Violations & Accountability
Hazing is a very serious offense. Hazing is illegal at a state and federal level and can be adjudicated as such. In addition, student organizations that are found in violation of the University’s hazing policy are brought through the organizational conduct process via the Office of Student Conduct. Outside of the university, there are state and federal requirements when it comes to the reporting, education, and accountability of hazing.
Please explore the links below to read through the various policies and laws that help us define hazing.
The West Chester Anti Hazing Policy
Federal Stop Campus Hazing Act
As a reminder, WCU offers organizational amnesty: Rams Take Care of Rams: Safe Harbor Immunity to encourage immediate medical attention when necessary, an individual shall not be prosecuted for an offense if the individual meets certain conditions. Such conditions include being the first individual to reach out to emergency services; reasonably believing the individual needed immediate medical attention to prevent death or serious bodily injury; identifying themselves with their own name, and remaining with the person until emergency services personnel have arrived. This is a summary and specific details should be reviewed at 18 Pa. C.S.A. §2810.
Group Hazing Report updated 8/1/25
West Chester University is committed to creating and maintaining a campus environment where safety, health, and well-being are priorities for all. The following details reported hazing violations of the institution’s Anti-Hazing Policy, along with applicable state, or federal hazing laws. This report will be updated biannually in accordance with statutory requirements.
Group Hazing Report
Last Updated: 8/1/25
| Subject [Organization] | Date Violation Charged | Description of Violation | Investigation Findings | Disciplinary Action/Sanctions | Date Resolved |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sigma Phi Epsilon | 2/20/2025 | Allegations of violations of West Chester University’s Anti-Hazing Policy were brought to the University's attention by students. | Through a collaborative investigative process with Sigma Phi Epsilon leadership a violation of hazing was supported. | The interim suspension action was completed when the group completed the conduct process. The group was placed on Final Disciplinary Probation through the fall 2025 semester. Further organizational development and intervention will continue with increased oversight through the fall 2025 semester. | 4/4/2025 |
| Zeta Tau Alpha | 2/3/2025 | A hearsay report, which described a possible violation of West Chester University’s Anti-Hazing Policy concerning alcohol use was brought to the University's attention by an associated student. | The University attempted to gather more information, but was unable to do so because of the vagueness of the original hearsay report and all parties refusal to participate in any information gathering. | As a result of the inquiry, no disciplinary action was taken. | 2/25/2025 |
| Phi Gamma Delta | 12/5/2024 | Allegations of violations of West Chester University’s Anti-Hazing Policy were filed by two students. | The University conducted a formal investigation and found that the group violated university policy by taking "underground" new members, holding new member activities outside of the process they submitted to the university., forced consumption of food and liquids, verbal abuse and creating hazardous conditions. | An interim suspension was applied to the group while the investigation took place. The interim suspension action was completed when the group completed the conduct process. The group was suspended for three years and will face a two year Disciplinary Probation upon return.. Further organizational development and intervention will be required. | 2/10/2025 |
| Women's Golf Team | 12/13/2023 | Allegations of a violation of West Chester University’s Anti-Hazing Policy were brought forth to the University by a former West Chester University student and their parents. | The University commenced a formal investigation with an outside consultant. After interviews of past and present team members, coaches and staff, the investigator was unable to substantiate the complaint as a policy violation. | As a result of the inquiry, no disciplinary action was taken. | 4/25/2023 |
| Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc | 4/6/2023 | It was reported anonymously that members were physically, mentally, and emotionally abusive to new members. | An inquiry with the group leadership noted a disenfranchised member. None of the activities reported supported a violation of hazing. | As a result of the inquiry, no disciplinary action was taken, however staff followed up on mediation to address the concerns. | 4/12/2023 |
| Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia | 2/13/2023 | It was reported that Phi Mu Alpha has been hazing their new members throughout their new member process. | An all member meeting was held that resulted in students admitting to some of the hazing behaviors. Given multiple allegations were received from non-involved students, the group was interimly suspended while an action plan was created to address the hazing behavior. | The interim suspension action was withdrawn when the group completed its revision process. Further organizational development and intervention will continue with increased oversight through the 2023-2024 academic year. | 4/13/2023 |
| Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc | 10/17/2022 | It was reported that members of Sigma Gamma Rho were hazing their incoming members. It was reported anonymously that they are physically, mentally, and emotionally abusive and hit and go through incoming members phones. | The preliminary investigation did not support a violation of hazing. | As a result, no disciplinary action was taken. | 12/22/2022 |
| Tau Kappa Epsilon | 10/11/2022 | It was reported that TKE Brothers made pledges dress up costumes for their homecoming party and required them to work the party. | None of the activities reported supported a violation of hazing. | As a result of the inquiry, no disciplinary action was taken, however staff followed up on utilizing better group bonding practices. | 10/13/2022 |
|
Phi Beta Sigma |
3/11/2022 | It was alleged by a student that they were subject to coercion and force by members who intentionally, knowingly, and recklessly acted with the purpose of initiating them into the organization. |
Based on the investigation of the new member process, there was insufficient information to determine whether or not the group was involved in hazing activities. |
The group was placed on interim suspension during the time of the investigation. The interim suspension action was withdrawn at the conclusion of the investigation. |
3/24/2022 |
|
Pi Kappa Phi |
3/6/2022 | It was reported that this group recruited and hazed members despite the group's lack of affiliation with the University and it's national organization suspension. |
Notice of the allegation was sent to the national organization as well as the previous group leadership, who remained enrolled at the University. |
Since this organization is no longer affiliated with West Chester University, disciplinary actions could not be taken. |
3/30/2022 |
|
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia |
2/11/2022 | This report was received and referenced a previous incident that was reported on 2/20/2021. |
A second investigation into the same matter was conducted and no additional information was found to substantiate the allegations. |
As a result, no action was taken. |
4/27/2022 |
|
Kappa Kappa Psi |
1/14/2022 | An anonymous report was received from an alleged new member who said that the process was impacting their mental health. |
None of the activities reported supported a violation of hazing. |
As a result of the inquiry, no action was taken. |
2/21/2022 |
|
Delta Phi Epsilon |
12/15/2021 | An anonymous report was received alleging that a member had to choose between snorting cocaine or performing a sex act. |
The preliminary investigation did not support the allegation. |
As a result of the preliminary investigation, no action was taken. |
3/21/2022 |
|
Sigma Chi |
10/14/2021 | The property owner of an off campus residence reported suspicious activity at a house they suspected was associated with the fraternity. |
Based on the investigation of the new member process, there was insufficient information to determine whether or not the group was involved in hazing activities. |
As a result of the investigation, no action was taken. |
11/19/2021 |
|
Pi Kappa Phi |
9/28/2021 | An anonymous report was received that alleged the group, which is no longer affiliated with the University, was recruiting members and subjecting them to a dangerous pledge process. |
This report was immediately forwarded to the West Chester Borough Police and the National Organization for investigation. |
As a result, no action was taken. |
10/15/2021 |
|
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia |
2/20/21 | An anonymous report was received from an alleged new member who said that the process was impacting their mental health. |
None of the activities reported supported a violation of hazing. |
As a result of the investigation, no action was taken. |
4/21/21 |
|
Alpha Phi |
1/29/21 | An anonymous report was received from an alleged student who said that the new member process required women to take cocaine or perform a sex act. |
New members and sorority leadership participated in an investigation regarding this allegation. The hazing and sexual exploitation allegations were unfounded. |
While an investigation was conducted the group was placed on interim suspension. The interim suspension action was withdrawn at the conclusion of the investigation. |
2/18/21 |
|
Sigma Phi Epsilon |
9/23/20 | Seven members of Sigma Phi Epsilon were seen allegedly participating in a new member outdoor activity. |
None of the activities reported supported a violation of hazing. |
As a result of the investigation, no action was taken. |
10/15/20 |