San Marcos,
22
August
2014
|
08:52 AM
America/Los_Angeles

CSUSM Campus Alert – Sexual Assault

Press Release by Margaret Chantung

Today CSUSM issued a Campus Alert (http://www.csusm.edu/safe/) based on reports of sexual assaults purportedly involving the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and its members. (TKE is not a recognized student organization at CSUSM.)

The CSUSM University Police Department received a report of sexual assault (rape) that occurred in May at an off-campus party hosted by the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE), also known as “The Kollege Experience,” fraternity and its members.  The circumstances of the alleged assault suggest the involvement of date rape drugs and that the assailant is alleged to be a member of TKE.  The University Police Department is working with the Oceanside Police Department in their investigation of this incident, which is ongoing.  

The university has also received additional reports of sexual assaults purportedly involving the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and its members.  These additional alleged incidents were described as having occurred on or near the university campus and at off-campus residences allegedly inhabited by TKE members.  Other alleged criminal behaviors related to the TKE Fraternity include, but are not limited to, pervasive hazing, illegal victim/witness intimidation, harassment and tampering, vandalism, providing illegal drugs and alcohol to minors, and use/abuse of illegal drugs.

Because there has been more than one report, and because of the nature and severity of the alleged criminal behavior, CSUSM University Police considers these reports to represent a potentially serious and continuing threat to students and others in the university community, and that conditions may continue to exist that may pose a threat to the campus community into the future. CSUSM takes these allegations seriously and will investigate them thoroughly, in coordination with city, county and state law enforcement agencies and our campus Title IX Coordinator.  The university is issuing this alert to make the public aware and take steps to be safe. CSUSM is also asking for the public’s help to stop these dangerous activities by asking them to report what they know.

“I am appalled and deeply saddened by these reports,” said CSUSM President Karen Haynes. “The safety and wellbeing 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.”

TKE is not a recognized fraternity or student organization at Cal State San Marcos. However, most of its local members are believed to be current CSUSM students, some of whom are alleged to have engaged in these unsafe and violent behaviors directed toward other CSUSM students. TKE lost its recognition as a student organization in 2005 as the result of underage alcohol use and failure of the organization to maintain academic standing required of fraternities and sororities. To date, the TKE national organization has maintained recognition of a San Marcos chapter.   All recognized student organizations at CSUSM participate in an advisement and education program. Additionally, recognized student organizations have a responsibility to conduct themselves in a manner reflective of the University’s core values including respect, inclusivity and diversity. Recognized student organizations must have organizational policies that are consistent with those of the University including regulations involving non-discrimination and no hazing.

While all reasonable precautions are being taken by law enforcement, the university 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.

CSUSM is requesting the public’s help to stop these dangerous activities. The university urges anyone who believes they, a friend or an acquaintance have been the victim of such illegal conduct, including  threats, intimidation and/or retaliation, to please report these incidents to the University, local law enforcement or the California Attorney General’s Office.

On campus, University Police can be reached at 760-750-4567. The university has also established a special phone line to take calls for the Title IX administrative investigation: 760-750-SAFE (7233). The SAFE line will be staffed Monday – Friday 8:30 – 5:00 and Saturday and Sunday, August 23 and 24 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. If you wish, you may report anonymously by calling the CSUSM SAFE line.  You may also contact the following to make a report:

  • Oceanside Police Department, Case #14-005745 at 760-435-4900
  • San Diego County Sheriff’s Department at 858-565-5200
  • The California Attorney General’s Office:  Deputy Attorney General Jodi Cleesattle at (619) 645-3150 or jodi.cleesattle@doj.ca.gov
  • Dr. Bridget Blanshan, CSUSM Title IX Coordinator:  (760) 750-4056 or http://www.csusm.edu/title9/
  • Crime Stoppers at 1-888-580-8477

Victims of any form of sexual assault are also strongly encouraged to seek confidential support at Student Health & Counseling Services 760-750-4915.  Reporting to a confidential counselor or sexual assault advocate WILL NOT RESULT IN A REPORT TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OR THE UNIVERSITY.  These counseling professionals are required by law to keep your identity and information confidential.