University of Chicago fraternity house investigated after alleged sexual assault
Police are investigating a report that a 21-year-old woman was sexually assaulted at an off-campus Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house near the University of Chicago, and a non-student suspect has been identified.
A 21-year-old woman reported being sexually assaulted early Sunday morning at an off-campus Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house near the University of Chicago, according to a university crime log and 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 semi-nude man, and that a group initially blocked her friends from entering the bathroom.
University officials said a person of interest, who is not a student, has been identified and banned from campus, but no one has been taken into custody as the investigation continues.
"When AEPi members (there were several “sober monitors” during the party, including the chapter’s safety officer) became aware of the victim’s report, they offered assistance by providing food and water and even loaned a shirt to the victim as she reported being cold while she waited outside for emergency response," said Jonathan Pierce, a spokesperson for the fraternity.
"We are pleased that the alleged assailant has been identified and hope that the victim can find some solace in knowing that justice is being done," Pierce added.
The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of Greek life nationwide, following a widely reported gang-rape case at a Cornell University fraternity house in 2024 that prompted state prosecutors to reopen an investigation and led Cornell to suspend all fraternity parties for the remainder of the academic year.