"Official warning" for 3 MU fraternities due to allegations of sexual misconduct, hazing
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- FOX6 News has learned Marquette University's "Division of Student Affairs" has issued an official warning to three Marquette University fraternities due to allegations of sexual misconduct and hazing that allegedly took place at fraternity houses associated with the chapters.
According to a statement obtained by FOX6 News from Marquette University -- the Marquette chapters of Triangle Fraternity and Delta Chi Fraternity were issued an official warning on April 9th due to alleged incidents of sexual misconduct that took place at their fraternity houses.
Sigma Phi Delta fraternity was issued an official warning on April 9th due to alleged incidents of sexual misconduct and hazing that took place at its fraternity house.
Marquette University says each alleged incident was immediately reported to the Milwaukee Police Department and the Department of Public Safety for investigation. The Division of Student Affairs also investigates any individuals involved in the alleged incidents via the student conduct process when there is enough information to do so.
Milwaukee police tell FOX6 News they investigated the report of a sexual assault that allegedly occurred on April 5th in the 800 block of N. 15th Street. Police say the victim declined to prosecute, and the District Attorney's Office reviewed the case and declined prosecution.
"There was an alleged report that took place at this property," Marquette's Triangle Chapter President Christian Huehns told FOX6 News. "We're conducting our own internal measures, but those are not public at this time. We are moving forward to make sure incidents like this won't happen again."
An official warning means that should any additional violations of Greek policies, Marquette University's Student Code of Conduct or the specific fraternity chapters' risk management policies take place, immediate action will be taken to suspend all activities pending the conclusion of an investigation.
Peter Hepp, the president of Sigma Phi Delta says the fraternity is taking the investigation very seriously.
"At this point, we don't know what's true or what's not true. We are working with the university and being compliant," Hepp said.
Hepp says these allegations can have a lasting impact on a fraternity.
"We are trying to breed gentlemen here. I myself am best imposed by the group I've been around and I know that everyone in this house is a respectful, grown adult and can make capable decisions," Hepp said.
Marquette says the Division of Student Affairs has met with the leaders of each chapter and will lead additional sexual misconduct prevention training for the three chapters.
In a statement, Marquette University Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Marya Leatherwood said:
"We expect all of our students to uphold Marquette’s Catholic and Jesuit values and to contribute to a safe and respectful environment, and we take any allegation of misconduct extremely seriously.
Marquette University has worked diligently to educate our entire campus community about preventing sexual misconduct, including training more than 6,400 students in sexual violence prevention and bystander intervention during the past three years, and mandatory training for all first-year students. For the past eight years, Marquette University has made it mandatory for all incoming freshmen to complete a three-hour online alcohol education program called alcohol.edu to educate students about the risks associated with alcohol abuse.
To be true to our Catholic and Jesuit mission, we must continue to care for and respect each other, and to support those who come forward to report and take action against sexual misconduct, which is one of the most widely under-reported crimes nationwide."