Skulls will not participate in rush

The Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity, commonly known as “Skulls”, will not participate in open rush this year, according to outgoing president and Wharton junior Max Holz.

It is yet unclear whether this is in response to the death of John Carroll University student Matthew Crozier, who suffered fatal head injuries after a fall at the fraternity house on New Year’s Eve.

The Phi Kappa Sigma International Fraternity bans alcohol “on Chapter property at any time,” according to its Risk Management Policy. The policy also states that “failure to abide by law, regulation, policy, or Fraternity standards may be cause for suspension of membership or discipline of the Chapter.” Penn Police confirmed the presence of alcohol at the Dec. 31 event.

While the party’s repercussions have yet to be determined, past instances of injury or death at campus fraternities have influenced Penn’s alcohol policies. In 1999, Penn’s Phi Gamma Delta chapter — also known as “FIJI” — faced charges when 26-year-old alumnus Michael Tobin died after falling down a flight of stairs at the fraternity house. Following Tobin’s death, Penn suspended the fraternity and implemented a temporary policy under which alcohol was not allowed at registered parties. The University also disbanded FIJI following the event. The fraternity returned to its campus house last year.

Details on future Skulls recruitment efforts or possible disciplinary action are still unknown.

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