Local
UChicago-area sexual assault allegations put fraternity safety under scrutiny before campus meeting
A 19-year-old woman says she was raped at an Alpha Delta Phi party near the University of Chicago in February; she has sued the national organization and its local chapter. Her public account comes ahead of a campus safety meeting where community representatives expect the allegations to be discussed.
A 19-year-old woman who says she was raped at an Alpha Delta Phi fraternity house near the University of Chicago campus is speaking publicly about the alleged assault as campus and community representatives prepare to discuss public safety in Hyde Park.
The woman, identified as Jane Doe, is not a UChicago student. Her lawsuit, filed Monday against Alpha Delta Phi’s national organization and local chapter, says she attended a party at the house on Feb. 7. She was dancing with friends when a fraternity member offered her a shot, according to the complaint.
Doe said the drink left her feeling unusually lightheaded and intoxicated. She said she was led into a bedroom and remembers backing onto a bed because she anticipated what would happen but did not feel strong enough to leave.
“The grief that this has imposed upon me is indescribable,” she said in an interview. “It is the first thing I think about whenever I wake up every day and the last thing I think about whenever I fall asleep.”
The lawsuit alleges the assault was the latest in a series of sexual assault reports connected to the house, dating back more than 15 years. The fraternity said the member involved has been suspended and described the conduct alleged as deeply troubling and inconsistent with its values.
The allegations are expected to be raised at a Wednesday evening public safety meeting with University of Chicago police and members of the Chicago Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability’s 2nd District Council, which includes Hyde Park. The meeting had been scheduled about a month before the allegations became public.
Ephraim Lee, chair of the council, said organizations need to consistently train members about sexual assault. He said community members want action from the university, not just promises.
The case comes amid other recent sexual assault reports involving parties at fraternities near the university, including a separate report involving a different fraternity. Doe’s allegations remain claims in a civil lawsuit.