Full Breakdown
Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity Suspended After Sexual Assault Allegation at University of Arizona
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
A University of Arizona sorority member reported being sexually assaulted by two men inside the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity house on the night of August 26. The student said she had been drinking tequila with friends, consensually kissed one man, and later awoke in a dark room without pants or underwear while being assaulted. She recalled feeling a man’s breath on her face and a bruise on her throat that investigators described as a possible sign of strangulation. The victim reported the incident to campus police the same morning and underwent a forensic exam at Banner University Medical Center.
University Response
Under the suspension, the chapter may not host, attend, participate in, or sponsor any university-affiliated events, and all members are barred from contacting the alleged victim or her family. The university also required the chapter to meet with administrators by the end of October to discuss the allegations.
National Fraternity Response
The national organization announced that it does not tolerate sexual assault or misconduct and has ordered the Arizona chapter to cooperate fully with the investigation.
Prior Probation and Campus-wide Greek-Life Crackdown
Sigma Phi Epsilon had been placed on probation in July after hazing complaints involving sleep deprivation, forced alcohol consumption, kidnapping-style activities, and illegal drug use. Earlier in the month, the university suspended activities for 21 fraternities amid reports of assault, hazing, and drug- and alcohol-related violations; only five fraternities remain suspended.
Data & Statistics
- August 26 – alleged assault and provision of alcohol to minors.
- September 29 – additional allegation that fraternity members provided alcohol to minors.
Conflicting Accounts
The victim’s statement describes non-consensual sexual activity and a lack of memory regarding the sequence of events. In a recorded call two days after the incident, one of the accused men claimed the encounter was consensual, denied the presence of a second participant, and said he was “fuzzy” from intoxication. No arrests have been made, and the Pima County Attorney’s Office has not referred the case for prosecution.
Official Statements & Responses
- Amanda Kraus, Vice President for Student Affairs – “Reports of sexual assault are deeply concerning to our campus.”
- Whitney Mohr, Associate Dean of Students – “The chapter acknowledged that they have made significant changes to the new-member process, but there are still areas for improvement.”
- The university’s communications office declined to comment on specifics of the active investigation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Sigma Phi Epsilon does not tolerate sexual assault or sexual misconduct. The Fraternity has suspended those involved while the investigation proceeds,” — Brian Warren, CEO of Sigma Phi Epsilon
What’s Next
University of Arizona police continue to investigate the assault, and the fraternity remains under an interim suspension while the inquiry proceeds. The Pima County Attorney’s Office has indicated that the case has not yet been forwarded for prosecution, and no timeline for resolution has been provided.