UChicago news: University of Chicago Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity says it is cooperating with police after sexual assault report

CHICAGO (WLS) — The local chapter of Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity near the University of Chicago has been ordered not to hold events or programs while a reported sexual assault at a weekend party remains under investigation, according to the fraternity’s national organization.

The University of Chicago said a sexual assault occurred early Sunday morning at an Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity party in Hyde Park. According to the university, the victim is not a student, while the suspect has not been identified and is believed to have fled the fraternity house after the incident.

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A community alert sent to students says the victim reported the assault around 1:50 a.m. Sunday. The university said someone intervened and the suspect fled.

The suspect was 5 feet 7 inches tall and wore a black t-shirt, black sweatpants and white shoes. According to the university, cameras in the area captured a person matching that description fleeing the fraternity house.

The reported assault has raised concerns among some students about safety in campus social settings.

“I think it’s really sobering when it happens on your own campus,” said University of Chicago graduate student Hayden Nelson.

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Along South University Avenue, fraternity houses make up an important part of the Hyde Park neighborhood. Students said news of the incident caused some to reconsider their own safety.

“Right now, it’s a super-sensitive time, especially around the Cornell Seven, and it seems a little unacceptable to me right now that an incident like this is happening,” said Charlotte Henderson, a student at the University of Chicago.

Nelson said the incident was particularly disturbing because of its proximity to campus life.

Sophie Jacobs, a freshman, said learning about the incident was disconcerting.

“I think it’s just horrible,” Jacobs said. “There needs to be a serious look at the security of fraternities in general and whether or not they should be guarded.”

“When it’s like a fraternity on your campus that you’ve visited or walked past, or you know people have gone to parties and stuff, it’s a little scary and as you know, it could be any of us,” Nelson said.

In a statement, the University of Chicago said: “Although fraternities are not recognized student organizations at UChicago and therefore have no formal affiliation with the University, all University students are subject to University disciplinary policies and procedures.”

Alpha Epsilon Pi National said the chapter is cooperating with the university and law enforcement as the investigation continues.

“The chapter is working cooperatively with university administration and local law enforcement on its investigations. Pending the results of this investigation, the chapter has been informed not to hold any events or programs,” the organization said in a statement.

It remains unclear whether the suspect is believed to be a member of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity or a University of Chicago student.

The victim was taken to hospital and the university said it was working to support her. The investigation is still ongoing.

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