Penn creates task force to look into "underground" frats
The University of Pennsylvania has created a task force to look into problems with "underground" fraternities and sororities operating outside the Greek system.
The University of Pennsylvania has created a task force to look into problems with "underground" fraternities and sororities operating outside the Greek system.
The move follows an incident at the start of the academic year in which an underground frat sent a sexually suggestive party invitation to freshman women. A group of students on campus called the invitation symptomatic of "rape culture" and put up copies all over campus, drawing attention to the issue.
The underground groups, which have no affiliation with the university other than that their members are students, have engaged in problem behavior in the past, including high-risk drinking, according to the university.
Other colleges locally and nationally have struggled with the groups, which often are remnants of fraternities or sororities that were kicked off campus for violating policies.
Penn's task force will include faculty, administrators, and students. A time line and scope for its work have not been finalized, said Stephen J. MacCarthy, vice president of university communications.
"There have been problems on campus related to underground groups, and we think it's important to take a look at it," MacCarthy said.
He said dealing with the groups has been tricky because they are unregistered and their membership often can be difficult to determine.
Penn in the past has warned parents and students against membership in the groups, saying they engage in "high-risk activities" and lack regulations against hazing or alcohol use. Penn's Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life carries a warning on its website.
University officials last week sent another email to parents asking for their help in dissuading students from joining.
"Let us be clear: These unstructured groups have made a calculated decision to bypass the traditional Greek system and operate without administrative oversight or liability insurance, and without regard for the safety measures required of recognized organizations," said the letter from Maureen Rush, vice president for public safety, and Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum, vice provost for university life.
"Off-campus affiliated houses," they wrote, "have been the site of high-risk parties resulting in hospitalizations, conduct sanctions, and criminal citations."
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