Update to October 20, 2021 Crime Alert
Content Warning: This warning addresses reports of sexual assault.
Content: This is an update to the Timely Warning-Crime Alert that was sent Wednesday, which concerned a report of sexual assault, as well as potential drug-facilitated sexual assault.
In the October 20th Timely Warning-Crime Alert, the university encouraged community members with information relevant to the reported crimes identified in the alert to immediately contact the university and LAPD. Since Wednesday, we have received additional reports of sexual assault, as well as additional reports of drugging or drugs being placed into drinks without consent. The new reports involve conduct during the fall semester at additional fraternity houses, as well as at an unknown location. Information about those reports is available in the university’s Daily Crime Log.
Both the LAPD and the university are investigating the reports and will pursue action through law enforcement and campus disciplinary processes. Yesterday, the Interfraternity Council voluntarily agreed to cease all social activities, and the university intends to enforce that pause until further notice. The university has also taken steps to increase security and enhanced supervision on and around 28th Street.
To date, the university has received information through reporting options, as well as through confidential resources. In some instances, the report is by a third party and does not identify the potential reporting party or respondent. Because the identities of individuals who disclose to confidential resources are not known, there may be some overlap in the reports received to date. We also anticipate that there may be additional reports or information that come to light through these investigations. Any additional reports will continue to be documented in the Daily Crime Log.
We continue to encourage anyone who may have relevant information to immediately call the USC Department of Public Safety at (213) 740-6000 for the University Park Campus (UPC), (323) 442-1000 for the Health Sciences Campus (HSC) or (213) 485-6571 for the LAPD Southwest Division. We also encourage reporting to the Office for Equity, Equal Opportunity, and Title IX by emailing eeotix@usc.edu or calling (213) 740-5086. Resources and support are also available at https://eeotix.usc.edu/resources/.
No action or inaction by a sexual assault survivor makes that person responsible for another person’s abusive or criminal conduct. The use of alcohol or other drugs to incapacitate and disarm another individual is both a crime and a violation of university policy that can lead to expulsion. The university’s education and prevention programs seek to prevent these behaviors, and our Title IX processes and law enforcement processes seek to hold perpetrators accountable. Safety and protective measures were also provided in the October 20th Timely Warning-Crime Alert.
As a reminder, the Clery Act requires the university to share reports of potential Clery Act crimes to facilitate awareness and inform future decisions about safety.