UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State has placed the Acacia fraternity on an indefinite organizational suspension, effective May 7, following credible reports of serious misconduct and hazing.
The Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response (OSACR) launched an investigation after receiving a credible report in February. Allegations included members seeking medical care following forced alcohol and tobacco consumption, acts of servitude and extended periods of required participation without adequate rest.
As part of the student conduct process, Acacia was offered the opportunity to submit proposals for educational remediation. While initial discussions with the fraternity and the chapter’s legal representation suggested a willingness to engage in a reformative process, the undergraduate chapter ultimately declined to participate and chose to preemptively withdraw their recognition from the University.
OSACR continued to attempt to engage with the chapter, however the chapter chose not to participate in the remainder of the student conduct process. Given the nature of the misconduct and the chapter’s lack of engagement, the University determined that an indefinite suspension was warranted. The suspension will be in place for a minimum of four years.
As a result of the suspension, Acacia loses all rights and privileges of a recognized student organization, including access to professional staff support and health and safety training. In addition, the chapter loses access to campus spaces, the ability to use University branding and the ability to participate in University-supported activities such as homecoming, Greek Sing, intramural sports and THON.
Despite its suspension, the fraternity continues to operate as an unrecognized organization off-campus with the support of their international organization, removing the University’s ability to provide any oversight of activities at the privately owned, off-campus fraternity house. Reports of concerning, high-risk behavior continue, and students and members of the community are strongly encouraged to avoid engagement with the group.
Penn State's ability to respond to concerns with these groups is limited. While individual students can be held accountable under the Student Code of Conduct, the collective organization is not held to the same standards, limiting the effectiveness and impact of potential sanctions or disciplinary actions. The University shares complaints about unrecognized organizations with local law enforcement and headquarters' staff for review and action, as appropriate.