Drexel places two fraternities on interim suspension for allegations of hazing and sexual misconduct
The two fraternities on suspension are Pi Kappa Phi and Lambda Chi Alpha, a university spokesperson said.
Drexel University has placed two of its fraternities on interim suspension as it investigates allegations of hazing and sexual misconduct, the school said in a statement.
“Under interim suspension, organizations are prohibited from conducting new member activities or hosting events with alcohol,” the school said in the statement Monday night.
The two fraternities on suspension are Pi Kappa Phi and Lambda Chi Alpha, university spokesperson Niki Gianakaris said. The school did not release further details of the allegations, nor when they allegedly occurred. The university has 12 recognized fraternities, according to its website.
The university was not notified of the allegations through reports to Drexel police, Gianakaris said.
“They were brought to our attention through other reporting channels, including Drexel’s anonymous compliance hotline and reporting portal,” she said. “Drexel’s Police Department is involved in the University’s coordinated review of these matters as part of our established investigative process.”
The offices of Student Conduct and Civil Rights Compliance also are involved in the review, she said.
“As these matters remain under investigation, we are unable to provide additional details about the specific allegations at this time,” she said.
The review at Drexel comes as fraternities are under increased scrutiny following allegations that Cornell University failed to properly respond to reports of a gang-rape at a fraternity there in 2024.
Drexel also said in a statement: “The University does not tolerate sexual misconduct or hazing. Drexel investigates all such accusations as part of its conduct policies, provides students with support resources and channels for reporting potential conduct and civil rights violations, including an anonymous tip line.”
» READ MORE: Drexel suspends frat for five years
It’s not the first time that Lambda Chi Alpha has been the target of a university probe. Drexel in 2017 put the fraternity on interim suspension following allegations of hazing and alcohol violations. Also at that time, Drexel suspended recognition of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity — which was under investigation for three alleged sexual assaults reported to have occurred at its home — for five years for alcohol violations and failure to comply with regulations.
Tau Kappa Epsilon is currently listed as active again, according to the website.
The Pi Kappa Phi chapter has been active since 2008, according to the national fraternity’s website.
“Pi Kappa Phi takes allegations of sexual misconduct and hazing seriously,” said Maureen Walker, chief marketing officer for the fraternity’s national office, based in Charlotte, N.C. “We are cooperating fully with Drexel University’s ongoing investigation and are committed to addressing any findings appropriately. The safety and well-being of students remain our priority.”
The national office of Lambda Chi Alpha did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
