Penn State Is Planning A Full Review Of Greek Life After Bad Publicity From Kappa Delta Rho’s Facebook Scandal

SteveHolt11 years ago

After learning about one of its fraternity’s private Facebook pages featuring photos of naked women, Penn State president Eric Barron announced Monday the school is planning a “full review” of its entire Greek system.

The catalyst in this investigation, Kappa Delta Rho, is accused of running a Facebook page with photos of naked or partially naked women–some passed out–on its feed. The Facebook page had nearly 150 members, including both students and alumni, and is currently being investigated by police. Authorities have acknowledged at least two photos on the Facebook page could warrant criminal charges.

Here is Barron’s statement, via Penn State:

As members of our University community, you have undoubtedly read or heard about the intolerable and disturbing actions of members of Kappa Delta Rho fraternity in creating a Facebook page depicting activities that are totally unacceptable. To say that I was personally repulsed and shocked by such behavior is an understatement.

Some have indicated that expulsion or suspension of every member of the KDR fraternity is immediately needed. The motivation behind these requests is understandable, however, the criminal investigation by local police into the KDR matter continues, as does the process managed by our Office of Student Conduct. Patience is required to allow these investigations to continue unimpeded so that we can achieve a level of justice that fully matches the outcomes of the investigations. I ask for your understanding as due process proceeds.

At the same time, I believe we also must embark on supplementary action that will have a more long-term impact on the issues we face. Next week, I will name a task force to look into fraternity and sorority life at Penn State. I have asked Damon Sims, vice president for Student Affairs, to lead this important initiative.

For decades, fraternities and sororities have played an important role at Penn State, providing leadership, community service and support to their members and to the University. However, incidents of sexual misconduct, hazing and alcohol abuse here and across the nation are all-too-common and demand immediate attention. I am determined to conduct a focused examination of fraternity and sorority life in a manner that supports the best of Greek life, while promising real and lasting change. The imperative to improve our system is clear and convincing, and is unanimously supported by University leadership.

While all of the details are not yet in place, the composition of the task force will include representation from all elements of our University community, including those who have expressed profound concerns about the system. It also will include undergraduate leadership from the system itself, as well as alumni leaders, prevention experts, trustees and representatives of national organizations.

I intend to charge this task force with a number of critical questions, including defining the fundamental purposes of the fraternity/sorority system. Other critical questions to be answered, include:

1) Does the fraternity/sorority system fall short in meeting any of its fundamental goals and living its expressed values? If so, how and what is necessary to overcome those shortcomings?

2) What is the status of sexual misconduct and alcohol misuse in our fraternity and sorority communities? Is there racial and ethnic diversity and awareness among our sororities and fraternities? How might any weakness in those areas be resolved?

3) Is the four-legged stool of this system, relying as it does on undergraduate actives (undergraduate students who are active in fraternity life), alumni, nationals, and the University, well-balanced? Are all legs of the stool working in an even and coordinated fashion? What, if anything, is necessary to strengthen these relationships?

4) Is there appropriate accountability for misconduct in the fraternity and sorority system? If not, what is required to achieve the right measure of accountability?

5) In examining issues, it is imperative to identify methods and activities that will bring out the best in these organizations. How can we foster a collective mindset that ensures this objective?

As president of Penn State, I take seriously our charge to protect members of our community from exploitation or harm. KDR members are only the latest fraternity brothers on college campuses nationwide to be found participating in unacceptable activities.

This comprehensive examination of fraternity and sorority life and its culture will not be simple and it may not be comfortable. It will, however, be thorough and it will provide a blueprint for creating a stronger community that brings out the very best of what our fraternities and sororities can be.

Eric J. Barron
President, Penn State

Cliffnotes version:

“Fraternities and Sororities at Penn State do a lot of good things (just Google THON) but because of the actions of certain chapters we must evaluate if all chapters behave in line with the founding values and principles of Greek life. We need a task force to conduct an investigation and answer questions about the Greek system and Greek culture as a whole that might not be comfortable or simple.”

Barron said he plans to name a task force that will include undergraduates, alumni and trustees, as well as prevention experts and representatives from national organizations. The focus of this task force will be alcohol abuse, sexual assault and to see if fraternities and sororities operate within the scope of their organization’s values.

The black spring for Greek life continues..

[via Penn State]

Image via YouTube