JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A University of North Florida fraternity has been expelled from campus after a sexual assault allegation against one of its members.
According to documents obtained by the News4Jax I-TEAM, a UNF investigation found that a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity was found to be responsible for sexual misconduct, harassment, endangerment and conspiracy, among other allegations.
News4Jax spoke to the woman who says she was raped at an off-campus fraternity party more than a year ago when she was 19 years old.
“My body was completely destroyed and I was covered in bruises and I had hand prints and bruises,” she said. “I had reported to the school the sexual assault. And after that I started having brothers coming to me and asking me if I could please revoke my statement and handle it with just them and not the school.”
News4Jax is concealing the identity of the woman and former sorority sister, now 20, for her safety.
Criminal charges were not filed, though a police investigation was conducted.
UNF said two students were sanctioned in connection with related cases. One of those students was suspended for three years plus additional sanctions. The other student was also sanctioned but is currently appealing, UNF said.
As a result, Kappa Sigma was permanently removed from UNF without the possibility of re-establishment more than two weeks ago. The fraternity is also required to pay $3,800 in restitution to the UNF Interfraternity Council for unpaid dues and fines.
The I-TEAM has been working to learn more about the allegations for weeks.
On Aug. 13, News4Jax requested all records involving the investigation and the removal of the fraternity and requested an interview with a school administrator.
“This is an ongoing student conduct matter and UNF cannot comment or discuss details of individual student conduct matters,” a school spokeswoman responded on Aug. 19.
UNF said that “student conduct investigation materials are largely exempt from public record.” However, the spokesperson said the legal team could review the records for possible release for a fee. The I-TEAM agreed to a cost estimate but did not hear back.
“After UNF was keeping quiet about it, it made me start to think I might want more justice. Because it’s just kind of felt like the same thing,” the woman said.
UNF issued a statement about the investigation on Thursday afternoon:
“Kappa Sigma was removed from campus as a result of discipline received through the student conduct process. The University cannot comment further as the fraternity is exercising their right to appeal and the conduct process is ongoing.”
UNF spokesperson
The woman said she is sharing her story in hopes of protecting others.
“Find the guts to come forward because that’s not right, and Justice needs to be served,” she said.
After the incident, police did start an investigation and gathered evidence, but the young woman decided at the time she did not want to press charges.
She is still a student at UNF but is no longer involved in Greek life. She said her attacker left the school.
News4Jax tried to reach the local members of the Kappa Sigma fraternity as well as leadership at the national office but they did not immediately respond.