Banners wave across Third Street and North Jordan Avenue saying “#iuphastandswithsurvivors” and “#metooIU”.
Since the start of the semester in August, there have been 35 reports of sexual assault on IU Bloomington’s campus. In the majority of the reports, IUPD hasn’t released the exact locations except for the past four accounts.
One of the four reports listed the fraternity Phi Kappa Psi as the location for a reported rape and sexual battery. IUPD said the crime at Phi Kappa Psi was between “the same female victim with the same perpetrator.” The fraternity said the encounter occurred between visitors on October 31.
In response to the increase in sexual assault reports, IU Panhellenic Association and Interfraternity Council released a joint statement ending social activities within their community until the end of the semester, “to reflect on how we can best improve our respective communities.” In 2017, Greek life at IU suspended social events due to hazing and alcohol.
In the email sent to PHA and IFC members on November 6, it states that no social pairs or quads may take place, date parties registered or paid for before November 3 are permitted, Parents’ Weekends are allowed and philanthropy, sisterhood and brotherhood events may still take place.
According to the email, chapters found violating the restrictions can face up to a $2,000 fine. Both organizations are required to review their risk management procedures. IFC chapters will participate in Sexual Assault Education Training but only require 90% of their chapter’s members to attend.
A fraternity member explains part of his chapter’s risk management plans for paired events.
Anonymous members of the Greek community spoke with IU NewsNet in reaction to the suspension.
PHA member and IU sophomore said, “Everyone is just kind of stunned and sad. Not necessarily about having to miss frat parties more sad that the reason we have to miss them.”
A junior from IFC said in his chapter, “Once it settled into them, of course they were unhappy that there were no more parties, but I know deep down they all understood why it was occurring.”
However members also say, “Stopping parties isn’t going to stop these things from happening. I don’t know what the next step is going to be, but there needs to be more.”
Majority of the sorority houses hung banners in support of the social suspension, but the students say they hope social events can return next semester.
A junior in a PHA chapter said, “You never know what’s going to happen and that’s honestly the scary part.”
IFC and PHA said the social ban may be extended contingent on chapters completing the required actions in the email from November 3.
A sorority member at IU explains concerns she has while going out to parties.
“The fact this is becoming a reoccurring and occurring issue at different houses it’s scary,” IFC member said.
IU NewsNet reached out to IUPD regarding the status of no arrests for the reported rapes. Deputy Chief Shannon Bunger responded with this statement,
“IUPD receives sexual assault reports from victims and the Office of Title IX. Some of the cases reported to IUPD do not want the police involvement in the cases. In all cases where campus Clery geography is reported, we are required to place them on IUPD crime logs, regardless if we are leading the investigation. IUPD is unable to investigate some of the cases as the reporting party wishes to remain anonymous. Most of the sexual assault cases that we receive are between known acquaintances. In cases where IUPD is the lead investigating agency, we turn our findings over to the Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office for a charging decision.”
For the reported sexual assaults happening on-campus not on Greek property Bunger said, “IUPD is working closely with RPS staff in residential housing to connect with students and provide a presence and extra patrols in those areas. IUPD leadership works closely with campus partners on crime trends including sexual assault to be able to better serve those areas and assist with residential staff as requested. There is an increased emphasis from our campus partners and IUPD on education. Safety messaging is also provided by IUPD, and we encourage all to download and use the Rave Guardian app to be able to contact IUPD, send anonymous tips via text, and find important numbers to campus and community resources. We strongly encourage anyone that is a victim of sexual assault to contact IUPD as we have valuable resources that can assist during this difficult time.”
The University has not made a statement addressing the rise in sexual assault reports on campus, but IU spokesperson Chuck Carney told IU NewsNet, “We applaud the Panhellenic Association and IFC for taking steps to address concerns raised within their community and recognize the importance of student leaders stepping up to create change in their community. We have been working closely with our student leaders to help them identify ways to create safer social events and environments, and on developing their prevention and educational initiatives. This decision was made by the student leaders in this community. We will support them as they work to take steps to self-govern their organizations and community.”
All the students shared a similar message.
“The University can definitely step in,” IFC member said.
To find sexual assault support resources in Bloomington, visit Counseling and Psychological Services at IU, Office for Sexual Violence Prevention and Victim Advocacy and Confidential Victim Advocates.
