Warning: This alert addresses reports of sexual assault and the use of date rape drugs.
Last night, we made an announcement concerning anonymous reports of sexual assault involving the use of date-rape drugs in two of our fraternities. Northwestern University condemns any such conduct in the strongest possible terms and expeditiously is investigating these charges. They go against Northwestern values and constitute grossly unacceptable behavior. The University is fully prepared to take appropriate action promptly.
We urge anyone with relevant information to come forward and share it by contacting the Title IX Coordinator at TitleIXCoordinator@northwestern.edu or University Police, see northwestern.edu/up/about/contact/report-a-crime.html.
Northwestern works diligently to prevent sexual misconduct on our campus and to support our students when claims are made. Members of the Northwestern community who experience sexual violence have options and support available, including:
- CARE: Center for Awareness, Response, and Education (for students), 847-491-2054, care@northwestern.edu, northwestern.edu/care
- CAPS: Counseling and Psychological Services (for students) 847-491-2151 (24 hours), northwestern.edu/counseling/
The safety and well-being of our students is not just a priority for Northwestern, it is our highest priority.
Posted February 7, 2017 - 2:58 p.m.
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Security Alert: Sexual Assault and Date Rape Drugs
Originally posted February 6, 2017 - 8:35 p.m.
On February 2, 2017, the Sexual Harassment Prevention Office received a report that on January 21, 2017, four female students attending an event at the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity house in Evanston were possibly given a date-rape drug. The report alleges that two of the students believe they were also sexually assaulted. In addition, on February 3, 2017, the University received an anonymous report alleging that on February 2, 2017, a female student was sexually assaulted, possibly involving use of a date-rape drug, after attending an event at another fraternity house. The report is unclear as to where the assault may have occurred.
The University's Sexual Harassment Prevention Office is conducting an inquiry into these reports, and anyone with knowledge of these alleged incidents is urged to contact the Title IX Coordinator at TitleIXCoordinator@northwestern.edu or University Police, see northwestern.edu/up/about/contact/report-a-crime.html.
Anyone who observes a situation in which a member of the University community may be at risk should interrupt the chain of events or seek help. All Northwestern community members should look out for one another and ensure that everyone is safe. Any member of the Northwestern community who believes they or someone else is at risk should immediately call Northwestern University Police at 847-491-3456 or Evanston Police by dialing 9-1-1, or by using a Blue Light emergency telephone.
The Northwestern University Policy on Sexual Misconduct requires all employees, including student employees, as well as non-employees with teaching or supervisory authority, to report sexual misconduct of which they become aware in the scope of their work for the University to the Title IX Coordinator or a Deputy Title IX Coordinator, unless they are a resource listed in Appendix D of the Policy on Sexual Misconduct, found at northwestern.edu/sexual-misconduct/university-policy/sexual-misconduct-policy.html.
The only people responsible for sexual misconduct or any other crime are the perpetrators. It is a violation of University policy and the law to engage in sexual contact without consent, as is the use of illegal drugs. The University Policy on Sexual Misconduct, including the definition of consent, can be found at northwestern.edu/sexual-misconduct/docs/sexual_misconduct_policy.pdf.
Northwestern University is concerned about the safety and well-being of its students, faculty and staff and about incidents of sexual misconduct, harassment or violence (including sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking). Members of the Northwestern community who experience sexual violence have options and support available, including:
CARE: Center for Awareness, Response, and Education (for students) 847-491-2054
care@northwestern.edu
northwestern.edu/care
CAPS: Counseling and Psychological Services (for students) 847-491-2151 (24-hours)
northwestern.edu/counseling/
Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (for employees and their household family members)
855-547-1851
northwestern.edu/hr/work-life/faculty-staff-assistance-program.html
Northwestern University Police Department 847-491-3456 or 312-503-3456 (24 hours)
northwestern.edu/up/crime/awareness/sexual-violence.html
Emergency Hotlines (not staffed by or affiliated with Northwestern)
Chicago Metro Rape Crisis Hotline (YWCA): 888-293-2080 (24 hours)
Chicago Domestic Violence Line: 877-863-6339 (24 hours)
Evanston Domestic Violence Line (YWCA): 877-718-1868 (24 hours)
Medical Care
Northwestern University Health Services (doctor on call 24 hours) 847-491-8100
Evanston Hospital - Emergency Department (24 hours) 847-570-2111
Northwestern Memorial Hospital - Emergency Department (24 hours) 312-926-5188
Presence St. Francis Hospital, Emergency Services (24 hours) 847-316-4000
Northwestern Title IX Coordinator
Title IX Coordinator 847-491-3745; TitleIXCoordinator@northwestern.edu
For more information and resources regarding sexual misconduct response and prevention at Northwestern, go to northwestern.edu/sexual-misconduct.