Fraternity suspended at University of Arizona after female student
reported assault by 2 men
[October 22, 2026]
By MIKELLA SCHUETTLER
The University of Arizona has suspended a fraternity's activities after
a female student alleged two men sexually assaulted her at the
fraternity's house in August.
The Sigma Phi Epsilon chapter at the southern Arizona school was already
on probation, but the university said it has now imposed an activities
suspension, stating the fraternity poses a risk to the university
community. An investigation into the allegations continues.
“It has been determined that your organization presents a substantial
risk to members of the university community,” said Associate Dean of
Students Whitney Mohr in a letter sent to the fraternity on Wednesday.
The local chapter did not respond to calls or emails, but the national
fraternity organization said it had ordered members of the Arizona
chapter to comply with any investigation.
"Sigma Phi Epsilon does not tolerate sexual assault or sexual
misconduct. The Fraternity has suspended those involved while the
investigation proceeds," Brian Warren, chief executive officer of Sigma
Phi Epsilon, said in a statement Tuesday. It didn't elaborate on the
identities of those involved or their connection to the fraternity.
The female student told investigators that she consensually kissed a man
and was drinking on the night of Aug. 26, but then woke up to two men
sexually assaulting her in the fraternity house, according to search
warrant records dated Sept. 9 and published Monday night by KOLD-TV in
Tucson.
She told police she remembers feeling one man’s breath on her face and
had trouble swallowing the next morning due to possible strangulation,
according to the records. The documents also included physical
descriptions of the accused. The next day, she reported the incident to
police and underwent a forensic exam at a hospital.
[to top of second column]
|
Following media coverage of the allegations this week, the
university placed Sigma Phi Epsilon on activities suspension, which
prohibits the chapter from hosting, attending, participating in, and
sponsoring any organizational activities until the case is settled,
according to the associate dean's letter.
The letter also accuses Sigma Phi Epsilon members of providing
alcohol to minors on Aug. 26, the night of the alleged assault, and
on Sept. 29. The fraternity was previously placed on probation, a
conditional warning that included fines, following allegations of
hazing in July.
The University of Arizona Police Department, which filed the search
warrant, said on Tuesday that the investigation was ongoing.
The Tucson-based university has attempted to crack down on
Greek-life activities that violate the code of conduct. Earlier this
month, the adminstration suspended activities for 21 fraternities
amid reports of assault, hazing and drug- and alcohol-related
behavior. Only five fraternities remain suspended.
Sigma Phi Epsilon members are prohibited from contacting the alleged
victim or her family, according to the associate dean's letter, and
any accusations of retribution or intimidation could result in an
additional investigation and harsher consequences.
The Pima County Attorney’s Office on Tuesday said the case hasn’t
been referred to prosecutors yet.
__
Additional reporting by AP reporter Jacques Billeaud in Phoenix.
All contents © copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved |
