USC Student Calls for Fraternity Abolition Following Cornell Rape Allegations

A University of Southern California student is advocating for the complete abolition of fraternities nationwide, asserting that recent events, including the “Cornell 7” case, demonstrate a systemic failure beyond reform. Charlotte Dekle, a political science student and opinion editor for USC’s student newspaper, the Daily Trojan, argued in an opinion piece that fraternities have evolved from community-building spaces into environments that enable sexual violence and other harmful behaviors.

Dekle referenced a 2007 study by College of William and Mary researcher John Foubert, which indicated that men in fraternities are three times more likely to commit sexual violence. This claim is central to her argument that disaffiliation from universities is insufficient.

The recent surge in calls for abolition follows a 101-page lawsuit filed by a former Cornell University student, identified as Jane Doe. The lawsuit accuses seven Chi Phi fraternity brothers of a drug-fueled gang rape at the fraternity house in September 2026. According to the suit, Doe was allegedly coerced into taking ketamine upon arriving at the house while intoxicated and was sexually assaulted over several hours.

Dekle also highlighted similar incidents at USC, including an alleged drugging and rape at the university’s Sigma Nu fraternity in 2021. Following these allegations, Sigma Nu and five other fraternities disaffiliated from USC. Dekle noted that this disaffiliation has potentially reduced oversight, as universities might only be responsible for assaults at school-sanctioned events under Title IX, leaving “rogue fraternities” outside their direct accountability.

Beyond sexual violence, Dekle’s opinion piece connected fraternities to issues such as alcohol abuse, racism, hate crimes, and homophobia. She posited that the continued existence of these organizations is largely due to the financial and networking advantages they offer, including elevated alumni incomes, increased donations to universities, and facilitated job pipelines for members.

She further pointed to recent hazing incidents at other universities as evidence of broader systemic problems. In September 2026, members of the University of Wisconsin-Madison chapter of Alpha Epsilon Pi were arrested after dozens of members were reportedly found chained in a basement. In the same month, a University of Arizona fraternity was suspended for allegedly forcing pledges to swallow live goldfish.

Dekle also addressed the pressure on sororities to remain silent, citing a study from St. John’s University’s Journal of Vincentian Social Action that suggests women in sororities are 74% more likely to be raped than nonmembers. She concluded that abolishing fraternities is a necessary step toward addressing the harm experienced by survivors of abuse of power.