Woman sues fraternity near University of Chicago alleging sexual assault

A 19-year-old woman identified in court documents as Jane Doe filed a lawsuit on Monday in Cook County Circuit Court alleging she was sexually assaulted during a party at the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity house near the University of Chicago on Feb. 7. The complaint names Alpha Delta Phi Inc. and the Chicago Society of Alpha Delta Phi as defendants.

Doe, who is not a student at the university, said she learned of the party via Instagram and had attended previous events at the house. She described being offered a shot by a fraternity brother, after which she felt light-headed and disoriented. According to the filing, the brother then led her to a secluded bedroom, where he made unwanted sexual advances and allegedly forced intercourse without consent. Doe said she was left unconscious and was later found by a friend, who helped her leave the house.

The woman reported the incident to the Chicago Police Department and received a sexual assault evidence collection kit at Illinois Masonic Hospital on Feb. 8. Police confirmed the report and are investigating. The University of Chicago, which does not recognize fraternities as official student organizations, said it is prepared to assist the police investigation. University spokesperson Gerald McSwiggan said the allegations are “very disturbing” and affirmed the university’s commitment to addressing and preventing sexual assault.

Alpha Delta Phi’s national organization said it is aware of the allegations, has suspended the member involved, and will cooperate with law enforcement. The Chicago chapter directed all inquiries to the national office.

Doe is seeking a jury trial and damages exceeding $200,000, plus costs. Her attorney, Mike Grieco, said the lawsuit also aims to prompt reforms of university policies related to sexual misconduct.