Police are currently looking into a woman’s claim of being sexually assaulted during a fraternity gathering close to the University of Chicago campus. This incident emerges amidst increased attention on sexual violence within college settings. As of Wednesday, no arrests have been made by the Chicago police, despite the university identifying a person of interest.
In a parallel situation, Cornell University faced criticism for its handling of a case involving a woman who alleged being drugged and gang-raped by fraternity members in 2024. While the university took internal disciplinary measures following a campus investigation, no criminal charges were brought forth.
The University of Chicago, renowned for its academic standing and accommodating around 18,000 students, stated that a woman reported being sexually assaulted at an early Sunday party hosted at the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity residence. The perpetrator reportedly fled the scene upon confrontation by another individual. The 21-year-old victim reported the assault to authorities and sought medical attention, as confirmed by Chicago police, with the university clarifying that she is not a student there.
Official records of the alleged assault were not immediately furnished by Chicago police upon request. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the woman indicated that she felt unwell after drinking and dancing at the party before being found in a compromised state in a bathroom alongside a partially undressed individual by her friends. The friends reported having to navigate through a group of men seemingly supportive of the situation to reach her.
Contrary to the allegations, Alpha Epsilon Pi denied any involvement by its members in the assault or any encouragement of such behavior. The fraternity’s University of Chicago chapter disclosed that upon being alerted by the victim’s friends, they promptly intervened and terminated the party. The fraternity spokesperson emphasized the absence of evidence linking any members to the assault.
The identified person of interest in the case, confirmed not to be affiliated with the university, triggered the fraternity’s response. Fraternity activities have been halted at the University of Arizona due to reports of assault, hazing, and other misconduct, mirroring a broader trend of fraternity-related controversies on campuses.
The Cornell incident, where a woman accused fraternity members of multiple assaults at a fraternity house, resulted in the university suspending frat house parties until the following year. Cornell also announced the involvement of the New York State Police in campus sexual assault investigations.