Temple University has officially suspended Alpha Epsilon Pi.
Allegations against the fraternity first came to light earlier this month – but now, three cases are being referred to the district attorney’s office. While no charges have been filed at this time – the fraternity’s privileges have officially been suspended. AEPi National spokesman Jon Pierce told Temple Update that they suspended the chapter three weeks ago.
After receiving what they call credible reports from multiple sources – Temple and Philadelphia’s Special Victims Unit are investigating at least three cases involving sexual misconduct, drinking, and possible drugging inside the fraternity house.
“I was really shocked when the allegations came out – because I hadn’t heard about it up until this point so I was really surprised,” said junior Sarah Mackus when asked about the allegations.
The first incident reportedly occurred in February – where a 19-year-old Temple student said she was indecently assaulted by a fraternity brother. In March – another 19-year-old student told investigators she became dizzy and disoriented – before waking up in a bed with a fraternity brother – and believes she was sexually assaulted. Investigators have not yet released details from the third incident.
Temple greek life has been discouraging members from talking about the investigation, but one brother from another fraternity said that if true, these allegations are unacceptable.
“You can’t have this kind of thing happening on campus or anywhere there’s no place for it,” said Russell Lily, a senior brother of Kappa Delta Rho.
The allegations against Temple’s chapter of Alpha Epsilon Pi aren’t the only ones plaguing the organization – just this year AEPi chapters at Washington University, Syracuse, and Florida State have all been under investigation. Pierce told Update those investigations are unrelated.
Alpha Epsilon Pi’s National headquarters said they have not seen any evidence from Temple and Philadelphia Police’s investigation, but they are hopeful to have a conversation with the university about the investigation and their findings in the coming weeks.
“You know about as much as me,” said Pierce by phone on Wednesday.
As the investigation continues, Temple is encouraging students to keep the following things in mind:
- If you are of age and you choose to drink alcohol, do not leave any beverage unattended, and be wary of accepting drinks from others.
- It is also important to look out for one another while socializing—when you go out with friends, make a pact to stay together and leave no one behind.
- Remember, Temple University has a medical amnesty policy that states that no student will be subject to university discipline for seeking medical treatment for the effects of drug or alcohol use, and this amnesty will be granted to both the intoxicated student and the student seeking help for an intoxicated student.
- If you are suspicious of what a drink might contain or concerned about the impact it’s having on a friend, seek medical help immediately. Signs to look for include dizziness and/or nausea, memory loss, breathing or motion difficulties, and acting disproportionately intoxicated relative to the amount of alcohol consumed.
- Should you see signs like these, call 215-204-1234 immediately.
Temple Police is also increasing the presence of bike patrols around the 2000 block of Broad Street, where the AEPi house is located, during the investigation.
Students we spoke with said that they think the university is taking the right steps when it comes to discipling the fraternity.
“Not even just on campus but in our society on a larger scale I think disciplinary action really needs to be taken especially early on so I think that’s a really good step they made,” said Mackus.
“No one’s really sure what happened but I think when the truth comes out it’s going to be really shocking and really devastating for all of Temple I mean it already is and bad for fraternities everywhere,” said Lily.
If you would like to report an incident or an anonymous tip, contact Temple Police at (215)-204-1234.
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