex-Delta Sigma Phi Penn State in more trouble
Fraternity loses status, residence
Delta Sigma fraternity, 508 Locust Lane, is no longer recognized as an official Penn State organization; the university plans to shut down its house at the end of the semester.
By Joelle Hutcheon
and Lisa Weismann
Collegian Staff Writers
Penn State has ceased to recognize Delta Sigma fraternity as an official organization because of an incident no one will comment on pending a police investigation.
Delta Sigma fraternity, 508 Locust Lane, is banned from holding activities while an investigation into accusations regarding the fraternity is conducted.
"There is no Delta Sig," Delta Sigma President Louie Torres said. "The university told us we can stay here for the rest of the semester, but next semester we will be shut down."
Although Torres refused to comment on the action that led to the fraternity's termination, he said the main concern of the fraternity is the condition of a fraternity affiliate who required medical attention because of the investigated incident.
Interfraternity Council (IFC) President Brian Bertges said the fraternity is on cease and desist status until an investigation is completed.
Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life Kevin Kerr said fraternity members are allowed to remain in the house but cannot engage in any group activities.
Kerr also said that details of the allegations brought against the fraternity couldn't be given until further investigations are completed.
Bertges said IFC would stay out of any investigations regarding the fraternity. "What we plan to do is support anyone who needs assistance during this situation," Bertges said.
He added that IFC would review decisions made by the university and authorities after the investigation has concluded to determine if any further actions from IFC are needed to discipline the fraternity.
Bertges said because Delta Sigma is not a national fraternity, Penn State will assume the role as the national and international adviser.
"The support they receive will be less, because the university does not have the resources that a national and international chapter does," he said.
Penn State spokesman Bill Mahon said if the university investigates the Delta Sigma incident, an associate director of student affairs will most likely handle the case. "It has been a while since I've dealt with a situation involving greeks," Mahon said.
Chapter adviser and State College Borough Council member Tom Daubert refused to comment on the situation.
In the late 1990s, Delta Sigma broke away from the national chapter of Delta Sigma Phi, following the decision to become a local fraternity, Torres said. As a result of the disbanding of Delta Sigma, the fraternity will now attempt to rejoin Delta Sigma Phi.
Torres said Delta Sigma Phi will conduct interviews of current Delta Sigma members during a selection process to decide the new fraternity members. "We're looking forward to beginning a new chapter with Delta Sigma Phi with who we were with five years ago," he said.
Torres said the fraternity has been cooperative with authorities throughout the investigation. "Our house has been more than willing to comply with [the university] and the police," he said.
State College Police Sgt. Mark Argiro could not give any information about the investigation or possible consequences because it would interfere with the department's investigation.
He added that the case is not an urgent matter for the State College police to focus on, and that they will take their time with interviews and information gathering.
Repeated calls to Judicial Affairs were not returned by press time.
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