EDITORIAL: An unexpected homecoming

The University's decision to allow Phi Sig to remain in its house seems a fair deal all around. Even its brothers admit to repeated risk-management violations over the past year -- including in-house kegs -- and links to pornographic material on their Web page. And its parent organization has expressed concerns about the Mu chapter's "significant debt." The University, therefore, committed a true act of faith this week by allowing the brothers to remain in their Penn-owned house after their charter was suspended. Normally, University policy dictates that fraternities must vacate their residences immediately upon losing chapter recognition -- and thus protection from liability. But in this case administrators made an exception. The brothers may remain in the house through May, as long as they abide by certain rules: no alcohol, no loud music, no parties and no climbing on the roof. Historically, such a move has not been a good one. In 1992, when the University gave the suspended Theta Xi chapter 30 days to leave its house, the fraternity brothers proceeded to trash their Locust Walk residence. The Phi Sig brothers, however, appear to be above this immaturity. Debt or not, they have agreed to take on the cost of any damages. Thus, the deal seems to be a good one for all involved parties. The University will incur relatively little risk. And the fraternity brothers -- now-Phi Sig alumni -- will have some continuity in the remaining month of the semester, allowing them to study for exams and complete final projects without the hassle of a move across campus.