University Park, Pa. -- The national Kappa Sigma fraternity has revoked the charter of its Penn State chapter following repeated violations of the organization's code of conduct and earlier sanctions placed on its membership.
The national fraternity, whose chapter has existed at Penn State for 115 years, has requested that Penn State consider reinstating the chapter as an active fraternity after a self-imposed suspension of no more than two years.
"It is unfortunate that the members of Kappa Sigma at Penn State did not live up to the expectations set for them by the University and their headquarters," said Kevin Kerr, Penn State director of Fraternity and Sorority Life. "I am thankful that the national fraternity worked with the University to take action in this situation."
According to Mitchell B. Wilson, executive director of Kappa Sigma fraternity, the infractions occurred during the 2005 fall semester while the fraternity already was on probation with its national office and the University. Infractions included serving alcohol to minors and failure to comply with the standard behavior expected of the fraternity's members.
The fraternity's house, at the corner of West Beaver and Highland avenues in downtown State College, has been vacated, and previous residents have found alternate housing.
Mitchell noted that fraternity alumni would be involved in any chapter reinstatement efforts at Penn State. Members currently associated with the chapter would not be eligible should the chapter re-colonize at the University.