Penn State President Says Fraternity System May Need to Be Re-Evaluated in Wake of Scandal

Hemera/Thinkstock(STATE COLLEGE, Pa.) — Penn State University President Eric Barron said Friday that the entire fraternity system could be re-evaluated after one organization was suspended and placed under investigation this month for allegedly posting nude or partially clothed photographs of women who are either sleeping or unconscious on private “members-only” Facebook pages.

In a message to the Penn State community sent Friday, Barron writes that the evidence — which is still being gathered — is “appalling, offensive and inconsistent with our community’s values.” While no suspects have been named, the Kappa Delta Rho fraternity was suspended for one year by its national chapter and is under further investigation.

Barron notes that in addition to a police investigation, the school is also undertaking a student conduct inquiry into the allegations.

“Our university is deeply committed to doing all it can to eliminate sexual misconduct and sustain a civil climate on our campuses,” Barron writes. “We will see this process through. I pledge that everything within our power will be done to hold those responsible accountable for their actions and to assist anyone who has been victimized by these shameful acts.”

Barron says that the school and the Kappa Delta Rho national chapter are working to determine whether the frat will have a presence at Penn State, and what conditions would be required for that to happen. “It also brings us to a point where we must ask if a re-evaluation of the fraternity system is required,” Barron says, noting that some in the university’s leadership believe that such a re-evaluation is necessary.

“When individual members deviate from the positive goals they can pursue, they not only tarnish the reputation of their brothers, but also the University community,”Barron said. “They also may cause a great deal of harm to themselves and others.”

On Friday afternoon, students rallied at the school’s Old Main administrative building in support of those who were victimized by the alleged Facebook pages.

Protesters gathered today, criticizing the administration's response to the KDR case. http://t.co/vsLtc1S7tU pic.twitter.com/lkYZURjdeW

— The Daily Collegian (@DailyCollegian) March 20, 2015

Follow @ABCNewsRadio
Copyright © 2015, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.