A fraternity at the University of Arizona has had its activities suspended following an allegation of sexual assault made by a female student. She claimed that two men assaulted her at the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity house in August.
The university deemed the fraternity a potential risk to the community, particularly as it was already on probation. An ongoing investigation into the allegations is being conducted, with the Associate Dean of Students, Whitney Mohr, informing the fraternity in a letter that they pose a substantial risk to university members.
As a result, the fraternity is barred from hosting or participating in any activities until the matter is resolved. While the local chapter did not respond to requests for comment, the national organisation confirmed it had instructed the Arizona chapter to cooperate with the investigation.
Sigma Phi Epsilon’s CEO, Brian Warren, stated that the fraternity does not tolerate such misconduct and has suspended those involved during the inquiry. However, he did not reveal their identities.
The female student reported that she consensually kissed a man and had been drinking on the night of August 26 but awoke to find two men assaulting her. The incident was reported to the police the following day, and she underwent a forensic examination at a hospital.
The university’s actions come in the wake of media coverage of the allegations. The letter to the fraternity also accused its members of providing alcohol to minors on both the night of the alleged assault and again on September 29. Sigma Phi Epsilon had previously been placed on probation for hazing allegations in July.
The University of Arizona Police Department stated on Tuesday that their investigation is ongoing. The university has recently intensified its enforcement against Greek-life activities that breach its code of conduct, suspending 21 fraternities earlier this month due to various violations, but only five remain under suspension now.
Fraternity members have been prohibited from contacting the alleged victim or her family, with any claims of intimidation leading to further investigations and penalties. The Pima County Attorney’s Office has yet to refer the case to prosecutors.
For those affected by sexual violence, support is available through various helplines in the UK, including Rape Crisis at 0808 802 9999.
