USC campus.Photo: Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty
The University of Southern California is implementing new security protocols at fraternity and sorority parties in an effort to mitigate “risk” followinglast fall’s sexual assault scandal.
“With over 4,000 students participating in fraternities and sororities, the Greek community serves an important role in many of our students' sense of belonging,” the letter said. “However, it is clear that social environments within the IFC community require enhanced attention to safety planning and risk prevention.”
The new initiatives come three months after USC’s Epsilon Omicron chapter of the Sigma Nu fraternity announced in astatement on Instagramthat its president was no longer a member of the fraternity, pending a full investigation. Six students told the school that their drinks were spiked at a party in September and at least one studentalleged she was sexually assaulted.
The former fraternity member was identified as Ryan Schiffilea, perCBS Los AngelesandKTLA, which both cited the Los Angeles Police Department.
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Sigma Nu fraternity USC chapter.Al Seib/Los Angeles Times via Getty
Schiffilea was the chapter president, according to CBS Los Angeles, andhad not been arrested or charged, theTimesreported. A representative for the LAPD did not respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment at the time.
According to astatementfrom USC’s Department of Public Safety, the university also received reports from five students who alleged that drugs were placed into their drinks during a party at the Sigma Nu fraternity house in September, leading “to possible drug-facilitated sexual assaults.”
KTLA, which was able to gain access to the incident log from USC’s Department of Public Safety, reported that an unnamed student alleged that she was sexually assaulted after someone drugged her while she was attending a party at the frat house on Sept. 27.
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USC’sletter went on to saythat once chapters meet all the conditions of their “Phased Return to Social Gatherings” — which includes up to two social gatherings per month starting Feb. 3 — “they may return to a full calendar of social activities after March 3.”
Additionally, all members of every IFC chapter must complete USC’s required prevention education workshops, the release read.
Social activities at all of USC’s fraternity and sorority chapters were suspended last fall following the allegations, with several of the chapters being placed on interim suspension.
“Our community must work together to end sexual assault on our campuses,” USC Provost and Senior VP for Academic Affairs Charles F. Zukoskisaid in a recent letter. “We appreciate everyone who brings forward concerns and reports sexual assault and other issues impacting safety and well-being, and we understand how difficult this can be.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go torainn.org.
source: people.com
