LOS ANGELES — The University of Southern California's Sigma Nu fraternity is under suspension after reports of sexual assault and drugs being placed in drinks were made to the school's Department of Public Safety.

Now, the Los Angeles Police Department is investigating. Sophie Pollack isn’t part of Greek life on campus but has been to some of the parties held at the Sigma Nu house.


What You Need To Know

  • The USC Sigma Nu fraternity is under suspension after reports of sexual assault and drugs being placed in drinks were made to USC’s Department of Public Safety

  • The LAPD is now investigating

  • According to the LAPD, the Sigma Nu president is a suspect for one sexual assault case that took place on Oct. 16

  • In response to the recent allegations, USC’s Interfraternity Council and the Sigma Nu fraternity both released statements

"I’m like the one sober companion holding water, going 'Woo, drink water,' and encouraging people to drink water and not (let someone) take, like, 'Oh girl, don’t take that drink' if I see someone leaning to pick something up that I clearly know isn’t theirs,” Pollack said.

Pollack is a sexual assault survivor herself. That’s why when she heard about the reports of what was alleged to be happening there, she showed up to put resources at the forefront of the building including information about her own organization, A Path 2 Courage, which aims to help sexual assault survivors. She thinks she might have been at one of those parties.

"I feel like, I don’t know, I feel sort of responsible," she said. "Like, I could have stopped something from happening or helped someone that needed it. But I didn’t see."

According to the LAPD, the Sigma Nu president is a suspect for one sexual assault case that took place on Oct. 16. He has not been charged or arrested in the case, as the investigation continues.

In response to the recent allegations, USC’s Interfraternity Council released a statement that read in part, “We are disgusted this violence took place in our community. Over the next few weeks, we will be gathering to discuss actionable steps. This action will address social events, recruitment, new member processes and the ways members are held accountable. The Interfraternity Council has suspended all social activities while the Interfraternity Council takes deliberate action.”

On social media, Sigma Nu released a statement about the recent allegations, stating that they have suspended a chapter member and that they will be cooperating with investigation efforts.

For now, it’ll be a quiet weekend for USC’s Row, but Pollack hopes some Sigma Nu members will start to speak up.

"Even if they didn’t commit the assault, they still aren’t here showing up and doing their part to be like, 'Yeah, we aren’t those guys. There were one or a few guys that are like that, but the rest of us aren't,'" Pollack said.

Until then, Pollack and other students will continue to gather near the fraternity house in hopes of seeing change.