2 Swarthmore Frats Disband After Rape, Racist, Sexist Allegations

SWARTHMORE, PA — Two Swarthmore College fraternities are being disbanded after allegations of racist, misogynistic and homophobic behavior against past members surfaced.

Phi Psi and Delta Upsilon fraternities have disbanded and relinquished their houses, Swarthmore President Valerie Smith said in a letter to the school community.

"We respect these students’ decision to take this action, and we appreciate their strong condemnation of behavior described in the 2013-16 materials that have recently come to light," Smith said.

Two student-run publications — The Phoenix and Voices — at the school exposed documents from the fraternities, showing the alleged actions.

The publications exposed documents from 2013 to 2016 in which meeting minutes featured jokes about rape, racism, and more.

Additionally, Delta Upsilon is accused of having a "rape tunnel" or a "rape attic."

Word of these allegations spurred protests at the school, according to Smith.

"We have consulted with an independent investigator to determine whether any of the behaviors described in the documents are ongoing and whether any current Swarthmore students were involved," Smith said. "We will hold students accountable for such behavior."

Smith said all fraternity activity is suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

However, Smith said it the documents uncovered appear to predate any current students.