Drexel places two fraternities on interim suspension over sexual misconduct and hazing reports

Drexel University has temporarily suspended its chapters of Pi Kappa Phi and Lambda Chi Alpha while it looks into reported hazing and possible sexual misconduct, according to a university statement cited by 6abc, NBC10, FOX 29 and CBS Philadelphia.

Under the suspensions, both groups are barred from certain activities until the review ends, 6abc and NBC10 reported. Those limits cover recruiting and activities for new members, along with any gatherings where alcohol is served.

Three university units are handling the matter together: the Student Conduct office, the Office of Civil Rights Compliance and the campus police department, according to NBC10 and 6abc. NBC10 said Drexel described those offices as keeping in frequent touch so that school procedures are followed. In its statement, the university said it has zero tolerance for hazing and sexual misconduct and noted that students can report concerns through several channels, one of them an anonymous tip line.

No specifics about the allegations have been made public. FOX 29 reported that officials have not said when the review is expected to wrap up.

Both fraternities' national organizations responded. Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. said Drexel notified it on Oct. 27, after which it suspended the local chapter itself and began working with the school, according to 6abc and FOX 29. The group said it would say nothing more so as not to affect the inquiry. Pi Kappa Phi said it treats such claims seriously and is fully cooperating, 6abc reported.

According to NBC10, members of the two chapters declined to comment.

Students interviewed on campus had mixed reactions. Some told NBC10 they were unaware of the suspensions. Nix Aronowitz, a senior, told FOX 29 that stopping new pledges and alcohol use was "a great idea." Student Adam Nevrotski told NBC10 the school should carry out a complete investigation. A student who asked not to be named told FOX 29 that the claims should be verified before anyone is held responsible.

A man who lives beside the fraternity houses told NBC10 the members had always been polite and had never caused him trouble.

NBC10 pointed out that Drexel has taken similar action before. In May 2017, the school temporarily suspended Tau Kappa Epsilon as campus police examined two reported sexual assaults at that chapter's house on Powelton Avenue, which is off campus, the station reported.

The current suspensions will stay in place until the investigation is finished.

Compiled by True News from reporting by CBS Philadelphia, FOX 29 Philadelphia, 6abc Action News and NBC10 Philadelphia. Each outlet's original story is linked below.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/750