Alpha Phi Delta Fraternity Sues Over Lockout from Chapter House
The Chi Chapter of Alpha Phi Delta initiated legal action against 329 Prospect Ave. Corp and Greek Housing Services Corporation on August 20, claiming that members were unlawfully locked out of their chapter house on the designated move-in day.
The lawsuit, filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Centre County by attorney Carolyn Fenton, centers on a dispute regarding the fraternity's master lease for the property at 329 Prospect Ave. The chapter was required to secure 55 individual housing contracts for the upcoming academic year but reportedly fell short, leading to negotiations with Mark Maloney, who represented both defendants.
On August 18, the scheduled move-in day, families arrived to find the house locked. Maloney informed them that the chapter was in default and denied access. The complaint highlights that one member, who has type 1 diabetes, was particularly affected as he could not access refrigeration for his insulin. The fraternity is pursuing claims of breach of contract, emotional distress, and violations of consumer protection laws, and has also filed an emergency petition for a preliminary injunction to regain access to the property. A court hearing is set for August 25.
