Fraternities are under fire across the country right now – and rightfully so.
In September, a former Cornell University student, now known as Jane Doe, filed a civil lawsuit against the university, several Chi Phi fraternity organizations, seven current and former students, several sorority organizations and the former president of Cornell’s Chi Phi chapter.
Jane Doe alleges she was gang raped at the Chi Phi fraternity house at Cornell in 2024.
It’s disturbing enough to consider this case an isolated incident – a single example of a fraternity becoming the site of inhumane, irresponsible cruelty.
Of course, we can’t do that.
In the wake of this case, the history of sexual assault in connection with fraternities throughout the United States has come to light.
Incidents of aggression involving assault and hazing along with alcohol and drug misconduct uncovered at the University of Arizona have led the establishment to suspend all inter-fraternity council chapter activities.
A lawsuit was filed against the University of Chicago’s Alpha Delta Phi chapter just this month for negligence, asserting the fraternity has not done enough to prevent sexual assaults amidst reports dating back to 2009. UChicago has yet to take responsive action.
Cornell, for its part, has banned parties and social events for the rest of the school year, but only two years after the actual assault occurred.
For victims like Jane Doe, it’s too little and too late.
Frats cannot be put on pause only to resume raucous behavior right where it was interrupted. They have to be held accountable for the culture everyone in Greek life – and on college campuses, by extension – is complicit in creating.
This weekend especially – Halloweekend – frat parties inevitably abound. They’re part of the quintessential college experience depicted in popular culture. They’re fun.
Until they’re not.
No public claims have been made in relation to Bradley. Still, members of the university are doing their part to show support for victims of sexual violence and create a community where students feel safe.
On Sunday, the Title IX Office, BUPD, Alpha Chi Omega, Sigma Chi and Student Senate are sponsoring a “Take Back the Night” event, inviting the public to a night of student reflections, a Keynote speaker and a march across campus that will start at Neumiller Hall at 7 p.m.
Attendees are encouraged to wear purple and join in on the march supporting survivors of every identity.
It’s not a solution. But it’s a step in the right direction. And now more than ever, it’s a cause worth showing up for.
