"Castle" is a gorgeous building in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania's campus, right behind the famous "LOVE" sculpture. Since its construction in 1890, it has housed members of the fraternity Psi Upsilon, which is notorious for its membership of extremely wealthy and predominantly white students who have historically been involved in a number of controversies. For example, the fraternity was involved in the kidnapping and tormenting of another student in the 1990s. After this, the University of Pennsylvania kicked Psi U off of campus and utilized Castle for a Community Service Living Learning Program. The fraternity was reestablished in Castle 8 years later, with the frat stating a goal of restoring their reputation.

Since then, the fraternity has continued to be the center of controversies including a lawsuit for negligence and, just earlier this month, an attack against a minority student by a Psi U brother. The one-sided assault, which included 10 to 20 punches until the victim appeared to be partially unconscious, is believed by many to be racially motivated. The attacker, college junior Nicholas Hamilton, had been previously reported for racist remarks. It has not yet been reported that Hamilton will face any consequences, and no arrests have been made.

Many students are outraged that Penn has continued to dedicate this central space to an exclusive and highly-privileged group that has continuously acted against the supposed morals of our institution. Whatever Castle goes on to be used for, it is imperative that Penn utilizes this space to foster a safe and accepting community that will be felt on the campus at large. Throughout the past, present, and foreseeable future, Psi Upsilon has repeatedly demonstrated that they are incapable of fulfilling this responsibility. By continuing to dedicate this space as Penn has, the administration has demonstrated a disregard for the safety, well-being, and inclusion of a substantial contingent of their students for the benefit of an elite few.

The hopes of this petition and those who sign it are that the University of Pennsylvania will act in accordance with their stated ideals, and repurpose the incredibly central Castle building for the use of common spaces that promote the inclusion and community of all types of Penn Students.

SOURCES:
https://www.thedp.com/article/2021/09/penn-castle-fraternity-assault-party-severe-injuries

https://www.thedp.com/article/1998/04/the_night_the_castle_crumbled

https://www.facilities.upenn.edu/maps/locations/36th-street-250-south