Fraternities are no strangers to scandal. Many fraternities across the nation have dealt with disciplinary action that leads to probation, suspension, and a loss of its campus charter. But what happens when a fraternity gets in trouble after their college already revoked its charter?

Penn State students recently encountered this very issue when university officials sent out a threatening email implicating former fraternity members. The email came in response to a wave of misconduct allegations at a rental property that previously served as the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity house. The university response shows how seriously schools take misconduct allegations.

Penn State Warns Against Visiting Former Fraternity House

Penn State and the State College borough recently sent an email to students warning them to avoid visiting a rental property occupied by former Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity members. Although the university revoked the charter, many ex-members still live in the former fraternity house and operate as if it is still active.

The university expressed growing concern at the activities taking place in the rental property. The occupants face many allegations, including sexual assault, sexual misconduct, hazing, and alcohol violations.

The former fraternity members also face COVID-19 violations. The police responded to at least 10 calls to the property since the start of the semester, due in part to large gatherings that break social distancing requirements. The university has already suspended some students, and others face potential legal consequences.

Fraternity Issues Across the Nation

Many recent allegations show that the Penn State controversy is not an isolated incident. Police recently charged a Louisiana State University student with hazing after a student ended up on life support due to alcohol poisoning. The university suspended the fraternity and may take additional action against its members.

Recent COVID-19 outbreaks have led to a laundry list of additional sanctions for fraternity members across the country. Greek events at the University of Washington led to over 240 COVID-19 infections in students. The school is considering a range of sanctions, including fines and suspensions. University officials are also considering pulling a chapter's status, meaning the fraternity would no longer be affiliated with the school.

Responding to Organizational Misconduct Allegations

These high-profile incidents show that schools are cracking down on fraternity member misconduct. Students do not only face losing their fraternity privileges, but they also face disciplinary action by their school.

Universities typically have a code of conduct that establishes guidelines for student behavior. They usually include specific policies that prohibit students from sexual misconduct, academic misconduct, underage drinking, drug use, hazing, and more.

Students who break these rules are subject to strict punishments. They could face probation, suspension, expulsion, loss of scholarship, loss of campus housing, and more. Many of these punishments can follow students for years to come and threaten their ability to pursue education or employment.

Contact an Attorney Advisor

If your school is threatening action against your fraternity, you need to fight back. An experienced attorney can work to preserve your rights, push back against charges, and achieve a favorable outcome.

LLF Law Firm Student Defense Team, has spent many years advocating for students accused of misconduct. Contact the team to help you resolve your case. Call 888-535-3686 to schedule a consultation today.