Sigma Chi
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Sigma Chi is a University of Wisconsin fraternity located at 221 Langdon St known for the annual Derby Days philanthropy. It is also the subject of a Milwaukee lawsuit stemming from allegations of a rape on its premises in the fall 2008.
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Oct. 4, 2008
In February of 2009, a UW student and a friend contacted The Badger Herald alleging the student had been raped at Sigma Chi the previous fall. The woman said on Oct. 4, 2008 she and some friends visited Johnny O's Restaurant and Bar after a night football game versus the Ohio State Buckeyes. She bought herself and friends drinks and then blacked out, though eyewitnesses are reported to have seen her later playing beer pong at the Sigma Chi house. The woman then awoke around 2:30 a.m. October 5 in a room on the first floor of Sigma Chi. Someone then came into the room and shouted at her for passing out in the room with no pants on. The woman texted someone she felt embarrassed about the encounter and then went home where she fell back asleep. Upon waking up the next morning, she used the bathroom and found she was bleeding and sore. After calling her mother, she traveled with her roommate to Meriter Hospital at 11 a.m. A SANE exam and other tests, later obtained by The Badger Herald, were performed, confirming extensive injuries in the woman's pelvic area and on her face and foot. The Madison Police Department and UW were both contacted regarding the incident, and due to MPD's investigation, Sigma Chi placed itself on a form of social probation. Though MPD would not release details concerning the progress of the case to protect its investigative nature, several of the circumstances surrounding the alleged rape complicate the case. These include that the woman does not remember the rape or perpetrators and that Sigma Chi rents living spaces to non-Sigma Chi members.
Badger Herald breaks story
On March 4, 2009, the Herald published an exclusive report detailing the woman's story and ongoing MPD investigation. Controversy on campus was immediate and a dialogue many described as shocking played out on the Herald's comment boards. Several days after the story broke, the Sigma Chi house and at least one other chapter house were vandalized, prompting an emergency meeting between university and Greek leaders. In response to concerns about the woman's story and campus climate, the university hosted a forum to address concerns and advertise resources available to students. The Sigma Chi president made his first and only public statement at the forum.
Greek Judicial Board makes changes
In response to the Sigma Chi allegations, the Greek Judicial Board's chief justice introduced legislation that would allow the body to send especially egregious cases to the Committee on Student Organizations for consideration. The bylaw change passed, but the Sigma Chi case never went before the Judicial Board or CSO as the woman said she would not file complaints until it was ensured she could be completely anonymous.
Woman files lawsuit
On July 17, 2009, Milwaukee attorney Robert Elliot filed a lawsuit in the Milwaukee County Circuit Court on behalf of the UW student. The suit names the UW Sigma Chi chapter and its national headquarters and insurers as defendants, alleging they were responsible to provide a safe space for guests. The case is currently in discovery though the court is working through several motions to dismisses filed.
Details emerge
Documents filed with the Milwaukee court have since revealed new developments in the case. Though MPD never released any updates on the case, documents show all the known individuals the woman came in contact with have been cleared by DNA tests. The department, however, has yet to speak to all of the guests of the Oct. 4 party, the rest of whom have not been DNA tested. Documents also revealed the woman's medical records and expanded on the ongoing psychological care she received following the rape. She is suing the defendants for the cost of her medical bills plus $10 million.
External links
Notable articles
- Rape alleged at Sigma Chi
- Victim's story
- Interview transcript
- Greek houses vandalized
- University holds forum
- Judicial board can now send cases directly to CSO
- Victim sues Sigma Chi
- Motion to dismiss filed
- DNA testing clears some
- Millions sought in lawsuit
