Woman Reports Sexual Assault at University of Chicago Fraternity House
Chicago Police and University Police are investigating an alleged sexual assault that occurred early Sunday morning at an Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house near the University of Chicago campus.
A 21-year-old woman has reported being sexually assaulted at a fraternity house located near the University of Chicago campus on Sunday morning. The incident allegedly occurred around 1:50 a.m. at the Lambda chapter of Alpha Epsilon Pi, which was hosting a party.
The woman, who does not attend the University of Chicago, reported the assault after the party had been underway for several hours. According to The Chicago Maroon, the university's student newspaper, a bystander intervened before the alleged assailant fled the scene.
The suspect is described as a South Asian male, approximately 5'7" tall, with a dark complexion, black curly hair with shaved sides, and was reportedly wearing a black shirt, black joggers, and white shoes. University of Chicago Police Department (UCPD) reviewed surveillance footage that showed an individual matching this description running from the fraternity house.
Following the incident, a UCPD officer was alerted and assisted in transporting the woman to the University of Chicago Medical Center. The Chicago Police Department (CPD) is heading the investigation with assistance from the UCPD.
A spokesperson for the national Alpha Epsilon Pi organization, Jonathan Pierce, stated that the fraternity chapter is cooperating with university and law enforcement authorities. The chapter has been instructed to halt all events and programs while the investigation proceeds. Pierce emphasized the fraternity's concern for the victim, stating, "Most importantly, all of (the fraternity) hurts for the person who was the victim in this incident." He added, "No one should attend an event on any campus - fraternity-based or otherwise - and have to fear for their safety and wellbeing."
Alpha Epsilon Pi's national guidelines require members and guests to adhere to laws regarding sexual misconduct and to maintain a safe environment. While individual chapters manage daily operations, the national organization holds the authority to place chapters on probation or revoke their charters for policy violations. National leadership confirmed that chapter members undergo mandatory training on sexual misconduct prevention.
A university spokesperson told The Chicago Maroon that the university is actively gathering information and intends to initiate disciplinary proceedings if warranted. The report of this incident follows a recent civil lawsuit filed against the Chi Phi fraternity at Cornell University, alleging coercion into drug use and sexual assault by several members, which has sparked nationwide protests.