From Seattletimes · · 1m 30s
University of Arizona Student Alleges Sexual Assault
University of Arizona student claims two men sexually assaulted her at fraternity house during August drinking party.
In brief
University of Arizona student claims two men sexually assaulted her at fraternity house during August drinking party. A University of Arizona sorority member alleges sexual assault by two men at Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity house on Aug 26, 2024. Originally reported by Seattletimes.
Alleged assault at fraternity house
A University of Arizona sorority member claims two men sexually assaulted her at Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity house on August 26, 2024.
“The student told the university’s police department that she consensually kissed one of the men at one point while at the Sigma Phi Epsilon house on Aug. 26 but doesn’t remember agreeing to sex”
University suspensions and investigations
The university suspended 21 fraternities for misconduct reports two weeks ago, lifting suspensions on all but five after mandatory meetings with dean of students.
“Suspensions on all but five fraternities have since been lifted after they had mandatory meetings with the dean of students”
Student's account of assault
The student recalled drinking tequila, witnessing sexual assault, feeling one man’s breath on her face, waking without pants or underwear, and experiencing swallowing difficulties.
“In speaking with an investigator, the sorority member recalled consuming tequila, including sharing a cup of the beverage with friends; witnessing two men sexually assaulting her, even feeling one man’s breath on her face; awakening the next morning without pants and underwear on; and noticing a difficulty in swallowing, a possible sign of strangulation”
Police report and forensic exam
The student reported the assault to police and underwent a forensic exam at a hospital later that day.
“Later that day, she reported the allegations to police and underwent a forensic exam at a hospital”
One man admitted to sex
One man acknowledged having sex with her but claimed she agreed and denied the other man had sex with her, saying he was drunk and 'fuzzy' on what happened.
“In a recorded call with the sorority member two days after the encounter, one of the men acknowledged he had sex with her, but he said she had agreed to it and denied that another man had sex with her. He said he had been drunk and 'fuzzy' on what happened”
Fraternity response
Sigma Phi Epsilon suspended members involved in the investigation, stating any found responsible will be expelled and they will cooperate with law enforcement.
“The Fraternity has suspended those involved while the investigation proceeds. Any member found responsible will be expelled from Sigma Phi Epsilon, and we will cooperate fully with law enforcement as it seeks accountability under the law”
Other campus assault cases
Cornell University and University of Chicago have reported similar sexual assault cases involving fraternities, sparking protests and investigations.
“At Cornell University, a former student alleged that multiple Chi Phi fraternity members sexually assaulted her in October 2024. The allegations have sparked campus protests, renewed scrutiny of the Ivy League school’s disciplinary system and a state investigation into the alleged assault”
The one thing
A University of Arizona sorority member alleges sexual assault by two men at Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity house on Aug 26, 2024.
