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University of Chicago officials identified a person of interest in a reported sexual assault at an Alpha Epsilon Pi house. The individual is not affiliated with the university and has been banned from campus.
University of Chicago officials announced Tuesday that a person of interest has been identified in connection with a reported sexual assault at a fraternity house near campus. The incident, which occurred early Sunday morning at the Alpha Epsilon Pi house, has prompted a police investigation and heightened scrutiny of fraternity safety protocols.
According to a police report obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times, a 21-year-old woman reported that she was sexually assaulted at the Alpha Epsilon Pi house, located at 5625 S. University Ave. The woman, who does not attend the University of Chicago, told police she had been drinking and dancing at a party before feeling unwell. Two friends intervened, barging into a bathroom where they found the woman "not fully conscious" and partially undressed with a man.
The friends reported that a group of men initially blocked their entry, with some "cheering and appearing to encourage the activity inside," according to the report. When the friends forced their way in, one man grabbed a friend by the hair while another picked the lock. The report states that after being told to stop, the man responded that everything was "cool." The suspect subsequently fled the scene.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the University of Chicago confirmed that a person of interest had been identified. The university stated that this individual is not a student or otherwise affiliated with the school and has been banned from campus. The identification was corroborated by "key witness statements and video evidence from University cameras and license plate readers," which were shared with the Chicago Police Department.
The university noted that no charges have been filed, and therefore the name of the person of interest has not been released. Chicago police confirmed that no one was in custody as of Tuesday evening. The victim was transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center for treatment.
The Alpha Epsilon Pi national headquarters stated that the chapter has been instructed not to hold events or programs while the investigation continues. In a statement, the fraternity said, "Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity unconditionally opposes, and its conditions of membership absolutely prohibit, any conduct considered as 'sexual harassment' or 'sexual assault.'" The chapter also stated that no one affiliated with the fraternity was "involved or complicit with this incident."
Students at the university have expressed concern and demanded accountability. Alexa Walsh, a University of Chicago student, said, "To hear that a woman came here just trying to have some fun and was sexually assaulted is very, very upsetting." Another student, identified as Angel, emphasized the need for better security measures at fraternity parties.
This incident occurs amid a broader national conversation about sexual assault on college campuses, fueled by recent allegations at Cornell University and other institutions. The case highlights the complex relationship between universities and fraternities, which are often not recognized student organizations but still operate in close proximity to campus life. The identification of a person of interest who is not affiliated with the university raises questions about access control and safety protocols for off-campus or non-affiliated individuals at fraternity events.
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This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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