Wesleyan Fraternity on Probation Over Sexual Assaults

The Psi Upsilon chapter at Wesleyan University has been placed on probation until the end of next year in light of two recent sexual assaults associated with fraternity events.

Wesleyan University President Michael S. Roth said the decision was precipitated by the recent report of a sexual assault that happened at an unregistered Psi Upsilon pledge event in the spring of 2011.

“Although this latest reported incident took place three years ago, when most current residents of the fraternity house were not yet associated with the organization, some sanction of the fraternity is appropriate,” Roth said in a statement Monday.

Two years later, in the spring of 2013, another sexual assault took place at a Psi Upsilon event, and now the victim is suing the fraternity, according to Roth.

Both perpetrators were expelled from the university, and Psi Upsilon has been placed on probationary housing status until the end of 2015. The fraternity is forbidden from hosting any social events and must abide by all school regulations or risk losing its house permanently.

“This action is consistent with our policies to support survivors, punish assailants and change the culture so as to eliminate elements that lead to sexual assault,” Roth said. “In addition to taking action against individuals found to have perpetrated a violent act, any campus-based organization that has sponsored events that create conditions with a higher risk of violence, including sexual assault, also will be held accountable.”

It comes in the midst of a shift for Wesleyan Greek life.

The Beta Theta Pi chapter at Wesleyan lost its house in September after a sophomore fell from a third-story window during a party.

In an effort to enhance safety and accountability, public safety has been granted unrestricted access to all Greek housing, and all-male fraternities must present a plan by the end of the semester to become co-ed over the next three years, according to Roth.

The national branch of the Psi Upsilon fraternity declined to comment on the matter.

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