Watch CBS News

Penn State Bans Frat Where Student Was Fatally Injured

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) -- Penn State University is permanently banning a fraternity where a pledge was fatally injured last month and is promising to step up its enforcement of a ban on underage drinking throughout the university system.

The university said Thursday it made the decision to revoke its recognition of Beta Theta Pi after an investigation found "a persistent pattern" of excessive drinking, hazing and drug use and sales.

The announcement comes amid a law enforcement investigation into the events surrounding the Feb. 4 death of 19-year-old sophomore engineering student Timothy Piazza, of Lebanon, New Jersey.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

Penn State had already closed down the Beta Theta Pi fraternity at its main campus for at least five years.

The university is also pushing back next year's fraternity and sorority recruiting period from fall to spring.

(Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.