Police were investigating an alleged sexual assault of a California State University Long Beach student that occurred during an off-campus fraternity party over the weekend, campus police said.
Tuesday morning, the Kappa Sigma chapter was suspended by its national headquarters, Cal State spokesman Mike Uhlenkamp said. The university itself has not taken any action because the national fraternity arm has already done so, he said.
In a written statement, the national fraternity said "Kappa Sigma Fraternity has been made aware of allegations made against an individual at the Theta-Beta Chapter at California State University, Long Beach involving actions that are inconsistent with the values of Kappa Sigma. The Fraternity has suspended the operations of the Chapter while it conducts a full investigation of the events surrounding the incident. Kappa Sigma will work in collaboration with the University and local officials. As a matter of policy, the Fraternity cannot comment any further on a pending investigation."
The student reported to CSULB Campus Security Authority that she was sexually assaulted Sunday morning during a Kappa Sigma fraternity party.
Authorities said both students and non-students were present at the party, where alcoholic beverages were reportedly widely consumed. The student described her attacker as someone she did not know.
A statement from police described the case as "an isolated incident."
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"There is no indication, at this time, there is any safety concerns to the community," the statement continued.
This was the second reported sexual assault at a CSULB fraternity function this school year. In October 2015, two women reported being sexually assaulted by two male CSULB students during a Sigma Alpha Epsilon party.
Students said they do feel unsettled.
"I haven't had any incidents and I do feel safe. But when you hear those things you don't feel safe," said student Nancy Santizo.
Last year, the campus hired a full-time sex assault victim's advocate, and frats and sororities are receiving outreach.
This story was originally posted Feb. 15 and was updated Feb. 16 to reflect the suspension of the fraternity chapter.
