From ABC News · ABC News · · 2m
Teen sues frat over assault, citing pattern of abuse
A lawsuit alleges Alpha Delta Phi at University of Chicago ignored sexual assault risks despite reports dating back to 2009.
In brief
A lawsuit alleges Alpha Delta Phi at University of Chicago ignored sexual assault risks despite reports dating back to 2009. An unnamed teenager has sued Alpha Delta Phi and its University of Chicago chapter for negligence after an alleged sexual assault on February seventh, claiming the fraternity failed to prevent…
Teen files suit against frat
An unnamed teenager has sued Alpha Delta Phi and its University of Chicago chapter, alleging negligence over a sexual assault on February seventh.
Allegations of ignored risks
The lawsuit claims Alpha Delta Phi ignored known sexual assault risks and failed to put meaningful safeguards in place at the fraternity house.
“both ignored known sexual assault risks at the house and failed to put meaningful safeguards in place”
Pattern of prior incidents
The suit alleges two sexual assaults were reported in two thousand nine, five days apart. An anonymous social media post alleged another assault in two thousand twenty-two.
No action taken despite reports
Between two thousand nine and February seventh, two thousand twenty-six, Alpha National received additional reports of sexual misconduct but took no interim suspension or restrictions.
What the frat failed to do
The lawsuit says Alpha Delta Phi did not restrict social events, secure residential floors during events, or require sober monitors at access points to residential areas.
The alleged assault unfolds
At a party on February seventh, a frat member offered Jane Doe unidentified alcohol. She soon felt unsteady and lightheaded, then was directed to a secluded bedroom.
Unable to consent or refuse
Jane Doe told the frat member she felt unsteady and lightheaded. The suit alleges he ignored this and she lost all physical and verbal ability to refuse.
“lost all physical and verbal ability to refuse”
Found unconscious after assault
Jane Doe was left alone and unconscious in the bedroom. Her friend found her upstairs unconscious and struggling to speak as she left the room.
Police investigation underway
Jane Doe awoke the next morning with blood stains in her underwear and reported the assault to the Chicago Police Department. The investigation is ongoing.
Frat suspends member, seeks damages
Alpha Delta Phi suspended the accused member. Jane Doe seeks damages for physical injuries, emotional distress and ongoing psychological harm.
The headline
An unnamed teenager has sued Alpha Delta Phi and its University of Chicago chapter for negligence after an alleged sexual assault on February seventh, claiming the fraternity failed to prevent abuse despite prior incidents since two thousand nine.
