Students can compare sexual assault statistics across the region’s campuses.

Senordesupremo / Wikipedia Commons

Photo by Senordesupremo/Wikipedia Commons.

A top official at American University released a statement to the campus community today on the disturbing emails allegedly written by members of an unofficial “brotherhood,” saying the school takes the allegations raised “seriously” and “will address them head on.”

“An intense investigation is underway and will determine instances where evidence will support adjudication on campus or in coordination with law enforcement agencies,” Gail Short Hanson, Vice President of Campus Life, said. “We are determined to respect the time it takes to complete the process and avoid jeopardizing our ability to hold individuals accountable.”

Hanson said AU “will take appropriate measures to protect the safety and well-being” of victims and witnesses involved, and to protect the rights of the accused. Implicated in the emails — which describe rape, assault, misogyny, homophobia, racism and more — are members of the underground group Epsilon Iota. (Two of its members have been charged with the assault of another AU student.) While the emails have been posted without the names of the accused to the Tumblr, Fratergate AU, uncensored screenshots have made their way on to sites like Jezebel.

“Reports are incorrect that the university has done nothing to curtail the activities of the group of individuals that pose as a ‘brotherhood’ and mask themselves in the rituals and social benefits of a fraternity, but uphold none of the traditions of scholarship, leadership, and service,” Hanson said. “The university started by deploying all of the tools it has available to hold a group accountable. The details of the university’s 2001 sanctions and withdrawal of the group’s recognition are well known and outlined on our website and in mass mailings. For years, the university has warned students to avoid joining or engaging with this group and also warned parents in orientations and in writing. Whenever credible reports about misconduct have been provided, we have pursued them.”

Over 1,000 people have signed a petition calling for the punishment of any person involved, and students are holding a rally on AU’s campus this afternoon.

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Filed Under: american university, rape culture,