University Park, Pennsylvania
What has been reported publicly about abuse at this school, newest first. Each entry describes its legal or disciplinary status as reported and links to the original source.
University investigation found hazing including physical and mental abuse, sleep deprivation and heavy alcohol use.
Status: Chapter found in violation and suspended by university for at least four years effective April 2026.
Response: Penn State suspension; international fraternity revoked the charter.
Court documents allege that beginning in October 2024, members of Penn State's Phi Beta Sigma chapter struck pledges with a roughly 24-inch paddle, punched them in the chest and made them hold a 14-minute plank that caused some to faint.
Status: The chapter was charged with conspiracy to commit organizational hazing under Pennsylvania's Timothy Piazza Antihazing Law; two chapter leaders were charged with simple assault and hazing. Cases pending at time of reporting.
Response: Chapter placed on interim suspension in March 2025; charged students restricted from campus pending conduct process.
University found widespread and pervasive hazing over several years, continuing after a 2018 hazing finding.
Status: Chapter found responsible and suspended indefinitely (minimum four years) by university in October 2023; appeal denied.
Response: Indefinite suspension, eligible to request reinstatement no earlier than fall 2028.
University found the chapter engaged in hazing; specific allegations were not made public.
Status: Chapter found in violation (upheld on appeal) and suspended by university through fall 2027.
Response: Four-year loss of recognition.
A third-party report alleged a student was sexually assaulted by four fraternity members in January 2020.
Status: Under investigation by university and State College police (2020); no charges reported in source.
Response: Chapter placed on interim suspension by Penn State; national organization said it was cooperating.
A joint university and national investigation found alleged hazing during new member education.
Status: Chapter suspended by university through spring 2023 (2019).
Response: International fraternity revoked the chapter's charter in June 2019.
A report of new member hazing was investigated by the Office of Student Conduct in 2018.
Status: Chapter recognition suspended by university through spring 2022 (2018).
Response: Zeta Psi International revoked the chapter's charter.
A sophomore pledge died in February 2017 after falls following heavy drinking at a fraternity bid-acceptance hazing event.
Status: Criminal charges filed 2017; two former chapter leaders pleaded guilty to 14 hazing counts and reckless endangerment and were sentenced in 2024 to 2-4 months plus probation.
Response: Pennsylvania enacted an anti-hazing law in 2018 named for the victim.
A university investigation found a climate of sexual harassment including a secret Facebook page with photos of nude women; a lawsuit alleged hazing of a pledge including cigarette burns and forced drinking, plus sexual assault and drug use.
Status: University investigation findings (2015); civil lawsuit filed June 2015 against Penn State and the fraternity (allegations).
Response: Penn State suspended the chapter for three years; national fraternity expelled 38 members.
A former longtime assistant football coach (defensive coordinator) sexually abused boys over many years, including incidents reported to have occurred on university grounds. Two senior university officials were later charged with perjury and failure to report an incident brought to them.
Status: Convicted in 2012 on 45 counts of child sexual abuse; sentenced to 30 to 60 years in prison.
Response: Penn State settled with 26 claimants for $59.7 million in 2013; total settlements tied to the case reached nearly $93 million across 32 claims by 2015. The athletics director and a senior vice president left their posts in 2011 after being charged.
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Entries summarize public news reports, court filings and official records. Allegations are unproven unless a court or official body has ruled. Report a Frat is not affiliated with any school or fraternity. Last updated 2026-10-16.