By New York Post (U.S.) | Created at 2024-11-14 00:19:26 | Updated at 2024-11-22 10:56:54
1 week ago
Cornell University placed a longstanding fraternity on suspension following a report that an individual was drugged and sexually assaulted by several men during an off-campus party.
The alleged attack took place at off-campus residences affiliated with Greek life at the Ivy League college in Ithaca, New York, during an event either late Oct. 25 or in the early hours of Oct. 26, according to an alert sent by the university police department.
Chi Phi’s national organization temporarily suspended its chapter amid the police probe, the fraterny’s executive director Michael Azarian told local outlets, adding that the frat will “fully cooperate with law enforcement and university officials during this period.”
Chi Phi is considered the oldest male fraternity since forming in 1824 and abides by a motto of truth, honor and personal integrity, according to its website.
Fraternity leadership did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The victim told police on Friday they were sexually assaulted by “several males” and coerced into taking ketamine and other drugs on the 100 block of Edgemoor Lane — where both the Chi Phi and Lambda Chi Alpha fraternities are located.
A spokesperson for Lambda Chi Alpha told The Post its chapter at Cornell “was NOT involved in the alleged incident.”
“Our community is trying to process last Friday’s crime alert that involved a deeply disturbing report of drugging and sexual violence,” Ryan Lombardi, Cornell’s vice president for student and campus life said in a message to students.
“We strongly condemn the actions of any individuals responsible for such crimes and will hold anyone identified accountable to the fullest extent. If you have information that could be helpful in this investigation, we urge you to reach out to the authorities.”
The investigation is ongoing, police said.
The university declined to comment, and both Cornell and Ithaca police did not immediately respond.
