Northwestern fraternity activities suspended after alleged drugging incidents at gatherings
Protest erupts outside Northwestern frat house amid drugging allegations
EVANSTON, Ill. (WLS) -- Northwestern fraternity activities have been suspended, effective immediately, after reports of alleged drugging incidents without consent at gatherings on campus, the university announced Sunday.
The school has launched a full investigation into these allegations after students said they were drugged at two frat houses.
Protests erupted Sunday in front of the two fraternity houses at the center of the criminal investigation, gathering just hours after school officials announced the suspension of all Interfraternity Council activities on campus.
Police and Northwestern are not naming the fraternities in their campus alerts, but did share the addresses of the alleged incidents, which match the Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Alpha Epsilon Pi houses.
"It is terrible that there had to be such a horrible thing to happen for so many people to come, but I am grateful there are so many people out here to support those that are affected," said Gia, a Northwestern student.
The university said they received a report on Saturday that an individual was allegedly drugged without consent at a gathering in the 2300-block of Sheridan Road in Evanston.
School officials said they are investigating the report, as well as separate but similar reports received on Friday from a gathering in the 500-block of Lincoln Street.
"I am here because multiple survivors have come forward stating the harm that they experienced in this frat and others...and this is not a unique instance," said Lucy, a fellow student.
RELATED: Northwestern investigates reports of drugging, sex assault at 2 fraternities
In response to the recent claims, school officials said they are halting all social activities, including recruitment events, until at least Oct. 17 while they investigate the incidents.
"Given the recent allegations, the locations of these reported behaviors and Northwestern's commitment to the health and safety of our community, the University has decided that effective immediately, there will be no social events or chapter-sponsored recruitment activities at Northwestern fraternities in the Interfraternity Council (IFC) until at least Oct. 17.
"That includes events with non-members, such as alumni. Individuals or groups who violate this restriction, or any other University policy, will be referred to the Office of Community Standards," the university said in a statement Sunday.
"I think it is disappointing that this is what we are doing, especially here," added Northwestern student, Michael Richards.
They also said the university has a policy that states on-campus fraternity and sorority houses are alcohol-free spaces.
"Alpha Epsilon Pi is horrified by these stories and our members are cooperating fully with the University's investigation in order to find the responsible individuals. If proven guilty, those perpetrators should be punished to the fullest extent of the law," said Jon Pierce, a past international president of Alpha Epsilon Pi International.
SAE did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but the fraternity has a history of similar incidents on-campus.
Anyone with information regarding the reports is asked to call Northwestern University Police at (847) 491-3456.
