University of Arizona Fraternity Suspended After Rape Allegation
Student claims she was assaulted at Sigma Phi Epsilon house; university investigating unregistered parties and alcohol violations.
The University of Arizona has suspended the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity chapter following an allegation that a sorority member was raped inside the fraternity house. The university also cited unregistered parties and providing alcohol to minors as reasons for the suspension.
The alleged incident occurred on August 26, according to a search warrant affidavit filed in Pima County Superior Court. The student, who has not been identified, told university police that she woke up in a dark room, without her pants or underwear, and believed she had been sexually assaulted by two men. She described the alleged assault in detail, stating she did not consent to any sexual activity and could not remember the chronological order of events.
The student recalled kissing one of the men consensually in a bathroom before someone opened the door and attempted to film them. She later woke up next to one of the men and left the house. She reported discovering a bruise on her neck and experiencing difficulty swallowing, which police noted can be signs of strangulation.
University police obtained a warrant for the fraternity's surveillance video covering the night of August 25 and the morning of August 26 as part of the sexual assault investigation. No arrests have been announced.
In a letter dated Wednesday, Associate Dean of Students Whitney Mohr informed the Sigma Phi Epsilon chapter of its suspension. The university's Dean of Students Office and University Police Department had filed a complaint alleging the fraternity hosted unregistered social events and provided alcohol to minors on or about August 26 and September 29. These actions were described as creating "an environment that is a danger to the university community."
The suspension prohibits the chapter from hosting, attending, or sponsoring any activities until the case is resolved, with only business meetings permitted. The letter also stated that all members are prohibited from contacting alleged victims or their families, and that the chapter could lose university recognition if any retaliation occurs.
Amanda Kraus, the university’s vice president for student affairs, stated that the university takes reports of sexual misconduct seriously and is committed to addressing allegations through established processes. She noted that federal privacy laws prevent the school from commenting on individual cases.
This suspension comes amid a broader crackdown by the university on its Greek system. On October 5, all 21 Interfraternity Council chapters were placed on interim activities suspension due to numerous misconduct reports, including physical assault, hazing, and drug and alcohol violations. University President Suresh Garimella had previously warned fraternity leaders on August 27, the day after the alleged assault, that the school would not tolerate further violations.
While most chapters have since been reinstated after mandatory adviser meetings, five remain suspended. The Sigma Phi Epsilon chapter was already on university probation due to a hazing complaint before the recent suspension.
Sigma Phi Epsilon's national headquarters has stated that members involved in the incident are suspended pending the investigation and that any found responsible will be expelled from the fraternity. The California Post has reached out to Sigma Phi Epsilon and the Pima County Attorney’s Office for comment.