Penn State Fraternity Suspended After Unconscious Student Is Hospitalized

STATE COLLEGE, PA — A Penn State fraternity has been suspended because a student who allegedly had been drinking alcohol there was hospitalized after being found injured and unconscious.

All functions at Delta Tau Delta have been suspended on an interim basis pending an investigation into the 18-year-old student's injuries on Sept. 28, said university spokeswoman Lisa M. Powers.

Powers, in a written statement, said the male student was found by police unconscious off campus on Calder Way in State College. He is recovering. The extent of his injuries was not disclosed.

"The Office of Student Conduct is investigating any alleged connection the fraternity may have with this incident. The findings of the investigation will provide direction for decisions or sanctions that could follow," said Powers.

All Penn State fraternities have been under a university- and IFC-imposed ban on social functions involving alcohol until undergoing additional alcohol education and training.

“The potential involvement of Delta Tau Delta is very disturbing news, given all of the recent efforts and education that have gone into emphasizing student safety,” said Damon Sims, vice president for Student Affairs. “None of us can be tolerant of organizations or individuals who value access to alcohol above student welfare. We'll see where our investigation of this incident leads.”

Penn State recently instituted "aggressive new measures" it hopes will drive change within Greek-letter organizations and compel the organizations to focus on student safety.

"University leaders have acknowledged that excessive underage drinking is a vexing problem on campuses nationwide and true change will not happen without the members, chapters, alumni boards, housing boards, council, and national organizations commitment and partnership in putting student safety first," Powers' statement said.

The developments come less than six months after the death of sophomore Timothy Piazza in February. Piazza was attending a pledge-acceptance party at the now-defunct Beta Theta Pi fraternity house when he became intoxicated and fell repeatedly, incurring serious injuries over a 12-hour period. No one in the house called 911 until the next day, and Piazza later died from head and internal injuries.

Eighteen Beta Theta Pi fraternity members have been charged in connection with Piazza's death; trial is pending.

READ MORE: Penn State Frat House Death: Fast Drinking, Slow Death, Frantic Coverup In Grand Jury Timeline

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