Los Angeles, California — The University of Southern California (USC) put the Sigma Nu fraternity on interim suspension on Wednesday following a report of a sexual assault and several more reports of drugs being placed in women’s drinks at the fraternity’s house.
The alleged incidents happened at a party hosted by Sigma Nu. All of the incidents took place during the same evening of September 27, reports KTLA. A female student reported to USC’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) that she was sexually assaulted after being drugged at the party. Five other women also reported being drugged at the fraternity house that night.
In addition to the entire chapter being suspended, its president, Ryan Schiffilea, was suspended by the school, and he is no longer a member of Sigma Nu, pending a full investigation, reports the Los Angeles Times. Schiffilea is a suspect in the sexual assault.
In a press release, the local chapter said it stood “in absolute solidarity with all victims of sexual abuse (and victims of all abuse) and in no way condone any acts of violence or sexual abuse by anyone- especially members of Sigma Nu Fraternity. Our lack of communication thus far is not because we are unaware or out of touch or insensitive. We are going through the legal process and are working as quickly as possible to address this terrible situation.”
The chapter said it is fully cooperating with USC officials and law enforcement in the investigation.
In addition to the claims made last week, USC DPS announced on Saturday that it has received additional reports of sexual assault, drugging and drugs being placed in drinks without consent at other fraternity houses and at an unknown location, reports KTLA. The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the allegations.
The claims of sexual assault and drugging prompted students to protest at the Sigma Nu house on Saturday.
