JIO probing Zeta Psi over break incident

The Judicial Inquiry Office is currently investigating the Zeta Psi fraternity for an incident involving an illegal substance which allegedly occurred over winter break, Interim JIO Catherine Schifter said last night. "There is an investigation going on," Schifter said. "Something did happen in the house over break [and] it had to do with an illegal substance." Schifter would not comment as to the identity of the illegal substance. University Police Sergeant Thomas Messner also said that an incident occurred at the Zeta Psi house, 3337 Walnut Street, during winter break and that it was involving a suspected controlled substance. Zeta Psi President and Wharton senior Grant Rippetoe would not confirm or deny charges that an incident had occurred, but he did say that there is "an investigation ongoing." "We are only dealing with the University, our alumni association and our nationals," he said. According to University Policies and Procedures under Drug Abuse, the "use of narcotics and dangerous drugs on University premises, as elsewhere, is clearly illegal." The policy also states that part of the purpose of imposing such guidelines is to protect the entire University community. "University staff members are concerned about the possible physical, emotional, and psychological effects of drug use on the individual user, and about the impact that such use has on other members of the University community," the policy reads. Pennsylvania also has a law, called the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, which prohibits, among other things, "the knowing possession of controlled substances unlawfully acquired." It is not clear as to when a decision will be handed down by the JIO, or what the possible repercussions would be if the incident is proven to have occurred.