The Kappa Delta Rho fraternity at Penn State has been suspended after a private Facebook group for the organization was discovered. In the group, photos of partially naked women in an unconscious state were found along with images of drug deals.
WJAC reports that a secret Facebook page was created by Kappa Delta Rho members to post offensive photos in private. The Facebook group consisted of over 150 men which included current and alum members. A victim of the photos found the secret group and was able to download 20 of the photos. However, after fraternity members found out that the group had been breached, they immediately closed the original group and created a “2.0” version in its wake.
“According to the search warrant, the first page ‘Covert Business Transactions’ was shut down after a victim allegedly discovered it, but according to the search warrant, a second page titled ‘2.0’ was made in its place.”
The Facebook group contained photos of women in varying states of undress while passed out or sleeping. The photos also showed drug activity and hazing. Police say that the women did not know that they were being photographed.
“Police said this is where members allegedly shared photos of drug sales, hazing and photos of unsuspecting victims – mostly women – partially naked.”
In addition to taking down the original Facebook page, the fraternity members at Kappa Delta Rho also deleted evidence from house computers. When police arrived with a search warrant, the computers were completely wiped clean. However, police say they have printed and digital copies of at least 20 photos that were obtained from the original “Covert Business Transactions” page before it was taken down. Police were also able to obtain a warrant to view the photos located in the “2.0” group.
WPXI notes that the fraternity was suspended after Penn State’s Office of Student Council, school officials and the North-American Interfraternity Conference got involved in the investigation. Penn State’s Office of Student Council and the IFC are attempting to help police identify possible victims and sanction the fraternity.
The IFC made an official statement regarding the suspension of the Penn State Kappa Delta Rho fraternity noting that after the investigation is complete, the chapter will be summoned for a full review session.
“In response to the discovery of the two Facebook pages allegedly hosted by Kappa Delta Rho, the chapter was immediately placed on full chapter suspension by Penn State’s Interfraternity Council. Upon completion of all investigation into this matter, Kappa Delta Rho will be summoned by the IFC to undergo a conduct review session.”
The Penn State fraternity incident comes on the heels of another national fraternity in hot water. The Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter at the University of Oklahoma was shut down after the group was videoed singing a racist chant.