U. to look at LCE raid on Phi Kappa Psi

The University may investigate Friday night's party at Phi Kappa Psi fraternity to determine whether or not the chapter is collectively responsible for infractions of the University policies, one administrator said yesterday. And one official at the State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement said other fraternities could be raided by the LCE in the future. The InterFraternity Council will discuss the LCE raid on Phi Psi by state police at tonight's meeting. While the meeting will not focus entirely on the State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement's raid, it will be addressed, said IFC President Jeffrey Blount. According to LCE reports, police arrested Phi Psi brother Ghen Saito for the illegal sale of liquor. Also, 48 minors were arrested for purchase, possession or consumption of alcohol during a fraternity party Friday night at the Phi Psi house at 3934 Spruce Street. Phi Psi President Steven Cappiello, an Engineering junior, said Sunday that money was collected at the door to cover the cost of a disc jockey and decorations for the party. He said the party was a "bring your own booze" IFC-sponsored event, even though some students in attendance said they had been served alcohol at the event. Cappiello also said Saito, an Engineering senior, was one of six brothers collecting money Friday night. Brothers said Saito was kept in jail for 17 hours. According to some Phi Psi house officers, the LCE agents harrassed other students at the party. Brothers said officers issuing citations pushed and yelled at party-goers. Saito was not availble for comment. LCE Sgt. John Lyle would not comment about the procedures used during the bust, nor would he discuss LCE policies in general. Although Lyle said the LCE received a complaint about the party Friday night, he would not disclose its source. La-Verna Fountain, director of public information for the Pennsylvania State Police, said that it is within the scope of the LCE to enforce the underage drinking laws at fraternities. "The Liquor Control Enforcement Officers' job is to stop underage drinking," Fountain said "Because you're on a college campus or part of a fraternity does not mean you can escape the law. The law is the law." Fountain added that the incident at Phi Psi is not unique and that more fraternities could be raided in the future. Lyle said the fraternity itself was not given a citation. But, Barbara Cassel, executive assistant to Vice Provost for University Life, said yesterday the incident will be investigated to determine whether or not Phi Psi should be held collectively responsible for infractions of the University's Code of Conduct. The chapter could be held liable by the University for serving alcohol to underage people at a University function. In addition, the IFC could accuse the house of violating its BYOB social policies. Cassel said she did not think University officials were warned about the raid. "It's not likely the University knew beforehand," Cassel said. "But I can't speak for the whole University." Tricia Phaup, director of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, could not be reached for comment. · Other fraternity officers are concerned about the ramifications of the unprecidented action on campus by the LCE. "I was very surprised because we basically had no indication that the state police were going to come on campus like they did this weekend," Alpha Chi Rho President Mike Alfano said yesterday. "This is unprecented . . . It certainly has never happened at Penn." The College junior said the Greek system should have been notified. Former Alpha Tau Omega President David Neiman said liquor law enforcement, especially on college campuses, is detracting from more beneficial uses of police officers' time. "Trying to get underage drinkers at fraternity parties, where the majority of people are walking home, is not a big deal," the College senior said. "It's more important at Penn State's Beaver Stadium where thousands of people are driving home drunk." Neiman added that the police could use their officers to try and keep students safe. Staff Writer Dwayne Sye contributed to this story.