‘Something has to change’: Northwestern students denounce Greek life after drugging allegations

EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern University has temporarily suspended all fellowship-related activities on the Interfraternity Council following reports that people have been drugged without consent in housing on campus.

The news sparked reactions from students in the northwest, most of whom were critical of Greek life. About 2,000 people demonstrated in front of fraternity houses on campus on Sunday evening, demanding that the university abolish Greek life altogether.

“Hey ho, hey ho, Greek life has to go,” shouted the crowd.

Monday, the tone was less severe. Northwestern student Jordan Checkoff told WGN the allegations were not new.

“I think I was unfortunately not surprised,” Checkoff said. “It was really a shock and it made me really sad to see. It’s one of those things you get used to hearing.

According to a crime alert issued by the university, the college received a report that someone was drugged without consent during a rally on Saturday night in the 2300 block of Sheridan Road.

The university adds that authorities are continuing to investigate separate incidents related to drug allegations, which they received on Friday, September 24. People have claimed to have been drugged without consent while attending a rally in the 500 block on Lincoln Street.

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“I think the issues that have occurred are quite persistent in Greek life so I think it’s a good thing to do what they can to prevent more people from being in danger or being injured. “said Julia Lucas, a student at Northwestern University.

College student Kevin Beck has accepted Northwestern’s decision to suspend certain fraternity-related activities.

“I think the school absolutely did the right thing, temporarily,” Beck said. “Obviously, something has to change. Whether or not the school suspends all fraternities forever is another question.

An email sent to students by university officials said the health, safety and well-being of participants is a “top priority.” Northwestern said they take the drug claims very seriously.

WGN reached out to university officials for further comment on Monday. Director of Communications and Public Relations Jonny Sao, Director of Communications and Public Relations, issued the following:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s Fellowship Service Center has issued a cease and desist agreement on its Northwestern University chapter to continue to review recent allegations against the chapter and learn more about the claims. This ordinance temporarily restricts the activities of the chapter, including social, philanthropic, service, initiation and recruiting events.

As stated in our previous statement, these claims do not represent the values ​​of the Fellowship as defined by our credo, The True Gentleman. Our priority remains the safety and well-being of our members, guests and their respective communities.

Student Nathan Jeremie said he hopes the measures taken by the university will have long-term effects.

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“Unfortunately, no, it’s not the first time something like this has happened,” Jeremiah said. “Unless the school takes meaningful action, it won’t be the last. “