Police are currently looking into a woman’s claim of being sexually assaulted during a fraternity gathering in close proximity to the University of Chicago campus. This allegation arises during a time of increased awareness regarding sexual violence within college settings. As of Wednesday, Chicago police have not pressed charges, following an announcement by university officials that a person of interest has been identified.
This incident in Chicago occurs amidst public outrage over Cornell University’s response to a woman’s accusations of being drugged and gang-raped by fraternity members in 2024. Despite internal disciplinary measures taken by the university, no criminal charges were brought forth. The University of Chicago, a prominent U.S. research institution with 18,000 students, stated that a woman reported being sexually assaulted early Sunday at a party held at the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house. The university mentioned that the offender fled the premises after being confronted by another individual.
The 21-year-old victim reported the assault to law enforcement and sought medical attention at a hospital, as confirmed by Chicago police. Notably, the university clarified that the woman is not a student there. When The Associated Press requested a copy of the incident report on the alleged assault, Chicago police did not immediately provide it. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the woman explained to the police that she began feeling unwell after drinking and dancing at the party. Subsequently, two of her friends discovered her in a bathroom, partially undressed and in an altered state of consciousness, accompanied by a man. The friends recounted that they had to navigate through a group of men cheering and seemingly supporting the situation inside the bathroom to reach her.
Contrary to the allegations, Alpha Epsilon Pi asserted that none of its members participated in or endorsed the purported assault. The fraternity’s University of Chicago chapter stated that upon being alerted by one of the victim’s friends, its members promptly intervened to assist the woman and terminated the party. Jonathan Pierce, a spokesperson for the fraternity’s national organization, emphasized that there is no evidence linking any AEPi members to the assault. The fraternity disclosed that the assailant was captured on surveillance cameras fleeing the scene.
University officials disclosed that the identified person of interest has no affiliation with the school or its student body. In a related incident at Cornell University, a woman filed a lawsuit against the institution and seven fraternity members, alleging multiple assaults at a fraternity residence in October 2024. Cornell’s recent decision to suspend fraternity house parties until the following year has garnered attention, coupled with the university’s plan to involve the New York State Police in addressing campus sexual assault cases. Additionally, the University of Arizona suspended fraternity activities earlier this month due to various reports of assault, hazing, and misconduct.