ITHACA, N.Y. — Chi Phi Fraternity’s national organization has temporarily suspended its Cornell University chapter after an individual reported being sexually assaulted by several men to police on Nov. 8, according to an emailed statement from the executive director of the Chi Phi Fraternity, Michael Azarian, sent to The Ithaca Voice Tuesday.
Chi Phi’s national organization temporarily suspended the chapter on its own accord, Azarian wrote in the email. Previous reporting in The Guardian said that university officials suspended the chapter.
The Cornell University Police Department received a report from an individual on Nov. 8 about an alleged sexual assault involving several men that occurred at an off-campus event Oct. 25. The individual reported having been coerced into consuming ketamine and other drugs before being assaulted.
University police sent a crime alert to students and faculty on Nov. 8 with information about the assault. The alert did not name the fraternity, only that the incident occurred on the 100 block of Edgemoor Lane, where both Lambda Chi Alpha and Chi Phi fraternities have houses.
A spokesperson for Lambda Chi Alpha’s national organization denied involvement in the alleged assault, according to reporting in The Guardian.
“The victim reported being sexually assaulted by several males and coerced into consuming ketamine and other drugs. The fraternity where this incident occurred has been temporarily suspended, effective immediately. The investigation is ongoing,” the police department said in the alert.
Cornell’s Vice President of Student and Campus Life Ryan Lombardi released a statement Monday where he detailed the alert that warned students about a “deeply disturbing report of drugging and sexual violence.”
“I also recognize that many of you are seeking answers and resolution[s] related to Friday’s crime alert. We are as well. We strongly condemn the actions of any individuals responsible for such crimes and will hold anyone identified accountable to the fullest extent,” Lombardi wrote. “If you have information that could be helpful in this investigation, we urge you to reach out to the authorities listed below.”
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