PD: UTA Sexual Assault Victims Knew Their Attacker
ARLINGTON (CBS 11 NEWS) - UT Arlington Police are investigating four reported sexual assaults on campus, and they say their investigation so far has revealed that the victims all knew their attacker.
"It makes me feel like I'm not protected out here on campus," said John Etta Rasberry, a UTA student upon learning about the attacks.
The latest rape reportedly happened at the Life Science Building on campus just this past weekend.
A spokesperson for the university says the fourth reported case is not believed to be related to three others, which all occurred in the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity house between late August and early September, according to police.
The National Sigma Phi Epsilon group released a statement saying it has ordered the chapter to cease and desist operations. However, while the fraternity cannot participate in any organizational activity on campus, the house is not closed.
READ FULL STATEMENT FROM SIGMA PHI EPSILON BELOW:
"It makes me feel like it wouldn't be that safe to go to all these parties and stuff that they are throwing," says UTA student Katie Jungmann. "All these events that they have and advertise openly in the library and stuff."
University Police have not said how many suspects they believe may be involved. One male student has been suspend by the university.
The Graduate Student Senate is expected to meet on campus Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. to talk about extending the hours for the escort ride services.
Experts at the Women's Center of Tarrant County, which offers programs on reducing date rape offer these tips:
- Don't be alone with someone you don't know well
- Don't accept drinks from people
- Always listen to your gut
- Remember that you have the right to say no
Subject: Statement on the University of Texas at Arlington chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity (SigEp) From: Chief Executive Officer Brian C. Warren Jr. September 17, 2013
SigEp is aware of the allegations made against undergraduate members of our chapter at the University of Texas at Arlington. SigEp's leadership programs and educational efforts are based on the value of respect for self and others. SigEp expects its chapters and members to act in accordance with these values and does not tolerate the type of behavior described in these allegations.
Due to the seriousness of these allegations and the sensitive nature of the investigation, SigEp has directed our chapter at University of Texas at Arlington to indefinitely cease and desist operations. The cease and desist, issued on September 11, 2013 applies to all fraternity programming but does not represent either closure or suspension of the chapter. Further, the cease and desist does not affect the lease agreements for tenants of 705 South Davis Drive.
SigEp is working to support the ongoing investigation, and a representative of the National Fraternity staff visited with members of the UT Arlington administration on campus this week. SigEp will bring additional sanctions against any member whose conduct is determined to be inconsistent with the Fraternity's values or Texas state law.
Established in 1901, SigEp is one of the nation's largest fraternities with over 15,000 undergraduates on 232 campuses across the United States. Its mission—building balanced men—is achieved through a continuous member development program focused on the principles of sound mind and sound body and service learning efforts that allow members to develop leadership skills while giving back to the community. Fraternity programs have contributed to a fraternity-wide GPA of 3.15.
