USC fraternity suspended after reports of sexual assault, drugs placed in drinks

A fraternity at the University of Southern California has been temporarily suspended after reports of sexual assault and drugging at the house in Los Angeles.

The USC Department of Public Safety said it received a report of sexual assault at the Sigma Nu fraternity house, as well as reports of "drugs being placed into drinks during a party at the same fraternity house, leading to possible drug-facilitated sexual assaults," according to a safety alert Wednesday.

The fraternity was placed on interim suspension and prohibited from organizing "any activities," according to the alert.

The university reported the incident to the Los Angeles Police Department, according to the USC Department of Public Safety.

The university said in a statement that it "takes reports of sexual assault extremely seriously and has a coordinated response team designed to promptly respond."

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"We are deeply concerned when any student experiences any kind of trauma, and we offer both private and confidential support resources, as well as supportive measures, to involved parties," the statement said. "While we are unable to discuss the specifics of this matter due to student privacy laws, we are unequivocal in our commitment to fostering a safe environment for all of our students, faculty and staff."

The fraternity's national headquarters said it received notice of the interim suspension Thursday.

"The Fraternity is concerned by these serious allegations and will seek to work with University officials to investigate the matter," the group said in a statement. "The Fraternity will determine its further actions based upon the investigation. Sigma Nu Fraternity remains committed to responding appropriately to all matters of confirmed misconduct."

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The Los Angeles Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the investigation.

The university was encouraging anyone with information about the incidents to contact the USC Department of Public Safety or the Office for Equity, Equal Opportunity, and Title IX.

"No action or inaction by a sexual assault survivor makes that person responsible for another person’s abusive or criminal conduct," the university said in a statement.

The university provided a list of resources for students, including USC’s Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention and Services (RSVP) at 213-740-4900, available 24 hours, for medical resources, emotional support and advocacy.

If you are a survivor of sexual assault, RAINN offers support through the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE & online.rainn.org).

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USC Sigma Nu fraternity suspended after reports of sexual assault