For the First Time, PSU “Facebook Frat” Whistleblower Speaks Out

Penn State students in March protest against Kappa Delta Rho.

For what appears to be the first time, the ex-member of Penn State’s Kappa Delta Rho chapter who prompted a police investigation into the fraternity is speaking out publicly about his allegations.

James Vivenzio told the authorities in January that Kappa Delta Rho had operated two private Facebook pages where members posted photographs of nude, unconscious women, hazing and drug sales. Shortly thereafter, police filed an affidavit of probable cause detailing the alleged pages named “Covert Business Transactions” and “2.0.”

This week, Penn State announced that it is shutting down the local chapter for three years following its own investigation.

Vivenzio released a statement about the frat’s suspension through his lawyer, Aaron Freiwald, late Thursday:

I am pleased that Penn State is finally taking seriously the documented allegations of hazing and other misconduct at KDR that I first brought to the attention of university officials and then to the attention of the local police. Suspending KDR now is only a small step toward what needs to be done to stop the blatantly abusive practices at KDR that I experienced firsthand, and at other fraternities. I am committed as one individual, who has been supported by many others, to bringing about positive and permanent change to eliminate hazing and sexual harassment. Penn State can and must do much more to stop hazing and sexual harassment and should commit to lead by example.

Meanwhile, police are continuing to investigate the allegations, which they say could result in charges of harassment and invasion of privacy. The Inquirer reported that police say that some women are reluctant to pursue charges, however, and that they cannot currently identify a victim pictured in one of the photos.