Northwestern halts fraternities’ social activities after reported drugging cases

Northwestern University has suspended all fraternity activities as it investigates reports of drugging incidents at Greek house gatherings. 

Incidents were reported at two Greek houses — Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Alpha Epsilon Pi — over the weekend leading to large protests at both, according to The Daily Northwestern. About 2,000 people attended the protests. 

The student newspaper reported that police notices did not directly name the fraternities involved, but listed the addresses. 

“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, Northwestern said in a statement Sunday, according to ABC7. 

“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 statement continued. 

The university’s Associated Student Government banned the IFC and Panhellenic Association members from holding or applying for Senate seats, according to the Daily Northwestern. Neither fraternity responded to the paper’s request for comment. 

Northwestern suspended Sigma Alpha Epsilon in 2017 following a report that four women were drugged at the house. The fraternity returned in 2018 after a one-year suspension. The IFC in 2017 moved to halt recognition of the fraternity after it was accused of recruiting new members and engaging in actions that “continued to make the Northwestern community less and less safe,” during its suspension. 

Jon Pierce, a past international president of Alpha Epsilon Pi International, said in a statement the organization “is horrified by these stories” and that its members are “cooperating fully with the University’s investigation.” 

“If proven guilty, those perpetrators should be punished to the fullest extent of the law,” Pierce added.