Pennsylvania State University: Deferred Recruitment Policy Bans First-Semester Students From Joining Fraternities and Sororities

On January 14, 2026, FIRE called on Penn State to end its deferred recruitment policy banning first-semester students from joining fraternities and sororities. We explained that the First Amendment protects students’ freedom of association, which affords students the right to join a wide array of campus groups. We highlighted that Penn State imposes no similar requirement on first-semester students playing for university athletic teams, working full-time jobs, or joining other campus groups. Our letter invites Penn State to work with FIRE to revise this policy and uphold students’ First Amendment rights.