An investigation continued Friday into multiple allegations of sexual assault involving members of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.
Meanwhile, Cal State San Marcos issued a strongly worded statement distancing itself from the area branch of the fraternity and calling on anyone who thinks they might be unsafe at the frat’s events to avoid them.
Oceanside and CSUSM police are investigating a report of an alleged rape May 4 at an off-campus party hosted by the fraternity and additional reports that members were involved in other sexual assaults on or near the campus and at off-campus residences where Tau Kappa Epsilon members lived, according to the statement. At least one of the incidents is believed to have involved date rape drugs.
Campus police described one suspect as white, 19, 5 feet 9 and 130 pounds with blond or brown hair and blue eyes. Additional suspects have yet to be identified.
The reports prompted university officials to issue a campus alert for the “possible threat to the campus community.” The fraternity has not been a recognized student organization for nine years although most of its local members were believed to be CSUSM students, according to the university.
“I am appalled and deeply saddened by these reports,” University President Karen Hayes said. “The safety and well-being of our entire campus community is the highest priority for CSUSM. We will not tolerate nor ignore sexual assault and we will hold members of our campus community accountable for their actions.”
The school is advising “students and all campus community members to consider carefully whether their presence at or near TKE social events and parties could place them in danger of sexual assault, date rape drugs or similar illegal drug and/or alcohol use and abuse,” the statement said.
The alleged May 4 assault involved one member of the fraternity and the use of date rape drugs, such as Rohypnol, GHB and ketamine, the university said.
Other allegations against the fraternity include pervasive hazing, intimidating a victim or witness, harassment and tampering, vandalism, providing illegal drugs and alcohol to minors and illegal drug use, according to the statement.
Tau Kappa Epsilon lost its recognition as a student organization in 2005 as a result of underage alcohol use and a failure to maintain academic standing. It still belongs to the fraternity’s national organization.
Cal State San Marcos officials also asked anyone with information about the incidents or with knowledge of a possible victim to make a report to the university by calling (760) 750-4567 or (760) 750-7233, or to local law enforcement.
Sexual assault victims were encouraged to seek confidential support by calling (760) 750-4915.
– City News Service
