Sexual assault reported at fraternity near University of Chicago | American universities

A 21-year-old woman says she was sexually assaulted last weekend at a fraternity house near the University of Chicago, as Greek life nationwide faces new scrutiny for recurring misconduct.

The incident reportedly took place around 1:50 a.m. Sunday at the off-campus Alpha Epsilon Pi residence hall, according to a daily university crime log.

In a police report obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times, the woman said she was “not fully conscious” when she was found partially undressed in a bathroom with a man, also half-naked.

She told police, according to the report, that a group initially blocked her friends from entering the restroom.

A person of interest has been identified, according to university officials.

The individual is not a student and has been banned from campus, they announced Wednesday.

No one is in custody, Chicago police said Wednesday afternoon, adding that an investigation was still underway.

Jonathan Pierce, a spokesman for the fraternity, said Wednesday that there was no evidence that its members participated in or knew about the assault.

“When AEPi members (there were several ‘sober observers’ at the party, including the chapter security officer) learned of the victim’s report, they offered to assist by providing food and water and even loaned the victim a shirt because she reported feeling cold while waiting outside for emergency response,” Pierce said.

“We are pleased that the alleged attacker has been identified and hope that the victim can find some comfort in knowing that justice is being served.”

The alleged assault follows a harrowing report of a gang rape at a Cornell University fraternity house in 2024. Recent news of the alleged attack sparked a national outcry and criticism of the Ivy League school’s perceived leniency toward alleged offenders.

New York State prosecutors have reopened an investigation into the report.

In the face of growing backlash, Cornell also suspended all fraternity parties for the remainder of the academic year while it evaluates the safety of its Greek societies.

Last week, the University of Arizona made a similar decision, shutting down all fraternity activities following several allegations of hazing and physical assault, including accusations that a Greek organization forced recruits to drink excessively and swallow live goldfish.