2 Drexel frats suspended over misconduct, hazing claims

At Drexel University in West Philadelphia, two historic fraternities have been suspended amid disturbing allegations of sexual misconduct and hazing. Greg Payne is live for us on Drexel's campus tonight. Greg, I know this area well. You spoke with some students there. What are they saying? Yes, I mean, Sheba, this news came out this morning, and it has quickly become a major topic of discussion on the Drexel University campus. It's a quiet stretch of Pelton Ave in University City, but behind closed doors, heavy scrutiny Drexel University dropping the hammer on two of its historic Greek organizations, Lambda Chi Alpha and Pi Kappa Phi. Placing both chapters under immediate interim suspension, following reports of potential sexual misconduct and hazing. The news traveling quickly around campus. To have an investigation to actually have ample punishment for what's going on behind the scenes, because I feel like it's almost like the Secret Service back there. We never see what goes on unless you're part of it. Officials are keeping specific details under wraps as the investigation is ongoing. Lambda Chi Alpha says they were notified by the university on October 27th about the allegations and decided to place a chapter on suspension and are quote collaborating with Drexel University as it investigates reports of potential sexual misconduct and hazing. The suspension bars both houses from taking part in any campus activities including new member events and functions involving alcohol. If that is the culture at any of these frats, Just letting them have more members is just meaning letting more people into that culture and encouraging more boys to do the same things. So I think halting new pledges and especially halting alcohol usage is a great idea. The university says, quote, Drexel is committed to maintaining a safe learning environment for all students. The university does not tolerate sexual misconduct or hazing. Drexel investigates all such accusations as part of its conduct policies, provides students with support resources, and channels for reporting potential conduct and civil rights violations, including an anonymous tip line. Meanwhile, those on campus are interested to see what comes out of the investigation. I would say, like, the allegations, they got to just make sure they're fully true because you don't want to get anyone caught up with something that, like, they didn't actually do. So I mean, like... Just make sure it really happened. I think it's good that there's actually an investigation happening and this time something isn't just being swept under the rug. But I do worry that the results of whatever investigation happens might not actually be indicative of what did go on. Now we did just get a statement from Pi Kappa Phi and they say quote Pi Kappa Phi takes allegations of sexual misconduct and hazing seriously. We are cooperating fully with Drexel University's ongoing investigation and are committed to addressing any findings appropriately. The safety and well-being of students remains our priority and at this point in time students say they are hoping these allegations are not true Sheba. Yeah. But so far, no other details, just sexual misconduct and hazing. Did you run into any students today, Greg, who could shed more light on exactly what these fraternities are being accused of besides the official charges here? Not the charges, but the official accusations. Yeah, no, we haven't. And actually, we've seen some of those fraternity members walking in and out of their home. We did try to see if they would be willing to talk with us, but they were not interested in making any comment or anything like that. Yeah, a lot of people want to know more about what exactly happened. All right, Greg, thank you.